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THE SPOETZL BREWERY
The Spoetzl Brewery, founded in 1909, is Texas' oldest independent brewery.
They still practice the art of brewing, hand-crafting each brew one at a time,
and then aging each Shiner Beer naturally for no less than thirty days to
guarantee its exceptionally smooth taste. In the tradition of Bavarian Brewmaster
Kosmos Spoetzl, Shiner's little brewery proudly produces Shiner Blonde,
Shiner Bock, Shiner Light, and several other specialty brews, depending
on the season.
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Brewery tours are available Monday through Friday at 11:00am and 1:30pm (and
more during the summer). Gift Shop hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm,
and Saturday, 11:00am-3:00pm. Check the Shiner Beer website to confirm hours
or for more information.
SAINTS CYRIL & METHODIUS CATHOLIC CHURCH
One of Shiner's real jewels is the Catholic Church. Blessed under the names of
Saints Cyril and Methodius, two missionaries who first brought Christianity
to Bohemia and Moravia, the church is truly an awe-inspiring sight. Dedicated
in 1921, the red brick Romanesque Revival style architecture features a majestic
altar, painted murals, beautiful statues, and astonishing stained glass windows
imported from Bavaria.
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In 1994, a total renovation of the church began with the bell tower being repaired
and a stained glass window of the Good Shepherd installed above the main
entrance at the front of the church. In 1995, the interior walls were repainted and
sealed, carpet was laid throughout the church floors, pews were repaired and
stained, and statues were touched up.
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Almost 100 years after its dedication, the church is still known as one of the most
eye-catching landmarks in South Central Texas, drawing visitors from around the
world who stop regularly to photograph and tour the church. Its beauty is enhanced
by six stained glass windows and a huge mural of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
which overlooks the altar. For more information about the church and events, please see their website.
THE GASLIGHT THEATRE
The Gaslight Theatre, Shiner's first Opera House lives again. Originally the setting
for plays, balls, political debates, church socials, town meetings and "social hops,"
the Opera House claimed a center of Shiner's social life from 1895 until 1927.
Inactive for many years, The Gaslight Theatre was born again in 1975 thanks to a
local nun and her drama class.
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The Theatre building has undergone recent restoration and the ornate proscenium
arch and vaudeville-style stage are all original from the building's 1895 construction.
The outside of the building has been repainted to closely resemble its early days.
Inside, the stage has been restored to full beauty, and the guest facilities have been
modernized to maximize audience and cast comfort.
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Today, the Gaslight Theatre is known for its outstanding amateur productions held
three times a year. Call the Box Office at 1-361-594-2079 for reservations and
information about upcoming performances. Their address is 207 E 7th Street in
downtown Shiner.
GREEN-DICKSON MUNICIPAL PARK
Green-Dickson Municipal Park is a 148-acre facility located at the northwest edge
of town. The park features children's playgrounds, covered picnic areas with
barbecue pits, lighted tennis and volleyball courts, fishing, a first-class
baseball/softball complex and an enclosed pavilion with an air-conditioned dining
and kitchen facility. There are also several spaces for overnight camping (RV's only)
with hookups.
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For the last several years, Shiner's Annual Half Moon Holidays celebration has been
located in Green-Dickson Park during the 4th of July holiday weekend. Craft & food
booths, BBQ cook-off, live music, parade, and washer tournament are all part of the
festivities, followed by the Spoetzl Brewery Fireworks Spectacular.
WELHAUSEN PARK
This one-square-block park is just a block west of downtown Shiner on
Ave. E (Hwy 90-A). It features an historic bandstand, children's playground and
various monuments describing Shiner's historic past. The picturesque setting is
reminiscent of yesteryear America.
On the first Thursday of each December, Welhausen Park is the site of "Christmas
in the Park", a community gathering that includes Christmas music concerts by the
local school bands and a visit from Santa Claus who arrives riding a Shiner fire
truck. The park is also decorated with a beautiful holiday lighting display beginning
December 1st.
CIGAR FACTORY AND GREEN CABIN MUSEUMS
First opened in 1895, the Louis Ehlers Cigar Factory, left, produced three favorite
cigars, the "Becky Brown," "Katy Lee," and "Good Company." They employed five
labor union men who were paid one cent per cigar made.
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One of Shiner's first prominent businessmen, William Green Jr. was born in the
rustic cabin on the right. It was built by his pioneer parents in 1853 and later
housed a post office and general store.
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These historic buildings, including the offices of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce,
are located at 817 N. Avenue E (Hwy 90-A), directly across the street from the old City Hall.
The Edwin Wolters Memorial Museum is an outstanding legacy of Shiner's history.
Its displays include an antique gun collection, old-time country store, dinosaur
bones, embroidery and hand stitchery collections, a delightful doll display, musical
instruments, an implement shed, and many other interesting antiques.
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The Wolters Museum is located at 306 S. Avenue I and is open Wednesday-Friday,
8:00am-5:00pm (closed for lunch from 1 pm-2 pm), Saturday 12 noon-4 pm.
Upon first arrival, Howard’s may look like a convenience store/gas station, but
step inside to find a unique place filled with Shiner memorabilia, 9 kinds of beer
on tap (including all the great Shiner beer varieties), video rentals, snacks, T-shirts,
and Blue Bell ice cream. It’s a beer, fishing bait and ammo shop all in one!
Walk out the rear exit to find yourself in a covered beer garden. On some
weekends you can even dance to live music by "Los Kolaches" or similar local
bands. Howard’s is affectionately called the "Shiner Country Club" because it’s a
place "where new friends are made, old friends meet, and families are always welcome".
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As the airplane on the sign in front suggests, this is a great place to land!
Howard’s is located off Hwy 90A on the northwest side of town and is open
Monday-Thursday 6:30 am-10:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 6:30 am-11:00 pm,
and Sunday 7 am-10:00 pm. Give them a call at 361-594-4200.
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ANTIQUES, ART & BEER
This unique establishment is just what the name states! Housed in one of Shiner’s
historic downtown buildings, the shop is a place where people gather at the
vintage bar or tables to enjoy a selection of over 250 beers and approximately
190 different wines!
Antiques, many gift items, and original art pieces for sale are colorfully displayed
throughout the store. In addition, there is a back patio, a deck, and a 'beach.'
As stated in Texas Monthly, "it is an eclectic and fabulous addition to any city, let
alone a small town".
Antiques, Art, and Beer is located 720 N. Avenue E (Hwy 90-A) in historic downtown
Shiner and is open at 12 noon Tuesday-Sunday. For more info, visit their website
www.antiquesartandbeer.com or call 361-594-BEER (2337).
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BLUESTEM
Bluestem has long been in the mind of Ross and Patricia Tieken. A professional artisan,
Ross Lane Tieken built the showroom, as well as the sister-building, Shiner Prairie
Woodworks, where he makes custom furniture and cabinetry, and all of the woodwork
for Bluestem. The whole family grew up farming and running cattle, in love with Texas
and in love with good craftsmanship. The Bluestem showroom, situated on the same
farm that has seen five generations of Tiekens, is a tribute to our home, its landscape,
its culture, and its people.
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Bluestem simultaneously curates beautiful objects from Texan artisans, manufactures hand
made goods, and designs products which share our customers’ love of the Great State.
Bluestem is strongly dedicated to using local materials, local businesses, and local craftspeople
for our merchandise. We hope that you can see this love and dedication in everything we offer.
Bluestem is located at 4875 U.S. Highway 90A West 4 miles West of Shiner on 90A
and is open Wednesday-Friday 10 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-1 pm.
For more info, visit www.shinerbluestem.com or call (361) 594-3331.
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OLD SHINER CITY HALL
Shiner's Old City Hall was built in 1927 and originally included office space for
the city secretary and city tax office, a public library, and housing for three fire
trucks downstairs; upstairs, an auditorium with 434 seats, dressing rooms and a
stage. After the opening of City Hall, plays, political rallies, and graduation services
were held there continuously for many years.
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The Shiner City administration offices and the Fire Station have since been
relocated, but today Shiner's Old City Hall building houses the Police Station,
serves as an election polling place, and the auditorium is used as the firemen's
recreation hall.
HOFFIE & LANK WOLTERS SHINER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Built new in the late 1990's, the Shiner Public Library offers books, magazines, and
free Internet access to Shiner residents. This beautiful facility was constructed
using funds donated by Hoffie & Lank Wolters, long-time Shiner philanthropists.
The building also includes a public meeting room used for art and music exhibits
as well as cultural events.
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The Shiner Public Library is located at 115 E 2nd Street, just one block off of
Avenue E (Hwy 90-A).
Their hours are:
Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-5:30 pm, Friday & Saturday 8:00 am-11:00 am.
The library is closed Sundays and holidays. The phone number is 361-594-3044.
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Shiner Escape Rooms offers the opportunity to escape “Normal.” Immerse yourself in a
unique one-of-a-kind experience that will challenge and entertain you! We have four
different themed escape rooms that rival those found in the big cities. In fact, it’s highly
doubtful that you could find another small town anywhere in America that has what
Shiner offers!
The Shiner Escape room is located at 1148 Hwy 95N in Shiner, just past the Shiner Brewery.
Details are available at https://www.shinerescape.com/
