Day Trip: Historic Downtown Navasota

Lara DeHavenDay Trips, Lake Conroe, Local Business

historic downtown Navasota

Not far from Montgomery, Texas along HWY 105 sits the growing city of Navasota. The city has been restoring its historic district for years and now has become a magnet for residents and visitors alike. If you haven’t driven to or through the largest city in Grimes County recently, you should check it out. Today we will highlight some things you can do in historic downtown Navasota, Texas.

Shopping

Along Washington Avenue through the historic downtown area of Navasota, a variety of antique stores and boutiques line the street. Find antiques for your home or fill your closet with clothing from a local boutique. You will be sure to find unique items for yourself or as gifts. For a complete list of places, click here. These shops are local small businesses and not large franchises that you can find anywhere. They are a part of what makes visiting Navasota special.

Additionally, it would be remiss to not mention Martha’s Bloomers even though it is not in the historic district. It ranked #5 as the Top Shopping Destination in the South. Check it out on your way in or out of the city.

Staying

You can now stay in style in Navasota. After five years of restoration work, the P.A. Smith Hotel has been brought back to life. It is gorgeous! If you don’t want to stay the night, you can order a coffee from their coffee shop, Louisa’s Cache, and enjoy your beverage in the incredibly beautiful hotel lobby. While there you can step back into time in Hamer’s Speakeasy. History buffs will love this spot as it is named after a Navasota-native Frank Hamer, who infamously led the posse against Bonnie and Clyde. The hotel is definitely worth checking out.

Seeing

Navasota has a rich history and loves the arts. From the LaSalle statue to famous Blue artist, Mance Lipscomb, explore the city looking for its other bronze statues honoring residents or historical figures. Navasota also has tons of murals in the downtown sector. They are great for sightseeing, photography backgrounds, or just getting a sense of Navasota’s history and present vibe. Also, the Navasota Theatre Alliance draws people to their performances throughout the year. If you love music, Navasota also hosts music festivals and events. Be sure to follow the City of Navasota to know the dates so you don’t miss out.

Sustenance

There are many great places to eat in Navasota. For fine dining, check out restaurants like Red Board Tavern & Table and Rail & Rye. Classic Rock Coffee Co & Kitchen also offers food and specialty coffee drinks in a cool, rock and roll ambiance. Beyond the historic district, La Casita is a great Tex-Mex restaurant. Martha’s Bloomers Cafe offers lunch.

Historic Downtown Navasota is a great place to visit and an easy day trip from the Lake Conroe area. From shopping to sightseeing, Navasota offers a fun experience for families, couples, or friends.