Gruene River Hotel & Retreat is the first in Texas to be included in Southern Living’s Hotel Collection. The 17-room boutique hotel sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River and features a conference area for corporate meetings as well as a game room. A nature trail at the back of the property leads guests to riverside patios with seating. 1235 Gruene Road, New Braunfels. 830-643-1234. www.grueneriverhotel.com