Woodlands, Spring, Conroe area.(Southeast Texas)

To the north of Houston lies an area of piney woods, lakes and rivers that's a favorite stress-busting getaway for those who enjoy golfing, boating, hiking, biking and birding. Shoppers also will find places to satisfy their cravings.

Several resorts are destinations themselves, offering an array of activities and dining in scenic settings. There's a variety of evening entertainment, including one of Houston's most popular outdoor concert venues.

Special note: In the greater Houston area, it's necessary to dial all 10 digits of the phone number.

Activities & Attractions

About 20 miles north of Houston, Old Town Spring, [telephone] 800-OLD-TOWN, recaptures the feeling of the turn of the century with its brick courtyards and old cottages that now house about 150 shops selling antiques, art, collectibles, gifts, clothing and all kinds of treasures. It's easy to spend a relaxed day browsing through this restored railroad village.

Hikers and birders have a number of choices. In the Spring area, the Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Drive off Route 1960 East, [telephone] 281-446-8588, has a five-mile trail ending at Spring Creek; at the site, the Pioneer Homestead shows lifestyles of both settlers and Indians in the early 1800s. Around Conroe and Huntsville, the Sam Houston National Forest, [telephone] 936-344-6205, spreads over three counties, providing the primitive Lone Star Hiking Trail running for 140 miles through mainly wilderness. South of Lake Conroe, the W.G. Jones State Forest, [telephone] 936-273-2261, entices birders with its more than 150 species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker; the Sweet Leaf Nature Trail wanders a short distance through a canopy of trees.

Picnic fans can pack up their favorite goodies for an outing at Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, [telephone] 281-443-8731, which has gardens, a nature trail and places to enjoy your fare.