A rare find in Woodlands Waterway! This 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath fabulous residence features all the rooms you'd need in a home, but in a low-maintenance condo. Painted reclaimed wood floors, decorative brick , Savant system for lighting, shades, and music. The kitchen is the heart of this home, pairing high-end finishes with thoughtful functionality, offering an ideal setting for everyday living and hosting. With 3 quartz islands, a Blue Star 6-burner gas range, soft-close cabinetry and drawers, there's room for many chefs! Living /dining /game room and kitchen open to one another, with panoramic views through the enormous windows The primary suite is tucked away, with 2 huge walk-in closets and an elegant bath. Study w/pocket doors; Media room w/projector and screen is located by the 2 large guest suites and 2nd game room; 6 parking spaces & additional storage Amenities include a pool & spa , grilling area & key FOB building access Walk to endless restaurants & shops in this lock and leave location!
Letter From the Editor
“It’s a dangerous business, going out your door…”
That sage advice from one adventurer to another—as Tolkien readers well know—calls to mind the anticipation, the breathless excitement of a journey unfolding just beyond your welcome mat. Whether the challenge comes in the form of questioning preconceived ideas or, in Houston’s case, navigating traffic that rivals a Middle-earth dragon encounter, the call to explore remains the same. All you need to do is step forward.
July is the perfect time to do just that. But all travelers benefit from a roadmap, a visual guide to help them along the way. That’s why we’re excited to share our July edition with you. As far as journeys go, this year’s annual Explore issue follows a winding path with several enticing offshoots.
From Rome, Florence and Tuscany, to the ancient cities of Athens, Corinth and Thessaloniki, to firework-lit skies over The Woodlands on the Fourth—and celebrations marking our nation’s 250th birthday—the pages ahead invite exploration both near and far. We hope you enjoy discovering new destinations.
But what if you can’t travel this summer?
This edition also features indoor escapes for the temperature-minded, plus group hobbies to take up with friends and neighbors.
But all things considered, if there’s one encouragement we’d leave you with this month, it’s this: take the morning walk instead of watching the world from your window. Call a friend and try something new together, whether that’s test driving a luxury vehicle, learning the art of floral arranging or candle making, or pursuing an activity closer to what a hobbit might enjoy. Just don’t let the summer heat—or a lack of travel plans—keep you from adventure.
You never know what awaits you just beyond the doorstep.
ALEX GRAY, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Tonya Butler | tonya.butler@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Alex Gray | alex.gray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Dawn Allen
STAFF WRITER
Travis Hager
ACCOUNT MANAGER
The Woodlands City Lifestyle woodlands@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Travis Hager, Laura L. Green, Alex Gray, Heather Davis, Michelle Leigh Smith, Carol Mowdy Bond, Aunika Anderson, Dawn Allen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Travis Hager
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Buyers are searching for the right home. Sellers are searching for the right representation. Both start with local knowledge, strong strategy and a team trusted across The Woodlands for 25+ years.
WHO YOU CHOOSE MATTERS.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
by The Woodlands Christian Academy
1: The Woodlands Christian Academy 2026 Gala Committee with Head of School Julie Ambler. 2: Gala Auctioneer Will Murphy. 3: Diamond West Band performing for the attendees. 4: Class of 2026 seniors sharing their college acceptances. 5: Gala auction winners celebrate in style. 6: Gala Chair Elizabeth Bolt and Linsey Bibler on stage. 7: A pickup truck photo spot draws a crowd of excited attendees and one adorable puppy.
Photography
Excellence in Dentistry
Dr. Leah has taken over 140 hours of continuing education with the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is working on her Fellowship distinction. Dr. Leah Zils is set to take over Dr. Cagle’s dental practice, dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of exceptional dental care established by her predecessor. Dr. Zils attended the University of Arkansas on a soccer scholarship before finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at Texas A&M University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She then graduated from UT School of Dentistry in Houston and hit the ground running with her dental career.
She has taken over 140 hours of continuing education with the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is working on her Fellowship distinction. She is certified in laser dentistry as well as oral sedation. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Zils looks forward to welcoming new clients into the practice, where she can apply her extensive education and experience to provide top-notch dental care.
Welcoming New Patients.
Care That Feels More Thoughtful—Because It Is
Baylor Medicine Concierge Healthcare is now open in The Woodlands. Our physicians see far fewer patients than the national average, giving them more time to focus on you. Members enjoy enhanced access to their dedicated care team, wellness services from advanced health professionals, and in-clinic lab and advanced diagnostics with seamless access to Baylor Medicine specialists. We look forward to providing exceptional healthcare to those living in The Woodlands and surrounding area.
Photography by Provided
Apricot Lane Boutique
Apricot Lane Boutique in The Woodlands, a locally owned and operated women’s clothing boutique, offers a personalized shopping experience rooted in community, connection and timeless style. At Apricot Lane, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of on-trend, high-quality fashion, all at an affordable price point. From flattering silhouettes to statement accessories, their collection is designed for women of all ages who value style and comfort.
Photography by Apricot Lane The Woodlands
beachy keen
Tommy Bahama’s Summer Collection
Just Washed Ashore to Get You Beach Ready
We all know Tommy Bahama as the sartorial home of the chic island dweller— and according to its origin story, “the island mindset is how it all started.”
From the first restaurant-and-retail oasis in Naples, Florida to our very own Woodlands location, the brand has managed to make beachwear acceptable, well, everywhere. (You don’t have to travel across the Atlantic to hear one man ask another the familiar “Is that a Tommy Bahama?” in reference to the passerby’s breezy linen button-down. The look has become that recognizable.) And thankfully, each season brings a new collection worthy of summer. From Artist Series prints, to seascape embroidery, what’s not to love?
ARTICLE BY ALEX GRAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
TOMMY BAHAMA
POOLSIDE PALMS
BEACH CAMP SHIRT, $128
SUN, SEA, SPRITZ BOYFRIEND BEACH SHIRT, $118
NOVA WAVE BLUE SKY VINES COTTON-BLEND SHIRT, $135
TOMMY BAHAMA’S NEW SUMMER 2026 MEN’S SWIM
the road ART ON
The Aston Martin Vanquish Volante
TRAVIS HAGER
By July in Texas, the instinct to explore becomes less of a suggestion and more of a summons. The highways stretch out under hard blue skies, the evenings turn gold, and the best drives begin just as the heat loosens its grip. On the approach to America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante feels unusually fitting: a British grand tourer built for the very American idea of movement, distance, independence and the open road.
That may sound lofty for a car, but Aston Martin has always traded in more than transportation. Somewhere between the DB7 Vantage of 2000 and this new Vanquish Volante, the company evolved from building beautiful performance cars into curating a broader way of living. The message is not volume—it’s taste.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
A prime example of art in motion.
The Vanquish sits at the heart of that philosophy. Not the Valkyrie, with its racing-bred extremes. Not the Valhalla, with its hybrid complexity. The Vanquish is the modern Aston Martin distilled, elegant enough for the resort entrance, powerful enough to humble nearly anything on the road, and composed enough to cross long distances without drama. Robb Report named the coupe its Car of the Year, and the logic is clear. In an era increasingly defined by electric silence and digital sameness, a front-engine, twin-turbocharged V12 still carries emotional authority.
The Volante, Aston Martin’s name for convertibles, adds open-air theatre. It arrives with 824 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque from a 5.2-liter twin-turbocharged V12. Aston Martin calls it the fastest and most powerful front-engine convertible in production. Numbers like that are impressive, naturally, but they are only the beginning. The appeal is how completely it understands the purpose of a grand tourer.
THE SHAPE OF SPEED
You approach the Vanquish Volante from an angle. That is where the proportions announce themselves. The wheelbase has been stretched beyond the previous DBS Superleggera, the rear track is wider, and the result is muscular without becoming brutish. The hood seems impossibly long, the cabin sits far back, and the whole car carries that classic Aston posture: authority without aggression.
The front end is dramatic, anchored by a larger grille feeding air to the V12. Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, describes the shape as a shark nose, and the phrase fits. The carbon fiber hood is sculpted with purpose, the side vents pull heat from the engine bay, and the detailing has the satisfying quality of function made beautiful. Nothing feels pasted on.
The rear may be the strongest angle. The taillights create a signature unlike anything else on the road, widening the visual stance and giving the car a look you would recognize from a mile away—at night. Four substantial exhaust tips sit beneath, and the optional titanium exhaust gives the V12 a lighter, sharper note when pressed.
The convertible roof is a small piece of engineering theater. Aston’s K-fold mechanism allows the fabric top to stack neatly beneath the rear deck without spoiling the car’s lines. Raised, the eight-layer roof keeps the cabin genuinely calm, save for the low presence of the engine. Lowered, it disappears in 14 seconds. The point is not merely that it works. The point is that it vanishes from thought, which is often the mark of proper craftsmanship.
FROM THE DRIVER’S SEAT
Inside, the Volante is restrained rather than theatrical. The door closes with reassuring weight. The seat holds you without pinching. Materials are exactly what they should be—the leather is substantial, the carbon fiber is real, and the Alcantara-lined roof feels appropriate rather than fashionable. The steering wheel rests where it should. The pedals fall naturally beneath your feet. Before you notice the screens, you notice the driving position, and that matters.
An iconic logo for an iconic car.
The flagship model from Aston Martin proved itself a head turner and conversation starter at almost every traffic light.
Powered by a V12 with 849 horsepower.
The dashboard integrates modern technology without surrendering the cabin to it. Two 10-inch displays handle the gauges and infotainment, useful without overwhelming the architecture. Physical controls remain for climate and key driving functions, finished with the sort of knurled metal tactility that still feels superior to tapping glass. Apple CarPlay Ultra is deeply integrated, allowing core vehicle functions to sit within the familiar Apple interface. Less fiddling, more driving.
Press the starter and the V12 settles into a low rumble. The original DB7 Vantage produced 420 horsepower from a 5.9liter V12. This new 5.2-liter engine produces nearly double that output, proof that Aston Martin’s romance has not come at the expense of engineering. The engine sits far back in the chassis, helping preserve the balance that gives the Vanquish its grand-touring composure.
In GT mode, the car behaves with impressive civility. The eightspeed ZF automatic shifts smoothly, the adaptive suspension reads the road with intelligence, and the car feels capable of devouring several states in a day. There is firmness, but not punishment. The Vanquish is always aware of its power, yet it does not make you live under constant threat from it.
THE POWER OF SPORTING
Switch to Sport mode and the tone changes. The throttle sharpens, the transmission holds gears longer, and the exhaust note opens into something more urgent. The power does not arrive as a single violent hit. It builds in a long, relentless surge, the sort of acceleration that makes speed feel less like a number and more like weather moving in.
Aston wisely limits power in the lower gears in GT mode. Sport mode removes that restraint and gives the driver more responsibility. That is part of the car’s character. It is not reckless, but
neither is it sanitized. There is still a relationship to manage between your right foot, the rear tires, and common sense.
The steering is electric, and some purists will miss the texture of older hydraulic systems. What the Vanquish offers instead is accuracy. It goes where you place it, without nervousness or constant correction. Through corners, the car favors stability first, then allows the rear differential to help rotate it as power is applied. The limits are high, and the car communicates enough to remind you they still exist.
With the top down, the entire experience opens up. The V12 is no longer filtered through glass and fabric. The sky becomes part of the cabin. The road feels wider, the landscape closer, and the car more alive. The Volante gives up a little rigidity to the coupe, but what it gains in atmosphere more than justifies the trade.
A PROMISE FULFILLED
The Vanquish Volante is not trying to be the loudest exotic, the hardest-edged supercar, or the most technological statement. It is trying to be the definitive Aston Martin grand tourer, and in that mission it succeeds. It brings together performance, beauty, craftsmanship and distance in a way few modern cars manage.
For a July issue devoted to exploration, it is an easy car to understand. America’s roads have always carried a sense of promise, from small-town main streets to mountain passes and coastal highways. The Vanquish Volante approaches that promise with British tailoring, V12 power, and a very clear sense of occasion.
After several hundred miles with the roof up and down, in traffic and on an open highway, the Vanquish Volante occupies a rare point where luxury and performance meet without either one overwhelming the other. It is not merely fast—it is complete. And on a Texas evening, with the light glowing amber and twelve cylinders singing ahead of you, complete feels like exactly the right word.
The Aston Martin Vanquish rightly sitting in Pride of Place at an open house.
WHEN IN ROME
TRAVELING BEYOND THE BUCKET LIST ON YOUR VACATION TO ITALY
Traveling to Italy for the first time? Your initial excitement may be followed by a wave of anxiety as you think about putting together an itinerary. Who knows when you’ll visit again? You’ve got to make it count! But jamming your dream trip with too many bucket list items is the reason some visitors return exhausted and with mixed feelings. Overtourism is also a factor—thousands of visitors descending upon the same iconic sites can make for an elbow-toelbow experience in which you’re soaking up the ambience…of standing in line with a crowd of other tourists.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY LAURA L. GREEN
Visiting one or more of Italy’s cities should be prefaced by a bit of serious, albeit enjoyable, research, starting as soon as you’ve set your dates. Avoid the hot, overrun months of June through August. From a flight standpoint, starting and ending your trip in Rome, with Florence and the hill towns of Tuscany in between, makes logistical sense. Plan for the must-sees, but leave room for the smaller “vignettes” that offer the chance to connect with the culture of the city.
Sightseers in St. Peter’s Square outside St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
ROME
Centro Storico, the city’s historic center, is less crowded late in the evening, making this an ideal time to visit the Trevi Fountain, Neptune Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, all dramatically lit and ideal for photos.
If the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are on your list, don’t skimp on the tickets. Springing for a well-reviewed, early morning small-group tour can make a big difference, allowing you to skip the long lines, which only grow as the day progresses. Lunch tip: Afterward, make a beeline through the massive crowd in St. Peter’s Square to Pizzarium Bonci in the Trionfale district for takeout pizza al taglio.
The Eternal City rewards the tourist who leans into curiosity and devotes time to places outside of the main tourist areas, explains Katie Parla, a Rome-based food and beverage writer, culinary guide and author. Food markets like those in the neighborhoods of Testaccio and Trionfale offer a slice of daily Roman life, where you can talk to vendors, grab coffee, and get to know the seasonal food culture.
She suggests seeking out restaurants tucked away from tourist spots, with local patrons and a menu of Roman cuisine. Viral TikTok posts are not an accurate gauge of quality.
“Some of the most heavily promoted places online have deeply mediocre food,” says Parla.
Reservations for dinner should be made weeks—or even months—before leaving home.
FLORENCE
As in Rome, early risers will experience thinner crowds and shorter lines. An 8:15 a.m. entry time at the Galleria dell’Accademia will give you a close-up view of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David sculpture. Early entry tickets at the Uffizi Gallery are also advisable. Avoid “museum fatigue” by knowing which artists and works are of greatest interest to you before you arrive and heading there first. Museum tip: La Specola Natural History Museum offers much faster entry and a remarkable collection of human wax anatomical models.
Cross the Ponte Vecchio and explore the hilly streets of the Oltrarno to find parks, churches, museums, shops, restaurants and bars, along with a calmer, less touristy vibe. Order a Florentine panino and wind your way to Piazza Santo Spirito for the organic market held the third Sunday of each month. Learn more about the foods of Florence at the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio, where you can mingle with locals and fill your shopping bag with cured meats, cheeses, seafood, bread and produce.
CONTINUED >
In Florence, a bountiful dinner of farmers market finds.
The evening skyline from Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, Florence.
On a shop door in Florence, a pop-art depiction of Botticelli’s Face of Flora, from his Primavera painting, which is housed in
Uffizi Gallery.
A SIDE TRIP TO THE HILL TOWNS OF TUSCANY
Rent a car in Florence, and take the scenic route through the stunning Val d’Orcia region to visit a few of Tuscany’s ancient hilltop towns, such as Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino. Soak in the storybook vistas from atop medieval city walls, and explore the cobblestone streets. With the exception of making your dinner reservations in advance, nothing else need be done, save to enjoy the unexpected discoveries that turn a trip into a treasured memory.
In Montepulciano, a garden terrace overlooking the Tuscan countryside.
FROM A GRATEFUL TRAVELER
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER DAVIS
The Thessaloniki beach at sunset.
Thank You Notes to the Cities of Greece
Dear Greece,
From the moment the New Testament letters spoke of you, I knew this would be a place of peace, faith and movement. Long before stepping onto your streets, I had imagined your mountains, seas and ancient cities as a place where history and belief naturally intertwined. As my friends and I planned the trip, excitement steadily grew as we realized that we could experience something larger than ourselves. Our goal was to simply follow the Apostle Paul’s footsteps and visit the places woven throughout his letters and ministry. We planned to start in Athens, work our way down to Corinth by train, drift north toward Thessaloniki, and finally ascend into the breathtaking heights of Meteora.
While we longed to step foot in each city, we never knew the lasting impact each place would leave on our hearts. So, Greece, as a grateful traveler to your isles, let me thank each place individually for the beauty, stillness and life offered along the way.
TO THE RUINS IN ATHENS:
Thank you for teaching me that ancient history does not have to remain frozen in time. Each column, ruin and architectural marvel intertwined with the modern city so effortlessly it felt impossible to distinguish past from present. Even feral cats seemed to belong to the ruins themselves, curling peacefully among fallen stones as though they had lived there for centuries. Above it all, the Acropolis of Athens towered over the city like a silent guardian, steady and timeless above the lively streets below. At night, it became the focal point and a beautiful backdrop for evening excursions.
We spent hours exploring the city, wandering through crowded markets overflowing with fish, olives and various other delicacies from the early morning’s labor. Yet, what I remember most are the orange trees scattered along the streets of Athens with their sweet fragrance. Standing beneath those trees, I could not help but think about how generations before us had likely stood in the same shade. Athens, thank you for reminding me that history is never dead—it lives on through the people and traditions that endure.
TO THE MESSAGE CARRIED THROUGH CORINTH:
Thank you for preserving the echoes of conversations long finished. Resting in the train for our hour-long journey to the ancient ruins, my thoughts leapt with excitement for what was to come. As the rolling hills and towering mountains appeared, nothing prepared me for the pure stillness that met us upon arriving. Walking through the ruins felt less like a tour of an abandoned, broken city, but rather a venture into the forgotten memories of a once-bustling harbor. The weathered columns of The Temple of Apollo and the continuously flowing water of the Peirene Fountain refuse to disappear from my mind.
Most moving of all were the streets once walked by the apostle Paul himself. Pausing on the famous Lechaion Road, I pictured the hurried footsteps of merchants, greetings exchanged, and hearty laughter. In the wind, it almost felt possible to hear echoes of Paul preaching the gospel to eager listeners gathered around him.
The breathtaking Acropolis under construction.
Though reduced to ruins, Corinth escapes abandonment and echoes through memory. Thank you for reminding me that faith, history and humanity emerge untrampled long after the walls crumble.
TO THE FRAGILE YET SUNLIT THESSALONIKI:
Thank you for greeting us with sunlight that melted into the sea like spilled tangerine glass. Unlike Athens and Corinth, you carried yourself differently than the other cities. Your streets were slower, gentler, and the people more reflective. Rather than feeling rushed, your city felt lived in. Everywhere we went, we encountered the most spectacularly warm locals with the most gracious and humble hearts. The city was enveloped with an indescribable love, one to be experienced.
Your churches left the deepest impression on me. Inside each one, faded mosaics and worn stone walls preserved centuries of devotion. Every candle flicker and worn painting carefully created a foundation for your city. While the climb up to the monastery challenged us, the reward felt like the missing piece of an intricate puzzle: sweeping views of the coastline, a crisp breeze and stunning peacocks wandering nearby. Thessaloniki, thank you for showing me that beauty is both fragile and enduring.
TO METEORA—THE QUIET HEIGHT
Thank you for making me feel small in the best possible way. From the moment our car turned onto the cliff, I was speechless. Enormous cliffs erupted from the earth like rigid pedestals with these elaborate and ancient monasteries built upon them.
Their isolation gave them an almost dreamlike quality as if they could touch the heavens. Out of the 24 monasteries that had been originally built, only six remained, acting as a reminder of remarkable endurance and faith.
Climbing the steep steps to Great Meteoron, Holy Trinity and Varlaam tested every ounce of our remaining energy, yet the views were worth the journey. The snow-touched Pindus Mountains peeled away distractions, illustrating that the world is more than chaos and danger, but can be equally quiet and gentle. Meteora, thank you for reminding me how close stillness can feel to heaven.
Greece, I thought I had only been observing you, but I realize that you had been carrying me all along. My journey crossed crumbling ruins, citrus-scented markets, gorgeous coastlines and sunlit monasteries. Yet beyond the landmarks themselves, it was the spirit of your people, your history and the quiet beauty that changed me most. From the orange trees lining the streets of Athens to the winds sweeping through Meteora’s cliffs, you welcomed me with a warmth that felt impossible to fully describe. You reminded me that history is not merely something we study, but is something that we can experience and carry with us. Thank you, Greece, for the life and wonder you have poured into me.
Sincerely,
A Grateful Traveler
The crumbled ruins of Ancient Corinth still standing.
SEEDS OF VICTORY
Victory Gardens Honor Patriotic Spirit on America’s 250th Birthday
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE LEIGH SMITH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOCK
There’s a divine glory in nurturing. Victory gardens, also known as “war gardens” or “food gardens for defense,” were planted in fruit, herb and vegetable plots, on rooftops, in window boxes, public parks and ultimately, the White House lawn during World War II.
This July, in honor of our nation’s 250th birthday, we have a new opportunity to plant for a cause. Unlike the vegetable gardens of the war years designed for survival, these gardens are created for celebration. Bright borders of red, white and buoyant blue demonstrate patriotism and grow in tribute to all who fought for freedom.
A HISTORIC MOVEMENT
Some of the earliest gardens were planted following Charles Lathrop Pack’s organization of the National
War Garden Commission before the U.S. entered World War I. “Sow the Seeds of Victory” appeared on posters from New Caney to Conroe. Cultivation of schoolyards, backyards and vacant lots sprang up.
In 1943, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt planted a victory garden in front of the White House, overruling advisers who feared it might look undignified or imply a food shortage. Rationing in 1943 made gardening not only patriotic, but necessary. At their peak in 1944, 20 million victory gardens produced 40 percent of the country’s fresh vegetables, reducing the burden on farmers and transportation.
The National Garden Bureau bloomed in 1920 in the wake of World War I. Newspaperman James Burdett pioneered the idea of enlisting horticultural writers and broadcasters for mass education to create a population of gardeners. In 1943, Burdett’s book, The Victory Garden Manual , became a go-to guide.
THE VICTORY GARDEN 250 MOVEMENT
The National Garden Bureau’s Executive Director Diane Blazek says, “We had a big surge during COVID, and today Victory Gardens are officially making a comeback. People are searching for what to plant for red, white and blue gardens. In honor of America’s 250th, we’re also sharing our members’ histories, going back to 1818.”
On Instagram, the Victory Garden Alliance spearheads the movement for self-reliance, sustainability and community resilience with patriotic plant palettes. The Chicago Botanic Garden at 1000 Lake Cook Road is hosting America Grows–250 Years of Garden Stories through Sept. 27.
A PLACE OF POTENTIAL
“You don’t need a large area,” says Carol Brouwer, who recently shared the history of victory gardens with her Alexander Love chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
One of Brouwer’s favorite references is City Bountiful: A Century of Community Gardening in America by L. Lawson (University of California Press), tracing the evolution of urban gardening through both World Wars.
“Use containers on your patio to create tributes. Hanging baskets with trailing petunias or plumbago create stunning waterfalls of patriotic color.”
Vanessa Mascia, nursery manager at Nature’s Way Resources, 101 Sherbrook Circle in Conroe, recommends Blue Daze, blue salvia or cornflower as heat-tolerant options in the blue floral category.
“Red vinca, verbena, red pentas or Turk’s cap are sun-loving, and white verbena or white pentas complete the patriotic theme,” says Mascia.
Whatever you plant, may your soil—and our nation’s— grow richer for it.
sky high
Pyrotechnics Past and Present
ARTICLE BY CAROL MOWDY BOND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS
Crowds enjoy July 4th fireworks at Northshore Park in The Woodlands. Photo Courtesy of Visit The Woodlands.
You can probably thank the people of China for fireworks—well, and the Italians, French, English and John Adams. Ancient Chinese innovators tossed hollow bamboo stalks into fire and voilà— firecrackers. Later, they stuffed gunpowder into paper tubes for a bigger bang. Fireworks then traveled globally and into Europe, where they evolved into spectacular festivities (and unfortunately, caused some disasters).
The notable Italian Ruggieri family loved playing with fire. They pioneered vivid colors, unique shapes, theatrical displays, luminary moving effects and the ability to ignite multiple rockets simultaneously.
But the “Sun King,” Louis XIV of France, was such a fireworks fanatic that he likely should have been labeled as the “Fire King.” He hired the Ruggieris as his personal pyrotechnicians (a new career option), and he spent oodles of money on bombastic displays to highlight his I’m-the-absolutely-tops power. Naturally, other European monarchs, royalty and upper classes followed suit.
Fireworks also enamored American colonials. And on July 3, 1776, when Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was in edits, John Adams wanted everyone to celebrate their upcoming-new-found independence with “Illuminations” (fireworks). So the American tradition began, spreading as Adams hoped, “from one end of this continent to the other” and continuing today.
BRING ON THE 250 BIRTHDAY BASH
Two hundred and fifty years forward, and now it’s hard to one-up The Woodlands’ fireworks displays. In fact, Nick Wolda, president of Visit The Woodlands, says fireworks are part of numerous signature-community experiences like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Lighting of the Doves.
According to Wolda, since The Woodlands’ 1974 founding (shades of America’s 1776 founding), July 4th fireworks have been the status quo. The celebrations expanded significantly in the 2000s with the introduction of multiple launch sites. Today, The Woodlands hosts so much Independence Dayrelated hoopla that it’s hard to look elsewhere for so much fun and colorful-in-the-sky-explosive displays. In fact, these dynamic events begin well before the fourth of July.
On July 4th morning, the South County Fourth of July Parade at Market Street will dazzle the crowds. The historically-inspired Lord Stirling’s Fifes & Drums will lead the 150-entry parade along a 1.4-mile route in The Woodlands. Later that day, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival sparkles from 6-10 p.m. with entertainment, including the Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:30 p.m.—one of Greater Houston’s largest and most spectacular fireworks shows. Multiple launch sites and activities abound in The Woodlands. Make sure you’ve found your best place to watch fiery illuminations by looking for the 9, 9:10, and 9:20 teaser bursts.
A PATRIOTIC WORD OF WARNING
The Woodlands covenants have prohibited the sale and use of fireworks since the township’s founding in 1974. So, let the professionals make the sparklers soar, leaving you with only one responsibility: sit back, relax and toast to the best view in Texas.
1810 fireworks and full-size model of the Arc de Triomphe on the wedding day of Napoleon Bonaparte and Marie Louise. Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons.
Meredith Boudousquié Founder Editor-In-Chief
ARTICLE BY AUNIKA ANDERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOCK
the summer escape
4 Hobbies to Ignite Creativity and Inspire Community
Summer, with its slower rhythms and longer days, offers the perfect opportunity to explore new hobbies. This season, consider embracing one of these charming activities that invite you to slow down, cultivate community and ignite creativity.
MAHJONG
From the brightly colored tiles to the sense of community it naturally creates, there is something endearing about mahjong. As it has grown in popularity in recent years, it has become more than just a game; it’s a way to cultivate friendships, express personal style, and embrace a little friendly competition while having fun. Originating in 19th-century China, mahjong blends skill, strategy and just the right amount of luck. Hosting a mahjong night is the perfect way to gather friends for an intimate, stylish evening. From choosing a beautiful mahjong set and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere to serving playful drinks and snacks, every detail can make the experience feel both elevated and welcoming. For those looking to connect with a broader community, organizations like The Woodlands Mahjong Society also host events that contribute to local charities.
EMBROIDERY
Beautifully embroidered fabric evokes a sense of romance—the delicate stitching, intricate patterns and sense of care are woven into every piece. Though embroidery has existed for centuries, it remains a timeless art form. Beyond its beauty, it offers a calming, meditative rhythm: the simple act of working with your hands, selecting meaningful patterns and slowly creating something from scratch. With only a few supplies required, it’s an approachable hobby that’s easy to learn, whether stitching alone on a quiet afternoon or shared with friends around a table. For even more practice, The Little Sewing Room in Spring offers classes from Beginners to Advanced.
FLORAL ARRANGING
Dating all the way to ancient Egypt, floral arranging is both an art and a creative practice that invites self-expression without the pressure of perfection. Every stem, texture and color combination becomes part of something uniquely beautiful. It invites you to slow down and allows creativity to unfold without a rigid plan. From selecting flowers at Trader Joe’s for a casual bouquet-making
“This
season, consider embracing one of these charming activities that invite you to slow down, cultivate community and ignite creativity.”
afternoon to taking a floral arranging class at Piney Rose, there are countless ways to enjoy the beauty of working with flowers.
CANDLE MAKING
Candle making has evolved from a practical necessity in early civilizations to a form of artisanal craftsmanship that can easily be enjoyed at home. From choosing fragrances and vessels to
blending colors and textures, the process encourages imagination while remaining approachable. Candle making lends itself beautifully to community—whether hosting an evening of experimenting or learning the craft together in a class-like setting at Mercy House Global Market in Tomball. And perhaps the most rewarding part is the ability to give something handmade to the wonderful friends you have cultivated in the art.
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Interior
Motives
ARTICLE BY DAWN ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS
The July heat shows no mercy. Good news: cool, indoor escapes abound.
Left: Bob Mosier's phylum leaf microphotography cross-section thread painting.
ENTWINED | THE WOODLANDS ARTS COUNCIL
Step out of the heat and into a love story told in thread and paint. Entwined, TWAC’s first exhibit featuring a married couple, presents the work of Bob Mosier and Karen Fearon, partners of 32 years and former educators at The John Cooper School. Mosier builds with thread—geometric forms that begin flat, with three-dimensional sculpture the ultimate outcome. Fearon works looser, chasing intuition through drawings and paintings. Both find new life in reclaimed materials. Different processes, one shared creative life.
Entwined runs through Aug. 6. Tuesday–Thursday, 1–4 p.m. TWAC Exhibition Space, 9450 Grogans Mill Rd., Ste. 160, The Woodlands. 832.304.9863. TheWoodlandsArtsCouncil.org
POTTERYLAND STUDIO
At Potteryland, everyone qualifies as an artist—and a break from the heat comes built in. Family-owned and operating in The Woodlands since 2010, the paint-your-own pottery studio welcomes walk-ins and RSVPs. Choose a piece from hundreds of options, then head to the paint bar stocked with more than 60 colors, stamps, stencils, brushes and other design tools. Friendly staff offers guidance as needed. Once you finish painting, leave your piece behind. Three days later, it returns glazed and kiln-fired. First-timers and seasoned painters alike find a place here.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m. 1027 Sawdust Rd., Ste. 1, The Woodlands. 281.419.7965. Potteryland-Studio.com
CRIGHTON THEATRE
For a cultural evening out, head north on Interstate 45. The historic Crighton Theatre has anchored downtown Conroe's arts scene since 1934, and its resident company, Stage Right of Texas, keeps the calendar full. The nonprofit community theatre stages everything from comedies to classic musicals, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Stage Right performs Bye Bye Birdie through July 19. Pre-show dining along Main Street makes the trip a breeze to justify.
234 N. Main St., Conroe. 936.441.7469 | CrightonTheatre.org
IMMERSIVE GAMEBOX THE WOODLANDS MALL
Put the phone down and step inside the game. Literally. Immersive Gamebox transforms a private room into an interactive arena, with wraparound projection screens, touch-sensitive walls and motion tracking that make the player the controller. Titles include Squid Game, Floor Is Lava, Angry Birds and PAW Patrol, with options for ages three and up. Groups of up to six can book a private box. Advance booking recommended, though the venue welcomes walk-ins. The Gamebox works well for family outings, date nights or groups with time to spare.
Monday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr., Unit 3001, The Woodlands Mall. 888.471.4126. ImmersiveGamebox.com
IMMERSIVE
GAMEBOX TRANSFORMS A PRIVATE ROOM INTO AN INTERACTIVE ARENA, WITH WRAPAROUND PROJECTION SCREENS, TOUCH-SENSITIVE WALLS AND MOTION TRACKING THAT MAKE THE PLAYER THE CONTROLLER.
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
Summer Seafood Gazpacho
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
JULY 2026
JULY 3RD
Star Spangled Salute
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 6:30 PM
Head to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion on Friday, July 3 for the Star-Spangled Salute sponsored by ExxonMobil, a free show featuring the Houston Symphony. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.
JULY 13TH
Soccer Stars Powered by Adidas Camp
Community Fieldhouse
Sports Bar and Grill
Soccer Stars Powered by Adidas Camp is a World Cup–themed summer soccer camp designed to immerse children in the excitement of the global game while developing core soccer skills in a positive and supportive environment. For ages 5-12. For more information: TheWoodlands@SoccerStars.com
JULY 15TH
Game On!
A Symphony of Sport
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 6:30 PM
Game On! A Symphony of Sport brings energy, precision and rhythm to life in an electrifying concert with the Woodlands Symphony—celebrating the sounds of stadiums, arenas, Olympic triumphs and unforgettable sports moments—from Eye of the Tiger to We Are the Champions, this concert is packed with the music that fuels competition and victory.
JULY 18TH
Flatland Calvary: Work of Heart Tour
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 6:00 PM
Flatland Cavalry, with Randy Rogers Band and Zack Telander, stops in The Woodlands on its Work of Heart Tour at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
OLD TOWN SPRING
JULY 21ST
The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 7:00 PM
Who better to sing the songs of two American icons than the man Billy Joel himself hand-picked to play him on Broadway? Michael Cavanaugh, star of the Broadway smash Movin’ Out, joins the Houston Symphony for an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.
JULY 24TH
Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band: Keep the Party Going Tour
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | 6:30 PM
Jimmy Buffett's touring and recording band, the Coral Reefer Band, is keeping the party going three years after their frontman's passing by playing his summer hits. Enjoy Buffett's music live for a nostalgic concert with friends and family.
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Erica K. Cummings, DDS, MAGD, D-ABDSM is a board-certified general and cosmetic dentist crafting gorgeous smiles throughout The Woodlands. With 18 years of experience as a dentist, Dr. Cummings is proud to own a practice that treats its patients like family.
