Comfort is an adorable little town where charm and history go hand in hand, and every nook has a tale to tell. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Comfort feels like that buddy who’s never short on surprises.
Recently, I took my sister-in-law and her friend on a little escapade to Comfort, and you won’t believe how much they adored it! Come along on this adventure as we dive into the 11 unique things to do in Comfort Texas. Let’s create some unforgettable memories that’ll be the envy of every storyteller!
Things to know before visiting Comfort
The perfect small town getaway is waiting for you in Comfort, TX, located in beautiful Texas Hill Country. Located 45 mins from San Antonio and 30 mins Fredericksburg, it may just be the relaxing spot you need for your next weekend escape.
What is Comfort, TX known for?
Known as the “Star of the Hill” or “Haven in the Hill,” this little gem of a town brims with lush greenery amid rolling hills and crystalline rivers that shimmer through the Hill Country land.
Vacationers looking for a quick trip will find a bounty of antique shops, outdoor activities, and attractions that are ideal for relaxation or a little exploration. It’s a special place founded by German immigrants who were called freethinkers. You can stop by High Street to see the carving that recognizes the contributions of these German settlers for a splendid photo opp.
Tips when visiting Comfort TX
- Comfort is not the place for nightlife. Nothing is open in the evening, so plan to fill your days with activities and relax at night.
- Most attractions, stores, and restaurants are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Many of them close before 3PM as well.
- It’s best to plan ahead and check the hours of the places you want to visit before you go. This will keep you from feeling frustrated by turning up to closed doors.
Where to Stay:
- A Lazy S Place Dog Friendly Guesthouse: For vacation rentals, this Airbnb property includes 12 acres that you’ll love for the resplendent views and outdoor spaces. With plenty of privacy and offering accommodations that allow dogs, it’s only a 15-minute drive to downtown Comfort, putting you right in the heart of it all from coffee shops to bistros and wineries to outdoor adventures.
- Camp Comfort: Located right on Cypress Creek, Camp Comfort is your best place to stay for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the outdoors during your stay. The rustic cabins still account for modern comfort, making Camp Comfort a beloved place that provides access to the best of Comfort.
- Hotel Giles: Historic and elegant, this Texas Hill Country hotel is ideal for a romantic stay. You’ll have all the comfort you need in Comfort, TX with excellent amenities and service for a fully pampering experience.
- The Historic Hotel on Main: Be in the center of it all on Main St. and indulge in the ultimate comfort of not having to worry once you get to town with vacation rentals at this landmark property. You can walk around and explore with ease while enjoying accommodations tinged with history, complete with your own private entrance.
11 Things to Do in Comfort Texas
Comfort really is the perfect place whether you’re on a family trip or want to have a great time with friends, though it is a great option for couples too. Take a look at the popular places in this lovely little town and plan your trip!
#1 – Soak in the local grape vibes
Explore a palate of flavors in Comfort, where local wineries showcase everything from crisp whites to bold reds. Despite its small size, Comfort boasts more than five wineries and breweries for you to savor. So, let the good times pour as you explore the rich palette of wines and create memorable moments in this quaint Texan town. Cheers to the joy of wine tastings in Comfort!
- Hill Country Distillers: Hill Country Distillers quickly rose to success since opening in 2014, leading the way in the craft spirit movement for the state. The tasting room is a wonderful spot for sampling aged whiskey, gin, and vodka along with seasonal favorites, all right from the barrel. If you love spirits, you don’t want to miss Hill Country Distillers.
- Newsom Vineyards: This family-owned winery is responsible for crafting some truly remarkable wines. You’ll savor every sip at Newsom Vineyards, a stunning spot where tasting is made even more memorable with the relaxing and leisurely surroundings.
- Singing Water Vineyards: Your taste buds will surely sing while at these historic vineyards. Set upon over 7 acres of vineyards, you’ll love the 1880s barn that serves as a tasting room. With gorgeous viewing decks that let you glimpse the views of vineyards all around, it is a treat for every wine lover.
- Bending Branch Winery: The tasting rooms at Bending Branch Winery are not to be missed for the chance to try a wide variety of wine styles. Plan your visit right and you may have the chance to enjoy food pairings set to live music, viticulture seminars, and more.
- Hill Country Wineworks: This is also a haven for wine enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the winery is set to close its doors by the close of 2023 due to financial reasons.
#2 – Dive into the culinary scene
Comfort, Texas, has some truly delicious restaurants, too. Please note that most of the restaurants are on Monday and Tuesday. You should check the hours of the places or give the restaurants a call before you go. Here are a few suggestions for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- High’s Cafe and Store: High’s Cafe is one of those places that would have you driving all the way from San Antonio or Austin just to get another taste. The food here is one of the true comforts of Comfort!
- Comfort Coffee Co: This cozy coffee shop is right inside the 8th Street Market. Grab a cup of aromatic coffee, unwind, and then set out for some antique and vintage shopping.
- The Wander’n Calf Espresso Bar & Bakery: Great coffee made with the pour over method is an epic experience at this espresso bar and bakery. The baked goodies are not to be missed, from the scones to the brownies, plus they have gluten-free options too.
- Comfort Pizza: Pizza always makes for a pleasing meal, and you’ll find it at Comfort Pizza. These pies are hand-tossed and cooked in a stone oven, making them worth the wait. The spacious backyard area is great for dogs or kids to run off some energy.
- Food for The Soul Bistro: For homemade meals with a hint of romance, this charming bistro gives you much to love with sandwiches and burgers. They also offer steak dinners on Friday nights, but you’ll need to make reservations first.
#3 – Explore local shops in Comfort
Get ready for a delightful shopping experience in Comfort, where local shops add a touch of magic to your wanderings. Meander through the town’s streets, and you’ll stumble upon a collection of unique antique offering everything from handmade crafts to one-of-a-kind treasures, though they tend to be on the pricier side.
I purchased a beautiful nativity set at The 8th Street Market, and my sister-in-law was delighted to find vintage pictures with a set of key decorations at Salvaged Soul Vintage Market. So, whether you’re on the hunt for a unique souvenir or just soaking in the local vibes, Comfort’s local shops are more than just storefronts – they’re invitations to uncover a bit of the town’s personality.
- The 8th Street Market: Located at an old Ford dealership from the 1940s, you’ll find a treasure trove of European and American antiques plus art that ranges from a variety of styles.
- Comfort Antique Mall: While the 8th Street Market is outdoors, Comfort Antique Mall is indoors. If you are looking for items from the colonial era to the 1950s, this is the place to go. Nostalgic music from the good old days plays in the background, enhancing the ambience.
- Salvaged Soul Vintage Market: This vintage shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, offering an array of uniquely classic items for your home.
- Elephant Story: Elephant Story promotes elephant conservation in Asia through selling vintage crafts, clothing, and jewelry. Get souvenirs while promoting a great cause!
#4 – Enjoy Art Collection at Studio Comfort Texas
Studio Comfort Texas offers a lovely art gallery with unique contemporary art exhibits. Art lovers will enjoy finding something special to bring back a piece of this Texas town home with them.
You can also join in one of the workshops or simply stand on the sidelines and observe the process of art in the making. Customized art experiences make for a creative way to spend the day.
🌐 Studio Comfort Texas
📍 716 High St, Comfort, TX 78013
#5 – Visit Comfort Bat Roost
Built in 1918, this fascinating pyramid-style tower extends over 30 feet into the sky. Comfort welcomes bats with a prime roosting place, and while 16 of these roosts were constructed in various locations throughout the country, this one is the last one standing.
As such, it’s earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s incredibly special and you can certainly walk up and take a look, however, visitors must ask permission to enter the fence. The locals request that you never climb over or under the fencing to get closer.
🌐 Comfort Bat Roost
📍 109 FM 473, Comfort, TX 78013
#6 – Take a step back in time and explore the Treue Der Union Monument
Treue Der Union Monument is the oldest monument for the Civil War in the entire state. Comfort, Texas, is home to this limestone obelisk that features the inscriptions of the 36 men who were captured and killed during the Battle of Nueces in 1862. The monument was erected in 1866 to commemorate their bravery.
The Battle of Nueces began when the Confederate soldiers attacked union supporters, most of them hailing from Germany. It’s another relic on the National Register of Historic Places as well as a Texas State Historical Landmark.
🌐 Treue Der Union Monument
📍 327 High St, Comfort, TX 78013
#7 – Strike a pose at the Cartoon Saloon
For something a little sillier, you can lighten the mood with some fun photos for your social media posts at the Cartoon Saloon. This Wild West photo stop is off a country road. Created by the cartoonist J.P. Rankin and his friends, it’s a fun attraction that requires no admission fee, though donations are appreciated.
Inside, you’ll find a pen that you can use to sign the interior of the building. While it’s not a real saloon, if you have your own beverages, you can sign your cans and then put them up on the shelf of the saloon bar. Cartoon Saloon is not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing the fun and eccentric spirit of Comfort. So, say cheese, snap away, and create lasting memories at this playful destination.
🌐 Cartoon Saloon
📍 508 FM Hwy 473, Comfort, TX 78013
#8 – Visit Old State Bank Building & Museum
In 1907, the Old State Bank Building was constructed for Alex Brinkmann. It was where the Comfort State Bank resided until 1960. After that, it became the Comfort Public Library starting the following year through 1982. The unique craftsmanship of this structure is still something to marvel at today. As a Texas Historic Landmark, you’ll find polished red granite columns and other spectacular architectural features that make it stand out.
#9 – Learn how to make your own pottery at Hill Country Pottery
Finding Hill Country Pottery requires making your way down a scenic farm road. While the journey is worthy for the views, get out and get acquainted with the process of pottery making. The gallery is only open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but you can browse some lovely creations.
If you want to make your own pottery, there’s nothing quite like a pottery class. These classes are only available by appointment though, so it’s ideal if you plan ahead to put this on your itinerary when visiting Comfort, Texas.
🌐 Hill Country Pottery
📍 738 FM 473, Comfort, TX 78013
#10 – Joshua Springs Park and Preserve
The famed Joshua Springs Park and Preserve features stunning parkland that adventurers will love. There are over 400 acres of park and preserve, allowing you to access the best natural surrounds in the area. Plenty of people drive from San Antonio, Austin, and even further to spend some time at Joshua Springs Park.
There is a stocked pond that permits catch-and-release fishing, ideal for anyone who enjoys this relaxing activity by the water. If fishing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of birds and other wildlife to observe throughout the park.
A playground will keep little ones happy, and parents will find this idyllic setting the sweet spot they need for lunch amid nature. There are both covered and uncovered picnic tables that make for a prime place to eat outdoors. Stop in one of Comfort’s charming eateries and grab your food to go, then bring it here.
You shouldn’t miss the miles of walking trails or taking a walk up on the hilltop to the Ring Mountain Event Center. The panoramic views you’ll get of the countryside are worth every step!
🌐 Joshua Springs Park and Preserve
📍 716 US Highway 289, Comfort, TX 78013
#11 – Flat Rock Ranch
Flat Rock Ranch is family owned, a place where you can enjoy the rugged Texas life. This gorgeous cattle ranch is only a short drive northwest from San Antonio and features 1,300 acres of land.
It was originally founded in the 1880s by an English architect named Alfred Giles and still serves as a place where Black Angus cattle along with Angora goats are raised. In addition to viewing the livestock and soaking up the rustic charm of the ranch, there are 29 miles of single track trails plus some double tracks that wind through the hilly country terrain. These will treat you to some truly awe-inspiring views while giving you plenty of exercise in the fresh air. Hill climbs, creek crossings, and downhill sections are available for traversing the land and becoming part of nature.
These top attractions are great for a relaxed or active stay in Comfort, Texas. Additionally, golf lovers will love Buckhorn Golf Course, if you need anything else to keep you busy while you’re in town!
🌐 Flat Rock Ranch
📍 346 Flat Rock Creek Rd, Comfort, TX 78013
Final Thoughts
As our exploration of Comfort TX, comes to a close, it’s clear that this small town packs a punch of history, charm, and hospitality. Comfort, with its rich past and vibrant present, has truly proven to be a gem of experience. Until next time, may the warmth of Comfort linger in your memories, and may your adventures continue with joy and discovery.