You don’t want to miss the merriest smalltown festivals and events around this season. Santa Comes to town, Wassailfest, Christmas markets, Cowboy Cringle & more! Sophie’s boutique bed and breakfast is the perfect place for your family to stay the night and enjoy the holidays.
Adored by Alex stayed with us and here’s what she had to say:
One of my favorite parts of visiting small towns, is checking out local spots, including staying in quaint inns, boutique hotels or bed & breakfasts. We stayed at Sophie’s Gasthaus, a darling and tastefully remodeled and restored rental property, in the heart of downtown New Braunfels.
Originally built in 1906, the home is an absolute gem. Luxurious, with its newly renovated rooms and bathrooms, yet charing, with its original German architecture and character. I truly took photos of almost every inch of the property. I couldn’t get over the wavy glass windows, cast iron air & heat register grills on the floor and original transom windows with brass chain hardware (my architecture buffs will know what I’m referencing!).
The home is situated on a large plot of land with a pool and big yard. With six rooms, plus a suite and a hayloft unit, there’s a place for everyone. The common areas are spacious and tastefully appointed. We enjoyed coffee (from the butler’s pantry in-house coffee bar), on the front porch rocking chairs. Our stay in the Karbach room was just what we needed for a little rest and relaxation.
Read More about her trip to New Braunfels»
But did you know that even if summer is over, the fun in New Braunfels isn’t? Here in New Braunfels, we take Gemütlichkeit (“good German fun”) seriously – all year long.
For the best possible time after Labor Day, the first step is to book your room at a luxurious downtown boutique hotel – Sophie’s Gasthaus. Staying in downtown New Braunfels allows you to leave the car and walk to some of the city’s best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. We’ll talk about some walkable options later. But stop reading and book your room now.
There’s always something going on in New Braunfels, from concerts to events to shopping to simply hanging out with friends in a Biergarten while enjoying a glass of wine or stein of beer. That said, below are some of my suggestions for things to do when the temperature cools off this year.
First Friday in Downtown
Walk out of Sophie’s Gasthaus, take a right, and you’re there. Every First Friday of the month, Downtown New Braunfels celebrates still being the heart of this great town – since 1845.
Stores are open late. Restaurants offer specials. Live music abounds. And there are free drink samples from the Downtown Association. You’re guaranteed a good time, and I’ll bet you make a new friend or 12. Learn more about First Friday at downtownnewbraunfels.com.
Gruene Music & Wine Festival
A short drive north of downtown New Braunfels is Gruene. This was a company town for a cotton farmer named Ernst Gruene. But after boll wevils destroyed the farm, the town fell on hard times until it was resurrected as one of the coolest places in New Braunfels featuring the legendary Gruene Hall.
Every year, this Historic District hosts Gruene Music & Wine Festival. The fundraiser features four days of the greatest music and Texas wines you could imagine. This year the festival runs October 6-9. Learn more about Gruene Music & Wine Festival at gruenemusicandwinefest.org.
Dwight Yoakum at Whitewater Amphitheater
According to the Academy of Country Music, this outdoor venue, on the banks of the crystal-clear Guadalupe River, is one of the top five Best Outdoor Venues in the US.
If you ask me, Dwight Yoakum is one of the best artists in the US, so it’d make sense to bring Whitewater Amphitheater and Dwight Yoakum together – say, on October 15. It’ll be a fantastic show in an amazing place. Hurry and get tickets before they’re sold out at whitewaterrocks.com.
Wurstfest
Earlier I mentioned Gemütlichkeit. The official home of that is in downtown New Braunfels at Wurstfest – the 10-day salute to sausage.
For over 60 years, this festival has invited hundreds of thousands of Germans, and people who wish they were German, to enter the gates, dance a few chicken dances, drink a couple of beers, have some Wurst and Kartoffelpuffers (look it up), laugh with friends, and then do it all again. Wurstfest runs November 4-13 this year. Get more information and learn a few handy German phrases at wurstfest.com.
No wonder New Braunfels is so popular with its residents and visitors. It’s a beautiful city full of wonderful people and unique things to do. I hope you’ll plan to visit the community, and we’d love to say “Willkommen” to you at Sophie’s Gasthaus.
photo credit: New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau
Enter to win TWO tickets to Ryan Bingham with The Texas Gentlemen!
Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Whitewater Amphitheater
Two winners will receive two tickets.
+ One GRAND PRIZE winner will receive two tickets, a Buffalo Wings & Rings gift card, and a one-night stay at the luxurious Sophie’s Gasthaus downtown New Braunfels after the show!
Sponsored by the New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau (NBCVB) and Whitewater Amphitheater
New Braunfels, Texas
Sophie’s Gasthaus is the winner of this year’s best bed and breakfast! This boutique B&B offers the finest lodging in New Braunfels, conveniently located downtown. The six guest rooms are warmly decorated in modern yet comfortable themes. Each one includes Wi-Fi, a minibar, and cable TV. The upgraded rooms include sitting areas and/or balconies, and the one-bedroom apartment even includes a fireplace and kitchen.
Beyond the rooms, the main floor of Sophie’s Gasthaus offers chic lounging and dining areas for guests to relax and mingle. The charming outdoor setting has a villa-style outdoor pool, lovely garden landscaping, and a fire pit to enjoy evening cocktails around.
Pro Tip: Sophie’s Gasthaus is a lovely private setting for events, including everything from weddings to birthday parties.
Read the full article here featuring the chicest Inn & B&B downtown New Braunfels: TRAVELAWAITS BEST B&BS
When you step into Sophie’s, you’ll enter a world where the beauty of history meets modern convenience and luxury. Our boutique hotel provides our guests with unparalleled service in an environment driven by style and comfort. Once you join us, you will make this luxury hotel a tradition for years to come.
Located in charming downtown New Braunfels, Texas, this historic property is surrounded by two gorgeous rivers and plenty of activities. Our guests enjoy floating their worries away on the rivers or attending various events, such as the annual salute to sausage – Wurstfest.
Sophie’s Gasthaus provides our guests with every amenity that a luxury stay should, starting the moment you step foot on our beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. We have beautiful flowers, blooming with life and vibrancy, outdoor tables for a quiet cup of coffee or tea and a pool/hot tub area where you can soak up the sun or float all your troubles away. We also offer a perfectly landscaped outdoor firepit area for great conversation on cool evenings.
Once inside, you will be greeted with a newly renovated interior, where no room or detail was left untouched. Bright and open common areas welcome you to commune with old friends and meet new. The decor has a touch of elegance and yet invites an aura of relaxation and renewal.
These breathtaking renovations carry over to our 8 luxury rooms, where German architecture merges with the elegant and modern. Each room offers amenities including organic cotton bed linens and pillows to suit your tastes. You can relax in comfort in our complimentary bathrobes and Beekman bath products. Enjoy your favorite tunes on our in-room bluetooth speakers, and never go hungry with your included in-suite snack and beverage bar.
The Captain’s Room: This room, featuring a king bed, welcomes you with soothing tones of dusty lilac and decor reminiscent of days spent seafaring.
The Faust Room: If you love a room with a pool view, the Faust room is perfect for you. The cozy space welcomes you with a king bed and calming sage walls.
The Fischer Room: Where the beauty of history marries with modern, this king room has an open and airy feel. Neutral greys and natural light create an airy space.
The Prince Solms: Regal rich blues invite guests to this oversized king room which honors the founder of New Braunfels. Filled with light and featuring unique built-ins, you will never want to leave.
The Karbach Room: The Karbach room will be your own private paradise. Neutral tones, modern updates and a private balcony will welcome you. It is the ultimate location to enjoy a book, or a chat and cup of coffee.
The Eiband Room: In honor of the man who originally built the property, this room will give its inhabitants stunning views of the property while they enjoy a warm and welcoming space. In addition, you will only be steps from our luxurious pool and hot tub area.
The Seele Suite: This two-bedroom suite is the perfect retreat for your family or girl’s weekend. It is bright and beautiful with plenty of room to spread out. Natural light pervades and bright linens make this space one that inspires peace and harmony.
The Hayloft Suite: This spacious suite has clean lines and beautiful dormer windows that allow its guests to survey Sophie’s beautifully manicured lawn and gardens. A private balcony will beacon you to sit and relax and renew.
We invite you to become one of our family and join us for a historic, boutique hotel experience that is focused on you. We strive to provide personalized service in everything that we do. From our complimentary coffee and tea station in our parlor space to our lavish rooms where no detail is overlooked, we are confident that once you experience this unique luxury stay in downtown New Braunfels, you will make a tradition of returning.
photo credit: New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau
Past time for a date night? Whether it’s your anniversary, honeymoon, or you just need a romantic getaway, these ideas are sure to help you have the perfect date night in New Braunfels.
Built in 1906 and renovated in 2020, Sophie’s Gasthaus has quickly established itself as one of the most romantic places to stay in Texas. From its classic German architecture and art-filled interiors to its luscious courtyard and pristine pool, our stunning hotel presents itself as a truly one-of-a-kind home base for a romantic weekend getaway.
To help you impress your sweetheart, we have selected five of the best date night venues in New Braunfels. Enjoy artisan cheeses and gourmet goods, find your new favorite Texas wine at a local winery, listen to live jazz while sipping on a craft cocktail, and top it all off by not having to drive home!
Undoubtedly one of the “go-to” date night spots in New Braunfels, Sidecar offers up sultry live music, exquisite craft cocktails, and an intimate atmosphere. Located in the basement of the historic Prince Solms Inn, the speakeasy-inspired bar is home to dim lighting, vintage decor, original exposed brick walls, and unforgettable cocktails and tapas.
From classic martinis to unique seasonal menu items like the signature Razzle Dazzle (vodka, lime juice, and house-made clarified raspberry syrup), Sidecar offers up some of the best drinks and most romantic vibes in the city.
Our recommendation? Sit at the bar! Sidecar’s bartenders are friendly, charming, and always happy to recommend a drink to match your tastes. For a more intimate experience, snag a table near the piano.
Piano, jazz, and soul music can be enjoyed every evening, Tuesday through Saturday. Local favorites include Soul Ethos, Little Jewford, and Brett Cline. View the menu and live music schedule on the Sidecar website.
Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you won’t have to wait to be seated.
For a more lively date night, look no further than Gruene Hall. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is famous for being the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Today, country music acts both big and small can be found at the hall 365 days a year.
You never know when the small act on stage might be the next big household name! Gruene Hall has long been a hub for up-and-coming artists, many of which have gone on to great fame. Its small but mighty stage has been graced by the likes of George Strait, ZZ Top, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, and Willie Nelson.
The interior of Gruene Hall is littered with music memorabilia. Signed photos, concert posters, neon beer signs, advertisements from the early to mid-1900s, and historic images line every one of the original walls, all the way from the front door to the iconic stage. Take a step outside and you’ll find an outdoor biergarten for extra seating and the famous “Willie Door”.
Be sure to bring your dancing shoes – Gruene Hall is no stranger to two-stepping and swing dancing! If your dancing shoes are a little dusty, plan your date night for Tuesday! Swing dancing lessons take place before Two Tons of Steel takes the stage for Two Ton Tuesdays.
Another “go-to” date night spot, Myron’s Steakhouse is the only locally owned and operated steakhouse in New Braunfels. Myron’s serves only USDA Prime beef and offers delectable upscale dishes such as escargot, lobster, and, of course, various tender cuts of beef.
Formerly a movie theater built in 1924, Myron’s Steakhouse has been a popular date night spot since 2003. White tablecloths and candles adorn every table, while cordial and attentive servers make sure your experience lives up to the hype.
If you plan to dine here, make sure to make a reservation and dress up! Our advice: Split a bottle of wine from the extensive wine list and make sure to splurge on a bowl of their famous jalapeño mac and cheese!
After date night winds down, return to Sophie’s Gasthaus for an evening glass of wine, relax by the fireplace, or soak in the hot tub before turning in for the night.
Our stunning interiors, cozy rooms, and stunning grounds lined with magnolia trees and string lights set the mood for an idyllic weekend getaway.
For special occasions like honeymoons and wedding anniversaries, we recommend the Karbach Room, featuring its own lounge area and a spacious private balcony overlooking downtown New Braunfels. View the Karbach Room and our other luxurious rooms here.
photo credit: New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau
Located in Central Texas between San Antonio and Austin, New Braunfels is a short drive from either airport. Whether your perfect vacation looks like relaxing and soaking up the sun or hitting the streets in search of adventure, New Braunfels is the perfect place to visit for year-round fun! Indoor and outdoor activities can be found in abundance in our beautiful city.
Pack your bag and get ready for your best vacation yet – here are our top 5 favorite things to do in New Braunfels! To make the most of your trip, we recommend allowing 2-3 days to fit in all of the fun and staying near the action. Sophie’s Gasthaus is located in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, just a 5-minute walk from the Main Plaza and boutiques, fine dining, bars, cafes, and bakeries.
The Brauntex Theatre opened in 1942 as a movie theatre and delighted patrons with daily screenings over the course of fifty years. Over time, the once-popular, brand-new theatre’s crowds dwindled and the building fell into disrepair. Demolition was planned until a group of locals came together to save and restore the historic theatre. Citizens recognized that the Brauntex could serve as a home for the growing performing arts scene in New Braunfels. In 2000, the Brauntex reopened as the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre and has been a successful, fundamental piece of New Braunfels’ culture ever since. The theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
While the history and beauty of the Brauntex are reason enough to warrant a visit, the entertainment is top-notch. The theatre presents a variety of shows, including local and touring acts. Whether you want to enjoy live music, be engrossed in a play, or admire a ballet, the Brauntex has a show for you. Check out the theatre’s website to view upcoming shows or purchase tickets.
It’s worth rising early on Saturday to check out the New Braunfels Farmers Market! Every Saturday from 9am to 1pm, local vendors of all sorts set up shop on Castell Avenue, just 3 blocks from Sophie’s Gasthaus. Grab your reusable totes, grab a coffee from 2Tarts Bakery on your way, and stroll on over for a delightful shopping experience.
Dozens of vendors attend the Farmers Market to offer their locally grown produce, artisanal cheeses, hand-poured candles, specialty foods, homemade soaps, fresh-baked dog treats, and other handcrafted goods and gifts. The market offers more than just shopping – it’s a favorite place for locals to hang out, chat, enjoy live music and have breakfast or lunch – if the smells of fresh pastries or a bratwurst from a nearby vendor don’t entice you, the ever-popular Krause’s Cafe is located just steps away.
Naegelin’s Bakery is known for being the oldest continuously operating bakery in Texas. The bakery first opened its doors in 1868 and has since been a staple for locals and visitors. A trip to New Braunfels simply isn’t complete without picking up a kolache, strudel (cherry and apple are the most popular), or an iconic smiley face cookie.
The bakery offers crowd favorites like donuts and apple pie as well as classic German baked goods like pfeffernüsse (spice cookies), German rye, Black Forest cake (AKA Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte), and German pretzels. Grab a treat and a cup of coffee and hang out for a while – the bakery’s central downtown location makes it perfect for people watching or taking in the stunning Main Plaza.
Visit Naegelin’s website to view their hours and menu.
Visiting New Braunfels is even better when you know its history! The saying “If these walls could talk…” rings true here – many buildings date back to the city’s founding in 1845 and hold fascinating stories.
One of the best ways to learn about and experience the rich history of New Braunfels is to take a walking tour. Choose to take a self-guided walking tour or have a friendly local, such as Jan Kingsbury with Spass Walking Tours, take you on a guided tour. You’ll feel as if you’ve taken a step back in time as you learn about the murals, historic homes and businesses, and more. If you’re looking for something a little different, book an evening tour with New Braunfels Ghost Tours to learn about downtown New Braunfels’ spookiest haunts!
No list of things to do in New Braunfels would be complete without tubing. New Braunfels is world-famous for its tubing experiences on its two beautiful rivers, the Comal River and Guadalupe River. Each summer, people come from all over the world to hop on an inflatable tube and float the cool currents of the rivers. Nothing beats the Texas summer heat like hitting the water with a cold drink in hand!
Staying at Sophie’s Gasthaus puts the Comal River in easy reach! The city river parks where most tubers start and the last public exit are both located just a mile from Sophie’s Gasthaus. For the best and easiest tubing experience, we recommend renting a tube from a local outfitter. Outfitters will also provide a shuttle service from your tubing exit back to their parking lots.
Be sure to check out the river rules and tubing information before you go at TubeInNewBraunfels.com.
Venture outside of downtown to check out the oldest dance hall in Texas in the Gruene Historic District, find your new favorite craft beer on the Hill Country Craft Beer Trail, explore all 51 acres of Landa Park, splash at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, or take a day to visit Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
When you’ve had your fun and nothing sounds better than putting your feet up, return to Sophie’s Gasthaus and relax by the swimming pool with a glass of wine, chill on the porch swing, or rest your head for the night in one of our eight luxurious rooms.
