This usually surprises most people that don’t know me well, I’m a HUGE professional bull riding fan. It’s the truth. Okay fan really doesn’t describe how into it I am. I’m slightly obsessed. There I said it. I watch it just about every time it’s broadcast on television and I do my best to get to at least one live event every year. If you haven’t you really should. Good times people. Really good times. Not kidding. Whenever I get a chance to see bull riding I’m in. Period.
Last month’s bull riding fix came in the form of the Houston Rodeo. I found out about this gem of an event through our PR Maven friend Kim who lives in Houston. I convinced Susan a girl’s weekend at the rodeo would be a good time so we booked our flights put on our cowboy boots and off we went. The Posh Woodlands Resort and Conference Center hosted us and was our home away from home for the weekend. The resort has more to offer than we could possibly see/do in one weekend. We’re already looking forward to returning so we can kick up our heels by their amazing pools, take a slide down the water slides, a trip around the lazy river (currently under construction and scheduled to open later this summer) and maybe even take on a game of golf.
The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center is just a mere thirty minutes from downtown Houston, Texas. A world of natural beauty meets high-tech convenience – and welcoming smiles are ready to grant even the most challenging of requests. It’s an ideal destination for families and couples to relax and refresh, it’s also a world-class venue for conferences (yep, we liked it so much we’re considering taking our food conference MIXED on the road to Texas next year. Boots are optional but encouraged.)
It was hard to leave our posh accommodations to head off to the rodeo. They spoiled us with a suite that had an amazing entry way (that yes I had to slide on with my socks, like you wouldn’t) and large living area that separated not one but two master suites. Their attention to detail was outstanding. Being a detail person myself I always notice when someone goes above and beyond. They had music going upon our arrival and the table was set up with Texas sized snacks and drinks. We were happy campers. Alas the rodeo beckoned and the bulls were too hard to ignore.
This is no ordinary rodeo friends. It’s a MONTH long event that has the biggest purses in the country up for grabs. Yes, everything is bigger in Texas. It also boasts some of the best names in yes Country Music. We were lucky enough to be there the night The Band Perry was performing. This is the third time I’ve seen them in concert and I’m always amazed at how Kimberly jumps and runs across the stage in what looked like 6 inch (red bottom) boots. Go ahead girl. I sung along to every. single. song. Sorry Susan I’m sure you would have preferred to have heard Kimberly sing.
There was roping, riding (bronc and bull), mutton busting (the cutest thing imaginable – kids holding on for dear life (don’t worry Mom they wore helmets and vests) while a sheep runs full speed) and chuck wagon racing! CHUCK WAGON RACING. How have I missed this all my life. This might be my new favorite thing. And you can’t have a festival without rides and fried food. We walked, ate, walked, ate, walked and ate and then sat down. The rodeo didn’t disappoint. It did however wear us out.
Thank goodness there was a nice cushy bed (complete with turn down service and chocolates) and whirlpool tub to return to at The Woodlands that evening. We slept likes babies and then we were treated to the spa the next day. Facials are my weakness and that one was amazing. Not going to lie, they pretty much had to make us leave the spa. They have the most gorgeous fireplace and sitting area that I wanted to move into. So we moved to the restaurant where we also didn’t want to leave.
Beautiful rooms, attentive staff, relaxing spa, exercise room, multiple pools, golf course, conference center and fine food all in a gorgeous Texas sized setting. It’s a good thing.
If you’re traveling to the Houston area I hope you’ll consider staying with them. It’s an oasis of FUN! You can also connect with The Woodlands Resort on TWITTER and FACEBOOK
Disclaimer: The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center hosted us during our stay. Opinions are our own. Always have been. Always will be.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Oh my gosh- how fun!!! That sounds like a great weekend!! I never knew you liked bull riding.
Meredith In Sock Monkey Slippers says
Texas is awesome… obviously. Love the photos and yes, MIXED should be in Texas.
Amy @Very Culinary says
Oh my gosh, Paula, really? That is funny. Not because you shouldn’t be a fan, but just because you seem…so …refined. Lol. One of my dear friends is a total high-brow foodie, wine snob, and fashionista…but loves NASCAR. So go figure!
Denise says
Grew up in a small town in Nevada, so I am very familiar with the Rodeo! Two of my cousins went onto professional rodeoing after high school. Sounds like you ladies had fun.
barb says
If there is Bull Riding I’m there!! And yes it shocks everyone we know. Also NASCAR Fans
Kim Beaulieu says
I love all things western, being a horse girl it’s sort of required I think. Oddly I don’t own western boots, just blunnies. Odd but true.
I’m totally down with you moving Mixed to the wild west. I’ll be there with bells on. At least until I can buy some boots.
Ginny McMeans says
What a wild time you had! The resort and your suite looks like an absolute dream. I hope I can go there someday.
Angie says
This looks like so much fun, and I know the Woodlands is such a beautiful area, I bet the resort there is amazing! Your photos are so pretty!
Christie - Food Done Light says
My 7 yr old is already a horse fanatic. We took her to her first rodeo last year. This is going to be her dream vacation! I am all about the hotel!
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
I love the rodeo! We have a family home in the Rockies in Colorado and there is a small, little rodeo that is so much fun to go watch. I’ve never been to a large, professional rodeo.
Jenn @ Deliciously Sprinkled says
Looks like such a fun time, I have never been to Texas but I think my husband and I need to put it on our places we want to go for vacation list! 🙂
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Mixed in Texas would be so awesome!! I’ve never been to a rodeo, I bet it’s amazing though!
Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines says
I’ve been to one rodeo in my life and had a blast at it. I can’t say that it got in my blood like it seems to have done to you though. That being said, if it means that I can stay in a place like that though, count me in.
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
That looks like such a fun time! I’ve never been to a rodeo and I even have family that lives in Texas (shame face). Next time we’re in Dallas, I’m getting myself there!
Rebecca {foodie with family} says
I love Texas. Love it. But I have NEVER been to a rodeo. I feel like it needs to happen for my life to be complete!
Marly says
Looks like a great trip! I can’t think of this city without singing that silly, old country music song, “Houston. (bam bam bam) Houston means that I’m one step closer to you.” You certainly make it look way better than that song makes it sound. Can’t wait to go there again now!
Susan says
My former boss used to love going to the rodeo when it came to NY and you’d never suspect it of him. Sounds like a great trip and that hotel is gorgeous!
DessertForTwo says
As you know, HUGE PBR fan right here, too! We try to go to one live event a year, too. I went to the one in San Antonio one year and there was a great show afterwards! So fun!
PS Will you ask JB Mauney to marry me? 😉
Nutmeg Nanny says
What a fun weekend! That hotel looks dreamy 🙂
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
The rodeo! I want to go!!!! What an awesome looking time, gorgeous resort!
Joelen says
What a great time! I’m loving those cowboy boots and hope to make it out to Texas again. I’ve only been once and it definitely wasn’t long enough!
Brenda@SugarFreeMom says
OH my goodness that pool looks so relaxing! I could sit there forever and how I want a facial too!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Love the Houston Rodeo… so fun. Plus the mutten busting, where the little kids try to ride the sheep like a bull is just adorable. Glad you had fun in my hometown girl! Love the boots!