Looking for a destination for an overnight trip, weekend getaway, or family vacation? You might want to consider Shenandoah.
Situated in the booming North Houston area and adjacent to Conroe, Spring, and The Woodlands, Shenandoah packs a punch with nearly 60 restaurants, 13 well-reviewed and affordable hotels, five shopping centers, several family-friendly entertainment venues, and a variety of outdoor amenities such as two city parks, all in an easy-to-navigate, compact footprint of 2.2 square miles.
Here’s your short list for how to best enjoy Shenandoah:
Browse and shop
If you like to shop, Shenandoah is your mini mecca, with a multitude of options. You’ll love the Portofino Shopping Center, with its distinct Venetian-style architecture and mix of nationally recognized stores, specialty boutiques, and salons.
The Sam Moon Center is home to the eponymous Sam Moon Trading Company, which has endless accessories, apparel, cosmetics, and more. The recently added Space Cadets and Violet K-Pop stores are sure to appeal to the anime, comic book, K-pop fans, and plushie toy-lovers in your family.
Adjacent to the Sam Moon Center is the city’s Metropark Square, known for its entertainment options, hotels, restaurants, and salons, and be sure to check out the Daiso Japanese dollar store while you're there.
Shenandoah also has a variety of locally owned specialty shops worth exploring, including Bikeland and Bike Lane, each with a vast selection of road, mountain, and ebikes.
There's also Precision Camera & Video, one of the largest camera stores in Texas, which offers a variety of classes for the public.
Pop into Picket Fences, renowned for its stylish selection of furniture, home decor, unique gifts, and accessories.
Dish and dine
Foodies, take note: There are actually two, twice-nominated James Beard semifinalists in town, each with two restaurant concepts here.
The first is chef/owner Ronnie Killen of Killen’s Steakhouse, which serves the highest-quality steak — from USDA Prime beef to Japanese wagyu — and Gulf Coast seafood. There’s also a Killen’s Barbecue across the street for smoked faves in a more casual atmosphere.
The second is Levi Goode, chef/owner of both Kitchen & Cantina and Goode Co. Fish Camp. Fish Camp is the newest concept from the Goode Co. collection of restaurants, and features an oyster bar and the freshest fish around, along with seasonal dishes in a vibrant setting — and it can currently only be found in Shenandoah.
The Shenandoah location served as an incubator for both concepts, and Kitchen & Cantina, started in Shenandoah, now boasts two other locations in Houston (one in Memorial and one in The Heights).
Adriatic Cafe, Gloria's Latin Cuisine, and Kyu Ramen — featuring TBaar drinks — are all newly open or opening soon.
On the fast, casual front, be sure to check out Califa’s Tacos and Beer. This family-owned restaurant features Cali-style tacos and burritos made with the freshest ingredients.
Be sure to leave some room for dessert! Ice cream lovers are sure to find a treat at The Sweet Swirl and Social Sweets, the latter of which also serves coffee, baked goods, and both sweet and savory waffles.
Finally, Shenandoah just opened an Instagram-worthy mochi donut and creme puff shop called Munch Munch Mochi Donut, Tea & Dessert that foodies won’t want to miss.
See and do
There’s no shortage of places to go to be entertained while in town. Post up with some popcorn and a movie at the state-of-the-art AMC Metropark 10 with IMAX cineplex, or get creative with a paintbrush at the Color Me Mine pottery studio.
It’s game on at Dave & Buster’s and Main Event, or get your adrenaline fix at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. Cheeky Monkees just recently opened, delivering a children’s soft-play birthday and entertainment venue for little ones ages 10 months to 8 years.
Also coming soon are the indoor entertainment venues BRKTHROUGH, Escapology, and Game Show Battle Rooms.
Looking for some pampering for yourself? You might want to consider booking an appointment at the Aveda Institute, one of Aveda’s largest training centers in the country. You can get a variety of hair and body treatments for less as you help support students with their education (just be sure to allow a little extra time). Master trainers work alongside students as part of their training.
Outdoor enthusiasts will want to connect with nature at the W.G. Jones State Forest, which is one of the nation’s largest working urban forests, or the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, with its miles of hike and bike trails across 1,800 acres — both are just minutes away.
For a full list of places to see, shop, stay, and savor, head over to Visit Shenandoah.
Shenandoah City Park is a lovely green space in town.
Mexico Ceaty will bring several concepts to the Shops at Rivercenter.
Rendering courtesy of SA Partnerships
