If you're getting bored with regular sushi offerings head over to Uchi for a unique twist on your favorite rolls. This Houston restaurant tries to use locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and provide only the freshest pieces of fish. Start with the tomato katsu, panko fried green tomatoes and sesame. The tomatoes come out hot and tender. Customers say these are some of the best fried green tomatoes. The brussel sprouts will make you love brussel sprouts. The yokai berry is a refreshing dish with salmon, kale, and Asian pears. Regulars enjoy the creative rolls like the Ham & Eggs with katsu pork belly, yolk custard, and espellette, the Bond with avocado, sun-dries tomato, gobo, and soy paper, the Pitchfork with wagyu beef, leek crisp, avocado, and yuzu kosho, and the Shag tempura roll with salmon, avocado, and sun-dried tomato. A meal at Uchi is expensive but if you come during Happy Hour you can enjoy great bargains on regular menu dishes. 

Uchi
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 522-4808
http://www.yelp.com/biz/uchi-houston

The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is proof that American art and craftsmanship are second to none. Located in the former home and grounds of local scion Ima Hogg, take a guided tour and you get to see many of the rooms on both floors, especially the main rooms used to entertain. You’ll also see some of the rarest artifacts in the collection, especially many objects native to the Texas region. You’ll also learn about Mrs. Hogg and how her singular devotion has resulted in one of the best collections of uniquely American art and antiques. You can also give yourself a self-guided tour of the home and the beautiful surrounding grounds. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
1 Westcott Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 639-7750
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens-houston

Butterflies are beautiful, but also perform a vital function in nature. And you can learn all about them at Houston's Cockrell Butterfly Center. As part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a great experience for the whole family. First, you will get to walk right in the Rain Forests Conservancy, a large butterfly habitat surrounded by winged creatures that might just land on you! In the Brown Hall of Entomology, you’ll learn about insects by checking out lots of specimens and models. You’ll even get a close look at Houston’s largest cockroaches! On the lower level, you’ll get to see what an entomologist’s lab looks like. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is an affordable tour, and groups are also welcome.

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