Jeff Chaffin, a lifelong biker and an entrepreneur, said he bought his first BMX custom bike at the age of 13 with his own savings.
The local cyclist opened Bikeland in The Woodlands area 21 years later to fill the gap he said he found in quality bicycle retailers. Since 2004, the bike shop has grown into a hub for riders seeking upscale vehicles such as road, hybrid, BMX and mountain bikes.

Quote of note: “I've always felt like it was my God-given gift to give back to the community and help build a cycling community to help people stay fit and be healthy and have active lifestyles and positive relationships,” Chaffin said.

What they offer: The shop offers high-end bikes, bike accessories and apparel as well as repair and bike-fitting services.
With brands such as Electra, Specialized, Fitbikeco and Black Ops, bikes offered include:

• Electric bikes
• Fitness bikes
• Road bikes

Barbarossa Coffee has added a new shop in The Woodlands area, its third location, after celebrating a grand opening Nov. 15, owner Ozzy Guragac said. 

The details: Guragac said the Magnolia location serves as a new gathering place designed for everything from catching up with friends to studying or hosting meetings, paired with coffee and freshly baked pastries. 

The Magnolia cafe joins Barbarossa Coffee’s existing locations in Tomball and Spring, according to its website.

• 28408 Sweetgum Road, Unit B-1, Magnolia 

Ring in the new year with various celebrations going on across the Greater Houston area.

High Noon Countdown 2026: Attendees can ring in the New Year with a balloon drop extravaganza at The Woodlands Children's Museum.

• Dec. 31, 9:30-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., 2-3:30 p.m.
• $10 (adult), $25 (child)
• The Woodlands Children’s Museum, 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands

• Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.-Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m.
• $30 (individual ticket), $50 (couple admission)
• Tomball VFW, 14408 Alice Road, Tomball

• Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-Jan. 1, 2 a.m.
• $99.29 (per ticket)
• 401 Franklin St., Houston

Area residents ages 50 and older can explore everything from history and creative writing to hands-on hobbies through Lone Star College System’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, a low-cost program offering classes, activities and social connections across the system’s campuses, as stated in a Lone Star College Dec. 19 news release. 

Quote of note: "I have enjoyed the ALL courses tremendously, especially those that I have been able to attend remotely. I enjoy meeting other people and sharing ideas as well as learning new things,” LSC-Montgomery ALL member Frank Imburgio said. 

The details: The Academy for Lifelong Learning offers short, interest-based courses designed for older adults, with topics that range from Intro to Birding and History of Ancient Rome to Basics of Home Repair and Backyard Chicken Farming, according to the release. Other options include classes and activities such as Tai Chi for Beginners, Competitive Chair Volleyball, intermediate ceramics, French cooking and practical sessions like Travel on a Budget and Smart AI Skills for Seniors.