Issuu

Exploring Near and Far

E N TE R TA I N M E NT

DISCOVER TH E CO N RO E CROSSROADS MUSI C FESTIVAL TR AV E L

BL A ZE A TRAIL TH ROU GH VAI L VALLE Y ' S APRÉS SKI EDUCATION

CU RIOSIT Y CO NTINU ES ROAM IN G M ARS LI F E + C U LTU R E

TAKE A SAFARI FO R TH E ENTIRE FAM I LY A P R I L 2 02 3

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Elegance and refined craftsmanship define this stunning home featuring extensive builder upgrades and high-end finishes throughout. Open floorplan lends itself beautifully to modern lifestyles and entertaining. 12' ceilings, Moen FloSmart water monitoring/shutoff system, tankless water heater, upgraded flooring, climate-controlled storage off gameroom, plantation shutters and armorglass security film on windows. Kitchen details include an expansive island, custom cabinetry, extensive storage, large walk-in pantry, marble backsplashes, induction cooktop and more other convenience features. Downstairs study located off front entry. Primary offers a luxury bath experience with dual sinks, customized closet, expanded shower and quartz counters. Upstairs secondary bedrooms provide Associate Broker ensuite baths and generous room sizes. Game room are also located upstairs. Low tax rate and easy access to area amenities!

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(713) 252-3188 | Lisa@LisaGregoryRealty.com

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Explore Everything

April 2023 PUBLISHER

Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Margie Taylor | margie.taylor@citylifestyle.com

Let me be the first to wish you a happy Easter! May you celebrate it with the people you love and find renewed faith during its season. If you're like me, you love to explore new things. Whether you do it from the comfort of your kitchen or in the harsh elements of the great outdoors, there is a bit of an explorer in all of us. That is why this month's issue is all about exploring. Whether near or far, we've got something for everyone's adventurous side. We start with our cover story. On any night, you can walk the streets of Conroe and find live musical performances, but in April, things get kicked up a notch. The Conroe Crossroads Music Festival marks the start of a new season in our Music Friendly community when 40 different acts will be playing at eleven venues for four days. You don't have to choose just one. Instead, you can roam downtown's historic district or go to Margaritaville on Lake Conroe to sample Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, and more all in one night. If travel is more to your liking, don't worry, we've got you covered whether you run hot or cold. Venture with us to the plains of Africa and the mountaintops of the Colorado Rockies to see which place you'd like to visit next. If your dreams push the envelope, you can let your imagination run wild reading about the Mars Rover, Curiosity, and how scientists gathered here last month to report their findings on its ten-plus years of collecting information. If food is more to your liking, we've mapped out some of the best crawfish places in the area for you to try. Plus, we've got a new recipe from a local business owner and chef you can enjoy without ever leaving your house. So get comfortable, and immerse yourself in our explorer issue. ALISON K ARTE VOLD, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Melanie Saxton, Sara Bouffard, Debbie Glenn-Cross, Morgan Freeman

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Conroe City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Conroe area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conroe City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Conroe: Music Lives Here!

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Must See ENT ERTA I NMENT

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Education Corner LI FE + C U LTU R E

Hot Spot A RTS + C U LT U R E

Artist’s Palette EDU CAT I O N

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Events

Texas Music Friendly City welcomes the 2nd Annual Conroe Crossroads Festival

22 A Safari for Every Age

Consider a Luxury Safari for an Immersive and Educational Experience

26 Demanding the Best, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival Browse, shop, and soak up the sights at one of the largest art festivals in Texas!

28 Curiosity Links Us with Mars Space Science Right Here in Montgomery County

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Conroe Crossroads Music Festival In December 2018, the City of Conroe received the Official Designation as a “Texas Music Friendly City” by Governor Abbott and the state of Texas. Catch a glimpse into the 2nd Conroe Crossroads Music Festival.

DR. GUY BURROWS M. D. is a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in peripheral nerve disorders and neuromuscular diseases. In 2006, Dr. Burrows established a neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorder medical practice in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, California, with hospital affiliations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. For five years prior to opening the Burrows Muscle and Nerve Center, Dr. Burrows M.D. provided neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorders care and served as the Director of Infusions at Mischer Neuroscience AssociatesThe Woodlands.

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To learn more, stop by a Woodforest Branch or contact us at 1-877-968-7962. www.woodforest.com Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender • An Equal Opportunity Employer AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

MELONHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

TAYLORIZED PR

ALISON KARTEVOLD

1: The Chairman’s Ball hosted a “Run for The Roses” theme at Margaritaville Lake Resort. 2: The six Chambers of Commerce met in Austin with elected officials at the Texas Capitol. 3: The Go Texan Parade kicked off celebrations for the Houston Rodeo on Conroe’s Main Street.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @ConroeCityLifestyle *photo credit: Partners In Building

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each office independently owned

APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

We’re back and

Making New Memories

Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center to Open New Multigenerational Facility The City of Conroe determined the need for additional recreational facilities and designated 25 acres located at 710 Foster Drive for the new Oscar Johnson Jr. Community Center. The center is expected to span 87,000 square feet, and the existing center spans approximately 10,000 square feet. The new center addresses broader needs of the community and will include playground equipment, concrete paths, landscaping, irrigation and workout stations. Expected opening is June 2023.

CONTINUED >

Re-Introducing

Design · Repairs · Appraisals

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936.539.4367 camillosjewelry.com 3506 W. Davis St. Conroe, TX 77304 AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center to Open in May The long-awaited Hyatt Regency anticipates an opening in May of this year! The seven-story hotel will have 250 rooms, food and beverage facilities, a fitness center, pool, and a full-service three-meal restaurant with a private dining room, a club lounge, a lobby bar, and a breakfast buffet. The city will benefit by having a well known name (Hyatt) to bring business conventions and offer employment opportunities for the destination City of Conroe.

Memorial Hermann Opens a Clinic in Willis Memorial Hermann will open at 813 W. Montgomery in Willis offering services for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, X-ray services, sports physicals and flu vaccines. memorialhermann.org/ services/specialties/urgent-care

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Elevate your Charcuterie Board at The Cuterie You can now select your own edibles for lunch, the Board meeting, or your event at The Cuterie, located at 1219 Grand Central Parkway in Conroe. Come in to choose options of meat, cheese, and fruit to your palate. Eat your creation there for a power lunch or dinner, pick up, to go, have it delivered, or choose catering for your event. Salads, shareables, and single portion cups for catering are also available. TheCuterie.com

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Woodforest National Bank opens in H-E-B Woodforest National Bank is now open in their second H-E-B retail branch in Conroe, located at 2108 N. Frazier with a full service banking lobby and ATM. This is the 30th Woodforest branch in Montgomery County, the ninth location in Conroe and the second retail branch in an H-E-B. Woodforest is headquartered in Montgomery County and has more than 760 branches in 17 states. www. woodforest.com CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY C O N T I N U E D

Women-Owned Blue Willow Coffee Open in Willis Melissa Jones, mom of a home schooled 5-year old, started making coffee in her salon until she got asked to start a coffee shop in Willis. After first starting as a food truck, she moved to a permanent location (funded and operated by herself) at 109 N. Danville. She uses a local roaster for the beans and supports local women by offering them a place to sell their items too!

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Conroe

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

APRIL 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

It's Crawfish Time! Want to know who had the spiciest, the largest crawfish and where you can get a draft beer with your mudbugs? We're on it. We asked our local intern, Abigail Grace, to dig into the best places to get your boil on!

Our Picks to Choose Your Next Adventure MO MEAUX’S LAKE CONR OE: Mo Meauex offers consistent quality and welcoming service for a perfect laid-back meal. Crawfish is $8.00/lb. with options in spice level and boil seasonings. 15444 Hwy 105 B, Montgomery, Texas 77356 CONR OE LAKE HOUSE: The lakeside seating, kids' play area, large dog park, boat slips, live music, and open, relaxing atmosphere make this an excellent family-friendly crawfish spot. 14954 Hwy 105 W, Montgomery, Texas 77356 HOUSE OF R OUX: The cajun-spirited kitchen located in Moco Food Hall serves crawfish for $7.99 per pound. Add a bourbon flight to enhance the experience. 109 Metcalf St Conroe, TX 77301 CR AWFISH NICK'S LAKE CONR OE: Crawfish Nick's serves your favorite mudbugs with a side of mushrooms, sausage, cajun pickles, shrimp, snow crab, or Dungeness Crab for an added fee. 14540 HWY 105 W. , Conroe, Texas 77304 PACIFC YAR D HOUSE: Pacific Yard House is the perfect venue for live music and an all-day Happy Hour with mudbugs served at 4 pm for $8.00/lb. 101 Metcalf Street, Conroe, Texas 77301

Scan for more photos and the full list. House of Roux

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Abi Koenig As a senior at Conroe High School, I write for the school news, The Triumph. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Texas in Austin class of ‘27 for journalism. I love everything that is music related and plan to pursue a career in music journalism. When it comes to writing, I strive to share my own unique experiences as well as the unique experiences of others. I truly believe everyone has their own voice, and my ultimate goal is to make sure others’ voices are heard and understood. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my ideas while making a positive impact on the lives of others. AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

Conroe: Music Lives Here! TEXAS MUSIC FRIENDLY CITY WELCOMES THE 2ND ANNUAL CONROE CROSSROADS FESTIVAL - APRIL 13-16, 2023

ARTICLE BY DEBBIE GLENN-CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Music is in the air bringing renewed life to the streets of Conroe, Texas. It is a movement that started over 25 years ago with a group of passionate volunteers and music enthusiasts who worked to bring vibrance back to a sleepy town, one performance at a time. Festivals, concerts, and live music venues were born into what would become a distinct music destination with an undeniable sound. In December 2018, the City of Conroe received the official designation as a “Texas Music Friendly City” by Governor Abbott and the State of Texas, confirming the obvious to music lovers, songwriters, and musicians. In 2021, Texas Music Magazine and the City of Conroe partnered to sponsor The Conroe Crossroads Festival, a four-day festival offering a variety of musical genres, including Country, Blues, Southern Rock, Americana, and Jazz, at several music venues in Historic Downtown Conroe and the Lake Conroe area. With something for nearly every musical pallet, this year’s lineup of 40 live performances at 11 public and private venues ranging from parks and theaters to restaurants and lakefront locations is just around the corner. Performances will run from April 13-16, 2023.

JAMES MCMURTRY James McMurtry is an award-winning and critically acclaimed songwriter’s songwriter. He is celebrated and respected by some of the most extraordinary talents of all time. “James writes like he’s lived a lifetime” ~ John Melloncamp

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

DJANGO WALKER

STEVE KRASE

Django Walker grew up in and around the Texas Music Scene. He is the son of Jerry Jeff Walker with a writing skill that has a southern rock/country writing style and a talent for storytelling.

Legendary harp man and Blues award-winning songwriter Steve Krase has been nominated for Best Blues Band five times, including Best Instrumentalist twice and Best Blues Player. This musical genius has also represented Houston at the International Blues Conference in Memphis, finishing in the semi-finals.

CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

FOLK FAMILY REVIVAL / UNCLE MASON’S FAMILY JAM

TIMLIGHTYEAR

Hometown celebrated songwriters and musicians, Folk Family Revival cannot be categorized in any one genre of music unless “Pure Fun” could be a category. They are a bit of funk, southern rock, and boogie tied up in a cool, messy bow. Lead singer Mason Lankford also hosts Uncle Mason’s Family Jam to close out the festival, a crowd favorite!

TimLightyear is an accomplished singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and all-around musical genius. A song he co-wrote while a part of the hit group Shane Smith and the Saints, “All I See Is You,” aired on the hit TV Series Yellowstone Fall of 2021. His guitar chops will have you sitting on the edge of your seat for every riff!

M UST SE E | EN TERTA INME NT

VENUES TO SEE THE ARTISTS The Owen Theater, Conroe Founder’s Plaza, 202 Main, Heritage Place, The Corner Pub, Pacific Yard House, 219 Social House, The Ferm Meadery, The Table at Madeley, Margaritaville Lake Resort, and The Red Brick Tavern.

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

DUSTIN WELCH & HALLEYANNA

Aaron Copeland, Adam Hood, Armadillo Road, Beat Root Revival, Bonner Thae, Cannon Brand, Cari Hutson, Cedryl Ballou & the Zydeco Trendsetters, Chad Cooke Band, Chubby Knuckle Choir, Curtis Grimes, Dirty River Boys, Django Walker, Double Vision, Drew Walker, Dustin Welch, Folk Family Revival, HalleyAnna, James McMurtry, Jazz Connection, Jordan Matthew Young, Keyun & the Zydeco Masters, Madam Radar, Marcus Eldridge, Mike Stanley, PAACK, Payton Riley, Possessed by Paul James, The Reverent Few, Rio Tripiano, Rochelle & the Sidewinders, Sheila Marshall, South Austin Moonlighters, Southern Disposition Band, Steve Krase, Supper Party, Timlightyear, Tiona Campbell, Tom’s Fun Band, Uncle Mason’s Family Jam, Winston Cook, and Zack Walther

GET YOUR TICKETS! On sale now at ConroeCrossroads.com

Dustin Welch and HalleyAnna were born into Music Royalty but earned their stripes with every chord and lyric written between these two musical dynamos. With a passion for telling a story and holding an audience with every melodic note, this powerhouse duo will have you begging for one more song.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

Exploring Vail Valley’s Après Ski

A S A M P L I N G O F W H AT A W A I T S YO U S L O P E S I D E .

ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISTONE PRODUCTIONS

Recently I snuck away with my husband and some friends for a mountain getaway in Colorado’s Vail Valley. It was rejuvenating. We found good skiing, great company, and spectacular scenery in a place where the cold weather makes sense. We blazed a trail you are welcome to follow. With this year’s above-average snow base, lifts are expected to run through the end of the month, but even if the spring ski conditions don’t suit you, the après ski or “after-skiing” social activities surely will.

BEAVER CREEK’S ARROWHEAD

Beaver Creek Ski Resort

Relaxing after a good day of skiing at Mamie's

Beaver Creek Village after dark.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Our crew of married couples loved the ski-in-ski-out condo we rented on the westernmost end of the Arrowhead Resort. Skiing both midweek and weekend, we found there to be no lift lines and a relaxed pace. Yet, from Arrowhead, it is still easy to reach all that Bachelor Gulch and Beaver Creek have to offer as well. The advantage of a four-bedroom ski-in-ski-out condo like the one we booked is your group doesn’t always have to operate on the same schedule. Diehard skiers can ski, while those who get tired or cold can relax by the fire or in the hot tub without missing a beat. If you tire of your own company, you can find plenty of fine dining and quaint village activities in Beaver Creek, which is only a complimentary shuttle ride away. However, you can start your afterski adventures off right before you even leave the slopes. End your day on top of the Bachelor Express chair 16 for

Drinks at the Naught Kitty in the Vail Village

some après skiing at Mamie’s Mountain Grill. The views are gorgeous, the bratwurst and chili are tasty, and their Bloody Marys hit the spot after a long day at altitude. Be careful, though. You still have to make one final run down the mountain before you are done.

VAIL This world renowned favorite speaks for itself. For over 60 years, people have flocked here to check it off their bucket lists. Its back bowls are legendary. We made the quick 20-minute drive over from Beaver Creek and used our epic pass to broaden our exploration of the valley. Conditions weren’t the best, and the visibility on the slopes was low, but if you want to see and be seen, it’s still the place to be. When the skiing is done, you can eat, drink and shop your way back through the Village to your hotel or, in our case, car. If you are feeling a little homesick for Conroe, start at the bottom of Gondola 1 at the Express Lift Inn. The proprietor of this Vail staple is Paul Pope. He used to work at Conroe’s own April Sound resort. When asked how he came to work in Vail, he joked, “All my exes live in Texas, so…” He still loves to say “hi” and share a laugh with people from back home, so stop in. Its hillside patio and fireside bar can cover your needs no matter the weather. Further into the village, the award-winning 10th Mountain Whiskey and Spirit company serves up some WWII history at its distillery. The 10th Mt division trained in the Vail Valley to fight in the European Alps. After World War II, many of the 10th Mountain’s warriors came home to the US and continued to ski. These members of the greatest generation went on to found or manage at least 62 of the US ski areas we still love to visit today. If you’ve got whiskey drinkers in your group, it’s well worth stopping. For tours, call 970-524-2580.

Conroe people find each other.. Paul Pope, manager of the Express Lift Bar enjoys a laugh with publisher Alison Kartevold.

Skiing the Vail Valley.

“The proprietor of this Vail staple is Paul Pope, he used to work at Conroe’s own April Sound resort.”

And if you are still feeling adventurous, right before the covered bridge, go left down the stairs, make another left, and look for the spilled drink sign. Slip in the door, and you’ll arrive at the Naughty Kitty. Not knowing what I wanted, I told the cocktail crafter to give me something with vodka and maybe hibiscus or lavender, not super fruity. “I got you,” Brandon said. And he did. I don’t know what to call it, but it hit the mark. CONTINUED >

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

EDWARDS When traveling, I always like to get out of the resort scene and experience a real town, and Edwards did not disappoint. It was only a five-minute car ride from Arrowhead. The newly developed section of townhouses has a nice river walk and shops, but one of its oldest attractions offered us our best meal of the trip. The Gashouse is not defined as fine dining, but their Bison ravioli and quail were two of our group’s favorites. The owner is from Massachusetts, so a nice selection of seafood can be found on their menu as well.

Buffalo Ravioli at the Gashouse in Edwards.

the

D E TA I L S

Before you leave home... Buy an epic pass. Get these lift tickets online, never see a ticket booth, put the pass in your sleeve pocket, and reap the rewards at multiple resorts. Go to epicpass.com for all the info. Book a direct flight into Eagle/Vail, Colorado. Start and end your journey with the luxury of a two-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Houston. The small airport is a breeze to navigate, and you’ll save hours of drive time from Denver through the mountain pass with unpredictable weather delays and stressful traffic conditions. Don’t forget to pre-book your accommodations.

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

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Includes Tastings from 20+ Restaurants! AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

A Safari for Every Age Consider a Luxury Safari for an Immersive and Educational Experience ARTICLE BY SARA BOUFFARD | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MICATO SAFARIS Safari expeditions provide some of the most awe-inspiring experiences to travelers of all ages. Imagine viewing tens of thousands of wildebeest on the move, along with lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos. Or enjoying a provided fossil hunt during a private paleoanthropology session or taking a remarkable jog through the Great Rift Valley alongside a barefoot Maasai warrior. As a luxury travel advisor, my clients seek an elevated travel experience - something more than the expected or ordinary. A safari can provide a memorable, authentic, and exclusive travel experience with the right partners.

Suppose you’ve tried to put together a vacation that bridges several generations on your own. In that case, you understand that it can be challenging to design a trip that captures the imagination of adults and children alike while still thoughtfully considering the ages, interests, and stamina of each family member. Suppose the young adventurer in the family wants to feed baby elephants while the impossible-to-impress teens want to ogle predators from behind the wheel of an ATV. The right company will make that happen. What if the parents or grandparents want to sip cocktails under a towering baobab tree while the rest of the CONTINUED >

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | LI F E + CULTURE

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

“Sara Bouffard is the founder of Refined Travel and Tours of The Woodlands. She specializes in customized luxury travel for families and groups.”

group scours the brush for animal tracks? The right company will have that covered. One such supplier – the aforementioned “right company” – is Micato Safaris, voted the World’s Best Safari Outfitter a record nine times by Travel and Leisure magazine. Micato Safaris offer deep knowledge about Africa and provides transformative experiences for clients along the way. Additionally, their generous philanthropy throughout Africa positively impacts the local communities. As an advisor, I work directly for my clients and act as a liaison between them and the travel supplier. I interview, screen, and research each supplier to ensure they can deliver the standard of service I expect for each of my clients. Many variations of safari exist, but choosing the right travel partner is vital to ensuring an elevated, unique experience. What can a luxury safari experience include? Think private meetings with wildlife conservationists, local artists, and celebrity chefs. Imagine the privilege of being the *only* distinguished guests for an annual tribal celebration; helicopter flights to the Turkana basin to look at fossils during exclusive one-on-one time with the first family of paleoanthropology, the Leakeys; and camel derby matches in the Namib desert capped by a meal complete with tables, chairs, linen, china, silver, drinks, food and flowers.

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | LI F E + CULTURE

The depth and breadth of the safari experience are nearly boundless. Among the other transformative adventures a customized safari can include: Coming face to face with Silverback Gorillas, close enough to hear each other breathe. Sitting in Angel’s Pool, the gurgling natural whirlpool that hovers near the top of the 354-foot roar of Victoria Falls in Zambia. Chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains near Jane Goodall’s Gombe Stream location. A helicopter journey to fly fish in the streams of Mt. Kenya...not far from where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton. Sandboarding by helicopter at Suguta Valley, Kenya – one of the most remote, driest - and most beautiful! - places in Kenya. Jogging through the Great Rift Valley alongside a barefooted Maasai warrior… the most memorable workout ever. Trekking through the Chyulu Cloud Forest near Mt. Kilimanjaro, hosted by Maasai tribal people. Travelers come on safari expecting to fall in love with the animals and scenery but leave deeply in love with its people as well. For young and old alike, exploring on safari is an authentic, educational, and immersive travel experience that all ages and generations can enjoy.

AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / C O N R O E

DEMANDING THE BEST, THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY ARTS FESTIVAL to their collections from favorite artists, including Kristine Schneider of Conroe. The work of new and emerging artists is exciting too, including Conroe artists Patti Gary and Leslee McFerren. “Nurturing and guiding emerging artists every year is our way of giving back to the creative economy and helping artists grow and get familiar with the festival life,” says Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director at The Woodlands Arts Council.

Find glassware, ceramics, and other mediums from the most talented artists on the planet. Photo courtesy visitthewoodlands.com.

ARTICLE BY MELANIE SAXTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BROWSE, SHOP, AND SOAK UP THE SIGHTS AT ONE OF THE LARGEST ART FESTIVALS IN TEXAS!

H OT SP OT | ARTS + CU LTURE

Montgomery County is blessed with an art culture that rivals the nation! Last month, we enjoyed the Greater Conroe Arts Festival in Historic Downtown Conroe. This month, Fidelity Investments The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival kicks off at Town Green Park from April 14 to 16. Presented by The Woodlands Arts Council, the Festival is ranked among the top in the country and showcases fine artists from Texas, across the United States, and around the world. With more than $2M in artist sales in 2022, this year just might top that figure!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Live music, local food, beer, wine, and children’s art activities are a huge part of this family-friendly event. An array of original art mediums is a major draw, making this festival a shopping tradition. Buyers find décor for home and office, buy special occasion gifts (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner), and add

THE ART DASH The Art Dash Party, produced by The Woodlands Arts Council and presented by The Woodlands Compounding Pharmacy, is slated from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm on April 14, 2023, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. Attendees mix, mingle, and enjoy light bites and cocktails with VIP artists, and then participate in a 60-second “dash” for artwork to take home!

MEET FEATURED ARTIST CATHRA-ANNE BARKER The Festival is celebrating its 18th anniversary, and this year’s Featured Artist has attended 17 times. Cathra-Anne Barker, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a master potter with fifty years of experience and a mentor and role model to many aspiring artists. Barker focuses on pattern, the theme behind The Woodlands Arts Council’s Student Art Scholarship for 2023. Graduating high school seniors were asked to reflect on the presence or absence of patterns in the works they submitted in 2D, 3D, Short Fiction, Short Non-Fiction, and Poetry. The Arts Festival and Art Dash Party are the primary fundraisers for The Woodlands Arts Council Student Art Scholarship and Micro Grant programs. The $6,000, $3000, and $1000 scholarship winners include Conroe ISD

Attendees shop for bright and cheery artwork, photography, metalworks, and more! Photo courtesy visitthewoodlands.com. Families relax in the sunshine and enjoy live music. Photo courtesy visitthewoodlands.com. A view of the Swan Rides with artist booths across the Waterway. Photo courtesy visitthewoodlands.com.

students from The Woodlands High School, The Woodlands College Park High School, and Caney Creek High School. Awarded pieces will be featured in “Anthology Volume 1,” available for purchase at the Festival.

A LABOR OF LOVE The Woodlands Arts Council, more than 500 community volunteers, and a panel of Artist Jurors make the Festival possible. Among the Jurors are two familiar names from the Conroe art community — Kerry Conking and Brett G. Hall, who have both served as President of the Conroe Art League and sat on the board of directors. Conkling was instrumental in opening the Gallery at the Madeley Building in Conroe and won the award for Pursuit of Excellence in 2019 from the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance. Hall sat on the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance Board and was a judge for the CISD Rodeo Art competition. The selection process began last August with a call for submissions, followed by a live jury and acceptance notifications in November. This gave approximately 200 artists time to create and transport their wares to The Woodlands this April. Many thanks and much gratitude to all who inspire us to get involved in the arts!

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Curiosity Links Us with Mars SPACE SCIENCE RIGHT HERE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

ARTICLE BY MORGAN FREEMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NASA

For those that live in the greater Conroe area, it is commonplace to think of space and Houston synonymously. Many proudly refer to Houston as “Space City,” most have visited Space Center Houston at least once, and everyone has heard the famous phrase “Houston, we have a problem.” Even the beloved song “Deep in the Heart of Texas” begins with an ode to the night sky. Many may not know that, just like in days past, Houston is at the forefront of pushing the bounds of human exploration of the universe. Dr. Gérman Martínez came to the United States 12 years ago from Spain to participate in that exploration. While his official bio says he “has a diverse background in data analysis, numerical modeling, instrument development, and laboratory work,” he refers to himself as a weatherman—but on Mars. Dr. Martínez is a staff scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and works with NASA on Mars Rovers, Curiosity, and Perseverance.

For more than ten years the rover Curiosity has roamed the craters of Mars.

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Dr. Gérman Martínez studies information for Curiosity to learn to predict Mars weather

His research centers around contributing to the prediction of weather on the red planet. He makes the distinction between prediction and contributing to prediction purposely because he says, so far, they cannot actually predict the weather very well. What is the weather like on Mars? It’s dusty. Dr. Martinez compares the dust on Mars to water vapor on Earth. NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, of which Dr. Martínez is a team member, is busy learning how the dust cycle there works. They want to know what times of the year dust storms occur, where they will happen, and what time of day they are most likely to appear. If NASA is to send humans to Mars, forecasting the weather 225 million miles away is a milestone toward achieving that end. After the last few tumultuous years, investment in space exploration may seem like a frivolous pursuit. Still, Dr. Martínez advocates that it is a fundamental scientific field of study that contributes economically to the area and, more generally, to humanity at large. In addition to obvious benefits, like the jobs provided to locals, the research being done by scientists to

land people on Mars will almost certainly improve technology in other industries and the lives of everyday people. The research completed during the space race resulted in new and improved instruments in the medical field and materials for construction projects. A more obvious contribution is the improvements made to satellites. This led to better GPS and an improved ability to predict and report imminent natural disasters like tsunamis, which Dr. Martínez says saves lives. When asked what the most unexpected thing he has encountered in his research is, Dr. Martínez says, “That’s a tough question because my research being about Mars means that I am never sure of what I will find.” Part of what he likes best about his work is incrementally filling in knowledge gaps, but building bridges between the known and the unknown is not something he does in isolation. It is the work of a global community that happens to meet once a year in, of all places, The Woodlands, Texas. CONTINUED >

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“In addition to obvious benefits, like the jobs provided to locals, the research being done by scientists to land people on Mars will almost certainly improve technology in other i n d u s t r i e s a n d t h e l i v e s o f e v e r y d a y p e o p l e .”

The 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference occurred March 13th -17th at The Woodlands Marriott. Dr. Martínez calls it the most important lunar and planetary science conference in the United States and the world. As space science exploded after the moon landing, the conference played a massive role in gathering and sharing knowledge between scientists from around the globe. This year Dr. Martínez presented on the environmental science data collected by the rover Curiosity during its past ten years on Mars. The conference being held in the Houston area is no coincidence. The Lunar Sample Laboratory Facility at

Space Center Houston houses the world’s most extensive collection of moon rocks on public display. The samples brought from the moon during Apollo missions served in part as the genesis of the thriving planetary science community we see today. When the time comes, Dr. Martínez says Houston also will be home to the samples brought from Mars. In true Mar’s weatherman form, Dr. Martínez says his favorite part of Texas is, shockingly, the weather. However, his contributions to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge make him a truth sharer in the past, present, and future of the Texan legacy of space exploration.

Though damaged by the harsh conditions, Curiosity is still providing new information to scientists back in Houston.

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Cathra-Anne Barker

A New Pattern of Art Emerges Stroll along the scenic waterway and browse fine art from 200+ national and international artists

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Friday, Saturday, AND Sunday live music, local food art activites for kids, and more!

Buy tickets online! www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org

Visit our showroom Tuesday - Friday from 10a-6p or Call/email to set up an appointment with one of our designers.

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salmon picatta ARTICLE BY ALISON KARTEVOLD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Salmon Picatta from Chef from Joel Fernandez

ingredients: • 8 oz Atlantic salmon • 5 oz of freshly extruded spaghetti pasta • 1/2 oz olive oil • 1 oz fresh tomatoes dice • 1 garlic clove sliced • 1 oz capers • 1 oz butter • .5 oz Parmesan • 1 pinch each of salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and fresh parsley

procedure: 1. In a pot, boil water with a pinch of salt and olive oil. 2. Cook the fresh pasta for about 4 minutes. 3. Season the salmon with salt and peppers And sear in a hot pan with olive oil to the decided temperature of the salmon. 4. Remove the salmon from the pan, and sauté the capers, tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and parsley in the same pan. 5. Then add white wine and reduce to half. Add the butter and Parmesan and the cooked fresh pasta with some of the pasta water. 6.In a bowl, place the pasta in the center and place the salmon on top. Then add the remaining sauce over the salmon, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy.

Discover an Italian Recipe from a Local Chef Chef and owner of Ciccio’s Pasta in Conroe, Joel Fernandez, uses fresh local ingredients and made-from-scratch pasta for his beloved Italian recipes. A Le Cordon Bleu culinary school graduate, Chef Joel worked under famed Michelin-starred Chef Joel Robuchon at the Biltmore Hotel in Miami before going out on his own. Enjoy his recipe.

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APRIL 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

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Conroe Crossroads Music Festival

DOW N TOWN CON R OE- MAIN ST R E E T A ND S I MO NTO N | 3:0 0 P M Conroe Crossroads Music Festival returns April 13-16, 2023. Make plans to visit the Texas Music Friendly Community for four days of live music featuring 40 shows at venues throughout Conroe. Tickets: eventbrite.com/e/conroe-crossroads-tickets-473424825397 A P RIL 1 3T H

Night in Nashville celebrates 50 years with Meals on Wheels

SAW YER PARK ICEHOUS E- 314 P R UI T T R OA D, T H E WO O DL A NDS | 6 :0 0 P M Meals on Wheels Montgomery County is proud to have been serving the community for 50 years and are looking forward to the next 50! Join them for a night of Dueling Pianos and a private concert from Nashville's hottest, up-and-coming artists! https://mowmc.org/a-night-in-nashville A PR I L 1 4 T H- 1 6T H

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

TOWN G REEN PARK | 6:00 PM The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival features artwork from nearly 200 juried artists from across the country with fine art, live music, local food, and children's art activities for a fun family experience presented by The Woodlands Arts Council, a non-profit encouraging, supporting, and promoting the performing and visual arts. thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/festival A P RIL 2 8T H

Spring Thing benefiting New Danville

T HE WOODLAN DS R ES ORT | 11 :0 0 A M New Danville is honored to have Rory Feek, a singer-songwriter, storyteller, filmmaker, author, blogger, and father to a special needs daughter, Rory. As a Grammy award winner, he has written several hit songs, like “Some Beach” by Blake Shelton. New Danville is a nonprofit serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. spring-thing.org A P RIL 2 9 T H

Jazz Fest returns to Grand Central Park

T HE LAKE HOUS E AT G R AN D C E NT R A L PA R K | 1 :0 0 P M Grand Central Park will host Jazz Fest from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, at The Lake House, 1039 Lake House Drive. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music of local artists Bayou City Funk and Raquel Cepeda. Kids will enjoy a balloon artist and face painters. Food trucks will be available. A P RIL 2 9 T H

Conroe Kidzfest

DOW N TOWN CON R OE | 10:00 A M Over 15,000 people will gather in beautiful downtown Conroe to play, create, explore, and learn. Explore the Activity Villages for hands-on experiences, listen to live entertainment, participate in game booths, inflatables, and face-painting, and purchase food from the concessions. FREE Admission! CityofConroe.org

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