If you happen to be lucky enough to have some spare time during the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, take the opportunity to shop in a unique atmosphere of Old Gruene Market Days.
Gruene (pronounced “green” like the color) is a place with a very relaxed atmosphere – its slogan is “Gently resisting change since 1872” and the market days tend to live up to that saying.
Conducted on weekends once a month from February to December, the market generally features about 100 vendors who offering a wide variety of uniquely crafted items such as candles, clothing, furniture, jewelry, packaged Texas-made foods and much more.
One appeal of the Gruene Market Days is all products sold are 100 percent proudly handmade by the vendors themselves.
From canvas artists to artistic wood workers, there are more than a dozen different and unique vendor categories, with nearly 100 vendors available on any given month.
On its Web site, www.gruenemarketdays.com is a current list of many of the different types of arts and crafts. Here is a recent example of the wide variety on offer with the corresponding number of vendors in brackets:
During market days opening hours, there is an ATM on-site for the convenience of customers, and live entertainment also is scheduled. Admission is free and families are welcomed.
• Gruene Market Days are held at the Gruene Historical District – located entirely within the city limits of New Braunfels. It can be reached off Interstate 35 by taking exit 191 and following directions.
• The market days are held the third full weekend of each month.
• Admission is free
• Opening hours from February to November are 10 a.m. to5 p.m.
• However, there is a special Market day the first weekend of December. The Christmas market days have the same opening hours.
For information about the Gruene Market Days, call (830) 832-1721 or e-mail gmds2006@sbcglobal.net.