Finding Flavor and Community in Central Texas: My Day at Coleman Olive Oil Co. San Angelo

Written by Latosha Walker
Founder & CEO, Wondering.Waves | Military Spouse | Creator | Storyteller
Published: December 3, 2025

There’s Magic in the Unexpected

There’s a quiet kind of magic that happens when you step into a place you’ve never noticed before—especially when you’re new to town and still trying to find your rhythm. Recently, a simple trip to the library in San Angelo, Texas, turned into one of those moments. Right next door stood a small, unassuming storefront: Coleman Olive Oil Co. The sign alone sparked my curiosity—a promise of something different, something local, something waiting to be discovered.

As a military spouse who has moved more times than I can count, I’ve learned that these unexpected detours are often the moments that anchor us. They are the threads that weave a sense of home and belonging, even when life feels like a constant state of transition. Walking through that door wasn’t just about olive oils and vinegars; it was about curiosity, connection, and the small pleasures that make a new place feel like a little bit like mine.

Discovering new flavors and sharing a laugh—our visit to Coleman Olive Oil Co. turned a simple errand into a joyful adventure. It’s these playful moments and unexpected finds that help a new place feel like home.

Stepping Into a World of Warmth, Light, and Scent

The moment I stepped through the door of Coleman Olive Oil Co., it felt like entering a small sanctuary crafted for the senses. Bright natural light streamed in through large windows, casting a soft, welcoming glow that highlighted the polished wooden shelves lined with rows of gleaming glass bottles. Each bottle, filled with golden olive oils or rich, dark balsamic vinegars, looked like a treasure waiting to be discovered.

The air was infused with an intoxicating blend of aromas. The earthy, peppery scent of freshly pressed olive oil mingled with bright citrus notes—lemon and orange teasing the senses. The subtle sweetness of aged balsamic vinegars added a delicate, almost caramel-like warmth to the atmosphere. Taking a deep breath, I felt a soothing calm settle over me, as if the very air invited me to pause and savor the moment.

Inside, it was just Matt, me, and the sales associate—a warm, knowledgeable woman whose enthusiasm for the products was infectious. Her genuine kindness and helpfulness made the experience feel personal and unhurried. She guided us patiently through the shelves, offering insights and encouraging us to taste anything that caught our eye.

The quiet intimacy of the space—without background music or a bustling crowd—allowed us to fully focus on the flavors and textures before us. It felt less like a store and more like a friend’s kitchen, where every detail was designed to make visitors feel at ease and welcome.

In that gentle, sunlit space filled with rich scents and warm smiles, I was reminded how these small moments of sensory connection can ground us and create a sense of belonging—especially in a life marked by constant change.

Sampling the Spectrum: Flavors and Delights

One of the most joyful parts of our visit was the freedom to taste and explore. The sales associate encouraged us to sample anything that piqued our curiosity, turning the visit into a relaxed, playful discovery instead of a hurried shopping trip. With just the three of us in the shop, the experience felt intimate and personal—like sharing a secret between friends.

I started with the Fresh Garlic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, tasting it straight from a small sample dish. The moment the bottle opened, a wave of vibrant fresh garlic scent filled the air—bright, unmistakable, and instantly mouthwatering. Yet, when I tasted it, I was surprised by how smooth and light the oil itself was. Instead of being sharp or overpowering, the garlic flavor was mellowed and rounded by the olive oil’s gentle texture. The result was a well-balanced richness: you get that initial burst of fresh garlic on the nose, but on the palate, it’s soft, subtle, and inviting—never too intense, always just right. I could easily imagine it drizzled over warm, crusty bread, or elevating a simple pasta or roasted vegetable dish with its harmonious blend of aroma and taste.

Matt, always the adventurous eater, was drawn to the Italian Herb Dark Balsamic. His eyes lit up as he savored the complex blend of Mediterranean herbs, garlic, and a subtle, lingering sweetness. “You can actually taste all the herbs,” he said with a grin, already plotting bruschetta and fresh salads. Watching his enthusiasm reminded me how food can be a bridge—not just between flavors, but between people and moments.

As we moved through the tasting, we sampled the Meyer Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, its bright citrus notes adding a sunny, uplifting twist to the classic olive oil profile. The sales associate suggested blending it with a little of the Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and the result was pure summer in a dish—fresh, fragrant, and instantly inspiring dreams of caprese salads and grilled vegetables.

The Jalapeño Lime Extra Virgin Olive Oil was another delightful surprise—its zesty tang and gentle heat made us both laugh and imagine summer marinades and zippy dressings. Each sample was a tiny adventure, a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can surprise and delight when approached with openness and curiosity.

The act of tasting became a mindful practice, inviting us to slow down, engage our senses fully, and savor the present moment. In that quiet, sunlit shop, every flavor felt like a new possibility—a small celebration of creativity, comfort, and connection.

The Heart of Military Life: Finding Home in Small Moments

Military life is a rhythm of arrivals and departures, of building routines only to reinvent them with every new set of orders. Each move brings its own mix of excitement, anxiety, and the question that lingers on every military spouse’s mind: How long will it take to feel at home this time?

I’ve learned that the answer rarely comes from the big, obvious milestones. Instead, it’s built from small, everyday moments—like the first time a barista remembers your name, or the afternoon you stumble upon a local shop that feels instantly welcoming. These are the moments that gently transform a place from “somewhere we live” into “somewhere we belong.”

My visit to Coleman Olive Oil Co. was a perfect example. It wasn’t just about discovering new flavors or adding bottles to our pantry. It was about the feeling of being welcomed, of being invited to linger and ask questions, of sharing genuine conversation with someone who truly cared about her craft. That sense of hospitality, of being seen and valued, is what I’ve come to cherish most in every new duty station.

It’s easy to underestimate the power of these small connections. But over time, they form the foundation for a sense of community that endures long after the boxes are unpacked and the novelty of a new address has faded. For me, places like Coleman Olive Oil Co. are more than shops—they’re anchors that help steady me in the unpredictable tides of military life.

When I look back on our time in San Angelo, I know I’ll remember that sunlit afternoon, the laughter over unexpected flavors, and the quiet joy of finding another thread to weave into our ever-growing tapestry of home.

Matt’s Delight: A Sailor’s Perspective

One of my favorite things about exploring new places is seeing them through Matt’s eyes. After so many moves together, we’ve developed a sort of unspoken ritual: I scan for cozy corners and creative inspiration, while he gravitates toward anything food-related, always ready for a taste test and a little culinary adventure.

From the moment we walked into Coleman Olive Oil Co., I could see Matt’s curiosity take over. He moved along the shelves that lined the walls, pausing to examine each bottle, reading labels and imagining how each oil or vinegar might transform a meal. The center of the shop was spacious and open, making it easy for us to wander together, share impressions, and chat with the sales associate as we sampled.

When he reached the tasting station, he was all in—swirling, sniffing, and savoring each sample with the focus of someone who truly loves to cook (and eat). The Italian Herb Dark Balsamic was the clear winner for him. After his first taste, he looked at me, eyes wide, and said, “You can actually taste all the herbs, with a little bit of garlic and the sweetness of the vinegar.” Instantly, he started brainstorming recipes—bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes and basil, salads with creamy mozzarella, grilled chicken glazed in a reduction. I could practically see the wheels turning as he mapped out our next few meals.

What I love most about Matt’s approach is his enthusiasm for sharing. He’s the kind of person who wants everyone to experience a good thing—whether it’s a new oil, a favorite recipe, or a hidden gem of a shop. Before we even left, he was already talking about bringing friends back, about how much his fellow sailors would enjoy the variety and quality. For him, food is never just about eating; it’s about gathering, connecting, and making even the simplest meal feel special.

Watching Matt light up in that shop reminded me that these small discoveries aren’t just about personal comfort—they’re about building a sense of home together. Every new flavor, every shared meal, every story swapped over a tasting counter becomes part of our shared history, a collection of moments that turn a duty station into a place we’ll remember fondly long after we’ve moved on.

Building Community, One Conversation at a Time

What truly set our visit to Coleman Olive Oil Co. apart was how quickly a simple shopping trip unfolded into something deeper—a genuine connection, the kind that makes a new place feel less like a stopover and more like the beginning of belonging.

The shop was quiet that afternoon, just Matt, myself, and the sales associate, but that made each interaction feel even more personal. From the moment we entered, she greeted us not just as customers, but as guests. Her knowledge of the oils and vinegars was impressive, but even more memorable was her warmth—she listened to our questions, shared stories about her favorite pairings, and offered thoughtful suggestions based on what we liked.

As we sampled and chatted, the conversation naturally drifted from food to life in San Angelo. I mentioned that we were new to the area and, as often happens in small towns, a thread of connection immediately appeared. She asked about our story, and when I shared that we were a military family and that I write about mindful living and community, her excitement was immediate. She not only encouraged me to feature the shop on my blog but also shared the name of another local blogger who happens to be a military spouse. There was that instant camaraderie—a reminder that, even in unfamiliar places, shared experiences and open-hearted conversation can quickly build bridges.

She offered up her favorite ways to use the oils—drizzling the Meyer Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil over grilled asparagus, pairing the Italian Herb Dark Balsamic with crusty bread and fresh tomatoes, or simply whisking a few together for a quick and vibrant salad dressing. Her generosity with ideas and encouragement made me feel like I wasn’t just buying products; I was being invited into a local tradition, welcomed into a community that values good food, creativity, and neighborly connection.

By the time we checked out, the exchange felt less like a transaction and more like the beginning of a relationship. She handed us our bottles with a smile, wishing us luck as we settled into San Angelo and inviting us to return anytime with questions or new recipes to share.

As we stepped back outside, I realized how much that single conversation had shifted my sense of place. It’s easy to feel anonymous in a new town, but it only takes one genuine interaction to remind you that people are at the heart of every community. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared story, a bit of kindness, and a willingness to connect—one conversation at a time.

Encouragement for Fellow Explorers: Embrace Local Gems

If there’s one lesson I keep relearning with every move, it’s this: the best parts of any new place are rarely found in guidebooks or on social media highlight reels. They’re discovered in the quiet, unexpected moments—like wandering into a small shop you’ve never noticed, striking up a conversation with a local, or saying yes to a taste of something new.

To fellow military spouses, newcomers, or anyone still searching for their favorite corners of town, I want to offer a gentle nudge—don’t be afraid to explore. It’s natural to feel hesitant, especially when everything is unfamiliar and routines are still in flux. But sometimes, the very best discoveries are waiting just outside your comfort zone.

Let curiosity be your guide. Wander into that shop you’ve passed a dozen times but never entered. Ask for a sample, even if you’re not sure you’ll love it. Tell the person behind the counter that you’re new in town—they might just become your first local friend, or point you toward another hidden gem you never would have found on your own.

Small businesses like Coleman Olive Oil Co. are more than places to shop—they’re the soul of a community, where stories are shared, traditions are kept alive, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Supporting them not only enriches your own life (and your pantry!), but also helps weave you into the fabric of your new home.

And if you’re ever feeling lost or disconnected, remember that belonging doesn’t have to come all at once. It’s built one conversation, one shared meal, one small adventure at a time. Every local gem you discover adds a new thread to your story, turning a temporary posting into a place you’ll always remember with warmth.

So here’s my invitation: be bold, be curious, and let yourself be surprised. The next place that feels like “yours” might be just around the corner, waiting for you to step inside.

Closing: Gratitude for the Journey and Discoveries

As I reflect on our afternoon at Coleman Olive Oil Co., I’m reminded once again why I share these stories—not just to recount an errand or review a product, but to celebrate the small, meaningful moments that make a life feel rich and connected. In a world where so much can feel uncertain and transient—especially for those of us in military families—these pockets of comfort and connection are everything.

That day, I didn’t just bring home bottles of olive oil and balsamic. I brought home inspiration for new recipes, a sense of welcome from a stranger who quickly felt like a friend, and a renewed belief that “home” is something we create, one mindful moment at a time. I carried with me the scent of fresh garlic and lemon, the memory of Matt’s delighted grin, and the warmth of genuine hospitality that lingered long after we left the shop.

It’s easy to overlook the impact of these small adventures, but I believe they’re the foundation of a fulfilling, mindful life. Every time we let ourselves be curious, every time we say yes to a new experience, we’re adding another thread to the tapestry of belonging—a tapestry woven from laughter, discovery, kindness, and shared meals.

So whether you’re a fellow military spouse, a newcomer to Central Texas, or simply someone looking for a reason to explore your own backyard, I hope this story encourages you to seek out the hidden gems in your community. Step into the unexpected, savor the flavors, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation. You never know when a simple errand might become the beginning of a new chapter.

Thank you for following along with my journey. If you’ve discovered a local treasure or had a memorable moment of connection lately, I’d love to hear your story. After all, community is built one story at a time—and I’m so grateful to be building it with you.

With warmth and gratitude,
Latosha