Beaumont is part of “from Houston to Beyond,” a conglomerate of the 14 cities surrounding H-Town that you can get to within a few hours. In this new series, we’ll highlight what to do with 24 hours in each of our neighboring communities.
A masterfully planned community, The Woodlands is one of the most sought-after places to live in Texas, but beyond laying down roots, it’s also an amazing place to spend the day. With some of the best shopping, restaurants, and art in Southeast Texas, here’s what to do with 24 hours in the Woodlands.
Brunch: Fielding’s Local Kitchen + Bar
What’s not to like about Bloody Mary and mimosa flights? One of the most popular brunch spots in the area, whether you’re a sweet or savory morning person, they put a Texas twist on American classics. There are plenty of dishes to tempt your palate from chicken and waffles (a Southern staple) to pulled pork hash and cheddar rice grits.
Morning: Stretch Your Legs
Boasting more than 130 parks and 200 miles of trails, the Woodlands is amply named for outdoor explorations. A favorite hiking area is the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, but if you’d prefer to splash around, Riva Row Boathouse rents kayaks, SUP boards, and even swan boats. You can also snag a beach cruiser from ECO EZ-Riders Bikes, which is a fun way to explore the art benches and sculptures lining the Waterway, one of the largest outdoor collections in the US. If you’d prefer a different kind of cardio, Market Street is a high-end shopping district accessible by free trolley.
Lunch: Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen
The Woodlands is still decently close to the Louisiana border, which means you can “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez” with Cajun/Creole favorites like gumbo, po’ boys, and crawfish dip. Larger entrees include blackened fish, stuffed shrimp, and spicy Jambalaya to tempt and tantalize your palate. Be sure to save room for their signature bread pudding and make sure to pack the stretchy pants.
Afternoon: Get Your Blood Pumping
If you’ve ever wanted to experience defying gravity, give iFly a try. Indoor sky diving is less scary than jumping out of a plane and still an adrenaline rush. Sixty seconds of freefall in a wind chamber, once you get used to the sensation of being weightless and work up the courage, you can practice doing flips and spins with the help of an instructor. There’s even a VR option to pretend you’re soaring over other epic landscapes around the world.
Dinner: Churrascos
Dinner overlooking the Waterway, feast on platters of South American grilled meats doused in chimichurri for international flair. Called Parilla, combination plates of steak and seafood are served with potatoes and grilled vegetables for a hearty, filling celebratory meal.
Nighttime: Catch a Show
One of the premier outdoor amphitheaters in the country, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (or “The Pavilion” as locals call it) is perfect for listening to music under the big Texas sky. A not-for-profit venue, they have free orchestra performances throughout the year along with major musical headliners in all genres. Check the schedule and catch your favorite act!
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