Conroe, another fast-growing city in Texas, boasts excitement for locals and visitors alike. Located about 45 minutes north of Houston it is known for its 22,000-acre Lake Conroe. The lake contributes to the significant success in the growth of this town and is the center of attention when it comes to outdoor recreation. Conroe can keep the outdoor-minded person busy for days. Being a native Texan, I am overjoyed with what I found in Conroe when I visited.
Never again will I pass up this city while going to Houston to visit family. Fuse lake life, food, and fun, and Conroe, Texas, becomes the perfect choice to spend a weekend for everyone in your family — no matter the age. I was hosted by Visit Conroe.
Things To Do In Conroe
If getting away from it all is something you’re looking for, look no further than Conroe. Conroe’s outdoor adventures just went up a notch with fishing, kayaking, boating, and many other watersports on Lake Conroe. And, if that’s not all, hiking and birding in the forest, live music at various venues, breweries downtown, and wineries to boot are also fun activities to do.
When you want to wind down from all the outdoor activities, take a gander to see all the gorgeous historic buildings in downtown and perhaps do a little shopping at the quaint stores on Main Street.
Margaritaville Lake Resort
No matter the time of year, if relaxing lakeside and enjoying vacationing resort-style is your quest, Margaritaville Lake Resort is the place to check out. Eat, drink, get married (if you want to), golf, spa, and meet new friends because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Not a guest, no problem — you can purchase a Paradise Pass day pass to enjoy the waterpark, mini-golf, arcade, tennis, and more fun.
St. Somewhere Spa, located at the resort, is an oasis waiting to serve you. Ladies, while the guys are playing a round of golf, treat yourself to some self-care at this stunning spa. I signed up for the deep tissue massage, and after 90-minutes of heaven, I left there feeling entirely renewed and revived. The spa is open to the public as well.
Visit Historic Downtown Conroe
Downtown Conroe is full of character and rich in history, with over 16 historic buildings still standing and occupied by shops and businesses. And while walking around at your leisure, be sure to check out the 13 art benches that depict stories of Conroe history.
I had a great time shopping at several stores and boutiques and enjoyed stopping at Main Street Merchants. It made me feel welcome the minute I stepped in. I was offered a specialty coffee and stayed longer than I intended. I even found a few unique gifts for the holidays. As I walked on the other side of the street, I stumbled on a colossal statue-in-the-making of Marty Stuart — the iconic American country and bluegrass singer and songwriter. The statue will be the highlight of Stuart’s art museum in Philadelphia, MS.
Explore John Burge Park
Conroe is not shy of parks, and the one I visited on my trip is John Burge Park. It offers three different walking trails and a sign showing how to get to each. I like a public park that has a walking trail, picnic tables, restrooms, and beautiful views as this one does. I saw kids and their parents playing, dogs and their owners walking on the trails — in the middle of the day.
Hop The Breweries
You’ve heard of wine touring — well, move on over because what you’ll find most in Conroe is brewery after brewery and local bars — from craft beer to German beer. Not only did I indulge in German beers at Fass Brewing, but I also drank a few that I never knew existed. If you’ve never had a coffee beer or a chocolate beer, it’s a treat.
Check out all the breweries in Conroe, such as B-52 Brewing Co., Southern Star Brewery, Copperhead Brewery, and more.
Veteran’s Memorial Park
The Veteran’s Memorial Park is a beautiful dedication to the men and women who served in the war and exists today because one man, so heavily indebted to his career in the war, wanted a place to recognize those who served. He intended to educate about the past so as to help lead the future. The plaque doesn’t indicate rank, only the names of those who served — 580 in all, including 174 men and women who fell during the war. There is room for more names. Very surreal if you ask me. It’s free to wander around, and parking is also free.
Sam Houston National Park
Breathe in nature in this flawless national forest. Sam Houston National Park is one of four national forests in Texas that have scenic views and many excellent trails for a day hike. The trail that comes to mind is the 129-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. The trail weaves through the forest, over bridges overlooking creek beds. The terrain is moderate for every hiker, and there are several access points to enter.
On my way back home from the resort, I asked for directions (from Siri), and it led me to the backroads through the forest. I cannot believe as a Texan, I have never driven through here. If nothing else, a drive will be all you need to glimpse what lies behind those tall, gorgeous trees. However, if time allows, I’d opt for a visit. I only had time to drive through, but my motto now is “always take the backroads.” This drive was much better than going on I-45 any day!
Lake Conroe Boat Rentals
You can’t beat lake life. With Lake Conroe being the most prominent attraction in Conroe, there’s no wonder why thousands flock here to play on the lake. I grew up going to our family lake house on weekends not too far from here, and I can tell you this for sure, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the sun and surfing the water in a boat.
Just under an hour’s drive north of Houston, Lake Conroe is a massive recreational lake with easy access to the water that locals and visitors year-round enjoy the beach life, boating, fishing, and more. All kinds of watersports such as kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, and boat rentals are offered on the lake. Lake Conroe Park is a 13-acre park that offers picnic tables & fire pits, fishing piers, and a swimming area.
Don’t have a boat? No problem, plenty of outfitters offer boat rentals around the lake. Your group can enjoy a beautiful day of adventure either by renting a boat or opting to pay for a captain to take you cruising around the lake.
Einstein’s Ship Store And Boat Rentals
I spent a couple of hours out on the water with Captain Mary from Einstein’s Ship Store|Boat Rentals, and it was all I could do to hold back my excitement. The weather was excellent, and the view was even better. The water was a little choppy, but we didn’t care because the sun was out, and we were cruising in a cool Tritoon boat. Einstein’s is located in the Margaritaville Resort and is open to the public. Other boat and watercraft options to rent include runabouts, lagoon cruiser, party barges, the cutest yellow duck pedal boat, and kayaks & jet skis.
Cruising Tikis Lake Conroe
Rent a tiki boat for fun from Cruisin Tikis Lake Conroe and cruise the night away on a 2-hour sunset tour. More options are available.
Waterpoint Marina
Take a trip around the lake in style on a yacht. Waterpoint Marina offers your and your group luxury style with a full bar and all the works.
Best Restaurants In Conroe
Food in Conroe is not scarce. You won’t go hungry in this town, and you’ll have plenty of dining options and cuisine to choose from.
Vernele’s New Orleans Bakery And Cafe
Looking at Vernele’s Bakery’s website will have you drooling for sweets — and that’s not exaggerating! If you have a sweet tooth, order a light lunch and a plate full of donuts or opt for a Cookie Butter Frappe as I did! Located downtown and it’s open for breakfast as well.
LandShark Bar And Grill
Lakeside dining with a beach bar has never looked so good! LandShark Bar & Grill is located at the Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort and is open to the public. I ordered the blackened Mahi fish tacos and a margarita and enjoyed it out on the back patio with a lake view. I can’t decide which I liked better — the food, the drink, or the view.
License To Chill
Enjoy a casual dinner at the bar, dining area, or outside at License to Chill Café & Bar — an all-day eatery at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Whenever I travel solo, I like to eat at the bar. My bartender was full of knowledge about Conroe as she grew up there. You can’t beat knowledge from a local.
Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish
Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish is a popular Conroe dining spot for Southern favorites like fried catfish, shrimp, crab cakes served with hushpuppies, and the best bread pudding in town. I ordered mine to go and enjoyed it back at the hotel with a cocktail.
Pro Tip: No longer do locals have to drive to the big city of Houston to find places of interest and top dining — it’s all right in Conroe — a town with big amenities yet a small-town feel.
Texas has other small towns worthy of a visit. Consider: