Need to get away from your daily Houston grind, but don’t want to have to pack a suitcase or worry about long lines at the airport?

Then plan a day visit to The Boardwalk at Towne Lake that, at 300 acres and over 14 miles of shoreline, is Houston’s largest private lake. Not only will you be able to catch a boat ride and feel the wind in your hair, but you’ll be able to shop, dine and even get in a workout or massage.

The Boardwalk at Towne Lake is part of an award-winning Caldwell Properties Master Planned Community, which began in 2006. “The idea behind Towne Lake was that we wanted our residents to be able to boat to dinner or boat to a neighborhood party,” said Jennifer Symons, Vice President of Marketing for Caldwell Properties. “We wanted to create a cool place to live that connects neighbors while having a good life on the lake.”

Aside from the lake, The Boardwalk is an anchor for the community. Doctors, dentists, health clubs and restaurants are just a few of the tenants with even more on the way. We’ve put together an itinerary that will make your time at The Boardwalk at Towne Lake the perfect escape from your daily life – no passport necessary.

9 am There is no better way to get revved up for your day than a workout. Try out a class at Orange Theory Fitness, Pure Barre or Club Pilates. Don’t forget a change of clothes!

10:30 am Now that you’ve gotten a hit of dopamine from your workout, how about a coffee? Land of a Thousand Hills is a coffee and pastry shop that makes a difference in the communities where their coffee is harvested by providing living wages, healthcare, education and water; it’s coffee with a conscience.

11 am Head over to the central green space where many of the planned events at The Boardwalk take place. Enjoy everything from farmers markets, live music or even a boat show.

Noon Lunch! You’ve worked up an appetite and now it is time to get your grub on. Tacos, seafood, pizza or sushi – The Boardwalk has it all and is ready for any appetite.

1:30 pm Let the shopping begin. Houston’s favorite Nutcracker Market shop, The Royal Standard now has a storefront, so all your TRS favorites are available, minus the long lines. Explore every nook and cranny to get good deals and don’t forget the monograms! Head over to Beau Kisses for a boutique experience where you can find everything from home decor to baby clothes, all with Texas charm.

4 pm No vacation is complete without some relaxation time, so why not book make 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, don’t worry. The Boardwalk at Towne Lake also has nail salons and a full-service beauty salon.

5 pm After an hour full of pampering it’s time to keep the feeling going with a cocktail (or two) at Flying Vine or World of Beer.

6 pm The sun is lower in the sky, so now’s the perfect time for a sunset cruise on the beautiful 300-acre lake, no need to worry about renting a boat, a free boat ride is 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, water slides and Olympic-sized swimming pool. And why not make a pass by The Island, a 1.5-acre island with its own beach and dock area.

6:45 pm You may not be ready for your taste of lakeside living to be over, but 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 your evening.

Cover photo courtesy The Boardwalk at Towne Lake

Gabi De la Rosa lives in Houston with her husband and three children. You can usually find her at a great local restaurant or out exploring HTX with her family. Visit her on Instagram @gabioftheroses_htx

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