Theater Under the Stars: Light Up the Night With Live Theater

Take in a show preformed by the impressive company Theater Under the Stars at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Originally founded in 1969 in the open-air theater of Miller Park, this innovative company has grown into its now-permanent location under a sea of sparkling fiber optic stars, adding a magical atmosphere to each show produced.

Performing popular musicals such as Man of La Mancha, Evita, Jekyll and Hyde, and Flashdance, the talented actors and actresses draw a large crowd at each show. Theater Under the Stars has also expanded to include TUTS Underground, an intimate theater of 500 seats that produces shows that are slightly more counter-culture. Take advantage of the Cuisine & Culture package that includes a three-course dinner from one of four participating restaurants along with orchestra setting for a show at either venue. With so many options from one company, theater lovers of all stripes will appreciate all TUTS has to offer.

Theatre Under the Stars
800 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 558-2600
www.tuts.com
www.yelp.com/biz/theatre-under-the-stars-houston

Gus Wortham Park Golf Course: Tee Off for a Low Price

Houston boasts a number of beautiful, well-maintained golf courses, but the Gus Wortham Park Golf Course stands out from the rest. This affordable course costs less than some of the others in the area, but its picturesque view of the Brays Bayou and its professional grade course makes a game here feel like a splurge.

The City of Houston golf operations staff maintains the public course, and its wide-open layout makes it accessible for golfers of all skill levels. There are three consecutive par-five holes on Gus Wortham Park’s front nine, as well as shorter yet more challenging par four holes throughout the rest of the course. The new addition of electric golf carts makes zipping from hole to hole easier than ever before, while renovated bunkers and a full driving range for practicing are only a few of the most recent improvements at the course.

Book a tee time at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course by calling the facility today!

Gus Wortham Park Golf Course
7000 Capitol Street
Houston, TX 77011
(713) 928-4260
www.houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/guswortham.html
www.yelp.com/biz/gus-wortham-golf-course-houston

Southside Espresso: Sip Your Daily Perk-Me-Up

It's easy to miss tiny Southside Espresso–it's tucked behind other shops in a Montrose plaza–but regulars say this little coffee house is definitely worth seeking out. Southside Espresso offers everything you need to start your day off right. Order a double shot of espresso, either straight up or mixed with a bit of foamy, steamed milk, then grab a chocolate croissant or blueberry muffin for the road.

Southside Espresso is also a good place to linger if you've got the time. Free Wi-Fi makes it easy to catch up on email or get a bit of work done, while the shop's specialty drinks, like the sweet potato latte or cardamom and clove spiked latte, are ideal for slow, leisurely sipping. A variety of house-made syrups complete the shop's flavor possibilities, and a line-up of beers and wines rounds out the evening possibilities at this hotspot.

Southside Espresso
904 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-9990
www.southsideespresso.com
www.yelp.com/biz/southside-espresso-houston

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

Discovery Green: Jog, Canoe or Watch a Movie at This Scenic Green Space

Though Houston may be a sprawling metropolis, it provides ample opportunities for locals to get outdoors at parks like Discovery Green. This modern green space and community hub hosts beautiful gardens, playgrounds for the little ones, and an ever-changing array of inspirational outdoor art installations.

The park’s large pond is often used for canoeing around Houston’s beautiful cityscape, while in the winter, it doubles as an outdoor ice rink for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are sprawling green spaces where people can play catch or enjoy a picnic, walking paths for those who want to get a bit of exercise, and even a dog park where you can take your furry friend. Discovery Green contains a few different restaurants on its grounds, and there are also areas where the park hosts live music performances, outdoor movies, and festivals during the summer months.

For a full list of happenings at Discovery Green, visit the park’s website!

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 400-7336
www.discoverygreen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/discovery-green-houston

Men Flock to Hair Desire Salon for Affordable Cuts

Expertly executed men's hair cuts have earned Hair Desire Salon in Houston a loyal following of male clients. Reviewers note that not only are the stylists beyond proficient with the cutting shears, prices here are more than reasonable: just $16 for a men's cut. Women's hair cuts are performed here, too, starting at just $26. The stylists also color, perm, and blow-out tresses at Hair Desire Salon.

Hair Desire Salon is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. You'll find the salon tucked among The Shops at Memorial Heights strip mall just off of Studemont Street.

Hair Desire Salon
920 Studemont Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-0162
www.locality.com/place/hair-desire-salon-houston-tx
www.yelp.com/biz/hair-desire-salon-houston

13 Celsius: Drink and Be Merry

At 13 Celsius, a wine bar in Midtown near Baldwin Park, the grape is respected. In trying to emulate the great wine bars of Europe, all of the wines at 13 Celsius are stored with care in a cellar constantly kept at a temperature of – what else – 13 degrees Celsius.

Not only that, each bottle remains untouched until it is brought up to drink, ensuring quality. What that means is that you will always get a great bottle or glass of wine when you come to 13 Celsius. The bar and lounge is also very cool, with a 40-foot bar and furnishings procured from a now-closed hotel. It’s a great spot to meet up with friends after work or to bring a date after dinner for a drink!

Visit the 13 Celsius website to learn more about this Houston wine bar.

13 Celsius
3000 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 529-8466

www.13celsius.com
www.yelp.com/biz/13-celsius-houston

Fresh Air and Professional Performances: Miller Outdoor Theatre

Outdoor concerts and high-end theatrical performances fill the air at Miller Outdoor Theatre, located within Hermann Park in Houston. Sponsored by the theather Board of Directors, the venue receives its funds from both private and public donors, affording it the ability to bring culture to the community free of charge.

The largest theater of its kind in the country, Miller Outdoor Theatre's eight-month season spans everything from dance, jazz, and ethnic music to musical theater, Shakespeare, and films. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and relax, have a picnic, and enjoy yourself at the 7.5-acre venue with room for up to 4,500 people. The season usually presents approximately 130 or more performances and have included Beauty and the Beast, The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, and 42nd Street to name a few. Go online the theater's website for the current calendar of events and for additional information on upcoming ones.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(281) 373-3386
milleroutdoortheatre.com
www.yelp.com/biz/miller-outdoor-theatre-houston

Strengthen and Lengthen at YogaOne Studios Midtown

One of five YogaOne Studios throughout Houston, YogaOne Studios Midtown was established in 2008 to offer a range of yoga classes in a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. In fact, the YogaOne mission is "to co-create a positive space, filled with positive people, that is positively life changing through the practice and path of yoga."

Here, new and experienced yogis practice their positions within two modern studio spaces, each of which reflects the company's eco-friendly ethos through sustainably sourced bamboo flooring, no-VOC paints, and a BYORWB (Bring Your Own Reusable Water Bottle) policy. Instruction is offered in flow-based styles of yoga and hot yoga, the latter of which is bolstered by a custom heating system.

A single drop-in class at YogaOne Midtown will cost you $18, while class packages offer quantity discounts. Regulars recommend taking advantage of the $30 for 30 days pass, an introductory offer that entitles new yogis to test out an unlimited number of classes over a one-month trial period. For more info, check out the YogaOne Studios class schedule.

YogaOne Studios
3030 Travis Street
Houston, TX, 77006
(713) 522-0876
yogaonehouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/yogaone-studios-houston-3

Juice Box: Fruity, Frozen Desserts in Houston

Juice Box is a fast-casual cafe that serves refreshing, light desserts made with shaved ice, a bounty of fresh fruits, and plenty of condensed milk. The end result is a cooling concoction with a great balance between tart fruit and sweet, creamy milk. Juice Box also serves fresh fruit smoothies and iced teas laced with chunks of fruit. Pair your dessert with a shot of wheatgrass to balance the indulgence.

Make note: This is a cash-only establishment, and it can get very crowded at peak times. You might want to pick up a dessert or drink to go and take a stroll through Chinatown if there aren’t any tables available.

Juice Box's location on Bellaire Boulevard is open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Juice Box
9889 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston, TX 77036
(713) 484-8085
www.facebook.com/pages/Juice-Box/191386806421

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