Help with Texas Dance Halls

[NCTom]

We are heading out west in about a month and have several side trips planned enroute and on way back home. Here's where I need a little help. We are going to visit some of Texas' old dance halls and honkey tonks. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on which ones to visits that have the best live bands, both during the week and on the weekends. We have been only to Fores' Country Store in Heloties, TX outside San Antonio and had a great time.
All information and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[JA-High Island TX]

I recommend you check out this site: http://www.texasdancehall.org/
The Google map is nice as well as the database which will give you an idea if they are open, gone, converted or still in operation. Enjoy!

[txbeachfolks]

The best place to do the TX 2-step in Gruene Hall in Gruene, TX
http://www.gruenehall.com/

[Wayne M]

And if you do go to that quaint little dance hall, next door is "The Grist Mill," for dining. Outdoor setting is nice. We ate and watched the deer 20 feet away grazing in the trees.

[Lukeaa]

The Grist Mill has a really fine chicken fried steak!

[slabman]

Yup...it's Gruene Hall for me too! If you're lucky, you might catch a little Jerry Jeff Walker in stage.

[Wayne M]

Oh! And when you exit the dance hall (but it has to be business hours of the town) walk straight across the intersection and into the wine shop. Buy some Shiner beer, many varieties - some of Texas' finest.

[ruppr]

Come on guys, you can't talk Texas Dance Halls and not go to Luckenbach TX. Now your talking real Texas. Nothing else can hold a candle to it.

By the way, Willie still plays there.

Best,

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCTom We are heading out west in about a month and have several side trips planned enroute and on way back home. Here's where I need a little help. We are going to visit some of Texas' old dance halls and honkey tonks. I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on which ones to visits that have the best live bands, both during the week and on the weekends. We have been only to Fores' Country Store in Heloties, TX outside San Antonio and had a great time. All information and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I grew up in SA and probably have been to Flores Country Store about 200 times......mostly to see Willie Nelson in the 60's. Paid $5.00 at the door!

Anyhow a "not to miss" is Gruene (pronounced Green) Hall in Gruene, TX near New Braunfels. It is my understanding it is the oldest - continuous operating TX dance hall there is. Opened in 1878 and is still going today. Take your time and look at all the folks posted on the wall that played here over the years. This place has be screens in the sides of the building and has huge box fans. No AC! I was there about 2 months ago.....This place is a must see. Still has some good local talent playing on the weekends. Enjoy. Don't hesitate to eat at the Grist Mill next door to the hall, great TX chow and great view. rockintom

[brad03ca]

I agree with rockintom. I have been in this same area all winter and this Hall is a must see. Also see the General Store directly across the road from Gruene Hall, a one of a kind experiance....Brad

[TEX-CTD]

its no Gruene hall but the Coupland Dance Hall is ok too. its got some history and has been around for a while. check the website and see whos playin when.

[NCTom]

Thanks everyone for all you recommendations. We wound up, mostly because of the violent thunder storms across Texas at the time we were there, at Schroeder Hall. We stayed in Victoria, TX at a very nice KOA and drove the 28 miles to Schroder, TX. Our adventure started with trying to find the place after spending close to an hour on several "Farm Roads". We got there in plenty of time to be one of the first in the door. What a wonderful night!!! We payed the admission fee, $10, and quickley chose our seat at a table near the dance floor and bandstand. The opening band started 30 mins. late, which was alright as it gave is time to take pictures and look at photos of stars that have appeared there. The ;second band was HoneyBrown and if you get the chance, don't miss them. They are professional and polished musicians and performers. The crowd ranged in age from 2 yrs old to 70 something. It was great to see everyone, including the 8 yr old little cowboy sitting next to us dancing the night away. We had a great time and was the first time in we can't remember when that we were up past 1 am dancing and having a few long necks. If any plans to go to Schroeder Hall they have room for RVs to park (camp) all night if you are completely self contained. No tents. We had hoped to make it to a couple more dance halls but the weather ran up out of Texas and on to Arizona. We will definitly visit others on our way back home.