FM 473 in Comfort: Locals pretty much know what and where that is, but visitors may not be sure.
In a nutshell, I- 10 and U.S. 87 are northsouth routes through or alongside Comfort, and FM 473 runs east-west. There are interesting things to see and do along that route, so head east at the intersection with U.S. 87, for there’s no better place to begin this tour.
Before long you will travel under I- 10; on the left is The Buckhorn Golf Course. This course is a great place to take family and friends, or even to go it alone. Kids under 17 can golf for free when golfing with an adult.
The scenery is among the Hill Country’s best. There are leagues to be joined, lessons to be had, and gift cards to be purchased. It’s a sweet course. If you haven’t already done so, check it out. www.buckhorngolfcourse.
com. Next up is The Haven River Inn, situated on the right and set back on 25 acres of land. Built in the 1900’s as a family home, it now serves as an event and retreat center – a wonderful place to hold a family reunion, wedding or other event.
Lodging at the main house or at any of the three cottages or a cabin is available for up to 50 guests, and meals are also provided. The river is close by, so water activities are offered, as are other outdoor fun things to do. Next time you are thinking of where to have your event, consider the Haven River Inn – beauty and serenity all in one. www.havenriverinn.com.
Not far beyond is an unusual sighting. What we are told is one or two remaining bat roosts. These were constructed to attract bats that would rid the fields of pests during the bats’ nighttime feeding frenzies.
This tall trapezoidal structure is built on stilts for a good reason: The farmer could hitch the horse to the cart and pull it under the roost, unhitch the horse, and allow the guano to drop into the cart. When full, simply repeat the process in reverse to remove and empty the cart, and then back in place till next time. Rather ingenious, wouldn’t you say.
You will not be able to get close to the bat roost, but you can see it from the road.
FM 473 is home to the amazing Flat Rock Ranch Mountain Bike Park. It is for serious mountain bikers, so don’t show up with your street rod. There are trails for less experienced bikers and plenty for folks who have done this many times before.
The park is open seven days a week from sunup till sundown through the end of October and closed in November and December. Due to the extremely hot weather, bike riders and runners are encouraged to come out early and finish up by noon, or else come around 7 pm till sunset.
You can ride for free on Wednesdays and stick around after dark to grill and nosh with your friends. Check out the website at: www.flatrockranchtx. com.
James Kiehl River Bend Park is a fun area if you are looking for a place to swim and fish (when the river is up), bring a portable BBQ and grill, do a bit of bird watching and hiking – just have a nice family outdoor day.
It is located at 118 River Bend Road, a right turn off FM 473. There are ADA approved benches and picnic tables. www.co.kendall.tx.us.
Although not technically on FM 473, Old Tunnel State Park is a nice thing to keep in mind when you are looking for an evening nature event.
From May through October, around 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from an abandoned railroad tunnel, to begin their nightly search for food. It is located on Old No. 9, which is just off of FM 473.
Call 866-978-2287 to learn what time the next evening the bats are likely to emerge. www.tpwd. texas. gov/ state- parks/ old-tunnel.
Last but not least, located 4 miles this side of Sisterdale is Hill Country Pottery and The Guesthouse at Hill Country Pottery. Hand-thrown functional pottery as well as some art pieces, available in an array of glazes, are offered for sale at the gallery. New designs regularly appear, and everything is made on site.
Rainwater from Texas skies, cedar ash from the property and local clay go into each piece. Classes are also offered. You will be in awe of the beauty and extent of the collection there. www. hillcountrypottery.com And just a stone’s throw away is The Guesthouse at Hill Country Pottery. This two-bedroom house is dog friendly and a great place to get away from it all. www.facebook.com.
There is so much to see and do in Comfort, both indoors and out. We love our visitors and residents who join us in discovering Comfort in Texas.
Comment
Comments