Finding Flavor and Community in Central Texas: My Day at Coleman Olive Oil Co. San Angelo
There are days when the most ordinary errands become the start of something unexpectedly wonderful. Today was one of those days, and as I sit down to write this, I’m reminded again why I love sharing these small, joyful discoveries—especially for anyone who’s ever felt like a newcomer or a wanderer, searching for a sense of home.
A Library Errand Turns Into a Culinary Adventure
My plan was simple: swing by the library in San Angelo, return a few books, and maybe grab a coffee before heading home to work on some crochet orders. But as I parked and glanced around, my eyes landed on something new—a storefront I hadn’t noticed before, right next to the library. The sign read “Coleman Olive Oil Co. San Angelo.” My curiosity was instantly piqued.
Was this a restaurant? A specialty grocery? I had no idea. But as someone who’s lived in more towns than I can count—thanks to our military life—I’ve learned to never pass up the chance to explore a new local spot. Sometimes, the best memories are made when you step into the unexpected.
Discovering local flavor and community at Coleman Olive Oil Co. in San Angelo—proof that adventure and comfort can be found right here in Central Texas.
First Impressions: A Wonderland of Flavors
The moment I pushed open the door, I was greeted by a wave of warmth—not just the literal warmth of Central Texas in July, but the kind that comes from people who genuinely love what they do. The shop was bright and inviting, with rows upon rows of gleaming bottles lined up like treasures on display. The air was filled with the subtle, savory scent of olive oil, layered with hints of herbs, citrus, and something sweet I couldn’t quite place.
A friendly staff member welcomed us right away, offering a quick rundown of the shop and encouraging us to taste anything that caught our eye. “Everything here is available for sampling,” she said, her enthusiasm contagious. “We want you to find something you truly love.”
It’s the kind of welcome that makes you feel instantly at ease—like you’ve just walked into a friend’s kitchen, not a retail shop.
Sampling the Spectrum: Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, and More
I couldn’t resist. There were dozens of olive oils, each with its own unique flavor profile: robust and peppery, smooth and buttery, infused with garlic, lemon, basil, or sun-dried tomato. Alongside them stood an equally impressive collection of balsamic vinegars—some classic, some flavored with everything from Italian herbs to sweet fruit reductions.
And then there were the avocado oils, a newer addition to the shop. I’d never tried lemon-infused avocado oil before, but the idea alone made me want to plan a dozen new recipes.
Sampling was half the fun. I started with the Fresh Garlic olive oil, dipping a tiny piece of bread into the golden liquid. The flavor was bold and bright, with just the right amount of garlic—enough to make you think of family dinners and favorite recipes, but never overpowering. It was, hands down, my favorite of the day.
Matt, ever the adventurous eater, gravitated toward the Italian herbs balsamic vinegar. He took a taste, paused, and grinned. “You can actually taste all the herbs, with a little bit of garlic and the sweetness of the vinegar,” he said, already plotting bruschetta and salad ideas for the week ahead.
We sampled a few more—lemon, basil, even a spicy chili oil that made us both laugh and reach for water. Each one was a tiny adventure, a reminder that even the simplest foods can surprise you when you’re open to new experiences.
Bringing Home a Taste of Central Texas
Of course, we couldn’t leave empty-handed. We picked up a bottle of the Fresh Garlic olive oil for stir-fries and roasted veggies, the Italian herbs balsamic vinegar for salads and breads, and the lemon avocado oil—because sometimes you just need to try something new and see where it takes you.
As we checked out, the staff shared tips on how to use each oil and vinegar, offered recipe ideas, and even recommended pairing the lemon avocado oil with grilled chicken or drizzling it over roasted asparagus. Their excitement was genuine, and it made me even more eager to get home and start experimenting.
Finding Comfort in the Unexpected
As a military spouse, I’ve moved more times than I can count. Each new city brings its own mix of excitement and uncertainty. Will I find my people? Will I discover places that feel like “mine”—the coffee shop where they remember my order, the park where I can walk and think, the little store that sells something I didn’t know I needed until I saw it?
Today, Coleman Olive Oil Co. became one of those places for me. It’s a reminder that comfort can be found in the smallest moments—a new shop, a friendly smile, the taste of something unexpected. You don’t have to be in a big city to find something special. Sometimes, it’s right next door to the library, just waiting for you to step inside.
Matt’s Take: A Sailor’s Taste Test
No culinary adventure is complete without Matt’s input. As soon as we walked into Coleman Olive Oil Co., I could see the look on his face—equal parts surprise and delight. “OMG, that’s a lot of oils and vinegars,” he whispered, eyes wide as he scanned the rows upon rows of bottles. It’s not every day you stumble across such variety in a Central Texas town.
Matt was especially drawn to the Italian herbs balsamic vinegar. He could pick out all the different herbs and a hint of garlic, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the vinegar. “This is going straight onto bruschetta or a salad,” he said, already planning our next meal. I love how he always finds a way to make even the simplest foods feel special.
What really struck Matt was how neat it is to find a place like this in San Angelo—a shop that feels like a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered by anyone willing to look beyond the obvious. After all our moves, we’ve learned that these unexpected finds are what make each duty station memorable.
He didn’t hesitate when I asked if he’d recommend Coleman Olive Oil Co. to other military families or friends. “They have such a huge variety—there’s something for everyone,” he said. And honestly, he’s right. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to shake up your weeknight dinners, this place is worth a visit.
Building Community, One Conversation at a Time
One of the most memorable parts of our visit wasn’t just the food—it was the connection. As we chatted with the staff, I mentioned that I’d love to feature their shop on my blog. Their excitement was immediate and genuine. They shared the owner’s contact info and encouraged me to reach out, even mentioning another local blogger, “San Angelo Doesn’t Suck,” who is also a military spouse. It was a moment of instant camaraderie, a reminder that local businesses thrive on community and word-of-mouth.
They told me they hope more students and newcomers will get out and explore places like theirs. It’s a sentiment I share deeply. After all, every time we move, it’s the small local discoveries that make the transition easier—the shops, the parks, the people who wave hello and remember your name.
The Joy of Discovery: Why Local Matters
I’ve always believed that creativity and comfort are portable—that you can find home wherever you go, as long as you’re open to what’s around you. Today’s visit to Coleman Olive Oil Co. was proof of that. In a town that sometimes feels far from the mega-cities and their endless options, there’s something special about stumbling upon a shop that feels both unexpected and exactly right.
It’s easy to stick to the familiar, especially when you’re new or feeling out of place. But every time I push myself to try something different—to walk into a shop I’ve never visited, to taste a new flavor, to strike up a conversation with a stranger—I find a little more belonging. These small adventures add up, weaving a tapestry of memories that make each place unique.
Encouragement for Fellow Explorers
If you’re reading this as a fellow military spouse, a newcomer to Central Texas, or just someone looking for a reason to get out and explore, here’s my advice: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Wander into that shop you’ve passed a hundred times. Ask for a sample. Start a conversation. You never know what you’ll discover—or how it might brighten your day.
Coleman Olive Oil Co. is now on my list of San Angelo gems, and I hope it finds its way onto yours, too. There’s something for everyone—foodies, home cooks, or anyone who just wants to add a little extra flavor to their routine.
Looking Ahead: More Stories, More Connections
As I head home, bags in hand and recipe ideas swirling in my mind, I’m reminded why I started Wondering.Waves in the first place: to share these moments of connection, creativity, and comfort. Whether it’s through a skein of yarn, a heartfelt story, or a bottle of olive oil, my hope is to inspire others to find joy in the journey—wherever it may lead.
If you’ve discovered a local gem lately, I’d love to hear about it. Share your stories in the comments, send me a message, or tag me on Instagram. Community is built one story at a time, and I’m so grateful to be building it with you.
And if you find yourself near the library in San Angelo, don’t forget to pop into Coleman Olive Oil Co. Tell them Wondering.Waves sent you—and let me know what you discover!
Thank you for following along with my adventures, both big and small. Until next time—keep wandering, keep discovering, and keep finding comfort in the little things.