Someone told us that we can’t miss this year’s Wurstfest in New Braunfels. So, my wife and I headed to New Braunfels in November to check it out. We had a fantastic time … golf at the Bandit, some great food, lots of music, and too much beer.
Wurstfest: Golf Stay & Play at The Bandit
If we were going to be in New Braunfels for Wurstfest, there was no way we could pass up a round of golf on one of our Top-Rated Texas Golf Courses. Since they now have a Stay and Play, we decided to stay one night there before going to Wurstfest.
The Bandit Golf Course is one of those courses you can’t forget because almost every hole is challenging, unique, scenic, and memorable. And it now has several of my golf balls, which I’ll never forget. The conditions are great, the greens are fast and very difficult, the service is country friendly, and the rates are reasonable. How can you beat that?
Read our review of The Bandit to learn more about why we love this course.
Staying at The Lodges
We stayed in The Lodges at The Bandit. Our three bedroom condo overlooked the 10th fairway and it’s huge bunker! I sat on the balcony and made bets on how many fellow golfers would land in that bunker like I did. I also bet on how many of them would curse about it before taking a wild swing and knocking more sand out of the bunker. When that happens, you look up and see your ball still buried in the sand!
Our condo was very clean, well appointed, and nicely decorated. It also included a well stocked open concept kitchen (full refrigerator, microwave, oven, toaster, pots and pans, and lots more), a living and dining area, 3 bathrooms, and a soft comfy bed!
Check out our Reviews of various Stay & Plays packages.
Beer, Music, and Food in New Braunfels
After playing golf so poorly, I was ready for a few drinks and some good food. TripAdvisor, Urban Spoon, and a couple of local people we talked to recommended Huisache Grill and Wine Bar.
Huisache is in an old house and has a very unique menu, beer and wine, a quaint and cozy setting, good service, and some tasty food. All at what we thought were reasonable prices. I loved the mixed grill. Two 2-oz. beef medallions, a semi-boneless blackened quail, three skewered spicy shrimp, and poblano bacon wrapped chicken served with sliced jalapenos, apricot dipping sauce, new potatoes and a vegetable medley. Yum yum!
After stuffing our tummies, we wobbled across the street to Pour Haus, rated “the best bar in New Braunfels.” This is our kind of place, a large outdoor area with fire pits, swing seats at the outside bar, wooden chairs, bocce ball and bean bag toss courts, and live music. Oh, and cold beer at a reasonable price.
We sat by the fire. We also sat under one of the space heaters (it was very cold for this early in November) and listened to a pretty good band.
After a set at Poor Haus, we were cold and ready to move indoors. So, we moseyed up the block to AJ’s Ale House to listen to a “rock & roll, sing-along piano show.” Of course, we tried a couple beers from what they claim is “one of the largest selection of beers in Texas.” Wow! What a blast!
The piano player and his drummer were excellent. The singing piano player had a great voice, and they sang some fun songs with lots of enthusiasm. He knew how to get the crowd involved! It was fun. Plus, it was amazing how, after a few beers, we weren’t afraid to sing at the top of our lungs even though we really can’t carry a tune!
Hill Country Cottages & RV Resort
We felt a little fuzzy the next morning and went in search of the best breakfast spot in New Braunfels. The overwhelming winner was Union Street Station. We waited almost an hour to get in, but we sure enjoyed the food. They offer 55 different omelets, huge waffles, gigantic pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and some of the best Migas I’ve ever tasted. I felt better immediately.
After breakfast, we checked into our cottage at Hill Country Cottages and RV Resort. We stayed in a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom, fully-furnished cottage that could sleep up to 8. Clean, comfortable, and much better than staying in a small expensive hotel room! And Hill Country Cottages & RV Resort has 3 pools, a sauna, and a hot tub a game room, volleyball court, and more. After all the beer at Wurstfest, AJ’s, and Poor Haus, we really enjoyed that hot tub! And there was a shuttle that ran back and forth from Wurstfest.
Read our review of Hill Country Cottages and RV Resort to learn more.
Wurstfest in New Braunfels
It is impossible to not have a good time at Wurstfest. Over 40 different award-winning musicians/bands from around the world, 30 craft beers, lots of food choices, a carnival, arts and crafts, and a lively and friendly crowd make it a blast.
There are 5 stages with music from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and all of the bands we saw were outstanding. They all knew how to get the crowd excited, cheering, and dancing to some lively German music. The pitchers of beer probably helped with our enthusiasm.
Read our review of Wurstfest to learn more about this great festival.
After all the beer we had that weekend, I was happy to see the numerous food vendors at Wurstfest. Selections ranged from German to traditional Texas fare. Since this was a German celebration, I felt obligated to stuff my face with a Dusseldog on a Pretzel, Pork Schnitzel, and Wurstkabob. I also couldn’t resist a German Chocolate Cake.
At the end of the evening, stuffed full of food and beer, with tired feet from all the dancing, and a raw voice from signing and cheering, my head hit the pillow and I was out like a light bulb.
What a fun weekend. We had a great time at Wurstfest.
Author: Mike Sharp
I have a passion for travel and outdoor activities, and now I'm enjoying retired life. I will continue my traveling, golfing, boating, and enjoying life all across the great state of Texas.
