Picnic in the Park: A Perfect Day Out in Comfort, Texas

When you're spending time in Comfort, one of the simplest pleasures is grabbing a bite and enjoying a picnic in the park. It’s easy, it’s relaxing, and it gives you the chance to soak up the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Comfort might be a small town, but its parks are big on scenery, history, and that peaceful charm folks come here for. Here’s everything you need to know to plan a picnic in the park during your next stay with us at Hotel Giles.

Let’s start with the parks. Comfort has three wonderful outdoor spots to choose from, each one a little different from the next, and all maintained with care by the Kendall County Parks Department.

Joshua Springs Park and Preserve is a favorite for those who want space to spread out and explore. With over 360 acres, there’s room to hike, bike, fish, and find the perfect shady picnic spot under the wide-spread Texas Live Oaks. The picnic shelters are newer and well-kept, and you’ll find quiet spots near the 9-acre lake or along the trails. There are even observation blinds for birdwatching and educational signs about local wildlife and plants. It’s a place that invites you to linger and listen to the sounds of nature.

James Kiehl River Bend Park is where the Guadalupe River winds its way through bald cypress trees, creating a tranquil riverside retreat. You’ll find picnic tables throughout the park, along with walking trails and plenty of riverfront views. It’s especially nice if you're looking to pair your lunch with a bit of fishing or a splash in the water. Locals call it a hidden gem, and once you sit back and relax on the banks, you'll understand why.

Right in the center of town, Comfort Park and Pavilion is the heart of the community. This five-acre park is where many of Comfort’s events happen — our farmers market, Music in the Park, and even the Fourth of July celebration. It’s also a great place for a laid-back picnic, with plenty of benches, a covered pavilion, and a shaded playground. Take a stroll and check out the historic markers that tell the story of Comfort’s past, the Freethinkers who settled here, and the town’s founder, Ernst Hermann Altgelt. It’s history you can enjoy with a sandwich in hand.

Now for the fun part: choosing your picnic provisions. Comfort has plenty of local spots where you can grab something delicious to go.

Stop by Alamo Meat Market and Provisions for a hearty sandwich (maybe the house-smoked brisket pastrami or turkey on rustic bread) and a bag of chips or a home-baked cookie to round it out. Their grab-and-go snack boxes are great for casual munching, and their jerky makes a tasty trail snack if you’re headed out for a hike.

For something a little fancy (but still easy to carry), visit The Board Couple, tucked behind Remedy Hall. Their charcuterie boxes are perfect for grazing — think artisan meats, cheeses, fruit, and chocolate. They also offer charcuterie sandwiches, like rosemary ham or prosciutto on fresh baguettes. They’ll wrap it all up for you to take on your park adventure.

If you’re craving something fresh and healthy, High’s Café and Store is your go-to. Their seasonal salads, like the summer house with strawberries and feta, and sandwiches like peppered pimento cheese or chicken salad are light, flavorful, and picnic-ready.

And of course, you can never go wrong with Comfort Pizza. These mesquite wood-fired pies are local legends. Choose your toppings or try a specialty pie like the Saint Ignacio, and then take your boxed-up pizza to a picnic table at one of the parks. It’s casual, delicious, and exactly the kind of treat you want while sitting under a big Texas sky.

Picnics like these are easy to enjoy while you’re staying at Hotel Giles in Comfort — something simple and special to do between more adventurous outings or as a way to unwind for a few hours. Grab your lunch, pick your park, and settle in for a slice of small-town joy.