Children’s Museum of Houston: Making Playtime an Adventure in Learning

The Children’s Museum of Houston is a fun-filled museum designed especially for the little ones, but that doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy it, too. This self-described “playground for your mind” features a number of hands-on exhibits that teach kids about science and how the world works, and they’re always bright, colorful and tailored toward children.

The How Does it Work? exhibit, for example, is a room filled with a mishmash of smaller exhibits like the Communication Speedway that shows how messages travel through fiberoptic wires. The Science Station is a 3D model of many of the most important scientific concepts, while the Building Zone provides hours of construction fun for the smallest architects and builders. The fast-paced Cyberchase is a game that turns kids on to the mathematics involved in computer programming.

Perhaps best of all, the Children’s Museum of Houston offers affordable admission and ample parking outside.

Children’s Museum of Houston
1500 Binz Road
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 522-1138
www.cmhouston.org

Southside Espresso: Sip Your Daily Perk-Me-Up

It's easy to miss tiny Southside Espresso–it's tucked behind other shops in a Montrose plaza–but regulars say this little coffee house is definitely worth seeking out. Southside Espresso offers everything you need to start your day off right. Order a double shot of espresso, either straight up or mixed with a bit of foamy, steamed milk, then grab a chocolate croissant or blueberry muffin for the road.

Southside Espresso is also a good place to linger if you've got the time. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to catch up on email or get a bit of work done, while the shop's specialty drinks, like the sweet potato latte or cardamom and clove spiked latte, are ideal for slow, leisurely sipping. A variety of house-made syrups complete the shop's flavor possibilities, and a line-up of beers and wines rounds out the evening possibilities at this hotspot.

Southside Espresso
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-9990
southsideespresso.com
www.yelp.com/biz/southside-espresso-houston

Khon’s Wine Darts Coffee Art: A Space for Everyone

No matter what you’re expecting when you go to Khon’s, you will likely be surprised at what you find. The tiny, inviting space, its walls covered in art, has the ambience of a coffee shop, and the espresso drinks are top notch – but Khon’s also boasts a full bar stocked with craft brews and fine wines.

As the name promises, you can play darts, but this is not the sort of place one thinks of as a “dart bar." What Khon’s is is a family-friendly, community-driven gathering place. Whatever you like to drink when you go out, Khon’s has you covered. Whether you want to listen to music, have a meeting, play a game, or just relax with friends and family, you can do it at Khon’s!

Khon’s Wine Darts Coffee Art
2808 Milam Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-7775

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian: Pamper Yourself

Pamper yourself at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. This hotel spa offers an array of relaxing and rejuvenating services, from facials and waxing to massages and body wraps. Customers love the ambiance with soothing decor and fresh flower arrangements. Large windows look out onto the Houstonian’s 18-acre grounds.

Arrive early for your service and lounge about in a soft, oversized robe and snack on cookies and tea. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the amenities, which include an indoor float pool, jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and a tranquility room with a fireplace.

Plan on spending a whole afternoon at Trellis.

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian
111 N. Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 680-2626
www.houstonian.com/TheSpa.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/the-houstonian-hotel-club-and-spa-houston

Ben’s Beans: Bona Fide Brews and More

The funky atmosphere of Ben’s Beans in downtown Houston provides patrons with an extra mood boost to go along with their cup of joe. Brightly colored walls covered in local artwork enclose this cozy coffeehouse, giving it a warm touch not found in sterile, overly hip cafes. The welcoming attitude of Ben’s is just one reason to love this cafe, but the large selection of locally roasted brews are another.

Java enthusiasts will appreciate the knowledgeable baristas at Ben’s, while casual coffee drinkers will love the many different flavor options, teas, and hot cocoas available. Also serving food, Ben’s is a great place to pick up a hot or cold sandwich for lunch or treat yourself to a freshly baked pastry. The spacious parking lot and free Wi-Fi make Ben's location a convenient choice for patrons seeking a temporary workspace.

Ben's Beans
1302 Dallas Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 654-8856
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bens-Beans/130312383728807
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bens-beans-houston

Savor Sweet Treats at Houston’s Cookies by Design

A bouquet of flowers may be the traditional way to brighten someone's day, but Cookies by Design doesn't care much for tradition. This Houston business reinvents the bouquet by swapping out flowers for colorfully embellished cookies.

Say thank you with a posy of musical notes and instruments—cleverly dubbed "A Note of Thanks." That's what the card-cookie tucked at the top proclaims, amid other sweets shaped and decorated like a violin, saxophone, piano, and notes on the treble clef. Or wish someone a "Speedy Recovery" with an arrangement of cute, colorful turtle cookies.

For even more sugar power, opt for a "Cookie Boutray" over a bouquet. These swap in a foundation of chocolate chip and sugar cookies for the bouquets' containers. You can also order your cookies piled into a basket, spread out on a tray, or blown up to the size of a huge single-cookie cake (embellished with the same celebratory words as standard cookies).

Cookies by Design
2524 Rice Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-7900
www.cookiesbydesign.com

www.yelp.com/biz/cookies-by-design-houston

Grab Groceries or Dinner at Central Market

Foodies and gourmands will be in all their glory at Central Market in Houston. The market carries an impressive number of imported and domestic groceries, including olive oils, meats, cheeses, and produce. In addition, the store offers weekly specials, prepared dinners for two, overstuffed sandwiches and catering.

If you like to cook, Central Market's hands-on cooking school holds classes on everything from the basics to more advanced techniques with themes such as A French Feast, Indulgent Dinners, Seasonal Suppers, and the Basics of Butchering. Private classes can also be booked for a personal, more intimate event. Check out the cooking school schedule at Central Market's website for the monthly line-up. Finally, don't skip out on the flower department overflowing with beautiful blooms and unique complementary greens. The market is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Central Market
3815 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 386-1700
www.centralmarket.com/Home
www.yelp.com/biz/central-market-houston-houston

There Are Over 50 Ways to Get a Workout at Your Body Center

Take on a fitness challenge at Your Body Center, a yoga and Pilates studio in Houston’s Heights neighborhood. Knowledgeable and encouraging instructors make for a great experience, and many students realize significant weight loss and fitness improvements within a month. Over 50 classes are offered each week, and all skill levels are welcome. Classes include Yin, Forrest, and Vinyasa yoga styles, as well as Pilates ball, band, and cardio classes.

Your Body Center has two large studio spaces with walls of windows that let in plenty of natural light. One is kept hot for the specialty classes, like hot yoga. Unlike traditional Bikram, the instructors practice along with the students and encourage you to listen to your body, taking breaks as needed. Rates are reasonable, and new students can take advantage of special discounts. Mat and towel rentals are available. The center also offers therapeutic massage and other bodywork services.

Your Body Center
3605 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 874-0800
www.yourbodycenter.com
www.yelp.com/biz/your-body-center-houston-3

Saint Arnold Brewing Company: Houston’s Oldest Microbrewery

Tap into your passion for craft beers at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. Houston's first microbrewery, Saint Arnold opened in 1994 and has since become a much-loved and respected beer label with dozens of brews to its name. In fact, the brewery's famous Fancy Lawnmower beer, a smooth German-style Kolsch, has become a staple of craft beer pubs across the country.

The small staff at Saint Arnold truly loves their beer and the community that surrounds it, offering weekly tours and hosting special events, such as the annual Feast of Saint Arnold, an enormous fundraiser that features a four course meal of beef, pork, fish, and poultry alongside seasonal and year-round brews. Stop by the modern warehouse brewery for a taste of what’s in the kegs and pick up a few souvenirs and bottles of your favorite beers to take home with you.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Avenue
Houston, TX 77020
(713) 686-9494
www.saintarnold.com/tours/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/saint-arnold-brewing-company-houston

Stretch, Tone and Invigorate at Houston’s Happy Belly Studios

Lighthearted yoga and pilates is what’s up at Happy Belly Studios, a yoga studio situated in the heart of Houston. More than 40 classes a week are offered here, making Happy Belly the ideal place to relax, recharge, stretch, and invigorate tired muscles with a yoga class.

Power Yoga classes combine moving and stretching using the traditions of hatha, vinyasa, and power yogas. Pilates classes help to tone, build core strength, and get a great workout using special equipment and mats. Nightclub Cardio is a fun way to get a workout in a dance party setting that combines dance moves and exercises set to hip-hop, disco, Latin, swing, country, and pop tunes.

Happy Belly Studios is open daily. Visit the studio's website for schedules and pricing information.

Happy Belly Studios
920 Studemont
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-7972
www.happybellystudios.com
www.yelp.com/biz/happy-belly-studios-houston

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