Gruene, Texas

German immigrants arrived in this part of Texas in the 1840s. Gruene (pronounced "Green") was founded by Ernst Gruene in 1845, and is now a tourist attraction. This mansion was built by Ernst's second son, Henry,


The highlight of the town is Gruene Hall, built in 1878, the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas. George Strait, Lyle Lovett, and Hal Ketchum got started here.


And the walls are covered with photos of other famous entertainers who have performed here.


You can tell how old the place is by the floor!


There were lots of interesting things for sale in town. I really liked these. If I only had a house...


Apparently Elvis was here at some point.


We all went to dinner at the Gristmill Restaurant, and were seated on an outdoor balcony overlooking the Guadalupe River. We even had Gruene beans.



And then we went back in the evening to try out the floor. All the dancers here are WINs.



Bret Graham was a great singer, but also a terrific entertainer. This is his version of "Dueling Banjos," done on one guitar.