Insider Tips for The Woodlands

A small white shelf is lined with blue, teal, and green Christmas knickknacks like small Christmas trees and fuzzy reindeer.

Handheld Guide to Holiday Shopping in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Nov. 05, 2026

Thanksgiving marks the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season in The Woodlands, with Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday following closely behind. Get a head start with this convenient shopping guide so you can actually slow down and enjoy the holidays with your family. From The Woodlands…

The main dining room at Bari Ristorante at Waterway Square has light wood floors and 10+ square tables with plush orange seats. Each table is set for fine dining.

New In Town: Charolais, Bar Bludorn, and Bari Ristorante

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 29, 2026

There's always something fresh and exciting coming to The Woodlands, but this winter, experience fine dining with personalized service from chefs at the top of their field. Waterway Square, Hughes Landing, and the newly renovated Grogan's Mill Village Center are bursting with new flavors, so reserve…

Two women talk at the registration table for Novi Summit 2026. There's a banner on the wall with an illustration of a campsite that reads, "Welcome to CAMP NOVI."

Q&A: Jenn Norman of Novi AMS

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 22, 2026

When professional associations require software to streamline operations, they turn to Novi AMS. When Novi AMS required a venue to host its annual conference, it turned to Visit The Woodlands. As VP of Customer Growth for Novi AMS, Jenn Norman manages the planning and execution of Novi Summit. For…

Fourteen people smile at the camera in front of a colorful Visit The Woodlands backdrop. From left: Ryan Greenwood, Vargo Williams, Rachael Varner, Ashley Fenner, Julie Quinn, Adam Lamb, Elizabeth Eddins, Nick Wolda, Cindy Heiser, Josie Lewis, Amber Parsley, Carla Twidell, Andrea Day, and Brooklyn Newell.

How It Began: Meetings & Conventions in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 15, 2026

Flower arranging, live portrait painting, monogrammed bookmarks, and stationary for writing letters to one’s future self. These are just a few of the activations that Visit The Woodlands coordinated for An Afternoon in Bloom, the opening reception for LeadHERship LIVE: A Texas Women’s Conference…

Two young women smile for the camera while pedaling a swan boat through Holiday on The Waterway lights.

On The Horizon: Holiday Happenings in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 08, 2026

Winter is right around the corner, and The Woodlands is celebrating with a variety of seasonal events. From dazzling light displays to festive live music performances to swan boat rides down The Waterway, surround yourself with holiday cheer this year in The Woodlands. Winter Highlights Market…

A young chef with curly brown hair, round glasses, and a black denim apron instructs a cooking class (at least 10 men and women of various ages and backgrounds are visible). Various pots, pans, hot plates, and other cooking utensils are spread out on the counter before them. On the wall in the back is "Sur la table" written in large, black, cursive.

Opening Doors on World Tourism Day

By Rachael Varner on Sep. 24, 2026

World Tourism Day is September 27! Established by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, this holiday highlights the cultural and economic impact of tourism on a global scale. Participants are encouraged to learn about diverse cultures, foster new connections, and promote eco-friendly…

An aerial drone view of The Pavilion during midday, before the crowds roll in for a concert. Parts of The Waterway, Waterway Square, and The Woodlands Towers are visible in the background.

Hotels Near The Pavilion

By Rachael Varner on Jul. 23, 2026

It's concert season at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion! Plan the ultimate concert getaway or a pumped-up staycation with a hotel located right next door to the venue. All of the hotels listed below are located within a half mile of The Pavilion, and many are within walking distance. Just click…

The camera focuses on a mom and kindergarten-age daughter. The mom (in a white blouse and navy shorts) leans down to talk with her child (wearing a blue and white striped dress). The girl is laughing and holding an apple-shaped plush to her chest. Behind them is a local boutique featuring school supplies, trendy dresses, and more.

Best Spots for Back-to-School Shopping

By Rachael Varner on Jul. 15, 2026

Gearing up for the kids to go back to school? No sweat! Whether you're looking for a one-stop shop at The Woodlands Mall, crave an upscale shopping experience at Market Street, or want to make a difference with your dollar at local shops and boutiques, skip the stress with these top-notch hotspots…

An afternoon photo of The Pavilion, viewed from the back of the lawn. The lawn and seats are packed with a crowd of young adults, all dressed casually for summer. The Pavilion tents rise in 5 points, the stage lit by the afternoon sun. The Woodlands Towers are partially visible behind it.

a crowd of casually dressed 20- and 30-year-olds

Q&A: Cameron Klepac of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 25, 2026

There's nothing like a fist-pumping night of live music at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion to kick off your summer. Follow along as Cameron Klepac, Director of Marketing and Arts Outreach for The Pavilion and Secretary/Treasurer for Visit The Woodlands' Board of Directors, shares some insider…

How It Began: Vonlane in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 18, 2026

Two cracked windshields in three years—that is ultimately why Vonlane pulled into The Woodlands. As Executive Director for Visit The Woodlands, Elizabeth Eddins travels extensively to entice business leaders to host their meetings and conventions in The Woodlands. Frustrated with the wear and tear…