The Gruene Estate sits on 17 acres of land just 1 mile outside the town of Gruene. With a house that dates to 1855 and a newer pavilion and open-air chapel complete with bell tower, this is a place to truly experience Texas hill country life. “We started out as just vacation rentals, but after people did a few weddings on the property, we decided that it would be a great place for an actual venue,” explains owner Nolan Bluntzer.

The Bluntzers have owned the Gruene Estate lands for about 10 years turning what was once a roughly 6,000-acre cotton farm into a country wedding experience over two years ago and, as Bluntzer says, we have been “doing vacation rentals, weddings and events ever since.” Conveniently located on Loop 337 and near Austin and San Antonio, the Estate provides Old World charm, as if you stepped back in time.

“Nothing on the property is prefabricated,” Bluntzer states, including the crystal chandeliers or the open-air pavilion and chapel that seats up to 200 guests with handmade tables build from reclaimed barn wood. “Our venue has a rustic vintage feel that a lot of brides seem to like,” he continues. “The chapel was designed around antique stained glass windows from a church in England.” Even the bell rung by a newlywed couple upon exiting the church was made especially for the Estate by fifth generation bell makers in Michigan.

Couples, wedding guests and vacationers can all enjoy The Gruene Estate. Twelve guests can sleep overnight onsite, which is different than other wedding venues. Guests have easy access to downtown New Braunfels or Gruene, which was begun by a Gruene family member in the late 1880s and now has the State of Texas designation as a Historic Town. It is a quaint town that houses the oldest dancehall in the state. New Braunfels has Schlitterbahn (a water park) and many historic buildings, nightlife and tubing on the Guadalupe River.

“I think since we are a small family-owned and family-operated business,” Bluntzer says, “we strive to provide a personal customer service experience that brides and grooms will appreciate as they plan their event.” Happily ever after begins at this historic country estate in Texas.

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Deep in the heart of Spring, Texas, you’ll find the Augusta Pines Golf Club ? a not so hidden gem that is just begging to be visited by those near and far. Home to the PGA Champions Tour from the years 2004 to 2007, this public golf course and country club has proven it meets the same standards as those of the most elite standing, while still maintaining its good ole fashioned Texas hospitality.

Augusta Pines came to life through the ingenuity of Tour 18 Inc, former owners of the “America’s Greatest 18 Holes” program. This one of a kind company designed, owns, and now operates the stunning club ? helping to solidify its place within the ranks of the greatest golf clubs in the United States.

But it is more than just the title owners that set this up and coming club apart from its competitors.

“Great course conditions and friendly service set us apart from your typical Golf Club,” explains Greg Saul, PGA Director of Golf. “We know our Members by name and create an atmosphere like a big fraternity.” The great course conditions Saul describes include water play in 11 different holes, tall pines, oaks, and dogwoods, and smooth greens with a lot of slope, which help to make an enjoyable game for all calibers of golfers.

For those not on the green, the Antebellum Clubhouse sports an astonishing 70,000 square feet designed to emulate the look and feel of the old South, with its sprawling balconies and pivotal pillars. And, to complete the authentic Southern charm feel, the Antebellum is home to a stunning Grand Ballroom that can accommodate groups and events with up to two hundred in attendance. When it comes to dining at the Augusta Pines Golf Club, you won’t be disappointed. “Savannahs restaurant and bar has a beautiful setting and has a wide variety of food appetizers to steak and seafood,” states Saul.

In addition to the meeting halls and ballroom for weddings, showers, and other events, there is a 30,000 total square foot section of the Antebellum reserved for office spaces in both the East and West Wings of the estate. These office spaces allow you to enjoy spectacular golf course views, executive conference rooms at no charge, useable covered porches and balconies, space planning, membership packages, and full catering for your meetings ? making them like no other office space imaginable.

The golf club is also involved with several tournaments throughout the year. “We have several Member Events and also host Corporate and Charity Tournaments with 16-144 golfers on Mondays and Tuesdays,” Saul says. “However, Wednesdays and Thursdays we limit the maximum number of golfers to 72 allowing plenty of space for our Members.”

According to Saul, Augusta Pines membership is like no other available. Membership fees are all inclusive, allowing Augusta Pines members full access to carts, ranges, lockers, bag storage, handicap service and includes an additional 20% off merchandise. “Augusta Pines Membership also includes full privileges at our sister club Gleannloch Pines,” Saul proudly states. “We’re staffed by PGA Professionals and both of our Clubs are very family and kids oriented.”

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From nose to tail and puppies to geriatrics, LazyPaw Animal Hospital treats your pets with a lifetime of good health in mind. Veterinarians and staff get to know each family to “create treatments that reflect our clients’ expectations and their pets’ needs,” Veterinarian Brent Bilhartz explains.

It’s these relationships that are a crucial factor in your pet’s health as a valued family member. Bilhartz knows that “a high-performing general practitioner is important.” Therefore, he continues, “We consider the relationship with people to be the most important ingredient in delivering high-quality medicine. We know our clients and tailor our treatment plans to fit each family and their needs, as we understand that not every dog or cat fits in the same box.”

Wellness is important to keep your pet happy and active and assure purring or tail wagging for years to come. “A lot of our patients are here for prevention of disease,” Bilhartz says, “and we consider wellness appointments a great way to catch problems before they become untreatable.”

A full-service veterinary hospital, much of the basic medical and surgical problems can be handled onsite at LazyPaw. The clinic provides diagnostics with state-of-the art equipment ensuring early detection of health issues, as well as offering in-house laboratory testing. Vaccinations, bloodwork, screenings, dental cleanings and spays/neuters are all offered here. Aside from routine care, more complex issues are also addressed, such as injuries, cancer, dermatology, endocrinology and surgeries.

Listening is a key factor in their treatment. Bilhartz tells us, “We listen to our clients concerns and solve the problem without the upsell that has become more common in the veterinary marketplace.” They use the longest-acting vaccines whenever possible and work hard not to over vaccinate. This saves you time and money, as you get the proper treatment needed for your pet right away.

LazyPaw has three established veterinarians: Dr. Bilhartz, his wife Dr. Julaine Hunter and Dr. Aimee Lentz. Each veterinarian has different specialties that together provide a complete service for your dog or cat. View Dr. Hunter’s how-to videos, read and learn from their blog or request a vaccination certificate- all done online.

What are a few simple things any pet owner can do at home to improve the quality of life for their dog or cat? Bilhartz notes two ways you can help your pet stay active and healthy: “Feeding a high-quality diet and exercising regularly.” Of course, don’t forget to bring your pet in for a wellness check once a year.

By Elizabeth R. Elstein

Regular diners at the Asian Mint Fusion Cafe say that it’s impossible to find a bad dish at the restaurant. Whether it’s Pad Thai, or sushi night, or Chinese style orange chicken, the food is always fresh and delicious. But what is a fusion restaurant?

Chef and Owner Nikky Phinyawatana explains that “Asian Fusion to us means not serving the traditional Asian cuisine you grew up with. I moved to Dallas from Bangkok and I would say that Bangkok is a great hub of fused food from all over the world with Thai food. So our food is Thai fused with the world. Our cuisine is mostly similar to Bangkok style cuisine.”

Hallmarks of the Bangkok style cuisine include fresh ingredients and unique flavors, Phinyawatana adds: “We use fresh ingredients that is prepped hourly and daily. We make our own sauces in house and with simple basic ingredients. They are carefully seasoned to show off the true flavors of the vegetables and proteins we are featuring in the dish. Simple ingredients that come together to have mouth watering flavor profiles that you cannot resist, presented in a modern clean atmosphere.”

A good way to begin a meal is with a refreshing Asian Mule made with lemongrass-infused vodka and ginger beer, or a Mango Sangria. Menu offerings include crisp vegetable rolls, tuna crisps, shrimp rangoon and fried calamari for starters, Crispy Basil Fish, Chicken Satay, curries and the Pad Thai made using wonton noddles for a unique taste. Desserts offer unique touches like jasmine flavored creme brûlée and chocolate cake with edible glitter. Green iced tea and ginger beer are perfect accompaniments to the food.

What are the most popular dishes? Phinyawatana says that “We are super well known for our Pad Thai. We do claim to have the best Pad Thai in town. Out other star dishes are the pad see mow woon sen, siracha chicken, our curries, crab fried rice and jasmine creme brûlée and green tea ice cream cake.” There’s also a special brunch menu featuring bacon and egg Pad Thai and mimosas.

The Asian Mint values that the community has come to expect are healthy, innovative flavors, efficient service, consistency, and caring and a hip and fun environment. The decor in the newly expanded space is green and white and contemporary. A private dining room with AV presentation capabilities and surround system has also been added recently.

The philosophy behind Asian Mint is also green. With energy efficient light bulbs, automatic sensor faucets, biodegradable or recyclable containers, and menus made with recycled paper, this is a place that cares about the environment. The location at Forest Lane is convenient for the lunchtime office crowd, though people will travel across town for the Pad Thai and other delicacies. There’s another location at the Shops of Highland Park mall. Known as The Mint, it offers the same delicious food.

For more information about Chef Nikky and the restaurant feel free to take a look at their website at www.asianmint.com.