Dad Joke !

Why are trees the best neighbors to have?

Because they never start an argument—they just leaf you alone!

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Important Note*** We have had a couple of people complain that the Newsletter is "Inside Woodlands" and Not "Inside The Woodlands" the reason for that is that there are trademarks we can not infringe on. Just wanted to clear that up. 

So Enjoy The Newsletter ....

Lankford's Burgers Expands to The Woodlands and Enhances Midtown Flagship

Lankford's Burgers, a beloved Houston staple since 1937, is preparing for a major expansion in January 2026.

The family-owned restaurant will open a third location in The Woodlands at 24 Waterway Avenue, taking over the former Baja Cantina site.

Third-generation owners Jessica and Paul Prior and fourth-generation Nicolas van der Does are leading this exciting growth.

The Woodlands location is designed for all ages, featuring a 12-tap self-serve beer wall, a milkshake bar with boozy options, and a unique 'Rescue Menu' for dogs.

Proceeds from the dog menu will support the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.

Guests can also enjoy the new Lankford's Wine Club for special offerings and events.

Meanwhile, the Midtown flagship will add a specialized coffee and wine bar, offering pastries from chef Jenny Finch and a curated wine list.

This expansion honors Lankford's cherished history while introducing fresh experiences for Houston and The Woodlands communities.

The Woodlands Fire Department, in partnership with The Woodlands Township and Montgomery County Hospital District, will open the new Fire Station 5/Medic 24 at 8005 McBeth Way on January 31, 2026.

This state-of-the-art 21,565-square-foot facility is designed for a rapidly growing community, featuring 14 individual dormitories and 4.5 apparatus bays to ensure readiness and firefighter wellbeing.

The station serves the western Villages of Sterling Ridge and Indian Springs, strategically improving emergency response times.

With resources like an engine company, truck company, battalion chief, collapse rescue truck, and two EMS units, the station boosts both response capacity and coordination with hospital partners.

A full-time medic unit and a peak-time unit address higher call demands, while the station’s advanced design anticipates future community growth.

Residents and officials are invited to the opening ceremony, marking a new milestone in local public safety.

Major Upgrades Coming to Alden Bridge Sports Park

Phase 1 of a major renovation is kicking off at Alden Bridge Sports Park, bringing transformative changes for local families and athletes.

This $11.2 million project introduces two new artificial turf fields, two natural grass fields, and a vibrant playground.

Expanded parking—over 200 new spaces—will finally ease the longstanding congestion, while a new entrance and exit at Twinvale Drive and Highway 242 aims to smooth out traffic flow.

Expect upgraded restrooms, a modern pavilion, and brighter LED lighting for a more enjoyable park experience.

Although multipurpose fields will temporarily close, the community garden and baseball diamonds remain open to visitors.

Impressively, the renovation is tracking nearly $1 million under budget, highlighting strategic planning.

The grand reopening is expected in early 2027, promising a beautifully renewed destination for the entire community.

Why Supporting Inside Woodlands Matters

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Your sponsorship keeps our content free and accessible, while offering your business trusted visibility with engaged, community-minded readers.

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🎉 Inside Woodlands Weekend Family Picks

This Coming Weekend: January 23 – 25, 2026

Your trusted local guide to family-friendly fun in The Woodlands and nearby.

⛸️ Ice Skating at Town Center

📍 The Ice Rink near The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

🗓️ Friday through Sunday

⏰ Session times vary daily

Note: This is one of the final weekends to skate before the rink closes for the season!

🌳 Outdoor Family Time at the Park

📍 Northshore Park

🗓️ All weekend

⏰ Open daylight hours

Perfect for a picnic by the lake or letting the kids run on the large playground.

🧠 Hands-On Learning: America 250 Concert

📍 The Woodlands Children’s Museum

🗓️ Saturday, Jan 24

⏰ Concert at 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM

Enjoy a special Broadway-themed performance by the WSO String Quartet to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

🌲 Climbing & Adventure Course

📍 Texas TreeVentures

🗓️ Friday through Sunday

⏰ Reservation-based sessions

Experience the aerial obstacle course among the pines. Book early as weekend slots fill up fast!

📚 Library Family Activities

📍 Mitchell & South Regional Library branches

🗓️ Saturday, Jan 24

⏰ Morning programs (check local branch for times)

From "Adventures in Kindness" to creative craft hours, the library is a great free weekend stop.

📍 Nearby Family Picks

🎈 The Fun Bus at City Place

📍 City Place Plaza, Spring

🗓️ Saturday & Sunday, Jan 24-25

⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

A FREE mobile gym experience for kids ages 18 months to 7 years. Let them swing and climb in the 35-foot refurbished bus!

🚜 Farm & Petting Zoo Visit

📍 Old MacDonald’s Farm, Porter

🗓️ All weekend

⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Visit the animals, enjoy the train ride, and explore the pumpkin patch (seasonal) or playground area.

🏰 Indoor Play for Younger Kids

📍 Oh Toodles, Spring

🗓️ Friday through Sunday

⏰ Morning and early afternoon

A safe, themed indoor play space designed specifically for toddlers and young children.

⛳ Mini Golf & Family Games

📍 Shankz Mini Golf & Games, Shenandoah

🗓️ All weekend

⏰ Afternoon and evening

Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf is a perfect way to escape the January chill.

Advertise your business in our local newsletter for as little as $25 a week and connect with real customers right here in the community.

We only allow 1 business per category, do not let your competitors get the jump on you. 

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We are rerunning this article due to the FREEZE coming this weekend

5 Steps to Winterize Your Home

Without a little prep work and routine maintenance, winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. Following a few simple steps can help you avoid frozen pipes, drafty rooms and slippery sidewalks.

Watch video for helpful tips this winter!

1. Clear Gutters – Melting snow will have nowhere to go if gutters are clogged with leaves and debris.

2. Protect Pipes – Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm air can surround pipes. Drain outside spigots before temperatures drop below freezing.  

3. Improve Insulation – Cold air can seep in through openings around windows and doors. Install weather stripping and seal openings with caulk to insulate cracks and crevices.

4. Prevent Slips and Falls – Keep sidewalks and driveways clear of ice and snow. Sprinkle deicing salt on steps, sidewalks and driveways to prevent accidents.

5. Control the Temperature – Set the thermostat to at least 65 F during winter months. Consider installing an energy efficient or programmable thermostat.

Savory, Satisfying Ideas for Lunch and Dinner

When cold and flu season calls for savory and satisfying meals, remember you don’t have to be sick to enjoy the best this time of year has to offer.

Skip the same old soups and stews, though, and level up your comfort food cache with the flavor and versatility of pearl couscous.

Distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger and rounder shape, plus its less dense, firmer consistency, pearl couscous is thoroughly versatile and a perfect fit for cold weather classics.

With Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, you get high-quality semolina wheat pearl couscous made just right. After the water boils, it’s ready in under 7 minutes and prepared similarly to pasta.

It features a slightly nutty flavor on its own but can absorb any flavors of soups and salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. You can use it in your family’s meals to complement a range of greens, veggies, fish, meats and stews, making it a pantry staple to keep on hand throughout the year.

A hearty solution, this Italian Penicillin Soup is ideal for those feeling under the weather or simply craving a filling meal after a chilly day. It’s loaded with rotisserie chicken, tender veggies and pearl couscous simmered in broth then finished with fresh lemon, Parmesan cheese and parsley for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is appetizing.

Elegant in its simplicity, this Simple Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous is a perfect partner for grilled seafood, chicken or vegetables. Easy to serve as a standalone dish or a savvy side that practically cooks itself, you can add this highly versatile grain to your family’s menu any day of the week – whether you’re cooking for a crew or just two – and enjoy steamy leftovers for a light lunch.

Italian Penicillin Soup

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

2          bags Success Pearl Couscous

4          cups low-sodium chicken broth

1          cup carrots, sliced

1          cup celery, sliced

2          cloves garlic, minced

1          cup rotisserie chicken, shredded

1          teaspoon Italian seasoning

1          teaspoon salt

1/2       teaspoon pepper

4          lemon wedges

shredded Parmesan cheese, for garnish

chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions.

In large pot, bring broth to boil. Add carrots, celery and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.

Add chicken and Italian seasoning; simmer 5 minutes. Add pearl couscous and cook 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Ladle soup into four bowls and squeeze fresh lemon wedge into each bowl. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley.

Simple Lemon Butter Pearl Couscous

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

1          bag  Pearl Couscous

3          lemons, juice only, plus 1 teaspoon zest

2          tablespoons butter

1          small shallot, finely diced

1          tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions, adding lemon juice to water.

In small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallots and lemon zest. Cook 3 minutes. Stir pearl couscous into pan.

Divide pearl couscous into four bowls and top with parsley.

Hey nature lovers in The Woodlands!

Get ready to bring home a FREE tree during the 50th Annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park, 6055 Creekside Forest Drive.

Planting your own tree means adding a new green friend to your yard, creating cleaner air, cool shade, and new homes for birds and squirrels.

Imagine watching your baby tree grow every year—maybe even becoming big enough to climb someday!

This special year marks the 50th time our community has gathered to keep The Woodlands green and beautiful.

Don’t miss your chance!

Ask an adult to take you on January 31st and pick up your free native tree seedling.

You’ll help the planet and start an amazing new tradition at home.

Paws in the Frost: Keeping Your Pets Safe This Winter

As an arctic front moves toward The Woodlands, it is time to think beyond our own winter coats and consider the safety of our four-legged family members. While our pets have fur, they are just as susceptible to the dangers of freezing temperatures, frostbite, and hypothermia as we are.

The Golden Rule: Bring Them In

The most important tip is simple: if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.

Texas law (the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act) requires that pets be provided with adequate shelter during freezing weather, but the safest place for any companion animal is indoors with the family.

For those with thick-coated breeds like Huskies, remember that even they have limits, especially if they are used to the Texas humidity rather than dry, freezing air.

Protecting Sensitive Paws

Winter walks can be surprisingly harsh on paw pads. Chemicals used to melt ice can be toxic if licked off and irritating to the skin.

After a walk around the neighborhood or the Waterway, wipe down your pet's paws, legs, and belly with a warm cloth to remove salt and antifreeze.

For short-haired or smaller dogs, a well-fitted sweater and booties can provide a necessary layer of protection against the chill

Know the Warning Signs

Watch your pets closely for signs of hypothermia, which include:

Persistent shivering or trembling

Lethargy or unusual weakness

Cold ears, tail, or paws

Pale or gray-colored gums

If you notice these symptoms, bring your pet into a warm area immediately and contact a local vet, such as True Animal Vet or your nearest emergency clinic. Finally, remember to tap the hood of your car before starting the engine; outdoor cats often seek the warmth of a recently parked vehicle.

By taking these small steps, you can ensure your entire family—whiskers and all—stays cozy and safe all winter long.

Welcoming a pet into your home is a life-changing decision, opening the door to unconditional love and genuine companionship.

In The Woodlands, adopting from local shelters like Montgomery County Animal Shelter or Operation Pets Alive not only saves lives, but creates a stronger community.

Adoption often means finding pets that are already socialized and house-trained, with shelter staff working hard to match each animal’s personality to your family’s lifestyle.

Whether you dream of brisk walks around George Mitchell Nature Preserve or quiet evenings at home, counselors are there to help you find the ideal pet.

Upcoming events, such as Operation Pets Alive’s adoption showcase on January 24, 2026, at Pet Supplies Plus in Conroe, offer the perfect chance to meet future furry friends.

With preparation and patience, the bond formed through adoption brings lasting joy and teaches children about kindness and responsibility.