Spend an day in quiet Comfort, Texas
Guest article by Catelyn Silpachai
Around two hours from central Austin, Comfort, Texas is a bit further away than many well-known day trip getaways. But with the rolling hills and running streams of the Hill Country to keep you company, the drive will fly by.
Comfort is a historically German town, founded in 1854. It has a well-preserved town center, with many structures built in the 19th century still standing today. Since I sell antiques, I’m always scouting small Texas towns for gems. I recently headed out with a friend who also sells vintage, Leslie Torbett of Dalena Vintage, for a day of antiquing in Comfort.
Texas Hill Country creek on the drive to Comfort, Texas
We realized that, while Comfort does have a handful of antique stores, it’s the rest of the town’s attractions that really make it worth the drive. Here are a few of our favorites.
Lunch at Comfort Pizza
Outdoor patio at Comfort Pizza
You might not expect a tiny German town to have a good pizza spot, but you would be wrong! Comfort Pizza makes delicious pies from scratch (we tried the Greek). We also tried the iced tea with prickly pear cactus juice and banana gelato. YUM! The restaurant has a fun vibe with lots of color, and beach cruiser bikes for rent out front.
802 High St. – Website
Dine on a delicious pie at Comfort Pizza
Perusing Antique Stores
Entrance to Comfort Antique Mall
Comfort has a handful of interesting antique stores on and near the main street. Comfort Antique Mall is the largest, but there are several other smaller stores, including one that specializes in antique French copper (Juniper Green Antiques). All of the antique stores are within walking distance of one another.
Vintage art at Comfort Antique Mall
The owner of Blackbird Antiques on 7th Street has a miniature home in the back of the shop for her two pugs. It’s a must-see. She has collected doll house and children’s furniture for their “home.” They sleep on tiny twin beds, have a tiny TV, a tiny chair, even tiny cigarettes and shoes. It’s absolutely as amazing as it sounds.
Pug dollhouse at Blackbird Antiques
Take a Coffee Break
Rescue Dog Coffee
Rescue Dog Coffee was unfortunately closed the day we visited Comfort because the owners were “away at a coffee conference.” This, of course, intrigued us all the more. The shop looked really cute, and there was even a small white picket fenced dog park outside (complete with fake fire hydrant). We’ll definitely stop by next time we’re in town.
523 7th St. – Website
Stay at Hotel Faust
Porch at Hotel Faust
If you’re looking to turn your day trip into an overnight getaway, Hotel Faust is a charming, 130-year-old boutique hotel in the center of town. But it has definitely caught up with modern times; we were surprised and impressed to see Tesla charging stations out front! There is also a beautiful wedding venue next door called The Ingenhuett on High, which is worth a peek.
There is so much to do right around Comfort, from local wineries to beautiful parks, that an overnight stay at could be the best way to make the most of your trip and see more of the surrounding area before you make your way back to Austin.
717 High St. – Website
Relax at James Kiehl Riverbend Park
The Texas Hill Country is full of beautiful areas along the Guadalupe River, Comfort included. James Kiehl Riverbend Park is right outside of town and provides access to fishing and swimming in the river. Be sure to bring your own water, as there are no fill up stations.
118 Riverbend Road – Website
All in all, Comfort, Texas lives up to its name. It’s a quiet, sleepy town with lots of charm. Get away from the busyness of Austin for an afternoon, relax and see a little bit of Texas history.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Have you made the day trip to Comfort, Texas? What did you enjoy most about the town?
Catelyn is the owner and curator of The Distillery, a collection of vintage, handmade, and specialty goods. In a world of mass-production, she sources beautiful pieces that are unique and authentic.
This is good info. Thanks!