TOUR AMERICA, 2020: BULVERDE, TEXAS, THE LONE STAR STATE

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It:  Texas 281 RV Park, Bulverde, Texas

July 27, 2021

Temperature 96 Degrees

Alpine Haus Restaurant

The Barn

Time to go sightseeing.  Nope, not there website says closed.  Well, how about, nope that’s closed as well.  OK, we could go see, sorry most exhibits are closed to the public.  It is getting darn hard to find places to visit and attractions that are open.  But we don’t give up easy.  Stick with us and you’ll find that out in just a bit.

I’ve been getting up later and later each morning.  The difference is quite simple that the sun now comes in the front windshield and not the bedroom windows.  That, added to the fact that the sun doesn’t come up until almost 7 am leaves our bedroom dark and cozy until late in the morning.

Eventually, though, one does have to get out of bed.  Up and at it this morning we decided it was time for hair cuts and then we were going to treat ourselves to a special afternoon lunch.

Off we went to Great Clips which is less than a mile from our home.  Yes, everyone is wearing a mask and they restrict the number of people allowed in at one time.

We had discovered in New Braunfels a German restaurant with excellent reviews and a personal thumbs up from a friend of my sisters.   Inasmuch as we both love German food we knew we had to give it a try.

It really doesn’t look like a typical restaurant, rather it looks more like someones home.

Which we discovered is exactly what it once was.

Unfortunately, the only two on staff that were wearing masks.

The welcome mat was out for us.

This is a local, family owned and operated German restaurant.  The owner and head chef is Chris Hammond.  He has been an executive chef for over 30 years.  His German heritage provides him with the knowledge needed to create authenticate German cuisine for his guests to enjoy.

Getting ready to enjoy a meal like no other.

Barbara started with a salad.  I had cream of garlic soup.  We then ordered a basket of fried mushrooms.  Absolutely delicious.  We were off to a fantastic start.

Time for the main course.

For lunch we both had sauerbraten, premium roast beef marinated in red wine served with potato dumplings and red cabbage.  We were told that it might take a bit of time for it to come out since each meal is prepared to order.  Believe me, it was worth the wait because it was oh so delicious. We savored every bite.

Some pictures from inside.

How is your German?

Our tummies now full we were off to visit a historic part of New Braunfels Barbara had discovered on the web.

The historic Gruene (pronounced like green) is a small town nestled in the heart of New Braunfels, The Guadalupe River meanders along the West end of the tiny hamlet, and the enormous cypress trees make it seem like a slice of heaven in the midst of the Texas Hill Country.

A little research reveals the following about Gruene:  Arriving in Texas in the mid 1840s, German farmers became the first settlers of what is now known as Gruene, Texas. Ernst Gruene, a German immigrant, and his bride Antoinette, had reached the newly established city of New Braunfels in 1845, but acreage was scarce. Thus, Ernst and his two sons purchased land just down river, and Ernst built the first home in Gruene.

Much more to come tomorrow about this interesting historic district but for now, let’s visit

What exquisite pieces inside.

Everything is made in house.

OK, we’re back home now with our feet up and just relaxing.  Another day on The Road of Retirement is in the books.  We had a wonderful day from start to finish.  Oh yes, despite a world turned upside down we continue to find things to do and see.  I’ll say it again because I never tire of saying it we are two of the most blessed and fortunate people in the world.

We hope you enjoyed your day as much as we did ours.  We always appreciate your company and your comments.  Stay safe, wash your hands and wear your mask.  Till tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and her two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!