You will take a step back in time when you cross the threshold of Carriage House Cafe in Houston. The restaurant is adorned with worn and weathered wooden beams, subtle brass lighting, and interesting antiques from the 1800s. Classic Western music (think Hank Williams) complements the ambiance of the large, family-friendly eatery.

Begin your meal with a trip to the large salad bar, then order one of the 1/2-pound or 1-pound chopped steak burgers loaded with toppings such as bacon, cheese, jalepenos, and house-made barbecue sauce. Specialty dishes include honey rum grilled chicken, chicken fried steaks, barbecue brisket and house-made slow-smoked country sausage. The "little buckaroo and buckarettes" menu will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters and entree specials are offered daily.

Carriage House Cafe
7955 Fallbrook Drive
Houston, TX 77064
(281) 469-2002
www.thecarriagehousecafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/carriage-house-caf%C3%A9-houston-2

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

It can be difficult to eat healthy while dining out, but that doesn’t mean you have to sabotage your diet. Here are a few smart tips for finding healthy, low-calorie meals at any restaurant.

• Look up the menu online. Most restaurants today upload their menus to an online site, which means that you can research the healthiest options and even check the nutritional content before you leave the house.
• Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your server what type of oil a meal is cooked in, which sides it comes with, and if it’s topped with any decadent sauces. Then, feel free to make modifications as you see fit.
• Steer clear of the appetizers. If you’re out with a group of friends, don’t fall victim to snacking on nachos before the meal. This can add hundreds of extra calories to your meal.
• Know some key words. Stay away from dishes with descriptions like “pan-fried,” “cream-based,” “au gratin,” or even “sautéed.” Instead, opt for dishes that are grilled or baked.
• Moderate your alcohol intake. Enjoy 5 ounces of red wine or 12 ounces of light beer instead of cocktail to add only 150 calories to your meal.

13 Rules for Dining Out On a Diet [Today Health]
How to eat out while sticking to your diet! [Vedonis]
How to eat at a restaurant on a diet – How to survive without blowing your diet! [What’s Cooking America]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr alexbrn

Collins Park is a 55-acre green space in northwest Houston that is especially popular with locals. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a variety of facilities. Lighted softball and baseball fields offer plenty of space to play and are often used by local leagues, while a roofed basketball court makes it possible to shoot some hoops even if the weather's not ideal. A sand volleyball court is great for impromptu games, and a grassy, well-maintained soccer field provides the space to practice kicking some goals. Collins Park also hosts a skate park, with plenty of ramps and rails for young skateboarders to hone their skills.

Additionally, the park offers biking and hiking trails, a canoe launch, and access to Cypress Creek where you can fish for white bass, crappie, and catfish. Kids will enjoy the playground equipment, which is divided into two separate areas for younger and older kids, and everyone will appreciate the shaded picnic pavilions and barbecue areas.

Collins Park
6727 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 353-4196
www.hcp4.net/Parks/collins/index.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/collins-park-spring

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Joshua Mayer