A Day Trip to Ingram, Texas: Small Town Vibes, Big Time Charm
If you're looking to venture just a bit beyond Comfort, Texas, point your wheels west and head to Ingram. On the banks of the Guadalupe River between Kerrville and Hunt, this little Texas Hill Country gem has a population just shy of 2,000—but don’t let its size fool you. Ingram is packed with character, creativity, and a good dose of quirky charm that makes it perfect for a day trip while you’re staying with us at Hotel Giles.
Start your visit with a wander down the Historic Old Ingram Loop. Once a genuine Old West stop for stagecoaches, it's now home to a lively collection of art studios, antique shops, boutiques, and cozy restaurants. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill shopping district—these shops have stories, and some have been around for decades. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and Hill Country artwork to vintage treasures and Texas-style gifts. It's got that slow-paced, “stay awhile” vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer.
Art lovers, you’re in for a treat. Ingram is a creative hotspot, and the Hill Country Arts Foundation is where that passion shines brightest. This place has been inspiring artists and visitors alike for over 65 years. You can walk through their sculpture garden (yep, outdoor art along the riverbank!) or check out rotating exhibits at the Duncan-McAshan Gallery. They even offer workshops if you’re in the mood to get your hands a little messy with some paint or clay. The Hill Country Arts Foundation is also the host of the annual Texas Arts and Crafts Fair, now in its 53rd year.
And while you're there, make sure to check out Stonehenge II. Ingram has its very own tribute to the ancient monument, complete with massive stones and even a pair of 13-foot Easter Island head replicas tossed in for fun. While slightly smaller in scale than the original in England, Stonehenge II features towering slabs of limestone standing in a wide grassy field, offering a surreal and slightly mystical vibe that’s great for photos and fun for all ages. It’s a little weird, a little wonderful, and totally worth a stop.
If your visit lines up with showtime, The Point Theatre is an absolute must. Also located at the Hill Country Arts Foundation, this 520-seat outdoor amphitheater—with the Guadalupe River as its backdrop—hosts live performances that are pretty magical under the stars. When the weather cools, the action moves indoors to the more intimate Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre, but no matter where the show’s staged, you’re in for something special.
On warm days, head over to the Ingram Dam for some good old-fashioned fun. Built back in the 1930s, this dam has become a popular swimming spot and local hangout thanks to its slippery slope—literally. Algae coats the surface of the concrete dam just enough to turn it into a natural water slide, and you can grab an inner tube from the shop across the street to ride it right into the Guadalupe. It’s one of those things folks around here have been doing for generations, and now it’s your turn.
And if live music is more your thing, Lazy Days Canteen and Starry Nights Amphitheater should be on your radar. With room for hundreds of music fans at this outdoor concert venue, this place brings in all kinds of tunes—reggae, blues, country—you name it. Check their schedule before you go; you just might catch a show that becomes the highlight of your trip.
When it’s time to eat, Ingram has some tasty surprises. Enjoy afternoon tea in a charming, cozy setting at the Fancy Finch Tea Cottage, or go for something heartier and homemade at Copper Pot, where you can taste the love that goes into creating every dish from scratch.
If you’re in Comfort and craving a short adventure packed with art, history, shopping, and a dash of whimsy, make the 30-minute drive to Ingram, Texas. It’s the kind of place that keeps you smiling long after you’ve left—and might just have you planning your next trip back before you even get home.
