This Small Texas Town Was Just Named Among The Most Charming In America
By Katie Lawrence|Published March 30, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
Texas is full of quaint small towns worth visiting, but Travel Channel recently named one among the most charming in America. With a dance hall, general store, antique shop, and rustic riverside restaurant, it’s easy to understand why Gruene is so great. See for yourself:
The oldest dance hall in Texas has become an icon of sorts, instantly recognizable in countless photographs. With its rich history and slightly weathered exterior, this unassuming building is the definition of small-town charm.
Good old-fashioned country music is performed live every single night. Slip on your boots and get ready to do some two-steppin' deep in the heart of Texas.
Ranked among the top 40 places to visit in our great state, Gruene General Store has been around since 1989. In it, you'll find an impressive collection of souvenirs, homemade fudge, gourmet coffee, and plenty more nostalgic finds.
Vintage signs, license plates woven into the flooring, and a soda fountain set the stage for your fondest childhood memories to resurface. Stock up on retro candies, Texas memorabilia, and their famous peanut butter available in several different flavors.
Also in historic Downtown Gruene is this adorable, family-owned coffee shop. All their beans are roasted in-house, creating intoxicating aromas that bring customers pouring in from the streets
Warm your soul with a latte and homemade pastry from nearby Sweet Dreams Bakery. Dog treats are also on the menu, and the shop will soon begin serving local beer.
If you're looking for something a little stronger than coffee, head to The Grapevine, a tasting room and bar with an extensive selection of artisan wine and craft beer. Enjoy complimentary tastings before grabbing a bottle of your favorite to enjoy on the outdoor patio.
Antique lovers will enjoy perusing the aisles of this century-old treasure trove. All 6,500-square feet of Gruene Antique Company is packed with vintage home decor, period furniture, trinkets from yesteryear, and so much more.
We'd be remiss to not include at least one food destination, and it doesn't get much better than The Gristmill. This riverside restaurant in a restored cotton gin not only has a rustic atmosphere that's so perfectly Hill Country but incredible food as well.
Dine on chicken-fried steak, ribs, and burgers while sitting outside underneath a famous Texas sunset. Think of it as classic Southern comforts with an elegant twist.
