The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Heart of the Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution in the southwest and a flagship center for art and culture in the Houston area for over a century. Check out some of the collections of African sculpture and artistic expressions from around the world. The Bayou Bend collection of art from the 17th through the 19th centuries spearheads a number of personal collections for your enjoyment. Visiting exhibitions can highlight collections from Europe, featuring classic art and modern expressionism. There are also a number of tours and programs for kids, adults, families and groups. The Museum of Fine Arts is open seven days a week.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston
1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 639-7300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/museum-of-fine-arts-houston-houston

Suspense Films That Will Keep You Up At Night

One of the most-loved, and most-enduring film genres is suspense. People are drawn to the twisty, dark mysteries that leave you guessing and gasping until the very end. From masters like Alfred Hitchcock to modern marvels, here are a few suspense movies you need to see on a dark and stormy night.

1.     Psycho. Hitchcock’s most well-known film, tells the tale of a disturbed motel owner. This psychological horror has one of the most iconic murder scenes of all time, and the unexpected twist at the end is well-worth the wait.

2.     The Silence Of The Lambs. Young FBI Agent Clarice Starling works with the startling Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lecter to hunt down a serial killer who is on the loose. This movie is one of the few films to win all five major Oscars.

3.     Cape Fear. The original version of this is great too, but Martin Scorsese's remake very well may exceed it. Robert De Niro stars as a revenge-motivated psycho out to ruin Nick Nolte and his family.

4.     Blow-Up. This twisted British suspense film is a true modern classic. It follows a photographer who accidentally captures a murder on film, and then discovers that even in pictures, nothing is really what it seems.

Williams Waterwall: Urban Waterfall

Right in the middle of the sprawl of the Houston Galleria, Williams Waterwall is a relaxing little park where you can find some serenity in the middle of holiday shopping or have a romantic stroll with your significant other. The Waterwall is a 30 year old Houston landmark, a stunning manmade waterfall fronted by a Roman-style proscenium. This beautiful, amphitheater-like space has become one of Houston’s favorite spots for proposals, wedding and prom photos, and other photo ops. The Waterwall is surrounded by a lovely little park crisscrossed with live oak-lined pathways that give the place a sense of isolation and calm in a very busy area.

Williams Waterwall
2800 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston TX 77056
(713) 966-7799

Trip Idea: Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is a great spot to bring the whole family. Where else can you see bison, elk, wolves, and even bears in the wild? Just remember not to get too close! To get the most out of your trip make sure you check out these great attractions. 

Yellowstone National Park Tours
The best way to get acquainted with the area is to take a guided tour. Learn all about the landscape, wildlife, and the geothermal activity. In the summer months tours are by bus and in the winter months you have the option of snowmobiles or snow coaches. Private tours are available for larger groups.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
See breathtaking views at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. From the canyon you can view two astounding waterfalls, the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The 20 mile long canyon is the perfect spot to take panoramic pictures. 

Old Faithful Geyser
Prepare yourself for one of the most famous geysers in the world. It doesn't take long to see the water erupt from the ground. About every 90 minutes the geysers erupts shooting water over 100 feet into the area. It is truly a site to see.

Provisions: Stock Up in Houston

Provisions has won over diners with their fresh, flavorful menu, an open kitchen dining area and spacious terrace. Get your party started with a refreshing cocktail like the Highland with green chartreuse, tequila, sugar cane & lime. Add on a Bread & Cheese Plate or a wood-fired pizza with mozzarella, basil & tomato. Some yummy pasta dishes adorn the menu, as do meat entrees like Hanger Steak with spring onions, Suckling Pig Porchetta for Two and Ham’O’Day with mustard rye. Fish entrees include Curried Mussels with cauliflower, Shrimp Salad with celery-apple remoulade, and Big Eye Tuna with fennel. Save a spot in your tummy for a tantalizing dessert like Neapolitan Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Minutes from Reserve at Garden Oaks, Provisions is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

Provisions
807 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 628-9020
http://www.yelp.com/biz/provisions-houston

Best Sparkling Wines for Under $20

Want to put some fizz into the party, but can’t spend top dollar?  These scrumptious sparkling wines taste a lot glitzier than their price tags, and they’re available in most large liquor stores:

Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne, France
$19

With a name meaning "Pearl of the Vine," this Crémant de Burgundy lives up to the hype with its delicate yet rich finish of sharp Granny Smith apples.

Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, Australia
$18

This Aussie gem tastes twice as expensive as its price. It has a frothy head; fine bubbles; notes of complex citrus, red berry, yellow stone fruit, and biscuit; and a silky smooth richness. The Pinot Noir grape dominates the blend.

Trapiche Extra Brut, Argentina
$15

Hand-crafted in the Andean foothills, this lively sparkler shows typical Chardonnay aromas of apples and pineapples with a toasted bread note. Added regional varietals Semillon and Malbec help to create a full, crisp character.

Mondoro Sparkling Asti, Italy
$15

Produced from white muscat grapes grown in the Asti region of Northern Italy, this sweet wine has a delicate, refreshing character that pairs well with desserts or soft fruits.

Verichon & Clerc Privilège Blanc de Blancs, France
$12

Blending Chardonnay, Chenin, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard grapes in the méthode traditionnelle, this Brut blanc de blancs has a rich fragrance of hazelnut and toasted grain, with hints of poached pears and buttered toast that linger over a long-lasting finish.

Bar Boheme: La Vie Boheme in Houston

Fans call Bar Boheme the hippest, coolest, busiest, most fun bar in Houston. Prepare for a crush if you go during the rush when everyone converges on the spot to get their party on. Table service is not so speedy, so do what the regulars do and order at the bar. The Frozen Mojito is their signature drink, so why not try it? Other options include the Bohemian with spiced rum, jasmine liqueur, lemon & agave nectar, and the Pink Pussycat with vodka, hibiscus liqueur, sugar & fresh lemon. A nice selection of beer and wine is also on the menu. Snacks include Smoked Jalapeno Hummus with warm garlic naan, Vietnamese Fries with peanuts & cilantro and the Marvelous Cheese Board with Marconi almonds. Some yummy pizzas and desserts are also on the menu. Open every day.

Bar Boheme
307 Fairview Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1099
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-boheme-houston

Great Historical Documentaries

We live in a sort of boom time for interesting documentaries, and some of the best capture the past in ways only film can do. Here are four illuminating historical documentaries:

Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks
We all have heard of Rosa Parks. In this short documentary we see how one person can change the fate of the nation. Just by refusing to give up her seat on the bus Rosa Parks helped fight the battle against segregation and make our country what it is today. 

The Fog of War
Learn about the life and times of U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Start at the beginning with his birth during World War I to his time working during World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Through interviews with McNamara we hear about his outlook on modern warfare. 

Liberty! The American Revolution
It may be long but if you want to learn the ins and outs of the American Revolution this six hour PBS documentary is for you. From the very beginning to the last shot fired you can see a thorough explanation of how our nation became what we know and love. 

Once in a Lifetime
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, a 1970s-era club in the defunct North American Soccer League who counted Pele among their players.
 

Murder by the Book: Mysteries and More

As the name implies, Murder by the Book, a comfy neighborhood book store, has the mystery genre as its main focus. The shop has an extensive mystery section and is host to frequent book signing events from some of the genre’s biggest names. However, if you’re looking for fantasy, nonfiction, or romance, Murder by the Book has still got you covered. This is an old fashioned full service book store, something that is becoming increasingly rare in this age of megastores and online shopping. Unlike larger, more impersonal retailers, Murder by the Book is staffed by friendly folk who will grow to know your tastes are always there to give you personalized advice. There is a real community surrounding the store, bolstered by twice-monthly book discussion groups and an ongoing Mystery Author Luncheon Series at the Briar Club.

Murder By The Book
2342 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-8597

BRC Gastropub: Houston Food, Houston Beer

BRC Gastropub is a favorite spot for southern-style pub food in a cozy setting. It’s a beer-lovers haven, with 28 beers on tap and 25 bottled brands, offering a huge variety to please just about every taste. The food menu features their Big Bad Ass Biscuits, served with an array of spreads like bacon jam and smoked salt butter. Backyard Style BBQ Chicken Legs with bleu cheese slaw, Country Pork Pate with Creole mustard, Fried Oyster Street Tacos with carrot slaw and Dixie Chicken Cobb Salad with bleu cheese & bacon are on the entrée menu. Grilled Flatbreads, Burger Sliders, and Mac & Cheese are also offered. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

BRC Gastropub
519 Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-2233
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brc-gastropub-houston

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