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Visiting The Woodlands for the First Time? A list of spots you must visit! | Family Edition

Jordan Marie Schilleci -

Hi friend,

Last night, I was speaking with a new client that is relocating to The Woodlands, yet she has never been here before. Well, Monday will be her first visit, and she asked me any recommendations for food or what we should see, besides what we already have talked about.. Well I wanted to turn this conversation into a new blog post. I hope you enjoy!

Oh and check out this map! It showcases all the areas I recommend, here in the heart of The Woodlands..

Places we had already discussed:

  • The Woodlands Children's Museum - Interactive exhibits & imaginative play are the focus of this museum designed for young children. | 4775 W Panther Creek Dr #280, The Woodlands, TX 77381 | Closed Mondays
  • Schilleci's New Orlean Restaurant - This family-owned restaurant offers Cajun & Creole cuisine & drinks in a cozy, rustic space. | 9595 Six Pines Dr Ste 1120, The Woodlands, TX 77380 | Opens everyday at 11 AM.

My Recommendations of What to Do in The Woodlands on Your First or Second Visit

ONE :: MARKET STREET

Market Street is located within Grogans Mills Rd, Lake Woodlands Dr, Six Pines Dr., and Lake Robbins Dr. It is just north of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion, and I would rate it as the one place you shouldn't leave The Woodlands without seeing. I would also add to this visit, checking out the Town Green Park, and the River Row Boat House, since these are easily accessible once parking in the HEB parking lot.

Why I recommend visiting Market Street..

The park (green space) at the heart of Market Street is a top favorite among locals and "tourists". It is newly renovated, and houses a splash pad, wood constructed pergolas, and lots of seating. As well as, a huge green space complete with lawn games and plenty of space for little ones to run free. Now with the green space being the heart, on the outskirts of you will find a coffee shop, a crepe shop, many restaurants including Tommy Bahama, Schilleci's New Orleans Kitchen, and Trulucks, as well as a yummy sushi restaurant.

Also in Market Street, you can find an H-E-B grocery story, a hotel, LUSH (my favorite place to buy a gift), and so much more.

And then there is the shopping. I think most of my favorite shops are within Market Street. It depends on your tastes, and while Market Street does catering to a higher end clientele, they have a Lululemon, Kendra Scott, Tory Burch, Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, Gap Kids, Eddie Bauer, Ann Taylor, and so much more! Even a movie theater can be found in Market Street. You can see the complete directory below..

Don't leave without seeing:

  • The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion
  • Town Green Park
  • River Row Boat House

TWO :: THE WATERWAY + THE MALL

The Waterway has lots to offer for people with many interests. I would categorize this as the place for after hour entertainment.

This area also housing The Woodlands Mall and tons of restaurants.

Why I recommend visiting The Waterway..

I recommend this area as a good place to walk around. There are a couple different areas to dine at. You can dine at P.F. Changs, Cheesecake Factory, Landry's, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse or Brio. These are all located near Woodloch Forest Drive and Mall Ring Road. There is a nice parking garage right there (two actually; one on each side). You can dine, and then walk the waterway.

Another area of The Waterway is actually labeled the Waterway. The bars (restaurants too) can be found along, Waterway Ave near the Cinemark 17 movie theater. Here you will find Morton's Grille, Tris, The Refuge Bar & Bistro, Baker St. Pub & Grill, Churrascos, and Cyclone Anaya's Tex-Mex Kitchen. Bar Louie is right here, as well as Grimaldi's Pizzeria. This two story pizza restaurant, is probably the most popular pizza in The Woodlands, with seating along the Waterway.

Don't leave without seeing..

What I love about right here, is that you can find the Waterway Square here. There are fountains, and it is quite peaceful. Once again, right along the waterway.

Another neat feature of the waterway is all the art, under the bridges, within the "tunnels" of the bridge. The parking garages at the mall are free, but the ones near the square are not. So why not break out those walking shoes, and enjoy the scenery, people, art, and fresh air!

And in case you were wondering, The Westin (hotel), right there at the Waterway Square is very nice. They have Peloton bikes in their fitness center!

THREE :: HUGHES LANDING (RESTAURANT ROW & WHOLE FOODS)

There are two locations through out The Woodlands that feature concert series twice a year. Hughes Landing being one of them, and The Waterway near Grimaldi's being the second location. Visit the Woodlands, a local website, categorizes The Woodlands by eight areas: Along the Waterway, Around The Woodlands, Creekside Park, Hughes Landing, Market Street, Pinecroft Center Area, Research Forest Area, and The Woodlands Mall.

Hughes Landing, also known as restaurant row, houses such restaurants as Fogo de Chão, Truluck's, California Pizza Kitchen, Del Frisco's Grille, The Blue Fish, and Escalante's Fine Tex-Mex. But restaurants aren't the only thing you can find here. You will find The Woodland's only Whole Foods, a Starbucks, and my favorite cycle bar: Ride.

Why I recommend visiting Hughes Landing..

I love Hughes Landing for its variety. Every restaurant down here is amazing, and some of them offer water views. The pathways are relaxing to stroll around, and there are chairs on the green, situated overlooking the lake. There is also one of the most popular hotels in The Woodlands here: Embassy Suites.

Thing to note: Hughes Landing also houses a luxury mid-rise (apartment) community: One Lakes Edge. So if you are looking to rent before you purchase, and you want to be in the heart of The Woodlands, this location might be perfect for you!

Bonuses places to check out:

  • Kanga - Indoor playground complete with cafe and lots of variety, including a rock climbing wall. | 26803 Hanna Rd, Building 6, Suite 601-604, Oak Ridge North, TX 77385 | Opens Everyday at 9 AM
  • Play Street Museum - A place for kids to play and imaginations to wander. | 203 East Shore DriveThe Woodlands, TX, 77380 | Open Monday - Friday 9 A - 5 P
  • Storybook Hedge Maze - Children’s literary labyrinth with life-size Aesop’s fables characters | Next to Library in the Town Green Park | Park at HEB off Lake Robbins Drive in Market Street, and use the cross walk.

FOUR :: THE VILLAGE OF CREEKSIDE

The Village of Creekside was the final addition to the villages of The Woodlands. It is 90-95% complete with the most fun additions being the commercial developments. A brand new movie theater was just opened, some weeks back, and the other commercial locations are starting to fill up in that certain shopping center.

Why I recommend visiting The Village of Creekside..

I recommend visiting this village, not just because it is new, but it was developed with what today's individual is looking for. The walkability of this area, and the commercial developments is off the charts. The commercial area is perfectly situation in the middle of the village, and houses a grocery store, many restaurants, a candy store, an ice cream parlor, business offices, a coffeeshop, and so much more.

What I love most about the area, is the green space at the center of one of the most popular commercial squares. The green space is perfect for a lazy afternoon, and an amazing spot to enjoy some ice cream.

One of the coolest features of Creekside is that it is built under/around the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. Below you can see all the paths, trails, and Lake Paloma. IF you decide to take a walk on the south side down Creekside Green Drive, above New Harmony, you can even find a lane of blackberry bushes!

Bonuses places to check out:

Not far from The Village of Creekside, which is also known just as "Creekside", is one of my favorite county parks..

Burroughs Park - Harris County Precinct 4 | 9738 Huffsmith Road, Tomball, TX 77375

Experience the lush landscape, winding trails, and lakefront views at this 320-acre splendid park in Tomball. Amenities at this facility include sports fields, a seven-acre fishing lake, five playgrounds, over eight miles of nature trails, picnic areas, an observation deck and boardwalk, rest room facilities, a dog park, and an award-winning barbecue pavilion that seats over 250 people. Swimming, boats, canoes, and kayaks are not permitted in lakes or ponds. What my kids love most about this park are all the different playground within a stone's throw, and the few sandboxes it houses.

How you can get around The Woodlands:

One more fun thing to check out are The Woodlands Township Trolley System. You can take the trolley all around Town Center. Employees, residents and visitors can park once and hop aboard the free trolley to popular retail, entertainment, and office locations.

The trolleys provide transit service along an approximate 4.1-mile route connecting The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Town Center, The Woodlands Waterway and Hughes Landing restaurants, hotels, businesses and residences.

You can learn more about the trolley, as well as download their app, by visiting here.

Keep your eyes open!

One last tip for visiting The Woodlands, keep your eyes open, because there is art everywhere, and if you get frustrated by all the trees when looking for something to do, just turn on your GPS app or Yelp! :)

So those are my must visits, when visiting The Woodlands Area. There is so much to offer here in the community, and even more on the outskirts. If you are visiting as a tourist, I hope you get the chance to enjoy The Woodlands, and all it has to offer, and if you are thinking about relocating to The Woodlands, I would be honored to help you find your dream home.

You won't just find us sharing our knowledge about The Woodlands and surrounding suburbs here on this website or YouTube, but also on our main website: https://byjoandco.com.

We are so happy you found our little corner of the interwebs. We look forward to y'all reaching out to us. We love to answer questions and welcome them. Recently we created some local maps, and you can download those by clicking the image/link above. Below, you will find an index of some very helpful information to assist you in learning more about the Houston suburbs. If you are relocating to our neck of the woods, we hope you reach out to us, because we would love to help you by being your local realtor and friend. Hugs, Jo.

Thoughtfully written for you by Jordan and the Jo & Co. Team.

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