Exploring Old Town Spring: North Houston’s Historic Hideaway

Nestled conveniently between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road, you’ll find a welcome break from the busy city lights and sounds of Greater Houston. Instead lies a quaint, historic village offering a slower pace and a more peaceful way of life.

Old Town Spring is North Houston’s quaint and quiet hideaway. Perfect for strolling, shopping and just spending time with family, the throwback village is a welcome respite for many Houstonites – and beyond.

History of Old Town Spring

Settlement of the Old Town Spring area dates back to the early 1800s — even before the city of Houston was founded. Once known as “Camp Spring,” because the town served as a camp of sorts of railroad workers, the “camp” was dropped and Spring became the city’s official name in 1873. The town flourished, with several railroad lines, an opera house, hospital, bank, hotel and more by the early 1900s. Though The Great Depression and prohibition stifled local growth for several years, by the 1970s, Spring was well established as a hotspot in the city.

Hundreds of years after its start, many of Old Town Spring’s original buildings still stand – including the old Wunsche Bros. Saloon and the city’s original jailhouse. The town has also been rumored as a site of a Bonnie and Clyde robbery. The bank building the pair is said to have robbed stands tall today — now as Mallott’s Hardware. According to legend, the building still has bullet holes from their visit.

Shopping

Nowadays, Old Town Spring is largely a shopping destination, known for its quaint antique shops and unique, family-owned boutiques. The area is also home to several furniture, decor, craft, clothing and gift stores, as well as a historic doll shop (and “hospital”) that has been around since the 1980s. The hospital is one of the most well-known landmarks of the area.

Entertainment

The Old Town Spring area is home to dozens of activities, parks, and options for entertainment. For the craft enthusiast or DIYer, the My Piqcasso Art Bar, and A Needle and Thread quilting lessons are popular choices, while those seeking a thrill might enjoy the Armadillo Escape Room Adventure or the Old Town Spring Ghost Walk.

Pet lovers can stop by The Great Catsby — a cafe roaming with feline friends — or Puppy Corral, where they can interact with puppies of all breeds. The Spring Historical Museum is great for history buffs or just those interested in the city’s interesting background.

Dining

From small cafes, coffee shops and food trucks to higher-end fare and historical spots, the Old Town Spring area is home to dining options of all types. Puffabelly’s is a local favorite, having occupied the city’s historic train depot for more than two decades, while the Jailhouse Saloon gives another look at Spring’s past, serving food and drinks from an 1900s-era city jail.

La Casita and Granny’s Tamales are a few of the town’s south-of-the-border offerings, and Corkscrew BBQ is known statewide for its barbecue. Other resident favorites include The Black Sheep Bistro, Envy Wine Room and The Provisioner’s Tale.

Festivals & Events

Old Town Spring plays hosts to dozens of festivals and family-friendly events throughout the year, with the Texas Crawfish Festival the most popular. The fest includes live musical entertainment, a petting zoo, a carnival, food and more. Other regular events include:

• Springfest
• Texas Wine and Art Festival
• Texas Taco, Tequila and Margarita Festival
• Autumn Art and Texas Wine Festival
• Pet Fest
• Home for the Holidays

Home for the Holidays is a multi-week celebration that runs from early November through Christmas. Carolers, wagon rides, parades, a tree lighting ceremony and more are all part of the festivities. Local shops also offer special holiday-themed decor and gift items for purchase.

Culture

For a quaint, historic town, Old Town Spring has a surprising amount of modern culture. The area is home to several art and photography galleries, including Adam and Madam — an art room and bistro in one. Visitors can browse work by local artists while enjoying wine, craft beer, paninis, brunch fare and more.

Other options in the area include Cousin’s Glass Art, Fiora Fine Crafts Gallery, the Lana Williams Gallery, PTL Gallery, Sedona Joe’s, Spring Cottage Gallery and Donny Hickmott Walking Horse Studio and Gallery.

Old Town Spring Visitor’s Bureau

Old Town Spring has its very own Visitor’s Bureau, located at 606 Spring Cypress Road. Stop by for maps, local guidance or information on hours or upcoming events. You can also call the Bureau at 281.288.2355 for more information.

Learn More About Spring

Whether you’re visiting, looking to move here or just want to learn more about the area, we can help. We know North Houston and would love help you fall in love with the area, too!