Pecantown Books and Brews curates unique reads and farm-to-table food

Located in a carefully restored historic home on Camp Street in downtown Seguin, Texas, Pecantown Books and Brews is far more than a bookstore. It’s a place where the best in books, food, and community intersect. Founded by Tess Coody-Anders in June 2022, this cozy space has quickly become a regional destination for readers, food lovers, and regional travelers. 

“We opened almost three years ago in downtown Seguin with the intent of bringing new books, new food, and new opportunities to connect to the downtown area,” Coody-Anders said. The vision extended beyond creating a retail space to curating a unique cultural experience rooted in connection and creative events.  

The thoughtful restoration of the living space included transforming each room in the home into a literary nook focused on different genres. Fiction, classics, and poetry are in one room while children’s and young adult books share a space. Journeying to another room reveals non-fiction reads. The layout promotes exploration and seamlessly flows into the forming dining room and garden spaces where guests can enjoy a bistro-style menu built around high-quality local ingredients. 

“We try to locally source as many of the components of our menu as we can. Local farms, local bakers, and breweries are definitely featured in our menu,” Coody-Anders explained.
Pecantown is set apart by its dedication to fostering an authentic sense of place. This commitment to local history and aesthetics makes the store a repeat attraction for visitors to the region. 

“We’re incredibly proud that Pecantown has become the bookstore not only for Seguin but for the greater area around us,” Coody-Anders said. “We have visitors that come in time and time again on their drive back to Houston, on their way home to Dallas, or on their way to and from the beach.” 

Pecantown also stands out for its dynamic events calendar. Coody-Anders and her team have crafted signature experiences extending beyond the basics. A standout event is Murders & Mimosas, a repeating monthly feature where a staff member, Kassie Brandt, compiles and presents information about a true crime case while sharing a curated reading list. Themed specials are served up on the menu. 

Coody-Anders noted the experience is like watching a live podcast while enjoying food and drinks, “People are excited to gather and share ideas and theories and connect. Storytelling, as much as story selling, is a part of the Pecantown experience.”

Another recurring favorite is the Texas-focused Lone Star Story Hour. During this event, Coody-Anders presents deep dives into lesser-known stories in state history. 

“Texas has a really interesting, fascinating history,” Coody-Anders adds. “We present that research and those stories each month.”

When it's time for book signings, Pecantown proudly showcases local and independent authors, both traditionally and self-published. 

“When we support independent literary voices and publishers, we support the network of independent bookstores,” Coody-Anders explained. This spirit of collaboration extends beyond bookstore events to the entire business community in downtown Seguin. “Seguin has a very rich history that is intrinsically tied to Texas history. Our downtown is still a working, breathing, thriving downtown, so we work, live, and play here. Whatever one downtown business might need that another business can help support or provide – we do that. When folks visit downtown, they see a unified and authentic community of shops and shopkeepers.” 

Pecantown Books and Brews is the ideal community hub where storytelling and casual conversation co-exist in a warm, inviting space. Whether you’re sipping tea in the garden, attending a true crime night, or browsing the store shelves, a visit to Pecantown is an opportunity to slow down and be inspired. 

For more information, to shop online, or review upcoming events, visit the Pecantown Books and Brews website.

To learn more about local businesses served by Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative, visit the GVEC website.