Houston is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. By affiliation, Katy is no exception. But what makes Katy unique is the fact that in addition to its rapid growth, it retains many elements of its distinguished past, including its agricultural character and its industrial economy shaped largely by local railroads. Today, Katy is a place of excellent schools, economic opportunities, and natural beauty.
History
As with many small towns in Texas, Katy first emerged as a town based on railroad activity. Specifically, it was a stop on the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad line that ran alongside present-day Route 90. The former railroad line, and now the highway, leads down to the center of Houston. The direct connection between the two places inspired the transportation of people, cargo, and animals. It wasn't long before commuters working in Houston started choosing Katy as a top place for a quieter, more scenic place to live. While general agriculture was important for many towns in Texas, Katy stood out for its large number of rice farms. This is due to its open prairies, flat plains, and warm climate. In addition to Katy itself, there is an outlying area of the town called "Greater Katy" that has been important for economic growth. Although its identity is primarily connected with Houston, Katy has many standalone attractions too, such as its independent school district and the Mills Mall.
Attractions
Like any city, Katy has its share of seasonal and year-round attractions. Whether you're looking for pick-your-own farms, premium shopping opportunities, or anything in between, this is what Katy has to offer.
Dewberry Farm
If you're looking for fresh air, and also a great natural place to celebrate the holidays, Dewberry Farm is it. This farm offers seasonally-themed entertainment and festivities for the entire family. During the fall, it is a popular spot for hayrides and pumpkin-picking. Come winter it transforms into an excellent place for holiday events, complete with luscious Christmas trees for families to cut and bring home.
Irace Entertainment
With Go-Kart racing, bowling, NASCAR-simulated rides, arcade games, a bar in the garage, and an onsite restaurant, this modern attraction offers fun for the whole family. It also has private spaces that you can rent out for parties. Rain or shine, this entertainment center is one of the most popular in the area with fun and games for all ages.
Mary Jo Peckham Park
If you're searching for a natural oasis to escape the stress and chaos of daily life, this park is worth checking out. The Mary Jo Peckham Park has a walking trail, a playground, and an overall tranquil setting that invites park-goers to sit back and relax. Although it is technically within Katy, its tree-lined setting and quiet atmosphere make you think otherwise.
Katy Prairie Conservancy
Today, it might seem that the Houston area is focused mostly on growth and development. However, a visit to the Katy Prairie Conservancy site shows conserving the area's lands and preserving its heritage are still prioritized. The Katy Prairie Conservancy was established in 1992. Since then, it has preserved the lands around Houston for the enjoyment of both people and native wildlife. Now, you can visit the conservancy to explore over 13,000 acres of natural habitat west of Houston. Educational programs, bird-watching, hiking, and other outdoor-oriented opportunities await naturalists wishing to explore this unique sanctuary.
Katy Mills
If you're looking for premier shopping opportunities, Katy Mills is bound to be your answer. This nationally-acclaimed shopping center features favorite contemporary stores. You can also find great deals here, and it offers fun for the whole family with perks like a food court and a movie theater. In total, this high-end indoor shopping mall contains more than 175 brand-name stores. It is open year-round for shopping in any season.
The Showboat
As its website proclaims, spending an evening at the Showboat means a lot more than just watching a movie. This theater shows all the latest films, but what separates it from the rest is that it's an old drive-in establishment. Special pricing is usually offered if you want to see more than one feature film, and if you are hungry, the snack bar provides plenty of enticing options.
Being near Houston but with its own unique history and charm, there's a reason why Katy is among the "best places to live" in Texas. If you live here, chances are good you too take pride in your town's charm. To help make the most of your town's appearance, contact Lawn Love, the lawn care specialists, for all your convenient and affordable property maintenance needs.
