May this autumn bring you a harvest of fun times and laughter with family and friends!

"Come thirsty or come hungry and Fioza Cafe will take care of you." So goes the motto for this trendy coffee and bubble tea bar in Houston. It pours locally roasted Fontana Coffee, the product of another independent business in Houston. Using careful brewing techniques and high-grade equipment, Fioza's baristas make everything from lattes to espressos.

Another chunk of the menu showcases various bubble teas, each teeming with Fioza's own artfully prepared tapioca pearls. Grab a bubble tea, hot or iced standard tea, or any other refreshing drink and use it to wash down one of the casual eats at Fioza. Its food menu includes paninis, deli sandwiches, and an array of pastries that are all baked fresh and in-house. Yelp reviewers particularly seem to enjoy the paninis, so try one stuffed with smoke turkey and basil pesto or grilled veggies and goat cheese.

Fioza
9002 Chimney Rock Road
Houston, TX 77096
(713) 729-8810
www.fioza.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fioza-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/risastla

Looking for a place to get outdoors near 2411 Washington? Visit Willow Park, a friendly neighborhood park with something for everyone. From its well-maintained basketball courts to its swing sets for the little ones, your entire family or group of friends can enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

If you want to get in a bit of alone time, Willow Park also offers paved trails around the park’s perimeter that are great for walking or jogging. There is a picturesque gazebo that makes a great place for an afternoon picnic or to relax with a good book while watching the kids play, as well as nearby barbecue grills for more elaborate lunches. The sand volleyball courts and tennis courts are fun for more active visitors, and the park even contains bleachers where fans can cheer on their friends during the big game.

Willow Park
10400 Cliffwood
Houston, TX 77035
www.yelp.com/biz/willow-park-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr andy1120willis