Foelber Pottery: Sculpt New Memories With Family and Friends

If you’ve always wanted to take a spin on a pottery wheel, Foelber Pottery Gallery & Studio offers classes that will give you a chance to do just that. This friendly, welcoming pottery studio welcomes aspiring sculptors of all ages, from the youngest children to inexperienced adults and even longtime, experienced artists.

Enter the arched doorway of the tree-shaded building and you’ll find a large, open gallery area displaying beautiful sculptures created by on-site artists. There are frequent exhibits and gallery openings featuring local sculptors, as well as outdoor festivals during the fall. If you want to try your hand at creating your own pottery, Foelber Pottery also hosts classes taught by experienced artists and private parties that make fun bonding activities for your friends or family.

For a complete list of upcoming events at Foelber Pottery or to sign up for a class, visit the studio’s website.

Foelber Pottery
706 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1703
www.foelberpottery.com

Set Out On an Afternoon Trek at the Hermann Park Trail

If you’re in the mood to spend some time outdoors but you don’t have time to venture too far outside of Houston, you’ll love hiking the Hermann Park Trail. This convenient trail is located inside of Houston’s beloved Hermann Park, and it offers beautiful views of all of the park’s nearby attractions.

Watch as schools of catfish swim in the bayou when you reach riverside points of the trail, and then check out skyline views once the trail reaches areas near the city. Some portions of the trail are paved, while others are covered in gravel in areas around the zoo and golf course. Whichever type of trail you prefer to walk or run on, there’s a portion of the Hermann Park Trail that you’re sure to enjoy.

If you want to engage in even more rigorous leg exercises, there are even steep hills along the portion of trail that runs near the Miller Outdoor Theater.

Hermann Park Trail
2145-2155 N Macgregor Way
Houston, TX 77004
www.yelp.com/biz/hermann-park-trail-houston

Cool Off With a Mangonada at Mango Beach in Houston

If you’ve never tried a traditional Mexican Mangonada, you’re in for a real treat at Houston’s Mango Beach. The Mangonada is an orange and mango slush topped with chamoy and chile lime salt, creating a delicious sweet and salty taste that is also very refreshing. These are by far the most popular items at Mango Beach, a popular sweet spot where locals often go to beat the Texas summer heat. In addition to Mangonadas, you’ll find savory lunch options like elote (a cheese-covered Mexican street corn) and hot Cheeto pie. There are a number of other types of blended fruit desserts and sno-cones, and you can add vanilla ice cream on top of any item to make it even more delicious.

Mango Beach is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily throughout the spring and summer. There are limited hours during the fall and winter months.

Mango Beach
2304 White Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 900-7500
www.facebook.com/pages/Mango-Beach/109741795756927

Vinal Edge Records: Spin Your Favorites at This Local Record Store

Any old-school music lover will tell you that vinyl is the only real way to listen to your favorite records, and Houston’s Vinal Edge Records is one of the best places in town to pick up records both new and used.

This locally owned, independent record store has served the Houston area since the 1980s, and its extensive inventory spans all genres. Whether you’re into heavy metal, rap, country, or anything in between, you’re sure to find an affordably priced record in the stacks at Vinal Edge. (There’s even a 99-cent record bin filled with hidden treasures!) If you’re looking for a place to talk music with the locals while flipping through hundreds of vintage records, you should certainly plan a visit to Vinal Edge Records.

Vinal Edge Records is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Vinal Edge Records
239 W 19th St
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 618-1129]
www.vinaledge.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vinal-edge-records-houston-2

Admire the Impressive Latte Art at Catalina Coffee

With its friendly service, premium espresso drinks, and impressive latte art, you’ll find a lot to love at Houston’s Catalina Coffee. Stop in to this local favorite for your morning java or an afternoon pick-me-up and you’ll instantly be hooked on the shop’s unique combination of hip atmosphere and friendly ambiance.

Prices are affordable when compared to similar coffee shops, and the menu of drip brews, strong lattes, and traditional cappuccinos are expertly crafted in a way that will impress even the most knowledgeable coffee lover. Pair your drink with a savory treat or a fresh baked pastry and start your day off on the right foot. There is ample parking outside of the cafe, and the convenient location in Houston’s arts district makes it an easy pit stop when you’re running errands or doing some shopping in the area.

Catalina Coffee is open 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends.

Catalina Coffee
2201 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-8448
www.catalinacoffeeshop.com

Sip Something Sweet and Colorful at Nu Ice & Drinks

When you’re craving dessert in the Houston area but you’re tired of your usual ice cream spot, pay a visit to Nu Ice & Drinks. This unique sweet spot serves Asian-style shaved ice in flavors like lychee and green tea, and they taste even better when you drizzle them with egg pudding or sweetened condensed milk. You’ll also find fresh fruit toppings and boba balls that add a colorful flair and great flavor to any dessert. The portions are very large for the affordable prices, and it’s available in two sizes affectionately called the Hill and the Mountain.

Inside, Nu Ice & Drinks is stylish and modern, with a spacious ordering counter where you can watch as the employees prepare your shaved ice and even choose your own toppings from the colorful bar. In the dining area, there are a number of tables where you can sit and relax once you receive your dessert.

Nu Ice & Drinks
5901 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(832) 649-2266
www.nucafehouston.com

Warehouse Live: Rock Out at This Intimate Performing Arts Venue in Houston

There’s no shortage of live music venues in Houston, but Warehouse Live might be one of the best. Occupying a converted warehouse, this intimate venue has a cool and atmospheric vibe, with LED chandeliers, cozy booths, and cafe tables where guests can relax and enjoy music by their favorite bands. Of-age guests can even enjoy a libation from the full bar.

The stage is easily visible from anywhere in the room, and it's well lit so that every performance feels up-close-and-personal. An eclectic list of performers takes the stage here, from rockers like Ben Folds to the Rebirth Brass Band and even live radio shows like The Moth. Warehouse Live is also known to host private events, fashion shows, and comedians.

Regulars recommend arriving early, as parking is limited. Check the venue’s website for a full schedule of upcoming shows!

Warehouse Live
813 St Emanuel Street
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 225-5483
www.facebook.com/warehouselive
www.yelp.com/biz/warehouse-live-houston

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.yelp.com/biz/the-childrens-museum-of-houston-houston
www.cmhouston.org

Dance the Night Away at Howl at the Moon in Houston

Houston is home to quite a few great live music venues, but Howl at the Moon is a local favorite that stands out amongst the others. This lively bar, dance club, and music venue hosts some of the most exciting parties in the city, making it a go-to spot in the Houston nightlife scene.

The venue portion frequently books an eclectic array of local acts and nationally touring musicians, spanning genres from hip hop to pop and even hard rock. The spacious dance floor offers ample space for you to rock out to your favorite band or get down with your friends to a DJ spinning the latest dance tracks. Howl at the Moon is known for its 86-ounce buckets of booze, but the numerous bars also offer classic cocktails and a great selection of beers.

There are often elaborate parties for holidays like Halloween and New Years Eve, but it also makes a great place if you’re planning your own birthday or bachelor party.

Howl at the Moon
612 Hadley St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 658-9700
www.howlatthemoon.com

Treat Yourself to Cute Confections at Fluff Bake Bar

Fluff Bake Bar is a cute, local bakery that creates some of the most in-demand sweets in Houston, offering a creative take on classic desserts like cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and the namesake fluffernutters. Order a custom cake for a birthday or wedding from this stylish sweet shop and you’ll find a very large assortment of icing styles, cake flavors, and artistic designs to go on top. For a smaller, individual-sized cake, the shop’s cupcakes come in unique flavors like black velvet, Veruca Salt, and PB&J, and they’re even available by the dozen if you want to share with friends.

Fluff Bake Bar’s delicious delicacies are available at many popular coffee shops and cafes around town, but if you want the full experience, stop in to see the sights (and smells) at the stylish, welcoming bakery.

Fluff Bake Bar is open Tuesdays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fluff Bake Bar
314 Gray Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 522-1900
www.fluffbakebar.com

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