Just 20 minutes north of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, The Woodlands is known for its beautiful waterway and we know it for its great shopping.
Where to Stay
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center is our top pick in The Woodlands. The location couldn’t be better, overlooking the waterway, which means easy access to all the premiere shopping. Another major perk to booking a room here is that it is connected to the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion a.k.a. your perfect Saturday night entertainment spot.
If you are looking to stay somewhere that is a little more secluded, The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center is an excellent choice. Some of the luxurious amenities include four onsite restaurants, a spa and fitness center, two onsite golf courses, and multiple pools. If you choose to call this home for the weekend, you are only a quick 10-minute drive to fine retail and restaurants.
Where to Shop
The Woodlands Mall
At the top of our Best Store List is none other than The Woodlands Mall. Located off of the waterway and with more than 160 stores and restaurants, you could spend an entire weekend just exploring the mall. However, some notable stores to fit in include Aldo, Fossil, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, and for the kiddos, Janie and Jack.
Market Street
Another shopping area that makes our Best Store List is . The town-square vibe of Market Street is only one of many reasons we love to shop here. Add in valet parking, top-notch restaurants, and occasional events, and you’ve got your whole day planned for you. Some of the great shopping includes ALEX & ANI, Calypso St. Barth, Elaine Turner, J.Crew, Sur La Table, Tommy Bahama…need we go on?
Marta’s Boutique has been around for over 30 years, and based on her in-store and online selection, it’s easy to see why. You’ll find hand-selected items ranging in price and style. In addition to all the fantastic clothing and accessories, the home décor and gift options are equally as impressive.
Maggies
Specializing in home décor, Maggie’s is a fun place to shop with something new around every corner. Most of the selection is handcrafted and very versatile in order to fit any home. If you aren’t in need of any new home décor, don’t panic because Maggie’s also carries a wide array of gift options, jewelry, ad clothing.
Where to Eat
Schilleci’s
If Cajun, creole, and seafood are your thing, then Schilleci’s is for you. This family-owned, New Orleans-style kitchen features family recipes passed down for generations. The location on Market Street makes this the perfect dinner-on-the-patio spot.
Fine dining is made easy at Amerigo’s Grille. An upscale Italian restaurant that features a piano bar sounds like the perfect GNO to us. If there happens to be a special event you’re celebrating, be sure to book one of the five elegant banquet rooms.
Grub Burger Bar
Grub Burger Bar may not be unique to The Woodlands, but let’s face it—It’s a great burger joint. With specialties like Chirozo Queso and a Mac ‘N’ Cheeseburger, you can’t go wrong.
What to Do
Riva Row Boat House
Riva Row Boat House continues to be a hit among locals and tourists alike. This is the perfect way to see the waterway from a kayak or paddle board. Single kayaks start at $15/hour, but if you want to share the hard paddling work with someone (our pick), the tandem kayaks starts at $20/hour. If you’re feeling adventurous and an overwhelming sense of good balance, then check out a paddle board for $20/hour.
Plan ahead and catch a concert at Dosey Doe – The Big Barn. Featuring up-and-coming artists as well as more established names like SoMo and Dwight Yoakam, these concerts make for the perfect ending to any Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Don’t be fooled by the name—there are concerts from all genres of music!
