Spend an afternoon browsing at Market Street, an outdoor shopping center with a downtown feel right in The Woodlands.

Window shop at upscale and specialty stores like Tiffany's, Lululemon, Tommy Bahamas Michael Kors, and J. Crew. Many shoppers enjoy people watching while indulging in ice cream from Red Mango or Cold Stone Creamery. There are plenty of full service dining options as well including Cru Wine Bar, Jasper's, and Grotto.

On warm days, the kid-friendly splash park attracts families, and as the days turn cooler Market Street exudes holiday charm with lights, decorated trees, creative window displays, and even horse drawn carriage rides!

Market Street
9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 419-4774
www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/default
www.yelp.com/biz/market-street-the-woodlands-the-woodlands

For nearly twenty years, Amerigos has offered fine Italian dining in The Woodlands. Chef Arturo Orsorio has been with the restaurant since its opening in 1994 and has received numerous accolades, including being named as one of Houston's top 10 chefs in 2006 by H-Texas magazine. Combining locally sourced ingredients and quality imported goods, the menu features many seafood options. Try the most popular dish, Linguine Pescatore, with a medley of shellfish tossed in a sherry cream tarragon sauce and served over handmade pasta.

In addition to fresh fish, there are several steak, veal, and chicken dishes, all of which get equally rave reviews. With its classy, fine-dining ambiance, Amerigos is fitting for a romantic date as well as a business lunch. The full bar boasts an impressive wine list; savor your meal over a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc while taking in sounds of the piano bar entertainment. Meals can get a bit pricey, but generous portions will satisfy any appetite

Amerigos
25250 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 362-0808
http://amerigos.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/amerigos-grille-the-woodlands

Bookshelves can be more than just a place to organize your library. The shelves can also double as a way to express yourself and your passions. Here are six tips to help you create a bookshelf display that's as unique as you are.

1. If you have a childhood toy or a memento from a vacation, place them around your books to make an interesting narrative. This will keep your display personal, while also creating a conversation piece.

2. Make sure that there is cohesion to your placement. Keep animal figures one shelf and flower vases on another for the best results.

3. Use an empty photo frame to bring color and shape to a bookshelf. Pick up a few old frames from an antiques shop, add a coat of paint, and you’ve got a great new look. Arrange a few frames together to create a bold focal point.

4. Placing mirrors along the backside of your bookshelves gives off a cool, modern vibe. It also deepens the look, make the room seem a bit longer and lighter.

5. If you have great pieces of artwork but are short on wall space, placing piece in between books can be an interesting way to dress up a room. Eyes will happily move between the books and the pictures, curious for what else to find.

6. Don’t forget about the top of the bookshelf. Utilize the top for bigger objects that won’t fit anywhere else, like paintings or sculptures.

Decorating tips for shelves and bookcases [HGTV]
Tips on Decorating a Bookshelf [Overstock.com]
22 Ways to Arrange Your Shelves [Real Simple]
Decorating a Bookcase [Its Overflowing]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/mckaysavage