New Braunfels is located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country making it an ideal location for a wedding with picturesque settings. From rolling hills, majestic oak trees, to flowing rivers – the New Braunfels area is attracting many brides across the country. Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular places to get married in the area. The Gardens of Cranesbury View: An Italian sculptured garden event venue located right outside of New Braunfels. The event offers indoor or outdoor areas and 32 acres of gorgeous views. Castle Avalon: A romantic castle located in Texas giving brides a fairytale wedding! The castle features a grand ballroom with hand-painted ceilings and chandeliers. The Faust Hotel: Located in downtown New Braunfels, this hotel was built in 1929 and offers a ballroo... 05/18/2011

The 15th Annual Americana Music Jam will be held at Gruene Hall this Sunday, May 22, 2011.  Organized and hosted each year by KNBT 92.1 FM radio station, the jam is a popular event for the community.  Tickets can be purchased in person at Gruene Hall or online at www.GrueneHall.com.  Ticket prices are $50 per person and sales benefit Comal County Cops for Kids Foundation. All ages are welcome to attend. The lineup includes some of the most well-known musicians of the Americana, Red Dirt and Texas Music genres.  This year's lineup includes: Cody Canada & The Departed, Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Wade Bowen, Bleu Edmondson, Sean McConnell, Ted Russell Kamp, Monty Byrom (of Big House), Matt King, Zack Walther Band, Emory Quinn, Tom Gillam, Walt Wilkins &... 05/15/2011

Well, well, well, the skies decided to open up today all the way from the Valley up to Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos and surrounding areas and send some wet stuff down on us.  I believe the ancients called it "rain???!"  My Facebook feed is all a twitter today from my Texan friends thanking the heavens for the much needed rain.  The Keller Williams RED DAY Comal County Habitat for Humanity build was postponed, but we will be meeting up again at the ReStore to help paint the office. I can't tell you how excited we are for this weather as it has been many, many months. But, in Texas it's either all or nothing, so of course there are thunderstorms warnings, watches, tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, hail....  I guess it's what we put up with to live in the greatest ... 05/12/2011

3rd Annual Keller Williams Realty "RED Day" Set to Lend a Hand in New Braunfels, Texas Keller Williams Realty associates may be taking the day off on Thursday, May 12, 2011, but it will hardly be a day of rest. Associates with the Keller Williams Heritage office in New Braunfels have chosen to "Give Where They Live" as part of RED Day, one of the biggest events in the real estate industry.  Short for "Renew, Energize and Donate," RED Day was created to unite Keller Williams Realty offices and associates in an international day of service. As part of the RED Day effort, Keller Williams New Braunfels has chosen to spend the day with Comal County Habitat for Humanity and St. Jude's Ranch for Children in New Braunfels. Comal County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat... 05/10/2011

The majestic oak trees swayed in the breeze as the Air Force honor guard marched up the driveway of a brand new, custom-built home at Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard. A local Vietnam veteran cyle group proudly stood at the front of the crowd, holding their flags high in respect. Senior Airman Colton Read and his wife, Jessica, anxiously awaited the ceremonious crossing of the threshold into their new home. "One of your neighbors here at Vintage Oaks said it best," said Bluegreen Communities CEO, Dan Koscher. "Home is where the hero is. And we're glad to welcome you home today, Colton and Jessica." It was just last Fall when representatives from Operation FINALLY HOME, Bluegreen Communities and Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes gathered to surprise the Reads with the news that they would be receiv... 05/09/2011

by Laurie Jarrett, New Braunfels REALTOR® and local enthusiast Choosing a new hairstylist is not my idea of a favorite thing to do. I stayed with my old stylist for almost 10 years and drove an hour and a half to get to her. That’s how loyal I am. But, with the price of gas being more than a gallon of milk and my time being fairly valuable, I decided that I would once and for all find a stylist in New Braunfels.In choosing a new salon, I had a few criteria: close, clean, affordable, able to book an appointment quickly, and obviously, they had to do good hair. My wish list was fulfilled with the William Edge Prodedgy salon. Prodedgy is an Aveda concept salon. This to me meant that the stylist I used was going to be well trained in technique and would know the best products for me to use ... 05/06/2011

  Toobing season is upon us!  As I was driving around last weekend, I spotted larger than average crowds for early May out enjoying the rivers. Please remember when you visit New Braunfels the rivers are patrolled and strict policies and procedures are enforced.The Comal and Guadalupe river rafting and tubing rules have been posted by the City of New Braunfels. Here's a copy of the rules of the rivers:   Water Recreation Rules Comal and Guadalupe Rivers No glass No foam containers No volume drinking devices No containers under 5 fluid oz. Noise devices may not be audible beyond 50 ft. No jumping from bridges, dams, and trees No littering Maximum permitted cooler size is 16 qt. Coolers must have a locking mechanism on the lid (zipper, Velcro, latch, cord) One cooler per person Vessels o... 05/05/2011

I secretly want to be able to build anything.  Ok, well, it isn't a secret.  I'm intrigued by the smell of lumber and a great hardware store.  I walk into ACE or Home Depot, take a deep breath and my feet magically take me to the power tools.  Some may say I've spent WAY too much time watching HGTV and the DIY network for my own good.  I did, after all, choose a career in real estate after being addicted to House Hunters for several years. I scour home improvement blogs for tips on how to refinish furniture, paint a wall stencil, and sew curtains.  So far, I've refinished one piece of furniture and the only power tool I've acquired is a hand-held sander.  But, a girl can dream. Last fall, a client came to me for a referral for a contractor to help her update her duplex.  This was no sma... 05/04/2011

8th Annual Wein & Sangerfest New Braunfels Texas The 8th annual Wein & Sangerfest will be held in beautiful downtown New Braunfels this Saturday, 7 May 2011.   What does Wein & Sangerfest mean, Brenda?  Well..in German the word wein means wine, (can also mean grape or vine--same same) and the word sangerfest means singers festival.  So, in a nutshell it means wine and singers festival which covers a lot of what will be going on that day! This year the festival will feature over 19 wineries from places such as Germany, California and of course Texas!  There will be plenty of entertainment on hand (some cool bands), food (there's even some chef showdown!), cool stuff to buy (don't forget Mom on Mother's Day!), and lots of education on wine.  There will definitely be plenty to do all day l... 05/04/2011

Rockwall Ranch Homes for Sale and Real Estate in Rockwall Ranch, Comal County, New Braunfels Tx        Rockwall Ranch is located off Schoenthal Road just outside of the city of Garden Ridge.  Homes for Sale in Rockwall Ranch vary in size and price starting in the low 2,000's for square footage and in the $300's for the most part.  Real Estate in Rockwall Ranch is often perched on an acre to a couple acres.  There are many treed home lots and yards mixed with open lots free of trees.  All of the following information will be provided as a courtesy and should be viewed as being a good approximation as of the time of this blog posting. At present there are currently 19 homes for sale in Rockwall Ranch.  The median square footage sold or available in the past 12 months at the time of this b... 05/02/2011

It's no secret that New Braunfels locals love music, wine and partying!  That's why I'm so excited to tell you about an event that we look forward to every year. The 8th Annual Wein & Saengerfest is the event of the weekend in downtown New Braunfels, TX! The Wein and Saengerfest 2011 events kick off on Saturday, May 7 at noon with a street and wine market.  There are over 40 vendors selling unique art, crafts and specialty foods. Some of the best wines from Texas, California and Germany will be available for tasting from more than 20 different wineries. Festivities continue throughout the day with a Bier Garten where attendees can sample German beers, a Chef Showdown, grape stomp, childrens' activities and live music into the evening.  Entertainment will be on three stages with music in... 05/02/2011

                          Happy Easter to all our Active Rain friends. Enjoy your long weekend and stay safe.    Do you know the answer to this one?           OK...if you don't know...The great movie Forrest Gump. We left two boxes of Whitman's Sampler Candy for you to try one of each delicious flavor for Easter. Sorry its not sugar free and as Tom Hank's said in the movie "life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what your're gonna get." Just sample away.                                                                    Carl and Ceil Winters                                                                "Living and Love Living at Canyon Lake Texas"                    To: All our friends in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Boerne and Canyon Lake - Happy Easter                      ... 04/22/2011

Saturday brought a cool breeze and warm sunshine to Havenwood, bringing families from all over to enjoy the sights and sounds of the local community. Guests were greeted at the outdoor pavilion with the bluesy-rock sounds of the Meagan Tubb and Shady People band, where they enjoyed delicious Texas-style barbeque and allowed their children to play at the nearby playground. The highlight of the day was certainly the trolley ride through the neighboring community of Gruene, where guests saw sites both popular and historic, and then returned to the community to explore the winding roads and majestic hills at Havenwood. We can't wait to host our next Tour, Taste & Tunes to show the local community what the Texas Hill Country is all about! 04/18/2011

Yes indeed another great weekend event scheduled for Gruene Texas.                                                   Market Day's at Gruene Texas                                                                       April 16 and 17, 2011                                                                                      Plan on a visit this weekend: Where?  Gruene Market Days right downtown Gruene Texas. Starts at 10:00 a.m. Bring your money, and comfy shoes. Coming from Austin or San Antonio on Interstate 35 exit where it says Canyon Lake TX and follow the signs. Left at the stoplight at Hunter Rd. Many local vendors will display some really unique gifts. There are many places to eat; sit and rest and just plain have a good time. Fortunately this is a Chamber of Commerce weekend as fa... 04/15/2011

We are pleased to invite you to our first annual Home & Land Expo on Saturday, April 9, 2011 and Sunday, April 10, 2011 from 12-6 p.m. The event will take place at our community located at 1110 Vintage Way, New Braunfels, TX 78132. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about trends in custom building and designing from some of the nation's most innovative homebuilders in the Hill Country's premier community. Featured renowned homebuilders include: Anderson-Jenkins Signature Homes, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes, Sierra Classic Homes, Stone Creek Custom Homes and Wilshire Homes. Tips and tricks for the best in Hill Country living will be offered from industry leaders. Limited-time pricing on new 1-2 acre inventory will also be available. Highlights include Jimmy Jacobs Flagship Mod... 04/05/2011

SSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHH...this is the library!!!! Perhaps I am old fashioned... Perhaps I am cranky... Perhaps I am one who expects too much... Perhaps...oh come on now, I don't think that expecting other to attempt to behave properly at a library is asking too much...or is it??? Yesterday evening I dropped off my son at Boy Scouts and that gives me an hour an a half of "ME" time each Tuesday.  Sometimes I shop, sometimes I park my sweet self at the local Starbucks for a chai tea latte and a good read, sometimes I park myself near free wifi and work on real estate stuff and sometimes I walk at the local park and just enjoy the great outdoors. Last night I decided to visit the New Braunfels public library because I am researching for a new MCE class that I am authoring.  They have a beauti... 03/30/2011

New Braunfels TX Schlitterbahn will introduce some new rides this season. Opening Day Saturday April 30th -  2011. Here is a helpful telephone number: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Phone:830-625-2351  Sorry no photo, for some reason when I went to download from my camera it was gone; where  -o - where did it go, only the photographer knows. I think I deleted it off the SD card. Schlitterbahn Update for 2011 SD Season - start making your reservation now for the summer.  Schlitterbahn, in New Braunfels, Texas  * You will be able to ride The Falls, a 3,600-foot-long ride that will travel throughout the 70-acre park. The attraction will include an AquaVeyer, a conveyor belt lift hill that will deliver The Falls' inner tubes (with or without passengers) back to the beginning of the circuit for... 03/12/2011

  A recent San Antonio Express-News article showed results of the 2010 census, which demonstrated that more than 165,000 people have moved outside Loop 1604 -- specifically North and West. It was so substantial, that the sprawl accounted for almost half of the county's growth. Meanwhile in nearby Comal County, Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, a masterplanned community in the Texas Hill Country, experienced record, triple-digit growth in 2010. Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/As-S-A-grows-folksgo-north-and-west-1044510.php#ixzz1G2Yc6suJ   03/08/2011

NEW Comal County Habitat for Humanity Build!     Sign up to volunteer for a building crew! The next Habitat home is starting construction in New Braunfels soon!  Come be a part of helping a deserving family achieve the dream of home ownership!   1825 Michigan Street New Braunfels, Texas 78130   Below are the procedures for joining the crew and helping out! Step 1: We need everyone to sign a volunteer waiver.  There are 2 different ways you can get these papers. First Choice: to print out, sign, & turn in when you arrive on the build site- Click here: Waiver Form Second Choice:  If you are unable to complete the waiver and/or profile beforehand, we will have these available on the job site. If you have any questions, please call Crystal Moore at 830-625-7005. Step 2:  We need everyone to... 02/28/2011

Cowboys, fried food, concerts - what's not to love about the rodeo! The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo kicks off this week and has a lot in store for us this year! It's a perfect day out with the family and there are tons of things to do with the kids from rides on the carnival grounds, food for everyone's taste buds (my personal favorite are the funnel cakes), bull riding and mutton bustin' (aren't those kids just too cute for words), and then a great line-up of musicians to top it all off. I have to say I think this is the best line-up San Antonio has ever had including: Toby Keith Lady Antebellum Reba McEntire Train Clay Walker Miranda Lambert Blake Shelton Martina McBride Among so many others! So grab your boots and cowboy hat Vintage Oaks and head on out to the rodeo! Let us know ... 02/02/2011