The Woodlands, Texas Overview
Table of Contents
Story and photos by Scott Kendall
The Woodlands is one of the first and one of the most successful master planned communities in the United States. Founded by visionary oil and gas billionaire George Mitchell in 1974, The Woodlands covers over 25,000 wooded acres. Known for great schools, low crime, outdoor amenities, and walking and biking trails, The Woodlands is a highly rated area for families and singles to work and reside.
The Woodlands is 30 Miles North of Houston in SE Texas
Top Things to Do in The Woodlands
- The Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion
- The Waterway
- Parks
- Walking Trails
- Shopping
- The Woodlands Mall
- Market Street
- Hughes Landing
- Top Restaurants
- Pinecroft Center
- Festivals and Celebrations
- Local Neighborhoods
Weather in The Woodlands
With its location in southeast Texas less than an hour north of Houston, The Woodlands has mild winters, ideal springs and falls, and hot, sunny summers. Even in winters, temperatures are usually in the 50 and 60s, with occasional freezing temperatures. Every decade or so, The Woodlands might get a little snow as shown in this rare photo.
Summer temperatures often play with the 100 degree mark, so during the day, many people plan to be in the water outside or in the air conditioned indoors.
History of The Woodlands
In 1964, George Mitchell, who made his millions in oil and gas and real estate, purchased 2,800 acres north of Houston. Over the next decade, hundreds of transactions added more acreage, eventually accounting for over 25,000 acres. The Woodlands has grown exponentially since building began in 1972.
Much of the early growth was residential, but over the years many commercial projects have added hundreds of employers, including giants like Anadarko, Chevron Phillips, Huntsman, Exxon, Hewitt and other large firms. Several large hospitals, including Memorial Hermann, St. Luke’s, and Methodist operate in The Woodlands along with many other healthcare providers.
PLAY in The Woodlands
One of the biggest attractions of The Woodlands is the abundance of trees, parks, and and a variety of natural locations for outdoor activities. There are over 160 miles of hiking and biking trails, dozens of parks, Lake Woodlands, Riva Row Boathouse, and more great spaces for individuals and families to enjoy the community.
Meticulous city planning and strict regulations have ensured that The Woodlands stays true to its namesake – a city in the midst of thick woodlands.
Outdoor Fun in The Woodlands
From the start, The Woodlands was designed to promote healthy outdoor activities for all members of the family. Over 160 miles of hiking and biking trails, numerous world class golf courses, parks, swimming pools, fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, and baseball provide many choices for active people.
The Woodlands also hosts many outdoor festivals, parades, and other celebrations. The annual 4th of July Parade, along with a fantastic fireworks display, is a big hit with families. Art festivals, Easter Services at The Pavilion, Dragonboat Races at Northshore Park, and numerous other outdoor activities are held throughout the year.
The Woodlands area is also home to some of the best golf courses in the Houston area. Top courses include The Woodlands Country Club, The Golf Trails of The Woodlands, The Club at Carlton Woods: Nicklaus Signature Course, The Gary Player Course, and Woodforest Country Club.
Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion
The Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion is one of the most popular outdoor concert venues in the world, hosting a wide variety of world class acts. Seating around 16,500 people, the Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion is consistently in the top 5 amphitheaters by attendance in the United States.
Past performers have included Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Dave Matthews. Lil Wayne, and many more. The Houston Symphony is a regular performer, including their immensely popular 4th of July Patriotic Concerts. Regular seating in available as well as lawn seating for those who want to sprawl out and relax while they listen.
Outdoor Art in The Woodlands
The Woodlands is well-known for the outdoor art found throughout the commmunity. One of the most popular is the half-buried sleeping giant, a 17 foot long giant boy taking a snooze under a tree. The sculpture is officially named “The Dreamer,” and was created by David Phelps in 1989. Other art pieces shown here include Proud Souls, found along the Waterway near Riva Boat House, and Family Tree in the Indian Springs Shopping Center outside HEB.
Two other popular pieces include Rise of the Midgard, a sea serpent rising out of the waters of Lake Woodlands, and the lifelike deer at the main entrance to The Woodlands off Interstate 45.
There are also several patriotic pieces of art in The Woodlands. The Way Home by Edd Hayes is a bronze memorial statue dedicated to American veterans, and was installed in the park in 2015.
Shopping in The Woodlands
If shopping is your thing, The Woodlands is the place to be. From the million square foot Woodlands Mall to Market Street to neighborhood shops, a wide variety of shopping is around every corner. The Mall is anchored by Macy’s, Dilliards, Penneys, Nordstrum’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Every village in The Woodlands has their own shopping center, most anchored by a major grocery store along with several restaurants and shops. Spread out fairly evenly throughout The Woodlands, you are never far from a grocery store, restaurant, hair salon, and other common businesses.
STAY in The Woodlands
Some of the top hotels in The Woodlands include:
- The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center
- The Woodlands Resort
- The Westin at The Woodlands
- Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hughes Landing
- Hyatt Centric The Woodlands
- Drury Inn and Suites Houston The Woodlands
- Hyatt Place – Houston/The Woodlands
- Hilton Garden Inn Houston/The Woodlands
EAT in The Woodlands
Hungry?
Whether your are in the mood for a thick juicy steak, Tex-Mex, seafood, Italian, sushi, or whatever, you can find it in The Woodlands.
Popular fine dining restaurants include Robard’s at The Woodlands Country Club, Flemings at the Mall, Morton’s Steakhouse and Tris at Town Square, and Zanti Cucina Italiana, a recent entry in the western reaches of The Woodlands. In Hughes Landing, among the many great choices are Trulucks and Del Friscos. Perry’s Steak House is a great choice in the Sterling Ridge Shopping Center.
In Market Street, you will find Tommy Bahama, Jaspers, Le Madeleine, Tru Food, and others.
Carrabbas Italian, Republic Grill, Papasitos, Gringos, and Goode BBQ Company are just a few more of the vast number of fabulous restaurants in The Woodlands.
You'll Be Back
It’s easy to see why The Woodlands is one of the most popular master planned communities in the United States. Whether you are moving here to live permanently, or to visit for a few days, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do. And you’ll be sure to come back for more.
Scott Kendall is the Founder, Editor, and frequent contributor to PlayStayEat. He is a former Navy Officer, teacher and tennis coach who is an avid traveler and writer. Scott has traveled extensively throughout the United States and overseas to Italy, France, England, Croatia, Slovenia, and others. In addition to his contributions to PlayStayEat, much of his published work can be seen at scottkendalltravels.com.