I'm from Dallas and that region is the nicest area in Texas to me. Heck, most all of the south Texas 'Hill Country' is wonderful. Spring fed streams, clean air, usually not very crowded with people, lots of German heritage and wunderschön Damen. (Beautiful ladies)
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No, have not been to Gruene, last trip was to Fredericksburg a few years ago. Don't get to do any traveling anymore.