Comfort, Texas, Offers the Ultimate Peaceful Escape

Located about two hours southwest of Austin in Texas Hill Country, Comfort, Texas, is a small town (population 2,000) that was founded by a group of German freidenker (freethinkers) in the 1850s, who moved to the area after the German Revolution. They sought freedom in America, and valued reason and democracy over religious and political authoritarianism. They named the town Comfort as an ode to their quest for a tranquil, peaceful, and comfortable life. Known as an intellectual society, the freethinkers advocated for equal rights, the abolition of slavery, and rejected secession. During the Civil War, they were loyal to the Union, which cost many their lives, and the Treue der Union Monument on High Street in town honors them. 

In the 1940s and ’50s, the Hill Country area was known as an international wool and mohair center, and Comfort’s own Adolf Stieler was called the Angora Goat King of the World. Over the next few decades, agriculture grew the local economy, and outdoor pursuits drew in tourists. Today, the small town is dotted with shops, wineries, and more, and Comfort is designated a National Historic District, with numerous buildings and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. More than 100 buildings date back to the 19th century, many located in downtown.

For a weekend away from the city, Comfort offers, well, comfort, in the form of a slower pace. Stroll through the downtown area while shopping at boutiques, spend an afternoon at the winery, or visit an art gallery or pottery studio. Here’s our guide on finding comfort in Comfort.

What to Do

Bending Branch Winery

Just outside of town, the award-winning Bending Branch Winery crafts “next world wines” by fusing old-world techniques with modern science, like cryomaceration and thermoflash fermentation. It’s the brainchild of Bob Young, a doctor-turned-winemaker who fell in love with the wine regions of Europe, South America, and the U.S. as well as the art and science of winemaking. Bending Branch is known for tannat, a grape that grows well in Texas, but it also produces other red, white, and sparkling wines from other varieties, including tempranillo, malbec, and mourvèdre.  The winery and tasting room is open Thursday through Monday, and a new tasting room opens this summer.

Where to Shop

Freethinkers General Store 

Owner Lisa Jenkins handpicks each item for Freethinkers General Store, which sells clothing, jewelry, bags, shoes, and gifts such as candles, games, notebooks, and puzzles. 

Debzee’s Vintage 

Step into Debzee’s Vintage to find a world filled with antique furniture, vintage ceramics and decor, and high-quality collectibles. Whether it’s a vintage clock or antique butter churner, this store has something to make your space a bit more interesting. 

The 8th Street Market 

Housed in a 1940s Ford dealership, The 8th Street Market is a vintage paradise full of vendors selling quirky paintings, refurbished furniture, shabby-chic statement pieces, and other items that add a touch of character to any room. 

Shopping With Siobhain’s Downright Comfort

Meteorologist Siobhain Anders shares her love of collectibles and trinkets at her storefront in Comfort. Shop for gifts such as tea towels, adorable alpaca stuffed animals, cowhide rugs, and other home decor.

Where to See Art

MixHaus Gallery

A contemporary art gallery, MixHaus Gallery hosts exhibits focusing on mixed media. While browsing paintings, sculptures, neon works, and more, visitors will also learn the story behind each artists’ process.

Hill Country Pottery

Artist Brian Burkhardt has been creating pottery since 1996, and you can view some of his work—including bowls, plates, coffee cups, and canisters—at his gallery and studio. Work from other artists are also on display. The space is an old barn from West Texas that was reassembled in Comfort. Pottery classes are available by appointment.

Where to Eat

High’s Cafe & Store

A local favorite, High’s Cafe & Store is a casual eatery with healthy options. The daily menu includes lots of salads, sandwiches, and soups, plus sides such as chips and dip and hummus. Daily specials include seasonal soups and bright salads, plus veggie melts and fish tacos.  

Comfort Coffee Co. 

Fuel up for the day at Comfort Coffee Co., where you’ll find not only coffee, but also teas, breakfast items, and lunch sandwiches. 

Comfort Pizza

For an alfresco lunch, head to Comfort Pizza, which doles out mesquite wood-fired pies, craft beers, and gelato. There are several pizzas to choose from, including the Güero with chicken, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, jalapeños, chiffonade basil, and cheese.

Where to Stay

Hotel Giles

For more than 140 years, Hotel Giles has welcomed travelers to Hill Country. Today, guests can enjoy the front porch rocking chairs, the gazebo, the upper deck sitting area, and daily breakfast. Some suites have soaking tubs, and cottages offer a bit more space to sprawl. 

Camp Comfort 

Built as an athletic club and bowling alley in the 1860s, Camp Comfort is now an accommodation complex with a variety of rooms, including cabins and Airstream campers, all with modern amenities. Guests can relax in the sauna or by the outdoor fire pits, or head down to Cypress Creek for a swim or relaxing moment.