Find a One-of-a-Kind Gift at Space Montrose

Shopping for a unique gift or piece of art just became a lot more fun at Space Montrose in Houston. The gallery showcases more than 130 works by local and regional artists and includes handcrafted art, clothing, housewares and jewelry. The airy store is warm and welcoming, encouraging you to stay a while to explore the many facets of the space filled with a variety of special pieces.

From handmade cards, toys, and hand-dipped candles to t-shirts, scarves, and necklaces, the works are one-of-a-kind. Stop by regularly as new artists are always being brought in by the owners, or something you missed might catch your eye. Some of the featured artists include Tim Doyle, Lisa Chow, and Poppy and Fern. The store is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Space Montrose
1706 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098
(832) 649-5743
www.spacemontrose.com
www.yelp.com/biz/space-montrose-houston-2

Exotic Creatures Make Their Home at Cockrell Butterfly Center

Immerse yourself in the natural habitat of butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center housed within The Houston Museum of Natural Science. The distinctive sanctuary is made up of three fascinating levels for your enjoyment and education.

The Rainforest Conservatory encases a 50-foot waterfall within a manmade tropical paradise filled with thousands of imported exotic butterflies, plants, and unique arthropods from around the world. In Chrysalis Corner, watch the transformation of butterflies as they develop and grow. On the lower level, explore an entomologist's lab and investigate a number of insects up close. Before you go, grab a treat from the Insect Vending Machine featuring snacks made from insects that are popular in many cultures around the world. The museum also has a fun, interactive playground for the younger set with an insect area, a giant beehive and puzzles.

Cockrell Butterfly Center
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
www.hmns.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=8
www.yelp.com/biz/cockrell-butterfly-center-houston

Climb Your Way to Fitness at the Texas Rock Gym

For adventurous Houston residents looking for a workout that’s more exciting than an hour on the treadmill, try your hand at the Texas Rock Gym. This state-of-the-art facility contains sturdy climbing walls perfect for indoor rock climbing or even daring bouldering, which is similar to rock climbing but done without a rope. The routes change very often so that there’s always a new experience for frequent visitors, and if you’re a first-timer, the gym’s experienced staff of trainers are always on hand to show you the ropes—quite literally.

You’re free to bring your own climbing gear if you already own some, but if you don’t, you can also rent everything you’ll need from the pro shop at Texas Rock Gym. With its convenient location and frequent price specials on certain days of the week, everyone will feel welcome in this fun, friendly climbing gym.

Texas Rock Gym
1526 Campbell Road
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 973-7625
www.texasrockgym.com

Sip a Craft Beer Flight at Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston

If you’re a fan of beer—and really, who isn’t?—you’ll likely want to add a visit to Saint Arnold Brewing Company to your list of things to do in Houston. This historic brewery claims to be the oldest in the entire state of Texas, and many devoted locals would agree.

Saint Arnold crafts a wide selection of beers with new options developed throughout the year, so you’ll always find seasonal offerings along with the brewery’s tried-and-true favorites. Start your visit with a Saint Arnold Amber Ale or the popular Saint Arnold Weedwacker, or if you’re feeling really adventurous (or simply indecisive), opt for a flight to try a few beers at once. Tour the brewery portion of the building learn how these beers are made, and then settle in for a lunch of hearty American fare with your favorite brew on the side.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Avenue
Houston, TX 77020
(713) 686-9494
www.saintarnold.com

Dance the Night Away at Howl at the Moon in Houston

Houston is home to quite a few great live music venues, but Howl at the Moon is a local favorite that stands out amongst the others. This lively bar, dance club, and music venue hosts some of the most exciting parties in the city, making it a go-to spot in the Houston nightlife scene.

The venue portion frequently books an eclectic array of local acts and nationally touring musicians, spanning genres from hip hop to pop and even hard rock. The spacious dance floor offers ample space for you to rock out to your favorite band or get down with your friends to a DJ spinning the latest dance tracks. Howl at the Moon is known for its 86-ounce buckets of booze, but the numerous bars also offer classic cocktails and a great selection of beers.

There are often elaborate parties for holidays like Halloween and New Years Eve, but it also makes a great place if you’re planning your own birthday or bachelor party.

Howl at the Moon
612 Hadley St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 658-9700
www.howlatthemoon.com

Sip Something Sweet and Colorful at Nu Ice & Drinks

When you’re craving dessert in the Houston area but you’re tired of your usual ice cream spot, pay a visit to Nu Ice & Drinks. This unique sweet spot serves Asian-style shaved ice in flavors like lychee and green tea, and they taste even better when you drizzle them with egg pudding or sweetened condensed milk. You’ll also find fresh fruit toppings and boba balls that add a colorful flair and great flavor to any dessert. The portions are very large for the affordable prices, and it’s available in two sizes affectionately called the Hill and the Mountain.

Inside, Nu Ice & Drinks is stylish and modern, with a spacious ordering counter where you can watch as the employees prepare your shaved ice and even choose your own toppings from the colorful bar. In the dining area, there are a number of tables where you can sit and relax once you receive your dessert.

Nu Ice & Drinks
5901 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(832) 649-2266
www.nucafehouston.com

Discovery Green: Jog, Canoe or Watch a Movie at This Scenic Green Space

Though Houston may be a sprawling metropolis, it provides ample opportunities for locals to get outdoors at parks like Discovery Green. This modern green space and community hub hosts beautiful gardens, playgrounds for the little ones, and an ever-changing array of inspirational outdoor art installations.

The park’s large pond is often used for canoeing around Houston’s beautiful cityscape, while in the winter, it doubles as an outdoor ice rink for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are sprawling green spaces where people can play catch or enjoy a picnic, walking paths for those who want to get a bit of exercise, and even a dog park where you can take your furry friend. Discovery Green contains a few different restaurants on its grounds, and there are also areas where the park hosts live music performances, outdoor movies, and festivals during the summer months.

For a full list of happenings at Discovery Green, visit the park’s website!

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 400-7336
www.discoverygreen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/discovery-green-houston

Walk Through a Living Butterfly Habitat at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Spend a day of interactive fun and learning at the Houston Museum of Natural Science in Houston’s Museum District. The museum focuses on on different eras of history and science, including a dinosaur exhibit, information on ancient Egyptian societies, an ancient gem collection, a display on African wildlife, and an exhibit on Texas ecology.

The museum also has a collection of rotating exhibitions, so there is always something new to see with every visit. As with many large museums, HMNS also has a big-screen movie theater playing 3D films for audiences of almost 400 people. The Cockrell Butterfly Center allows visitors to walk through an explore a living butterfly habitat.

Admission to the museum costs $25 for adults and $15 for seniors and children. If you have a membership to the museum, admission is free. The museum is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
www.hmns.org

Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center: Do Something Kind For Your Body and Mind

If you want to do something good for your body in the Houston area, try a class at Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center. This full-service yoga studio offers hot yoga classes in a room heated to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, aerial yoga classes using yoga hammocks suspended from the ceiling, and traditional Vinyasa flow yoga that is perfect for yogis of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a different type of workout, the Pilates and Barre classes will help you to tone, tighten and lengthen your muscles, as well as increase flexibility throughout the body. There are even ballroom dancing classes with private or semi-private instruction.

In addition to its instructional classes, Your Body offers relaxing massage therapy that aims to reduce stress, relieve pain and even lower high blood pressure. Combine a massage session with a beneficial yoga or Pilates workout and your body will surely thank you.

Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center
3605 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 874-0800
www.yourbodycenter.com

13 Celsius: Drink and Be Merry

At 13 Celsius, a wine bar in Midtown near Baldwin Park, the grape is respected. In trying to emulate the great wine bars of Europe, all of the wines at 13 Celsius are stored with care in a cellar constantly kept at a temperature of – what else – 13 degrees Celsius.

Not only that, each bottle remains untouched until it is brought up to drink, ensuring quality. What that means is that you will always get a great bottle or glass of wine when you come to 13 Celsius. The bar and lounge is also very cool, with a 40-foot bar and furnishings procured from a now-closed hotel. It’s a great spot to meet up with friends after work or to bring a date after dinner for a drink!

Visit the 13 Celsius website to learn more about this Houston wine bar.

13 Celsius
3000 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 529-8466

www.13celsius.com
www.yelp.com/biz/13-celsius-houston

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