If one more night at book club holds the same excitement as reading the phone book, it may be time to shake up your Girl's Night Out plans. There’s no shortage of things to do in The Woodlands area, but for a real change of pace and a night to remember, don’t just go out, go all out!
No one understands that better than Michelle Nunez-Dement and her group of gal pals. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening they get together at the Rainbow Roller Rink, tie on their skates, pad up and become the Conroe Cutthroats Roller Derby Team. Teachers, nurses, artists, moms, students, with ages ranging from 20’s into the 60’s, they skate, laugh and cheer each other on. Considering that the goal is to be the toughest girls on wheels, they happen to be the warmest, most welcoming, friendliest group of women you’ll find.
Roller derby is a rare example of a grassroots community rising from the ashes of a dead professional sport. It has grown into a movement, developing its own traditions and culture. Players skate under pun-laden nicknames, develop signature looks, and champion inclusivity. While it began as an endurance race in the 1920’s as a professional sport, promoters developed rivalries and fans loved the skaters sometimes being billed as “good or bad” guys. It closely resembled professional wrestling. Today it is a local league run by volunteers, but its appeal is still “noise, color and body contact”.
“Absolutely bring your friends and come out,” or make new friends that will last a lifetime encourages Michelle. We’re all open arms.” She points out that you need no experience on skates, they embrace the wall-huggers, too. “Only do what you’re comfortable doing. We can teach it all to you,” she said. The team also loans any necessary gear to those who want to come try it out.
Plan on coming out to join the team and see if you have what it takes. Some just come for the exercise and the friendship, choosing to be non-contact participants, and some have been skating together for over a decade. Only 15 make the roster for the monthly games during the season that runs from March through October, while others will act as non-skating officials. The team plays by Women’s Flat Track Derby Association rules against teams around Texas and the surrounding states.
“We’re a very competitive team, but we’re still here for fun,” said Michelle, who is called by her derby name, Taz, (short for Taz-Maim-Ya) whenever she’s at the rink. “Anyone is welcome to just show up at practice by themselves or as a group". They can be messaged through their Conroe Cutthroats Facebook page or their website ConroeRollerDerby.com.
For the girl group looking to cut through another dull night out, Woodlands Axe is the perfect answer. That axe throwing requires brute strength and muscles is a huge misperception. Form, accuracy, and precision – areas where so many women excel – are the key components to this sport that’s rapidly growing in popularity. You may just be surprised that your co-worker may have a secret talent at axe throwing. Axe throwing has been taken to the next level.
The modern sport of axe throwing involves a competitor throwing an axe at a target, attempting to hit the bullseye as near as possible. Axe throwing has historically been an event in lumberjack competitions, but in 2020, commercial locations started opening in Canada. Why, because it is great “FUN” and a great way to channel your inner strength It has become a global pastime and a Woodlands favorite place to gather.
Jeff Elkins of Woodlands Axe has computerized using projected targets that allow for different games and challenges. “There’s only so much you can do with a painted-on target. With the projection, you can change it up, keep it fun.” It is great fun for an impromptu night out or a party.
The nine open lanes and two private lanes, each accommodating six players per lane, are paired with a designated table to relax at between turns and enjoy some food and drinks from the house bar. Party rooms are also available for hosting corporate team-building events, celebrations and special occasions.
As more women and their families discover the fun and challenge of axe throwing, they’re coming with their Mother’s Day Out groups, for drink specials like Wine Down Wednesday, bachelorette parties, or with groups of homeschooled students on Fridays. No special skills or experience is required, and Woodlands Axe provides all the coaching to get started throwing axes, knives and Ninja stars.
“Axe throwing is becoming the new bowling,” said Jeff. “There are leagues and tournaments. We have people come just to hang out with friends.” You should probably plan on making reservations for a group or just drop in with a friend after work.
After kicking off the skates and putting down the axe, Kernita Heard, owner of Almost August in downtown Conroe, has everything you need to relax with friends and create your own perfect spa experience. Her Wick & Wine candle-making parties are pleasantly paired with wine tasting for the escape every woman wants.
Humble as they may seem, candles have a long and storied history. From Roman Italy to the Qin Dynasty of ancient China. Civilization has relied on candles for thousands of years, and many great thinkers across the world have contributed to candle-making as we know it today. Kernita has put her own beautiful touch on candles today in Montgomery County.
Curated at her elegant shop that opened last August, Kernita guides groups of ten or less through her fragrance menu to combine all the right notes for the perfect scent. After a container is chosen, all the candle elements are skillfully combined for each unique creation. “There are a few tricks of the trade, like how much fragrance for the wax, but I love sharing that and making it fun,” said Kernita, who had started making candles and soaps at home as a hobby.
While the wax hardens, pre-selected wine flights and charcuterie await a short walk away in the Blue Room at BE Winery’s The Lounge on Main. Candles are then bagged to take home with a handwritten note. “It’s a different experience than just going out for drinks. At the end of the night, you have something special to keep,” she said. “And I like being able to partner with other local businesses.” She is also able to coordinate bigger groups at other downtown locations.
If your group would rather stay closer to home, Almost August can come to you. Kernita brings everything necessary to light up a shower, birthday, corporate event, or Girl's Night In. “You provide your own wine, and my husband is there to pour and let you enjoy your time with your friends,” she said.
Kernita’s Almost August plans to partner with her daughter Safiya St. Rose to add classes for potting decorative plants. For now, though, availability for her light-hearted, unrushed classes fills up quickly and reservations can be made online at AlmostAugust.shop. However, a visit in person to browse her handcrafted soaps, scrubs and body butters, candles and linen sprays is highly recommended.
So, the next time the girls decide to get together, throw the book at boring and think outside the box for a much more exciting group adventure. It is amazing what you may find out about your friends and what fires their imaginations.