This is my favorite time of year in Central Texas. The four short weeks in May offer some of the last cool temperatures before the heat (and humidity) of the summer arrives. It’s a great time to be outdoors, and Comanche County features some of the very best reasons to get out of the house! With lazy lake days (or days busy catching fish), wildflowers, local shopping, and a great place to unwind at the end of the day, Comanche County is the best place to be this time of year. We’ve had quite a bit of rain in the last few weeks, but with a sunny day in the forecast, we’re headed out to explore!

Brookshire’s is the best place in the area to stock up for a day at the lake, picnics, or a road trip. Carrying only the best varieties in snacks, sunscreen, sports drinks, and all of the ingredients to make sandwiches from their in-store deli, a quick stop at Brookshire’s is a must.

As you make  your way through town, stop to smell the roses, literally. Hop out of the car at Sorrells Farms, and stroll through the store and garden center. May is a month full of celebrations, and Sorrells Farms has all of your gift needs covered. They have a huge selection of home and garden items – perfect for moms, grads, newlyweds, newborns, and everyone in between. The garden center is filled with plants to create the perfect flower bed, summer vegetable garden, or potted plant to accent your front porch. Many of the items in the store are grown or made locally! Think about picking up a sweet treat from their fudge counter (all made in house!) or a thick Bluebonnet Beef ribeye to grill by the lake!

Make a pit stop at The Liquor Store before you head out of town, and be sure you tell owner Charles Mazurek we sent you! The store has a wide variety of spirits, beer, and wine. The Liquor Store, and liquor sales in general, is a fairly new addition to Comanche. The store opened its doors in late 2017. After news broke earlier that year that liquor could soon be sold in the Comanche city limits, Charles and crew started obtaining all the licensing needed to carry and sell liquor. The Liquor Store is conveniently located in town; stop by and choose from their wide selection!

This time of year, the wild flowers are the focal point on every county road in the area. As you head out to the lake, or just meander down a back road, enjoy the vibrant colors that paint the peripherals! Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrush, and Pink Evening Primrose, among others, are scattered across the fields. We found some of the prettiest near Gustine. While there are great wildflowers to be seen on the county roads leaving Gustine, there are also some great flowers to be seen along more traveled roads! Take a drive along Texas Highway 36 or FM 1476 near Gustine and you’ll find plenty of wild flowers roadside!

Stop in at Country Pickins Cafe, on Highway 2861 near Proctor Lake, for an early lunch. This is one of Comanche County’s hidden gems. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. At Country Pickins, you can count on delicious food, running into friendly locals, and the best beans you’ve ever had. Word around here is that these are THE BEST BEANS IN TEXAS! Country Pickins’ famous beans are served as an appetizer from a coffee mug. While the beans are the star of the show, don’t miss out on their great burgers and fries! The cafe’s atmosphere is welcoming, and you’re sure to make a friend or two while you have lunch!

With all the rain we have been getting, the water is high on Proctor Lake. Good news is that the fish are biting! Proctor Lake has three recreation areas that offer great opportunities to  fish, hike, skip rocks, and enjoy the view. There are lots of picnic and camping areas within the parks, and some offer playgrounds, boat docks, and more! Proctor Lake is a great place to spend the day exploring, fishing, or enjoying a casual weekend campout.

After a day full of outdoor exploration, the best place to wrap up is Stone Eagle Beer Garden. The beer garden offers a wide variety of domestic, import and craft beers, and wine. With live music most weekend evenings, it’s one of the most happening places around! Situated in a historic building on the Comanche square, the beer garden is reminiscent of pubs of old. Decorated with traditional steins and flags, the atmosphere attracts locals and visitors alike.

Head outside on a sunny day in the next few weeks and enjoy what Comanche County has to offer. Give yourself a couple hours or a weekend to enjoy the slower, friendlier pace.

Hey, Comanche County – where are your favorite places to enjoy the outdoors? Share some of your hidden gems with us! Where do you Explore Comanche?