The historic district of downtown Comfort brings delight to its many visitors. High Street gets a lot of attention, but what about that perpendicular thoroughfare – Seventh Street? This month we will take a stroll up that way.
Our first stop is the Tinsmith’s Wife, on the corner of Seventh and Main. The name is catchy without giving a hint as to what’s inside.
Here’s the story. Long ago, the building next door was the shop of the local tinsmith. Imagine that the wife of the tinsmith did a lot of fine handwork – crochet, knit, embroidery, needle point and cross stitch. How appropriate, then, that the shop next door would be called The Tinsmith’s Wife! And if you haven’t been there, you must go!
This shop is housed in an enormous structure, nicely divided into six rooms of oh-so-much. The facility was originally the home of Brinkman Furniture, and there are two original pieces of that furniture in the shop.
The Tinsmith’s Wife can provide you with every possible item needed to do all the fine handwork you can imagine. Not only will you be able to purchase your supplies there, but you can also take classes and even set up a regular time when you and your fellow crafters get together to work on projects, visit with each other and enjoy whatever snacks you choose to bring.
Owner Wendy Solberg puts out a fabulous newsletter with beautiful pictures to inspire you. Give her a call at 830-995-5539 and ask to be put on her email list to receive the newsletter.
One last note: The Tinsmith’s Wife is truly a family operation. While Wendy runs the shop, she is assisted by her husband and her father, who keep the lines moving when there’s a rush, which does happen, and her mother is the buyer. So, come on in. You will be amazed!
As you travel up Seventh Street, note the mix of residences amid the shops – just more of Comfort’s charm. Diagonally across from the library and next door to the Heritage Foundation, you will find HC etc., formerly The Heart Cottage, now with much more.
Something quite unique about this shop is that, unlike many buildings in Comfort, it was not originally something else! Owner Jan Warren and her husband worked with an area architect to design a building that would blend beautifully into the architectural style of Comfort. And it does!
HC etc. is truly “gift central.” There is a large children’s department, linen clothing for the ladies, lovely paper products to set an elegant table for an event and beautiful additions to your home décor. Jan prides herself in stocking quality products at competitive prices, and she also ensures that there is plenty available in each particular line, so if you like it, you’ll have lots to choose from.
Notable is the Halloween Room. Jan used to sell handcarved Santas, and one of those carvers also did Halloween figures. That was the beginning of the ravens that are now permanently perched at the edge of the roof.
This year, HC etc. is celebrating its 20th anniversary. When the doors first opened, there were actually two separate businesses housed in the building. Over time, Jan was able to take over the second half, and both are filled with lovely items, artfully arranged. Stop by and enjoy the spring products in stock, and congratulate Jan on 20 great years, looking forward to more!
Next, if you will cross the street, find your way to ReDefined 7. The best word to describe this shop is “eclectic.” Wander through and take in artwork and the unique one-of-a-kind items beautifully displayed. You will find antiques and newer items from markets, both large and small. There are plenty of gift possibilities, and what’s more, you can purchase a beverage and enjoy it on site.
Owner Rhonda Tuck offers chilled beer, and international wines of all styles – red and white, dry and sweet – by the glass or by the bottle, as well as water and ciders. There is a lovely patio area out back, where you can enjoy your beverage and even purchase the chair you’re sitting on or the table for your drinks.
ReDefined 7 is truly remarkable and in some ways defies description. So, make a point to stop by and take it all in. Allow your eyes to enjoy the feast!
Now, head up the street a bit to The Lobby Coffee Shop and experience another of Seventh Street’s gems. This building harkens back to the 1930s. It was the theater for films and live shows.
The coffee is in the lobby, and the theatre space can be rented for events. The beginnings of a brewery are visible at the back, pending a committed work force to operate it.
Tiffany Shearer runs the shop, taking inspiration from her step-dad, Dr. Russell Cravey, who has enjoyed coffee and roasting beans, both as a hobby and to sell at farmers markets. He learned that the one thing folks continue to purchase, even during tough times, is coffee. And when the building on Seventh Street became available, it was a logical next step to purchase it, and voila – The Lobby Coffee Shop.
The processes and the products are primarily all inhouse. The beans are roasted to precise specifications, the milk is steamed to the exact temperature, and the goal is to produce the perfect brew.
Besides coffee, you can enjoy seasonally flavored mimosas. (Hibiscus is currently on the menu.) Breakfast sandwiches are a hot item in the morning. There are bagels, homemade jams, avocado toast and baked items prepared on site. Paninis and salads with homemade dressings are featured on the lunch side of the day.
Tiffany, her family and her staff are passionate about what they do. They want all their customers to have a good experience. Become one!
And just one quick note to add: The Comfort Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Annual Town Wide Garage Sale this Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon at Comfort Park. Entertainment will be provided by members of Celtic Comfort along with cellist Frank Strazza. Just another reason to find Comfort in Texas!
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