Two-step Over to Gruene

Have dinner at the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar in Gruene. Try the local Polish wedding sausage ($9) and the grilled catfish topped with tequila butter and lime ($12). End the day with a dance next door at Gruene Hall. Colored lights twinkle in the cedar trees outside. Tickets for Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, and other marquee performers cost only $22, and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Not a night owl? Make reservations for the Gospel Brunch on August 13, catered by the Gristmill restaurant.

New Braunfels, Texas

• Attractions: Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort shifts to a weekend-only schedule after August 20. Admission is $33.50 adults, $27.50 ages 3-11 ( [830] 625-2351 or www.schlitterbahn.com). For river trips, contact Rockin 'R' River Rides ( 1-800-553-5628 or www.rockinr.com) or the Gruene River Company ( [830] 625-2800 or www.gruenerivercompany.com). Natural Bridge Caverns ( [210] 651-6101 or www.naturalbridgecaverns.com) and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch ( [830] 438-7400 or www.wildliferanchtexas.com) open daily. Contact Gruene Hall at (830) 606-1281 or www.gruenehall.com.
• Lodging: One-bedroom condos at The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch start at $105 ( 1-800-444-6204 or www.newktennis.com). Families like the cottages at The Other Place Resort. Rates start at $145 ( [830] 625-5114 or www.theotherplaceresort.com).
• Contact the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-572-2626 or www.nbjumpin.com.

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