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Be Cool
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How do you like to stay cool during the summer months? Most of us go from our air-conditioned homes, to our air-conditioned cars, to our air-conditioned offices. But if you’re a stay-at-home-mom (or dad) chances are you start to suffer from cabin fever midway through the summer, which ultimately means going outdoors to play in the sun.
Pulling out the water sprinkler is a quick fix when you have kids under the age of five. You can also trek down to the neighborhood pool for the afternoon. Or, suffer and wait until family vacation when you can lounge by our Forest Oasis Waterscape sipping on a Strawberry Lemonade smoothie while the kids zoom down waterslides.
Speaking of smoothies, Red Mango at Market Street is a good spot to cool off with a probiotic smoothie or a cup of all-natural, gluten-free frozen yogurt with names like Tangomonium. Red Mango’s fresh fruit toppings are cut fresh each day. Or, you can try the Fun & Crunchy route with Fruity Pepples, Cap’n Crunch or Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate.
Smoothies are fun and easy to mix and the flavor combinations are endless. Kids can get in on the action too. Put out a couple of bowls of ingredients such as chopped fruit, berries, various yogurt flavors, ice cream, candy or cereal. Have the little ones pick and choose ingredients to customize their own smoothie drinks.
Now that’s a delicious way to stay cool. Bottoms up!
Fourth of July Celebration
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The Woodlands annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival will be held Sunday, July 4 from 6 - 10 p.m at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway.
The festival will feature live music, face painting, strolling performers, games, H-E-B Hot Dog and Watermelon Eating contests, vendor booths, concessions and more. Admission to the festival is free.
The Red, Hot & Blue Festival will present one of the largest fireworks displays in the Houston area, a 23-minute explosion of colors to be simulcast on Sunny 99.1. The fireworks display is expected to start at dusk (between 9:15 – 9:30 p.m.). Some say The Woodlands Waterway offers the best spot to watch the fireworks extravaganza. Don’t forget to grab a blanket or lawn chair.
Before the fireworks, enjoy a full evening of entertainment on the Town Green Park Stage which will start at 6 p.m. with highlighted by live performances from the music group, Cold Shot. Enjoy free balloon artists and strolling entertainers along with inflatable slides and vendors. Town Green Park also will be home for this year’s H-E-B Hot Dog and Watermelon Eating contests, both starting at 6:30 p.m.
Over at nearby Waterway Square, enjoy the live sounds of Fidelity Maxx starting at 6 pm ... Plus, all of the fun of free balloon artists and strolling entertainers.
While much of the celebration focuses on July 4, The Woodlands will celebrate America’s Independence with an entire weekend full of events.
On Friday, July 2, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau kicks off its Summer Nights series at Waterway Square from 6 - 8 p.m. with great live entertainment. Bring blankets, chairs … and why not pack a picnic too!
On Saturday, July 3, come to Market Street for the Fourth of July parade starting at 9 am. The celebration continues later that evening when the Houston Symphony performs its Star-Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting a 8 p.m.
If you are spending the weekend with us, expect lots of fun activities and appearances by Muffie the Clown and award winning balloon artist Michael Crayton.
Big Mouth Billy Bass
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The National Retail Federation released a study that the average person will spend $94.32 on dad for Father’s Day … almost $5 billion less than that spent on Mother’s Day.
Let's be honest, there are some gifts that just miss the mark. Ties and socks or a singing “Big Mouth Billy Bass” come to mind. But if your dad is like my dad, he’ll probably smile and say thanks just the same.
Whether you spoil him with lots of gifts or show your love with a simple gesture, the whole idea of Father’s Day is to simply make dad feel appreciated.
If golf is his game, a quiet afternoon watching the U.S. Open is a good option. Or, you can buy dad a swanky new shirt and a pair of casual slacks at Texas’ first Bobby Chan, which recently opened at Market Street between Cru and Sur La Table. Wine aficionados might enjoy a wine tasting experience with winemaker Dr. Frederick Frank, founder of the Vinifera Wine Cellars. Part of The Woodlands Wine & Food Week, this event starts Sunday at 2 p.m. and includes a leisurely water taxi ride along The Woodlands Waterway.
So dads, what are the best and worst gifts you’ve received for Father’s Day?
The Great Outdoors
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If you love exploring nature and enjoying the outdoors there are plenty of opportunities to do just that around The Woodlands.
Our resort is connected to 180 miles of hike and bike trails where you’ll find plenty of lakes, ponds and forested parks with playgrounds along the way. Rent a bicycle from our Concierge and pedal over to The Woodlands Town Center and down the Waterway.
Or, take a leisurely nature hike among the trees in the 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve. You might spy a variety of birds along the way. In fact, over 200 species of birds have been spotted in The Woodlands including American Bald Eagles.
For a different perspective on The Woodlands, try a kayaking adventure on the 200-acre Lake Woodlands. Stop by Riva Row Boat House to rent single and tandem kayaks by the hour or for the entire day. Paddles and life jackets are included in the rental fee. Paddle over to Tea Cup Island and past the fire-breathing green dragon. The artwork, officially titled “Rise of the Midgard Serpent,” has been a fixture at the lake for 25 years.
Weekend Happenings
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Visiting The Woodlands this weekend? Check out “Movie Night” at Waterway Square. Grab a blanket and tub of popcorn (chairs and coolers are allowed too) for “Little Rascals” showing Saturday, June 5 from 8 – 10 p.m. Mark your calendar for “Beethoven” on June 12.
Of course, you can stay by our resort pool and catch the dive-in movie, “Aliens in the Attic” starring Ashley Tisdale on June 5.
If you’ve got a hankering for some barbecue, stop by The Woodlands Dining Room tomorrow night for a delicious BBQ Buffet featuring brisket, pork spare ribs, sausage, chilled peel and eat shrimp and more. Plus, there’s a buffet for the little ones with kid-friendly favorites like mac and cheese, hamburgers and chicken fingers. Seatings are from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
On Sunday, June 6, catch a live concert from Level One Band at Northshore Park from 7 - 9 p.m. Soaking in the style of vintage Aretha Franklin, Motown, Disco, and Old School Funk, the band has developed a loyal following.
Wine & Food Week 2010
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If you’re a lover of wine and food, then the 6th Annual Wine and Food Week is where you need to be! Wine dinners, live chef demonstrations, hands-on classes and wine education seminars are a few of the offerings you’ll find at 40 events held from June 14-20.
The most popular events are the H-E-B Wine Walk and the Grand Tasting and Texas Monthly Chef Showcase where you can sample hundreds of wines and tasty cuisine as renowned chefs, including our very own John Brazie, compete for the Chefs of the Chef Award.
From formal wine dinners to the casual Sips, Suds & Sliders, there are a variety of events to tantalize your taste buds! One event has guests savoring wines of Israel while sailing along The Woodlands Waterway. Another pairs wines with custom chocolate selections provided by The Chocolate Lounge of Old Town Spring.
More importantly, Wine & Food Week events and auctions benefit the culinary arts program at Houston Community College Systems Foundation, the Signature Series Literacy efforts of The John Cooper School, Swing for a Cure, and The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands Pavilion. Most of the 40 events are held at the venues in The Woodlands, with unique experiences throughout Houston.
Free Spring Concert Series
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Traveling to The Woodlands for an extended weekend getaway? The Thursday night concert series at Market Street is a fun, first night activity the whole family can enjoy.
Grab a bottle of wine (or two), a blanket or your favorite sports team tailgate chair and stake out your spot in Central Park. That’s where I was last night with about 300 other folks listening to the Latin beats of Cecille “La Diabla” & Rainel Pino’s Orquesta.
The crowd was filled with young and old … and tweens in between. The kids were having a blast dancing, playing chase and doing cartwheels. A few couples were salsa dancing on the sidelines. Most were sipping wine or eating a quick bite from the area restaurants.
The band did an excellent job of interacting with the crowd. Cecille even picked a nice couple - who happened to be visiting from Toronto - from the crowd to learn how to salsa dance on stage!
So while you and your spouse relax and unwind, the kids can run and play. It’s a perfect (and free) way to enjoy an Freeevening outdoors.
Enjoy the Spring Concert Series every Thursday through June 17 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Here’s the line up:
May 20 - Level One Band
May 27 - Joseph Vincelli
June 3 - Mike Reed Band
June 10 - Joe Carmouche Band
June 17 - Mambo Jazz Kings
Book Summer Travel Early To Save
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Just in time for summer, we are rolling out an offer that will leave you with extra cash in your pocket! Save 50% off your second room night for stays between June 1 and August 31 -- simply make your summer getaway reservation by May 31. Ask for offer code “Summer Promo2010.”
At the Forest Oasis Waterscape, kids race down 30-foot water slides and explore “Crescent Bay,” an underwater marine mural. Puffy’s Sprayground™ amuses toddlers with its waterspouts and fountains while adults relax in the lagoon-style pool. Summer entertainment includes live music, face painting, a balloon artist and organized games. Enjoy a family-friendly dive-in movie and build-your-own S’mores at dusk.
For reservations call 866-361-5674 or visit our website.
Win a Round of Golf For Two
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The Masters may already be underway in Augusta but it's still anyone's game. So who's going to walk away wearing the coveted green jacket?
Leave a comment with your guess by 5 p.m. on April 8 and be entered to win a free round of golf for two. We'll select one winner at random from those who guessed correctly. The winner will be contacted on Monday, April 12.
Did you know? The Tournament was not played for three years, 1943, 1944 and 1945, during the war. To assist the war effort, cattle and turkeys were raised on the Augusta National grounds.
Weekend Events in The Woodlands
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Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here are a few events to consider:
The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
The 5th Annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival will open April 10-11 with original works of art from more than 200 national and regional artists. New to the 2010 festival are kid-friendly activities, unique art and live entertainment at Waterway Square, all free of charge. One of the highlights of this new area is sidewalk art featuring eight professional artists who will create masterpieces on the sidewalks at Waterway Square using pastels. This area also features face painting, beverages, food by Hubbell & Hudson, and live music and entertainment Saturday until 8:30 p.m. and Sunday until 6 p.m.
Festival hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Two-day tickets are $15. Proceeds from the festival benefit local charity partners including The Pavilion Partners, The Woodlands Art League and The Woodlands Children's Museum.
Grogan's Mill Spring Farmer's Market
Each Saturday from 8 a.m. - 12 noon, the Grogan's Mill Village Association hosts a Farmer's Market in the Grogan's Mill Center. Come shop some of the finest produce, honey, bread (and other baked goods), as well as meat, eggs, olive oil, coffee, gourmet dog treats,bath sundries, indian food, tamales, flowering and other plants, and more!
Earth Day Celebration
The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands GREEN will host an Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 10 from 10 am until 3 pm at The Woodlands High School (6101 Research Forest Drive). Admission and most activities are free. The event will feature over 100 booths including 19 Ecology carnival activities. Highlights include performances from Vocal Trash, whose group uses recycled material on stage, and educational entertainment from Earth Capades Environmental Vaudeville. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first global Earth Day.
Concert-in-the-Park
The Kyle Hutton Band comes to the Concert-in-the-Park series at Northshore Park on Sunday, April 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Hutton is a Houston-based singer/songwriter. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and picnic to this free concert.
The weather this weekend is expected to be cool and sunny. Enjoy it while you can!
It’s Rodeo Time
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Most folks around here look forward to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There's always a laundry list of things to see and do, even if you're not in to wearing boots and spurs and cowboy hats.
Cheer on participants in the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run tomorrow morning. Or, head downtown for the Rodeo Parade which starts at 10 a.m.. Did you know the first rodeo parade was held in 1938?
Carnival rides, midway games and fair food such as caramel apples, funnel cakes and cotton candy are always a personal favorite. There's art, wildlife expos, and a petting zoo for the little ones. Catch rodeo events such as saddle bronc riding, chuck wagon races or the always entertaining calf scramble. This year's concert performance series offers a diverse line-up and kicks off with Alan Jackson on March 2.
Of course, our corner of the woods is getting in on the rodeo action too. Visit Market Street – The Woodlands for a bit of Texas-sized fun, February 27 – 28. Enjoy live, country music from the band “Wild River” and pony rides from 1- 4 p.m. On Sunday, have your picture taken with a real live Texas Longhorn from 2 – 4 p.m.
Tip your hat and enjoy some fun this weekend!
Valentine’s Photo Contest
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What does LOVE look like? You tell us! Enter your best LOVE photo with a short description of why you believe it depicts LOVE and be entered to win an Enchanted Romance Package. Experience Romance in it's natural setting at The Woodlands Resort. Find out how to enter...
Treat your special LOVE to a romantic dinner or a full romantic weekend with our special Take the Robe Home Romance Package, which included customized his and her's plush robes. Book your romantic escape now. Check out our calendar of events for more romantic ideas.
Teen Cooking Class
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Looking for ideas to keep your teens busy over the winter break? Then sign them up for the Teens One-Day Culinary Basics session on December 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Viking Cooking School at Hubbell & Hudson. Ages 12-15 are welcome.
Here’s a description of the class by the folks at Hubbell & Hudson – In one fun, four-hour session, we’ll introduce your teen to key kitchen and cooking fundamentals – the right start to a lifetime of culinary adventures. First, they will learn basics such as kitchen safety, sanitation and knife skills. Then they’ll get hands-on experience learning to grill, sauté and make soups, stocks and soufflés. And now, we proudly introduce our exciting new menu, making this exclusive workshop even better than ever!
The Menu
Chicken Stock; Homemade Vegetable Soup
Sautéed Breast of Chicken Stuffed with Fresh Herbs and Mozzarella
Asian-Marinated Grilled Fish
Basmati Rice Pilaf
Green Beans with Caramelized Shallot Vinaigrette
Individual Chocolate Soufflés
If the December date doesn’t fit your schedule, the Teens One-Day Culinary Basics session is also scheduled for January 23.
Of course, no teen can resist the sweet temptation of chocolate. Check out the Teens Chocolate Workshop on January 9 where participants taste the difference in milk, semisweet, bittersweet and white chocolate. Then learn how best to use each of them in cooking and baking.
Menu
Basic Chocolate Truffles
Ebony and Ivory Truffles
Double Chocolate Baby Lava Cakes
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
There's no sweeter way to get your teens off the couch than a batch of chocolate truffles!
Breakfast With Santa Photos
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The Woodlands Resort held its annual Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast, story time, balloon characters, and a visit with Santa were part of the days activities. Here's some photos from the event. If you attended, please sure your photos with us. Click on Guest Experiences in the upper right hand corner and share away!
Ice Skating in The Woodlands
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There’s just something fun and magical about ice skating especially when you live in the south. After nine months of warm, sunny weather most of us are ready for the winter season, and that means the opening of The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center - the largest seasonal outdoor ice rink in the southwest.
Now in its eleventh season, the ice rink offers everything you need for an afternoon of ice skating including skate rentals, concessions and if you’re not Peggy Fleming, those handy devices that slide along the ice for beginning skaters.
Open daily through January 18, the rink is located at the northeast corner of Lake Robbins and Six Pines Drive in The Woodlands Town Center. Tip: Stop by Which Wich Superior Sandwiches in The Woodlands and pick up a $2 off admission coupon.
Because We All Need a Getaway
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Nick Wolda - The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau
The other day I bumped into a friend of mine in Houston. We talked about our daily grind and, at one point, the conversation turned to places to go for a quick, weekend getaway. Of course, I was all too willing to suggest The Woodlands for he and his wife.
Here are my Top 5 "couples" spots in The Woodlands:
#5. The bar at Américas Restaurant in Waterway Square. You'll think you're in New York when you step into this great nightspot. A terrific lounge environment with great music and fun, cabana-like chaise lounges.
#4. The Fountains at Waterway Square. Just steps from Américas, check out the Fountains for its night-lit synchronized water displays. A nice after-dinner treat.
#3. Town Green Park. Right across the street from Market Street, Town Green Park is a great midday spot for a picnic, to read a book or just to relax in the sun.
#2. Jasper's in Market Street. Outstanding cuisine (Executive Chef Kent Rathbun is an Iron Chef America winner and a four-time James Beard Award nominee) and a terrific atmosphere. If the weather is right, ask to dine on the patio.
#1. Crush Wine Lounge. Hundreds of superb wines and an amazing atmosphere have made this the nightspot in The Woodlands. Also offers a great selection of light appetizers . . . located in Waterway Square.
For other great couples spots, go to www.visitthewoodlands.com. Book a romance or spa package for a true getaway.
It’s Spaaahhh Time!
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Before the daily grind becomes too overwhelming, schedule at least 30 minutes of relaxation time twice a month. In between regular day spa visits, create your own spa-at-home sanctuary in these four easy steps from Spa Director at The Spa at The Woodlands Resort, Patty Abrams.
Step 1: Run a warm bath. In addition to traditional bubbles or bath salts, try adding four green tea bags and lemon slices. Tip: Rub the lemon slices over rough elbows, knees and unpolished nails to eliminate any yellowing caused by nail polish.
Step 2: While the tub is filling, clean the clutter from your bathroom and turn off any phones and PDA devices. Arrange clusters of candles and votives around the tub and on the counter. Use a portable CD player to play instrumental or natural music CDs. These can be purchased at most local retailers.
Step 3: You’re almost ready to jump into the tub, but first, wash your face and apply a facial mask. Tip: search for recipes online and make your own facial products with items from the kitchen such as yogurt, honey, brown sugar, oatmeal, and avocado.
Step 4: Slip into the soothing, green tea bath and relax for at least 20 minutes and let the stresses of the day slip away. Then, gently remove your facial mask with a soft washcloth.
Call of the Wild
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Grab your sneakers, roller-blades or rent a bicycle and spend an afternoon exploring the more than 145 miles of pathways that weave through The Woodlands. The pathways lead to parks, fishing ponds, and even area shopping centers. If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, make the short drive up The Woodlands Parkway to the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. The 1,700-acre Preserve has a three-mile biking trail … perfect for beginners. Or, if you prefer to wander on foot, a 2.5-mile pedestrian trail is a great way to take in the natural surroundings.
http://www.springcreekgreenway.org/news-mitchellpreserve.html
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