LIFESTYLE LETTER
On the Road Again....
Happy July and the 250th anniversary of the USA! We are so excited to bring you this Explore edition. July is the perfect month to talk about exploring. School is out, long sun-kissed days, family BBQs, river and pool time, and travel are what make July so fun!
In this issue, we discuss all the different ways to explore. Each person likes to travel a little differently. For my family and me, we prefer a beautiful, dog-friendly hotel with a relaxed vibe. In the past, we have enjoyed cruises, RV trips, camping, long trips, and staycations. We definitely want to highlight most of those areas and give you a couple of ideas, tips, and tricks for your travels for the rest of the summer.
I love that we live in such a cool area where we have literally everything at our fingertips! Rivers, lakes, two major cities less than an hour away, fun places to go, and yummy food to enjoy. My wish for you all is to take some time this month to slow down and take advantage of what we have in this beautiful town, or explore a little of the Hill Country and do a quick staycation if you can’t get away for a big vacation.
I want to wish you all a very Happy Fourth of July this year. It is extra special, and I am so proud that we get to live in the USA and celebrate 250 years of freedom! Thank you to all of our troops who have served and are serving to keep us free and allow us to live in such an amazing country. We salute you all! Cheers!
RACHEL SCHAFFNER, PUBLISHER @NBTXCITYLIFESTYLE
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Rachel Schaffner | rachel.schaffner@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lauren Mendez | lauren.mendez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Shearing | kelly.shearing@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Jessica Safavimehr jessica.safavimehr@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kelly Shearing | kelly.shearing@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Mariah Wasserman | earth.god.dessphoto@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Birdhouse
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
K5 Storage, Winery on the Gruene, The Albert, Hotel Contessa, The Loren Austin
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn
Blue Agave Functional Medicine
Where Integrative Medicine Meets Root-Cause Results
At Blue Agave Functional Medicine, we are more than just a primary care provider – we are your partner in proactive health Our unique approach combines traditional medicine with functional medicine techniques to help patients reach optimal health and sustain it long-term.
Advanced Bloodwork | IV Therapy | Executive Physicals
Allergy Testing | Weight Loss Solutions | Primary Care
Feeling tired, run down, or not quite yourself? Your bloodwork may hold the answer. Even with a healthy diet, factors like stress, medications, and digestive health can impact vitamin and nutrient levels.
At Blue Agave Functional Medicine, we use advanced lab testing to identify potential nutrient deficiencies and determine whether IV therapy may be appropriate. By delivering vitamins, minerals, and hydration directly into the bloodstream, IV therapy can help support energy, recovery, immune function, and overall wellness. We're proud to offer insurancecovered IV therapy for qualifying patients, making it easier to address nutrient deficiencies and support your health goals with proactive care.
Accepting Most Insurances Including Medicare
With acceptance of most major insurances, our goal is to make a holistic approach to healthcare more accessible for everyone, preventing the need for high out-of-pocket costs.
Ready to feel better?
Scan the QR code to schedule and learn more, or call our office at (830) 491-4040
inside the issue
city scene
1: Southern Tease owner, Megan, and her team celebrating 10 years in business at Sophie’s Gasthaus 2: Taking a mid-day hiking break at River Revival 2025 3: Kelley and her husband, Aaron, representing River City Refillery at a local vendor market 4: Adam Hood and Randy Rogers preforming an acoustic set at Golf Jam 2026 5: Tori, Ryan and Zander, Patriot Growth Insurance winning team of Golf Jam with Chris Harrison 6: Blue Jay Swag and Elevate Networking Alliance fundraising for Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County 7: Eliesha, Tiffany, Beverly and Dirk at 4Life Wealth Advisors event at Sophie’s Gasthaus
FOR 250 YEARS AMERICANS HAVE PROTECTED WHAT MATTERS MOST.
YOUR HOME DESERVES THE SAME CARE
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Petit Cowboy Open House
Petit Cowboy’s Open House on May 16th introduced guests to a refreshed take on Hill Country hospitality, complete with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to explore. The property offers riverside cabins and boutique stays designed for families, couples, and group getaways, with a focus on relaxed, thoughtful experiences near the water. It is a charming revamped spot that reflects the area’s easygoing spirit and scenic appeal.
Photography by @kellyshearing
HELPING RV OWNERS STAY ROAD-READY ACROSS NEW BRAUNFELS, RV RESCUE RANGERS KEEP THE ADVENTURE ALIVE
SAVING YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
When an RV breaks down, the trip rarely just pauses. It can unravel the whole plan: the lake weekend, the family getaway, the cross-country trip, the long-awaited stop in a favorite campground. For RV Rescue Rangers, that is exactly where the work begins.
Based in the Hill Country, the mobile RV repair company was built by Alisha and Michael Hunter, who know what it means to adapt, troubleshoot, and keep moving. Before they were working on rigs, they were both working in healthcare. Both eventually hit the wall familiar to so many people in demanding careers: burnout. They wanted something more flexible, more hands-on, and more directly rewarding.
Their next chapter started long before the business was official. In 2020, they began traveling full time. Along the way, they found themselves doing what many RV owners eventually do...fixing whatever broke.
“We ended up fixing a lot of RVs without realizing it was even a career field,” Alisha said. “We were already doing it, so we figured we might as well do it professionally.”
In 2024, they saw an ad for RV technician school and took the leap. What had started as full-time travel and problem solving on the road became a business rooted in lived experience. It wasn't simply reading a manual and looking at it from a technical standpoint. They understand them from the owner’s side, too. They know the stress, uncertainty, urgency, and disappointment that come when a trip is suddenly on hold.
That perspective shapes everything about how they work. Instead of making customers haul their rigs into a shop and wait their turn, they bring the service to them, no matter if it's to a driveway, storage lot, campground, or RV park.
“Why wait six months at a shop when we can often get you fixed in a day or two?” Michael said. “We go right to the driveway, the storage lot, the RV park. Wherever you are.”
Their approach is also shaped by their time in the military. Both are veterans, and they both describe that background as one of the biggest influences on how they run the business.
“That military background gave us discipline and honesty,” Alisha explained. “If we don’t know, we find out. We don’t just say ‘I think I can fix it.’ We either fix it or we don’t.”
That honesty matters in RV repair because many owners do not know what they are looking at when something goes wrong. They may know the AC stopped working or the slide is acting up, but not whether the issue is electrical, mechanical, or something deeper in the system. A lot of the time, the first problem is simply that maintenance was skipped for too long.
“Preventive maintenance is the number one thing that gets missed,” they both said. “If people just stayed on top of it, a lot of these emergencies wouldn’t happen.”
Preventive upkeep is the quiet hero of RV ownership. Roof seals, AC cleanings, slide seals, batteries, and tires all need regular attention, especially in the Hill Country, where dust, pollen, heat, and humidity can wear systems down faster than owners realize. For full-timers, they recommend AC cleanings every three to six months and roof seal checks about every 90 days. For seasonal RVers, twice a year is a smart baseline. The key is not perfection. The key is keeping eyes on the rig before a small issue becomes a major repair.
They have seen the cost of waiting. A neglected roof can lead to water damage. A damaged slide can turn into a repair bill that runs into the thousands. A battery issue can affect systems that owners assume should still work. An AC unit that sits unused all winter can fail right when temperatures climb. Most of the time, the money spent on
regular checks is far less than the cost of addressing larger repairs later.
“Just do a simple walk-around,” Alisha said. “Look for water where it shouldn’t be. Check your ceiling for discoloration. Watch your tires. It really does start that simple.”
Some of the best maintenance only takes five minutes. If the RV sits for long periods, they suggest moving the slides every few months so the seals do not lock up. Keeping systems active helps prevent expensive failures later. “They’re made to move,” Michael said. “They’re not made to sit still for years.”
For first-time RV owners, RV Rescue Rangers offers something just as important as repair: education. They provide walkthroughs and guidance because they know how confusing a new rig can be. Their own early RV experience included more than a few lessons
learned the hard way, including realizing that the bedroom thermostat was not the one controlling the furnace.
The stories they shared make that clear. They helped a newly divorced father who needed hot water for his son. They stopped on the side of the road to help stranded travelers get back on their way. They have helped a pop-up camper owner with a young child get rolling in minutes. Last year alone, they donated eight AC units to veterans trying to beat the Texas heat. The pattern is always the same: someone is
stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed, and the Rangers try to turn the moment around.
That commitment to help also extends to trust. If you are traveling somewhere unfamiliar, they say, check reviews before hiring a technician. They encourage RV owners to verify technicians, ask questions, and take their time making decisions that feel right for them.
“We’ve seen people pay $7,000 for a $1,000 air conditioner,” Michael said. “If something feels off, pause and get a second opinion.” Even if that means calling up Alisha or Michael from several states away just for their opinion.
For RV Rescue Rangers, that kind of trust is everything. It is not just about fixing a rig. It is about protecting the trip, the memory, and the investment behind it. It is about making sure a family vacation does not end on the side of the highway. It is about helping someone feel confident enough to keep going.
That may be the best way to understand the name. RV Rescue Rangers are not just repairing broken parts. They are rescuing the next adventure, one seal, one battery, one AC unit, and one call at a time.
WE’RE JUST TRYING TO GET PEOPLE BACK TO THEIR ADVENTURE.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Taste Around Texas
Taste your way across Texas at Winery on the Gruene
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY SHEARING
In the heart of Gruene, where live music drifts from dance halls and visitors wander, Winery on the Gruene is quietly redefining what Texas wine can be. When John and Jenifer took ownership in late 2024, the move wasn’t part of a long-term corporate strategy or a polished business plan. It was the result of a life shift, an empty nest, and a desire to build something rooted in passion rather than routine.
Tempranillo Texas 2023
This Texas-grown Tempranillo brings together bold fruit, savory depth, and the kind of structure that feels right at home in the Lone Star State. Aromas of black cherry, dried fig, warm spice, tobacco, and cedar lead into a palate layered with plum and cocoa. Firm tannins and balanced acidity keep everything polished, while the finish lingers with confidence. It is a wine that feels rooted in Texas soil, yet refined enough to pair beautifully with grilled meats, smoky dishes, or a slow evening in Gruene.
Sauvignon Blanc
Texas High Plans 2024
Bright, crisp, and full of life, this Texas High Plains
Sauvignon Blanc captures the refreshment that feels especially welcome in Hill Country heat. Juicy citrus flavors and zesty grapefruit acidity give it a lively edge, while a subtle streak of saline minerality and a whisper of lemongrass add texture and lift. The finish is smooth and refreshing, making it an easy fit for afternoons on the patio or a glass before dinner. It is bright enough for summer, yet polished enough for any season.
After relocating from the Dallas–Fort Worth area to New Braunfels, John discovered the winery almost by accident. What he saw wasn’t a finished product. “I saw potential here,” he shared. Today, that vision has evolved into a fast-growing tasting room experience centered on education, hospitality, and a deep commitment to Texas-sourced wines.
John’s mission is ambitious but clear: “We want to be 80 percent Texas,” he said while adding that the last 20 percent
Chardonnay Texas
High Plains 2024
Elegant and beautifully balanced, this lightly oaked Chardonnay highlights the character of Texas High Plains fruit without overpowering it. Aromas of pear, green apple, and citrus blossom open into layers of baked apple, lemon curd, vanilla, and toasted almond. Gentle oak aging adds softness and depth while allowing the wine’s bright acidity to remain front and center. The result is fresh yet comforting, pairing just as naturally with elevated dinners as it does with laid-back evenings in the Hill Country.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Texas High Plains 2023
Bold and structured, this Texas High Plains Cabernet Sauvignon delivers rich layers of ripe blackberry, baked fig, and black currant from the first sip. Notes of mocha, sweet oak, and graphite minerality unfold through the mid-palate, adding depth and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins carry the wine into a long, polished finish that feels both powerful and refined. It is the kind of red built for Texas evenings. Equally suited for steak dinners, fireside conversations, and slow pours shared among friends.
is a curated small selection of world-class wines to elevate the tasting experience. The result is a space where newcomers feel welcome, seasoned wine lovers stay curious, and everyone can discover what they truly enjoy.
For this special feature, John selected a lineup of Cattle Baron Cellars wines designed to capture the flavors, landscapes, and personality of the Lone Star State, one glass at a time
Fabulous Flatbread
This dish is from Chef Evon Profitt, the director of culinary operations for all of Westside Concepts in Arizona. This flatbread with grilled peaches, house-made rosemary paneer cheese, soppressata, fresh mint, and pistachios with a balsamic drizzle is to die for.
Grilled Peach Flatbread with House-Made Rosemary Paneer Cheese
Yield: 4 flatbreads
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 peaches cut into 8 pieces each
• 12 slices soppressata or any salami
• Fresh mint
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
• Balsamic reduction
• 4 baked naan bread
FOR THE PANEER CHEESE:
• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
• ½ tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
HOW TO MAKE PANEER CHEESE:
Paneer cheese is made by curdling milk using an acidic additive such as lemon juice or vinegar. Paneer cheese does not use any kind of rennet, nor fermentation or aging.
In a pot, bring 6 cups of whole milk to 200 degrees. Once milk has reached temp., stir in the 2 tbsp. of vinegar and turn off heat; milk will begin to separate. Allow milk to curd for 5 minutes, strain whey and curds into a cheesecloth-lined colander. Transfer curds to a mixing bowl and add chopped rosemary and 1 tsp. kosher salt, mix ingredients together, reserve the cheesecloth for the next step. Place the curds back into the cheesecloth, pull the corners of the cloth together, ring out excess whey from the curds, and hang for 30 minutes to continue draining. Once the curds have drained, place cheesecloth-wrapped curds back into the colander and place a heavy item on top, in order to press the curds into shape and press more of the whey from the cheese, for 3-4 hours. Use cheese fresh or keep refrigerated up to 4 days.
FLATBREAD:
Brush olive oil onto both sides of naan flatbread, and place in oven on rack for 10 minutes at 400 degrees, or grill for 2 minutes each side. Grill peach slices for 2 minutes each side, or place in oiled sauté pan till each side begins to caramelize. On a cutting board, lay flatbread down, and place grilled peach slices around flatbread. Take small pieces of Paneer cheese and place throughout over the peaches. Be creative and find place for the soppressata or salami of your choice. Garnish with crushed pistachios and torn fresh mint. Cut flatbread, transfer to serving plates, and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
“I love the use of fresh, locally sourced peaches, and giving people the chance to make an easy, versatile cheese at home with ingredients that many already have in their refrigerators and pantries.”
Ready for the Next Escape
From wash stations to worry-free storage, K5 Storage keeps the next getaway within easy reach
Long before K5 Storage became a place for boats, RVs, and prized vehicles, it was a family idea rooted in New Braunfels soil.
For Mary and David Kraft, the story starts with place. David was born and raised here, and Mary grew up here, too. His family has worked the land since 1895. That legacy shaped the way they thought about the future.
The idea didn’t begin with a polished business plan or corporate boardroom pitch. It started as a sketch on a napkin, dreamed up on the front porch, and around the kitchen table.
David said the idea started with something simple: noticing how often storage facilities were full. “We would see them, and they were always full,” he said. That observation turned into curiosity, then into conversations. One of the first was their contractor, Steve, with Texas Landcrafters. “I don’t think you can go wrong,” he told David. Demand was not the question. The challenge was building something better than the average storage yard.
They set out to create a facility that feels easy to navigate from the moment you arrive. That vision became a design priority, with wide drive aisles and intentional
spacing throughout the property so trailers and boats can move comfortably and stress-free.
The surface matters too. The property is 100 percent asphalt, which keeps dust and mud from following people home or coating expensive equipment after rain. It protects what people store and helps the property feel clean from the moment someone pulls in.
That clean, orderly look was intentional. Mary talked about wanting the place to feel cared for, not improvised. “I want everything in its place,” she said. “Clean, you know? That matters to me.” Even small details like fencing, layout, and landscaping reflect that mindset.
K5 Storage also reflects how Mary and David work together. David describes himself as more reserved. Mary, in her own words, is the one who says, “Let’s go.” He focuses on structure and long-term planning. She focuses on people and daily operations. Together, they built something that is as relational as it is functional.
That relationship-first approach is part of what sets K5 Storage apart. They do not offer full online booking. Instead, Mary said they prefer a phone conversation or an in-person visit. “I want to have that
“We wanted something that would work for our family, serve the community, and feel right for the land.”
relationship,” she said. “I want to know who it is when the phone rings.” Once people visit the property, many choose to stay.
The business is also family-run in the most literal sense. Their children are involved in day-to-day upkeep, from blowing out units to mowing, cleaning, and maintaining the property. “That is what family-owned and operated really means,” she said. “Everyone is part of it.”
That presence matters to tenants. People notice when the owners are on site and when questions are answered quickly by someone who knows the property. “It feels like a family,” Mary said simply.
Security is part of that trust. The property is gated, monitored, and designed to keep equipment safe. For David, it is ultimately about peace of mind.
The facility has also grown in ways they did not initially expect. A U-Haul partnership came to them, bringing additional traffic and visibility. “That was not something we planned,” Mary said. “But it has worked out really well.”
Even that part of the business has taken on a local feel. “People notice when things are taken care of,” she said. “That carries through everything.”
Growth, however, has been intentional rather than rapid. K5 Storage is nearly full, but expansion is being approached carefully. They started with three buildings so they could understand demand before building more.
“We wanted to see what people actually needed,” David said. “Not just what we thought would work.”
Even now, plans for phase two are being sketched out the same way the original project began. On paper. On ideas. On that same front porch and kitchen table.
“This is something we built with our family, on land that has been in our family since 1895,” David said. “We wanted it to work, but we also wanted it to feel right.”
That attention to detail shapes the experience tenants have every day. Mary knows many of them by name and often recognizes vehicles as they come through the gate.
That personal connection is a big part of what K5 Storage has become. It is not just a place to park or store equipment. It is somewhere people trust.
“People have a lot invested in what they store here,” David said. “If you care about it, you want it somewhere you do not have to worry about it.”
“We want to be the place people feel good about,” Mary added. “That is the difference.”
Even as the possibility of expansion grows, the focus remains steady. “We are content with doing it right,” Mary said. “We are not trying to overbuild just to say we did.”
And yet what they have built already serves a clear purpose. It is where a boat gets cleaned after a day on the water, where an RV gets plugged in before a long trip, and where people reset between adventures.
“We just wanted to build something that made sense for our life and for this community,” Mary said. “And that is what it turned into.”
What Makes K5 Storage Different
At K5 Storage, convenience is built into the experience. The property offers wide drive aisles, 100 percent asphalt, gated access, and 24-hour video surveillance, but the extras are what make it especially useful for boaters, RV owners, and travelers.
Full hookups are available on the back side of the building, including 30- and 50-amp power and water, allowing customers to plug in before a trip or after returning home. There is also bagged ice on site, a small but popular amenity for lake days and early departures. Customers can quickly stock coolers without making an extra stop.
A clean public restroom adds another layer of convenience, especially for those prepping campers or returning from the water. The property also includes a wash area where boats and RVs can be rinsed off before heading home, helping owners keep equipment in top condition.
Mary said the goal is simple. “We want it to be clean, organized, and easy,” she said. The result is a storage facility that functions like a launch point and landing pad for the next adventure, not just a parking space.
Birdwatching Made Simple
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work— birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
TEXAS ESCAPES WORTH CHECKING INTO
Close enough for the weekend, far enough to unplug
ARTICLE BY KELLY SHEARING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE ALBERT, HOTEL CONTESSA, THE LOREN
Sometimes the best getaway is the one that does not require a flight itinerary or a packed weeklong schedule. For New Braunfels travelers craving a change of scenery without straying too far from home, three Texas destinations are redefining the art of the quick escape: The Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Hotel Contessa on the San Antonio River Walk, and The Loren nestled next to Lady Bird Lake in Austin.
Each property delivers something beyond a standard overnight stay. Think attentive service before you even step through the lobby doors, spa treatments that encourage you to fully unplug, dining experiences worth lingering over, and the kind of thoughtful amenities that make a weekend feel restorative instead of rushed.
FREDERICKSBURG, TX
THE ALBERT
At The Albert, luxury arrives with Hill Country ease. Located right off Fredericksburg’s Main Street, the boutique property immediately immerses guests in the charm of the town while still feeling private and elevated. Rachel, the owner of NBTX City Lifestyle, got away for a little staycation. She described arriving to “stunning” grounds and staff who handled everything from opening car doors to greeting guests with local wine.
“It was just open, lovely, clean,” she said. “The hospitality and everything were top-notch.”
That sense of ease carried throughout the stay. The Albert offers four on-site dining concepts, a pool and pool bar, spa services, fitness amenities, and walkable access to Fredericksburg’s shopping, wineries, and restaurants. For Rachel, part of the appeal was realizing there was almost no reason to leave once they checked in.
“You don’t even have to leave the property,” she said. “They have a spa, a pool, a gym, four places to eat, and a bar. Then, within hundreds of feet, you have shopping, wineries, and places to eat. Everything is just right there.”
The hotel also stood out for its pet-friendly approach, something Rachel said instantly made the experience feel more personal. Staff greeted her dog with treats and offered food and water bowls without being asked.
“They were so accommodating,” she said. “Your dog gets treated like family.”
It is those smaller details that elevated the stay from nice to memorable. Plush robes, beautiful room design, thoughtful amenities, and celebratory touches like champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries created a sense of effortless indulgence. Rachel also said their chocolate chip cookies were “the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had in my entire life.”
The property’s on-site dining experiences also left a lasting impression. During their stay, Joel grabbed breakfast from the hotel’s bakery and barbecue concepts and quickly found a favorite in the brisket kolache.
“He said it was the best kolache he’s ever had,” Rachel said. The bakery makes its breads and pastries in-house while incorporating barbecue from Junebug's BBQ.
“The service was amazing,” Rachel said. “Be ready to be pampered and just happy.” CONTINUED >
Luxury showers that are just as beautiful as they are functional at The Albert
Your home away from home at The Albert
SAN ANTONIO, TX HOTEL CONTESSA
About an hour away, Hotel Contessa offers a different but equally indulgent escape. Set directly on the River Walk, the all-suite hotel leans into upscale comfort with spacious rooms, rooftop amenities, spa experiences, and dining that feels distinctly San Antonio.
For Kelly, editor of NBTX City Lifestyle, the luxury experience started before check-in was even complete. She took
the night off for a nice stay on the River Walk. Staff greeted everyone at the valet with warm hospitality, helped with luggage, and immediately created a sense of ease that carried throughout the stay.
Inside the lobby, guests are met with polished interiors and refreshments while checking in. Upstairs, Kelly’s suite overlooked the River Walk, blending city energy with a surprisingly calming atmosphere.
“Everything just felt so Texas, but relaxing and upscale,” she said.
Enjoy the Riverwalk during your stay at Hotel Contessa
One of the highlights of the stay was the spa experience, which Kelly described as immersive from start to finish. The experience felt intentionally tailored rather than transactional, with plush robes and a glass of Prosecco. The treatment itself felt restorative. Her masseuse, Velia, focused on creating an experience that was both relaxing and personalized.
Dining at the hotel’s Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails continued that same level of hospitality. Kelly enjoyed handcrafted cocktails, knowledgeable recommendations from staff, and live mariachi music that added a memorable local touch to the evening.
“I can’t say that I’ve ever been to a restaurant with a mariachi band walking through serenading people,” she said. “It was so Texas and so fun.”
Like The Albert, Hotel Contessa shines because of how effortless the experience feels. Guests can valet the car and spend the rest of the stay exploring on foot, whether that means strolling the River Walk, enjoying nearby museums, relaxing at the pool, or lingering over dinner and drinks.
“I didn’t have to ask anybody for anything,” Kelly said. “They were able to predict every single need that I had.”
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Poolside relaxation at the rooftop pool of Hotel Contessa
The Ambler has all you want and more
AUSTIN, TX
THE LOREN AUSTIN
The Loren Hotel Austin brings a quieter kind of luxury to the staycation conversation. Described as an “urban sanctuary,” that framing fits. Set near Lady Bird Lake, the property pairs skyline views with a design-forward atmosphere, floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials, and suites that feel intentionally restful. Its amenities lean into the elevated but relaxed experience many travelers want from a true escape, with a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, coffee shop, and Nido, the rooftop restaurant known for sweeping Austin views and seasonal cuisine.
Guests consistently reinforce that polished, low-key indulgence. Many praise the hotel’s calming atmosphere, thoughtful room design, and attentive service. One described the rooftop pool as “a very enjoyable respite,” while another noted that the room decor felt “very custom and intentional.” Others repeatedly mention the balance The Loren strikes between modern luxury and a peaceful, almost retreat-like atmosphere despite being in the middle of Austin.
The Loren offers a different flavor of staycation than Fredericksburg or San Antonio, creating a contemporary escape centered around wellness, design, dining, and skyline views. Between the rooftop experiences, lakefront location, spa offerings, and serene interiors, it feels tailor-made for travelers who want their getaway to feel sophisticated, restorative, and just far enough from home to fully unplug.
A great staycation is not just about changing locations. It is about stepping out of routine long enough to feel refreshed, cared for, and fully present. Whether that means poolside cocktails and Hill Country charm at The Albert Hotel, spa treatments and River Walk evenings at Hotel Contessa, or rooftop views and contemporary calm at The Loren Hotel Austin, each property offers its own version of luxury within easy reach of New Braunfels. Together, they prove that a memorable escape does not have to come with a boarding pass or a long drive home.
Take in the Austin skyline at The Loren
Check into luxury when visiting The Loren
Unwind with snacks and poolside cocktails at The Loren
realty report
PEACH MARGARITA
HOT HONEY
This hot honey peach margarita feels right at home at The Birdhouse. The Birdhouse pairs comfort and creativity in a way that makes a drink like this especially fitting. The sweet peach purée brings a bright, juicy note, while lime and tequila keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing. A hot honey-and-Tajín rim adds just the right kick, giving each sip a sweetheat finish that matches the restaurant’s playful approach to food and cocktails. Whether you are enjoying it with a meal or on its own, this margarita captures the spirit of a place built around delicious chicken, great drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere meant for lingering. You can sip on your marg, relaxing on the patio, listening to the live music, or cooling off inside, escaping the Texas summer
I NGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz. tequila
• 3/4 oz. lime
• 1/2 oz. tripe sec
• 3/4 oz. peach purée
• Hot honey and Tajín, for rim
• Lime wedge for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and peach purée
3. Shake vigorously
4. Dip the rim of a rocks glass in a small ramekin or plate of hot honey
5. Coat with Tajín, then fill the glass with ice
6. Strain the drink mixture into the prepared rocks glass
7. Garnish with a lime wedge
8. Enjoy!
JULY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JULY 4TH
July 4 Patriotic Parade and Program
500 Main Plaza New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 9:00 AM
The July 4 Patriotic Parade and Program brings a classic downtown celebration to life, with the route starting at Castell and Bridge, moving along San Antonio, circling the Plaza, and ending at Seguin and Zink. Downtown parking includes free and paid public spots, with 1,080 free spaces and the first hour free in paid areas.
JULY 4TH
Live @ Landa: Concert in the Park
164 Landa Park Dr., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 6:00 PM
Live @ Landa: Concert in the Park is a free, family-friendly summer concert series at the Landa Park Dance Slab, and the July 4 show runs from 6 to 9 p.m. It is part of the city’s lineup leading into the annual fireworks show. The July 4th show features the 90s VHS Band.
JULY 11TH
2nd Annual New Braunfels Coffee Festival
1450 West Klein Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 8:00 AM
The 2nd Annual New Braunfels Coffee Festival pours on a full morning of coffee and community at 13 Trees Coffee Haus. With 70+ vendors, this event gives you the chance to find your next favorite cup of coffee. There will also be artisan makers, food trucks, and hundreds of attendees. Tickets are $12.51 with kids joining for free.
JULY 11TH
ImagineNation Expo New Braunfels
375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 10:00 AM
ImagineNation Expo New Braunfels is a family-focused kids expo packed with interactive activities, local vendors, character experiences, and hands-on fun. Expect laser tag, face painting, bounce houses, comics, Funko Pops, and more! Tickets start at $10, with VIP listed at $30.
JULY 11TH
Randy Rogers Band
11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 7:30 PM
Randy Rogers Band takes the stage at Whitewater Amphitheater on July 11 at 7:30 p.m., bringing one of Texas country’s biggest names to the Hill Country. General admission starts at $65 with Reserved Wing Seating starting at $128. The show is perfect for all ages and doors open at 6:00 p.m.
JULY 17TH
Christmas in July Retreat
1528 E. Common St #13, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 10:00 AM
Christmas in July Retreat offers a festive sewing getaway, giving guests a chance to create, connect, and settle into a creative weekend. Registration is $185. The event lasts three days and includes a simple breakfast each day, giftable project ideas, games, dinner on Saturday, and lunch. As a retreat guest, you'll also receive 15% off on all purchases.
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JULY 18TH
2nd Annual Villapalooza Lokal Music & Arts Fest!
1190 Gruene Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 12:00 PM
The 2nd Annual Villapalooza Lokal Music & Arts Fest! turns Gruene Road into a two-day celebration of music and art, with live performances, creative energy, and a laid-back local vibe. The event features 20 acts across two stages and lasts across two days: July 18 & 19, from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m.
JULY 24TH
RoundUp4CharityUrban Cowboy Night
111 Landa St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 6:00 PM
RoundUp4Charity’s Urban Cowboy Night pairs dancing and community spirit with a good cause. The nonprofit focuses on bringing joy to the community through dances and game nights, and this event is set for July 24 at Columbus Club with tickets listed at $10 for members, $12 for non-members, and $15 at the door, plus $80 tables that include eight tickets.
JULY 25TH
Already Gone performing the Greatest Hits of the Eagles
290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 | 7:30 PM
Already Gone brings the greatest hits of the Eagles to Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $49 to $71, meaning you can find the price that is just right. This show is an easy pick for classic-rock fans looking for a night out in downtown New Braunfels.
