an interview with Teresa Colegrove at Packrat Comics

By Gwynnie Ball

Where does the name “Packrat Comics” come from?

When my husband and I were trying to come up with names for our store, we were thinking about what we really did with our comics — we would store them away and keep them, and never really get rid of them. Our name is basically the essence of that.

How would you describe Packrat Comics to someone who’s never been?

We got a review once that described it as a children’s bedroom, and I absolutely adored that. It really does have everything that’s going to bring you back to your childhood: toys, games, plushies, books, and comic books. It’s a safe, fun space that’s inviting for everyone.

What comics would you recommend to people?

We actually take an individualized approach — we like to find out what people enjoy reading or watching, and that dictates what we recommend. It’s not just saying “here’s my favorite comic, you should like it too,” and I think that’s the thing that’s helped us succeed.

u go into a Barnes & Noble and find all kinds of genres, there are just as many genres of comic books. It’s not all capes and cowls; it’s mysteries, horror, science fiction, and even autobiographical stories. It’s a big mix, so trying to find what’s best for everyone can be hard, but we try our best.

What are your favorite spots in Hilliard that you like to visit?

We really enjoy the walking paths that they’ve developed over the course of so many decades. We always took our kids to the parks, and they have done a really great job of developing the parks department in Hilliard.

Learn about the delicious restaurants that make up Hilliard’s food scene, and the stories behind the historic buildings they occupy.

By Nicholas Dekker

Starliner Diner

In 2016, Starliner Diner moved from its original location on Cemetery Road to into a brick building on Main Street that served as Hilliard’s post office from 1957 to 1987. After the post office relocated, the 3,300-square-foot structure served in various capacities, including a dance studio, before the diner moved in. Owner Molly Mahoney brought Starliner’s signature style to the new space, which includes a wall of kooky clocks and a space-themed mural. Try popular dishes like Cuban French toast, chilaquiles, fried plantains, burritos, and Cajun jambalaya for yourself.

Coffee Connections

Coffee Connections started as a mobile cart in 2014 before opening its Old Hilliard storefront in 2016. Located across from the original town square, the building was a part of the epicenter of life in Hilliard when it was built in 1920. Over the years, a now-demolished building on the coffee shop’s current patio was a bait and tackle shop and a bakery, and during World War II, it even served as a ration station. Now, the beautiful coffee shop and patio are a gathering place for visitors who love fresh-roasted coffee and locally made pastries.

Legacy Smokehouse

Legacy’s structure was originally built in the mid1800s as a home. Over the years, the house’s pole barn served as a site where ammunition was designed for the military, and the home’s downstairs was later converted to Bookphil, a local bookstore created by Nelda Bridgeman boasting a collection of more than 30,000 rare books. Now it’s the home to Legacy Smokehouse’s Central Texas barbecue. Sample it all with the Texas Trio: tender chopped brisket, smoky pulled pork, and a house-made jalapeño cheddar sausage. Pair your visit with a stop at Legacy’s new upstairs bourbon bar, Rickhouse 41.

Center Street Market

The site of Center Street Market has long been an important element of the community, starting as a block of houses before becoming a silent movie theater. Most recently, it was Russell Grain Co. and then a NAPA Auto Parts. Anchored by Crooked Can Brewing Company on one end, the expansive indoor market hall offers a huge selection, including zesty fare from Dumplings of Fury, giant burgers from Hot Mess, beautiful cookies from Bakes by Lo,

Ten Pin Alley

Opened in 1960 as Northwest Lanes, the 16-lane bowling alley has long been a fixture of Hilliard. It became Ten Pin Alley in 2006, when it was purchased by new owners. In 2017, the building underwent a complete renovation, which doubled its size to 37,000 square feet and added in more lanes, a laser tag arena, an arcade, two bocce courts, a patio, and a full bar and restaurant. In between bowling strikes or playing laser tag, guests can fuel up with favorite bar snacks, giant smashburgers, subs, wings, and Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Hilliard Station Baking Co.

David and Tracy Baldridge opened Hilliard Station Baking Co. in 2021, renovating the early 20th century Main Street structure that began its life as D.C. Larrick’s furniture store. As the couple remodeled, they even found relics of the former business, including signage and antique tools. Over the years, the space has also been Turney’s Restaurant and Pool Hall, a coffee shop, an ice cream parlor, and a floral design studio. The Baldridges have given their space a modern makeover with restored wooden floors and white subway tile. Cupcakes are the name of the game at the bakery. While special flavors pop up every week, you’ll always find favorites like chocolate supreme, funfetti, and peanut butter cup.