An Outsider’s Inside Guide…
To a perfect weekend in the Texas Hill Country (specifically New Braunfels).
I’m not a local (yet)…but I feel like I visit New Braunfels enough to give a few expert opinions on things you have to do if you have 2 or 3 days in this beautiful Texas town.
Yes, of course you have the usual things in Gruene.…and you should for sure do those…but if you really want to experience this town like the locals do, then follow along!
Eat and Drink like the locals….
There are so many amazing places to eat but I have to stress the importance of stopping by each of these places for different reasons!
Calahans Pub and Pizza - After a LONG day of floating there is nothing better in this world than their pizza rolls. Just trust me…go and order them. Honestly, one per person is enough (they’re huge!), but you’ll likely want two! You also have to take a picture with the pizza wings that are on the side of the building!
Muck and Fuss - Everything on the menu is delicious but my favorite things are the Truffle Fries, the Havarti Jam Burger, and their Muck’s Cow Mule (a frozen Moscow Mule!!!). If you’re really wanting to treat yourself and indulge, then finish it all off with a BOOZY Coffee Shake!!! I will say…we know a lot of locals, so this might not actually be a local place to eat..but the Muck’s Cow Mule is worth it!!!
Sidecar -Where Quality meets Craft….when you walk down the steps into this almost “speakeasy” of a bar you are in for a treat! With live jazz music several nights a week, high quality drinks and food, you will fall in love! You NEED a reservation here, even if it’s just to stop by and grab a drink!
La Cosecha - Literally here is what you need to order - Deluxe Guac, Queso Fundido, Wagyu Steak fajitas, and a Red Bell Pepper Margarita
Downtown Social - This is a must visit every single time we’re in town! They have everything from bowling, pool, ping pong, drinks, food to trivia! There’s a reason you will find locals here so often! When you get tired of games and you’re ready to drink then walk right out side to the….
The Pour Haus - When the sun goes down (on my side of town), this is where we head! It’s for sure the place to be with live music and great drinks. There is a reason why it was voted best bar in New Braunfels…also it’s very dog friendly!
Float like the locals…
To be honest, if you really want to float the Comal like the locals, then you’ll need your own tubes…but if you want to rent a tube, then I highly recommend….
Texas Tubes - This rental offers a longer float and you don’t have to use the last public exit. They have their own exit just a bit down the river!
The Float In - If you’re wanting to hang out on the Comal, but you don’t actually want to float, then the Float In is perfect! They have private cabanas, live music, food, and drinks right on the Comal!
As a reminder, no disposable containers of ANY kind are allowed on the Comal. Please do not play around with this. We have watched the police pull people out of the river, dump all their cans, and fine them! Simply put all your drinks in reusable bottles/tumblers. Same for food! I’ll link my favorites below!
Shop like the locals…
This amazing little town has some of the best shopping around! If you’re looking to shop local make sure to check out….
The Local - This is the place for all things Texas Hill Country…and just cute things in general! It is a MUST. After stopping by Calahans for pizza rolls, just stroll right down to this cute boutique and grab a cap, shirt, or jewelry! Seriously, I am obsessed with everything in the store!
NF Farmers Market - Every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM you can get the best locally grown fruits, flowers, baked good and so much more! We are such a huge fan of this market!
River Rose Boutique - I travel frequently, and I always stop by this shop to grab a few outfits! They have some of the best outfits for a night out, vacation and all the in between.
River Essentials…
We have floated so many times that we have the essentials down! Follow the links for any and everything you might need for your river trip! (Some links are comissionable)
Waterproof Bag - I absolutely love this one!
Waterproof Case - This holds all our important items like phones, cards, cash, etc.
Comal Approved Keg - If you enjoy your beer without it being flat or hot, this is an ESSENTIAL for the Comal. Cans aren’t allowed, so this keeps your beer fresh!
The BEST Stanley knockoff out there! Again, only reusable drink containers can be used for the Comal…and THIS is the best Stanley knockoff out there! Just trust me.
Sun Bum- Everyone has their favorite and this is mine! Make sure to stock up for the river and reapply often!
Scalp Sunscreen - Don’t make the mistake I made….if you are wearing your hair in space buns, pig tails, braids, etc….just click buy.
If you visit Texas, of if you’re from Texas, then New Braunfels and the Comal River should be at the top of your list of places to visit!
Every single time we leave we start thinking of our next trip up!
If you want to follow along with a few actual locals, then add Comal Clayton on TikTok!