"Park & Ride, 5K Race, Culinary Delights & More: The Latest Buzz in The Woodlands!"

Run and Done 3.1 5K Race and Family Egg Hunt in The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands Township Parks and Recreation Department will host the Run and Done 3.1 5K on April 4, 2026, from 7 to 9 a.m., starting at 2099 Lake Robbins Drive along the beautiful Waterway.

This chip-timed race is USATF sanctioned and open to all runners ages 10 and up, offering awards for overall and age group winners.

Winners can collect their prizes onsite and enjoy a special photo area.

The fun continues at Town Green Park with a festive egg hunt at 8 a.m. for registered participants and their families—remember to bring your own basket.

Registration costs $35 and includes a medal and participant packet, while shirts can be purchased separately during packet pickup or race day.

No race day registration is available—sign up early and get text alerts by texting RUNANDDONE26 to 877-949-3956.

Spring brings even more events like the Archers Egg Hunt, Doggie Egg Hunt, Flashlight Egg Hunt, and Sunset Scramble, welcoming all residents and visitors to celebrate with The Woodlands community.

Taste of the Town 2026:

Culinary Highlights and Competition Winners

Taste of the Town celebrated its 40th year, attracting thousands to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center on January 29, 2026.

More than 40 local restaurants and beverage companies delighted guests with an impressive spread of appetizers, entrées, desserts, and specialty drinks.

Attendees sampled signature cuisine that showcased the area’s rich culinary talents.

The event’s signature competition awarded Best Appetizer to Goode Company Fish Camp, Best Entrée to The Capital Grille, and Best Dessert to rise soufflé, while Lighthouse Catering secured the People’s Choice Award based on attendee votes.

Judges, including Houston Astros chef Logan Baker and Oak Ridge North Mayor Paul Bond, ensured the competition’s integrity.

Chamber President Aaron Cox lauded the event for uniting the community and spotlighting local business.

The anniversary reaffirmed Taste of the Town as a cherished tradition nourishing The Woodlands’ vibrant food culture.

Lankford's Burgers Opens New Location

in The Woodlands

Lankford's, a beloved Houston institution since 1937, has brought its famous burgers to The Woodlands with a brand-new location at 24 Waterway Avenue.

This family-run eatery welcomes guests with seating for about 200, offering both cozy indoor dining and a breezy patio experience.

Alongside their legendary burgers, visitors can enjoy a 12-tap self-serve beer wall and a fun milkshake bar for all ages.

The new spot features a unique “Rescue Menu” for dogs, generously supporting the Montgomery County Animal Shelter with each order.

Highlights like the Grim Burger—topped with mac and cheese, jalapeños, bacon, cheddar, and a sunny-side-up egg—and the spicy Firehouse Burger keep loyal fans coming back.

With this expansion, Lankford's blends its treasured history with the lively spirit of The Woodlands, promising delicious moments for all.

Walk More to Stress Less:

Get Moving to Improve Well-Being

More than 10 years ago, a mere five words frightened desk jockeys everywhere: “sitting is the new smoking.”

Still, many people across the U.S. are walking less than they used to. Long days spent sitting can take a toll over time, negatively impacting bodies and minds.

Research from the American Heart Association shows 1 in 4 adults in the United States sits for longer than 8 hours each day, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and premature death.

Feeling stretched by the demands of everyday life is common. However, simply adding just 20 minutes of daily physical activity may reduce the risk of disease and improve mental health, according to research published in “JAMA Internal Medicine.” Additionally, being physically active reaps many benefits down the road.

It keeps your mind sharp as you age; studies show higher levels of fitness are linked to better attention, learning, working memory and problem solving. It also slashes risk of depression and boosts an all-around sense of joy.

Research continues to show physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. This year, in honor of National Walking Day – created by the American Heart Association more than 10 years ago to encourage more movement throughout the day and help people live longer, healthier lives, one step at a time – consider these ideas to get your body moving to help lower stress, improve sleep, lift your mood and support both mental and physical health.

Step into the Great Outdoors

Slipping on a pair of comfortable walking shoes and heading outside is a simple way to get more movement in your life.

Walking outside has the added benefits of helping reduce stress, improving mood and boosting cardiovascular health.

Sunshine also provides a boost of vitamin D and immune support.

Make It Fun

Think of movement as something you give yourself, by moving more your way. When you choose activities you enjoy, it becomes easier to make them part of your day. If you can’t find 20 minutes for a walk outside, even short bursts of movement can help.

Walking in place at a brisk pace, walking up and down the stairs in your home, finding a quick dance workout online or even seated exercises and stretch breaks throughout the day can help you feel more refreshed and ready to take on everyday tasks, like cooking and running errands.

Walk with a Furry Friend

Pets can be a great motivator to get moving. Plus, taking your furry friend for a stroll can support heart health, lower stress and boost overall happiness. In fact. a study published in the “Journal of Physical Activity and Health” shows dog owners are 34% more likely to reach their fitness goals and get the recommended amount of physical activity than those who don’t have a dog

Walking with your pet can also lead to more social connection, such as meeting neighbors or other pet owners.

Pound the Pavement with a Pal

Walking solo can be good for introspection, but bringing a friend, family member or coworker can make the time pass more quickly and add connection to your routine.

Explore a greenway, waterfront or indoor mall for a fresh way to get some steps. If a loved one isn’t available to join you, make a phone call while you walk or take a meeting or conference call outdoors if your work allows it.

Every step counts. Visit Heart.org/movemore for more tips to get moving.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

American Heart Association

Stop the Sniffles with Sick Day Soup

Coughs and sniffles don’t have to derail you for long – not with a fresh, homemade stockpot full of Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup.

Loaded with rotisserie chicken, celery and carrots, it’s sure to warm you from the inside-out as a warm, comforting meal.

Plus, with eight servings, this dish can help solve dinnertime dilemmas throughout the week by storing leftovers in the refrigerator and reheating on the stove.

Warm up your winter meals with more comforting ideas available at Culinary.net.

Sick Day Chicken Noodle Soup

Recipe
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

1/2 tablespoon butter

2 ribs celery, diced

3-4 large carrots, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

10 cups chicken stock or broth

1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, salt, to taste, pepper, to taste

chicken bouillon cubes (optional)

4- cups dry egg noodles

3-cups cooked rotisserie chicken

In large stockpot over medium-high heat, sauté butter, celery and carrots 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Add chicken stock or broth and season with rosemary, thyme and crushed red pepper.

Add salt and pepper, to taste. Taste and add chicken bouillon cubes, if desired, for flavor.

Bring to boil. Add noodles and cook until al dente. Remove from heat once noodles are tender.

Add chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Dog Grooming Advice to

Keep Pets Clean and Healthy

Regular grooming can keep your dog looking and smelling his or her best, but it’s also important for maintaining health.

If you choose to groom at home rather than opting for (often expensive) professional care, it’s also an opportunity to examine your pet for potential concerns.

A proper grooming routine starts with the right tools. Consider these suggestions from The Humane Society of the United States:

Dog-friendly nail clippers
Rubber-bristled brush
Dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste
Dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner
Cotton balls
Blunt-ended shears or small clippers with guides
Microfiber towel

Trimming Nails

When your dog’s nails nearly touch the ground, it’s time for a trim, typically every 3-4 weeks.

Trimming the part of the nail that turns down helps prevent pain and damage to paws.

If your dog has white nails, avoid cutting the “quick,” the pink part that’s visible on white nails, which bleeds when cut.

For dark nails, simply trim a bit at a time until evidence of the quick is visible.

Bathing and Brushing

Frequency for baths and brushing depends on your dog’s coat type – be sure to research optimal grooming schedules based on his or her breed.

In general, The Humane Society of the United States recommends these guidelines:

Short, smooth or wiry coat: Brush once a week with a rubber-bristled brush.
Long, silky or curly coat: Brush once a day with a rubber-bristled brush or wire slicker brush. Use a steel comb to prevent tangles or mats, if necessary.
Double coat: Use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to gently de-shed once a week in addition to regular brushing routines.

When it’s bath time, use a shampoo formulated for dogs and a damp cloth or cotton ball to clean around the eyes and ears without pushing anything into the eyes or ears. Dry with a microfiber towel or hair dryer on a low setting.

Cutting Fur

Be careful and work slowly to avoid mistakes and keep your dog calm and comfortable.

Brush, bathe and completely dry prior to cutting fur with blunt-ended shears or small clippers with guide combs.

Specifically trim hair covering the eyes and private areas and between your pup’s paw pads.

It may be helpful to watch a tutorial online to ensure success.

Brushing Teeth

You can prevent gum disease and plaque buildup by brushing your dog’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste.

Make sure your pet is comfortable and start slow, staying on the outside surfaces of teeth and gently rubbing back and forth. Focus on the area where the tooth surface meets the gum.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash