The Woodlands resort and residential community north of Houston has published its free spring-summer Discovery Guide containing maps and discount offers.

Ted Washington

Pay to sit inside the big tent to hear the Houston Symphony or sit outside for free.

The town is the summer home of the Houston Symphony, and music lovers can buy tickets to performances at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion or listen for free from the lawn just outside the covered, open-air venue. Programs range from classical to pop, with the Star- Spangled Salute on July 3.

A water taxi links the music pavilion, restaurants and shops along a 1.25-mile canal. (Shopping on Market Street and at the Woodlands Mall is within walking distance of the waterway.) All-day passes are $4 for adults (buy when boarding). Romantics or groups wanting a boat to themselves can hire one for $320 per hour (food and beverage additional).

For a copy of the summer guide or information about the township, see www.visitthewoodlands.com. The Woodlands is about 200 miles south of Dallas via Interstate 45.