Stay up to date with news on recent flooding in The Woodlands.
Pools and Memorial Day
WRG would like to say “Thank You” to all of our military service men & women who lost their lives in service to our country and also extend our appreciation to our current and retired military service men & women. The Woodlands has a wonderful 2-evening event to celebrate Memorial Day (May 28 & 29) that features live music, children’s activities, strolling entertainers and capped off with a wonderful fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music. Just follow the music all the way to Town Green Park on Lake Robbins to partake in all the festival has to offer.
While there is always a sale, here are some other activities you might enjoy during your extended weekend!
May 28th:
Mother Daughter Tea @ Rob Fleming Park, 11am-12pm. Reserve your spot by calling 281-210-3950.
20th Century Glenwood Walking Tour (Houston) from 10am-12pm. PreservationHouston.org
May 29th:
Paint your Patriotic Pride at Pinot’s Palette on College Park Drive (2-4pm). Space is limited so make sure you register on their website, PinotsPalette.com/woodlands/event/100714.
May 30th:
All of The Woodlands Township’s 14 pools will be open from 10am-6pm, free of charge. Use the opportunity to explore a pool near you. For information on The Woodlands Pools, visit The Woodlands Township page. You can get a glimpse of The Woodlands Pools from our OnLocation video seen here: The Woodlands Pools
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor
Community Theaters
There is something about seeing a live theater performance that can be very nostalgic. In our modern day, hustle and bustle, download everything in a moment, there is something to be said for planning your day to see a live event. And then we even get dressed up for it, when we don’t seem to get dressed up for anything. Being at the theater conjures up memories of going with your grandparents when you were younger, maybe just once a year. There are some wonderful local theaters that run shows throughout the year and ReviewIt, The Woodlands, did a wonderful article in May 2016 (Issue 141) (http://digital.turn-page.com/t/4780-reviewit-magazine-the-woodlands) to highlight these venues. All have current productions running, but make sure to check back with them in a few months to see what new productions they may have in store!
Playhouse 1960
New Voices – May 12th-21st
In the Heights – June 10th-25th
Houston
www.ph1960.com
The Texas Repertory Theatre
Hay Fever – May 5th-29th
Chicago– June 7th-31st
NW Houston
www.TexRepTheatre.org
Nancy Bock Center for Performing Arts
Crazy For You – July 9th, 10th, 15th-17th
The Woodlands
www.ClassActProductions.org
Crighton Theatre
Romeo & Harriet – May 20th-21st
Legally Blonde – July 9th-24th
Conroe
www.CrightonTheatre.org
Owen Theatre
Chicago – May 13th- 24th
Moustrap– July 7th-31st
Conroe
www.OwenTheatre.com
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor
Only in Texas
One of the coolest things about Texas is how diverse we are. From ethnicities to topography, there is so much to explore. In doing research for this newsletter, I came across a Facebook page, “Only in Texas,” that had recently published some great articles https://www.facebook.com/texasonly?fref=ts. There’s a wealth of Information from great road trips and beautiful lakes to some of the Texas oddities that only Texans will “get” and enjoy.
I’ve included some of my favorites from their page, below, but I encourage you to “like” their Facebook page, and ours, for suggestions of how you can continue to enjoy Texas and get the complete experience.
Here Are 12 Awesome Road Trips In Texas That Are An Absolute Must-Take
We have done the drives through Texas Hill Country. We have also driven to San Antonio and Austin. The Cascade Caverns are on our list for this summer.
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/12-must-take-tx-road-trips/
14 Gorgeous Lakes to Visit in Texas This Summer
If you are an avid outdoors person, some of these lakes have amazing vistas.
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/14-gorgeous-lakes-to-visit-tx/
15 Bizarre Roadside Attractions in Texas That Will Make You Look Twice
We have seen the giant cowboy boots and the leaning water tower. You have to love a place that embraces the bizarre!
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/15-bizarre-roadside-attractions-in-tx/
15 Awesome (And Sometimes Strange) Things You Can Only Find In Texas
While many of the items on this list make me happy (#1, 6, 8 & 10 to name a few), numbers 4 and 11 are my favorite. If you haven’t found your Saturday morning kolache spot yet, let me know. I have a few suggestions!
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/15-things-only-find-in-tx/
These 13 Haunted Places In Texas Will Send Chills Down Your Spine
I am a big scaredy cat, so I will not be frequenting any of these spots, but scary is very popular. Just make sure to let someone know where you are heading before you leave for any of these spots!!
http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/texas/13-haunted-places-tx/
I hope you enjoy these lists. There are so many great websites and Facebook pages like “Only in Texas” that give you some great information on places you just ‘have’ to see when you are here in Texas. Enjoy! Let us know where your favorite places are and how we can continue to be of service to you here in The Woodlands.
Have a great week!
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor
Road closures and detours…
May Calendar
Upcoming May Events:
30th Texas Crawfish & Music Festival
April 29th through May 1st & May 6th-8th
www.TexasCrawfishFestival.com
Senior PGA Event- Insperity Invitational
May 2nd-8th at The Woodlands Country Club Course
www.InsperityInvitational.com
31st Annual Texas Crab Festival
May 6th-8th located in Crystal Beach
www.TexasCrabFestival.org
The 126th Brenham Maifest
May 6th & 7th
www.MaiFest.org
18th Annual Spring for Life 5K Run/Walk
May 7th
www.SprintForLife.com
16th Houston Dragon Boat Festival
May 7th & 8th
www.HoustonDragonBoat.com
Artwalk 2016
May 7th & 8th located in Fayetteville
www.ArtsForRuralTexas.org
Mamma Mia!
May 13th & 14th located in Galveston
www.TheGrand.com
43rd Pasadena Strawberry Festival
May 20th-22nd
www.StrawberryFest.org
43th Annual Houston BBQ Festival
May 22nd
www.NRGPark.com
20th Annual Rockport Festival of Wine & Food: Pinot’s & Platinum
May 28th & 29th at the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport
www.TexasFestivalofWines.com
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor
Bike The Woodlands Month in May
One thing you will notice as a resident of The Woodlands is the trails teaming with runners and walkers and the shoulders of the roads busting with bikers. With our flat land and The Woodlands commitment to outdoor activities, it is hard to resist the urge.
The Woodlands has made a tradition of recognizing Bike Month in May for the last four years. This year, the Bike The Woodlands Coalition is working with The Woodlands Township to take the celebration to a whole new level! The Coalition wants to encourage safe cycling practices and generate a culture of respect and awareness by bicyclists and non-bicyclists alike. Some of the events planned this month are:
Bike to Work Day – Friday, May 20, 2016 – On Bike to Work Day, T-shirts will be available for pick up at both Whole Foods and Black Walnut Café.
Bike The Woodlands Day celebration – Saturday, May 21, 2016 – For Bike The Woodlands Day, T-shirts will be available for pick up only at Whole Foods.
Bike Shop Week
The Woodlands Cycling Club Rides
TXTRI Tuesday Rides
Pathway Riders Coffee Meetup
Bike Maintenance Workshops
Bike-in Movie
Bike Swap Meet
Bike Happy Hours
Bike-Kayak-Bike
Public Art Ride
Bike The Woodlands Yoga
To keep up with the latest developments on Bike The Woodlands 2016 and for info on all of the amazing activities planned this month, download the Event Guide. Happy Trails!
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor
Pavilion Season
Outdoor concerts are a great way to enjoy a beautiful evening here in the Woodlands. The Cynthia Mitchell Woods Pavilion, located on the Waterway, is a favorite for artists and concert goers alike. The Pavilion ranks #2 in the top 100 amphitheaters in the WORLD!!
The outdoor pavilion features lawn seating and also has covered stadium seating. My favorite feature of the Pavilion is that due to its location, you don’t have to buy a ticket to enjoy a wonderful night out. There are lots of green-space options outside the Pavilion along the Waterway and at Town Green, where locals pack a picnic basket, a cooler and some lawn chairs to have a great night out with friends. Concerts sell out here since some of artists prefer a tour stop here in The Woodlands instead of Downtown Houston. For all you need to know about parking, tickets and more, visit the Pavilion website at www.WoodlandsCenter.org.
I’ve attached the complete 2016 concert schedule, which is subject to change, but have included some highlights dates below. Additionally, you can download the Pavilion app for your smart phone, since the amphitheater is always adding new acts. Note that there are several cultural events that feature free lawn seating and reduced price orchestra seating.
Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles
Friday, April 29th at 8pm
($20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating)
“Dreams Can Come True,” Music from The Little Mermaid
Thursday, May 5th at 7:30pm
($20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating)
Dave Matthews Band
Friday, May 13th at 7pm
Hall & Oates With Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Sunday, May 15th at 7pm
Jimmy Buffett
Saturday, June 4th at 8pm
Texas Musical Festival Orchestra
Friday, June 24that 8pm
(FREE event)
Star Spangled Salute
Sunday, July 3rd at 8pm
(FREE event)
Comedian Jim Gaffigan
Saturday, July 9th at 8pm
Hank Williams, Jr. & Chris Stapleton
Friday, August 12th at 7pm
Def Leppard with REO Speedwagon & Tesla
Monday, August 22nd at 7pm
Music of The Rolling Stones
Friday, September 2nd at 8pm
($20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating)
Ray LaMontagne
Friday, September 23rd at 8pm
Music of The Rolling Stones
Friday, October 7th at 7:30
($20 orchestra seating / Free mezzanine & lawn seating)
21st Annual Children’s Festival
Saturday, Nov 12th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, No 13th (12-5pm)
($8 in advance/$10 at the door)
Holly Jolly Jingle
Thursday, December 1st
(FREE event)
Complete schedule: www.WoodlandsCenter.org/events.html
If you want a smaller venue, some other music hot spots in the area include:
Free Concerts in the Park are featured on Sundays from 5:30-7:30pm at Northshore Park overlooking Lake Woodlands. Each season’s lineup of free concerts contains an eclectic mix of music to appeal to many different ages and tastes. For a schedule of concerts, visit http://woodlandsevents.com/entertainment/northshore-concert-in-the-park.
In Market Street’s Central Park, the extremely popular outdoor concerts on Thursday evenings, 6-8:30pm in the spring and fall. For a schedule of events and performances, visit http://woodlandsevents.com/town-center/market-street/central-park-concerts.
The Live at Night Waterway Music Series is currently looking for performers to round out its spring & summer schedule. Visit http://woodlandsevents.com/waterway/live-at-night for updates on performers.
Baker Street Pub, located at 25 Waterway Avenue is a great location to catch live music. http://bakerstreetpub.com/The-Woodlands/events/
Dosey Doe (DoseyDoe.com) has two locations for great live music, good food and a wonderful atmosphere. Check out the Big Barn, which hosts seasoned artists from a variety of genres, located at 25911 N I-45. A full schedule for the Big Barn can be found at www.doseydoe.com/upload/upcoming-eventsbb.pdf.
The Music Café is a great venue to check out up and coming musical talent for a very reasonable cover, located at 463 FM 1488. The schedule for artists highlighted at the Music Café is located at http://www.doseydoe.com/upload/upcoming-eventsmc.pdf.
I hope you find the perfect music venue to feed your soul and enjoy all that The Woodlands has to offer. As always, I welcome the opportunity to be of service in assisting you with your transition to the area. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor
Avoid travel delays…
12 Most Beautiful Places in Texas
There are some great websites and Facebook pages dedicated to interesting and fun facts about Houston and Texas at large. I came across this article at the Houston link from www.Thrillist.com and could not believe the beautiful pictures. I love finding out about hidden treasures, whether they are local restaurants, breweries or amazing vistas. As you get settled into your new surroundings, don’t be afraid to plan a day trip (or get-away weekend) to one of these beautiful Texas sites!
The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Texas You Didn’t Know Existed
Amy McLaughlin
Personal Concierge and
Blog Contributor