Small-town Texas charm welcomes visitors to Conroe, who often visit for the city's outdoorsy appeal. Conroe is about 40 miles north of Houston in eastern Texas and features three natural gems: Lake Conroe, a renowned bass fishing spot spanning 22,000 acres; the Sam Houston National Forest; and the W. Goodrich Jones State Forest. Contained within the city limits, Conroe is also known for a vibrant downtown filled with shopping, dining, craft breweries, a winery, and plenty of live music to keep your toes tapping. Here's a guide to making the most of your visit to Conroe.
What To Do
To get a taste of that lake life, head to Lake Conroe for an afternoon of bass fishing, boating, jet skiing, or swimming. Access the lake at Stubblefield Lake picnic area and campground, or head to Scott's Ridge Swim Area. Bonus: The 1-mile FM 1097 bridge offers beautiful views of the lake, as well as the Lake Conroe lighthouse, which isn't open for public use. Local outfitters offer cruises to visitors; check out Cruisin' Tikis or Southern Empress for sunset or dinner cruises on the lake.
visitconroe.com/lake-conroe, 14968 TX-105, Montgomery, TX 77356
cruisintikislakeconroe.com, 15264 TX-105, Montgomery, TX 77356
southernempress.com, 7035 Kingston Cove Lane, Willis, TX 77318
Nature lovers will also enjoy a hike through the Sam Houston National Forest, which is full of the loblolly and shortleaf pines that are emblematic of East Texas. The park boasts a 128-mile-long Lone Star Hiking Trail through the fresh pines, the longest continuously marked hiking trail in Texas.
usda.gov, 394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, TX 77358
In the nearby W.G. Jones State Forest, birders try for a peek at the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. It's one of only a few natural habitats in the world where you can spot the bird. These woodpeckers nest and roost in cavities they create in live pine trees.
tamu.edu/jones-state-forest, 1328 FM 1488, Conroe, TX 77384
In downtown Conroe, visit some locally owned businesses that have stood the test of time for nearly a century. This area is also home to art galleries and two historic theaters. Browse the area’s antique stores or boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds. Conroe Central Market sells vintage clothes, antiques, art, and collectibles. Head to Sweet Texas Treasures Boutique for a custom T-shirt, or choose from a variety of Texas souvenirs.
facebook.com/conroecentralmarket, 225 N. Thompson St., Conroe, TX 77301
sweettexastreasures.com, 223 N. Main St., Conroe, TX 77301
After you shop, spread a blanket and enjoy free live music at the Thursday concert series at Heritage Place, held the first Thursday of the month from April through September. Bring a picnic or enjoy food trucks on site.
cityofconroe.org, 500 Metcalf St., Conroe, TX 77301
Over in The Woodlands, about 17 miles south of Conroe, brave the heights at Texas TreeVentures and explore the shops and restaurants at Waterway Square, where you can browse public art installations, take a free visitor trolley, or walk along the brightly lit waterfront that leads you to the next restaurant or shop.
texastreeventures.com, 6464 Creekside Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389
visitthewoodlands.com, 31 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Take a seat at historic Crighton Theatre in downtown for youth theater productions, tribute concerts, and more. The 1934 theatre was commissioned by Mayor Harry M. Crighton, who was inspired by the Majestic Theatre in Houston to build a similar venue in Conroe.
crightontheatre.org, 234 N. Main St., Conroe, TX 77301
Where To Eat
Breakfast at Kitchen Tales has something for everyone, from breakfast sandwiches like a Croque Madame to a hearty skillet Breakfast Hash. For dinner, try the thick-cut pork chop with apple bourbon reduction and a spiked shake.
kitchentalesrestaurant.com; 14543 TX-105, Conroe, TX 77304; 936-588-5105
Honor Cafe is a veteran-owned breakfast, brunch, and lunch hotspot serving burgers, brisket enchiladas, breakfast tacos, and steak and eggs. In addition to daily, daytime meals, the café also serves dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings.
honorcafe.us; 103 N. Thompson St., Conroe, TX 77301; 936-286-8081
Locals enjoy the unfussy, down-home cooking at Vernon's Kuntry BBQ for its burgers, sandwiches, and barbecue plates. Or head to its sibling restaurant Vernon's Kuntry Katfish, which serves up big helpings of fried catfish, shrimp, gumbo, hush puppies, and of course, sweet tea.
facebook.com/vernonskuntrybbq, 5000 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77304
kuntrykatfish.com, 5901 W. Davis St., Conroe, TX 77304
For fine dining, head to Amore Fine Dining in Conroe for classic pasta dishes, grilled salmon, and ribeye steak. Grab a table at Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen at The Woodlands for housemade pasta, plus shared plates like Strawberries and Burrata and Nonna's Meatballs.
amorefinedining.com, 14860 Highway 105 W., Montgomery, TX 77356
sorrisoitaliankitchen.com, 2 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands, TX 77380
Where To Drink
There's no shortage of locally owned craft breweries that you can tour and post up for a brew or two. Head to B-52 Brewing and its three-acre shaded beer garden; Southern Star Brewing Company for beloved brews, outdoor stage, and 13 acres of wooded seclusion; and Fass Brewing located inside of the historic Gentry Building.
b52brewing.com, 12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe, TX 77304
southernstarbrewing.com, 3525 N. Frazier St., Conroe, TX 77303
fassbrewing.com, 236 N. Main St., Conroe, TX 77301
For those who prefer vino, check out B E Winery and Bernhardt Winery. Visit the tasting room, then shop small-batch, handcrafted wines at B E Winery. Go for happy hour drink specials and events like bingo, and stay for live music every weekend. At Bernhardt Winery, enjoy wine tastings and private tours, as well as events like lawn concerts and festivals.
bewinery.com, 400 Bryant Road, Conroe, TX 77303
bernhardtwinery.com, 9043 County Road 204, Plantersville, TX 77363
Where To Stay
In Conroe, the Margaritaville Lake Resort takes a cue from Jimmy Buffett and delivers on that "toes in the water" kind of lifestyle, with 186 acres right on the shores of Lake Conroe. The resort includes on-site Margaritaville restaurants and bars, a waterpark, an on-site spa, and a golf course.
margaritavilleresorts.com; 600 Margaritaville Parkway, Montgomery, TX 77356; 936-448-4400
A short drive away in The Woodlands, The Woodlands Resort offers treetop view accommodations with its 402-room getaway space, the first Curio Collection by Hilton resort in Texas. The resort features a lazy river and waterpark, a tennis center, an on-site spa, access to hiking trails, and an on-site restaurant, Back Table Kitchen & Bar. Plus, there are daily planned activities for the whole family.
hilton.com; 2301 N. Millbend Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380; 281-367-1100