Reach New Heights of Fitness at the Texas Rock Gym

With discounts on certain days of the week and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, you won’t find many better climbing facilities than Texas Rock Gym. This unique and colorful gym is equipped with sturdy rock walls and padded floors throughout, and it offers both bouldering and top roping for all kinds of climbers.

Whether you’ve been rock climbing before or you’re embarking on your first climb, there are skilled instructors who are always on hand to offer as much or as little support as you need. The routes on each wall change frequently so there’s always a new climb to try, and each one uses different parts of your arms, core, and legs to give you a killer full-body workout. You can rent the essential equipment or bring your own if you’re a more experienced, frequent climber.

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

Battlefield Houston: A Houston Laser Tag Arena

Don't let its name fool you: Battlefield Houston is actually a place for fun to be had. Proudly billing itself as the largest indoor laser tag center in the country, players have sensors on their heads (no vests) and are tasked with completing specific tactical missions—with the ultimate goal of crushing the opponent, of course!

Unlike your typical course, players encounter ramps, stairs, and other challenges that make the hour-long play both thrilling and exhilarating. The center offers a number of party packages, welcomes walk-ins for open play, and it has a mobile armory, as well. The really adventurous can choose to attend a "lock-in" and spend the night and following morning engaging in a number of planned mini games.

Reservations are recommended at Battlefield Houston, and they can be made online.

Battlefield Houston
11755 West Little York Road
Houston, TX 77041
(713) 409-1990
www.battlefieldhouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/battlefield-houston-houston

Sip, Savor, Repeat at Boomtown Coffee in Houston

Boomtown Coffee is a hip and friendly coffee shop that’s well-liked by coffee aficionados, but just as welcoming for those who don’t know a thing about their morning brew. If you like good coffee in an unpretentious atmosphere, you’ll love this bright and sunny café that contains its very own artisan coffee roaster on site. All of Boomtown's unique coffees are sourced from responsible growers and importers and roasted right in the shop to ensure the freshest, most flavorful cup possible.

If you get hungry while visiting, Boomtown Coffee also offers a complete menu of café favorites, including daily quiche, breakfast tacos, and homemade granola for breakfast, hearty soups, and croissant sandwiches for lunch and many vegan and vegetarian options for those with restricted diets.

Whether you’re meeting a friend or catching up on work, Boomtown Coffee is a great place to get caffeinated.

Boomtown Coffee
242 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
(713) 862-7018
www.boomtowncoffee.com

Primp and Polish With a Visit to Simply Divine Nail Spa

One happy Yelp reviewer says that Simply Divine Nail Spa is her "absolute favorite place to get a mani/pedi!" and a quick glance through the rest of this place's Yelp reviews shows that she's not alone. This Sugar Land nail salon is especially well known for its commitment to cleanliness and hygiene, as well as its beautifully decorated modern interior, complete with a luxe chandelier, so you can be sure that the time you spend here will feel like something special.

Beyond that, however, the manicurists at Simply Divine Nail Spa are good at what they do: regulars say they're skilled, quick, and efficient. Whether you're looking for a quick lunchtime polish touch-up, or you want to go for the full experience with a pedicure in one of the massaging chairs and a festive custom design manicure, Simply Divine Nail Spa is a popular local choice.

Simply Divine Nail Spa
16562 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 491-0777
www.simplydivinenailspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/simply-divine-nail-spa-sugar-land

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

Norton Fitness: Personal Trainers That Go Above and Beyond

Looking to get into shape? Consider signing up for fitness sessions with Norton Fitness, a personal training company serving Houston, Texas. The personal trainers at Norton Fitness undergo rigorous screening and training before they meet with clients. Each trainer must not only be nationally certified, but also insured, highly educated in the field, and personable. Having met these initial requirements, trainers are still required to pass another Norton exam that encompasses all the fundamentals of personal training, from diet and weight lifting to rehabbing bodies and medicinal approaches to fitness. And they must re-take the test every six months in order to stay on as a trainer, thus proving they haven't fallen behind as the various fields continue to advance.

Needless to say, Norton Fitness's trainers are more than equipped to propel any client toward their fitness and health goals. After an initial assessment, trainers create a one-of-a-kind workout plan designed specifically for the individual. They always take into account existing health conditions and other potential roadblocks, so clients only partake in safe exercises. With continuing education from nutritionists, doctors, a chiropractor, and even a psychologist, the trainers always come up with fresh ways to make fitness fun.

Norton Fitness
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 779-1902
www.nortonfitness.com

www.yelp.com/biz/norton-fitness-houston-2

Shoot Some Hoops This Weekend at Willow Park

Looking for a place to get outdoors near M5250? Visit Willow Park, a friendly neighborhood park with something for everyone. From its well-maintained basketball courts to its swing sets for the little ones, your entire family or group of friends can enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

If you want to get in a bit of alone time, Willow Park also offers paved trails around the park’s perimeter that are great for walking or jogging. There is a picturesque gazebo that makes a great place for an afternoon picnic or to relax with a good book while watching the kids play, as well as nearby barbecue grills for more elaborate lunches. The sand volleyball courts and tennis courts are fun for more active visitors, and the park even contains bleachers where fans can cheer on their friends during the big game.

Willow Park
10400 Cliffwood
Houston, TX 77035
www.yelp.com/biz/willow-park-houston

Connie’s Frozen Custard: Cool Off With a Coney Island Tradition

Connie’s Frozen Custard is an American tradition that was first established in Coney Island more than 65 years ago. Today, the Houston location brings the cool, frozen treat all the way down to Texas, offering a wide selection of freshly made custards created using fine ingredients and fresh fruit toppings. You’ll only find classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla at Connie’s, but the wide selection of cookies, candies, and other “concretes” to use as toppings make it easy to customize your dessert to your specific cravings.

Connie’s is easy to find because of its old-fashioned ice cream cone sign and its sunny yellow exterior, and you’ll almost always find customers enjoying ice cream on the benches outside. The most difficult thing about a visit to Connie’s is trying to choose between the ice cream sandwiches, custards, and sundaes, but most people would say that’s a pretty good problem to have!

Connie’s Frozen Custard
12545 Jones Road
Houston, TX 77070
(281) 469-3444
www.conniesfrozencustard.com
www.yelp.com/biz/connies-frozen-custard-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

Raise a Glass to a Romantic Evening Out at Cork Cafe

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beer fanatic, you'll find something to please your palate at Houston’s Cork Cafe. This wine and beer bar is equally laid-back and elegant, with a list of high-quality wines and craft beers that's so lengthy, you may have a hard time choosing the perfect glass. However, the knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer a recommendation or to explain the intricacies of each unique option. There are wine bottles and glasses lining just about every square inch of the walls, and Cork Cafe even offers elegant bar bites, like baked brie and artisan flatbreads, to pair with your beer or wine.

Cork Cafe’s handsome interior is stylish and comfortable, with intimate two-seater tables and tall stools along the wine bar. A dark, neutral color palette and glowing light fixtures make everything feel quite romantic, which is likely why Cork Cafe is such a popular date night destination.

Cork Cafe
25712 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77429
(281) 758-1682
www.corkcafe.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cork-cafe-wine-and-beer-cypress-3

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