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.

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…

The exterior of Golden Gray Boutique at Market Street. Since moving locations, it now sits beside Starbucks.

New In Town: Food, Fun, and Fragrances

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 11, 2026

There's always something fresh and exciting coming to The Woodlands, but this summer, gear up for food, fun, and more. The new Dudley Sports Plaza along FM 1488 is now home to two indoor activity centers, and around town you'll find new shops and restaurants ready to shake things up. SCHILLECI'S…

A young blonde woman (Brooklyn Newell) holds a black and green double-sided paddle to row her bright blue kayak. She is facing away from the camera, paddling along Lake Woodlands toward a copes of trees.

On The Horizon: Good Times and Sunshine

By Rachael Varner on Jun. 04, 2026

Good times and sunshine are calling from The Woodlands! This season is packed with high caliber art shows, international sporting events, live music extravaganzas, and plenty of local activities for the whole family to enjoy. Make every day a special occasion with these easy, breezy ways to…

The Lunar Planetary Science Conference in The Woodlands Texas. A large ballroom is packed full of students and researchers of astronomy looking at each other's poster presentations. The central figure is a man in a tan jacket and checkered newsboy cap.

Q&A: Jamie Shumbera of the Lunar and Planetary Institute

By Rachael Varner on Feb. 19, 2026

Since 1970, the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) has been a hotbed for the field of astronomy. Every March, up to 2,000 planetary experts and students gather from around the world to share their research, discuss new theories, and plan future projects to better understand Earth’s solar…

The entrance to Fielding's Local. The building is mostly glass with a shaded patio roof and a sign that reads, "FIELDING'S local kitchen + bar" in various font types. Patio tables are each shaded by large turquoise umbrellas.

How It Began: Fielding's Local Kitchen + Bar

By Rachael Varner on Feb. 12, 2026

There is video evidence that Cary Attar was destined to be a restauranteur. At only seven years old and dressed in a three-piece suit, Attar made rounds at a Howard Johnson’s restaurant to ask every table, “How is your meal?” His parents had conveniently brought an eight-millimeter camera to dinner…

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival at Town Green Park features winding rows of white tents sheltering colorful paintings, photos, jewelry, and other fine art pieces. Visitors admire the displays. In the background are bright green trees and a bright blue sky.

On The Horizon: Springtime Surprises

By Rachael Varner on Feb. 05, 2026

Spring events are in full bloom in The Woodlands! This season's calendar includes nationally acclaimed arts festivals, international sporting events, live music extravaganzas, and plenty of local events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Spring Highlights MEMORIAL HERMANN IRONMAN TEXAS…

A display at gorjana features two neckline standees wearing gold chain-link necklaces with small, colorful charms. Three flat standees display matching bracelets and anklets.

New In Town: The Finer Things in Life

By Rachael Varner on Jan. 29, 2026

There's always something fresh and exciting coming to The Woodlands, but this spring, prepare to be pampered with the finer things in life. Market Street is flourishing with several new luxury jewelers and upscale boutiques, and around town you'll find new restaurants ready to shake things up…

The image depicts the interior of Kirby Ice House, featuring a row of wood tables with six round bar stools each and a LONG bar with at least 20 green bar chairs. The walls are decorated with neon signs, vintage photos of celebrities, and other memorabilia.

Where to Watch The Big Game in The Woodlands

By Rachael Varner on Jan. 22, 2026

It's no secret that Texans love football, and there are plenty of ways to kick off the season. But if you want to make the most out of your game day, grab your friends and make your way to The Woodlands for great eats and great seats! Here are just a few of our top picks for watching The Big Game…

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…