English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in New Braunfels, TX

For weeks, the shelves in New Braunfels secondary school libraries have remained quiet, their books largely out of reach for students and teachers alike. Now, the doors are reopening, but the question of which titles belong on those shelves, and how decisions are made, is far from settled.

Middle and high school students in the New Braunfels Independent School District will regain access to their school libraries starting Monday, October 27, following a special board meeting on October 23. During the meeting, the NBISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to reopen secondary libraries while continuing a review of materials to comply with Texas Senate Bill 13 (SB 13).

The temporary closure, first enacted on October 13, allowed the district to conduct a preliminary review of its library collections. The district flagged several titles as non-compliant with SB 13, using a combination of internal review tools and third-party vendor resources. Books include:

SB 13, passed during the 89th Legislative Session, requires local school boards to approve all new library book purchases or donations and prohibits materials deemed "harmful," "indecent," or "profane." The law shifts decision-making power from librarians and district staff to the board of trustees, giving parents more oversight of library materials. While the legislation does not require districts to close libraries or review all existing books, NBISD opted to conduct a preliminary assessment of its more than 195,000-item collection.

NBISD is currently the only major district in the area to close its libraries as part of SB 13 compliance. Other districts, including in San Antonio, have implemented the law without restricting library access.

In a news release, NBISD Board President Eric Bergquist said the board valued community feedback and recognized the critical role libraries play in students' learning and success. Superintendent Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury reminded families that they may review the library catalog and set access restrictions for their children as needed. The district also encouraged families to work with campus staff to address reading preferences while maintaining access to high-quality educational materials.

While students can now return to the shelves, the broader conversation over which books belong in school libraries, and how boards, staff and families navigate that process, is likely to continue.

MySA reached out to NBISD for comment.

If you’ve driven on I-35 near New Braunfels lately, you’ve probably noticed a crane dominating the Guadalupe River corridor. The sight has locals and visitors talking as the city’s hospitality scene takes a visible leap forward.

The hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, is rapidly taking shape along the riverfront as construction continues on the eight-story, 150,000-square-foot property. Set to feature 150 suites, a two-tier outdoor pool, event space, fitness center and a riverfront dining lounge, the project is designed to offer both visitors and locals a new option for recreation and relaxation. Completion is projected for late 2026.

The hotel’s emergence coincides with the latest economic report from the New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlighting continued growth in the city’s hospitality sector.

From 2022 to 2024, the industry expanded 13%, generating an average of $1.3 billion annually, according to New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau's latest economic latest impact study. In 2024, over 6 million visitors came to the city, with fall visitation showing a 6% increase over the previous year.

Hospitality now accounts for more than $381.8 million in wages, 31.4% of local employment and $29.8 million in taxes and other revenue in the Hill Country town.

This new property is part of a larger wave of tourism-focused investments in the area. The recent rebranding of Hacienda del Rio, the projected 2026 return of the renovated Faust Hotel and other ongoing lodging projects demonstrate growing confidence in New Braunfels as a Hill Country destination.

As the crane continues to rise and the hotel’s form takes shape along the river, it promises to bring upscale amenities, river access and modern comforts to a city already thriving as a tourism hub. With its riverside location and growing network of hospitality offerings, SpringHill Suites is positioned to become a key destination for visitors and a new local favorite along the Guadalupe.

MySA reached out to New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau for comment.

A Texas Hill Country town is preparing for another major retailer to open its doors, signaling continued growth for one of the hottest destinations on the I-35 corridor. Locals are watching closely as plans take shape for the new store.

The outdoor shopping giant Academy Sports + Outdoors plans to open its first full-line store in New Braunfels this November, the company shared in a news release.

While no official date is set, the 43,081-square-foot location is expected to create 60 new jobs and offer everything from athletic apparel to outdoor gear, hunting and fishing equipment and sports merchandise. But how did a single year make all the difference in turning plans into reality?

Filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), show the New Braunfels project dating back since late January 2025.The $4 million project immediately signaled the city’s latest major retail addition. By late summer, signage and visible progress at the site drew attention from residents watching the development take shape along the I-35 corridor.

The TDLR filings listed January 2026 as the estimated completion date, but locals now know Academy is ahead of schedule with its November opening only weeks away.

Founded in Texas in 1983, the major sporting good and outdoor retailer has grown to more than 300 stores across 21 states. The New Braunfels store will be its 117th Texas location, underscoring the city's rising profile as a retail destination.

Shoppers can expect top brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan Brand, Carhartt, Titleist, Shimano, Brooks and YETI, along with Academy’s private-label products. The location promises to be a hub for athletic apparel, outdoor recreation and sporting equipment, giving locals a one-stop shop for their hobbies and active lifestyles.

Find it: 159 I-35 S., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Once a sleepy stop along I-35, New Braunfels has transformed into a bustling Texas Hill Country hub. Retail centers have sprung up, the restaurant scene has boomed, and landmarks like Buc-ee’s have turned from roadside curiosities into must-visit destinations.

Yet amid the rapid growth, one longtime favorite continues to embody the city’s small-town spirit: Pat’s Place.

Opened in 1977 just steps from the Comal River and Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Pat’s Place has served as a gathering spot for generations of locals and visitors alike. For nearly 50 years, the restaurant has anchored the heart of New Braunfels with its hearty burgers, enchilada plates and other dishes that feel as familiar as the faces behind the scenes.

Heather Larson recalled growing up in New Braunfels, coming to Pat’s Place with her family and reminiscing about her husband working there as a 12-year-old dishwasher. When the old owners considered selling to someone who wouldn’t maintain the restaurant’s traditions, the couple knew they had to step in. After years of effort, they finally purchased Pat’s Place, taking over one of the city’s most beloved institutions.

"It’s both a blessing and a challenge," Heather said.

When Heather and David Larson took over in 2022, they inherited more than a restaurant, they inherited decades of memories. The couple, both New Braunfels natives, were determined to preserve its legacy while allowing the space to evolve with the times. They added a Tree Haus deck and a back bar serving cocktails and mimosas, creating a relaxed space for brunch or post-river drinks without losing the restaurant’s family-friendly vibe.

"It means the world to us to keep Pat's Place open and keep the traditions going. We want other families… to remember how it was as well and bring their grandkids," Heather said.

Pat’s Place has also introduced a weekend brunch, which has quickly become popular. Heather said brunch has brought in younger families while still feeling like the same Pat’s locals have always cherished. Despite these updates, the heart of Pat’s Place remains its long-standing menu, with longtime favorites like burgers and enchilada plates still at the top of the list.

"We knew we couldn’t change the menu," Heather explains.

Pat’s Place has managed to stay relevant without sacrificing what made it special, a balance that’s increasingly rare in a fast-growing city like New Braunfels.

That nostalgia has become a talking point among residents. In a recent callout on the New Braunfels Local Facebook group, readers responded to MySA’s question about how they remember "Old New Braunfels," the version of the city that existed before chain restaurants, big-box shopping centers and exploding tourism.

Debbie De La Cruz remembered a simpler time, "when you had to ask your grandparents if you were related to someone before you could date them!" Rayanne Timmermann Albrecht reflected on childhood cornfields, free concerts near Freiheit Store and family farmland that now sits under Creekside’s development.

Albrecht wrote, "Growth is inevitable and good for cities when done responsibly...45 years later and I hear the voices of the new residents and know that's the love I once had for my city. Overall, I think it's time for those of us who have fallen out to move on and let the city take on its new life with its new crew. Everything changes and we must too."

Through it all, Pat’s Place stands as a reminder that while the city may grow and change, its roots run deep. The Larsons hope to keep that spirit alive for decades to come, one plate, one memory and one family meal at a time.

Find it: 202 S. Union Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130

The New Braunfels Independent School District has indefinitely restricted access to its secondary school libraries, including New Braunfels High School, citing a new law as the reason for the decision. (SBG Digital)

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — The New Braunfels Independent School District has indefinitely restricted access to its secondary school libraries, including New Braunfels High School, citing a new law as the reason for the decision.

The law, which took effect in September, changes how public school libraries select and manage books, prohibiting materials deemed "harmful" or "indecent." It shifts decision-making power from school librarians to local school boards, granting parents more influence in the process.

Last week, the district decided to temporarily close its libraries to middle and high school students, describing it as a "responsible step" to review all library books to comply with the new law. While supporters advocate for stricter scrutiny of library materials, critics argue the district's decision is unusual.

Carolyn Foote, a former school librarian and member of the "Texas Freedom Fighters," expressed her concerns, stating, "What New Braunfels is doing is definitely an outlier from what's happening everywhere else in the state." She added, "There's a lot more that happens in the library than just students using the bookshelves, and so it's restricting all of that from students, which is very concerning to me."

New Braunfels ISD is the only major district in the area to close its libraries. Other districts, including Northside, North East, San Antonio, and Alamo Heights ISDs, confirmed they are complying with the new law but have not closed their libraries.

Supporters of the law argue it will increase transparency and parental oversight, while critics claim it disproportionately targets the LGBTQ community and may suggest their identities are inappropriate.

The district has not yet responded to questions about whether the library closures are in the best interest of students or if it could hinder access to valuable content. The school board is scheduled to meet tomorrow evening to discuss the restriction further, with more information expected by Friday.