About the town of Comfort, Texas
An Antique Town...
that was laid out near the site of an Indian village in 1854 by Ernst Hermann Altgelt. It's history goes back to a group of Germans that settled in 1852 along the banks of the Cypress Creek above its confluence with the Guadalupe River. Wearied by their journey from New Braunfels, Texas, the small group was so pleased by this picturesque site and pure water that they named it Camp Comfort. Free-masons, freethinkers, and political activists, middle-class German families, and liberals from Bettina and Sisterdale, Texas, settled the area.
Townsmen organized the community along cooperative lines and steadfastly opposed formal local government. Comfort citizens valued education and opened a school shortly after its founding, but not until 1892 was a church built. The town was a center of Union sentiment during the Civil War and lost many young men at the battle (or massacre) of the Nueces in 1862. A monument on a hillside across from the middle school campus honors these dead. It is one of only six National Cemeteries permitted to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in perpetuity and the only Union War Memorial in the South.
Early agriculture and commerce in the area depended on sheep and goats, grains, lime burning, masonry, building rock, lumber, and shingles. In the 1940s and 1950s, when the Hill Country was an international wool and mohair center, Adolf Stieler of Comfort reigned as "Angora Goat King of the World." In the 1980s agribusiness continued to dominate the local economy, but hunting, fishing, sightseeing, and youth camps drew increasing numbers of tourists. Today tourist-based and antique businesses are prominent.
Much of the original town site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Significant architectural sites include Bolshevik Hall, Turner Hall, a theater, and numerous half-timber and Victorian structures that survived a disastrous flood in 1978. A tradition of secular funerals was still widely observed in the twentieth century, and German turner (Turnverein Movement) activities and modern Volksmarsch celebrations continued. The Chamber of Commerce, volunteer and mutual aid organizations, and service and literary clubs continue to provide informal governance. The population of this unincorporated town was over 1,400 in 1980, when the original post office, established in 1856, still existed. Today the population is around 2200.
Comfort Links of Interest
Comfort Chamber of Commerce
http://www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com/
Shop Comfort
Local Recreation and Entertainment
The Buckhorn Golf Course - 1.5 miles. 36 FM 473. 18 Championship Holes with very reasonable greens fees. For reservations call Toll-Free 866-746-2711 or 830-995-5351. www.BuckhornGolfClub.net.
Mountain Biking at Flat Rock Ranch - 2 miles. Premier Mountain Bike Venue in the Region. Over 20 miles of specially designed trails from Single Track Beginner to Advanced Rider trails on a 1300 acre ranch. Three hills climb to above 1900 feet. Open daily from January to the last weekend of September. www.flatrockranch.net.
See our Hill Country Experience Page for more Area Links!
that was laid out near the site of an Indian village in 1854 by Ernst Hermann Altgelt. It's history goes back to a group of Germans that settled in 1852 along the banks of the Cypress Creek above its confluence with the Guadalupe River. Wearied by their journey from New Braunfels, Texas, the small group was so pleased by this picturesque site and pure water that they named it Camp Comfort. Free-masons, freethinkers, and political activists, middle-class German families, and liberals from Bettina and Sisterdale, Texas, settled the area.
Townsmen organized the community along cooperative lines and steadfastly opposed formal local government. Comfort citizens valued education and opened a school shortly after its founding, but not until 1892 was a church built. The town was a center of Union sentiment during the Civil War and lost many young men at the battle (or massacre) of the Nueces in 1862. A monument on a hillside across from the middle school campus honors these dead. It is one of only six National Cemeteries permitted to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in perpetuity and the only Union War Memorial in the South.
Early agriculture and commerce in the area depended on sheep and goats, grains, lime burning, masonry, building rock, lumber, and shingles. In the 1940s and 1950s, when the Hill Country was an international wool and mohair center, Adolf Stieler of Comfort reigned as "Angora Goat King of the World." In the 1980s agribusiness continued to dominate the local economy, but hunting, fishing, sightseeing, and youth camps drew increasing numbers of tourists. Today tourist-based and antique businesses are prominent.
Much of the original town site is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Significant architectural sites include Bolshevik Hall, Turner Hall, a theater, and numerous half-timber and Victorian structures that survived a disastrous flood in 1978. A tradition of secular funerals was still widely observed in the twentieth century, and German turner (Turnverein Movement) activities and modern Volksmarsch celebrations continued. The Chamber of Commerce, volunteer and mutual aid organizations, and service and literary clubs continue to provide informal governance. The population of this unincorporated town was over 1,400 in 1980, when the original post office, established in 1856, still existed. Today the population is around 2200.
Comfort Links of Interest
Comfort Chamber of Commerce
http://www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com/
Shop Comfort
Local Recreation and Entertainment
The Buckhorn Golf Course - 1.5 miles. 36 FM 473. 18 Championship Holes with very reasonable greens fees. For reservations call Toll-Free 866-746-2711 or 830-995-5351. www.BuckhornGolfClub.net.
Mountain Biking at Flat Rock Ranch - 2 miles. Premier Mountain Bike Venue in the Region. Over 20 miles of specially designed trails from Single Track Beginner to Advanced Rider trails on a 1300 acre ranch. Three hills climb to above 1900 feet. Open daily from January to the last weekend of September. www.flatrockranch.net.
See our Hill Country Experience Page for more Area Links!
Lodging in and around Comfort
Comfortable and Affordable
Accommodations are diverse and close at hand. Special weekday rates are generally available at bed and breakfasts in the local area. There is one moderately priced motel in Comfort, the Executive Inn. Opting for a roommate is another way to enlarge your experience as well as to keep costs down.
A sampling of accommodations available is presented below, with several being B & B type facilities. They are in the central core of Comfort within 3 blocks of the Academy.
Heirloom Bed and Breakfast
https://www.anheirloombandb.com
Innkeeper@anheirloombandb.com 703 Main Street Comfort, TX 78013 (830) 995-5188
You will love the Texas Room in the Main House with two twin beds and the recently updated Casita. The Casita is a private apartment accommodating up to four guests, with a small sitting room and two bedrooms (one with two twin beds and one with a Queen bed with a Tempur-pedic mattress) . Together, we can accommodate six guests.
Meyer Bed and Breakfast on Cypress Creek
(3 blocks from Academy)
845 High Street · Comfort, TX 78013
Phone: 830-995-2304 · 888-995-6100
Email: info@meyerbedandbreakfast.com
Website: www.meyerbedandbreakfast.com
The Meyer is a 1857 TX Landmark. All rooms and suites include private bathrooms, most have fireplaces and wi-fi. At the end of the day take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub. Ask about special rates for the Academy!
Hotel Faust
(2 ½ blocks from Academy)
717 High Street · Comfort, TX 78013
Phone: 830-995-3030
Email: info@hotelfaust.com
Website: www.hotelfaust.com
Guests may choose rooms, suites, cabins or cottages. Just behind the historic Faust hotel, all with private baths and varied décor. All are exquisitely decorated with antiques & collectibles. Books fast, requires reservations for two nights on weekends.
Rates: for Dinah Zike Academy students, 15% off
Haven River Inn 105 Highway #473 · Comfort, TX 78013 Phone: 830-995-3834,
Toll-free: 888-995-7200
Email: haven@hctc.net fbg.net Website: www.havenriverinn.com
Mention you are a DZ Academy attendee! 13 rooms with private baths; beautiful country river location.
A Stay In Comfort Guesthouses
520 High St · Comfort TX 78013
Phone: 210-378-6689 for Reservations
Email: innkeeper@astayincomfort.com
Website: www.astayincomfort.com
"A Stay in Comfort" located on High Street in the heart of Comfort, Texas consists of 3 historical units, built by early German immigrants. These vintage buildings have been carefully restored to maintain their integrity. They have been furnished and equipped to provide ultimate comfort during your stay.
HoleKamp House
(5 blocks from Academy)
610 Second Street · Comfort, TX 78013
Phone: 830-995-5554
Email: stay@holekamphouse.com
Website: www.holekamphouse.com
Picturesque Turn of the Century Historic Home and Property.
Themed Rooms and hospitality with style, grace and charm.
15% Discount for Teachers Attending the Academy
Accommodations are diverse and close at hand. Special weekday rates are generally available at bed and breakfasts in the local area. There is one moderately priced motel in Comfort, the Executive Inn. Opting for a roommate is another way to enlarge your experience as well as to keep costs down.
A sampling of accommodations available is presented below, with several being B & B type facilities. They are in the central core of Comfort within 3 blocks of the Academy.
Heirloom Bed and Breakfast
https://www.anheirloombandb.com
Innkeeper@anheirloombandb.com 703 Main Street Comfort, TX 78013 (830) 995-5188
You will love the Texas Room in the Main House with two twin beds and the recently updated Casita. The Casita is a private apartment accommodating up to four guests, with a small sitting room and two bedrooms (one with two twin beds and one with a Queen bed with a Tempur-pedic mattress) . Together, we can accommodate six guests.
Meyer Bed and Breakfast on Cypress Creek
(3 blocks from Academy)
845 High Street · Comfort, TX 78013
Phone: 830-995-2304 · 888-995-6100
Email: info@meyerbedandbreakfast.com
Website: www.meyerbedandbreakfast.com
The Meyer is a 1857 TX Landmark. All rooms and suites include private bathrooms, most have fireplaces and wi-fi. At the end of the day take a dip in the pool or relax in the hot tub. Ask about special rates for the Academy!
Hotel Faust
(2 ½ blocks from Academy)
717 High Street · Comfort, TX 78013
Phone: 830-995-3030
Email: info@hotelfaust.com
Website: www.hotelfaust.com
Guests may choose rooms, suites, cabins or cottages. Just behind the historic Faust hotel, all with private baths and varied décor. All are exquisitely decorated with antiques & collectibles. Books fast, requires reservations for two nights on weekends.
Rates: for Dinah Zike Academy students, 15% off
Haven River Inn 105 Highway #473 · Comfort, TX 78013 Phone: 830-995-3834,
Toll-free: 888-995-7200
Email: haven@hctc.net fbg.net Website: www.havenriverinn.com
Mention you are a DZ Academy attendee! 13 rooms with private baths; beautiful country river location.
A Stay In Comfort Guesthouses
520 High St · Comfort TX 78013
Phone: 210-378-6689 for Reservations
Email: innkeeper@astayincomfort.com
Website: www.astayincomfort.com
"A Stay in Comfort" located on High Street in the heart of Comfort, Texas consists of 3 historical units, built by early German immigrants. These vintage buildings have been carefully restored to maintain their integrity. They have been furnished and equipped to provide ultimate comfort during your stay.
HoleKamp House
(5 blocks from Academy)
610 Second Street · Comfort, TX 78013
Phone: 830-995-5554
Email: stay@holekamphouse.com
Website: www.holekamphouse.com
Picturesque Turn of the Century Historic Home and Property.
Themed Rooms and hospitality with style, grace and charm.
15% Discount for Teachers Attending the Academy
Lodging In and outside of Comfort
Executive Inn at Comfort (about 1.2 miles from Academy)
Interstate 10 & Hwy 87 N. (Exit 523)
Phone: 830- 995-5332
National chain; clean, with motel rooms newly renovated (2006).
Rates: (Estimate) 1 King: $70- $85 range per day
Haven River Inn 105 Highway #473 · Comfort, TX 78013 Phone: 830-995-3834,
Toll-free: 888-995-7200 Email: haven@hctc.net fbg.net Website: www.havenriverinn.com
Mention you are a DZ Academy attendee! 13 rooms with private baths; beautiful country river location.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Six Flags West-Boerne
35000 Ih 10 W, Boerne, TX 78015
Phone: 877-865-6581
(830) 249-6900 (Fax)
http://www.hiexpress.com
Interstate 10 & Hwy 87 N. (Exit 523)
Phone: 830- 995-5332
National chain; clean, with motel rooms newly renovated (2006).
Rates: (Estimate) 1 King: $70- $85 range per day
Haven River Inn 105 Highway #473 · Comfort, TX 78013 Phone: 830-995-3834,
Toll-free: 888-995-7200 Email: haven@hctc.net fbg.net Website: www.havenriverinn.com
Mention you are a DZ Academy attendee! 13 rooms with private baths; beautiful country river location.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Six Flags West-Boerne
35000 Ih 10 W, Boerne, TX 78015
Phone: 877-865-6581
(830) 249-6900 (Fax)
http://www.hiexpress.com
Transportation
Both the San Antonio and Austin Airports have multiple rental car agencies.
Taxi/Shuttle Service
Hill Country Taxi Service (830) 388-0082
City Cab, Fredericksburg (830) 997-9500
Fredericksburg Taxi (830) 997-8044
Easy Rider Taxi, Kerrville (830) 896-3030
Taxi/Shuttle Service
Hill Country Taxi Service (830) 388-0082
City Cab, Fredericksburg (830) 997-9500
Fredericksburg Taxi (830) 997-8044
Easy Rider Taxi, Kerrville (830) 896-3030
Exploring the Hill Country
Visualize a scene where
crystal clear streams and towering oak & cedar trees meet the majesty of the hills. Add to the beauty, a place where visitors are always greeted by a friendly "howdy y'all" and you have found the wonder of the Texas Hill Country. It is a little slice of heaven offering breathtaking beauty and a relaxing atmosphere. The Texas Hill Country is unique, offering unparalleled diversity in both geography and history.
In the spring, roadsides and open fields are dotted with colorful wildflowers, from the Indian Paintbrush to the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. Autumn brings vibrant reds, oranges and yellows to punctuate the green cedar hills. Summer is a time for tubing down the river, boating on one of the many area lakes or enjoying an outdoor barbecue. Winter is mild with a touch of cool air, ideal for antiquing, biking, hunting and the list goes on.
Hill Country Visitor Excursions
Antiquing - The historic towns of Comfort, Boerne - 15 miles, Fredericksburg - 22 miles
The Comfort Chamber of Commerce
http://www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com/
Area Wineries & Vineyards
Comfort Cellars - www.comfortcellars.com
Singing Water - www.shopcomfort.com/SingingWater
Sister Creek - sistercreekvineyards.com
Becker - www.beckervineyards.com
Bell Mountain - www.bellmountainwine.com
Torre di Pietra - www.texashillcountrywine.com
Grape Creek - www.grapecreek.com
and others - www.hill-country.net/wineries.htm
Enchanted Springs Ranch - A Wild West experience in a complete western town, often used as a movie set, on an 86-acre party ranch 242 Hwy 46 West, 2.5 mi. from IH-10; 800-640-5917 or www.enchantedspringsranch.com
Herbal Gardens
Fredericksburg Herb Farm - www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com
Wildseed Farm - largest working wildflower farm in the U.S., between Fredericksburg &Stonewall on Hwy 290 - www.wildseedfarms.com
Museums
Museum of Western Art - 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, Texas
(Open Tues. - Sat. 1:00 - 5:00 pm) - www.museumofwesternart.org
National Museum of the Pacific War & Admiral Nimitz Museum
Fredericksburg - www.nimitz-museum.org
The Benini Foundation & Sculpture Ranch - Johnson City
www.sculptureranch.com
Pioneer Museum and Vereins Kirche - Fredericksburg - 22 miles -
www.pioneermuseum.com
Working Dude Ranches
Y.O. Ranch, Mountain Home www.yoranch.com
Natural & Historic Sites within 40 Minutes
Bandera "Cowboy Capital of the World" - 31 miles
Bat Tunnel - 13 miles East - Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site
Bat Tower - 1 mile east of Comfort on Hwy. 473, right side of Highway
Butterfly Garden at Smittyville
Cave Country:
Cave Without a Name - approx. 16 miles - www.cavewithoutaname.com
Cascade Caverns - 20 miles - www.cascadecaverns.com
Natural Bridge Caverns- www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
Trails and Parks
Cibolo Nature Center & Wilderness Trail -18 miles - www.cibolo.org
Enchanted Rock State Park - 40 miles - Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site
Guadalupe River State Park - Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site
Fort Martin Scott - 25 miles - www.fortmartinscott.com
LBJ Ranch and LBJ National Park (2 separate sites) - 38 miles
* Sisterdale & Luckenbach
* Stonewall: the Birthplace of the 39th U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson
* Texas Ranger Cemetery - Center Point - 11 miles
* Treue der Union Monument - 7th Street, Comfort
crystal clear streams and towering oak & cedar trees meet the majesty of the hills. Add to the beauty, a place where visitors are always greeted by a friendly "howdy y'all" and you have found the wonder of the Texas Hill Country. It is a little slice of heaven offering breathtaking beauty and a relaxing atmosphere. The Texas Hill Country is unique, offering unparalleled diversity in both geography and history.
In the spring, roadsides and open fields are dotted with colorful wildflowers, from the Indian Paintbrush to the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. Autumn brings vibrant reds, oranges and yellows to punctuate the green cedar hills. Summer is a time for tubing down the river, boating on one of the many area lakes or enjoying an outdoor barbecue. Winter is mild with a touch of cool air, ideal for antiquing, biking, hunting and the list goes on.
Hill Country Visitor Excursions
Antiquing - The historic towns of Comfort, Boerne - 15 miles, Fredericksburg - 22 miles
The Comfort Chamber of Commerce
http://www.comfortchamberofcommerce.com/
Area Wineries & Vineyards
Comfort Cellars - www.comfortcellars.com
Singing Water - www.shopcomfort.com/SingingWater
Sister Creek - sistercreekvineyards.com
Becker - www.beckervineyards.com
Bell Mountain - www.bellmountainwine.com
Torre di Pietra - www.texashillcountrywine.com
Grape Creek - www.grapecreek.com
and others - www.hill-country.net/wineries.htm
Enchanted Springs Ranch - A Wild West experience in a complete western town, often used as a movie set, on an 86-acre party ranch 242 Hwy 46 West, 2.5 mi. from IH-10; 800-640-5917 or www.enchantedspringsranch.com
Herbal Gardens
Fredericksburg Herb Farm - www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com
Wildseed Farm - largest working wildflower farm in the U.S., between Fredericksburg &Stonewall on Hwy 290 - www.wildseedfarms.com
Museums
Museum of Western Art - 1550 Bandera Hwy, Kerrville, Texas
(Open Tues. - Sat. 1:00 - 5:00 pm) - www.museumofwesternart.org
National Museum of the Pacific War & Admiral Nimitz Museum
Fredericksburg - www.nimitz-museum.org
The Benini Foundation & Sculpture Ranch - Johnson City
www.sculptureranch.com
Pioneer Museum and Vereins Kirche - Fredericksburg - 22 miles -
www.pioneermuseum.com
Working Dude Ranches
Y.O. Ranch, Mountain Home www.yoranch.com
Natural & Historic Sites within 40 Minutes
Bandera "Cowboy Capital of the World" - 31 miles
Bat Tunnel - 13 miles East - Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site
Bat Tower - 1 mile east of Comfort on Hwy. 473, right side of Highway
Butterfly Garden at Smittyville
Cave Country:
Cave Without a Name - approx. 16 miles - www.cavewithoutaname.com
Cascade Caverns - 20 miles - www.cascadecaverns.com
Natural Bridge Caverns- www.naturalbridgecaverns.com
Trails and Parks
Cibolo Nature Center & Wilderness Trail -18 miles - www.cibolo.org
Enchanted Rock State Park - 40 miles - Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site
Guadalupe River State Park - Texas Parks & Wildlife Web Site
Fort Martin Scott - 25 miles - www.fortmartinscott.com
LBJ Ranch and LBJ National Park (2 separate sites) - 38 miles
* Sisterdale & Luckenbach
* Stonewall: the Birthplace of the 39th U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson
* Texas Ranger Cemetery - Center Point - 11 miles
* Treue der Union Monument - 7th Street, Comfort
Food and Dining
High's Cafe
Address: 726 High Street, Comfort Cafe Hours: Mon thru Sat 8:30 am-4 pm (closed Wed) Sun 10:30am - 4 pm Store Hours: 10 am - 6 pm every day except closed Wed. Phone: 830-995-4995 Phone: 830-995-4995 Email: highscafeandstore@yahoo.com Website: www.highscafeandstore.com Owners: Denise Rabalais & Brent Ault
Highway 87 Cafe
Address: 5B Hwy 87 (Junction of Hwys 27 & 87), Comfort Lunch Hours: 7 Days a Week 11:00 am-2:30 pm Dinner Hours: Fri & Sat 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Phone: 830-995-5793
Los Jarritos
Address: 1005 US Business 87, Comfort, Tx Hours: Phone: 830-995-4112
Cypress Creek Inn Restaurant
Address: 408 Hwy 27, Comfort Lunch Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:30 pm Dinner Hours: Wed-Sat 5:30 -8:30 pm Phone: 830-995-3977 Website: www.cypresscreekinn.com
Address: 726 High Street, Comfort Cafe Hours: Mon thru Sat 8:30 am-4 pm (closed Wed) Sun 10:30am - 4 pm Store Hours: 10 am - 6 pm every day except closed Wed. Phone: 830-995-4995 Phone: 830-995-4995 Email: highscafeandstore@yahoo.com Website: www.highscafeandstore.com Owners: Denise Rabalais & Brent Ault
Highway 87 Cafe
Address: 5B Hwy 87 (Junction of Hwys 27 & 87), Comfort Lunch Hours: 7 Days a Week 11:00 am-2:30 pm Dinner Hours: Fri & Sat 5:00 pm-9:00 pm Phone: 830-995-5793
Los Jarritos
Address: 1005 US Business 87, Comfort, Tx Hours: Phone: 830-995-4112
Cypress Creek Inn Restaurant
Address: 408 Hwy 27, Comfort Lunch Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:30 pm Dinner Hours: Wed-Sat 5:30 -8:30 pm Phone: 830-995-3977 Website: www.cypresscreekinn.com