The Woodlands is a city in the North Barrier Coast region of Texas 28 miles north of downtown Houston along Interstate 45. Although it began as a suburban development and a bedroom community, it also has attracted corporations and unique shopping to the area. In addition to residential and corporate housing, The Woodlands features a shopping mall, seven golf courses, and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Regional Concert Venue, and a 4 star rated The Woodlands Resort. A new satellite location for the Houston Museum of Natural Science is housed in The Woodlands Mall.
- Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, +1 281 363-3300. The Houston area's premier outdoor music venue, featuring big national and international acts of all genres. There are also park-grounds located next door, perfect for a picnic on non-concert days. Occasionally, special festivities may be held. Check website for schedule.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Dr, +1 281 363-3300. The Houston area's premier outdoor music venue, featuring big national and international acts of all genres. There are also park-grounds located next door, perfect for a picnic on non-concert days. Occasionally, special festivities may be held. Check website for schedule.
There are hundreds of shops, many upscale and sometimes unique and pricey. The primary sections can be classified into four sections. All but the I-45 Corridor are within reasonable walking distance, although sidewalks may not always be available. When in doubt, ask for directions or use the free trolley service. Be careful of traffic and other hazards.
- The Woodlands Mall, 201 Lake Woodlands Dr, +1 281 363-3409. The older of the four, primarily with standard layout and selection, but newer additions include direct access to the Woodlands Trolley, Water Taxi, and a selection of shops outdoors.
- 24 Waterway. Located among the hotels, office buildings and waterway. Primarily a selection of restaurants and bars with a movie theatre. The lower level near the river (northside) includes a larger-than-usual fountain display with music and a children's play area.
- Market Street. Immediately west of the mall. Upscale shops, HEB, several restaurants, and a small theatre. The grounds include a smaller, but well-designed water-play area for children and a grassy-greens area for picnics or soccer.
The Woodlands Mall, 201 Lake Woodlands Dr, +1 281 363-3409. The older of the four, primarily with standard layout and selection, but newer additions include direct access to the Woodlands Trolley, Water Taxi, and a selection of shops outdoors.
24 Waterway. Located among the hotels, office buildings and waterway. Primarily a selection of restaurants and bars with a movie theatre. The lower level near the river (northside) includes a larger-than-usual fountain display with music and a children's play area.
Market Street. Immediately west of the mall. Upscale shops, HEB, several restaurants, and a small theatre. The grounds include a smaller, but well-designed water-play area for children and a grassy-greens area for picnics or soccer.
There are always new restaurants opening in the area, from local to international, chains to one-of-a-kind.
- HEB, 9595 Six Pines Rd, +1 281 292-2080. Actually a grocery store, but has an "On the Run" quick-serve with indoor and outdoor self-seating. Inexpensive.
HEB, 9595 Six Pines Rd, +1 281 292-2080. Actually a grocery store, but has an "On the Run" quick-serve with indoor and outdoor self-seating. Inexpensive.
- Beck's Prime, 2120 Buckthorne Pl, +1 281 367-3600. Excellent gourmet hamburgers cooked over a mesquite grill Moderate.
Beck's Prime, 2120 Buckthorne Pl, +1 281 367-3600. Excellent gourmet hamburgers cooked over a mesquite grill Moderate.
- Amerigo's, 25250 Grogan's Park Dr, +1 281 362-0808. Italian-influenced dishes Expensive.
- Jasper's, Market Street Square, +1 281 298-6600. Upscale backyard cuisine. Expensive.
Amerigo's, 25250 Grogan's Park Dr, +1 281 362-0808. Italian-influenced dishes Expensive.
Jasper's, Market Street Square, +1 281 298-6600. Upscale backyard cuisine. Expensive.
- Baker Street Pub and Grill, 25 Waterway Ave, Suite 100, +1 281 362-7431. Stepping into a Baker St. is like being transported to London's traditional Victorian pubs with an American flare, said Edgar Carlson, co-owner of HUSA, which manages 221B Baker St. Pub & Grill. Amidst dark wood paneling, antiques, and decorative bric-a-brac, guests will find a full-service kitchen cooking up signature British favorites such as award-winning Baker St. Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepherd's Pie as well as regional favorites of burgers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Rounding out the menu is a selection of 20 draught beers and ales, wines and signature cocktails.
- Crush Wine Lounge, 20 Waterway Ave, +1 281 362-7874. Unique as well as affordable wine selections for every palate. Crush will also feature a gourmet appetizer menu, with the option of ordering meals from its neighboring restaurants to be served in-house.
- Rio24 Cigars & Premier Bar, 24 Waterway Ave, +1 281 298-8885. Rio24 features a selection of fine cigars from their extensive humidor, along with an exceptional collection of Scotches, bourbons, foreign and domestic beer, a preferred wine list and traditional or favorite martinis. While not a restaurant, Rio24 will offer guests a great menu from neighboring restaurants on request.
Baker Street Pub and Grill, 25 Waterway Ave, Suite 100, +1 281 362-7431. Stepping into a Baker St. is like being transported to London's traditional Victorian pubs with an American flare, said Edgar Carlson, co-owner of HUSA, which manages 221B Baker St. Pub & Grill. Amidst dark wood paneling, antiques, and decorative bric-a-brac, guests will find a full-service kitchen cooking up signature British favorites such as award-winning Baker St. Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, and Shepherd's Pie as well as regional favorites of burgers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Rounding out the menu is a selection of 20 draught beers and ales, wines and signature cocktails.
Crush Wine Lounge, 20 Waterway Ave, +1 281 362-7874. Unique as well as affordable wine selections for every palate. Crush will also feature a gourmet appetizer menu, with the option of ordering meals from its neighboring restaurants to be served in-house.
Rio24 Cigars & Premier Bar, 24 Waterway Ave, +1 281 298-8885. Rio24 features a selection of fine cigars from their extensive humidor, along with an exceptional collection of Scotches, bourbons, foreign and domestic beer, a preferred wine list and traditional or favorite martinis. While not a restaurant, Rio24 will offer guests a great menu from neighboring restaurants on request.