Enjoy Small-Town Texas Charm in Center Point
Here in Comfort, Texas, it's our small-town charm and southern hospitality that bring visitors back time and time again. When folks vacation with us at Hotel Giles, we encourage them to enjoy a slower pace, take in the local history, and treat themselves to some delicious Texas eats and great shopping. It's a recipe for the perfect getaway any time of year. If you want to spend a day exploring another small Texas town, we suggest a short drive over to Center Point, just 9 miles southwest of Comfort, where new restaurants and shops are helping to spark a rebirth of this tiny town.
Center Point is a historic Hill Country town along the Guadalupe River that got its start as a major trading area because of its central location on the roads from Fredericksburg to Bandera and Comfort to Kerrville. Early settler Charles de Ganahl opened a post office in his home on the north side of the river in 1859. He called the post office Zanzenburg in honor of his ancestral home in the Austrian Tyrol. By 1872, a new postmaster moved the growing community's post office to the south side of the river and renamed it Center Point, a name that's endured for over 150 years. At the turn of the 20th century, Center Point was a thriving trade center and remained so until, like so many communities in America, it became the victim of new highways passing it by.
Today, some of Center Point's most historic buildings have been given new life as restaurants and shops. Zanzenberg Tavern is located in Kerr County's oldest building — the old mercantile and post office in the heart of downtown. Aiming to serve the small community once again, this restaurant and bar locally sources food and drinks from around the region, keeping in step with the building that defines a local history. Next door to the tavern is Central Provisions. Here you'll find one-of-a-kind vintage items, delicious wines and craft beers, locally sourced food items, festive pop-up events, and live music. Other Center Point restaurants and shops you should visit include Toucan Jim's, Los Dos Amigos Tex-Mex Restaurant, Zanzenberg Farm and the Center Point Mercantile.
Another stopping point on your day trip to Center Point is the town's Heritage Park. The park is in the midst of a transformation, with new points of interest and amenities being added. The most recent addition is an open-air pavilion with a roof fashioned to look like a grain silo. Follow the park's walking path to see the original train depot, a livery stable, a replica Texas Rangers headquarters building, and other nods to the past. The park is also the site for community events like Texas Ranger Day in April, the Down Home Parade in July, and the Zanzenberg Music Festival in November.
Some historical "fun facts" about Center Point... The community made several attempts at incorporating, but none of them lasted. As such, Center Point remains one of the largest unincorporated communities in the state of Texas. Also, more Texas Rangers (law enforcement, not baseball) are buried in the Center Point Cemetery than in any other graveyard in Texas with 36 rangers at rest here. Now you know!
Center Point is a hidden gem that's starting to regain its shine. From its natural beauty along the Guadalupe River, its interesting history and its community warmth, this neighboring small Texas town is worth the trip from Comfort. Spend a day uncovering all it has to offer during your next stay at Hotel Giles.
