Tag: People

Christmas at the Caverns Returns with Holiday Joy Above and Below Ground

Posted on 11-01-2024 by admin

Live Music, S’mores, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Live Underground Concert, and Magical Walking Trail of Lights at Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Caverns is once again bringing holiday magic underground with the return of Christmas at the Caverns, starting Saturday, December 7th, and running through December 23rd. The 2024 season is packed with family-favorite holiday traditions, including Caroling in the Cavern, the stunning walk-through Trail of Lights, a giant Christmas tree, holiday treats, and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Each year, we look for ways to make our Christmas event a big part of celebrating the magic of the season,” said Brad Wuest, President of Natural Bridge Caverns. “We’re blessed to give our guests a unique holiday experience that combines the beauty of the cavern with the joyful talents of so many talented musicians from every corner of our community.”

Families enjoy live holiday music deep within the caverns during Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns

Christmas at the Caverns will take place on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-23. Music has always been a cornerstone of Christmas at the Caverns. Caroling in the Cavern will feature local and regional performers, filling the stunning Discovery Cavern with holiday music. The acoustics within the cavern create a unique setting for these live performances, surrounded by the natural beauty of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. Caroling often sells out, making it one of the more popular traditions for locals.

This month’s Live Underground Concert will feature Jeremy McComb on December 20^th. McComb is a Grammy-nominated artist with five albums to his credit. Concertgoers will not only enjoy McComb’s storytelling gift but will also have access to all above-ground events, including the popular Trail of Lights, Reindeer Round-Up, and more.

Once again, the festive Trail of Lights walk will take visitors on a magical journey through a series of beautifully lit holiday scenes and characters, with hundreds of illuminated Live Oaks and music throughout the trail. The easy one-third-of-a-mile walk ends in Discovery Village under a spectacular 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Returning favorites include the Discovery Village Synthetic Skating Rink, a perfect way for families to glide into the holiday spirit, free for children ages 3-11. In keeping with the Caverns’ ranching heritage, the Reindeer Round-Up will entertain kids with a search for Santa’s missing reindeer, and an expanded s’mores campfire area will offer a cozy spot for enjoying winter evenings.

Throughout December, Natural Bridge Caverns will continue its tradition of supporting the New Braunfels and San Antonio Food Bank. “We are committed to giving back to our community, and each year our guests help us make a real difference,” said Travis Wuest, co-owner and vice president of Natural Bridge Caverns. “To date, we have been able to raise enough money to provide over 1.45 million pounds of food, providing essential support for families in need.”

Families gather to roast marshmallows for s’mores by the campfire during Christmas at the Caverns at Natural Bridge Caverns.

Guests can support the Food Bank through the Natural Bridge Caverns community food drive or choose to Round Up for Hunger by adding a donation to their ticket purchase. Every guest who brings a non-perishable food item will receive a FREE s’more treat to enjoy at the campfire.

PRICING

Jingle All the Way Package (Dec. 7-23): $45.99 for adults and $35 for children ages 3-11. Includes Caroling in the Cavern, Twisted Trails, Trail of Lights, Reindeer Roundup Maze, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa Claus, synthetic skating, campfire, yard games, hay maze, and live music.
Live Underground Christmas Concert (Dec. 20): A 90-minute show with Grammy nominated singer songwriter Jeremy McComb. Includes access all above ground activities including the Trail of Lights, Reindeer Roundup Maze, synthetic skating, campfire, and yard games. Visit the concert page online for details and pricing.
Christmas Admission with Caroling Tour (Dec. 7-23): $37.99 for adults and $27.99 for children ages 3-11, includes a Caroling tour in the Discovery Cavern, Trail of Lights, Reindeer Roundup Maze, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa Claus, synthetic skating, campfire, yard games, hay maze, and live music.
Christmas Grounds Pass (Dec. 7-23): $22.99 for adults and $27.99 for children ages 3-11, includes all above grounds Trail of Lights, Reindeer Roundup Maze, Story Time with Mrs. Claus, visit with Santa Claus, synthetic skating, campfire, yard games, hay maze, and live music.

ADD-ONS

Christmas Admission Plus: add either Twisted Trails or Caroling in the Cavern: $15 for adults, $11 for children.

Natural Bridge Caverns will continue to offer daily tours of Texas’s largest cavern system through the Discovery Tour, Hidden Wonders Tour, Lantern Tour, Adventure Tours, private tours, and a range of surface attractions. Visit Natural Bridge Caverns for pricing, park hours, and availability.

PHOTO ASSETS AND B-ROLL

Christmas at the Caverns photos and b-roll are available at:

Photos: https://naturalbridgenews.com/album/christmas/

Broll: https://vimeo.com/1019586999?share=copy

About Natural Bridge Caverns:

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
Phone: 210-651-6101
Website

Natural Bridge Caverns, discovered in 1960 by local cavers, is a family-owned and operated natural wonder and the largest cavern in Texas. In addition to two distinct cavern tours, the property features above-ground adventures, including a ropes course, zip rails, a 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze, and interactive gem panning. New areas are still being discovered and explored within this extensive cave system. Natural Bridge Caverns is a State Historical Site, a National Natural Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Natural Bridge Caverns is Hosting an all Staff Reunion on June 1

Posted on 05-21-202405-18-2024 by admin

It was 60 years ago when the first tours opened at Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest cavern in Texas. To kick off a year of celebrations of the 60^th, the cavern crew will have a staff reunion on June 1^st for everyone one who has ever worked at the park.

“In the beginning everyone’s job was to be a tour guide, cashier, and grounds keeper. These days our team has grown, along with our knowledge about the caverns system,” said Brad Wuest, president of Natural Bridge Caverns. “Over the years we’ve lost touch with some folks. We’re hoping this reunion will give everyone a chance to visit, share stories, and see how the caverns have changed – even in just the last two years.”

The cavern system itself has been carefully protected, with a focus on balancing access and stewardship of this Natural National Landmark. Key to that effort has been the staff over the years who have also valued this natural wonder.

The Natural Bridge Caverns’ crew is asking for help in spreading the word about the reunion. “If you or someone you know worked with us at the cavern, please know we would love to celebrate together. It’ll be a great day of reminiscing, touring, and fun,” said Wuest.

Former cavern crew members can visit https://bit.ly/Caverns-Reunion to sign up.

Media Alert: Passing of Orion Knox, Jr. one of the original discoverers of Natural Bridge Caverns

Posted on 01-03-202302-17-2023 by admin

Orion Knox, Jr., legendary cave explorer and gentleman, passed away on December 31^st at the age of 81. In addition to being one of the discoverers, he helped develop Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest show cave in Texas, with tens of millions of guests experiencing the nature, wonder, and majesty he found in 1960.

Knox never stopped discovering, continuing to explore, photograph, and survey the massive Natural Bridge Caverns system over the years, as well as many other spectacular caves around the world. Orion was a gifted photographer and surveyor producing many award-winning cave maps. He also was a leader in the caving community on a state and national level.

He met his wife, Jan, through the local grotto at University of Texas in Austin. Together they became a surveying team and worked on Harrison’s Cave in Barbados and Kartchner Caverns in Arizona, Natural Bridge Caverns plus numerous others. Knox worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife as a park planner and later becoming the head of the Historic Sites branch in Texas Parks. He worked on the first restoration for the Battleship Texas. He said that crawling in the battleship was similar to caving. A special commemoration will be held in the near future at Natural Bridge Caverns to honor Orion’s legacy. Memorial donations can be made to Texas Cave Management Association (which helps preserve caves in Texas) or the Texas Nature Conservancy.

Natural Bridge Caverns Hires General Manager to Assist with Future Growth

Posted on 05-14-202010-08-2023 by admin

Former Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resort® COO Terri Adams Joins ‘Cave Crew’

(San Antonio, TX) May 14, 2020 – Natural Bridge Caverns, the premier Texas Hill Country natural adventure attraction has announced the addition of Terri Adams as general manager. Adams brings extensive experience in growing multifaceted family businesses into multimillion-dollar brands. The Wuest family, which has owned and operated Natural Bridge Caverns for 56 years, recruited her to assist them with future growth.

“Terri’s long career in the hospitality industry makes her the perfect choice to lead us forward,” said Brad Wuest, President/CEO of Natural Bridge Caverns. “We were fortunate that she was available at a critical time in our growth strategy. Terri’s experience working with a family-owned attraction and her experience with building a Texas brand, combined with her business acumen, capable leadership, and industry insight will help with our immediate challenges and our plan for long term growth.”

“Natural Bridge Caverns has been a family and fan favorite for the past 20 years,” said Adams. “To have the privilege of working with this amazing family-owned business is a great honor, and I look forward to helping the team move into the next 60 years of discovery.”

During Adams’ 41 years in hospitality, she helped to grow Schlitterbahn® Resorts and Waterparks from a small local waterpark to a five-city iconic Texas brand that was eventually sold. She is the recipient of the prestigious Milton Guess Hospitality Award from the San Antonio Tourism Alliance, a recipient of the Tall in Texas Award, and was inducted into the World Waterpark Hall of Fame.

ABOUT NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS

26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266

https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/ | 210-651-6101 | https://www.facebook.com/naturalbridgecavernstx/ | @NaturalBridgeCaverns | #NBCavernsTX

On March 27, 1960, four college students, Orion Knox Jr., Preston Knodell Jr., Al Brandt, and Joe Cantu from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio began an underground exploration that ultimately would reveal the most extensive, largest cavern system in Texas. After hearing of an incredible 60-foot natural limestone bridge, which later became the caverns’ namesake, the students asked landowner Clara Wuest if they could investigate what laid beneath their family’s ranch. On the cavers’ fourth expedition, they uncovered a long, narrow crawlspace that ultimately opened into 2 miles of virgin caverns. Today, their discovery is recognized as one of the world’s premier show caverns.

Natural Bridge Caverns located between San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas, offers year-round activities including multiple cavern tours, a maze, an aerial sky adventure, gemstone mining, restaurants, and shopping. Grounds offer several ideal settings for weddings, groups, and birthday parties. Christmas at the Caverns includes holiday light displays, carolers throughout the caverns, and a hill country hayride. Natural Bridge Caverns is owned and operated by the Wuest family and is a designated State Historical Site, National Natural Landmark, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.