Hit the Road

Conroe is a natural escape for lake lovers seeking outdoor adventures

Nature is at the heart of every visit to Conroe, and not only because of its famous 22,000-acre lake. It also boasts more than 250 miles of forest thanks to W. Goodrich Jones State Forest and Sam Houston National Forest — one of only four national forests in Texas.

And all this natural beauty is just north of Houston, making Conroe an easy escape. Here's a look at what else you can enjoy and explore while in town.

Lake Conroe
Let's start with the big one: Houston's aquatic playground. This massive lake is perfect for every recreational activity, from boating and kayaking to fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.

Opt for a guided fishing trip to help land all kinds of fish, from largemouth bass to black and white crappie. Tours and charters provide everything you need from the boat to the gear — all you have to do is cast your line.

The great outdoors
Off the shores of Lake Conroe, visitors can hike, bike, geocache, and more through miles of forest. In fact, the city's founder, Isaac Conroe, decided in 1881 to settle in the area based on its leafy surroundings — the original towering pines were preserved and still frame the city today.

Get your fresh air with a side of swings by checking out one of the city's many golf courses, including The Golf Club at Margaritaville Lake Resort and Panorama Golf Club.

Be one with nature without an agenda at Lake Conroe Park and 7 Acre Wood, an old-fashioned family fun park with swings, putt-putt, and a petting zoo.

Where to eat
Many restaurants take advantage of their location and offer lakeside dining, with bonus points for sunset views while you dine. Take it a step further with a dinner cruise aboard The Southern Empress, an iconic paddle wheel boat on the lake.

Conroe’s culinary scene brings forward local flavors at more than 40 restaurants, from Tex-Mex favorites at Fajita Jack's on Lake Conroe and authentic Texas barbecue at McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers to lakeside lounging featuring the freshest catch at Margaritaville's LandShark Bar & Grill.

Visitors can also try locally crafted mead at The Ferm Meadery, or sip on craft beer and wine at spots like Copperhead Brewery, Pacific Yard House, and The Lounge on Main - B E Winery's tasting room.

What to do
View the original Lone Star Flag at The Lone Star Monument & Historical Flag Park, then head 15 miles west to sister city Montgomery to visit the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County.

Historic Downtown Conroe is dotted with decorated art benches, three art galleries, antique shopping at Conroe Central Market and Mimi’s On Main, and additional shopping at local shops and boutiques like Main Street Merchants.

Stop in at the Crighton Theatre to enjoy everything from musicals and plays to live concerts, or pay a visit to the Owen Theatre, which is home to The Players Theatre Company.

Mark your calendar
Conroe is known for hosting long-standing events such as Kidzfest on April 29, 2023, and the annual Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival, held this year October 13-15.

Dress up for the Texas Renaissance Festival, located just down the road, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Thanksgiving Friday, happening this year from October 7-November 26.

Get pumped for the Conroe 10 Miler in December and feel the holiday vibes at the Toby Powell Conroe Christmas Celebration, held the second weekend of December.

Escape to Margaritaville
Margaritaville Lake Resort is a Jimmy Buffett-inspired island paradise located on Lake Conroe. Expect well-appointed rooms, heated pools, a spa, golf course, lakeside dining options, and more.

Other lodging options
The brand-new Hyatt Regency Conroe and Convention Center is accepting reservations for August 2023 and beyond, while bed-and-breakfast seekers can rest easy in The Caroline House.

Conroe is also home to hotels such as Holiday Inn Express & Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Best Western, and other recognizable names. Unique boutique stays are offered at Historic Hill House and Farm.

Conroe’s stunning naturescapes offer visitors a retreat-like getaway with a charming small-town feel, all without compromising on amenities and experiences. Plan your visit to Conroe here.

Photo by Visit Conroe

Conroe: Naturally inspired.

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Best of the South

Southern Living lauds Hill Country hotspot among best towns in the South

Photo by Steve Rawls

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The famous German Hill Country town of Fredericksburg is getting the spotlight as a must-visit destination in Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards.

Fredericksburg claimed the coveted No. 3 spot in the publication's ranking of the Best Small Towns in the South.

The annual awards are determined through third-party online surveys of Southern Living consumers from July 9 to September 9, 2025. Over 17,000 respondents rated their favorite places across the South, the report said.

The top two best small Southern towns were St. Augustine, Florida (No. 1), and St. Simons Island/Golden Isles, Georgia (No. 2).

Specifically, Southern Living gave a nod to Fredericksburg's growth and the recent addition of The Albert Hotel, which opened in 2025. The Albert Hotel was ranked the 10th best new hotel in 2026.

"The city’s premier full-service luxury hotel revives a cluster of 19th-century landmarks, from a historic saloon to a former pharmacy that is now a cafe, deli, and artisan market," the report said. "Alongside the 105 minimalist guest rooms, a holistic spa and a limestone pool provide moments of quiet relaxation."

We all need a relaxing day poolside at the Albert Hotel pool oasis.Photo by Chase Daniels

As the Fredericksburg area grows, Southern Living said, it still maintains its cozy, small-town feel.

"Fredericksburg still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, evident throughout Main Street architecture and a lively cluster of biergartens and long-running seasonal festivals," Southern Living wrote. "Wine lovers will feel particularly at home thanks to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout town and the surrounding countryside."

It's no wonder Southern Living decided to locate its 2026 Idea House there.

Popular events like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival and locally focused programs like the Texas Hill Country Wineries wine passports draw in crowds from all parts of Texas. The town is about a five-hour drive from downtown Dallas, which makes it a great weekend or spring break escape. North Texas travelers might even spot small patches of bluebonnets during their road trip through the Hill Country.

No matter which route you take, travelers should make a pit stop through another small Texas town called Marble Falls, which is home to one of Southern Living's most legendary Southern restaurants: Blue Bonnet Cafe. According to the report, its longstanding staff members embody the idea of "southern hospitality" every day.

"There’s one real reason the Blue Bonnet Cafe is so widely respected: The folks who run the place have been holding this small-town diner to high standards for years," the report said.

Blue Bonnet Cafe opened in 1929 and was later bought by the Kemper family in 1981, who still own and operate it today. Southern Living recommends ordering one of the blue plate specials, and a slice of pie is a mandatory treat.

"With 15 options — from luxuriously creamy to bright and fruity — you’re guaranteed to find one you’ll love," the report said.

Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas Ordering a slice of pie is a requirement, not a suggestion.Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls, TX/Facebook

The only other Texas destination to earn recognition in Southern Living's annual awards was the iconic Franklin Barbecue in Austin, which was crowned the best barbecue joint in Texas by the publication's readers.

"Fans from around the world queue up for hours to experience the craftsmanship that has made Franklin a barbecue celebrity," the report said. "Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze is still the showstopper here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage."

travel southern living awards fredericksburg marble falls barbecue austin

Hit the Road

Conroe is a natural escape for lake lovers seeking outdoor adventures

Best of the South

Southern Living lauds Hill Country hotspot among best towns in the South

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Paris Baguette bakes up bread and croissants for new Dallas suburb

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