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| Pete Anderson and band |
Today was one of those days that are a gift out of nowhere. We knew it was supposed to be cool and maybe some rain so as a group we decided that an indoor free concert we had seen advertised at Gruene Music Hall would be a good option. So we piled into the truck and off we went. When we arrived it was a bit cloudy and threatening rain, but undaunted we managed to find parking. The first challenge complete we donned our macks and headed into the crowded street of the village. There happened to be a wonder craft fair on, so after a coffee at the Gruene coffee shop (THE best coffee EVER!!) we wandered around. The fair was great... unusual items and all local artisans... genuine, and not the 'same old, same old" jewelry and scarves!! There were wood products, jams, nuts, pottery and other wonderful items. After a couple of purchases we headed to the Music Hall (anyone interested in seeing the history etc of this hall go to Gruenehall.com ) It is a unique experience, but if you go, don't expect plush and orderly... it is like a huge honky-tonk type venue with wooden benches and lots of beer flowing.. even smoking allowed in the hall (for how long?.. who knows!!) But if you ever get the chance... don't miss this piece of Texas music history. The two performers we saw today were talented, but the second guy (Pete Anderson) and his band were great, foot-tapping fun.
After a couple of iced waters (yes we actually did have
that), we had one last walk through the town, including a quick snack at
a german style beer garden.... (not Gruene's shining star!!!) and a
wander through the general store. It was time to figure out the next
phase of our day, and considering the sun was shining and it was a
lovely late afternoon, we figured the Salt Lick BBQ would be in order
(we were all still a but hungry). 
The Salt Lick is a Texas institution
and has quite a unique story.. it is the most 'typical' Texas BBQ you
will find in the Austin area... but if you go, go to the Driftwood
location ( https://www.saltlickbbq.com/pages/Driftwood.html
) which is the original location... so cool, and you can BYOB. We
forgot, but at only $12 for a bucket of six Shiner Bock beers, we were
happy. The only problem (if you have read my previous posting) is that
Saturday night is hugely busy there (remember they cook up 3000 lbs of
brisket alone on a weekend night). Also a warm evening in March break
added up to about 11/2 hour wait, if we wanted to eat inside. We
decided inside-eating was advisable considering the mosquitoes that were
gathering to invade. But we were happy listening to the live music,
drinking a beer and chatting to people around us. Once inside, the meal
did not disappoint. Of course we were given enough food to feed a
battalion and left-overs are on the horizon for tomorrow!!! Feeling like
we would explode, we happily tested the springs on the truck and headed
back to camp. Another terrific day and a gem of a surprise, considering
the spontaneity of everything we did today.