The Peckinpaugh Preserve is a wooded preserve in the Spring area that merged two areas of donated land to form 25 acres of hiking trails and green space. The preserve is located across Spring Creek and adjacent to the Riley Fuzzel Road Bridge, which makes it a convenient hiking spot for many Spring residents.

The trails wind around the preserve in a maze-like manner that makes them very interesting for even the most experienced hiker, and the terrain varies between sand and dirt. Many different animals and bird species frequent the wooded areas around the trails, so bird watchers and nature lovers alike frequently visit the preserve to catch a glimpse of these creatures in their natural habitats. The creek also provides an opportunity for fishing and for launching canoes into its flowing waters.

To help navigate Peckinpaugh Preserve’s complicated series of trails, there are colorful maps available at the small visitor center building at the entrance to the preserve.

Peckinpaugh Preserve
1209 Old Riley Fuzzel Road
Spring, TX 77386
(281) 367-3977
www.springcreekgreenway.org
www.yelp.com/biz/peckinpaugh-preserve-spring

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Don DeBold

Rudy’s Bar B Q is a popular Spring spot for enjoying tasty barbecue. The space presents a down-home setting with an old fashioned gas station theme that recounts the fact that the original in this chain of restaurants began at a Texas gas station.

Sidle up to the counter, place your order and sit down at one of their wooden picnic-style tables. Meat is sold by the half-pound. Choose from Brisket, Turkey Breast, Spicy Chop, Half Chicken, Turkey, Pork Loin, Pork Spare Ribs, Baby Back Ribs, Regular Sausage and Jalapeno Sausage. They slice your meat right at the counter and pile it onto white butcher paper. Choose from Spicy or Regular Sauce. Add on some tasty sides like Creamed Corn, Potato Salad, Spicy Beans, Coleslaw, and New Potatoes.

Rudy's is open every day in Spring, Texas

Rudy's Bar B Q
20806 Interstate 45
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 288-0916
http://www.rudysbbq.com/page/home
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rudys-bar-b-q-spring-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/stevendepolo

Some foods are obviously high in sugar, such as cakes, sodas, and ice cream. But did you know that there are sneaky high-sugar foods that may be sabotaging your diet without you even knowing it? Here are a few foods that are surprisingly high in sugar.

1. Fat-free yogurts. Sure, fat-free yogurts don’t contain fat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re low in sugar, too! In fact, the majority of low-fat and fat-free yogurts overcompensate by adding quite a bit of sugar to sweeten up the taste. Be sure to check the label on your favorite sweet side, because some 0% yogurts can contain as many as 20 grams of sugar.
2. Marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is often viewed as a healthy alternative to creamy Alfredo sauces, but this savory pasta topping can be packed full of sugars. Beware of store bought cans and jars especially, as they’re the most common culprits.
3. Bread. Even supposedly healthy breads, like whole grain and wheat, can contain about three grams of sugar per slice. Processed breads are usually much higher in sugars than freshly baked options, so opt for a loaf from the bakery or a sprouted wheat bread from the health food store.

6 Surprising Sources of Sugar [Eating Well]
6 Hidden Sugar Mines in Your Diet [Next Avenue]
Sugar: Five Foods Surprisingly High in Sugar [BBC]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Steven Depolo