Houston may be one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, but each part of this expansive city has something unique to offer. There’s nowhere that rings more true than North Houston, an area home to stately pines, sprawling lakes, and a wealth of amazing shops and restaurants. Experience all of this when you stay in Shenandoah. Set 30 miles north of Downtown Houston, this destination stands on its own thanks to its abundance of things to do and places to stay. It’s ideal location adjacent to Conroe, Spring, and The Woodlands, makes it the optimal starting point for a perfect weekend in North Houston. Read on to discover how, then plan your next adventure to Shenandoah, TX.

Enjoy Some of Houston’s Best Shopping

If you believe that any good getaway involves some shopping, Shenandoah is the place for you. With five shopping centers, you can wander around and find some of the hottest retailers in North Houston, starting at the truly one-of-a-kind Portofino Shopping Center. With its pointed arches, white columns, and distinctive quatrefoils, Portofino would look right at home among the canals of Venice. Instead, it provides an eye-catching backdrop as you browse stores like DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Bath & Body Works, and the PGA Tour Superstore.

Not far away, you’ll encounter the Sam Moon Shopping Center. Based around Sam Moon Trading Co., a big-name shop full of women’s accessories, handbags, jewelry and luggage, this shopping center has a number of discount and upscale resale shops, Tuesday Morning, and Bike Lane, a family-owned cycling shop with a vast selection of road, mountain, BMX, and even triathlon bikes.   

Right next door is Metropark Square, Shenandoah’s largest, upscale, mixed-use development, owned by the Sam Moon Group.  Home to numerous restaurants, entertainment venues, and the Hyatt House hotel, it’s a “must-see” for anyone visiting Shenandoah.

There’s even more shopping to be done at the Research Forest Shopping Center and the Research Plaza Shopping Center, and both Market Street and The Woodlands Mall are just a stone’s throw away.
When you’re needing some retail therapy, Shenandoah is no doubt the place to be.

Image provided courtesy of Goode Co.

Savor a Menu Full of Good Eats

Grilled red snapper wrapped in delicate corn tortillas. Savory pho filled with glass noodles, scallions, and either chicken or filet mignon cooked to perfection. Mouthwatering brisket, ribs, and sausage served at the restaurant of a superstar Houston chef. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find something delicious to sink your teeth into at Shenandoah’s more than 50 restaurants, ranging from locally owned eateries to national chains.

Follow the beautiful aromas of smoked meats to Killen’s Texas Barbecue, the second restaurant concept opened in Shenandoah by Le Cordon Bleu-trained and two-time James Beard Award semifinalist Ronnie Killen. Order chicken, turkey, and beef or pork ribs as a sandwich or by the pound or plate. Pair it with a side of mac ‘n’ cheese, collard greens, coleslaw, or potato salad and you’ll leave satisfied (and with the meat sweats, if you’re doing it right). Located nearby, visit Killen’s Steakhouse, its fine dining sibling.

With the charm of a 1950’s roadside diner, Mia’s Table takes everyone’s favorite classic American dishes to a new level. Indulge in chicken fried chicken topped with jalapeno cream gravy or take a big bite out of a hearty cheeseburger and a side of crispy fries. Yet there’s more here than you’d think, as the menu also features salads, soups, tacos, southern favorites like meatloaf and fried chicken, and hand-spun milkshakes and malts, all alongside a tantalizing selection of red and white wines.

Meanwhile, EAD Vietnamese Restaurant’s robust menu is full of stir-fry dishes and flavorful pho, and Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina is the place to be for made-to-order guacamole, sizzling fajitas, and South Texas-inspired dishes like grilled quail and tampiquena. Seafood lovers are thrilled to have two new options in town: Goode Co. Fish Camp which features regional gulf seafood dishes and an oyster bar, and Crawfish Café, specializing in its Viet-Cajun fusion approach to crawfish and seafood.

New restaurants continue to open in Shenandoah, and with more than 50 restaurants available, you’re bound to find numerous dining options to tantalize your tastebuds. See all restaurant options here.

Stay in First-Rate Hotels

Where you stay is just as important as your destination, and Shenandoah has plenty of options. Here you’ll find a great place to stay, from budget-friendly hotels to a full-service getaway. The Aloft Shenandoah, EVEN Hotel Shenandoah and Hyatt House Shenandoah offer comfortable and stylish luxury, and they happen to be three of the newest hotels in town.

To treat yourself, book a few nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Greet the morning from the comfort of your plush bed before refreshing yourself in the spacious walk-in shower. Then work up a sweat in the fitness center or soak up the sun by the outdoor pool before ending the evening with a delectable meal at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, the on-site eatery that serves up Italian fare with a curated wine list. 

With your choice of 12 highly reviewed hotels, you can stay your way in Shenandoah.

Treat Yourself & Play the Day Away

Whether you’re looking to unwind or embark in some thrills, you won’t have to go far to find the experience you want in Shenandoah. Pamper yourself at Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute, where you can get affordable body, hair, facial, and nail treatments at the No. 1 beauty school in Houston.

Relaxed and refreshed, you’ll be ready for an afternoon and evening of exciting games and great food at Dave & Busters and Main Event. Watch the big game with your friends on the really big TV screens at Dave & Buster’s, then immerse yourself in the arcade before taking on the Terminator Guardian of Fate virtual reality game. There are even more fun and games at Main Event, where you can knock down pins on their 28-lane bowling alley, shoot some pool, or show off your aim in the laser tag arena before getting some food and drink at the bar and restaurant.

For some serious airtime, leap onto the many, many trampolines at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. When you aren’t hopping off the floors and walls, play a game of aerial dodgeball or show off your inner Michael Jordan or LeBron James in the Slam Dunk Zone. Although you could jump the day away, there’s far more to do here.

Defy gravity as you climb high on the Ropes Course, soar on the Sky Rider, and conquer the Warrior Course. When you need a refresher, the Urban Air Café has all the eats and drinks that you need to get back out there.

Finally, if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxing evening, Shenandoah has an option for that as well.  Kick back in luxurious reclining seats as you catch the latest and greatest Hollywood flicks at AMC Metropark Square 10 with IMAX. Get a beer, wine, or cocktail at MacGuffins Bar and a stone-fired flatbread pizza or gourmet popcorn before settling in for the show.

In Shenandoah, an unforgettable moment is never wasted. There’s plenty of fun things to do, and entertainment around every corner.

Discover the Best of North Houston

Stroll among towering pine trees, soar on spectacular water slides, and sip and savor craft brews at top-shelf breweries. From its parks and preserves to its many varied attractions, North Houston is full of experiences for nature lovers and connoisseurs of life’s finer things alike.

Explore the picturesque trails at WG Jones State Forest, George Mitchell Nature Preserve, and the Spring Creek Greenway. Take in a concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Head just south of Shenandoah and you’ll come across Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown in Spring. Go for a splash on more than 15 rides, including thrillers like the Big Kahuna whitewater raft ride or Paradise Plunge, a multistory body slide that’ll have your heart pounding.

Cruise 10 miles north to reach Conroe, where you can savor the creations of local breweries and distilleries when you aren’t kayaking or boating on the sprawling Lake Conroe.

From its abundance of shops to its family-friendly attractions and comfortable places to stay, North Houston has much to offer. Shenandoah is an outstanding place to experience it on your next perfect weekend getaway. Plan your visit to Shenandoah, TX.

About the Author: Alexandra is the Digital Content Creator for Tour Texas. She is an avid traveler, lover of the arts, and enthusiast of all things Texas!