Often in this column we feature entertaining things to do in Comfort – shops to visit, new eateries to try, great wines to sip. For a change of pace, this month we are getting down to the nitty-gritty and practical, and maybe we’ll top that off with a treat at the end.
Comfort residents have long appreciated the presence of Bohnert Lumber and Supply. Many of us have homes built with materials from Bohnert’s and have stopped in over the years for all sorts of this-and-that.
I remember taking my grandson, Brock, there when he was about 5. I started to explain to him what a hardware store is, and he quickly interrupted me.
“Grandma,” he said, “I’ve been here before. They sell everything except food and toys.”
There you have it, spoken with great authority.
This iconic lumber and hardware store in Comfort now has a new name, Ledlow Lumber. Sarah and Dustin Ledlow recently completed the purchase after Sarah worked at Bohnert’s a while and became interested in the business.
So, when Steven Bohnert mentioned the possibility of selling and retiring, Sarah and Dustin stepped in to make that possible. And you’ll still see Steven at the store part time over the coming year as he helps with the transition to ensure the continued success of the business he and his brother Randolph worked hard to achieve.
Inside you will discover friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you find just what you need, a store of manageable size you can get your mind around, and some specialty items you are not likely to find everywhere. Like what?
Well, start with water tanks. Bohnert Lumber became known for its supply of water tanks, and the Ledlows are committed to continuing that line. These tanks are used for rainwater collection, as well water backup for times when the power that operates the pump goes out, or if you just want to give your system a rest during severe dry spells. The tanks and necessary plumbing parts at Ledlow Lumber draw customers from a wide area, and with good reason.
The Ludlows are planning to expand the kind of products they sell. You can look forward to an area dedicated to farm and ranch supplies, hunting and fishing gear, pet items and metal fencing materials – all staples of the Texas Hill Country.
And the building is going to get a bit of a facelift. Keep your eyes open for the 80-foot mural that will grace the outside wall along U.S. Highway 87. Comfort now sports several outdoor murals – proof that art is alive and well! Thank you for that, Sarah and Dustin!
Another practical spot in Comfort, especially when you are desperately in need of that specific part to fix your vehicle, is Comfort Auto & Truck Supply, now under the umbrella of NAPA. For a small town, how fortunate we are to have an auto parts store without having to drive 20 minutes to get to one.
Comfort’s NAPA may be much the same as every other NAPA in the country, supplying everything you need for your car or truck, whether domestic or foreign. But our NAPA has something more – Stihl power tools for home and ranch and everything in between.
Last week Stihl held its once-a-year sale, and I was among the early birds in line. First, there were three of us waiting for the doors to open, then 5, then 10, and by the time I walked out with my new trimmer in hand, the lines were out the door. Chain saws seemed to be the most sought-after item for the early birds – no surprise considering it is spring, and there’s much to be trimmed and cut.
Comfort’s NAPA, like Ledlow Lumber, is open on Saturdays. So not only is Comfort home to the unique shops in the historic downtown area, we are here for you when it comes to the nuts and bolts and batteries that keep us going.
And by the way, when you are all shopped out, stop at Hill Country Distillery for a shot of different kind, one that goes down oh so easily. Or have a glass of wine at one of two local tasting rooms – Newsom Vineyards and Ursa Vineyards. There is always something that makes coming to Comfort a pleasure.
Till next time, we look forward to seeing you around town!
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