Never too old to show your Texas high school spirit!

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Yes we still have youth showing livestock at the comal county fair.

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Shoebox floats prudly displayed by New Braunfels kindergarteners at the oldest county fair in Texas.

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NB Farm to Market voted Number 1 in Texas!

We are at HIT!  New Braunfels Farm to Market voted Number 1 in Texas by American Farmland Trust Contest. 

We frequent the market for the fresh produce and Chloe's Peanut Butter Dog Treats.   


See you at the Market!  Cheers!     

Football, Loyalty, and Royalty

As I read my September Southern Living, a big grin takes over my day.  In the "Pride of Place" article,  the Tuohy's (who inspired Sandra Bullock's character in the Blind Side) remind me it is the start football season and for Texas that has a lot to do with High School Football as well as College.

I never considered high school football as part of my tourism adventure but come to think of it - there was much to be absorbed. Traveling to cities across Texas during football season is one way the change of seasons is heralded. For many the change of seasons means fall colors,  for me it means sportin' a different set of hues. It is always wonderful to look up into the stands and have a sea of royal blue greet me. Over the course of many years and many different kids and grandkids,  I estimate my folks put over 7200 miles on that old pop up Volkswagen Van.

Most of the time my family suited up in Royal Blue but I do remember when two grandsons were at two different schools. This led to my Mom's "Griswald" construction of taking two sweatshirts - one red - one blue - and splitting them down the middle, and sewing the opposing colors together for one sweatshirt.  Equitable support was given for the red and blue because you must always find a way to being your support!    

Now, Most of the mascots in Texas have to do with the wildlife native to the area; so how did we get to be the fighting Unicorns? Here is my theory:  The Great  (Royal) Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hanover and the House of Hanover in 1837.  Here is where I find the proud and noble beast, the Unicorn.  

You see New Braunfels was founded by Prince Karl Solms- Braunfels and his mother was, Her Majesty Queen Frederica of Hanover from 1837-1841.

We really are the City of a Prince, and our high school mascot embodies that royal lineage.

With that I will leave all high school football fans with one thought. Sportin' your colors not only shows loyalty but is sometimes a nod to royalty.

On New Braunfels, On New Braunfels....

"I will always love New Braunfels, it has a big place in my heart."

I ran across a unique posting online and loved it.  http://www.txgenweb2.org/txcomal/scan/Pictures.html

What struck me was that so many, including myself are passionate about this area of Texas.  My mom once told me it just sort of seeps into your soul. 

I hope that you enjoy the link and there are some great photographs. 

 I have and will always love New Braunfels, its rivers, all have a huge place in my heart.

New Braunfels Singer selected off You Tube for America's Got Talent ! Watch tonight to see if he goes on and then we got to support him in the next round.

Alert!  New Braunfels Musician on National TV tonight to see if he goes through to the next round! 

 

NBGal Judy Young

Check this video out -- Kevin Colis from New Braunfels, Texas - America's Got Talent 2011 LIVE, YouTube http://t.co/W3plsFF via @youtube

 

He owns Harmony Sweet music venue in New Braunfels for youth under 18. 

 

Rock on!

 

Judy

 

 

 

 

Pork Chop on a Stick Anyone?

Get ready for everything on a stick... sausage, turkey legs, pork chops, shrimp, sausage balls, etc....

The most recent edition of the Texas Highways Magazine  has an article called "fests Up" and while they chose some wonderful Texas festivals; they seemed to have left out the best - in my totally biased opinion.
So get those smart phones out, open those outlook and icalendars, add the dates of your "favs" and relish he approach of fall. 

First, lets establish that there is live music in New Braunfels 7 days a week and this fall is no exception. 

Next lets talk about some of our bigger festivals:

September more than football kicks off - It's Comal County Fair time!  The oldest continually operating County Fair in Texas.   September 21-25

Gruene Market Days is every Third weekend of the month with a special date for the Christmas Market Days.   Get your Cowboy Kringle on y'all!    

Every Saturday you can find fresh produce and treats while you're visiting at the Farm to Market in downtown New Braunfels.

October 7, 8, & 9 are the 25th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Fest.  Get your groove on for a good cause and some tastings!  

October 22nd and 23rd is the 19th Annual Texas Clayfest in Historic Gruene.  

November 4 through the 13th is the grandaddy of all festivals - Wurstfest - a 10 day salute to sausage.  http://www.wurstfest.com/

November 5 is the 28th Annual  Tour de Gruene Bicycle Classic in Gruene Historic District.

Weihnachtsmarkt - German Christmas Market get the holiday season started November 17 - 20.   http://www.sophienburg.com/weihnachtsmarkt

That should give you enough to chew on for a while ... see you in New Braunfels, Texas this fall.

To see the full calendar of events go to www.nbjumpin.com.

The Herr Schmidt and the Mexican Hat Dance

The Herr Schmidt  and the Mexican Hat Dance marry two cultures with very similar styles of celebrations.


I acknowledge this having never realized that Melitta Freuh, my stern elementary school music teacher, embraced and taught multi-cultural curriculum far ahead of her time at our little school by Landa Park. She seemed a little scary to a 6 year old; but wow, 40 years later, I still remember every dance, every song she ever taught us. By the time the Fair or Wurstfest rolled around we were well tuned ambassadors of multi cultural folk dance and song. Visitors marveled at how engaged our youth were at our events. Now there are volunteers that enable our youth to “get it” and have fun. You can find one of those, Mrs. Schwab, teaching Kinder Tanzen every year. Find your step and embrace your own community – sign up, show up, and participate!

There is Water in the Guadalupe River!

This video was shot on July 22nd, see you can certainly float the Guad! 

Have Fun, Float Safe, Don't Make Waves.  River Rules Below...

    

Tubenbach Will Open Any Day Now at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

Yes, we have all waited for the new, fantastic ride at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels to open.  Well, you can only find out by following the Schlitterblog or Schlittertweet or this blog, of course . Here is the final update on the Falls prior to opening. 

    See you at the New Braunfels Schlitterbahn - the original - the best Schlitterbahn!

I Love New Braunfels!

Here I am in New Orleans at classes for destination marketing executives and two of my classmates, one from Oklahoma and one from North Carolina, introduced themselves with a testimonial about how they or their families love New Braunfels.

My colleague from Oklahoma enjoyed stories about New Braunfels from her grandmother. Her grandmother loved coming to NB and enjoying the river, food, and especially the people.

Even though it had been 15 years since my North Carolina colleague had visited NB she could recall floating the Guadalupe River, Schlitterbahn, dining at the Gristmill, Gruene Historic District, and Gruene Hall. WOW! That is great recall, we must have made quite an impression.

Lindheimer, Phoenix, Costumes - Action!

Lindheimer (actor) at the Lindheimer Home

We began shooting last week for the much anticipated Cultural Heritage video tour.  This follows the meeting last week to finish up the new Cultural Heritage brochure.

We shot at the Lindheimer mural, then at the Lindheimer home, and at Conservation Plaza.

We also shot at the Phoenix.  

These will be our two pilot videos and we will see how it goes and how the content is received.  You will be able to access online and on any smart phone or pad device.  They will be short, interesting, and informative. 
Lots of folks want to know more about the guy on the mural at Naegelin's Bakery and this project should do it. 

Challenges have included noises from traffic, diesel engines, and motorcycles.

(Actually one charming motorcyclist purposely gunned his engine when he saw us shooting.)

Getting ready to shoot at the Phoenix

Anyway, back to the task at hand.  Our friends at Smiling Eyes in Gruene loaned us period costumes and we are eternally grateful.  The New Braunfels Conservation Society has been more than gracious by providing access to their facilities that make the perfect setting.  The Sophienburg Museum has been gracious with their information and photo archives.  Heritage Plaza ultimately was the best location for the horseback Lindheimer shot.  Thanks so much to the family that came and helped us with their fabulous horses. 

So, if you see us shooting - wave - don't honk.

Respect and Honor

Living in New Braunfels has many great things about it... the best is the people. Today our community lifts up and holds in their hearts the family of Lance Cpl. John Farias. He served us proudly. As my neighbors and friends lined the path for our fallen son, I think of the price of freedom. Freedom rings because of those who willingly provide service above self. Those families that support that path and honor that choice deserve our prayers and respect.

Thank you New Braunfels for still being a patriotic, compassionate, respectful small town.

“From the virgin prairie, they built a town but their spirit filled it with life. Their traditions, costumes, mores and beliefs imbued it with faith, pride, industry, and laughter. We are what we are, today, because of them.
Let us carry on their spirit!” Everett Anthony Fey

I love this quote from Mr. Fey.  He has written many books but I have really enjoyed the New Braunfels: The First Founders, Volumes I and II that can be purchased at Sophie's shop at the Sophienburg Museum. 
You can also immerse yourself in the settlers journey to Texas at the http://www.sophienburg.com/.


Take the journey to Texas at the Sophienburg Museum with Prince Carl and his group of German colonists in 1845. Follow them as they endure a two-month ocean voyage in the cargo hold of an immigrant ship and make their way into Central Texas. Admire their courage and determination to establish a new colony at the edge of Indian Territory. Live their dream of freedom, adventure and prosperity.

Never to Old for Cut Outs - Lighten Up!

 Let me reintroduce my dad - Thomas.  He passed away a few years ago but he left me with so much great material; you will see him frequently. 

There wasn't anything he wasn't game to try at home or on vacation.  He was never too embarrassed to wear the funny hats with me, touch rather icky animals, ride the teacups, or peel out in our Volkswagen pop up camper to avoid the rhino spearing us at Lion Country Safari.

As father's day approaches, I will think of him and the greatest gift he ever gave me - the experience of  "peanut butter" style travel.  Nothing fancy - always fun! 

Find a way to travel . You and yours will cherish all of it!

Thanks Pop!

Hunters, Gatherers, Keepers

Recently as I was trying to track down my Octogenarian mom; she was obviously out and about. I discovered her with her sister and my cousins making a day of it at Round Top. She was "treasure" hunting in "paradise". Now, part of those quests always include "the mouse". Having grown up thinking that all telephones were Mickey Mouse and that all toast had Mickey's head burnt into it as the toaster played "Who's the Leader of the Band" - I think this is normal. The entire brood; adopted, inherited,  or otherwise are naturally on the look out for additional "finds" to add to her collection.

The two sisters crack me up!  One day I go by her house and WHAM there are two giant curio cabinets they had found at a garage sale in the living room.  Thought: how did they get them home and in the house?  Well, of course, the nice young man at the garage sale they bought them from delivered them.   

She is a woman of serious patience.  My dad had to practically drag her out of the Diamond Mine in Arkansas and she was not a happy camper.  She can walk the beaches for hours in search of the perfect shell.  We have gathered  rocks and fossils from all over the country.  Some of us are hunters, some of us are gatherers, and some of us are keepers.  She is all three.  



http://www.chickendancesisters.com/

Long and short of it -  if there is a market days, flea market, antique show, festival ,etc... in Texas keep your eyes open for her, she will have a list, be ready to haggle, she might have on face paint and/or a funky hat, and if you make eye contact - you just might be delivering to New Braunfels, Texas.    

Kickball & Bouffants

Watching an adult kick ball game is probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen.  All of us little guys that finally got some meat on our bones are out for retribution. 

 It made me think about my own elementary school PE teacher - Mrs. Reimer, the kickball queen!  She was amazing in her double knit shorts of the '70s and her "done" hair do.  It was a true miracle of construction and always perfect.  She was my idol.  Athletic and feminine at the same time with a way of making the smallest child seem the biggest. ( I can't find a picture of Mrs. Reimer but if you have one I would love it.)  

How to segway to travel - remember being at that campground watching the big kids play volleyball or baseball and you were too little?!

At your next outdoor adventure find a way for the little guys to be front and center and add a bouffant to yourself for some spice!           

Small Achievements & Life Paths

 I love that there are no "benches" in swimming - except a "ready" bench. (As in get ready to achieve.)

Young competitor gets encouragement at meet at Landa Park this past weekend.

 Swimming started my "thirst" for adventure. The coach pictured above was a big part of that. Unbridled encouragement I think describes him best.

Swimming took me to Mexico City, West Coast, East Coast, regional teams, state teams, national teams, college and more.  It introduced me to sign language so that I could communicate with my hearing impaired competitors.  Introduced me to lower oxygen in Colorado,  to Olympic Medalists, met  President Johnson, met Gov. Dolph Briscoe, English Channel swimmers, and an amazingly diverse group of athletes and coaches across the country.    

 How the smallest happenings in our life shape our sense of confidence and thirst for adventure.  

So, starting at age 3 traveling to swim meets across the country became a part of my journey. 

Next generation of leaders at the pool this past weekend - it takes courage to step up to the starting blocks.



 My daughter with Olympic star - Josh Davis



Often times we just think about the responsiblity and independence that a sports experience brings to your life.  We overlook the other doors it opens.  It led me to travel, to jobs,  to soak up other cultures, to live abroad, and  of course, to crow about my own community.  Who knew that would lead me to where I am today.  Still traveling, still swimming,  and still singing the praises of New Braunfels, Texas.  

All from a dip in the pool... New Braunfels, Texas - Jump in.   

(Many photos are from our Lisa on Location - check her out!) 

  

River Road Dreams and Turtle Afternoons

Recently I was traveling down River Road outside of New Braunfels, Texas and enjoying myself immensely do a car solo with my radio at the top of my lungs.  I noticed what looked to me to be the perfect way to spend a Thursday afternoon.

A woman, let's call her Velma, had one of those older tri fold lawn chair loungers in the middle of the Guadalupe River, completely relaxed with a giant hat on and no one else around.  Here's to enjoying some of our own "Turtle Afternoons".

Blocked, Spammed, and Busy Signal

Avoiding tech overload is becoming a life skill.  In my life there are 4 voicemail boxes, three text message boxes, three email addresses, three junk mail boxes, ebills, epayments, autodrafts, online registrations, ....

Help!

I haven't posted in a while because I just didn't have it in me.  But, then I realized I need to take my own advice and GET OUT OF TOWN or at least GET OUTSIDE!

So as a handy resource for those of us that want quick, fun opportunities to unplug - here we go:

 http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=4974 - You will find one local vineyard and one local wine outlet having won two gold medals in the recent 2011 Lone Star Wine Competitions.  Visit Dry Comal Creek Vineyard and Winery on the Gruene.

For a walkable, wonderful experience in downtown New Braunfels visit their new guide for the next two months:    http://www.downtownnewbraunfels.com/images/uploads/images/june-july2011.pdf

Dabble your toes or jump in the river as soon and as often as possible.  Don the swimwear and soak up the fun at my fav part of the Bahn - The Castle toob ride at the original part of the park. 

How about an "easy button" outing sitting at the beach at the Texas Ski Ranch watching those crazy folks cut flips on their wakeboards --- no skiing required!  Fish Tacos at Wahoos, sand, scenery, and the kids think you rock for taking them!

Dry Comal Creek Vineyard

Back in the Groove - see you on the water or tasting wine- Jump In!      

Hill Country Birds and Hill Country Wine

Our cute sparrows are feeding three babies in our lone bird house.  All manner of large river birds are building giant nests - seems Easter brings new life for our feathered friends.  My house wren is meticulously patrolling her domain and the barn swallows were buzzing our porch all weekend.  Locally there are some great programs offered by Ravenstar to get your kids involved in the outdoors.

Yes, as I "mature", I enjoy my porches and my birds.  So far we have around 33 species this spring - give or take, from Hawks to Hummingbirds.   Now, this interest is really wrapped around relaxing with a glass of local wine with no electronic device or meeting to attend.   None the less I mark my bird book, that I got for Mother's day two years ago, with great accomplishment.      

The May issue of Texas Parks and Wildlife highlights birding in Texas as well as covering the Star Parties at the McDonald's Observatory.  These are great!  We were in the Davis Mts. last Memorial Day and it was stunning to see so many stars.  They had five telescopes set up and in one we could actually see the rings in Saturn.    

So remember this summer - See Texas First!    

Team NB launches at Wildflower Race




Team NB - Cycling launches at the Wildflower Race!  

 

Team NB Cycling launched this past weekend at the Wildflower Race!  These folks cycle for health,  Gemütlichkeit (fellowship) and for a cause - a cure for MS.This is our team!  You may recognize many of them in the photo, for me their dedication and stamina are amazing.  If you see them out and about show your NB support with a wave or a honk and set the example and show the other vehicular traffic what courtesy and safety look like.  When you see any cyclist, even though you may be frustrated about sharing the road, remember - they are a team that belongs to someones family!  

We will post their results as we get them and post the race schedules as well as rider bios. 

So pedal safe my friends!      

Cardboard Boats?! + Tube Chute?!

image from California State University Chico

Homemade Boat race.."Cardboard, TuckTape, and Nothing else"!! can you float that?


Registration fee is $25.00
Saturday, April 9 · 8:30am - 12:30pm




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Location Prince Solms Park

New Braunfels, TX



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1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place prizes for Time elapsed and/or distance traveled!

You will have up to 3X to get your best time and distance!!

Most Creative-Best use of Corrugated cardboard


Team Spirit-Most Impressive team appearance and/or Boat theme..NB Businesses...this is your chance to represent!!!!!

Best of all..The "Titanic Award"..Most spectacular sinking....just say'n..


View all rules online at www.newbraunfelsyachtclub.com



Register by phone 830-221-4364 or stop by Landa Recreation Center!! (Next to Wurstfest)




and as always..bring alteast 2 non-perishables for the SOS Food Bank here in town!!!

Parking Lot Peacock!

Yes, I am continuing with my strange parking lot sightings!  Yesterday this guy was cruising across the parking lot at the Gym.  Only in Texas!

If you Love New Braunfels?!

So, for the last five years we have worked off and on, depending on the "climate",  on a new cultural heritage brochure for New Braunfels, Texas.  

The last 12 months we have worked in earnest as all the stakeholders have agreed to move forward. Yippee!

The photos are gathered, the timeline is agreed upon, even the lore is approved.  Now, comes the tough part (like the last five years weren't painfully frustrating at times); putting it all together in a fun, interesting, brochure/website that blows everyone away.  Really my expectations are never too high?

No biggie;  I work via committee everyday (sometimes medication is a must) so why not broaden my scope and ask for your thoughts.  Doesn't mean it will get used.  But I have been inside this for too long and your fresh perspective, at the very least, will get the juices flowing. 

Here are the Titles and/or tag lines I am playing with:
{Remember this is a cultural heritage (arts & history) project for New Braunfels, Texas.}     

"Where Traditions Flow"
"Where Tradition Flows"
"Where Culture Lives"
"Perseverance with Purpose"
"Traditions Flow, Culture Flourishes"
"Common Threads, Quilt of Culture"
"Art, Culture, & Rivers"
"Rivers, Rhythms, & Culture"
"Living Traditions"


Now, we are a nosy little "burg" so I know those of you that have read this blog before and not commented will pour on your brilliance - PLEASE. 

One Saint and Three Passengers

Today, while cruising back from a lunch meeting I noticed a grand southern tradition -  "Gettin' your hair done" downtown.  



There was a "saint" of a man that appeared to have taken three ladies to get their hair done and was trying to get them all loaded back in the car without any "do damage".  He was precious.  One gal had a cane, one was leary of the step off the curb and the other was pretty spry, he was a man of patience with the most endearing smile. 

Traffic was buzzin by him; however, the "dualy" heavy duty truck in front of me did the polite thing, slowed down,  and viered into the other lane - which was empty - to allow the "saint" to get them all loaded up.

Of course the encounter ended with the " steering wheel wave".

It's a great day to live in New Braunfels, Texas!

     

When Spell Check Ensures Your Unique?

 Braunfels Schloss (Castle) in Braunfels, Germany - Our Founding City 

 Schlitterbahn Castle - New Braunfels, Texas
Notice the Similarities?

Every time I get to the draft phase of my blog post I spell check.  It just sort of hit me - half of the post is yellow and noted as misspelled.  WHY?

The answer to that question is buried in our unique community. 

New Braunfels?
Schlitterbahn?
Blastenhof?
Surfenberg?
Boogie Bahn?
Wurstfest? 
Sophienburg?
Naegelins? 
Friesenhaus? 
Seekatz?
Volkssport?
Weihnachtsmarkt?
Gruene?
Saengerhalle?
Anhalt?
Freiheit?
Wein & Saengerfest?

You get the idea? So why do so many folks ask where is our German Heritage?  Are you kidding me - it is everywhere!  The above list is the obvious.  This is the tip of the iceberg.  Let's talk street names :

Klingemann
Muesebach
Brandenburg
Bretzke
Dittlinger
Jung
Karbach
Klein
Krause
Kroesche
Rueckle

Drop in the bucket - wow did they get these street names off the ship rosters in 1844?

Moving forward, think last names in the phone book? Pastry names? Folk Dances? Songs?

German Heritage really is everywhere and I promise - spell check will catch them every time.  So I have decided  to embrace my frustrations with spell check and revel in our uniqueness!   

Tschüß! 




   
 

Does your "normal" make you grin?

 Isn't it always about the ice cream!

 My "normal" is grinning ear to ear this week!  Families are out and about in Landa Park, the miniature train has a small waiting line, and my very favorite - cars with floatation devices piled on top and hanging out of windows fill New Braunfels. If you look closely, wildflowers are poking their blooms out of the hillsides and beg for a photo opp.  This is my "normal" and even before I had my current job of Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, these sights always helped me "fill up" my happiness meter.


You see, I am a true believer that the only "high touch" experience left in the world is achieved via travel.  

Dad in Kit Karson Park - three week Road Trip in 70's 

This is a learned belief/joy (normal).  My mom and dad (who you met in a previous post) were my tutors.  I cannot tell you how many historical markers I have read at my father's insistence, of course, this was a welcome and desperate stretch of the legs as we escaped from the Volkswagen pop up camper (despite having our own 8 track player in the back).  Now, did I realize this was my joy then - of course not! 

These were often marathon trips with my folks, two to four weeks long while we zigzagged across the country.  My parents were supper tolerant and usually let me take one or both of my life long BFF's (Sara & Janice) with us.  We had great, awful, and life changing travels together, add in my brothers and their extended family and friends and there is a license for all sorts of "joy" that to this day make me laugh so hard it can bring me to tears.         

The road trip seems to be alive and well with New Braunfels as one of the great destinations that generations of Texans choose to find their "grin". 

Did you "staycation" or did you participate in the annual Hill Country " coastal migration". Seems we are always fascinated with what we don't have in our own backyard.  We are frequent coast visitors
and enjoy the change of scenery, water, surf, and most of all shells.

Doesn't matter where you go - just get out and go; whether you are on a PB&J budget or a steak budget -
See Texas First and find your grin!   

Enchanted Rock Road Trip

Water! Ready, Set, Go!



 Camp Warnecke founded 1918  

As we ready for swimming season, thoughts take me back to my childhood.  Remember when the only thing you wore all summer was a swimsuit?  Is that still possible?  I say yes!  New Braunfels is still home to the best water recreation in Texas.  Some natural, some invented, and some really out of the box opportunities.



Let's really think about how we go to this point.

One of the primary reasons that Prince Solms chose this area was because of the abundance of game and building materials - which are only possible with consistent water supply.  This critical water supply was immediately put to work in commerce.  The water power of the past made New Braunfels a center of trade and the 4th largest city in Texas from 1845-1895.  Those first fifty years secured our place as having the right mix of attributes for commercial and quality of life successes.  Mills of all types took full advantage of the power of water while the healing powers of the water opened the Comal Baths. Following the Comal Baths were Camp Placid, Camp Giesecke, Camp Warnecke, etc... The first bridges across the rivers were here, in New Braunfels.  There was only one place to drive cattle across the Guadalupe and it was also here, in New Braunfels.



First Hotel in Downtown New Braunfels - Guadalupe Hotel
Photo - Institute of Texan Cultures

The traditions of life centering around the waterways of our communities goes back over 165 years. Industry still relies on it, utilities still rely on it, commerce still relies on it, recreation relies on it. We didn't just arrive on the tourism scene. We had our first hotel in 1847.

Water Recreation began in the 1870's.


We have been encouraging guests since 1845 - listen to their own words...

“The area offers excellent land, first rate cedar and oak forests, and water power.” – Oct. 25, 1844 Prince Carl of Solms- Braunfels  

“We are now quite content and happy.  When one gets adjusted, that is, has his house finished, field fenced, and wants to use a third of his time go working, which in Europe one has to, it is better living here, than that of a farmer in Europe.  I have no desire ever to go back, whoever wants to see me must come here; I do not believe that he will regret it.” – Hubert Lux, letter May 1, 1845

Thank goodness those founding fathers didn't say we're here - now pull up the drawbridge.  Swimsuits ready?!   New Braunfels, Texas - Jump In!