Minute Maid Park: Concessions by a Celebrity Chef

When Bryan Caswell was voted out of the running for the Food Network's The Next Iron Chef, it was far from the end of his career. The Southern native went on to open his own restaurant, REEF, in Houston and join Continental Airlines' team of chefs, who devise in-flight menus. But most importantly for Houston Astros fans, he also took on two new projects at their home field that greatly elevated its culinary scene. These concessions stands have left their mark on Minute Maid Park:

  • Little Bigs. Tucked amid the other concessions outside of Section 109, this new spot may look modest, but it serves Caswell's take on ballpark classics. The menu includes handcrafted burgers, pork sliders, and potato chips.
  • El Real. Another concession stand, El Real sits outside of Section 132 but offers more classically Texan cuisine—Tex-Mex, to be exact. Here, you can order fajitas stuffed with chicken or steak and a side of nachos.

Find out more about the cuisine surrounding the Astros' home field at the Minute Maid Park's website.

Break a Sweat at New Heights at Texas Rock Gym

Get climbing at Texas Rock Gym, Houston’s indoor rock climbing gym. The large space features 42 rock wall stations, five with auto-belay, as well as a designated bouldering area. Whether you are an experience climber or newbie, all skill levels are welcome here. Patrons find it a fun yet challenging activity to try when the weather forces you indoors. But unlike the mall, here you’ll get in a great workout. The friendly staff puts a lot of effort into maintaining the gym; everything is well-kept and the routes are changed regularly so the climbs don’t get too easy.

Customers can get all the rental gear necessary, a class, and all day access for just $30. If you really love rock climbing, consider becoming a member and you’ll benefit from unlimited access to the rock gym as well as yoga, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi classes. The "School of Rock" program is designed just for kids with after school and school break camps. Texas Rock Gym also offers private and group lessons for those who want to hone their skills. Try to visit on a weekday as it can get crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.

Texas Rock Gym
1526 Campbell Road
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 973-7625
http://www.texasrockgym.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/texas-rock-gym-houston-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffwilcox

Expect Shopping With Elbow Room at Memorial City Mall

If you haven’t been to Memorial City Mall in Houston lately, you’re missing out. This large mall has recently gone through a renaissance, transforming it from a rundown to a favorite in town. Many shoppers prefer this mall over the Galleria for its convenient location, parking, and fewer crowds. Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Target are anchor stores, but there is a wide range of contemporary shopping options, including everyday favorites like Ann Taylor Loft, Express, Foot Locker, Victoria’s Secret. The mall boasts plenty of specialty stores, like Apple, Build-A-Bear, Pandora, Sephora, and Teavana.

The food court has been recently updated, too, with numerous selections for a quick bite to eat. Options range from good ol’ American Chick-Fil-A to Sarku Japan. If you need a full service spot to refuel, California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory are shoppers’ favorites. Kids love the whimsical play area that includes a carousel and train that takes little shoppers on a ride through the mall.

Memorial City Mall
900 Gessner Road
Houston TX 77024
(713) 464-8640
http://www.memorialcitymall.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-city-mall-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/www.bluewaikiki.com

Miller Outdoor Theatre: Culture Under the Stars

Spend some time outdoors at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston’s Hermann Park. In operation over 90 years, the theatre hosts a wide variety of concerts, plays, and performances, all of which are free. If you prefer covered seating, you’ll need a ticket; otherwise, most theatre-goers spread a blanket on the grassy hill facing the stage. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy! Alcohol is permitted provided it’s not in a glass container. For those who want the convenience, a concession stand offers refreshments and picnic supplies.

Check the theatre's website often for an updated performance schedule. Plan to arrive early, as parking can be challenging and you’ll have better luck finding a spot. Or, take METRORail and the theatre is just a five minute walk. There are plenty of clean bathrooms at these family-friendly events.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(281) 823-9103
http://milleroutdoortheatre.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/miller-outdoor-theatre-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/zaimoku_woodpile

Hermann Park Conservatory: Pack a Picnic

Plan a date or family outing at Hermann Park Conservatory, a Houston favorite for couples and families alike. Its location in the Museum District makes it ideal for an afternoon relaxing after visiting the zoo and museums. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy in the Japanese Garden. There are numerous water features throughout this large park, including a reflecting pool, fountain, and McGovern Lake. Weekend paddleboats provide a fun activity, as does a train that traverses the park. Joggers enjoy the exercise trail shaded by live oak trees. The park is a favorite setting for special occasion photographs, so bring your best camera and snap away.

Throughout the year, the park hosts numerous events, including a Kite Festival in the spring. There are regularly art installations throughout the park, which provide interesting and contemplative backdrops for an afternoon picnic.

Hermann Park Conservatory
6201-A Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 524-5876
http://www.hermannpark.org
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hermann-park-conservancy-houston-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/hummymummy

The Houston Zoo: From Amphibians to Zebras

Plan a day at The Houston Zoo, and get up close and personal with everything from amphibians to zebras. Seemingly endless exhibits—including carnivorous cats, playful primates, and beckoning birds—will provide hours of entertainment. Exhibits are renovated to keep the animals comfortable, and the zoo is contracting new habitats for gorillas, which will return in 2015. The zookeepers are very knowledgeable, so make it a point to make it to one of their talks. Kids love the Giraffe Feeding Platform that elevates visitors to be face to face with these gentle giants. A 4-D movie experience is another family favorite.

Visitors find the zoo clean and well maintained, with a strong conservation and education mission. Admission is reasonable, especially compared to other big city zoos; adults are $14 and children are $10. (You can save a few extra bucks if you purchase the tickets at Fiesta Mart.) The Houston Zoo provides free parking, but it fills up fast on the weekends.

The Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 533-6500
http://www.houstonzoo.org
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-houston-zoo-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Martin Pettitt

The Chocolate Bar: More Than Just Candies, But Everything Sweet

Indulge your inner choco-holic at The Chocolate Bar in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. This sweet spot offers a wide variety of confections and treats including high-quality chocolates, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and more. Customers rave about the huge slices of cake, favorites include the chocolate Tres Leches and the Black Russian. If candy bars are more your style, don’t skip the Candylicious Junkyard cake made with several types of candy bars.

Unique ice cream flavors, like root beer float and toffee coffee, are generously scooped. On colder days sip on a mug of rich hot chocolate, or have it blended frozen for a summertime treat. There are plenty of high-top tables to enjoy your sweets. Customers find it great for date night, but it can be busy on weekends.

The Chocolate Bar
1835 W. Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 520-8599
http://theoriginalchocolatebar.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-chocolate-bar-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/avlxyz

Fun Meets Sustainability at Discovery Green

Discovery Green in downtown Houston is a newer urban park that hosts many cultural activities throughout the year, from art shows to weekends dedicated to activities for Fido. As it's name implies, Discovery Green is a "green" park. Not only does the park employ a high-efficiency irrigation system and solar panels, Discovery Green earned a Gold rating from the LEED Green Building Rating System for its use of sustainable building methods and energy conservation.

Now for the really fun stuff: This park is a great spot to mix up your exercise routine with free classes that range from yoga to hoop dancing. In summer, kids love cooling off in the splash park fountains, and in winter, the ice skating rink draws a crowd to downtown. If you work nearby, the park is great for a quiet outdoor lunch.

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

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Alexis Fam Photography

Try Every Flavor of Gourmet Cupcake at Sprinkles

Get your sweet treats at Sprinkles in Houston. Although a chain cupcake bakery, customers rave about the fresh deliciousness of the confections. Favorite flavors include the chocolate marshmallow, red velvet, and strawberry but even boring old vanilla still tastes great at Sprinkles! You can even expect gluten free and vegan options. Check the website for today’s flavors, including seasonal specialties. Sprinkles is popular and will often sell out, so get there earlier in the day for the best selection. Although expensive at $3.75 each, these gourmet cupcakes are generously sized.

Sprinkles
4014 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 871-9929
http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcake-bakery-locations/houston
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sprinkles-cupcakes-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/simple up

Catalina Coffee: Nice Pours from Locally Roasted Beans

For quality coffee without the chain atmosphere, try Houston’s Catalina Coffee, a simple cafe that focuses on quality beverages. Customers rave about the well balanced flavors from the locally roasted beans. If you are looking for a pour over, you can find one here, along with all the espresso drink standards.

Whether you judge a coffee shop by their regular cup of joe or a latte, you’ll be impressed with Catalina’s, and they are reasonably priced at $1.95 for a cup of coffee. Fresh pastries are delivered daily. Bring a book since they don’t offer Wi-Fi. This cafe features simple rustic-modern decor with indoor and outdoor seating.

Catalina Coffee
2201 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-8448
http://catalinacoffeeshop.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/catalina-coffee-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/wordridden

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