Posts by Rachael Varner

Author

Rachael Varner

Rachael works in the Marketing Department at Visit The Woodlands. Having grown up in The Woodlands and fostered her knack for journalism, she is passionate about sharing what makes her hometown so exceptional. As Content Coordinator, she promotes local tourism and hospitality partners through the management of www.visitthewoodlands.com as well as copywriting for Pathways magazine, visitor guides, newsletters, and other marketing initiatives. Her favorite pastimes include reading, photography, and discovering new gluten free dining options.

Reflections to Mist Mosaic in Stairwell at Sam Houston State University - The Woodlands. The full art piece is 4 stories tall, wrapping around the interior and exterior of the building. This segment (ground floor) is a close-up of bright blue water, bright green lily pads, bright yellow flowers, and 3D coral- or fossil-like accents.

Mosaic Art by Dixie Friend Gay

By Rachael Varner on Dec. 11, 2025

You may have noticed that The Woodlands is home to an impressive number of public art displays, but some of the most recognizable pieces were created by a Houston artist of national acclaim. Dixie Friend Gay is best known for her large-scale mosaics, often depicting natural landscapes and wildlife…

Four lattes are lined up across a white marble table: gingerbread, peppermint, tiramisu, and pumpkin spice.

Top Stops for Warm Drinks in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Dec. 04, 2025

When the temperature takes a dip, warm up with a nice hot beverage in The Woodlands! From traditional black coffees to seasonally inspired teas, there are plenty of places to curl up with a good book and a warm drink. Here are just a few of the top stops in town! Tiramisu Crêpe | Photos courtesy of…

Two women volunteers at the WWAF (wearing matching, bright blue, "20 Years" shirts for the festival) smile for the camera as they work at a wine tasting booth.

20+ Ways to Help Others on Giving Tuesday

By Rachael Varner on Nov. 13, 2025

In the midst of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, there's another day to keep on your mind this holiday season. Giving Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving each year, is a global movement designed to bring people together and find simple ways to give back to local communities…

A drone shot of The Westin and The Woodlands Towers at dusk. Surrounding buildings and trees along The Waterway glow with soft golden lights.

Q&A: Kim Lowe, Director of Visit The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 23, 2025

Kim Lowe has been a trailblazer of the hospitality industry for more than 30 years. Since joining The Woodlands community in 2007, she has spearheaded the development of two luxury hotels and ushered a third to new heights. Now Complex Director of Sales for The Westin, Embassy Suites, and The…

A man turns a go kart around a corner at K1 Speed. He's wearing a dark T-shirt, tan cargo shorts, black racing gloves, and a black motorcycle helmet with a colorful reflective visor. The track is gray and rubbery, the barriers alternating in red and white stripes. K1 posters line the back wall.

New In Town: Go-Karting, Cooking Classes, and More

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 16, 2025

Don't look now because there's a rush of new businesses coming to town! Get into the holiday spirit this season with a themed cooking class or take a spin on the new go-karting track. From unique dining experiences to thrilling attractions, there's always something fresh and fun to do in The…

The viewer stands to the left of Santa, who waves jingle bells to a crowd from the roof of a building at Market Street, which is lit up with Christmas lights and holiday activities.

On The Horizon: Winter Events in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 06, 2025

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 family-friendly boat rides down The Waterway, surround yourself with holiday cheer this year in The Woodlands. Insider Tips 1 |…

Kids, teens, couples, and families skate around The Woodlands Ice Rink.

How It Began: Holiday on The Waterway

By Rachael Varner on Oct. 02, 2025

The holidays are coming to The Woodlands, so as the sun sets behind the treetops, watch as sparkling snowflakes and twinkling light tunnels flicker to life, blinking over The Woodlands Waterway like thousands of pinpoint stars. This November, celebrate a new annual tradition in The Woodlands at…

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. 18, 2025

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. The theme for 2025 is Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, where participants strive to understand diverse…

A craft show booth displays elaborate wood crafts. Sleek, organically-shaped cutting boards hang along the back wall of the booth. A tiered display in the middle of the booth shows off large mixing bowls and Lazy Susans. A large wooden breakfast table with matching barstools are also shown for sale.

Fall Art Events in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Sep. 04, 2025

Broaden your horizons by exploring all the fall art events that The Woodlands has to offer. Whether you're looking for a classy fine art shopping experience or an outdoor scavenger hunt with the whole family, there is no shortage of options to choose from! TEXAS FINE CRAFT SHOW 1601 Lake Robbins…

A photo overlooking a pond at Rob Fleming Park. Behind a wood fence with brick pillars on the left, there is a skinny, white-barked tree with star-shaped leaves in colors of green, yellow, and light orange.

A Quick Guide to Trees in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Aug. 28, 2025

It's no wonder how The Woodlands earned its namesake. In addition to blending modern business centers and residential communities, this town is dedicated to maintaining and expanding on the area's natural beauty. Whether you're trying to identify a specific tree or just want to learn more about your…