Piney Woods

A COLLECTION OF CULTURES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE DEEP SOUTH MERGE IN WONDROUS FORESTLAND

OUT OF THE WOODS

The Woodlands celebrates a half-century as a nature lover’s getaway

By Julia Jones

In 1974, real estate developer George P. Mitchell dreamed of creating a new kind of planned community north of Houston focused on environmental stewardship. Five decades later, nearly one-third of The Woodlands, population 120,000, is green space. As the community continues to welcome more restaurants, residents, and tourists along its scenic waterways, the steady hum of activity is tempered by the tranquility of thick forests and 151 parks. “Over this 50-year history, this dream and vision Mitchell had for a better hometown has come to fruition because of the work of thousands of people,” says Visit The Woodlands President Nick Wolda, who has helped shape and promote the area for over 25 years. The town might be considered a trailblazer in terms of environmental place-making, but with the spread of Houston dining culture, outdoor recreation, and events planned almost every weekend, it’s also full of amusement for day-trippers.

STAY

The Woodlands Resort
This resort and hotel was one of the community’s first tenants. Watch ducks and turtles from a balcony overlooking the pond, float along a tree-lined lazy river, or dine at Harrison’s or Back Table Kitchen & Bar overlooking the golf course. Rooms start at $181/night.

EAT

Amrina
Walk into this swanky eatery, and you’re likely to hear bicycle horns from patrons signaling they’re ready for their next course from the tapas menu. That’s just one playful element dreamed up by Chef Jassi Bindra, who serves up vindaloo, samosas, and chaat at this contemporary Indian restaurant.

Xalisko
Chef Beatriz Martines, who formerly worked at a local elementary school cafeteria, realized her dream of opening a fine dining restaurant in 2023. At Xalisko, she pays homage to her hometown of Jalisco within a sunny, art-filled space serving tacos ahogados and cochinita pibil.

SHOP

Market Street
This outdoor shopping and dining district along romantic canals has splash pads and play areas nearby with a free
trolley. Reel Luxury Cinemas offers restaurant service, private booths, and blankets to create an upscale movie experience.

SEE

Texas Treeventures
Make your way across tightropes, wooden planks, tires, and swinging loops at this public ropes course. A three-hour experience gives you plenty of time to test your bravery and endurance across three increasingly challenging levels.

Riva Row Boat House
Explore the human-­built waterways of The Woodlands aboard a rental swan boat, kayak, or paddleboard. The swan boats are big enough for four people, with two paddling in front and two lounging in the back.

EVENT

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival
This year’s en plein air arts festival celebrates more than two decades of showcasing international artists along The Woodlands Waterway. From April 10-12, enjoy jury-selected fine artwork from 200 artists, author booths, and kids activities.

RV INFO

Woodland Lakes RV Park in nearby Conroe has 131 full hookup sites and boasts a clubhouse with a full kitchen, an exercise room, a dog park, a dog wash station, and shower and laundry facilities. Spots start at $70. woodlandlakesrvpark.com

Atlanta State Park. Maegan Lanham/Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

TEXAS STATE PARKS

ATLANTA STATE PARK

Nestled in the Piney Woods of East Texas, this lakeside retreat is shaded by towering pines and hardwoods. Along the forested shores of Wright Patman Lake, enjoy fishing for catfish, bass, and crappie, paddling a rented canoe or kayak or cooling off with a swim. Hike nearly 5 miles of scenic trails, bike hilly park roads, or simply relax under the trees. With peaceful campsites and a wide range of outdoor activities, this park is a perfect place to unwind and explore.

“Atlanta State Park is often referred to as the hidden gem with its towering pine trees and massive lake with over 33,000 acres of fishing opportunity. Atlanta State Park is a haven for nature lovers and is perfect for stargazing, birding, hiking, camping, and canoeing beneath the northeast Texas sky. Observing wildlife is always a favorite part of my day.” —Kayla Williams, longtime office manager

MORE PINEY WOODS STATE PARKS

For more information, directions, and amenities, get your free mobile guide to all 80-plus state parks: texasstateparks.org/app

Caddo Lake State Park
Daingerfield State Park
Huntsville State Park
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Lake Livingston State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Mission Tejas State Park
Tyler State Park
Village Creek State Park

James L. Farmer Jr.
marker in Marshall. Photo by Texas Historical Commission.

HISTORICAL MARKERS

The Piney Woods region of East Texas was the gateway to the Lone Star State for many early Texans, who established communities and institutions now commemorated by the Texas Historical Commission’s official markers. Among these Texans was Richard E. Jackson, a conservationist known as the “Father of the Big Thicket,” who advocated for the preservation of the landscape north of Houston.

Farther north, the Ratcliff CCC Camp marker tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ establishment of the Davy Crockett National Forest in 1935. A U.S. Forest Service marker explains the creation of our four national forests: Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, and Sam Houston.

The Old Town of Port Caddo, founded in 1838 on Caddo Lake near Jefferson, grew in importance along with its rowdy reputation for gamblers and gunslingers in the mid-1800s. In his hometown of Marshall, the James L. Farmer Jr. marker commemorates the civil rights icon who co-founded the Congress of Racial Equality and organized the freedom rides into the Deep South.

The World’s Richest Acre in Kilgore tells the story of the most densely drilled tract in the world, a plot with 24 wells that produced over 2.5 million barrels of crude oil worth millions of dollars in the mid-1900s.

Find more in the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Historic Sites Atlas: atlas.thc.texas.gov