Insider Tips for The Woodlands

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 Visit The Woodlands on Aug. 07, 2025

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…

Four young adults (two with their backs to the camera) sit at a patio table with red metal chairs and a large red square umbrella hanging overhead. The table is on an elevated patio overlooking The Waterway. In the background is the Waterway Avenue bridge.

Waterfront Dining in The Woodlands

By Visit The Woodlands on Jul. 31, 2025

The Woodlands' waterfront dining options are as numerous as they are remarkable. With Lake Woodlands set at the heart of the community and The Waterway weaving through it, there is no shortage of restaurants with patio seating and a gorgeous view of the shoreline. Along The Waterway…

A young man (on the left of the frame) stands on the grassy shore of a fishing pond at Bear Branch Sports Fields. He is wearing a red t-shirt, black shorts, a black and tan ballcap, and he's holding a black and teal fishing pole. The water is dark and smooth. The trees on the far shore are various shades of bright green. The sky is cloudy but bright.

Fantastic Spots for Fishing in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Jul. 24, 2025

Featuring 40+ bodies of water stocked with everything from catfish to carp, The Woodlands offers a variety of fantastic fishing spots. Most ponds are "catch and release" only, but there are locations where you can claim your prize. Whichever you prefer, here are a few top-tier highlights to start…

The interior of OddFellows' Ice Cream Co. features an ice cream counter stretching away from the camera. The left wall is red and white striped with classic paintings of odd or novelty subjects (a toy monkey with symballs, a seal in a hot dog cart, etc.). The floor is checkered with red and white tiles, set with a few small, round, 2-person tables and a bar with four stools. There are several families with 5- to 12-year-old children peering at the ice cream flavors.

Top Stops for National Ice Cream Day

By Rachael Varner on Jul. 17, 2025

Beat the heat this summer with a sweet frozen treat! July is National Ice Cream Month, and The Woodlands has an abundance of ice cream and dessert parlors to choose from. To get you started, here are just a few of our top picks for the season. SWEETS TO THE SWEET 26400 Kuykendahl Rd. Unit C110, The…

Six colorful drinks are lined up on the balcony at Hyatt Centric's rooftop pool. On the far left, an espresso martini, then a mule with lime and sprig of rosemary, then a tall purple cocktail, then a bright red drink with a strawberry and jalapeno slice on the rim, then a cucumber martini, then a tall blue drink. In the background is an (out of focus) overview of Market Street.

Happy Hour at Hotels in The Woodlands

By Visit The Woodlands on Jul. 10, 2025

Happy Hour is a great way to celebrate with friends while exploring The Woodlands! Several hotel properties in The Woodlands offer Happy Hour deals for anyone to enjoy. Others feature specials just for guests, so book a staycation to check out everything that local hotels have to offer! HYATT…

The camera focuses on a play area within The Woodlands Children's Museum. The walls are painted with cartoon-like waves, a pirate ship, a giant octopus, and a smiling sun. In the back, there is a red-and-white striped lighthouse. On the right, there is part of a farmer's market exhibit visible.

Why The Woodlands: Blissful Waters, Children's Museum & More

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 30, 2025

The search for a place to call home has led many to discover The Woodlands. The close-knit community, the peaceful walking trails, and the vibrant shopping and dining scene have drawn in residents and visitors alike, but we were curious to hear from business leaders: Why The Woodlands? Melody…

The camera focuses on an expertly plated meal at The Waterway Marriott. It features a nearly rare steak, cut into strips, and it's topped with a BBQ-like sauce, long and skinny mushrooms, orange flower petals, and sprouts. It is served with several cooked carrots (yellow and orange) and cooked cauliflower, and it's served on a thick yellow saffron sauce.

Q&A: Michael Batke, Executive Chef of The Waterway Marriott

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 26, 2025

Michael Batke has been a shining star of the culinary world for over 30 years. After earning early acclaim with a Red Seal certification, he led kitchens in five-star hotels across North America, opened his own restaurant, and even cooked for royalty during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Since making The…

Fireworks over The Fountains at Waterway Square

How It Began: Red, Hot & Blue Festival

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 19, 2025

Today the Red, Hot & Blue Festival is known for its five activation sites around The Woodlands—complete with live music, concessions, children’s activities, and an 18-minute firework extravaganza—but it comes from surprisingly humble beginnings. In 1997, The Woodlands’ Town Center was a well of…

The camera overlooks a low-lit dining room with round booths clustered in the center with square tables aligned around them. People are seated at tables throughout the room, though not directly in front of the camera. There is a window looking into the kitchen in the back right with an eagle sculpture in front of it.

New In Town: Boutiques, Bistros, and Bars

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 12, 2025

Summer is in full swing, which means it’s the perfect time to explore all things new in The Woodlands! Discover the latest fashion trends, savor fresh flavors, and enjoy exciting seasonal experiences throughout town. Whether you're shopping, dining, or trying something new, be sure to soak up some…

A frosted bottle of Fuzzy's vodka sits atop a light wood counter at BLEND Bar. On its left is a full martini glass with a twist of lemon peel. On its right, a cigar. The lounge area is out of focus behind the counter.

Top Stops for National Martini Day

By Visit The Woodlands on Jun. 05, 2025

Whether you prefer it dirty, dry, shaken, or stirred, there is no wrong way to enjoy a martini. National Martini Day is held annually in June, so raise your glasses for a toast to this classic drink. The first martinis were made with gin or vodka and an olive, but recipes have evolved to include a…