It’s Rodeo Time

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: houston livestock show rodeo, market street-the woodlands, concerts

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

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: valentine's day, romance, romantic, getaways, escape, love, chocolate, strawberries, champagne, hotel, packages, spa, golf, nature, dining, elegant, brunch, contest

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

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: cooking class, teen, entertainment, winter break, things to do, chef, baking, hubbell & hudson, the woodlands

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

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: santa, christmas, holidays, photos, breakfast, traditions, family, kids

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

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: ice skating, the woodlands

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

Posted in: Ways To Play, In The Know, Ambassadors
Tags: the woodlands, couples, romance, dining, entertainment, getaway, weekend getaway

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!

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: diy, massage, relaxation, spas

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

Posted in: Ways To Play
Tags: biking, fishing, nature preserve, shopping, walking

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