The video above takes you on a ride through Magnolia, Texas, a small town about 40 miles northwest of Houston that most people blow right past on their way somewhere else. David Bridwell stopped in on his way to a gig in Navasota, and the tour captures what makes this quiet, spread-out community worth a closer look — from the historic Old Magnolia area to the live music spots tucked along the Magnolia Stroll.
Old Magnolia vs. New Magnolia
Magnolia is really two places in one. Old Magnolia dates back to the 1850s and has that genuine small-town, country feel — humble, laid back, and about as far from Houston's pace as you can get while still being close enough to run errands in The Woodlands. New Magnolia sits along FM 1488, closer to The Woodlands, and has the newer development and suburban conveniences. The video focuses mostly on the Old Magnolia side, where you'll find the historic Magnolia Depot with its old train depot building, a blacksmith shop, and a vintage post office. It's a cool little reminder of how important the railroad was to this part of Texas. The area around Lake Conroe is also close by, giving folks another reason to be out this way.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Magnolia, Texas?
Magnolia isn't exactly a live music hub, but there are a couple of spots in the Old Magnolia area along the Magnolia Stroll that book live acts:
- Tressy's Southern Kitchen — A Southern comfort food spot in Old Magnolia that hosts live music, giving the Stroll area some energy beyond just a place to walk around.
- Lone Pint Brewery — A craft brewery along the Magnolia Stroll that features live music nights, a solid option for grabbing a local beer and catching a set in a casual setting.
If you're willing to drive a bit further north, the video also covers a stop in Navasota:
- P.A. Smith Hotel (Navasota) — A historic building from the mid-1800s sitting just off the main strip in Navasota. It serves food and drinks and hosts live music on certain nights of the week. David Bridwell played a set here to a good crowd, and the whole block of historic buildings around it has a real character to it.
A Quiet Town With Easy Access
The honest appeal of Magnolia is that it's an escape. People who live here are specifically looking for that distance from the city, and the town delivers. It's spread out over a surprisingly large area for its small population of just a few thousand. But you're not completely cut off — The Woodlands is a short drive away for shopping and restaurants, and Lake Conroe is right up the road. For live music fans passing through, the Old Magnolia Stroll is worth a stop, and pairing it with a night at a venue like the P.A. Smith Hotel in nearby Navasota makes for a solid little Texas day trip.