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Hello The Woodlands! Hope your coffee’s especially good this morning.

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Life-saving cardiac PET scan, a Van Halen tribute rocking Crazy Train, and a spring market comeback + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

📰 In the news

Advanced diagnostics close to home: Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital added a cardiac PET scanner in October, speeding exams, lowering radiation, and improving accuracy. One scan even helped doctors prevent a potentially fatal heart attack — read the full story.

Transit updates and decisions: The Woodlands Township Board approved changes, raising The Woodlands Express fare to $17 on April 1 and adding a second midday run from Downtown Houston to Park and Ride locations — get all the board decisions.

Backing future innovators: Applications are open for Daikin and the Astros Foundation’s STEAM scholarship, offering ten $10,000 awards for local seniors. Essay and letters required. Winners will be announced at an Astros game — see how to apply.

Gold just hit record highs. What about your savings? While traditional IRAs have been treading water against inflation, gold has gained over 50% in three years. That gap is why more retirees are rolling a portion of their savings into gold IRAs (the kind that hold physical metal). We compared the top five options and broke down who they’re best for. Check it out here →

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Build cardboard cars and watch movies
• Paint a dusk hillscape, craft candles
• Van Halen tribute rocks Crazy Train
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Local art, low fuss: Ardest Gallery is that rare local spot where you can actually find Texas-made work that feels like your home—then get real help choosing it. Pop in this week to browse rotating shows and, if you’re mid-reno, bring swatches so their team can color-test pieces with your space.

Tea time, properly done: Settle in at The Tea Kettle Cafe in Old Town Spring for a full‑service tea room experience—think hot and iced specialty teas with chef‑crafted bites and an easygoing, linger‑a‑little vibe. If afternoon tea’s on your list, consider this your nudge to reserve and unwind.

Outdoor concert season fix: When you need a big-night soundtrack without leaving the bubble, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion nails it—massive touring acts, symphony nights, and that bring-your-blanket lawn vibe. Put it on your week’s radar and thank yourself when the lights go down.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

Own a piece of Apple for less than a coffee: Every time you buy something from Amazon or Starbucks, you’re putting money in their pocket. Fractional shares flip that: you can own a slice of those companies for as little as a dollar. Most investing apps make it incredibly easy, with zero commissions and no account minimums. See which ones we recommend →

Mom says she’s fine. You’re not so sure: “What if something happens when you’re home alone?” You’ve asked a hundred times, but the outcome’s always the same. I don’t need that. Life Alert’s for old people. The real struggle isn’t finding a medical alert system that’ll work… it’s finding one she won’t fight you on. We looked into five options designed to settle the standoff, from smartwatches to systems with nothing to wear at all. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Your shampoo was never going to fix it: I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on hair-loss products, biotin, masks, sprays, you name it. Not one of them lasted. Turns out, most things target the strand, not the follicle (where thinning actually happens). Dermatologists have been prescribing treatments that work for years, but there are now plenty of options available with no office visits required. See our top picks for men and women →

Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🐸 Mini Class + Playdate: Frog Life Cycle @ Shadowbend Park | Wednesday (3/18) at 1:30 PM – Whether your kid is tadpole-obsessed or here for puddles, this self-guided, hands-on frog life cycle mini class at Shadowbend Park keeps them busy, then cuts them loose for playtime. You stay, you supervise, you brag. Free, bring supplies or snag a kit, water, and snacks.

🕯 Comfort of Home: Sunflower @ Painting with a Twist | Friday (3/20) at 4:00 PM – Skip the big-box candles and pour your own before a cozy, sunflower-themed class. Add the candle option when you register, then show up at least 30 minutes early to play mad scientist. Smells great, looks cheerful, and counts as self-care, not clutter.

🍦 Cone-necting with the Township @ Cranebrook Park (Spring) | Friday (3/20) at 5:00 PM – Swing by Cranebrook Park for a Township meet-and-greet where the snow cones are free, and the answers are too. Chat with Environmental and Neighborhood Services about programs, classes, and who handles what, then put faces to the folks keeping our corner of The Woodlands humming.

🌸 5th Annual NorthGrove Spring Market @ NorthGrove Retreat Center (Magnolia) | Saturday (3/21) at 9:00 AM – Think you’ve seen every craft fair in town? The fifth annual is back at NorthGrove’s retreat on Burdekin Road with local artisans, handmade goods, and clothing, plus kids’ activities and lite refreshments, in a breezy setting that actually feels like a Saturday.

🐦 Birding Hike @ Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center | Saturday (3/21) at 9:30 AM – Swap the to-do list for a birding hike with the preserve’s resident aviculturist. We’ll wander the trails, spot our feathered neighbors, and pretend we knew the difference between a sparrow and a finch all along. Family friendly, binoculars required, smug smiles optional.

🎨 Little Artist Discovery Zone @ Kevin Brady Library (Spring) | Saturday (3/21) at 1:00 PM – Whether your kid channels Picasso or just hoards stickers, this hands-on romp at the library with Celebree School of The Woodlands sends them through stations inspired by famous artists to explore techniques and make mini masterpieces. Supplies provided, no registration, you bring the budding critic.

🎶 Ast @ The Waterway | Saturday (3/21) at 7:00 PM – Waterway Nights in The Woodlands means one thing, live music on the breeze, and easy access to good eats. AST brings the groove while you graze, sip, and master the art of people-watching. Family friendly, neighbor approved, and blissfully not your kitchen.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 The Woodlands report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 77°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 77. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 52. South wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 82. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 58. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

This house is wild

Waterfront European garden estate in the gated enclave of The Pointe on Lake Woodlands by Robert Dame, a lock-and-leave with private dock and negotiable Bennington pontoon boat for cruises to Truluck’s and fireworks. Designer finishes frame a chef’s kitchen with 60-inch JennAir range and wine room. An elevator connects three levels, with a heated pool and a 4-car tandem garage.

Take a peek inside →