Joystix Classic Games & Pinball: Bringing Back the Games You Love

Feel nostalgia for the old-school video games you used to play when you were a kid at Joystix Classic Games & Pinball. In the age of the home console, this arcade is a throwback to a time when you not only played your favorite games, but did it in public while impressing your friends.

Show you’ve still got what it takes to overthrow Donkey Kong or rack up the highest score on the Star Trek Pro pinball machine. Hundreds of games line the walls of this house of fun, giving you an opportunity to play your favorite upright, sit down, and counter-top video games that you haven’t seen in years. Foosball, air hockey, and ping pong are also available for the analog fans, along with a jukebox and photo booth to add memories to the evening.

Visit the Joystix website to learn more about this unique Houston attraction.

Joystix Classic Games and Pinball
1820 Franklin Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-2225
www.joystixamusements.com
www.yelp.com/biz/joystix-classic-games-and-pinball-houston

There Are Over 50 Ways to Get a Workout at Your Body Center

Take on a fitness challenge at Your Body Center, a yoga and Pilates studio in Houston’s Heights neighborhood. Knowledgeable and encouraging instructors make for a great experience, and many students realize significant weight loss and fitness improvements within a month. Over 50 classes are offered each week, and all skill levels are welcome. Classes include Yin, Forrest, and Vinyasa yoga styles, as well as Pilates ball, band, and cardio classes.

Your Body Center has two large studio spaces with walls of windows that let in plenty of natural light. One is kept hot for the specialty classes, like hot yoga. Unlike traditional Bikram, the instructors practice along with the students and encourage you to listen to your body, taking breaks as needed. Rates are reasonable, and new students can take advantage of special discounts. Mat and towel rentals are available. The center also offers therapeutic massage and other bodywork services.

Your Body Center
3605 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 874-0800
www.yourbodycenter.com
www.yelp.com/biz/your-body-center-houston-3

Houston Dairymaids: A Gourmet Cheese Shop

Cheeses of all varieties can be found at Houston Dairymaids, a specialty cheese shop on Airline Drive. For the past seven years, Houston Dairymaids has brought local, hand-made cheeses unlike any other to the city’s specialty foods community, seeking out products made from unpasteurized milk to offer customers excellence in flavor. Working strictly with Texas cheesemakers sets this market apart from other specialty food stores, giving recognition to some of the state’s best cheesemakers.

Houston Dairymaids is open Tuesdays through Sundays to sell cheese, honey, Slow-Dough breads, fine wines, and craft beers. Learn the subtle differences between Scarmoza and Mozzarella or which cheeses pair well with your favorite wines. Houston Dairymaids is a great place to indulge in your passion for delicious dairy products while you stock up on your favorites or pick up a few to give as gifts.

Houston Dairymaids
2201 Airline Drive
Houston, TX 77009
(713) 880-4800
www.houstondairymaids.com
www.yelp.com/biz/houston-dairymaids-houston-2

Pinot’s Palette: A BYOB Art Studio in Houston

You're probably already familiar with the premise of those paint-your-own pottery studios, but did you know that an adults-only version exists here in Houston? It's called Pinot's Palette, and the idea behind this "BYOB art entertainment studio" is a little different from the competition.

First, amateur painters are invited to enroll in a painting class from Pinot's Palette's online schedule, which also displays the exact painting that will be attempted (no talent required!) during each two- or three-hour class. Then, the student simply shows up to the studio approximately 30 minutes before the class's start time; Pinot's Palette supplies all the necessary materials. However, the real draw of these classes, which are more akin to a social outing than a serious art class, is the fact that participants are encouraged to bring along a bottle of wine and some snacks—in addition to an eagerness to have a fun night out with friends.

Pinot's Palette's classes range in price from $39 to $49. This Houston studio is also a popular spot for parties and other special events.

Pinot’s Palette
2406 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-4769
www.pinotspalette.com/Montrose
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-houston-4

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
http://www.cutloosetx.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cutloose-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jkrizni

Ben’s Beans: Bona Fide Brews and More

The funky atmosphere of Ben’s Beans in downtown Houston provides patrons with an extra mood boost to go along with their cup of joe. Brightly colored walls covered in local artwork enclose this cozy coffeehouse, giving it a warm touch not found in sterile, overly hip cafes. The welcoming attitude of Ben’s is just one reason to love this cafe, but the large selection of locally roasted brews are another.

Java enthusiasts will appreciate the knowledgeable baristas at Ben’s, while casual coffee drinkers will love the many different flavor options, teas, and hot cocoas available. Also serving food, Ben’s is a great place to pick up a hot or cold sandwich for lunch or treat yourself to a freshly baked pastry. The spacious parking lot and free Wi-Fi make Ben's location a convenient choice for patrons needing a workspace for the day.

Ben's Beans
1302 Dallas Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 654-8856
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bens-Beans/130312383728807
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bens-beans-houston

Break a Sweat at New Heights at Texas Rock Gym

Get climbing at Texas Rock Gym, Houston’s indoor rock climbing gym. The large space features 42 rock wall stations, five with auto-belay, as well as a designated bouldering area. Whether you are an experience climber or newbie, all skill levels are welcome here. Patrons find it a fun yet challenging activity to try when the weather forces you indoors. But unlike the mall, here you’ll get in a great workout. The friendly staff puts a lot of effort into maintaining the gym; everything is well-kept and the routes are changed regularly so the climbs don’t get too easy.

Customers can get all the rental gear necessary, a class, and all day access for just $30. If you really love rock climbing, consider becoming a member and you’ll benefit from unlimited access to the rock gym as well as yoga, Kung Fu, and Tai Chi classes. The "School of Rock" program is designed just for kids with after school and school break camps. Texas Rock Gym also offers private and group lessons for those who want to hone their skills. Try to visit on a weekday as it can get crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.

Texas Rock Gym
1526 Campbell Road
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 973-7625
http://www.texasrockgym.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/texas-rock-gym-houston-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/jeffwilcox

Expect Shopping With Elbow Room at Memorial City Mall

If you haven’t been to Memorial City Mall in Houston lately, you’re missing out. This large mall has recently gone through a renaissance, transforming it from a rundown to a favorite in town. Many shoppers prefer this mall over the Galleria for its convenient location, parking, and fewer crowds. Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and Target are anchor stores, but there is a wide range of contemporary shopping options, including everyday favorites like Ann Taylor Loft, Express, and Foot Locker. The mall boasts plenty of specialty stores, like Apple, Build-A-Bear, Pandora, Sephora, and Teavana.

The food court has been recently updated, too, with numerous selections for a quick bite to eat. Options range from good ol’ American Chick-Fil-A to Sarku Japan. If you need a full service spot to refuel, California Pizza Kitchen and The Cheesecake Factory are shoppers’ favorites. Kids love the whimsical play area that includes a carousel and train that takes little shoppers on a ride through the mall.

Memorial City Mall
900 Gessner Road
Houston TX 77024
(713) 464-8640
http://www.memorialcitymall.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-city-mall-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/www.bluewaikiki.com

Breen’s Florist: Express Yourself Via Fresh Blooms

Breen's Florist does more than just deliver flowers; according to its company philosophy, it delivers emotions.

When you can't be there in person, you can at least be there in spirit via a fresh bouquet of flowers expressing your sympathy, congratulations, or well wishes. And you can always trust Breen's to deliver, since the florist has been doling out blooms around Houston since 1943.

Even its delivery vans are colorful and eye-catching, though they're a mere preview of the sprays that sit inside. The Sweet Effects bouquet, for example, showcases a design by fashionista Vera Wang: a mix of pink lilies and double lisianthus, yellow roses, solidago, and emerald leaves in between. It's all artfully arranged in a chic, contemporary glass vase. The arrangement suits all occasions and sentiments, from an "I'm sorry" to "Best wishes."

For something a bit more striking, send a tropical bouquet such as the Exotic Garden Cube. Housed in a stout green vase, this conglomeration of blossoms showcases the vibrant orange, magenta, and yellow of Birds of Paradise, orchids, lilies, and pincushions. The posy is the perfect way to welcome summer or celebrate a birthday.

Breen's Florist
1050 N. Post Oak
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 668-2376
www.breensflorist.com

www.yelp.com/biz/breens-florist-houston

Miller Outdoor Theatre: Culture Under the Stars

Spend some time outdoors at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston’s Hermann Park. In operation over 90 years, the theatre hosts a wide variety of concerts, plays, and performances, all of which are free. If you prefer covered seating, you’ll need a ticket; otherwise, most theatre-goers spread a blanket on the grassy hill facing the stage. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy! Alcohol is permitted provided it’s not in a glass container. For those who want the convenience, a concession stand offers refreshments and picnic supplies.

Check the theatre's website often for an updated performance schedule. Plan to arrive early, as parking can be challenging and you’ll have better luck finding a spot. Or, take METRORail and the theatre is just a five minute walk. There are plenty of clean bathrooms at these family-friendly events.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(281) 823-9103
http://milleroutdoortheatre.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/miller-outdoor-theatre-houston

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