Discovery Green in downtown Houston is a newer urban park that hosts many cultural activities throughout the year, from art shows to weekends dedicated to activities for Fido. As it's name implies, Discovery Green is a "green" park. Not only does the park employ a high-efficiency irrigation system and solar panels, Discovery Green earned a Gold rating from the LEED Green Building Rating System for its use of sustainable building methods and energy conservation.

Now for the really fun stuff: This park is a great spot to mix up your exercise routine with free classes that range from yoga to hoop dancing. In summer, kids love cooling off in the splash park fountains, and in winter, the ice skating rink draws a crowd to downtown. If you work nearby, the park is great for a quiet outdoor lunch.

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

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Alexis Fam Photography

The convenient location of Houston’s Memorial Park in the River Oaks neighborhood makes this a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts and picnickers alike. Most come for the many trails for hiking, jogging, and biking. The three mile loop is popular for runners, but there are over thirty miles that meander through woods. The large space provides plenty of room for visitors to spread out, so you don’t feel cramped. Although it may draw a crowd, parking is hardly ever an issue.

Other facilities include sand volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, as well as baseball and soccer fields, even a municipal golf course and indoor fitness center! Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park, along with restrooms and water fountains. The playground makes a great family-friendly destination, and the whole park is dog friendly.

Memorial Park
6501 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
http://memorialparkconservancy.org
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-park-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/likeaduck

Anvil Bar and Refuge in Montrose is a popular cocktail bar housed in an old tire shop from the 1950s. Everything about Anvil screams vintage, from the exposed brick walls and ductwork to the antique drinkware and stylish reclaimed wood lamps.

The cocktail menu changes frequently, but always features bitters made in house, crafty infusions, and a special emphasis on local ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Long Point Sour (gin with key lime, cardamom, and kaffir leaf) and the Grass Roots (amaro, rum, coconut, raspberry, lime, almond, and grass jelly).

The menu is divvied up by what flavor you're looking for, but don't be overwhelmed if you're not sure what you want. The staff is highly trained and has no qualms explaining the drink selection or even selecting a cocktail on your behalf. Anvil Bar and Refuge is a great choice for a night out trying something new.

Anvil Bar and Refuge
1424 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-1622
http://www.anvilhouston.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/anvil-bar-and-refuge-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/ninacoco