The Vegas fountain, the Venetian water taxis. Plan a weekend escape to re-discover The Woodlands, where high style will satisfy even the hardest-to-please Houstonians.

EAT

You can shop the aisles in a gourmet grocery store, or give up and head to the adjoining bistro at Hubbell & Hudson, a high end store-and-restaurant combo that boasts one of the country’s few Viking cooking schools. For Sunday brunch, try the fresh-from-the-garden cocktails.

Formerly of The Mansion on Turtle Creek fame, chef John Tesar has opened the upscale Tesar’s Modern Steak and Seafood, where the colorful interior makes a splash.

Grab a casual slice at the new Pizza by Marco, from a small family-owned Dallas chain known for perfectly crisp pies.

SIP

Set sail for the 1492 lounge at the newest Américas, a hip outpost on the Waterway featuring the best in other-worldly design. Chef Cordua’s handsome young son helms the kitchen.

Head straight for the upstairs terrace of Crush, a wine bar with killer views, live music and a list to keep you occupied for hours.

SHOP
Pull up a stool at Cos Bar and ask the beauty gurus to mix up a makeover. This sleek fragrance and skincare boutique, normally found in vacay destinations like Carmel and Aspen, is the kind of bar where everyone really does look prettier. La Mer, Creed, Fekkai – they’re all there to make you feel right at home.

STAY

Book a modern room at AVIA, the new boutique hotel on Market Street, and leave your car at check-in. The prime location allows you to walk to all the hot destinations on your list. One step into the gallery-esque lobby, encased with tree trunks, and you won’t believe how sultry the suburbs can be.