Discover Old Town Spring

Old Town Spring in Spring Texas is much more than just a quaint shopping and dining area of over 150 stores, restaurants, and art galleries. It also has a lot of history to offer its visitors.

Spring was named by railroad workers that were laying the tracks to the south. When they reached the area after a harsh winter it was Springtime. The workers were so excited about the end of winter they named it "Camp Spring". In 1873, Camp was dropped from the name and Spring became the base of operation for railroad workers.

In 1901, Spring Texas became a crossroads for two intersecting railroad lines and added a roundhouse and 14 track yards. Business flourished in Spring until 1923. The year the railroad relocated their base of operations to Houston. The move crippled the local businesses and they were forced to close. Prohibition then caused the Saloons to close. Coupled with the Depression in the 1930s, Spring was reduced to a small settlement for the next 30 years. It wasn't until the late 1960s did the area experience growth. Merchants started locating in the Spring area to take advantage of the economic growth enjoyed by the Houston oil boom. Through the 70s and 80s, Old Town Spring continued to add Merchants.

If you are wanting to learn more about the history of Old Town Spring, stop in at the Spring Historical Museum at 403 Main Street. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Thursday - Saturday.

Today Old Town Spring is alive and well as it is continuously voted as one of the top attractions in Texas. In addition to its unique shopping and dining experience, its hosts several popular festivals and events during the year including the SpringFest, Texas Crawfish Festival, PetFest, and a Christmas festival.

Now let me share with you some of my favorite restaurants and shops in Old Town Spring. First up is Puffabellys Old Depot Restaurant. It is a down home Texas Style Restaurant in a recreated Railroad Depot. If you have never tried Fried Green Tomatoes or Fried Pickles, this is the place to try some. If you are in the mood for a little music with your dinner, then stop by on a Wednesday night for live music.

Next up is Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon. Wunsche Bros. has a little extra bit of history associated with it as it was the last Saloon in Harris County to close during Prohibition. A good choice on the menu is their Chicken Fried Steak or their Hamburgers. Both are some of the best around.

I absolutely have to mention Hyde's Cafe. If you are looking for good Texas BAR-B-QUE, then you have come to the right place. Try an order of the Pork Ribs as they are my personal favorite. Hyde's also provides a great place to unwind with its truly Texas decor.

Old Town Spring does have some unique restaurants to dine at but they also have a lot of interesting shops to browse through. You are bound to find something that you just can't live without.

One of my favorites is Metals, Petals & More. They have a great selection of wrought iron pieces. Wrought iron pieces are currently in vogue. I am looking for a piece for my study. I will have to go back and make a selection another day. I am still noodling around a few options.

If you are looking for a little something Texas to ship to a family member, Y'All's Texas Store has numerous items to choose from. They have mugs, salsa (made in Texas and not New York City), jams, calendars, t-shirts, Texas caviar, Texas Longhorns made by Lammes Candies, and photos of bluebonnets.

After lots of shopping, stop in for a little wine tasting at Wimberley Valley Winery at 206 Main Street.  After tasting you can purchase your favorite wines. They also have a variety of wine related products and Texas gourmet food products including jams, jellies, and salsas for purchase. If you are an art aficionado, you will want to get all the details on the monthly wine and art walk that is hosted in Old Town Spring.

Old Town Spring is located about 2 miles east of I45 North. Turn right / East on Spring Cypress off of I45 N. The town hours are Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm and Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm. Most stores are closed on Monday. The restaurants are open later than 5 pm.