3 ms·

For those not from Texas or not having visited before, two of the towns that almost certainly are being referenced by parent poster are New Braunfels and Freder

For those not from Texas or not having visited before, two of the towns that almost certainly are being referenced by parent poster are New Braunfels and Fredericksburg. Both are somewhat well known by Texans but probably not known well outside of here (well, perhaps if you like wine you know of Fredericksburg otherwise). Both are very cozy towns that are a bit touristy (Fredericksburg more so) that really cherish German culture and you can get about as authentic an experience as you can get in the States in each town. It is really neat

dumpsterdiver 3y ago
You nailed it. Those were exactly the two places I had in mind. I'm thankful for those places. They make Texas better.
kortilla 3y ago
Yeah, the Buc-ee’s and Coopers of New Braunfels really brought me back to the old German countryside. :) The most popular spots there aren’t even remotely German (even the non-chains like Gristmill), but it is interesting how appealing the German look is to some of the architecture in the old town. People’s infatuation with the location (including my own) does seem to be very superficial rather than any real relationship to Germany.
- SOLAR_FIELDS 3y ago
  Yeah hence the “as you can get” qualifier. I do think the experience walks the line on kitsch, but in the absolute most positive way possible. There’s a lot of genuine love for the culture in both locations, even if it isn’t exactly 100% German. Bucees fits right in, since they really know how to kitsch it up. Wurstfest is a lot of fun
- dumpsterdiver 3y ago
  > it is interesting how appealing the German look is to some of the architecture in the old town Architecture is a huge deal! Imo, it is fair and good to appreciate the architecture of other places. I humbly implore you to read the book, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It tells the story of the work that historically went into a cathedral. They didn't just spring up, some of these were generational projects. Architecture is a really big deal.

dumpsterdiver 3y ago

You nailed it. Those were exactly the two places I had in mind. I'm thankful for those places. They make Texas better.

kortilla 3y ago

Yeah, the Buc-ee’s and Coopers of New Braunfels really brought me back to the old German countryside. :) The most popular spots there aren’t even remotely German (even the non-chains like Gristmill), but it is interesting how appealing the German look is to some of the architecture in the old town. People’s infatuation with the location (including my own) does seem to be very superficial rather than any real relationship to Germany.

SOLAR_FIELDS 3y ago
Yeah hence the “as you can get” qualifier. I do think the experience walks the line on kitsch, but in the absolute most positive way possible. There’s a lot of genuine love for the culture in both locations, even if it isn’t exactly 100% German. Bucees fits right in, since they really know how to kitsch it up. Wurstfest is a lot of fun
dumpsterdiver 3y ago
> it is interesting how appealing the German look is to some of the architecture in the old town Architecture is a huge deal! Imo, it is fair and good to appreciate the architecture of other places. I humbly implore you to read the book, "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. It tells the story of the work that historically went into a cathedral. They didn't just spring up, some of these were generational projects. Architecture is a really big deal.