Sip a Craft Beer Flight at Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston

If you’re a fan of beer—and really, who isn’t?—you’ll likely want to add a visit to Saint Arnold Brewing Company to your list of things to do in Houston. This historic brewery claims to be the oldest in the entire state of Texas, and many devoted locals would agree.

Saint Arnold crafts a wide selection of beers with new options developed throughout the year, so you’ll always find seasonal offerings along with the brewery’s tried-and-true favorites. Start your visit with a Saint Arnold Amber Ale or the popular Saint Arnold Weedwacker, or if you’re feeling really adventurous (or simply indecisive), opt for a flight to try a few beers at once. Tour the brewery portion of the building learn how these beers are made, and then settle in for a lunch of hearty American fare with your favorite brew on the side.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company
2000 Lyons Avenue
Houston, TX 77020
(713) 686-9494
www.saintarnold.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

Not Jus’ Donuts: More Sweets Than Meets the Eye

Just like its name suggests, Not Jus’ Donuts is a bakery that offers a whole lot more than your hole-in-the-middle breakfast treat. Whether you’re looking for a customized birthday cake for an upcoming party or a box of sweet treats to bring with you to the office, you’ll find every type of dessert at this friendly local bakery.

Stop in for breakfast and you’ll find sweet and savory creations like the decadent doughnut breakfast sandwich, or try something more traditional, like an egg croissant sandwich. Not Jus’ Donuts also offers its famous doughnuts by the dozen if you prefer something sweet in the morning. Order a customized cake for your next special occasion in the shape of a super hero, a glamorous handbag, or even a sports team's logo. You can also pick up a homemade pie to bring with you as a favor to your next get-together.

Not Jus’ Donuts
2020 Dowling St
Houston, TX 77003
(713) 951-9211
www.notjusdonuts.net
www.yelp.com/biz/not-jus-donuts-bakery-houston

cutLoose: The ‘Do That’s Perfect for You

If you haven’t updated your ‘do in a long time, make an appointment at cutLoose in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. Here, expert stylists get to know your hair and your preferences before picking up the scissors. They specialize in innovative styles and have the training and technique to do your ‘do right. You’ll walk out with a style that works for your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle, rather than an unflattering or sad attempt you might get elsewhere.

Despite the salon's excellent reputation and loyal client base, it’s easy to get a quick appointment here. Prices are steep, but you get what you pay for; most clients return time and again for years.

cutLoose
1711 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 520-7401
www.cutloosetx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cutloose-houston

Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center: Do Something Kind For Your Body and Mind

If you want to do something good for your body in the Houston area, try a class at Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center. This full-service yoga studio offers hot yoga classes in a room heated to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, aerial yoga classes using yoga hammocks suspended from the ceiling, and traditional Vinyasa flow yoga that is perfect for yogis of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a different type of workout, the Pilates and Barre classes will help you to tone, tighten and lengthen your muscles, as well as increase flexibility throughout the body. There are even ballroom dancing classes with private or semi-private instruction.

In addition to its instructional classes, Your Body offers relaxing massage therapy that aims to reduce stress, relieve pain and even lower high blood pressure. Combine a massage session with a beneficial yoga or Pilates workout and your body will surely thank you.

Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center
3605 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 874-0800
www.yourbodycenter.com

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

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

Fitzgerald’s: A Houston Institution for Live Music Since 1977

Part dive bar, part music venue, Fitzgerald's has been a Houston institution since 1977. In fact, musicians and bands such as James Brown and The Romones have graced the stage here, and many locals are likely to tell you that Fitzgerald's was the site of their first show.

Downstairs, Fitzgerald’s hosts a stage and two full bars, one of which is located on the venue's sprawling back patio. Upstairs sits the venue's main stage, which regularly hosts music acts in a wide range of genres, from hip hop to indie rock. You can see what performers are on the docket by visiting the venue's website, then purchase tickets online.

Fitzgerald's hosts performances several days per week. Shows are open to people of all ages, but only of-ages guests are granted access to the bar.

Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 862-3838
www.fitzlivemusic.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fitzgeralds-houston

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

Sip Your Latte on the Patio at Inversion Coffee House

Inversion Coffee House drew its name from Houston’s famous Inversion House, which was created by the Art League of Houston in 2005. The temporary art installation featured a 30-foot opening in the side of the building’s exterior, with whitewashed wood arranged in a tornado shape that looked like the building was swallowing itself whole.

Although the art piece has since been demolished, Inversion Coffee House preserves its memory through its name, as well as by displaying many art pieces inside. The interior is cozy yet industrial, with rustic wood, exposed metal ductwork, and lots of eclectic seating options. There is even a beautiful patio area outside where guests can enjoy their coffee on sunny days.

The menu includes premium brews, handcrafted lattes with no shortage of foam art, and unique drinks like green tea lattes. Doughnuts and pastries pair perfectly with a hot drink, and the friendly atmosphere is likely to make you want to come back for more.

Inversion Coffee House
1953 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-4866
www.inversioncoffeehouse.com
www.yelp.com/biz/inversion-coffee-house-houston-3

Pin It on Pinterest