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
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Discover Your New Favorite Artist at Off the Wall Gallery

Located on the first floor of The Galleria, Off the Wall Gallery is a high-end art gallery specializing in what owner Mimi Sperber calls "Urban Eclecticism." This genre of art is a blend of artistic elements believed to nourish "today's urban souls."

Family-owned and -operated for over three decades, Off the Wall houses 4,600 square feet of original art, sculpture, and prints by mid-level career from all over the world. Expert staff is on hand to introduce collectors and novices to their favorite new artists, and the gallery frequently plays host to temporary exhibits, as well. Past exhibits have displayed pieces by famous artists like Dali, Matisse, Picasso, Manet, and Renoir.

Situated near Neiman Marcus, Off the Wall Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Off the Wall Gallery
5015 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77056
(713) 871-0940
www.offthewallgallery.com
www.yelp.com/biz/off-the-wall-gallery-houston

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

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

Texas Rock Gym: Reach the Summit

If you've ever wanted to try rock climbing, then Texas Rock Gym is one place you won't want to miss. This gym in northwestern Houston caters to the very different needs of both families looking for an afternoon of fun and experienced climbers seeking to stay sharp and improve their skills.

For those who are new to climbing, the gym offers a brief introductory course that will get you started, as well as several beginner walls to practice upon. If you're an experienced climber, you'll find more difficult walls and an area for straight bouldering. Gym regulars say that the climb paths are changed regularly, so you continue to be challenged with every visit. The award-winning facility also offers 42 top-rope stations for all levels, five Tru-Blue Auto-Belay stations, and a lead arch and extended lead areas.

You can also schedule your team-building event or birthday party at Texas Rock Gym.

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

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
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Houston Dairymaids: A Gourmet Cheese Shop

Cheeses of all varieties can be found at Houston Dairymaids, a specialty cheese shop on Airline Drive. For the past seven years, Houston Dairymaids has brought local, hand-made cheeses unlike any other to the city’s specialty foods community, seeking out products made from unpasteurized milk to offer customers excellence in flavor. Working strictly with Texas cheesemakers sets this market apart from other specialty food stores, giving recognition to some of the state’s best cheesemakers.

Houston Dairymaids is open Tuesdays through Sundays to sell cheese, honey, Slow-Dough breads, fine wines, and craft beers. Learn the subtle differences between Scarmoza and Mozzarella or which cheeses pair well with your favorite wines. Houston Dairymaids is a great place to indulge in your passion for delicious dairy products while you stock up on your favorites or pick up a few to give as gifts.

Houston Dairymaids
2201 Airline Drive
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 880-4800
www.houstondairymaids.com
www.yelp.com/biz/houston-dairymaids-houston-2

Cafe Dolce Gelato: Sweet Treats in Houston

Cafe Dolce Gelato, located on the second level of The Galleria near Nordstrom, serves artisan gelato and sorbetto made from scratch, plus grilled panini sandwiches, and cappuccino and espresso. The Italian counterpart to American ice cream, Italian gelato is a dense frozen dessert that boasts less fat than the ice cream we're accustomed to here in the States.

Here, gelato and sorbetto (dairy-free sorbet) are made in-house, using organic whole milk, real sugar, fresh fruit, and ingredients imported straight from Italy. Flavors include Nutella, coconut, salted caramel, hazelnut, roasted almond, and strawberry cheesecake, all of which can be served in a cup or a waffle cone. For a treat that's a little less chilly, opt for the tiramisu. The tiramisu at Cafe Dolce Gelato is made in-house every day using fresh whipped cream.

Cafe Dolce Gelato is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cafe Dolce Gelato
The Galleria
5135 West Alabama
Houston, Texas 77056
(713) 965-9987
http://www.cafedolcegelato.com/index.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-dolce-gelato-houston

Food and Entertainment Meet at Dave & Buster’s

Dave & Buster’s is a sports fan’s paradise, with an abundance of massive TVs and games like free throw basketball, shuffleboard, bowling, and pool. Games aren’t free, but you can buy the Eat & Play Combo tickets for special deals.

A full bar means you can get anything from beer to wine to cocktails. If you just need a snack, you can munch on bar bites like nachos, buffalo wings, pretzel dogs, and potato skins. Heartier appetites will want to throw down on something from the large burger and sandwich menu. Full entrees include barbecue ribs, peppercorn sirloin steak, and macaroni and cheese with grilled chicken breast and applewood smoked bacon.

Dave & Buster's is open seven days a week.

Dave & Buster's
6010 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 952-2233
http://www.daveandbusters.com/default.aspx
http://www.yelp.com/biz/dave-and-busters-houston

Take Your Workout to New Temperatures at Bikram Hot Yoga Houston

Bikram Hot Yoga Houston offers 90 minute, teacher-led sessions in a room that’s heated to 105 degrees. Why so hot? Aficionados claim that the heat loosens muscles and prevents injury. It also promotes detoxification and increases circulation.

Each class takes you through six yoga postures and breathing practices, essentially stretching your muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and internal organs and helping to circulate highly oxygenated blood throughout your body. Students of this yoga type report increased strength, balance, flexibility, lung capacity, and vitality.

Every class is open to all experience levels, from beginner to advanced. The studio features air purifiers that use electro-violet light and negative ion generators. Locker rooms and showers are provided. See the studio's website for pricing and class schedules.

Bikram Hot Yoga Houston
1854 Fountain View Drive
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 781-5333
http://bikramyogahouston.com/v09/home.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bikram-hot-yoga-houston-houston-3

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