Need to get away from your daily grind but don’t want to have to pack a suitcase, or worry about long lines at the airport? Consider a day trip to the Boardwalk at Towne Lake in Cypress, Texas. With over 14 miles of shoreline, it’s Houston’s largest private lake, and is part of a master-planned community that was built starting in 2006. There, you’ll not only be able to catch a boat ride and feel the wind in your hair, but you’ll also be able to shop, dine and even get in a workout or a massage.
Here’s a recommended itinerary to make the most of a one-day getaway – no passport necessary:
9 a.m. There’s no better way to get revved up for the day than a workout. Try a class at Orange Theory Fitness, Pure Barre or Club Pilates. Don’t forget a change of clothes!
10:30 a.m. How about a coffee? Land of a Thousand Hills is a café that makes a difference in the communities where its coffee is harvested: it provides living wages, health care, education and water.
11 a.m. Head over to the central green space where many of the planned events at Boardwalk take place. Enjoy everything from farmers’ markets to live music, or even a boat show.
12 p.m. Lunch! You’ve worked up an appetite and now it’s time to get your grub on! Tacos, seafood, pizza or sushi – Boardwalk has it all, for any appetite.
1:30 p.m. Let the shopping begin! Houston’s favorite Nutcracker Market shop, The Royal Standard, now has its own storefront at the Boardwalk. Explore every nook and cranny to get good deals, and don’t forget the monograms! Also, head over to Beau Kisses for a boutique experience. There, you can find everything from home décor to baby clothes, all with Texas charm.
4 p.m. No vacation is complete without some relaxation time, so why not book an appointment at Massage Heights? Try one of their customized massages or facials to keep you going for the rest of the day. If massage isn’t your thing, the Boardwalk also has nail salons and a full-service beauty salon.
5 p.m. After an hour of pampering, it’s time to keep the feeling going with a cocktail – or two – at Flying Vine or World of Beer.
6 p.m. Sunset’s the perfect time for a cruise on the beautiful 300-acre lake. No need to rent a boat; free boat rides are just a phone call away. Call the number provided at the dock to summon a volunteer boat captain, and hit the open water. While you’re cruising, keep your eyes out for the waterpark, complete with its own lazy river, waterslides and Olympic-sized swimming pool. And why not stop by The Island, a 1.5-acre island with its own beach and dock area.
6:45 p.m. Dinner at one of the many lakefront restaurants beckons. Ask your boat captain to drop you off right in front of the restaurant of your choice, and enjoy the rest of the evening.
You can learn more about these and other Texas destinations in the travel issue of Texas Lifestyle magazine.
