Must-Haves for Fun in the Sun

Crawfish for a Cause

Posted in: Great Gatherings
Tags: crawfish, the woodlands, dining, family events

Crawfish season is here and it’s time to twist some tails! If your mouth is watering for these little delicacies, then mark your calendar for upcoming events celebrating Cajun music, cuisine and crawfish (of course!)

Head out to Town Green Park this Saturday, March 24 from 11am to 6pm and eat crawfish for a cause at The Woodlands CrawPHish Festival. Enjoy live music, crawfish, jambalaya, snow cones, a moonwalk and more. All proceeds benefit the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

April 20 – 22 and April 27 – 29 the 26th Annual Texas Crawfish & Music Festival will be in full swing in Old Town Spring with 25 tons of crawfish and bands performing on three stages over two weekends. Enjoy carnival rides, interactive games and activities for kids of all ages. Proceeds benefit the Spring Preservation League Organization.

Unable to make it to either of these great events? Stop by Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen for a taste of the French Quarter and dine on authentic cajun cuisine including crawfish etouffee, fried crawfish, sauteed crawfish and more!

As they say in Cajun country, Laissez les bon temps rouler!

What!  I’m Not Irish?

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: st. patrick's day 2012

The doors at The Goose’s Acre swing wide open at 8 a.m. with breakfast served until 10:30 a.m. Live music starts at 11 a.m. with performances from four bands. Irish dancers and bagpipers will also perform throughout the day. The pub will start charging entry at the door at 11 a.m. so get there early.

A few doors down at Baker St. Pub & Grill, you can sip on Guinness while enjoying corned beef and cabbage. Live music by John Bee and Stereo Maze starts at 4 p.m.

Hubbell & Hudson Market will have Irish food, beer and cheese samplings from noon – 4 p.m. Taste Irish soda bread, Guinness cupcakes, corned beef and more.

1252 Tapas is going green from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. with green sangria, green gummy bear shots and green martinis. Plus, a DJ will spin hits from 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

With a rooftop view overlooking The Woodlands Waterway, don’t miss a visit to Crush Wine Lounge for Irish Whiskey drink specials, green beer and live music by Kamil & Tony from 4 – 7 p.m. And yes, more corned beef and cabbage.

Avoid the pinch and remember to wear green. Sláinte!

Insider’s View: Landry’s Seafood

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: landrys seafood, the woodlands, dining

We recently found ourselves at Landry’s Seafood for a late Sunday lunch. There are plenty of great alfresco dining spots in the area but a craving for fish tacos and Bloody Marys could only be satisfied at Landry’s. After all, the establishment first made its mark as a family-owned eatery in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Our two-some arrived at 2:30 p.m. and was told by the friendly hostess that there was a 30-minute wait for patio dining. It was P-E-R-F-E-C-T spring weather so we weren’t surprised to find out there was a wait. But no bother, the Bloody Mary we each ordered at the bar definitely set the tone for lunch. Not too thick and tasted of perfectly blended seasonings.

The hostess called us to our spot on the patio right on time. With Lake Robbins spread out before us and refurbished Waterway Cruisers docked at the boat house, we reviewed the menu.

Several tempting appetizers, including Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms and Shrimp & Crab Fondue served with garlic toast points, caught our eye. The list of entrees was equally tempting. From the Stuffed Shrimp Enbrochette to the Broiled Stuffed Shrimp Pontchartrain, it was a difficult decision. Of course, our need for beer battered fish topped with melted Pepper Jack cheese and chipotle ranch tucked snuggly in corn tortillas would not be denied.

While sipping a second round of Bloody Marys and snacking on the huge olives that accompanied our cocktails, we remarked at the activity on the Waterway Cruisers. Two full boats loaded with passengers sailed past during our hour lunching on the Landry’s patio. We also eyed couples out along the Waterway enjoying the cool but sunny weather - riding skateboards, bikes, walking dogs and strolling hand-in-hand.

Our fish tacos promptly arrived, served two to a plate with a side of fries and onion strings; it was an appropriate late-lunch helping. Admittedly, the serving of fries seemed skimpy, but on the bright side, it was better for the waistline. The batter stayed on the fish with each bite and had a slight crunch. Perfect.

All in all, it was a nice respite before getting back to the Sunday to-do list. In the end, we left satisfied, not miserable.
 

Spring Trend Report: Ann Taylor

Posted in: In The Know
Tags: market street, ann taylor, shopping, fashion

Reviewit Magazine sat down with Ann Taylor’s style director, Andrew Taylor, to get his take on spring styles and here is what he had to say.

Reviewit: Can you tell us about the color palette and inspirations for spring?
Andrew: The color palette in Ann Taylor’s spring line pairs vibrant colors with timeless neutrals – shades of coral color-blocked with black, blush suits paired with neon accessories, and navy blue and khaki prints matched with lime green solids.

R: Are there some fun clothing details or central design adornments that are seen throughout multiple pieces this year?
A: Modern graphics, pops of color, and delicate fabrics. Fringe and sequin tops can be seen throughout the collection as well as pieces with feminine lace details.

R: What accessories and jewelry pieces do you expect to be essential this season?
A: Leather wristlets, patent strappy sandals, sparkle earrings, and skinny leather belts in neons add a fun pop of color to any outfit. Wooden accessories and sculptural cuffs add edge.

See the photos below for Andrew’s “must-have” pieces from Ann Taylor's latest line. Stop by Ann Taylor in Market Street this weekend to pick up a few of your favorites and you’ll be ready for spring in no time!

Patio Season Is Upon Us

Posted in: Great Gatherings
Tags: the woodlands, dining, happy hour, specials, patio

Outdoor dining season has arrived making it the perfect time to take advantage of happy hour specials on patios and rooftops throughout The Woodlands.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Cru Food & Wine Bar
On Mondays, select any bottle of wine and receive a free pizza, complements of Cru! Stop by throughout the week from 4 to 7 pm and enjoy small plate bites starting at $3 each and $3 off all wines by the glass and wine flights.
For a complete list of specials, click here.

Crush Wine Lounge
Relax on the roof-top with $5 sangrias and house wines by the glass, $3 domestic beer, and $6 select appetizers Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm.

Goose’s Acre
Enjoy all the goodness for only half the price throughout the week with Goose’s Acre’s daily specials including half price fish and chips on Monday, half price pizza Tuesday, half price burgers Wednesday and half price appetizers during select hours on Thursday and Friday. For a complete list of specials, click here.

Tommy Bahama
Grab a seat on the patio for Island Time Happy Hour daily from 4 to 6 pm, featuring small plates, signature drinks, beer and wine. Stick around for nightly entertainment beginning at 6 pm.

Jasper’s
Relax on Jasper’s outdoor patio, complete with couches and a fireplace, and enjoy happy hour while overlooking Market Street’s green space. Offered daily from 3 to 7 pm, choose from $5 selected wines by the glass, $5 specialty cocktails, $5 well drinks and $5 edibles.

Unable to make it to happy hour? Enjoy Jasper’s signature “Big Daddy” cocktail on your patio at home!

Big Daddy Cocktail
1.5 oz. Grey Goose Orange
1.5 oz. Grey Goose Le'Limon
1/2 oz. House Sour Mix*
1/2 oz. House Simple Syrup*
Juice of 3 Orange Slices
Juice of 1 Lemon
*In place of House Mixes, use your favorite brand at home.

Method:
Shake all ingredients and serve straight up in a martini glass garnished with lemon and orange slices.

Relax, sip, and enjoy!

 

Spring Break Weekend Activities

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: spring break, games, pool, fun

Kids enjoy hours of Spring Break entertainment at our signature Forest Oasis Waterscape™ water park with waterfalls, twisting two-story waterslides, underwater murals, live music, s'mores at dusk, dive-in movies and organized games.  Find out more at Spring Break Central.

Update: for rainy days like this, we're moving all the fun (including live music and entertainment) indoors! 

Daily Activities

Water Basketball & Water Volleyball
Forest Oasis Treasure Hunt
Horseshoes or Badminton
Basketball Hoop
Tetherball

Saturday, March 10

Noon - 3 p.m. Live Music by Unique Soul
Noon - 3 p.m. Muffie the Clown
1 - 4 p.m. Magical Balloon Art
1 p.m. - Water Balloon Toss
2 - 5 p.m. -  Roly the Clown
2 p.m. -  Family Scavenger Hunt
3 p.m. - Color-Your-Own Wanted Photo Poster
3:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Live Music by The Jimmie Hunter Band
4 p.m. - Minute to Win It
5 p.m. - XBOX Dance Off
6 p.m. - Bean Bag Toss
7 p.m. -  S’mores
Dusk- Dive In Movie “Zookeeper”

Sunday, March 11

11:00 - 2  p.m. -  Roly the Clown
Noon - 3 p.m. - Muffie the Clown
Noon - Knockout Basketball
1 - 4 p.m. - Magical Balloon Art
1 p.m. - Potato Sack Race
2 p.m. - Family Bingo
3 p.m. - Marco Polo
4 p.m. - Limbo
5 p.m. - Pass the Sponge & Musical Towels

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