The joy and cheer of the holiday season is upon us once again. Our homes are filled with the scrumptious aroma of baking cookies, stockings are hung, holiday dinner and party plans are in place, big city lights and New Year glitz hold us spellbound, while candles illuminate windows of tiny villages, hearkening back to days of yore. It paints a beautiful picture in our minds, yet too often we forget about our Texas veterans, the people who sacrificed to ensure we have the freedom for such things.

Since the earliest days of New Braunfels, the area has been a mix of traditions. German Christmas traditions have been observed and celebrated across the town along with traditional American and Mexican ones. From old world traditions to modern, uniquely American holiday fun, the winter holidays have been, and always will be, an important part of the fabric of this great city.

Many years ago, the kitchen of a home was a no-nonsense, functional, utilitarian room that was located at the back of the house. Only the “chief cook and bottle-washer” was allowed to enter this workplace. Needless to say, those days are long gone.

People are realizing that Texas Hill Country offers some of the most beautiful land in the country. The population of the area is rising as new families move in to start their lives and retirees settle down here to enjoy the scenic landscape and temperate climate in their retirement years. The Hill Country consists of everything from bustling cities to quiet, remote country areas. The key to choosing the proper neighborhood for you is to look at how you want to live, and then match that to where you want to live.

Whether they’re being used for walking, running, biking, or simply as a means to get some fresh air while enjoying the gorgeous Hill Country surroundings, Vintage Oaks’ trail system is beloved by owners. Now this valuable amenity has become even more so with the opening of the East Ranch Loop Trail. 

New Braunfels is already one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and its strategic and desirable location has made it a favorite of land and homebuyers as well global corporations. The latest evidence: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. is coming to the city, investing $110 million to build a new 215,000-square-foot facility to manufacture and produce products for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Hatha Yoga. Zumba. Boot Camp. They’re just a few of the wide-ranging fitness classes Vintage Oaks Fitness Club members can’t get enough of. In fact, reaction to the club and its varied fitness options have been so strong that the class schedule has been expanded to accommodate the demand. There are currently more than 100 classes offered per month.

The time has arrived. You may be a first-time homebuyer who is finally taking the plunge. Perhaps you are a commuter seeking a shorter drive, or you have a growing family and need a larger home to meet your needs. Maybe you are an empty-nester looking to downsize for retirement. Whatever the case may be, you are on the hunt for the perfect home to buy…and it is winter. This can be of great benefit to you in many ways. Here are some things to keep in mind as you begin the process of finding your perfect little corner of the world when buying a Texas home.

The bad news: Bear Creek is nearing a complete sell-out at Vintage Oaks after all the lots in the last release were snapped up immediately. The good news: You have another opportunity to purchase one of these coveted homesites when the newest phase release becomes available on Monday, Feb. 17. This is one of the final releases in Bear Creek, so if you have had your eye on this special community, you are encouraged to schedule a property tour here or call 830-319-3924 as soon as possible. Lots in every release have sold out extremely quickly.

More than 100 fitness classes per month. Certified personal trainers. Indoor and outdoor workout areas. They’re just a few of the features members are loving about the Vintage Oaks Fitness Club. The special events are yet another way owners in the community are getting fit and having fun, and their next opportunity is at the Heart and Sole 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Run at the Fitness Club on Saturday, Feb. 22.