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2025 in review: 5 businesses to check out in Conroe, Montgomery

From fresh local meat and honey to pickleball and biohacking, Conroe-Montgomery has a variety of businesses to visit. Here are some of the businesses highlighted in the Conroe/Montgomery edition of Community Impact in 2025.

Mariel's Meat Market
For the managers at Mariel’s Meat Market, seeing customers smile at the joy of getting a fresh cut of meat or being able to guide them toward a new taste is their favorite part. It’s also what they said makes the store stand out from others.

  • 16050 Walden Road, Montgomery
  • 15260 Hwy. 105, Ste. 132, Montgomery

E. Free's on Main
Erika Prothow opened E. Free's On Main in February 2024 to carry on her late mother's legacy of friendship and elegance and bring people together through tea. At E. Free’s, there are over 15 blends made with properties that are beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and skin concerns.
  • 227 N. Main St., Conroe

 
In Your Community
5 events to attend on New Year’s Eve in Conroe, Montgomery

There are several events taking place on Dec. 31 around Conroe and Montgomery. Check them out below. This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.

Children's Noon Eve Balloon Drop
Join the Central Library to count down to noon with crafts and games. Registration is required.

  • Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Free
  • Central Library, 104 I-45 N., Conroe

Walden’s New Year’s Eve Party

At Walden’s Lakeview Dining and Venue, attendees can expect gaming, food, music and a balloon drop at midnight.
  • Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
  • $85 (per person)
  • 13101 Melville Road, Montgomery

 
2025 highlights
Honoring veterans: Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission unveils name for new center, eyes future expansions

The Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park, located at the intersection of I-45 and Hwy. 105, is now home to the Honored Mission Veterans Museum and Jimmie C. Edwards III Education Center.

Quote of note: “How do I feel about it? Excited,” said Elizabeth Woods, executive director of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission—the nonprofit organization that oversees and manages the park. “More excitement than anything. Anxious to move in and ... be greeting people in our home.”

More details: When the building officially opens to the public next spring, it will join the park’s other features, including memorials that honor fallen veterans from both Montgomery County and across the nation and first responders.

Stay tuned: The MCVMC is also working to open two more memorials next year—one honoring women of war and one honoring Gold Star Families.

Original publish date: Nov. 18

 
Stay In The Know
Where to drop off used Christmas trees in Houston

As the holidays come to an end, there are several entities offering Christmas tree recycling and disposal drop-offs around the Greater Houston area. This list is not comprehensive.

The details
City of BellaireBellaire will accept Christmas tree drop-offs Dec. 26-Jan. 12 at 4401 Edith St.

City of HoustonHouston residents can recycle trees at one of the city's 20 drop-off locations Dec. 26-Jan. 23.

City of Pearland: Residents in Pearland can drop their live Christmas trees off between Dec. 26 and Jan. 17 at the Stella Roberts Recycling Center.

San Jacinto River Authority: The San Jacinto River Authority will collect undecorated, live Christmas trees through Jan. 31.

City of West University Place: In West University Place, live trees will be collected Dec. 26-Jan. 9.

The Woodlands Township: Green Christmas trees will be collected curbside on regular service days.

City of Sugar Land: Live Christmas trees without ornaments and lights can be set out curbside for green waste pickup in Sugar Land.

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Houston area.

Candente opened a location in Bellarie on Dec. 22. Owner Michael Sambrooks said in a Dec. 22 news release that the new location represents a commitment to the expansion of his two brands—Candente and The Pit Room—at the top of the culinary game in the Houston restaurant scene.

According to the release, the restaurant's menu is identical to Montrose's, with customer favorites such as the house nachos, chile con queso, tortilla soup, Frito pie and ceviche, as well as birria tacos, chile gravy enchiladas and carne guisada.

Read here.

 

🌮 Lupita's Mexican Kitchen coming soon to Cypress
(Read more)

🍕 Singas Famous Pizza opens 1st Houston location in Katy
(Read more)

😋 Suzie's Fusion Cuisine now offering Caribbean dishes in Humble
(Read more)

☕️ New coffee shop serving drinks, pastries in Magnolia
(Read more)

 

Golden Roastery officials said the roastery opened a second location in the Spring-Klein area on Nov. 15. The roastery has an additional location in the south Houston area.

The cafe offers Arab and Turkish sweets including roasted nuts, halal gummies, chocolates, coffee and Palestinian delights. The Middle Eastern roastery offers both in-store services and a dining area available to enjoy its Palestinian delights.

Read more.

Mark Your Calendar
Check out these 8 events to stay festive after Christmas

Not ready to give up the holiday spirit just yet? Here are eight events to attend the weekend after Christmas in the Houston area. This list is not comprehensive, and events are subject to change.

Galaxy Lights: The space-themed holiday light show at Space Center Houston features live demonstrations, Apollo-themed lanterns, astronaut selfies and s’mores.

  • Through Jan. 4, times vary
  • $19.95-$27.95 (per ticket)
  • 1601 E. NASA Parkway, Houston


A Christmas Carol
: Encounter the true meaning of Christmas with Ebenezer Scrooge as he visits the past, present and future at Alley Theatre this holiday season.

  • Through Dec. 28, times vary
  • $36-$138 (per ticket)
  • Hubbard Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston

 

Your local team

Lizzy Spangler
Editor

Chrissy Leggett
General Manager

Email [email protected] for story ideas, tips or questions.

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