We all need a break sometimes, just to get away from the desk and living room for a short staycation. A place where we can enjoy surroundings just a little different from our world and taste wonderful foods at unique cafes and restaurants. And what better place than just a few miles up the road in Kendall County – Comfort. Even the name suggests a nice homey feeling away from home.
“The township of Comfort was established in 1854 by German immigrants, who were Freethinkers and abolitionists. Ernst Hermann Altgelt is credited with surveying the lots that would be sold to German immigrants. Fritz and Betty Holekamp built the first house in Comfort before Comfort's official founding on September 3, 1854.
“The downtown area is possibly one of the most well-preserved historic business districts in Texas. There are well over 100 structures in the area dating back to the 19th century, and seven of them were designed by the noted architect Alfred Giles.”
Originally the Ingenhuett-Faust Hotel, the newly refurbished Giles Hotel is under new ownership. The historic character of the structures and grounds has been maintained. Imagine enjoying a restful sleep after checking out all the historic district of Comfort has to offer just blocks from the hotel. For events, the Ingenhuett on High Event Center next door is a beautiful venue for special occasions.
There are several antique shops within a few city blocks of High Street. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a light breakfast at the 8th Street Market while perusing the treasures within. As you drive in or out of the historic district the Wandering Calf bakery and coffee shop is on Hwy 27 just off the Hwy 87 cutoff. The Lobby Coffee Shop in a former theater is just off Hwy 27 as well. High’s Café, Huckleberry’s and Food for the Soul Bistro on High Street are great venues to enjoy hometown food and drink. Comfort Pizza offers outdoor dining. The Cypress Creek Inn on Hwy 27 offers fine dining.
The “backyard” open space between Hwy 27 and High Street is where area musicians perform and events are held. It is conveniently located between the shops and cafes along High Street and Newsome Wines and the Hill Country Distillers on Hwy 27.
Along with the numerous antique shops, there are newer boutiques open now, like Peachy Llama, the Elephant Story and Hens & Heifers. Studio Comfort Texas is an outstanding art studio and shop featuring area and national artists. You can find paintings, sculptures and jewelry there.
If you’re pursuing the history of the area, the former Comfort State Bank building houses the Comfort Heritage Foundation which offers a wealth of information about the buildings and monuments in the area.
If you wish to visit some beautiful wineries, just north on Hwy 27 outside of Comfort are the Bending Branch and Singing Waters wineries that offer great wines and beautiful Hill Country views. Bending Branch does have a tasting room on High Street next to Ursa Vineyard’s tasting room. The Comfort Meet Market is a fun place to visit with friends.
Make plans to visit Comfort when there are a variety of holiday events planned.