Camp Verde General Store & Restaurant

A story and so much more....

LOCAL TABLES

9/25/20263 min read

By Ernie Altgelt

Folks exploring the Texas Hill Country are always on the lookout for fun and/or interesting places with a story to tell. And, the more extraordinary, farfetched and remarkable the better.

Well, with that in mind, Mr. and Mrs. intrepid traveler, let us recommend a destination that certainly fills the bill — Kerr County’s Camp Verde General Store and Restaurant. This is one little gem with a unique past coupled with a very bright future that’s pretty hard to match. So, keep reading and let the drama (or more appropriately, dromedary) unfold.

Conveniently located off Highway 173 between Kerrville and Bandera and just down the road from Center Point, the store sits on a large oak-shaded compound nestled near the bubbling Verde Creek. Visitors will delight when first encountering the historical (and accurately restored) structures that house the century-and-a-half-old general store and its newer complement, the adjacent restaurant. The porches, the picnic tables and even the traditional stonework all promise a warm welcome to what’s inside. But more on that later.

Regarding the onset of the “story,” just off the parking lot is a large metallic artistic rendition of a camel. Say what? Yep, a camel, and that’s where things get interesting. Back in the 1850s, when the United States Army established the actual Camp Verde to protect the passage of settlers heading west from marauding Comanches, an idea was hatched to bring in Middle Eastern camels as beasts of burden. And, that’s exactly what was done.

The Camel Corps didn’t last long, but it all happened right up the road from the store, which serviced the nearby camp. It’s a fascinating story that most aren’t familiar with, and more information about this brief experiment in dromedary usage is currently available at the present-day Camp Verde General Store. Camels, no less!

But, to today’s traveler, camels aside, it’s what’s there now that’s equally important. So, let’s take a look. The store, still going strong although the original building burned and was rebuilt in 1910, has kept with the times. No longer filled with the basic sundries needed by soldiers, pioneers and the early farming community, the store now overflows with a modern cornucopia of wonderment that “has something for everyone.”

Excitingly filling two stories, multiple rooms abound with an amazingly diverse variety that appeals to myriad tastes and needs. Gourmet condiments, adult and children’s clothing, old-fashioned candies, candles and kitchen goods compete with toys, decorative items, books, jewelry, fashion accessories, bath and beauty items and much, much more.

Most are Texas-made, and all are housed in a relaxed atmosphere that recalls and reinforces the emporium’s early beginnings.

Quite frankly, there’s so much to see (and purchase) that exploring the inventory can take a while, so be prepared. The attentive employees are very service-oriented, too.

And, as we all know, shopping can be hungry work. Afterward, a mandatory stroll down the hall will bring the famished to the renowned Camp Verde Restaurant, one of the area’s premier eateries, loved by locals and out-of-towners alike. And why wouldn’t they be?

Savory offerings range from deliciously prepared French toast, omelets, tacos, huevos rancheros and biscuits and gravy for the early birds to succulent pork chops, meatloaf, burgers, shrimp and grits, chicken dishes, chopped steak and other mouth-watering selections for the lunch crowd, all served with the appropriate “fixings.”

Desserts won’t disappoint either, since most are made on site, including the restaurant’s signature coconut cream pie! Fresh coffee, tea, juices and other non-alcoholic libations round out the meal.

Lastly, seating in the spacious and comfortable dining room adds to the experience, as does dining “al fresco” on the porch or patio, if preferred. Combined with the shopping, it all makes for a worthwhile package that has most folks coming back again and again to make a morning or afternoon of it.

Now, how’s that for a story? From camels to commodities, comfort food and camaraderie. Sound good? You betcha!

Photos courtesy Camp Verde.

FYI • Camp Verde General Store and Restaurant is at 285 Camp Verde Road East near Center Point. The store is open daily, 8 am to 5 pm; the restaurant Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit campverdegeneralstore.com or call 830-634-7722.