Located about 20 miles north of Downtown Houston is a place called Spring. It was initially home to the Orcoquiza Native Americans but in the 1830s and 40s, a trading post was established in the area, which drew German immigrants from Louisiana and other areas of the South. When the International and Great Northern Railroad was built in 1871, the town started to develop further and even more in the 1970s and 80s when Houston’s suburbs began making their way north. Today, this community retains its old town charm despite being one of the largest suburbs in the Houston metro area with just over 60,000 residents.

Before you move, you can read about the outdoor activities that you can enjoy in Spring. Here are seven of the best ones:

1) Discover Old Town Spring

The old part of town has several charming shops, diners, and art galleries to visit like Camille’s Antiques, German Gift House, Masterpiece Hand-Crafted Furniture, Little Dutch Girl, and Bear Custom Leather. When all that walking has got you pooped and you need a nice place to rest your feet, pay a visit to Puffabelly’s, which is a lively restaurant that’s located in an old train depot. Chow down on sumptuous burgers and delightful chicken fried steaks while enjoying the live music. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth at Emmy’s Sweet Shoppe, or if you are in the mood for some beer or wine, the Old Town Spring Tasting Room and Envy Wine Room are places that you should try.

Aside from the wining and dining, you can also enjoy several special events like the Autumn Art & Texas Wine Festival in the fall, SpringFest in March, Texas Crawfish & Music Festival in April, and the Home for the Holidays in November and December.

2) Get in the mood for some meat

Texas has long been revered for its BBQ and Old Town has one of the best places in the state – Corkscrew BBQ. A fan-favorite barbecue joint that’s visited by meat enthusiasts from all over the country, Corkscrew BBQ has come a long way from its early days when all of its operations were in a small pink trailer. Make sure to grab the pork ribs, the perfectly crusted oak-smoked brisket, and the over-loaded baked potato. The place is regularly packed, so make sure to be there well before they open their doors.

3) Visit some haunted spots

Old Town Spring has the reputation of being the sixth most haunted Old West town in the entire country, so you’ll have no shortage of spooky places to visit if you have the courage for it. Are the stories of paranormal activity in this town true? Guess that’s for you to find out. If you’re up for these sorts of things, you can book a tour with Houston Ghost Tours which offers spooky tours of Old Town Spring throughout the year.

4) Enjoy the island vibe at Howie’s Tiki

Howie’s Tiki is a popular haunt where you can enjoy authentic tiki cuisine and drinks, and a South Pacific, island-style vibe. One drink you must not hesitate to try is the Pain Killer, a 1970s classic from the Soggy Dollar Bar that is made with rum, coconut, pineapple, and orange. You can pair that with a flaming Scorpion Bowl.

5) Explore the farms

If you want to commune with nature and taste some good, old, produce, you should go visit the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm and Atkinson Farms, where you can pick your strawberries when it is in season or explore other produce that is grown on the immense 100-acre farm. These kid-friendly places are a huge draw for families from all over Spring.

6) Enjoy the outdoors at the Spring Creek Greenway

Spring Creek Greenway, one of the biggest pros of living here, is a place where you can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding throughout its 40 miles of green space that sits in the forest just south of Spring Creek. The area gives you lots of opportunities to jog, hike or ride your bicycle through the parts of the Piney Woods or along natural sloughs and sand beaches by the creek. This area has so much lush greenery that you’ll forget that you’re in the city!

7) Dine to your heart’s content at Elm & Magnolia

Elm & Magnolia is a small yet cozy restaurant that’s in a refurbished home. Inside, you’ll see small rooms adorned with pristine table cloths and original paintings on the walls that produce a comfortable atmosphere that is perfect for romantic dinners or small celebrations. The menu features an intriguing mix of elevated New American cuisine and international dishes such as Double Cut Pork Chops and Hong Kong Wings. The restaurant also has a covered outdoor space in the garden for larger parties or for dining al fresco during the summer.

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