Houston Fall Festivities Guide 2015

September

Sept. 19
Montgomery Wine and Music Fest

Attendees sample wine from 16 Texas wineries and a craft beer wall, and they can also order by the glass or bottle. The festival features a children’s area and continuous live music. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. $5 (children’s area), $25 (wine tasting package purchased online), $30 (at gate). $5 (fee for alcohol), $1 (single tickets).
14420 Liberty St., Montgomery. 936-597-5004. www.experiencemontgomery.com

October

Oct. 01-04
The Original Greek Festival

This festival highlights Greek culture through traditional food, crafts, art and gifts. Each night features traditional Greek dancing reflecting the customs and culture of the country. Cathedral tours are also offered throughout the festival. 5-10 p.m. (Oct. 1), 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 2), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 3), noon-6 p.m. (Oct. 4). $5 (admission at the gate), free admission (Oct. 2 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and every day for children 12 and under), $22 (pre-sale ticket includes one-day admission and a dinner plate).
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Blvd., Houston. 713-526-5377. www.greekfestival.org

Oct. 03
Farm Fun and Corn Maze

P-6 Farms hosts activities on weekends through Thanksgiving. Visitors enjoy a maze, water cannon, cow train and jumping pillow. Concessions include roasted sweet corn, barbecue sandwiches and drinks. Times vary. $10.50 (ages 4 and up). $8.50 (grandparents), free (children 3 and younger).
P-6 Farms, 9963 Pooles Road, Montgomery. 936-597-6052. www.p-6farms.com

Oct. 03
Flying Saucer BeerFeast

Sugar Land’s Flying Saucer hosts its fourth annual event, featuring more than 50 breweries and 80 craft beers. Restaurants have food available for attendees. Ticket purchase includes admission to the event, a tasting card that includes 12 beer samples and a tasting glass. Additional tasting cards will be available for purchase. 2-6:30 p.m. $35-65. 
Flying Saucer, 15929 City Walk, Sugar Land. 281-242-7468. www.beerknurd.com

Oct. 08-11
Festa Italiana

Festivalgoers celebrate Italian culture through traditional food, music and art. The event also features a car show, grape stomp and pasta-eating contest highlighting Italian customs.  5-10 p.m. (Oct.8), 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Oct. 9, 10), 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct. 11). $8 (general admission), free admission (children 12 and under).
University of St. Thomas, 3800 Montrose Blvd., Houston. 713-524-4222. www.houstonitalianfestival.com

Oct. 09-11
Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

The 26th annual event spans a three-day weekend in downtown Conroe. Food vendors offer traditional Cajun options and festival favorites, and live entertainment is featured on three different stages. Throughout the weekend there is a car show, catfish pageant, kid zone and other family-friendly attractions. 6 p.m.-midnight (Friday), 11 a.m.-midnight. (Saturday),
noon-6 p.m. (Sunday). $10 (Friday and Sunday,) $15 (Saturday).
Downtown Conroe, 101 S. Main Street, Conroe. www.conroecajuncatfishfestival.com

Oct. 10
Oak Ridge North Fall Festival

The second annual festival features vendors, games and prizes, music, face painting and a pumpkin patch. The event also includes several food and drink vendors, including Kona Ice. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Marilyn Edgar Park, 2653 Hillside Drive Oak Ridge North. 832-381-3215. www.oakridgenorth.com

Oct. 10-29
Texas Renaissance Festival

Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Texas Renaissance Festival each year. For eight weekends in October and November festival attendees dress up and explore the Renaissance-themed park. Each weekend features food and drink vendors, live entertainment and more than 400 shops. Shuttles are available for guests staying at Executive Inn and Suites and Magnolia Inn and Suites. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. $26 (regular adult), $14 (regular child).

21778 Farm to Market Road 1774, Todd Mission. 281-356-2178. www.texrenfest.com

    
Oct. 17
Texian Heritage Festival

Attendees experience Texas culture while learning about the state’s extensive history. Activities include tug-o-war and roping lessons for kids while adults can attend cannon school, all in period attire. Entertainment includes music provided by the LJC Band and Chikawa Dancers. Proceeds benefit a local charity in Montgomery County. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 (13 and over), free (12 and under).

Fernland Historical Park, 780 Clepper, Montgomery. www.texianheritage.org

Oct. 17
Fall Craft Show

The Ladies Involved Giving His Touch ministry presents its 13th annual event. More than 50 vendors offer fall-themed crafts and gifts, and proceeds go to various outreaches such as Christmas baskets, sponsoring children for summer camps and the State and National Women’s Auxiliary projects. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Timber Lakes Baptist Church, 1540 Sawdust Road, The Woodlands. 281-363-9358. www.tlbctx.org

Oct. 17
Pumpkin Fest Faith United Methodist Church

Faith United Methodist Church hosts its annual event, featuring pumpkins available for purchase and food and craft booths. The festival also includes music, games and prizes for kids. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Faith United Methodist Church,
2403 Rayford Road, Spring. 281-367-7776. www.faithumcspring.org

Oct. 17
Taste of the Village

Indian Springs Village Association and Indian Springs Shopping Center host the 11th annual event, which includes food samples, face painting and balloon animals. Guests can also enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day. Noon-3 p.m. Free.
Indian Springs Village Center, at the intersection of Kuykendahl Road and Woodlands Parkway, The Woodlands. www.indianspringsvillage.com 

Oct. 17-18
Petfest

Old Town Spring hosts its annual pet-friendly, family-friendly Petfest. The event includes a parade, weiner dog race, “wannabe” weiner dog race, costume contest and a dog show. Veterinarians are available to answer questions. Pets are asked to come leashed and pet enrollment in events is $5.  10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Oct. 17); noon-5 p.m. (Oct. 18). Free.
Preservation Park, 130 Spring School Road, Spring. 281-353-9310. www.oldtownspring.com

Oct. 24
Fall Market and Fair

The annual market and fair features craft and vendor booths, a silent auction, bake sale, and barbecue lunch. A children’s area is also open, including activities such as a petting zoo, bounce houses and a carnival with games and prizes. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Christ Church United Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands. 963-273-2030. www.cc-um.org

Oct. 25
Trick or Treat Trail

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts its annual Trick or Treat Trail. The Halloween event features trick or treating, vendor booths, a costume contest, games and activities for kids. 3-6 p.m. Free.
Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-210-3478. www.thewoodlandscvb.com

November

Nov. 20-22
Junior League Holiday Market

Hosted at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, the annual market features vendors offering a variety of products, including flower arrangements, personalized gifts and holiday ornaments. The Christmas shopping event benefits local charities. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Nov. 20-21), 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 22). ( $15 (11 and up), $12 (in advance), free ($10 and under). 
1601 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 888-746-7455. www.jlthewoodlands.org

Nov. 21-Dec. 20
Home for the Holidays

Old Town Spring hosts its 35th annual Home for the Holidays event. The month-long festivities include live music, Santa Claus beginning Dec. 7, a Nov. 21 Christmas tree lighting and a children’s train. Most shops are closed Monday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Monday-Saturday), noon-6 p.m. (Sunday). Free.
Old Town Spring, 403 Main St., Spring. 281-353-9310. www.oldtownspring.com

Nov. 21-Jan. 18
Donoho’s Winter Wonderland

The attraction offers ice skating, holiday light displays, daily promotions and activities and entertainment for all ages at The Woodlands outdoor ice rink. Open daily. Free.
Northeast corner of Six Pines and Lake Robbins drives. www.thewoodlandscvb.com

Nov. 21
Lighting of the Doves and iWow

This year marks the ninth annual International Winter on the Waterway and 33rd annual Lighting of the Doves. The event features live music, international food and entertainment, vendor booths, snow play areas, appearances by Santa and a fireworks display, weather permitting. 3-9 p.m. Free.
Town Green Park along The Woodlands Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. www.thewoodlandscvb.com

December

Dec. 11-13
Tomball German Christmas Market

The event brings traditional German food, products and activities to the city of Tomball. Multiple stages present continuous live music and dancing, and there is an open-air market where more than 175 merchants and vendors sell German Christmas items, arts and crafts, food and more. 6-10 p.m. (Dec. 11), 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Dec. 12), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Dec. 13). Free.
Old Town Tomball, 201 S. Elm St., Tomball. 281-379-6844. www.tomballgermanfest.com

Northshore Park next up for ongoing township renovation efforts

Plans to renovate 30-year-old Northshore Park, including the possible construction of a permanent boathouse and public-use facility, continue as The Woodlands Township approved an official consultant to oversee the design and construction processes at its June 18 meeting.

Clark Condon Associates will head the project and plans to present a full design of the park in the fall, with construction to begin in summer 2016, according to the township. Changes will improve the usability of the park and upgrade existing amenities with a budget of $1.2 million.

Click HERE to read more

Just Listed! 31503 Crestwood Park, Spring, TX 77386

Full Plan Revealed for Former Camp Strake Property (video)

The Johnson Development Corp. has revealed its master plan for Grand Central Park, a new master-planned community on the former Camp Strake property north of Houston.

The Houston developer released a map and a video showcasing its plans for the 2,046-acre wooded property, located on the southwest corner of Interstate 45 North and Loop 336 in Conroe. The site is five miles north of The Woodlands and less than 10 miles north of the new EXXON Mobil Corp. campus, which recently finished moving 10,000 employees into the region.

The master plan calls for traditional single-family homes, townhomes, apartments, condominiums, offices, retail shops, hotels and conference centers, as well as Montgomery County’s first medical school. Boston-based Sasaki Associates, which designed most of The Woodlands and Bridgeland, is the architect behind the master plan for Grand Central Park.

Residential: The first phase of home construction will include luxury patio homes, townhomes and single-family homes on 350 wooded sites, which represent the first six sections of the more than 500 home sites planned for Grand Central Park. Construction on the first homes, located along Loop 336, is expected to start in early 2016.

Neighborhoods will feature homes with alley parking, pocket parks and miles of connected trails. Residents will be zoned to Conroe Independent School District’s Rice Elementary, Cryar Intermediate, Peet Junior High and Conroe High schools.

Retail: Houston-based Fidelis Realty Partners purchased 112 acres along Loop 336 near Interstate 45, to develop 336 Marketplace, a regional shopping center that will feature 750,000 square feet of retail.

Houston-based Boucher Design Group is the architect. The Shopping center, which will feature big box stores, is expected to open in late 2016.



Commercial: Johnson Development plans to build a “business center” along Interstate 45, featuring corporate campus and Class A office space.

Mixed-Use: Johnson Development plans to build Town Center along Deer Lake. The mixed-use development will feature an urban main street with retail, bars and restaurants surrounded by townhomes overlooking Grand Lake.

A waterfront plaza will feature a hotel and conference facility along with a park, promenade and boat launch onto Deer Lake. A public space – perfect for farmers markets, is also planned.
Medical Campus: Sam Houston State University plans to build an osteopathic medical school on 10 acres, between the Business Center and Town Center. The school, which would start with 150 students per class, could open as early as fall 2018.

Johnson Development purchased the former Camp Strake property from the Sam Houston Area Council Boy Scouts of America for an undisclosed price in November 2013. Montgomery County assessed the value of the property at $27.9 million.

Last year, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court approved a tax incentive that would repay Johnson $20 million over 10 years as it builds out its plans for Grand Central Park.

Johnson Development is developing 11 other master-planned communities in the Houston area: Cross Creek Range, Edgewater, Fall Greek, Harmony, Harvest Green, Imperial, Riverstone, Sienna Plantation, Tuscan Lakes, Willow Creek Farms and Woodforest.
Source: Houston Biz Journal - Paul Takahashi

Buying an Existing Home or New Construction?

Which Is Best for Your Situation, Buying an
Existing Home or Opting for
New Construction?

 
When it comes to buying a new home, one size certainly doesn’t fit all. You may be looking for a home that resembles the one you grew up in, or you might be after something brand new with the latest amenities and low maintenance requirements. If you’re contemplating buying an existing home vs. new construction, consider the general pros and cons of each option.
 
About New Construction
 
The most significant advantage of a newly built home is just that; it’s brand new! Building you own home also gives you the chance to customize it with the unique features and styles you prefer. New homes can be cheaper to maintain at first, plus they operate with the latest appliances and energy-efficient construction. You can also expect extended warranties for peace of mind. But one of the biggest reasons more people don’t pursue new construction is because of the higher cost of building from scratch compared to buying an existing home. Depending on where you build, you might also be stuck with a cookie-cutter design that lacks character.
 
Buying an Existing Home

Because homes are typically standing for decades, resale properties tend to be more available and less expensive per square foot than new homes. Plus, you have the power to negotiate the asking price. You can browse listings for desirable features and a location in an established neighborhood. Since resale homes have been lived in before, home sellers know about existing issues and disclose them to potential buyers. Older home s also tend to have more character and char. But, like everything else, there can be downfalls. Appliances and fixtures may have been in use for years already, so they may be prone to break or wear out sooner. Older homes also tend to lack energy-efficient features, meaning you can expect to pay higher utility bills every month. The design could also be outdated and lacking modern amenities. You may be inclined to renovate the home, which increases costs and makes daily life inconvenient for a while. For professional help contemplating buying an existing home vs. new construction, please contact the experienced Texan Realtor Team. We proudly help fulfill dreams for The Woodlands home buyers and sellers. Image via Shutterstock.com

July 4th Fireworks 2015

Where to Park & Where to Watch
The Woodlands Fireworks

4th of July Fireworks Information The 2015 "Red, Hot and Blue Celebration" @ The Woodlands Town Center Waterway Square July 4th ~ 9:15 PM Things to do on the fourth of July in The Woodlands Texas The Woodlands 4th of July Fireworks show generally begins at approximately 9:15 PM and the display is usually simulcast on the radio station Sunny 99.1 FM. Though traditionally, the fireworks have been shot from street level at Timberloch Place near Kirby's Steakhouse, beginning in 2014 and continuing in 2015, fireworks are now shot from two locations.   New for 2015 - the firing sites are a very large aerial show over Lake Woodlands, which will be fired from the east side of the lake near Lake Woodlands Drive, and a special effects show across the Waterway from Town Green Park, behind the Riva Row Boat House! Both locations will fire simultaneously for approximately 20 minutes. While the map below shows the two new locations, test fires from both locations are planned to occur at 10-minute intervals during the festival beginning at 8:40 PM, to allow everyone to orient themselves for a viewing location. The fireworks show in The Woodlands has been rated as one of the best fireworks displays in Houston. Note: new information regarding the types of displays, viewing locations, and parking areas was released by The Woodlands Township on June 25, 2015; see the press release here.   Where to watch the fireworks:

Hughes Landing Southwest side of The Woodlands Mall Northshore Park (*see note below)

Market Street The Woodlands United Methodist Church Town Green Park @ The Waterway

The Woodlands Waterway has plenty of room for thousands of people to see the lower proximity fireworks at a closer and clearer view without the obstruction of buildings. Because these new fireworks displays are lower to the ground than in previous years, and due to the construction of the second Anadarko Tower, viewing areas which were previously available, such as Southshore Park, viewing points along The Woodlands' golf courses, Lamar Elementary, the east side of The Woodlands Mall, and all areas east of I-45 (Oak Ridge North), will not be able to view the fireworks. Above all, attendees should plan ahead to pick out their spot. July 4th Parking Please note: While Northshore Park will definitely be considered a prime viewing spot, it is not being closed off for parking, as the Concert In The Park takes place there earlier in the afternoon. As such, there will likely be no parking available later in the evening before the fireworks begin. At the request of The Woodlands Township Public Safety Department, as well as local Law Enforcement, residents and visitors are being encouraged to visit other viewing areas as well. Alternatively, you can park in one of the other area lots and walk or bike to Northshore Park for fireworks viewing, so as to not contribute to any potential traffic jam in the lot and/or at the intersection.   Road Closures During the Fireworks The Woodlands Waterway will be shut down at 8:45 p.m. for safety reasons, and will re-open after the show. Due to the new firing locations of the fireworks displays, at this time no road closures have been scheduled. TWE will update this page with any changes to this information as soon as it is known.

Directions and Parking Information - Red, Hot and Blue Festival 2015 FREE parking available in the Orange, Yellow, and Blue parking lots on Timberloch Place, and The Woodlands Mall surface parking lots (the Green parking lot is reserved for sponsors, staff and musicians). PAID parking available at Town Center Parking Garage located on Six Pines Drive, the parking lot at the corner of Six Pines Drive and Lake Robbins Drive, The Waterway Square Parking Garage, and the surface lot at 18 Waterway Avenue. HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE parking available at Town Center Garage, and the South Montgomery County Library located on Lake Robbins Drive next to Town Green Park. Town Center Parking Garage $5 Parking From I-45, take the Woodlands Parkway flyover at 76B Turn right on Six Pines Drive from Woodlands Parkway ( 2nd Traffic Light ) Proceed North past Timberloch Place ( 1st Traffic Light ) Town Center Parking Garage will be on your left, just beyond The Waterway Bridge & the Marrott Walkway. Either take a short walk down Lake Robbins Drive, or enter the Waterway Pathway at Six Pines go east to Waterway Square Free Parking in The Orange, Yellow and Blue Lots From I-45, take the Woodlands Parkway flyover at 76B Proceed west on Woodlands Parkway to Grogan's Mill Road (approx. 1 mile) and turn right (north) Turn right ( 1 Block ) at Timberloch Place and watch for signage and lot attendants The Orange, Yellow and Blue lots are available free of charge Follow the Pathways to The Waterway and go east to Waterway Square Directions to Market Street: From I-45 South Turn right on Research Forest Drive (Exit 79) Turn left at Grogan's Mill Road (4th Traffic Light) Turn left onto Lake Robbins Drive (1 block south of Lake Woodlands Drive) Market Street Garage will be on the left From I-45 North Exit Lake Woodlands Drive (Exit 77) Take bridge around and over I-45 Proceed west along Lake Woodlands Drive Go past 3 traffic lights Market Street access points will be along the left For all parking, follow the event parking signs to parking lots. Directions to Town Green Park: From I-45 South Exit Lake Woodlands Drive (Exit 76) Left on Six Pines Drive Right on Lake Robbins Drive Town Green Park is on the left just past The Pavilion From I-45 North Exit Woodlands Parkway (Exit 76B) Right on Six Pines Drive Left on Lake Robbins Drive Town Green Park is on the left just past The Pavilion For all parking, follow the event parking signs to parking lots. Directions to Waterway Square July 4th Fireworks Display From I-45 South Take the Exit for Woodlands Parkway (Exit 76) Turn right on Lake Robbins Drive (the suspended bridge) Go past 1st traffic light (Woodloch Forest Drive) Waterway Square is to the left, behind Hubbell & Hudson opposite Cinemark - Tinseltown Theatres) From I-45 North Exit Woodlands Parkway (Exit 76B) Right on Woodloch Forest Drive (1st traffic light) Go past the 1st traffic light (Timberloch Place) Waterway Square is to the left, beyond the Waterway bridge just before the Lake Robbins Drive signal light) For all parking, follow the event parking signs to parking lots. Click HERE for more information about the 4th of July celebrations in The Woodlands.

Are Fireworks Allowed in The Woodlands Villages? Woodlands Texas Deed Restrictions: Fireworks and Use of Firearms. Fireworks, firearms and hunting: The sale and use of fireworks and the use or discharge of firearms of any kind whatsoever is strictly prohibited on any property within The Woodlands. Hunting of any kind and by any method is also prohibited. (source: http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=891 [page 3]) Woodlands Texas Covenants Section 10.13: Fireworks and Use of Firearms. Fireworks are prohibited at all times within The Woodlands boundaries. (source: http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/FAQ.aspx?QID=102 )

Local Transportation Updates

Transportation Updates

By Julie Butterfield, Abigail Loop and Brian Walzel June 11, 2015

1. Gosling Road widening
The widening of Gosling Road from four lanes to six lanes from West Rayford Road to Creekside Forest Drive is in the study phase. The engineering study will establish the roadway’s lane allocation and alignment along with the appropriate drainage systems. The project has been temporarily halted since funds for its bridge were to be allocated from the Montgomery County road bond, which voters turned down May 9.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: $5.2 million
Funding sources: The Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1, Montgomery County, Harris County

2. Gosling Road bridge
The widening of Gosling Road includes a new bridge over the Spring Creek. The WRUD is designing the project, and Montgomery and Harris counties are funding the bridge’s construction. The project will be put out to bid once the project’s development is complete and construction funds are identified.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: $7 million
Funding sources: WRUD, Montgomery County, Harris County

3. I-45 HOV lane extension
The I-45 high-occupancy vehicle lane extension project will add two managed lanes in each direction along I-45 from the Harris/Montgomery county line to Loop 336 in Conroe. The project is under a 90-day delay clause that ends on July 15. The project, once started, will last about six months, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. SCR Construction Co. Inc. was appointed by TxDOT to head construction.
Timeline: TBD
Cost:  $2.6 million
Funding source: TxDOT
 

4. Kuykendahl Road extension
The half-mile extension of Kuykendahl 

Road from Alden Bridge Drive to Crownridge Drive is complete and open to traffic. 

The extension completes a missing segment of Kuykendahl in The Woodlands.
Timeline: Extension open to traffic
Cost: $3.1 million
Funding source: TxDOT

5. Kuykendahl Road widening
The design for the Kuykendahl bridge is 90 percent complete, and the road widening design from Woodlands Parkway to Augusta Pines is 100 percent complete. The WRUD is working with Harris and Montgomery counties to support the studies for the project as well as provide approval for the construction design. A target bid date is set for August 2016 with construction beginning in late September 2016.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: $5.4 million
Funding sources: Harris County, Montgomery County, WRUD

6. Honea Egypt Road widening
The project will widen the road from two to four lanes with a center turn lane from the intersection of FM 2978 and FM 1488 to the intersection of Ranch Lake and Sendera Ranch drives.
The Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District issued a notice to proceed on the project to its contractor May 6. The widening was scheduled to begin in February but was delayed due to construction of the San Jacinto River Authority water lines by the road.a
Timeline: early May-November
Cost: $3.8 million
Funding sources: WMPID, Montgomery County

7. Grand Parkway
The project in its entirety is a 180-mile loop around Houston, with two lanes in each direction and intermittent feeder roads. Segments F-1, F-2 and G are under construction with F-1 connecting Hwy. 290 to Hwy. 249, Segment F-2 running from Hwy. 240 to I-45 and Segment G running from I-45 to Hwy. 59. Zachry-Odebrect is constructing the 38-mile section.
Timeline: March 2013-late 2015
Cost: $1.2 billion
Funding source: TxDOT

8. FM 2978 widening
The widening of FM 2978 from four lanes to six lanes includes adding two lanes, on in each direction from FM 1488 to Conroe-Hufsmith Road. The project has a let date in October and is expected to start construction around the end of 2015. Once construction begins, the project is expected to be complete in three years.
Timeline: late 2015-late 2018
Cost: $20 million
Sources: TxDOT, Federal Highway Administration

9. Robinson Road realignment
The city of Oak Ridge North is partnering with Montgomery County for the engineering and reconstruction of Robinson Road between I-45 and Hanna Road. Phase 1 of the engineering design has been completed, which consists of a new road alignment, intersection changes and construction in an existing right of way. The project is on hold after the proposed Montgomery County road bond did not meet voter approval in May. The project could be included on a future bond proposal.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: $8 million
Funding sources: TBD