Texas Hill Country Living at It's Finest! The Canyon Lake Times Summer eNewsletter

Warner Group Texas Hill Country Properties

September - November 2012

In this Issue--

Labor Day Sale

Fall Events NOT to Miss!

First Mountain Trails

FM Owners Allison and Paul Schurr

Bass Fishing on Canyon Lake

Music Venues

Fall Calendar of Events

Labor Day Sale

Extended!

New Release

3 Terrific Lake View Properties!

Lake View Properties

starting from the $70's

This amazing lake view property is 1.16 acres with a stunning view of the lake. The property backs up to the greenbelt with a great building pad.

Call or Click Here for more photos, information, and pricing!

1-877-427-5253

Map

The Fall is a great time of year in Canyon Lake, Gruene, and the New Braunfels Area. Come visit and have some Fun!

Below we have highlighted a few events not to be missed. Click on the pictures to learn more. For more information check out the Fall Calendar of Events.

New Braunfels Art League September Art Show

Gruene Music and Wine Festival Oct. 4-7

New Braunfels Farm to Market Open Every Sat.
9 AM - 1 PM

NB Parks and Recreation Special Event Sept. 28

Texas Gourd Festival

Oct. 19 -21

Wurstfest
Nov. 2 -11

___________________

The 20th Annual

Texas Clay Festival

Beautiful Ceramics!

Texas Clay Festival
Charlie Pritchard

What: The 20th Annual Texas Clay Festival

When: Saturday- October 27

10am -6pm

Sunday- October 28

10am - 5pm

Where: Historic Gruene, Texas

(four miles north of New Braunfels). The festival is held on the grounds of Buck Pottery.

The Texas Clay Festival features over 60 of Texas's finest clay artists, the festival offers visitors the opportunity to meet the artists, view and purchase their latest work , and watch demonstrations throughout both days.

It's been called a two-day clay love-fest. Students and educators, professionals and collectors- anyone with an interest in clay-can be found in Gruene,TX on the 4th weekend in October to celebrate the ancient art of ceramics. Having a good time, celebrating the media of clay and educating the public in the ceramic arts has been a goal of the festival organizers since its inception in 1993--This is not just another craft show!

Texas Clay Festival Frank Campbell

Texas Clay Festival
Angela Gailla

Quick Links

Directions
Contact First Mountain
More about the Developer--Warner Group Inc.

Las Brisas Monument

Las Brisas Entry

First Mountain Entry

Las Brisas Waterfront Pool

First Mountain

FM Mountain Entry

First Mountain

First Mountain

First Mountain Hill Top Pool

Come Tour!

877-427-5253

Canyon Lake Activities

Spotlight: First Mountain Trails Now Open!

First Mountain Trails: Scenic Overlook and Trail to the Summit

Views, views and more views in every direction of Canyon Lake and the Texas Hill Country are what you will find at the Scenic Overlook and along the Trail to the Summit.

These hikes are a photographer's paradise. Take your camera, hiking shoes (especially for The Summit), and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Scenic Overlook

Distance: 1/4 Mile Up and Back

Difficulty Rating: Easy

Surface: Mostly small loose rock, packed gravel along short section of road

Description: The trail to the Scenic Overlook is an easy trail where you find loose rock on packed dirt.

Trail to the Summit

Distance: 1/2 Mile Up and Back

Difficulty Rating: Easy to Scenic Overlook cutoff; moderate to The Summit

Surface: Mostly small loose rock, packed gravel along short section of road, some steep areas with loose rock

Description: The Trail to the Summit is a bit more arduous and has sections that are steep with loose gravel. If hiking to The Summit, make sure you wear your hiking shoes, and if you have a hiking stick, bring it. The hike down can be a little dicey with the loose gravel and steep slope.

To read more about the trails, click the button below to download the First Mountain Trail Guide.

First Mountain on Canyon Lake

Allison and Paul Schurr

Views, Security, Standards, Community, and Grapes!

Allison and Paul Schurr have been visiting the New Braunfels - Canyon Lake area for years. Having family both in Houston and Dallas, the hill country naturally presented itself as the best place for family get-togethers.

Over the years, they have come to love the beauty of the Texas Hill Country and especially the gorgeous clear blue green water of Canyon Lake. The Schurrs live in Frisco just north of Dallas, and though they love where they live, the lakes in the area don't quite measure up to Canyon Lake, according to Paul. For that reason, they made the decision to buy a homesite in Canyon Lake.

They were attracted to community of First Mountain for several reasons. First, they like that the community is gated. This security feature is important to them since they won't be living in Canyon Lake full-time for some years to come. Second, they appreciate First Mountain's building standards which are flexible, but in keeping with the high level of construction quality that Paul practices within his own construction business. Third, Paul and Allison like that the community is less than 50 homesites. They are looking forward to being part of a small community where they will have the opportunity to know their neighbors. As Paul mentioned, "It's so hard to have a sense of community when there are over 200+ homesites." And, lastly, the reason that is common to all First Mountain property owners is the views! They love the elevated views of the Canyon Lake ant the Texas Hill Country.

Paul and Allison are busy people: raising three children--15, 5, and 3 years of age and running their own businesses. Allison has a woman's boutique clothing shop in downtown Frisco at 7510 Main St. named Chateau Rustic, and Paul is president of Kimzey Construction, a construction firm that specializes in new home and commercial construction. Their time is limited which makes getting away to the hill country and spending quality time with their family at First Mountain that much more important. For Paul, First Mountain holds a special attraction--the chance to grow grapes. They have toured the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail and love Texas wines, and now want to try their luck at making their own wine. With their homesite on a hillside, it provides the perfect location. Good luck!

If you are interested in finding out more about Kimzey Construction, checkout the website, www.KimzeyConstruction.com. Paul's company has been in business since 1944 and has had projects throughout the state of Texas. Chateau Rustic can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChateauRustic.

First Mountain welcomes the Schurr family!

Bass Fishing is Alive and Well

in Canyon Lake

Photo courtesy of Barry Dodd www.Teachemtofish.net

Canyon Lake is host to a number of bass species including largemouth, smallmouth, Guadalupe, striped and white bass; although technically only striped and white are actually members of the bass family while the largemouth, smallmouth and Guadalupe are members of the sunfish family.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department stocks largemouth, striped and smallmouth bass in Canyon Lake. They have stocked over 750,000 largemouth and over 2 million striped bass in Canyon Lake since 1973. Survival rates for striped bass in particular are not very good. They do not reproduce naturally in the lake; and so annual stocking continues to be the best way to maintain the population.

Record Catch

The record size for striped bass was a 38.12 pound 41.5 inch fish caught on the lake in 1997. When stocked, striped bass often start out as "fingerling" size, only about an inch long, and take up to 3 seasons to reach the legal "keeper size" of 18 inches.

The largemouth bass is one of the most sought after freshwater fish by sport fishermen. The Canyon Lake record for largemouth bass is for an 11.69 pound 26 inch fish caught in 2001.

Barry Dodd, a seasoned fishing guide of 15 years, who operates on Canyon Lake, Lake Dunlap and the Guadalupe River, is an enthusiastic teacher and a problem solver when it comes to helping others learn how to catch bass. When he first moved to the area, he would go out every evening until he learned the lake forward and backwards.

Hints and Tips for Fishing in Canyon Lake

According to Barry, there are some misconceptions about fishing Canyon Lake. People accustomed to fishing other lakes in Texas generally have their best luck fishing the banks with heavier line and larger lures and so when they come to Canyon Lake and use these methods they may come away believing that there just aren't any fish. Canyon Lake is different than many of the other Texas lakes and it can be harder to fish. There's not much vegetation and no docks for the fish to hide under, and with the extreme depths (up to 100 feet) there's a lot of room for the fish to roam, so fishermen have to be patient in their search.

When fishing smallmouth and largemouth bass in Canyon Lake, Barry recommends fishing in the deeper water and looking for the drop offs . . .

To read more click here

Summer Musical Events!

Four Great Live Music Venues

Gruene Hall

Phoenix Saloon

River Road

Ice House

Whitewater Amphitheater

Gruene Hall built in 1878, it is the oldest continually running dance hall in Texas, and has spawned a number of great songwriters and musicians. It's a great place to find some incredible music in Central Texas.

Phoenix Saloon Originally established in 1871, The Phoenix Saloon was the first bar in Texas to serve women. Prohibition closed the Phoenix Saloon in 1918, in 1922 it became a department store and then in 2010 the Phoenix rose again as a historic Texas bar.

River Road Ice House Open since 2001 River Road Ice House located at the doorway to the Guadalupe River, offers water sports, Texas style camping, rental cabins and 3 music stages.

Whitewater Amphitheater Located next to the scenic Guadalupe River between Canyon Lake and New Braunfels, Whitewater Amphitheater offers rafting trips, lodging at the nearby Luxury "Hideout on the Horseshoe" in addition to live music performances.

Some shows require a fee, please check Venue website to verify times and prices.

This is a partial list of events from these venues as of August 27. For the complete list, click here.

Fall 2012 Music

2012 Fall Calendar of Events

September 29, 2012

September

9/1, 8, 15, 22,29 New Braunfels Farm to Market. Open every Saturday between 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM year round. Rain or shine! 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM Downtown on Castell Avenue next to Friesenhaus Restaurant Event Location Map New Braunfels, TX

9/3 -29 Rhapsody in Blue-- New Braunfels Art League 239 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels 830-629-8022

9/5/2012 "Art on the Beach" This monthly event introduces you to local artists who will sell their artwork. Each month features different kinds of art including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and photography just to name a few. 512.627.1020 6700 N. IH 35 New Braunfels, TX

9/7-8 San Antonio Area Vintage Guitar & Instrument Show New Braunfels Convention Center 375 S. Castell Ave. Admission $10 Friday, 11AM - 6 PM Saturday, 9AM -6 PM Trade show with exhibitors buying and selling new and vintage guitars and other related stringed instruments and equipment. Public is invited to bring your instruments to sell or trade.

9/8 Gruene 10K Participants enjoy a leisurely or competitive run through the Texas Hill Country with medals for each age group. The weekend is sponsored by the New Braunfels Running Club and benefits a local New Braunfels' charity. For more information or to register, visit www.athleteguild.com or call (830) 708-2991 for an entry form.

9/9 Mid-Texas Symphony "Rach Three!" 4:PM Jackson Auditorium, Seguin Featuring 2005 Van Cliburn Gold Medal Winner, Alexander Kobrin. Click here for ticket information.

9/13 -10/7 Circle Arts Theater presents The Odd Couple 8:00 PM 124 Elizabeth St. New Braunfels. Call 830.837.6172

9/15-16 Old Gruene Market Days Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods. Market hours are 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Free admission. For more information, visit www.gruenemarketdays.com or call (830) 832-1721. Gruene Rd New Braunfels, TX 78130 Event Location Map

9/28 A Moonlight Date on Landa Lake. A wonderfully unique and romantic date night idea! Couples can relax under one of our lakeside cabanas and cruise the lake in one of our paddle boats for a special evening under moonlit skies on Landa Lake. Non-alcoholic drinks and a sampler box of delicious finger foods and deserts from CRAVINGS sandwich shop are provided. Pre-registration is required. Age: 16+ Fee: $30

9/29 Moonlight in the Gorge Gala You are invited to be a part of an incredible experience in the Canyon Lake Gorge with NO electricity! Illuminated only by moonlight and firelight, you'll feel transported back in time over 110 million years. 2012 Special Gala presenting spectacular fire performers, a special fabulous door prize along with savoring a scrumptious menu of nature's bounty ~ wine and beer included. Join us this year to commemorate the Ten Year Anniversary of the July 4th, 2002 Comal County flood that created the "Canyon Lake Gorge" Support our one and only FUN-draiser! Have an evening you will never forget under the moon!Individual tickets $75.00 (open seating)

October

10/3 "Art on the Beach" This monthly event introduces you to local artists who will sell their artwork. Each month features different kinds of art including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and photography just to name a few. 512.627.1020 6700 N. IH 35 New Braunfels, TX

10/4 -7 -- The 26th Annual Gruene Music and Wine Festival This Americana event benefiting local charities features the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food and wines at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. All four days will be filled with vintner and music events, wine & food samplings, and the Great Guitar Auction. Call (830) 629-5077. 1281 Gruene Rd New Braunfels, TX

10/4-11/12 47th Annual ARToctoberfest Juried- New Braunfels Art League 239 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels 830-629-8022

10/12 -13 33rd Wimberly Gospel Music Festival Enjoy Southern gospel, country and bluegrass. Sponsored by Cowboys for Jesus, 8400 FM 32, Fischer Fri. 5-10pm, Sat. 11-9pm FREE RAIN OR SHINE 830-223-5308 or 210-389-6235. Located at 8400 FM 32Fischer, TX 78623

10/19-21 Lone Star Gourd Festival Come and see how a dried, dirty gourd can be turned into a piece of fine artwork. The show provides an opportunity to see competition pieces from all over the United States, to purchase gourd art, raw gourds, tools and lessons to create your own gourd art. Visit the website www.texasgourdsociety.org for more details. 9 AM -5 PM 530 Fair Drive Fredericksburg, TX 78624

10/20-21 Old Gruene Market Days Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods. Market hours are 10:00am-5:00pm. Free admission. For more information, visit www.gruenemarketdays.com or call (830) 832-1721. Gruene Rd New Braunfels, TX Event Location Map

10/21 Mid-Texas Symphony presents "The Russians are Coming" Brauntex Theater 4:00 PM. Click here for ticket information.

10/25-26 Haunted Haus Visit the Landa Haunted Haus and experience chills that tickle your funny bone and make your hair stand on end. Guests will travel through a maze of mysteries and tricks and leave with a treat! Age: All Fee: $5/person

10/25 Brauntex ValMark Chevrolet Presents Greatest Hits Live! The Statesboro Revue Performing The Allman Brothers Tickets: $5.00 Cover at the Door 7:30 PM, Doors 6:30 PM

10/27 Brauntex International Tenors Tickets $27 -$38 7:30 Pm doors 6:30 PM

10/27 - 28 20th Annual Texas Clay Festival Respected potters and sculptors from around Texas display, sell their wares, and demonstrate a variety of techniques. Hands-on activities are available for children. Call Dee or Terry Buck at (830) 629-7975 for information.

November

11/3 29th Annual Tour de Gruene Fall Bicycle Classic 8:00 AM Participants enjoy a leisurely ride through the Texas Hill Country or competitive time trials with prizes for the best course records. A celebrity slow race and an antique & classic bicycle show round out the events. Register by calling (210) 862-3524 for an entry form. The weekend is sponsored by the San Antonio Bicycle Racing Club and benefits a local New Braunfels' charity.

11/9 Brauntex Donny Edwards: A True Tribute to Elvis Tickets: $30 - $35 7:00 PM Doors 6:00 PM

11/2- 11 Wursfest A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun located in beautiful New Braunfels, Texas! Enjoy good fun, food, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian Style Entertainment.120 Landa St.New Braunfels, Texas 78130

11/5 -9 Kaffee Haus during Wurstfest Enjoy a homemade German lunch in an 1865 General Store. Tour Conseration Plaza's 18 restored/furnished buildings (circa 1849-1883) and also enjoy a exhibit of Norman Rockwell plates. Tour of buildings from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Located at 1300 Church Hill Drive New Braunfels.

11/7 "Art on the Beach" This monthly event introduces you to local artists who will sell their artwork. Each month features different kinds of art including paintings, sculptures, jewelry and photography just to name a few. 512.627.1020 6700 N. IH 35 New Braunfels, TX

11/16-12/29 Small Works for Big Holidays New Braunfels Art League 239 West San Antonio Street, New Braunfels 830-629-8022

11/17 Fall Fest Come and join us for the first annual New Braunfels Fall Fest! Families will enjoy square dancing, activity booths, food, live music, pie baking competition and much more! Festivities begin at 3pm at the Landa Park Dance Slab on Saturday, November 17th.

11/17 Brauntex Neil Berg's 102 Years of Broadway Tickets $40 -$51 7:30 PM Doors 6:30 PM

11/17-18 Old Gruene Market Days Nearly 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods. Market hours are 10:00am-5:00pm. Free admission. For more information, visit www.gruenemarketdays.com or call (830) 832-1721. Gruene Rd New Braunfels, TX

11/30 - 12/1 Brauntex Ballet New Braunfels presents The Nutcracker

Tickets $25 -$30. 7:00 PM

Bass Fishing is Alive and Well in Canyon Lake