Why I Love New Braunfels: The Story of a Transplant

As a child, my picture of New Braunfels extended no further than Schlitterbahn, the world’s best, seemingly endless waterpark that felt like a city of its own. It was no small feat to convince my parents to make the 5-hour trip from Southeast Texas, and this desire only grew when Dr. Pepper began its summer campaign offering discounts, making me feel personally mocked each time I’d open a can and see the sweet deals on display. My parents gave in, only to have their money and efforts spent on a day or two standing in hour-long lines just so my sister and I could be thrown wildly around in winding water tunnels.Image courtesy of freefuninaustin.comThat was how I remembered New Braunfels. It wasn’t until I went to college at Texas State University that I heard the town name again. During my time in San Marcos, I planned on setting my sights north towards Austin, set on one day becoming something of a local hero and musical icon (hey, a kid can dream). However, the people I met and the fr...