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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come for a Workout, Stay for the Amenities at FIT

FIT members aren't scrambling to get in and out of the gym. Unlike the crowded, uncomfortable atmosphere you'll find at most cookie-cutter gyms, FIT cultivates an ambiance that makes guests want to stay a while.

Perhaps it's the free Wi-Fi offered in a comfortable lounge. Or maybe members stick around for the steam rooms and saunas where they can unwind after a workout. Of course, it could also be the FIT cafe, where desktop computers are open for checking e-mail, low-fat meals and smoothies are served, and fitness apparel and supplements are sold.

No matter the reason, exercisers often seem to stick around around working out on FIT's state-of-the art cardio and strength equipment. That is, if they decide not to attend one of the popular Group X fitness classes. From Pilates and "Hard CORE" classes to cycling and INSANITY sessions, the group workouts get attendees sweating alongside friends.

FIT
1532 W. Gray Street
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 782-9348
www.fithouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/fit-athletic-club-houston

The Houston Zoo: Take a Tour of the Animal Kingdom

If you’re looking for a fun, year-round activity that the whole family will enjoy, a visit to the Houston Zoo is a dependable choice. This spacious zoo is well laid out to create an enjoyable walking route through all of the various animals’ areas, and it offers a close-up look at everything from the creepy, crawly reptiles to the large elephants and giraffes. The paved paths are lined with shady trees and greenery to make a hot Texas afternoon a bit more bearable (no pun intended), and there are a number of indoor animal houses that enable you to tour the zoo even during bad weather.

If you have small children, the Houston Zoo also features a Kids’ Zoo that includes a petting zoo, animal-themed play areas, and playful sea otters that always seem to put on a show of their own.

The Houston Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free parking is available on Hermann Park Drive, but note that these free lots fill up quickly!

Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 533-6500
www.houstonzoo.org
www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56003-d266874-Reviews-Houston_Zoo-Houston_Texas.html

British Isles: The Shortest Distance Between Houston and London

Anglophiles and expats alike flock to British Isles to stock up on edibles, collectibles, and gifts. This Houston area shop specializes in imports directly from Britain. You'll find jars of marmalade and chutney, as well as biscuits, cakes, and crackers, all of which make excellent additions to your afternoon tea. You can also stock up on royal family collectibles and coveted Royal Worcester porcelain pieces, each hand-painted and carefully gilded.

British Isles is also a great place to pick up a gift for someone special. Purchase a set of china tea cups for a particularly proper friend, or splurge on an exquisite piece of modern glassware for an artistically-inclined pal. Kids will especially appreciate a bit of imported chocolate or candy, as well as the adorable Paddington Bear and Peter Rabbit plush toys. Whatever you intend on purchasing, be sure to allot yourself plenty of time, because chances are good that you'll lose track of time browsing through British Isles's charming stock.

British Isles
2366 Rice Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-6868
www.britishislesonline.com
www.yelp.com/biz/british-isles-houston

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