Conroe has come a long way since Civil War veteran Isaac Conroe established its inaugural lumber mill. Today, its historic downtown is filled with restaurants, live music performances and other amenities that keep residents satisfied.
Downtown Austin boasts something for everyone, from live production theatre at Crighton & Owen Theatre to Campobella Bronze Fine Art galleries. Additionally, annual festivals celebrate Texas history and culture.
History
conroe isd sso was an important shipping center during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, serving livestock, lumber and crops via mills, brickyards, cotton gins, hotels and general stores. A local newspaper named The Conroe Courier was published for local residents.
By 1930, the town had suffered severely during The Great Depression; however, its fortunes quickly turned when George W. Strake discovered oil seven miles southeast of town in December 1931. Within weeks the economy rebounded with wholesalers, retailers, and workers flooding in for petroleum business ventures.
Today’s visitors are treated to a vibrant Old Historic Downtown that includes the Owen Theatre – featuring live performances in a restored 1946 auto dealership – and Heritage Place Amphitheater which hosts festivals and other outdoor events throughout the year.
Arts & Culture
Arts and culture provide powerful platforms for debate about where society stands; at the same time they provide enriching cultural experiences that benefit all citizens.
Conroe offers many art and history organizations, which are supported by the City’s Arts & Culture Grant. This funding aims to ensure their activities continue providing valuable services for Conroe as a vital community resource.
Conroe Live, a non-profit organization, has completed projects like Downtown Conroe Art Benches, Root for Conroe and Chalk Up Conroe that give residents of all ages an opportunity to express themselves using sidewalk chalk. Art galleries, painting classes and pottery workshops are also readily available in Conroe.
Nightlife
Conroe may be best known for the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, but its reputation is quickly expanding into becoming an exciting downtown scene and nightlife scene. Recently, Conroe became an official Texas Music Friendly City boasting an active local music community.
At The Red Brick Tavern in Historic Downtown, live music and delicious cuisine come together for an unforgettable experience. Offering twelve craft taps and premium cocktails alongside woodfired pizzas, tavern burgers, and other delectable treats are just part of what awaits visitors at this bustling spot.
Papa’s on the Lake provides another fantastic option, welcoming visitors whether by land or water. This friendly watering hole and grill offers live music, beach volleyball courts, pool tables, foosball tables and an inground swimming pool, plus specials like Tuesday Steak Night!
Shopping
Conroe offers an abundance of boutique shops and shopping malls for visitors to enjoy. Waterpoint Shopping Center provides an idyllic leisure and shopping venue on Lake Conroe’s southern shore, providing recreational activities like boating, kayaking, cycleboats, jetsurf power boards and yacht charters for residents to enjoy.
For an enjoyable dining experience in a casual environment, 105 Cafe is a favorite among locals for breakfast and brunch. Their generous portions, delicious flavors and warm service set this restaurant apart.
2nd & Charles is a local favorite for books and unique items, offering new and used books, DVDs, video games and toys – not forgetting an affordable trade-in policy for customers looking to save money while recycling old goods!
Restaurants
Conroe offers an abundance of restaurants offering various cuisines and dining experiences, from American eateries and seafood spots to fine dining establishments.
Lake Conroe is home to waterfront restaurants serving freshwater largemouth bass caught nearby and traditional Texas dishes like BBQ ribs and chicken fried steak. For something different, visit Shout House for Indian street chicken or Honor Cafe for coconut fish curry.
The town’s charming downtown district features boutique shops and locally-owned eateries. Its historic brick streets make strolling between locations effortless; moreover, William Goodrich Jones State Forest nearby provides ample opportunity for birding and hiking activities.