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In New Braunfels, Old World charm meets exciting, modern lifestyles where tradition mingles with the future. Located about halfway between Austin and San Antonio, yet nestled in the natural beauty of the spring–fed Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels truly is the best of both worlds.
The legacy of the German craftsmen and shopkeepers who founded New Braunfels lives on in the diverse, eclectic shops found in Historic Downtown and the Gruene Historic District. We offer antique shops, boutiques, unique establishments with old-time candy and a real old-fashion ice cream counter.
Dance halls, as well as a variety of honky-tonks, feature traditional country and the unique blend of folk, country, bluegrass and roots music that today's music fans label "Americana." KNBT Radio New Braunfels, named the top Americana station in the nation, airs Texas music throughout the region as well as worldwide via the Internet.
History buffs have several intriguing museums to visit. The New Braunfels Conservation Society has restored and furnished nine buildings (circa 1849-1870) to form a German Village called Conservation Plaza. The Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture, preserves the work of the early German craftsmen and artisans at the core of New Braunfels early business economy. The Sophienburg Museum and Archives also preserve the history of Texas' German settlers, with the Archives serving as an invaluable resource for genealogists searching for German roots in Texas. The McKenna Children's Museum will delight the wee ones with hands-on adventure.
You've probably heard about the Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. So what's all the hubbub? Schlitterbahn's 65 acres include 17 water slides, three uphill water coasters, nine tube chutes, seven water playgrounds for children, the world's first surfing machine, and a whole lot more.
At Natural Bridge Caverns, visitors can expect an other-worldly experience in the series of limestone formations and enjoy a year-round temperature of 70 degrees. In addition to Mining Sluice and walking tours of the caves, the Adventure Cave Tour offers a more daring spelunker exploration of undeveloped portions of the caverns.
Try an African safari experience Texas-style with over 50 different species from antelope to zebras at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. The ranch has animals from every continent but Antarctica, including some endangered species. In addition to the main safari route, which lets you see exotic animals up close from your car windows, the ranch also offers a walking safari route and a kid-friendly petting zoo.
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