If you have had enough of the concrete and steel jungle for the week then maybe heading north to the Woodlands hidden amongst sprawling pine trees is just the answer. The Woodlands is not far from downtown Houston along I-45 and it can provide both a fun and relaxing weekend.
Some hotels in the area are the Hyatt Market Street, The Woodlands and The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. The Hyatt Market Street, has many amenities to offer for those in search of a weekend retreat. The grounds sport a spacious outdoor terrace which is perfect for relaxing, a fitness center for all those of you that can’t skip the workout, a resort-style pool, and you can even enjoy fine dining at the Hyatt. The rooms are also great and relaxing and you have the choice of a standard room or a suite. The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is another great hotel. This hotel will ensure that you will never be bored. It has five different pools including the Forest Oasis Waterscape, indoor and outdoor hot tubs/whirlpools, a championship golf course, a full service spa, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a fitness center, hiking and biking trails, and so much more! They also have The Woodlands Dining Room, Cool Water Cafe, and the Lobby Bar for all your dining needs and some great food for you to try!
If you want to venture off from your hotel and try some of the restaurants in the area here are a few of our favorites: The Black Walnut Cafe is a contemporary American fast casual kind of restaurant with over 100 unique items on the menu. Here you can either order something you always love or even try something new. Luca and Leonardo is a fine Italian restaurant here right on the waterway for added ambiance, as well. Here you will get a taste of authentic italian food and a great birdseye view of the waterway. Jasper’s is an American cuisine restaurant that really shows off the Woodlands’ culinary arts. Executive Chef and Partner Kent Rathbun assures your meal will be one to remember. Rathbun is an Iron Chef America winner and a four time James Beard Award nominee. Jasper’s menu reflects Rathbun’s ideal home-cooking style. So if you are in the mood for some wonderful food; Jasper’s is the place to go.
The Woodlands is home to the Cynthia Woods Pavilion where many multi-platinum artists perform and is a great concert arena. The pavilion is a great place to go see a concert after dinner or shopping. There are also SculpTours here where you can tour over 50 outdoor sculptures. The Woodlands Mall is also another great way to spend the afternoon. You can go shopping in their over 150 different stores so that you will have something to take back to Houston with you. The Waterway Square is another hotspot for meandering or (if the time is right) attending one of the many festivals and annual events the square hosts. One of our favorite features of the square is a 120 foot waterwall and fountain at the center!
