Ascot Farms - Magnolia, TX

Ascot Farms is a subdivision of The Woodlands, a large master-planned community. Though principally residential, the area is now home to some major corporations as well. It started out as a bedroom community to neighboring Houston but soon took on a life of its own. Because of its relative newness, the neighborhood hasn't changed significantly since its founding.

Most residents are professional career types who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of city life but still access city perks. The Woodlands Children's museum may be the only local museum, but the Woodlands hosts frequent concerts and an annual Waterway Arts Festival. Residents can easily take advantage of Houston's vibrant theater, arts and music scene.

Ascot Farms' central restaurant district can be found in the shopping area at the intersection of Woodlands Parkway and FM 2978. Several fast-food chains (McDonald’s, Subway, Whataburger, Starbucks) are available along this corridor, but don’t pass by the local fare.

Caffe di Fiore serves Mexican food in a casual but modern setting. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on the scenic patio. The menu branches out from Mexican, including pasta, sandwiches and pizza. Finish off your meal with their excellent homemade tres leches cake. Next door, the Blue Mug Cafe serves up more traditional American fare such as pancakes, tacos and burgers. The Breakfast Place, a bit further down Woodlands Parkway, presents a similar menu for breakfast and brunch. Comfort food and build-your-own omelets are on offer in this local shop.

The nightlife in the area is somewhat less diverse. Tailgators Pub and Grill, a popular spot for sports enthusiasts, serves beer and crawfish by the pound. Stop by to watch the game on one of the pub's televisions or partake of the frequent happy-hour specials.

Texas Tavern manages to combine a classic saloon feel with a karaoke bar, including a full bar, live entertainment and DJs. With a dance floor and pool hall, Texas Tavern is undoubtedly the center of the local nightlife. For something a bit more upscale, head just a bit further north to the GenuWine Tasting Room, where you can enjoy dinner, craft beer, excellent wine and live music.

Residents of Ascot Farms use Woodlands Express buses to transfer to and from three park-and-ride lots in the Woodlands. Otherwise, most people drive. Interstate 45 leads directly to the center of Houston. It’s moderately easy to access, though congestion can be a problem, and drivers should plan plenty of time for commuting.

Parking in Ascot Farms is limited to the small business districts and residential areas, but finding a spot should be relatively easy. There are no bike lanes in the area, but residents frequently bike the residential streets, which are also pedestrian-friendly. Cabs and Uber are available but pricey in the Woodlands, and be ready with good directions to Ascot Farms.

Residents of Ascot Farms appreciate the wide variety of green spaces available for outdoor activities, exercise and leisure. Small parks with names like May Valley and Spinning Wheel feature lovely landscaping, picnic tables, basketball courts and playgrounds. May Valley also has a sprayground to keep kids cool during the summer heat.

Terramont Park caters to older kids with skateboarding and cycling areas, soccer fields and Frisbee golf. The dog park ensures your four-legged friend has ample room to play off leash.

Two golf courses serve the area—Lake Windsor Golf Club and the Club at Carlton Woods. Both are private with the corresponding fees. Meanwhile, Ascot Farms, a designated nature preserve for local wildlife, sits just northwest of the Spring Creek Greenway,

The annual Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival takes place one weekend every spring and showcases music, dance, arts and crafts. It is recognized nationally for the sheer quantity of art sold every year, more than any other fair in Texas.

The cost of living in Ascot Farms is substantially higher than the city average. A round trip to Houston 's downtown is $12 on the park-and-ride. A beer costs about $2.50 to $3 bucks at the local bars, and gas costs about 10 percent less per gallon than the national average.

Despite the uniformity of the area’s strip malls, there are some nice shops to be found in and around Ascot Farms. Ainsworth Meats is an old-fashioned family-owned butcher store. Not only does the shop provide the best meat around, the butchers can also turn your fresh game into sausage and season it to taste.

Pick up your boots and chaps at Outback Western Wear in nearby Magnolia. This place has absolutely everything, but the boot and hat selections are especially varied. Locally-owned and operated, this shop is a good alternative to the more common local chains found throughout Houston.

No matter where you are in Ascot Farms, you're no more than five minutes from a grocery store. Kroger, HEB, Randall's, Trader Joe's and other chains all serve the general area. Farmers markets are located further south, at the southern edge of the Woodlands. Grogan's Mill Farmers Market is 20 minutes away and open weekly.