TROUT FEST 24 Guadalupe River New Braunfels, TX
GUIDE TO NEW BRAUNFELS/GRUENE SHOPPING, FOOD, BARS, MUSIC, FLOATING THE RIVER AND MUCH MORE!
GRUENE CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINTER/EARLY SPRING 2024
Guadalupe River New Braunfels, TX 2
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Letter from the Editor Dear Readers, Here we are in the middle of the first quarter of the year and it feels like it's been half the year already. At least for us it does! But it's all in good spirit. We, like probably most of you, use this time to spruce up our homes, gardens, businesses, and anything else we want situated before the year really gets going. For the magazine activities, we have been busy working on ways to make the magazine more informative, engaging, and entertaining. Our website has lots more features that users can enjoy like a full guide to almost everything New Braunfels. We've added guides to shopping, restaurants, outdoor recreation, floating the river, music, food, etc. There's also a page to follow upcoming events and festivals. We've also revamped the magazine to a beautiful layout, with an attractive look and feel altogether. We still have lots more we want to get done this year but we're at a good point and ready to tackle this new amazing year to come! And speaking of revamping, because we have so many new followers and have grown the magazine so much, we decided to revisit some of the articles we did in the very beginning just to give those features some extra exposure. So if you see something that you thought you'd seen before, don't worry, you're not losing it, we brought them back so the rest of the new crew could enjoy reading and learning about these great people and businesses. This issue is really centered around one of the most fantastic fishing events in Texas, which is the annual Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited (GRTU), Troutfest event. We have really been wanting to delve further into the outdoor aspect of our community and boy did we find one. Aside from just being about amazing fishing excursions, the members are staunch advocates for stream, river, and water conservation. Troutfest is a fun-filled family event but it's also an informative gathering for people who want to learn more. We're super excited for the upcoming year and we cant wait to get started. Thanks for following along and send us a DM or email for any suggestions on topics, people or small businesses. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we continue to celebrate the heartbeat of New Braunfels. Best,
Mel ba Romero
Creator | Publisher | Editor-In-Chief New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine® is a registered trademark of Black Pearl Publications, LLC and may not be used without permission. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, Black Pearl Publications, LLC. The information contained in this magazine is provided AS IS. Neither New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine nor Black Pearl Publications. LLC, make any representation or warranty with respect to this magazine or the contents thereof and do hereby disclaim all express and implied warranties to the fullest extent permitted by law. New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine and Black Pearl Publications. LLC do not endorse any individuals, companies, products, services, or views featured or advertised in this magazine. ©New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner.
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TROUTFEST 2024 Renewing our rivers and streams festival
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UPCYCLED TREASURES BY CARVEL VINTAGE Jenny Reacer profile
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MY EDITED WARDROBE Jessica Scott
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OPEN-AIR MARKET DELIGHTS New Braunfels Farmers Market
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GRUENE, TX Calendar of Events Winter/Early Spring 2024
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COMPLETE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING NEW BRAUNFELS & GRUENE, TX
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ADELE KERR & CO. Antique Market
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TEXAS CHALET Shaina Corzine
About the Cover: Troutfest is an annual event that takes place every year in February. Cover is an image of fishing extraordinaire Odom Wu fishing on the beautiful Guadalupe River. Check out Troutfest details on pg. 9.
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NBLM MISSION Our mission is to bring inspiration, delight, entertainment, and information to our readers by celebrating the best of the NEW BRAUNFELS Lifestyle through our print, digital and social media platforms. We will endeavor to lift small businesses, engage community, inspire creativity in homes, gardens, arts and crafts and to be resolute champions of our city, commerce, and economic development. We will commit to a standard of excellence in NBLM content regardless of platform or medium. We look forward to this bold, new journey and hope that you will join us!
Melba Romero Creator | Publisher | Editor-In-Chief
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
Red & Gruene A Holiday Shop Red & Gruene, a holiday ornaments specialty shop, is located on the North end of the Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, TX. This charming year-round holiday ornaments and unique gifts shop has been serving our guests for over 40 years. Swing by! We can't wait to meet you and help find your "something special" for the upcoming holidays!
Specializing in: Holiday and year-round ornaments and other fine unique gifts. 1706 Hunter Rd., Suite B | New Braunfels, TX | 78130 940-704-5896
Red & Gruene
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TROUTFEST 2024 The Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited Chapter is a non-profit, conservation organization whose vision is to engage in the work of repairing and renewing the rivers, streams, and other waters on which we all depend. GRTU’s Troutfest Texas is the largest event of its kind in Texas and brings out a crowd of over 4,000 people interested in fly fishing and preserving and protecting cold water fisheries.
The GRTU Chapter facilitates this threeday event every year right on the beautiful Guadalupe River, at Lazy L&L Campground located at 11699 River Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132. The event includes a fund-raising banquet, a Movie Night and a weekend Expo. The Troutfest list of events includes:
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Keynote Speakers
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Presentations from Guides, Outfitters, Gear Manufacturers and Experts from Around the World
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Live Auction & Online Silent
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Vendor Expo with Guides, Fly Shops, Artists, Outfitters, Gear Manufacturers, Rod Builders
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Fly Casting Lessons
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On Water Watercraft Demos
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Live Auction
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Movie Night
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Kids Events
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Door Prizes
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Great Food & Local Craft Beer
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Troutfest TX 2024 Speaker Bios Keynote Speaker
Chris Johnson – GRTU Conservation Chairperson and Texas State Council Chairperson Chris is the owner and founder of Living Waters Fly Fishing, a fly shop and guide service based out of Round Rock, Texas. He has guided the Texas Hill Country for seventeen years, and has fly fished the heart of the state for over 25 years. In addition to guiding his home state, Chris has been a licensed fly fishing guide in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alaska. Chris is a FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Umpqua Signature Fly Designer, Tenkara USA Guide, and TPWD Angler Educator Area Chief. He is also a pro team member for Whiting Farms, Scott Fly Rods, Dyna-King Vises, and Scientific Anglers.
the Year from the FFI Texas Council and in the same year, Living Waters was the recipient of the FFI’s prestigious Lee Wulff Award. In addition to fly fishing, Chris is passionate about fisheries conservation. He co-produced the short film “Unspoken,” to raise awareness for Rio Grande Cutthroat trout conservation. As a result, Living Waters is working with Trout Unlimited as a Gold Level endorsed TU Business to restore Rio Grande Cutthroat throughout their native range. Chris serves as the current State Council Chair for Texas Trout Unlimited and is the Conservation Chair for Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited as well. He is also a part of the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and the Rio Grande Cutthroat Conservation Team. Chris also serves as a member of the current Texas Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. Chris is happily married to his wife Emily and together they enjoy fly fishing the world and raising their children in the sport.
Chris is dedicated to sharing his passion for the sport and investing in the next generation of fly anglers. He often is a featured presenter/fly tier at fly fishing, outdoor, and community events throughout Texas and beyond. Chris and his shop have also been featured in several outdoor publications including Trout magazine, Garden and Gun, and Tenkara Magazine. He was also awarded the 2014 Man of 11
Troutfest 2024 Featured Presenters
Heather Hodson
George Daniel George has been chasing anything that swims with his fly rod since age 6 and still has the same passion 37 years later. George has competed at a high level for Fly Fishing Team USA, earning individual back to back US National Fly Fishing Championship titles and ranked as high as 5th in the World. George has also served as captain for Fly Fishing Team USA and Coach for the US Youth Fly Fishing Team. He has competed and won other regional and national fly fishing competitions over the years. At age 30, George decided to give up competitive fly fishing and focus on what he enjoys most-teaching. George Daniel considers himself a teacher first and a fly fisher second. He has authored three best selling fly fishing books and has authored dozens of articles for national fly fishing publications, including Fly Fisherman Magazine. He continues to travel the county conducting lessons and workshops for private groups, corporations, and conservation organizations. In 2022, George decided to come back to coach the US Youth Fly Fishing Team. He’s a brand ambassador for a number of fly fishing companies. He is currently the Director of the Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program at the Pennsylvania State University. George currently lives on an old farm homestead with his wife, two children, and boykin spaniel. 12
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Heather Hodson (she/her/hers), the visionary behind iFishiBelong, Fly Fish Instruct, and United Women on the Fly, calls Spokane, Washington, home, nestled in the heart of west slope cutthroat country with her life partner. Frequently characterized as a “Jill of All Trades” and an everlasting fly-fishing student, Heather stands out for her contagious enthusiasm for knowledgesharing, mentoring, philanthropy, and innovative thinking. Despite not adhering to the conventional image of a fly-fishing instructor, Heather and her Fly Fish Instruct team symbolize the industry’s future.
Landon Mayer Landon Mayer’s angling success is fueled by an addiction to pursuing selective quality trout on the fly. Mayer enthusiastically teaches and demonstrates his techniques and on-river
knowledge to fellow anglers and has developed innovative strategies for sighting, hooking, and landing selective trout. He shares these tips and secrets in his books 101 Trout Tips: A Guide’s Secrets, Tactics and Techniques (new for 2015), Colorado’s Best Fly Fishing, Sight Fishing for Trout (Second Edition), and The Hunt for Giant Trout: 25 Top Locations in the US to Catch a Trophy, Guide Flies: Easy to Tie Patterns for Tough Trout. in addition to a new instructional video Mastering the Short Game(www.mastertheshortgame.com). Landon’s passion for fly-fishing has allowed him to make several noteworthy contributions to the sport on and off the water. This has included travels to fly-fishing related organizations of the Mid-Atlantic, West, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Southern states, as well as teaching through guided trips, flyfishing classes, presentations, and demonstrations of his unique techniques. Mayer is a contributing writer for Fly Fisherman and High Country Angler magazines. His contributions also have been featured in publications such as Fly Fusion and American Anglermagazines. As an ambassador in the fly–fishing industry, Mayer represents several lines including Simms Fly Fishing apparel and is a royalty fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants. He is also an advisory team member of Simms, Bauer Reels, R. L. Winston Rods, Scientific Angler, Smith Optics, Fish Pond, Yeti Coolers, Regal, Fly Craft, and Casio Pro Trek watches. Mayer has been guiding in Colorado full time on the South Platte River for the last 26 years, and one full season on the Nak Nek River in AK. He resides with his family in Woodland Park, Colorado.
Pat Dorsey A native of Colorado, Pat Dorsey has been guiding for over 30 years. Pat Dorsey spends well over two hundred days a year on the water, a combination of guiding customers, hosting destination travel-trips, and personal days on the water. Pat Dorsey is the head guide and co-owner of the Blue Quill Angler fly shop in Evergreen, Colorado. He oversees and trains more than 25 guides, setting the standard for integrity and professionalism in the Blue Quill Angler guide operation. Dorsey also, maintains an online stream report that monitors stream flows and conditions for the Blue, Colorado, South Platte (Cheesman, Deckers, Spinney Mountain Ranch, and Elevenmile Canyon), North Fork of the South Platte, and Williams Fork Rivers. Pat Dorsey is a Simms Ambassador, a member of the Sage Elite Pro Team, Fishpond Ambassador, Orvis Pro Team Member, Yeti Pro staff, and Scientific Anglers pro staff. Pat Dorsey is the Southwest Field Editor for Fly Fisherman Magazine. In 2005, Pat authored the book, A Fly Fishing Guide to the South Platte River, a complete howto fly fishing manual for the entire South Platte River drainage. It encompasses a thorough look at each section of the river detailing the hatches and recommended fly patterns for each of the four seasons of the year. In 2009 Pat Dorsey authored Fly Fishing Tailwaters, a comprehensive book on how to fish tailwater 13
fisheries. In 2010 a companion book to Fly Fishing Tailwaters hit the shelves, Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies, which is jam-packed with how to tie Pat Dorsey’s favorite “guide flies”. This book includes 500 step-by-step tutorials, as well as, helpful tips and illustrations on how to rig and fish them. His latest book is Colorado Guide Flies, which was released in 2015. It features tips from the state’s best guides and includes approximately 600 proven guide flies with recipes. In 2020 Dorsey revised his book Fly Fishing Guide to the South Platte River, which includes complete updates, new photos, hatch charts, and maps. Dorsey’s latest book is Favorite Flies for Colorado: 50 Essential Pattern from Local Experts, which was released in October 2022. Pat Dorsey is a nationally known speaker. He travels the United States sharing his passion for fly fishing at trade shows and private fishing clubs. He is very active in Trout Unlimited and the conservation of cold-water fisheries. Pat Dorsey is the proud father of three wonderful boys, Forrest, Zach, and Hunter. He is also blessed with two step children, Nicole and Michael Richardson. They, like their dad, enjoy fly fishing. His wife, Kim, is an avid angler and often appears with Pat at trade shows and other speaking engagements. Kim and Pat Dorsey, also, host a yearly trip to Alaska Sportman’s Lodge each September, Soaring Eagle Lodge in October, Nomadic Waters in Brazil in November, and Rio Manso Lodge (Patagonia) each April and December with a group of customers.
Troutfest 2024 Panel Discussion Participants Judson Cole
Judson Cole is the manager at Rio Anglers, a new 14
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guide service focused on the Guadalupe River and surrounding areas. However, Judson has been guiding for 15 years on the Guadalupe River under his old guide service, Hell N Back Outfitters. Originally from Abilene, TX, Judson made his way to the Hill Country after graduating from Tarleton State University in 2005. After a short few years in the corporate world, he took up guiding to provide for his growing family. He now lives in Blanco with his wife, Tara, and two daughters, Paisley and Kinley.
Dan Cone Dan Cone is the owner and primary guide for the Castell Guide Service. He grew up fishing and hunting in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, spending many of his summer days on the Llano River. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 1999. After completing his studies he returned to Llano and got a “real job” but found himself spending more and more time fishing on the rivers of the Texas Hill Country and in 2002 began guiding on the Llano River. In 2006 Dan began splitting his time between Texas and Colorado. He worked as Head Fishing Guide for Elktrout Lodge from 2006 to 2008 In 2009 moved to the Roaring Fork Valley to work for Frying Pan Anglers, where he guides the Frying Pan, Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. In 2011 Dan began splitting time between Frying Pan Anglers and managing the San Juan Angler in Durango, CO, adding the San Juan below Navajo Dam, Animas, Pine & small creeks to his offerings in Colorado & New Mexico.
Chris Jackson Fishing experience from the Pacific to the Atlantic, as well as Belize. Appeared on the
Gruene episode of the Emmy award winning Bronco Roads tv show. I’m a full time fishing guide and owner of Action Angler & Outdoor Center on the Guadalupe River. My fly shop opened in May of 2001. I have over 30 years of fly fishing experience, which started on stock ponds in north east Texas. I caught my first trout on the fly in Colorado at age 12 while hiking the headwaters of the Rio Grande. My guide resume includes one of the most technical rivers in North America called the Fryingpan. I continue to fish and guide in Colorado through the summers, and have fishing experience in numerous waters stretching from California to Maine and all the way down to Key West. My only experience out of the country is Belize. I’m always looking to share my experience with other anglers looking to fish the hill country, and learn from other anglers as well. *TXPW licensed fishing guide, *Colorado float guide certified *Swift Water Rescue certified *Trout Unlimited Endorsed Guide *Wilderness First Aid certified
Chris Johnson – Panfish and Rio Grande Cichild Panelist Chris is the owner and founder of Living Waters Fly Fishing, a fly shop and guide service based out of Round Rock, Texas. He has guided the Texas Hill Country for seventeen years, and has fly fished the heart of the state for over 25 years. In addition to guiding his home state, Chris has been a licensed fly fishing guide in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Alaska. Chris is a FFI Certified Casting Instructor, Umpqua Signature Fly Designer, Tenkara USA Guide, and TPWD Angler Educator Area Chief. He is also a pro team member for Whiting Farms, Scott Fly Rods, Dyna-King Vises, and Scientific Anglers. Chris is dedicated to sharing his passion for the sport and investing in the next generation of fly
anglers. He often is a featured presenter/fly tier at fly fishing, outdoor, and community events throughout Texas and beyond. Chris and his shop have also been featured in several outdoor publications including Trout magazine, Garden and Gun, and Tenkara Magazine. He was also awarded the 2014 Man of the Year from the FFI Texas Council and in the same year, Living Waters was the recipient of the FFI’s prestigious Lee Wulff Award. In addition to fly fishing, Chris is passionate about fisheries conservation. He co-produced the short film “Unspoken,” to raise awareness for Rio Grande Cutthroat trout conservation. As a result, Living Waters is working with Trout Unlimited as a Gold Level endorsed TU Business to restore Rio Grande Cutthroat throughout their native range. Chris serves as the current State Council Chair for Texas Trout Unlimited and is the Conservation Chair for Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited as well. He is also a part of the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and the Rio Grande Cutthroat Conservation Team. Chris also serves as a member of the current Texas Freshwater Fisheries Advisory Committee and the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. Chris is happily married to his wife Emily and together they enjoy fly fishing the world and raising their children in the sport.
Cody LaCroix My name is Cody LaCroix and I work as a full time fly fishing guide for Central Texas and Alaska. From November to May I will be fishing on the Guadalupe River chasing rainbow trout & then fishing Alaska from late May to early October also for rainbow trout. I have been guiding full time since 2016 teaching the sport of fly fishing while helping customers become more confident anglers.
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Piper Nunn Piper Nunn is an artist and angler based in Denver, Colorado. Her art is inspired by her love of fly fishing, as well as her passion for conserving our fisheries and waterways. With a degree in Fisheries Biology, Piper is well versed in the issues that our fisheries face and hopes to use her art as a conservation tool. Piper believes that art can inspire and connect others with fisheries and waterways around the world, as well as inspire others to protect the areas and species that need our protection. “I hope that my art helps others to bring the outdoors into their homes and be constantly reminded of the beautiful world which we are lucky to explore, and the duty which we have to protect it.”
Austin Orr – Moderator Austin Orr was given his first fly rod at the age of nine and he never looked back. After arriving in the Corpus Christi area in 2008, he spent a decade exploring and fishing all the flats, beaches, jetties and nearshore rigs that he could walk, paddle or motor to. In 2011 he earned his Fly Casting Instructor certification from Fly Fishers International (FFI). Currently, Austin works with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Fisheries Management in San Marcos, helping ensure there are fish and beautiful places in which to catch them for future generations to come. In keeping with his passion for teaching, Austin started Elevate Fly Casting in 2019 to provide a resource for dedicated anglers who’d like to level up their casting and fishing knowledge.
Chase Smith – Carp and Gar Panelist Chase Smith is an accomplished local fly angler and commercially produces his fly patterns through his company FishChaseFlies. Chase has spent countless hours chasing a wide array of fish species all over the Texas Hill Country and no one can argue his effectiveness as an angler and as a fly designer. He recently became a Montana Fly Company signature fly tier and is also a member of the Renzetti Vise pro staff. Chase is renowned for his skill tying Blane Chocklett’s GameChanger and other articulated flies. Chase ties flies for a wide array of species in both fresh and saltwater. However, he especially enjoys tying flies for aggressive, predatory species. Aside from tying hundreds of flies every month, Chase also spends plenty of time on the water tweaking new patterns and sight casting to anything that swims. His favorite species to target are carp, bass, and redfish and many of the patterns he designs revolve around those species.
Marcus Rodriguez – Guadalupe, Largemouth, and Smallmouth Bass Panelist
Marcus Rodriguez is well known throughout the local fly fishing community as the co-founder of The Guides of Texas, which he ran with his partner Johnny Quiroz. For many years, The Guides of Texas was considered one of the most respected outfitters in the Texas Hill Country. Now, Marcus guides part-time exclusively for Living Waters Fly Fishing, concentrating his El Legado De Nuestra Jornada Mural – The Legacy of Our Journey, New Braunfels, TX efforts on warmwater species. Throughout his fly Designed by MOSAIC Artist-in-Residence Alex Rubio 16
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fishing and guiding career, he has introduced countless people to the joy of fly fishing Central Texas. With its spring fed creeks and crystal clear rivers, Marcus believes the Texas Hill Country is a world class fly fishing destination that everyone should experience. Marcus has more than 25 years of guiding experience under his belt and guides over 1000 river miles in the state of Texas. He has been featured in a number of publications including Southwest Fly Fishing, Austin American Statesman, Denver Post, Lone Star Outdoor News, and Texas Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing. Marcus was also a featured guide on Fly Fishing the World and Ford Motor Company’s TV series: The Outfitters. He is a former board member of the San Marcos River Foundation and due to an inordinate amount of logged river hours, he is likely the best canoe paddler you will ever cross paths with! In addition to all of these accomplishments, he is one of the finest people you will ever meet, and every day spent on the water with him is an absolute blast! Many THANKS to all the amazing sponsors of TROUTFEST 2024, too many to name but a complete listing can be found on the website: www.grtu.org/troutfest-tx
SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TROUTFEST AND THE GRTU ORGANIZATION. 17
Situated in the heart of downtown New Braunfels, TX, Marie Finger created Wild Bloom Market from a much needed change in her career and as an outlet to her love of artisan products. As a result, her boutique is a beautiful collection of merchant items with a little something for everyone. From wellness, clothing, and pottery to home goods, the Wild Bloom Market has it all! Marie Finger grew up in San Antonio, TX, and considers herself a true entrepreneur at heart. She previously owned a Medical Spa for 24 years and is a Certified Nutrigenomic Specialist (Nutrition & Genes). Marie has her own wellness CBD brand, Wild Organics, and she also offers Nutrition Genetic Testing at her store.
Bring in this ad and enjoy 20% off any item. (Some exclusions may apply) Call and schedule a wellness consultation or just stop by: 512-877-0400 Email us at: Bloom@wildbloom.market Follow on Instagram to see all the latest sales and happenings: wildbloommarketnbtx
Natural Skin Care Bath and Body CBD Hemp Flower Clothing Baby Items Jewelry Pet Products Lake Goods Pottery Plants Hand Made Candles
Wildbloom Market 189 E. San Antonio St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 (512) 877-0400
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Upcycled Treasures by Carvel Vintage By: Stacey Lovett
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Jenny Reacer “Sometimes all you need is a little vibe music and a trusty welder to empower your creative process – all the rest is in your soul.”
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rtist Jenny Reacher holds true passion for her art – so much so that it emanates from her presence and illuminates the room. She finds an unconventional beauty in random automotive and vintage parts otherwise destined to be discarded and sources them for the uniquely amazing lighting pieces she creates for her business, Carvel Vintage. When it comes to great talent, roots often run deep. Jenny grew up immersed in art (her father a 2nd generation hot rod pinstriper) as well as the attitude that one can conquer whatever they put their mind to, that one’s passion brings substance to life greater than material wealth. And in her medium she not only creates aesthetically wonderful pieces but creates a commentary on the waste of the world – of this material wealth and abundance – proving that beauty and function still lives on even after most deem it “through.” This wisdom is drawn from her upbringing – both in the ‘feast
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or famine’ territory of being a working artist and the influence of retro ideals as she was surrounded with hot rods – a culture which celebrates the simplicity of an earlier time as well as the hands on aspect of being one with the power of your machine. “Having to make due forced you to get creative--years ago, it used to be whatever you had, had to be used for 10 different things” and Jenny holds this wisdom true in her art today. Jenny started out joining her art and ideals with clothing and textiles, remaking thrift store finds into new pieces but eventually turned to familiarity alongside her uncle – a mechanic and master welder – hooked from the first time she picked up a welding torch. She has honed her skills over the past 6 years and never looked back. The two of them started out creating with salvaged pieces and doing shows together, but slowly went their separate ways with their own aesthetics. She creates with many discarded automotive parts but also incorporates a lot of vintage wares “anything someone is throwing away that
looks really cool and old, I use.” 98% of her materials are ideally scrap & salvage – her intent to convey her message and motivation to not pass on any additional cost to the customer. Lighting is her passion – the combination of always having lived in small spaces requiring artificial lighting and her belief of a dual purpose of objects inspired her to pursue illuminated metal sculptures as her focus.
“Dealing in scrap & salvage you never know what you’re going to get so it can be a big challenge but it guarantees I’m never going to make the same thing.” However, meeting Jenny you get the first impression that she doesn’t fear challenge but rather invites it. At any given time she can have anything from vintage typewriters & sewing machines to rotary
phones and Cadillac wheel spokes ready to pick from in her shop and periodically takes her truck out picking to piece together her finds into her next work of art. Her ties in the automotive world guarantee her an interesting surplus of scrap parts but the hunt for unique pieces is half the fun. She draws a lot of inspiration from art deco and the rest is more of a spontaneous “mad scientist” motivation after laying out all of her goods, sometimes having multiple designs and projects drawn out at a time. “Everything I make, I love.” That personal element Jenny puts forth in her art appeals to such a broad audience in the shared respect and love of design. Paired with the intent to keep the affordability of her art low – with the nature of the medium and her beliefs – she has been able to spread her message further to all walks of life through her art, and she has made it her goal to continue to inspire upcycling with plans for larger gallery-inspired pieces in the future.
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Jenny’s parents have played a pivotal role in her attitude on life as well which alongside her talent and passion has led her to be able to enjoy and do what she does today. The balance of her father’s advice to start small and hone her skills, along with her mother’s words to live simply and be willing to make sacrifices, has allowed her the freedom to do what she wants as an artist. “Things’ don’t make us happy. It’s what we do and what we live for each day that does.” Jenny Reacher has put her signature style on both her life and her life’s work, and it is one of wisdom grown and nurtured from her roots. She has empowered herself - reflecting her true essence in her art -and challenges other artists to do the same - to defy what they perceive as their limitations and be surprised of the outcome. “You learn to weld and your whole life changes.” And when you’re doing it to also make a difference in the world, you begin to rule yours as well.
“Things’ don’t make us happy. It’s what we do and what we live for each day that does.”
--Jenny Reacer, Carvel Vintage You can learn more or contact Jenny at: www.carvelvintage.com
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
Gilded, in its simplistic definition, means to coat something in gold, but the origin of our name goes much deeper than that. Our name and culture is derived from this idiom because we wholeheartedly believe that every single person is beautifully made. Our services are here to enhance your beauty.
SPECIALIZING IN LUXE LIVED-IN COLOR, MODERN BLONDING TECHNIQUES, & HAND-TIED EXTENSIONS
Bringing a high-end, white-glove salon culture and environment for our guests and team members is of the utmost importance and something we strive to cultivate every single day.
GILDED HAIR SALON 255 W. Faust St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 830-381-9805 www.gildedhairsalon.com
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Fresh Olive Oil and Vinegar On Tap The Gruene Olive Tasting Room is a beautiful shop located in historic Gruene, TX, offering fresh Olive Oil & Vinegar on tap, Gourmet Chocolates, Pastas, Pestos, Spices, Sauces, Servingware & so much more! Perfect for adding that extra flair to your meals or for those special gifting ideas. 1641 Hunter Road New Braunfels, TX 78130 (830) 627-9087 www.grueneolive.com Scan for more!
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204 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.629.7824
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IN OUR HOMES
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My Edited Wardrobe By: Jessica Scott
One of the most rewarding area’s to tackle and organize is the closet! These are probably the spaces I enjoy decluttering the most because the visual impact is immediately rewarding. If you have read Marie Kondo’s book, “The Art of Decluttering”, one of the things she suggests is removing everything in your closet, touching each piece, and returning it to your closet but only if you absolutely love wearing it and it makes you feel good. While this method is tried and true, in doing my own closet, I found that these steps were way too overwhelming with a newborn and two littles running around. Instead I just went piece by piece through my closet. At this point in my life, I had a ton of clothes that were different sizes, styles, occasions, etc. and pieces that had been passed down or gifted to me. I had been pregnant three times and had clothes in all those associated sizes, which were basically mumus and leggings. No judging here. My closet was a hot mess and I pretty much rotated the same five things.
also allowed myself more room for workout and casual clothes, because that replaced my work section. I love wearing dresses so I if the dress made me happy I didn’t get rid of it. Dresses are basically pajamas if you’re doing it right. My closet is now only filled with clothes that I feel look flattering on me and that make me happy when I wear them. I have to continually go through my closet to ensure it stays that way. I think a minimalist or capsule wardrobe is different for everyone, but everyone can make it work in their favor and make getting dressed easier. To contact me or for more on how I can help you get organized, please visit my website at: www.livingsimplyorganization.com
Can I tell you this was way harder for me than I thought it would be, but once I stopped holding myself back it was increasingly satisfying. First pass through I think I got rid of 8 items. Not really what I was going for with that. Try again, Scott. I went through again and discarded anything that was not flattering for my body. I discarded anything that I only kept out of guilt because it was a gift from a loved one. I had to remind myself that their joy was giving me the gift, it didn’t mean it needed to take up real estate in my closet for the next 6.5 years. I got rid of the dresses I was saving for someone’s wedding. Guys – I had shoes from high school in my closet. And not Chuck Taylors. We’re talking Steve Madden heels. Trust me when I say I should not be walking around in my Steven Madden heels from high school. Going through my closet, I got rid of a bunch of nice work clothes because I no longer had a corporate job and needed to dress nice daily. I kept a couple nice pieces if I ever needed to go to a professional event, but I ditched most of my work wardrobe. I
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NB MINGLE
Open-Air Market Delights
PLACES TO GATHER, SHOP, EAT & DRINK
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New Braunfels Farmer's Market By: Melba Romero
t’s no secret that some of the most popular places to visit while in New Braunfels are the wonderful Open-Air Markets and the New Braunfels Farmer’s Market is at the top of the heap. Open every Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, and centrally located in the heart of downtown, the location is ideal for locals and visitors.
The New Braunfels Farmer’s Market takes great pride in the sourcing of their vendors many offering hand-made wares with finely detailed craftsmanship that can include genuine leathers, jewelry embellished with precious gems, and handmade quilts, blankets & throws (to name a few). There's always a great line-up of live music too.
The market is always bustling with casual browsers and shoppers on a mission for the perfect and fresh ingredients for a delightful meal planned for family and friends. Because of the ideal location, it’s easy to just pop-in for a gorgeous bundle of kale or sweet carrots. Of course, there’s convenience for many other specialties too--like flavored infused olive oils, herbs, salsas, jerky, sausages, quail eggs, exotic teas and the likes. There is no shortage of baked goods either. The market vendors offer an array of breads and cookies with options of onion bread, garlic breads, sourdough loaves, and cookie assortments too many to name. But if you have a favorite it’s almost a guaranteed find.
The overall shopping experience in this market is nothing short of a treat and fur-baby-friendly too! There is an intriguing item for everyone in the family. Whether it’s a need for an ideal indoor/outdoor plant, a love of gourmet ingredients, a special addition for the man cave, or special time with the kids with treats and face-painting...there is sure to be something for the whole family.
New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
The market is also conveniently located next to Krause’s Café & Biergarten which adds some delicious German brunch or lunch options. To learn more about the market please visit: www.nbfarmersmarket.com
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GRUENE TX CALENDAR OF EVENTS Winter/Early Spring 2024
March 16-17: Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. Market hours are 10-5pm. Free admission. For more information, visit GrueneMarketDays.com or call (830) 832-1721.
Every Day: Live Tunes at Gruene Hall Gruene Hall features live music everyday year ‘round. Most shows are free Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Friday and Saturday evenings are generally ticketed shows. For band schedule and availability, visit GrueneHall.com or call (830) 6061601.
February 24: Midnight River Choir at Gruene Hall*
January 27: Triston Marez at Gruene Hall* February 2 & 3: Stoney LaRue at Gruene Hall* February 6: Annual Rodeo Trail Ride The Annual Rodeo Trail Ride is a seven-day trek beginning in Buda and making its way into San Antonio to kick off the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. Trail riders will be making their annual arrival in Gruene on Tuesday afternoon before continuing on their journey. They will take a brief break in Gruene and visitors are welcome to come meet the trail riders and pet the horses. The setting of this historic district makes the perfect backdrop to this timeless Texas tradition. Greater Randolph Area Trail Riders Association (GRA-TRAils) is the non-profit organization hosting the annual trail ride promoting family fun, fellowship and the love of horses. February 9 & 10: Pat Green at Gruene Hall* February 10: Love the Run You’re With Grab a spouse, friend or furry loved one and come dressed as your favorite famous duo to the Annual Love the Run You’re With 5K presented by Comal Fit. Comal ISD’s Comal Fit works to make healthy easier together for CISD students, staff and communities. For more information, visit www. AthleteGuild.com. February 14: Valentine’s Day with Dale Watson & His Lone Stars at Gruene Hall* February 16 & 17: Uncle Lucius at Gruene Hall* February 17-18: Old Gruene Market Days 36
New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
Feb 29 & Mar 1: Eli Young Band at Gruene Hall* Beginning March 1: Friday Afternoon Club at Gruene Hall A Gruene Hall tradition, now in its 26th year, where hipsters, oldsters, suits, locals and drifters mix it up to start their weekend rite—pun intended! Come enjoy the quintessential Friday happy hour with great beer prices, prize giveaways and the best in Texas tunes broadcast live by KNBT 92.1 Radio New Braunfels. There’s even a special guest interview each week. Some that have stopped by for a chat have included Ray Benson, Steve Earle, Radney Foster, Hayes Carll and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Good times! March 2: 15th Annual Texas Independence Celebration To celebrate the 188th anniversary of Texas’ independence, Gruene Historic District is throwing a Texas-sized celebration with special offers and events from 11am to 4pm. For details, visit GrueneTexas.com or call (830) 629-5077. March 2: Kinderschuhe 5K Run & Walk All proceeds help Communities In Schools purchase shoes for low-income school children. For more information or to register for the race, visit NBU5k. com. March 2: Ray Wylie Hubbard at Gruene Hall* March 8 & 9: Roger Creager at Gruene Hall* March 12: Swing Dance Lessons Learn simple, fun East Coast Swing steps in this one-hour class before the Two Ton Tuesday show at Gruene Hall! This class is perfect for beginners or those wanting to polish their wraps, tunnels, turns and spins! The one-hour lesson begins at 6pm and is just $10 per person. Hang around Gruene for dinner and try out your moves with popular rock-abilly group Two Tons of Steel that evening, starting
at 8:30pm. Call Gruene Hall at (830) 6061281 for more information. March 12: Two Ton Tuesdays Spring Break Show A summertime rock-a-billy favorite, Two Tons of Steel plays a special show at Gruene Hall each Spring. If you haven't felt the energy of Two Tons live, grab your dancing partner and get ready for a rockin' night. The band takes the stage at 8:30pm. Come early for Swing Dance Lessons from 6pm to 7pm. Call Gruene Hall at (830) 606-1281 for more information. March 14: Come and Taste It – Meet Texas’ Best Winemakers & Brewers “SPRING BREAK EDITION” Join us in The Grapevine Garden to taste some of our favorite Texas wine and craft beers! Free and open to the public, this event features live music and complimentary tastings by up to 4 wineries and 4 breweries hand-selected by the Grapevine staff. It’s the perfect opportunity to sit and sip in the heart of Gruene Historic District! For more information, visit GrapevineInGruene.com or call (830) 606-0093. March 14: Los Texmaniacs featuring Flaco Jimenez & Augie Meyers at Gruene Hall * March 15 & 16: Pecos & The Rooftops at Gruene Hall* March 22 & 23: Giovannie & The Hired Guns at Gruene Hall* March 29: Corey Kent at Gruene Hall* March 30: Kyle Nix & The 38’s at Gruene Hall* *Advance tickets recommended Band Information: GrueneHall.com Gruene Texas Information: GrueneTexas.com 37
complete guide to everything new braunfels and gruene, tx SCAN below or visit: www.nblifestylemagazine.com
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
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ANTIQUE CORNER
Adele Kerr & Co. - Antique Market Purveyor of Authentic & Rare Goods Written by Gail G. Collins
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s you would expect, when prominent designers are on the hunt for niche, antique home decor, they turn to Adele Kerr & Company. “They text me looking for specialty items, and we send photos back and forth for their projects,” said Kerr. Experts need a reliable source for authentic and rare goods. But would you also expect to bump into set designers from a television production company? Setting realistic scenes for shows is exacting and they know where to scout their needs. Artistic stylists have traveled to New Braunfels to kit out the sets of Pierce Brosnan’s The Son, Fear of the Walking Dead and others. Shhh, it’s one of our small town secrets. Adele Kerr & Company, currently adjoined next to the Rooster Antique Mall, boasts an spacious yard of unique architectural finds. The immediate appeal to the Kerr shop is the diverse group of outstanding vendors, who form a collective, offering mid-century, industrial chic, vintage and repurposed items with primitive and fine antiques, all in one place. “We are the best of the hard to find,” said Kerr. The dealer spent 30 years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the furniture and lighting business, selling an antique reproduction line represented nationally in trade showrooms and retail stores. Her children took over the business nine years ago, and she left the hustle and bustle of Dallas to build something new.
“With the booming housing industry, people needed to furnish homes with bigger, functional pieces,” said Kerr explaining her collective. Pintrest spurs some shoppers to recreate ideas and repurpose things. “We have parts to put things together,” she said. This is especially true in the yard, filled with architectural salvage, concrete items, iron furniture, barbed wire, fencing, corbels, plus racks and racks of aircraft parts. Wings become a bookcase or light fixture. Engine sleeves double as planters, and turbines find a new life as mirror frames or fire pits because they can take the heat. Within the buildings are beautiful displays of turnkey items, ready to go. “People enjoy the home settings,” said Kerr. “It helps them visualize it in their space.” The vendors are cream of the crop, admitted Kerr, and generally, create the vignettes. Chandeliers, paintings, sideboards, dining room sets, armoires, side tables and much more inspire mixing old pieces into one’s home.
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
Clients are savvy trend-wise and Kerr’s base comes from Marburger, Round Top, Dallas, San Antonio, and California. The huge surprise to her was the huge traffic from Houston, which is consistent. New Braunfels draws folks over to spend the weekend eating out, shopping for unique finds and antiques, relaxing by the river and so on—a happy destination. Kerr’s antique market is open seven days a week, and they do a brisk business on the weekends.
Kerr’s passion is art. “I go for anything—I’m drawn to it.” She shares this passion with her son, Austin, whose work is represented throughout, particularly Venetian plaster on board.
Though New Braunfels is growing fast, Kerr said, “Our shops are equivalent to a big town with that small town sensibility. People are nice, here.” It’s true. One day, Kerr received a note and three dollar bills to pay for mushrooms picked from her grounds. To reach Adele Kerr or to learn more go to: www.adelekerrantiquemarket.net
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
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LIFESTYLE
Texas Chalet: Beginnings of an European Venue Written by Gail G. Collins “Stuff means nothing, unless you share it with somebody,” said Shaina Corzine. The successful, self-taught antiques dealer certainly knows a thing or ten about valuable stuff and invaluable people. Owner of La Belle Vie in historic downtown New Braunfels since 2011 and Red Stag since 2012, she started small, but executes a vision that grows grander with the years. “You need passion and determination … start with what you do have, do the best you can, buy the best you can afford and grow it from there,” she said. Though Corzine studied marketing at Baylor, she reveled in her two interior designer roommates’ homework. With a job in the corporate world relocating doctors to small towns, it was an easy leap to decorating their homes on the side. Other professional work eventually returned her to interior design and beautiful things. Corzine built her antique business from nothing. She began by downsizing her home furnishings with a driveway sale, and the love of old, wonderful furniture propelled her. Buying from dealers, markets and fairs, she invested sweat equity that drew attention in Round Top, where a gentleman offered to show her the ropes of international importing. She happily paid him a fee, met the pro in Europe and learned the trade and area while receiving introductions to vendors. Soon after, Corzine traveled there several times a year, exporting goods and holding flash warehouse sales in the U.S. to supply dealers and stores. A shop of her own was an inevitability. La Belle Vie means “the beautiful life,” and the shop is filled with antiques from France and Belgium, European home goods and American-made custom upholstered furniture, accessories, fine linens and gifts. Corzine bought a building next and opened Red Stag with similar aims, relocating its sister store nearby. Both hold an endless list of unique finds: rustic leather journals, salt glazed pottery, cast iron dogs, apothecary, handmade jewelry and so on. She proudly buys from local artisans and works with charity focused vendors. And Corzine impresses on clients,
“There is a story, person or purpose behind every product we offer.”
Lux Design Studio services were a natural addition. “We can decorate your home … turn shutters into a headboard, hang a custom door … nothing is too big or too small,” said Corzine. Even the gift lines are artisan driven. Commercial projects, like boutique hotels or a senior living center, within Texas or out of state, have benefitted from her expertise, whether the style is industrial, contemporary or traditional. Still, her personal love is Old French style with texture. And pieces need not be pristine. “I believe, we should embrace imperfection … some wear and tear and a durability that stands the test of time—100, 200, 300 years—that’s remarkable!” It is this repurposing and giving new, productive life to objects that animates Corzine. Homes are a sanctuary, a reflection of the owners, and should be livable. Corzine’s latest expansion effort is The Barn. The enormous building is reclaimed wood from a Pennsylvania horse barn with mid-1800s iron work.. The Barn is not competing or duplicating shops in town, but creating a retreat, which will include cottages, a chapel and an outdoor venue at completion. “You don’t have to get on a plane for 12 hours to go to Europe,” she said, Europe,” she said, “You can go down 2722 and be on 22 acres that feel like Europe.—that’s the long term goal.”
Adele Kerr Antiques Market
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A mix of formal French, ironworks, heavily-carved painted wood, a museum-sized collection of paintings, and more reflects character and age, pulling from dealers and markets along the French Riviera to Paris and points in between. More items came from Belgium, a bit from Holland and Germany, plus pieces from Spain, where vendors have second homes, to stock an eclectic, extravagant showroom. Privileged relationships with craftsmen for restoration, upholstery, installation and so on, multiply the shops’ talents. Corzine is complimentary to a vast array of skilled artisans for their cabinetry, tiling, painting, carving and other painstaking labors, praising their authentic aptitudes and abilities. This even includes a staircase built by her son and his friend, who were fresh out of welding school. Corzine consistently credits the collaboration of competent, resident artisans for their labors of love.
“Curation, not only of beautiful objects, but of history and people and places—that’s meaningful in life.” For more information on The Red Stag, La Belle Vie, or Luxe Design Studio, contact Shaina Corzine at: www.lbvhome.com or (830) 627-2747
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New Braunfels Lifestyle Magazine
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Guadalupe River, Hill Country, TX
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Making Luxury An Affordable Option JLP Builders 1423 N. Walnut Ave., Suite 104 New Braunfels, TX 78130 830.200.0305