Food + Beverage

A Night to Remember

Gruene Studios & The Villa Launch the Songwriters Showcase Article by Casey Frank On the evening of August 19, 2024, the heart of Texas music pulsed with renewed energy as Gruene Studios and The Villa joined forces to launch the Songwriters Showcase. This bi-monthly singer-songwriter competition was designed to spotlight and elevate the region's thriving musical talent, offering a platform where emerging artists could shine. The inaugural event drew a crowd of over 200 enthusiastic attendees...

Food + Beverage

Brewing a Great Tea Party

Crafting Memorable Moments with Perfectly Brewed Tea and Delightful Company Article and Photography by Samantha Bowers One of Downtown New Braunfel's newest fixtures is the quintessential shop known as The Tea Charmer. More than just a tea shop, this experience will have you transported to another time and space. We popped in on Jayna Owens for a day of tea parties and fun. My visits to The Tea Charmer have become a cherished part of my routine. The shop's inviting charm and the exclusive...

Food + Beverage

Bourbon Street Nightmare

Experience the Nightmare on Bourbon Street Article by Casey Frank | Photography by The Villa - Drink Lokal Experience the Nightmare on Bourbon Street: a concoction of bourbon, lemon, apple cider, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon. Shake it all up and pour over ice, then finish each glass with a top-off of sparkling hard cider. It's the essence of fall in a glass—just the right amount of sweetness, infused with apple and cinnamon, and made extra refreshing with a fizzy touch of sparkling...

Entertainment

What Wurstfest Means to You

A Celebration of Flavor, Fun, and Tradition! Article by Samantha Bowers Crissy DeArmond - "Omg. I LOVE Wurstfest!!! It’s my favorite holiday!! I’d have to say my favorite part of Wurstfest is opening day. We love to go in to Wurst Halle for a beer, then go find our brick, head over to grab some potato pancakes then head to the Big Tent to watch Alex Meixner!"  Jennifer Blaske - "My favorite part of Wurstfest is volunteering at the Jaycees booth with my sister and our friends to raise money...

Health + Wellness

The Power of Food as Medicine

Key Nutritional Strategies for Gut Health, Inflammation, Energy, Insulin Support, and Sleep. Article by Troy Green Your body is a temple and nobody knows that better than a functional medicine doctor. Blue Agave Functional Medicine in New Braunfels is committed to a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the healing power of food. By incorporating specific foods into your diet, you can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, support insulin sensitivity, boost energy, and promote better...

Food + Beverage

Smokey Mountain Ribs

Lip smacking baby back ribs that take your BBQ game to another level. Article by Craig Jones 1.      Use a butter knife to separate the membrane on the back side of the ribs from the meat.  Then, take a dry paper towel to get a grip on the membrane and pull it off the ribs.  You don’t want to cook your ribs with the membrane attached.    2.      Apply your favorite rib rub to the ribs OR make your own. I like Tony Chachere’s for a cajun flavor but I prefer to make my own using::  1/3 cup...

Food + Beverage

Revitalizing a Legacy

How Brian Smith is Breathing New Life into a New Braunfels Icon Article and Photography by Samantha Bowers Brian Smith, the owner of Iron Horse Bar & Grill, has been a driving force behind the transformation of this historic establishment in New Braunfels, Texas. With a rich background in the restaurant industry, Brian's journey to Iron Horse has been marked by significant milestones, from his early days working at local Austin eateries in the 1990s to franchising Golden Corral restaurants and...

Food + Beverage

Guide to the Best Local Food Trucks

Discover the Culinary Treasures on Wheels in Our Community Article by Samantha Bowers The New Braunfels community thrives on our local food trucks' vibrant and diverse flavors, each adding a unique touch to the town's culinary scene. These mobile kitchens offer more than just food—they create connections. These trucks foster a sense of community, bringing neighbors together over shared meals. While there are many offerings in town, here are a couple you really must try! UBP Burgers ...

Shopping

Indoors & Outdoors

The Key to a Cool Home is Through the Windows Article by Tara Langton | Photography by Daniel Gertson We spend a lot of time in our homes, especially in the summer when escaping the heat. But without the right doors and windows, the outdoor spaces you love and want to use can feel far away. Lindsay and Travis Hanson of Window World know that problem and are eager to help homeowners solve it. With summer in full swing, they say it can quickly become apparent that your existing windows and doors...

Arts + Culture

Masterpieces Under the Hammer

Through the Eyes of Article and Photography by New Braunfels' vibrant art scene was elevated when local favorite Lark Mason arrived in 2014. His presence and signature bow ties bring warmth and smiles wherever he goes. During a visit to the Lark Mason Gallery at Mill Street and N. Casteel Ave, I enjoyed a fascinating tour showcasing Mason's life and legacy. With a profound understanding of the history behind every piece that graces the walls and cases of the Gallery, Lark Mason takes...