Living in the city of the Violet Crown, it’s easy to overlook the fun just down the road. So, why is the Austin AMA talking about New Braunfels? Hint: Austin AMA is having a big party on June 18 and our Hill Country neighbor just threw down the “door prize” gauntlet.

Without further ado, here are five reasons we love New Braunfels…

1) It’s home to the oldest dance hall in Texas.

Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is the oldest continually running dance hall in the entire Lone Star State. The 6,000 square foot, tin-roofed venue has played host to an array of incredible musicians, including Lyle Lovett, George Strait, John Hiatt, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Dixie Chicks, Chris Isaak, Merle Haggard, Little Richard, Willie Nelson, and many more. The hall, which has been used for a rather eclectic mix of events (from high school proms to badger fights), is now considered one of the best breeding grounds for new musical talent in Central Texas.

2) You can get your whitewater rafting on!

We bet you didn’t know you could ride some Class 3 to 5 rapids in the middle of Texas — but it’s true! Guadalupe River can flow up to 5,000 cfs during temporary releases from
Canyon Lake. There are three outfitters offering guided trips: Rockin R River Rides, Gruene River Co, and Mountain Breeze Camp, and if you prefer a slower pace, The
Comal River is a relaxing, spring-fed waterway that is perfect for tubing.

3) It has a rich German history.

New Braunfels was established in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, Commissioner General of the Adelsverein (also known as the Noblemen’s Society). The Adelsverein played an enormous role in the city’s German heritage, as they organized hundreds of immigrants to settle in the area in the mid-19th century. Since then, New Braunfels’ beginnings have been celebrated in a variety of yearly cultural events, the most famous of which is the annual Wurstfest — a celebration devoted to beer and bratwurst.

4) It has a taste of that old-school romance.

Looking for a new way to woo your lover? Get in your car, drive to the 30 acre lot of Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theater, tune into your radio, and settle in with some food and drink to enjoy a film on any one of the three large movie screens. Open year-round, the theater is a beautiful and fun throwback experience.

5) You can experience some of the greatest water thrills in the U.S!

If you haven’t been to Schlitterbahn yet, you are missing out. The park offers something for everyone, whether you’re more of a “Lazy River” enthusiast or a “Bahnzai Pipeline” thrill-seeker. From young families to a group of friends looking for a weekend getaway, Schlitterbahn is one of our favorite ways to cool off in the hot Texas summer. The park
offers one and two day packages, as well as season passes that pay for themselves after just three visits — more reason to spend more time visiting New Braunfels!

And a bonus reason? The City of New Braunfels is generous. So generous, in fact, that they are providing THREE amazing door prizes at our annual party — the Austin AMA Marketing Jam 2015 with YETI Coolers!. Pre-register for Marketing Jam for a chance to win an adventurous tour, a wine tasting trip, or a Schlitterbahn Super Day pass.