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The year is nearing its end, and it’s been a fantastic year at that. Here at SouthStar Communities, there are so many things we have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

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It's that time of year again, where we gather with friends and family to reminisce about the fond memories of the past 12 months, and dream about what the future will bring.

Holiday shopping is typically a frenzy for most people this time of year, but as always, last minute shoppers need to check names off of their list without running into traffic, long lines and the typical headaches that come with waiting until the last minute. The Texas Hill Country has some of the most unique shops, outlet malls and boutiques that will guarantee everyone on your list gets what they want this year.


For vintage and one-of-a-kind finds, the Gruene area is the Hill Country's best. Known for the Gruene Market Days and the Gruene General Store, this town has a lot of personality and history to offer. Visit the General Store to indulge in a float at the soda fountain, some fudge in the candy store or pick up some Country Style Preserves for your loved ones. For finer antiques, you can stroll over to the Gruene Antique Company and browse 8,000 square feet of collectibles.

The area is also home to two premier outlet malls - San Marcos Premium Outlets and Round Rock Premium Outlets.

San Marcos Premium Outlets house high end outlet shops such as Gucci, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Barney's New York, Brooks Brothers and Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth. However, there are also plenty of other stores if you are not in the market for high-priced goods. You can read a list of them here.

Round Rock Premium Outlets are another option for holiday shoppers and the shopping center will be having an after Christmas sales event going from December 26 to January 2, 2011. Round Rock has more budget friendly stores such as J Crew, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap and Michael Kors. Read a complete list of stores here. Round Rock is also home to 50 Plus Shopper Perks. Every Tuesday, if you are at least 50 years of age you can take advantage of an added 10% savings by simply presenting a photo identification with your proof of age to the cashier at participating stores.

After shopping, come on by one of our properties at Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard in New Braunfels and Havenwood at Hunters Crossing near Gruene. The beautiful sunsets and majestic views will have you feeling relaxed and pampered in no time! You can also stop by Dry Comal Creek Vineyards (across from Vintage Oaks) for a post-shopping wine tasting.

For more information on our communities in the Texas Hill Country, as well as nearby shopping and activities, visit www.bluegreencommunities.com. Happy Holidays!

The afternoon was grey and cool, with surrounding oak trees beginning to lose their leaves for the winter. Despite the weather, the mood was cheery and upbeat, as Senior Airman, Colton Read, and his wife, Jessica, broke ground on their new home at Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard in New Braunfels on Friday.

It is that time of year again, and it always seems to come faster than we anticipated. As we prepare warm meals for family and enjoy the company of those we don’t see often, we can’t help but reflect on the things we are thankful for all year long.

When times are tough, we are thankful for the kind thoughts and actions of our close family and friends. Without them, life sure wouldn’t be as enjoyable! We are also very thankful for our freedom. As Americans, we sometimes take advantage of the basic freedoms we are afforded because of soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much.