Magnolia

Calling all nature lovers . . . cyclists . . . history buffs . . . and fun seekers! The City of Magnolia is located at the junction of FM 1774 and FM 1488, approximately 45 miles northwest of Houston and 25 miles southwest of Conroe. Serving as the gateway to the Texas piney woods, Magnolia offers an outdoor paradise for birding, cycling, golf and more. With five  MS-150 qualifying cycling routes, many travel the scenic Montgomery Trace by bike year-round. The warm climate full of sunny days makes Magnolia a natural choice for camping, hiking and fishing at local ponds or nearby Lake Conroe.
 
History in Magnolia is plentiful and the historic Magnolia Depot Plaza is open for tours. In addition, events at the Depot and on the City’s Stroll offer visitors unique experiences to enjoy local culture. In February Mardi Gras on the Stroll gives adults and children alike a chance to participate in the Dancing Umbrella Parade and taste the bounties of the Cajun Cook-Off — costumes optional! Other events throughout the year include Depot Day — a celebration of Magnolia’s roots, a sanctioned Bar-B-Q Cook-Off, Corks & Canvas on the Stroll and Hometown Christmas kicked off with the Christmas Parade —always on the second Saturday in December.

If antiquing and shopping are your goal, then Magnolia and the surrounding area are sure to please. From Texas House Antiques to The Calendar Garden, Magnolia boasts diverse shopping and great bargains. A variety of local cuisine and gourmet fare are . . .of the day, right in Magnolia. Whether it’s Texas chicken fried steak or chicken masala, Magnolia has several dining choices and don’t forget to stop by Yellow House Café where ghosts are said to reside.
 
Looking for an affordable outdoor venue for your next event? Magnolia’s Unity Park with 30 natural acres offering a 7,500 square foot pavilion might be your choice. Along with the covered pavilion featuring a full-service commercial kitchen, the park offers sand volleyball courts, a skate park, horseshoe pitching pits, a Texas protected wetland area, hiking/walking trails, a splash pad, state-of-the-art amphitheater and children’s playground along with picnic tables, many covered.
 
Less than an hour’s drive from Magnolia world-class dining and cultural opportunities abound in Houston. Closer to home, The Woodlands offers outstanding choices as well. If you are looking for exceptional community theatre, try Conroe with its historic Crighton Theater and two theatre companies. Day trip to the Sam Houston National Forrest or tour the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum at Texas A&M University, both less than an hour’s drive away.
 
Each year, Magnolia opens its arms and its doors hundreds of thousands of visitors who flock to the Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the region. The Festival takes place over the weekends of October and November. Magnolia offers two inns that provide free shuttle service to the Festival, Executive Inn and Suites (executiveinnmagnolia.com, 888.383.1488) and Magnolia Inn & Suites (magnoliainnandsuites.net, 281.259.6119).
 
Magnolia reflects the friendliness of a small town yet it is a growing city. Quality of life choices and strong family values preeminent throughout the community create a warm and safe place to live, raise a family, or retire. Homeowners have a variety of options to choose from —beautiful established subdivisions; a planned community offering builder and custom homes; farm and ranch living; or custom designed homes on sprawling acreage where leisure and recreation opportunities abound. Come, visit Magnolia and see for yourself why . . . You gotta love Magnolia!