Get Some Fresh Air Without Leaving Houston at Buffalo Bayou Park

In a former life, The Water Works at Sabine Street were not a destination; they were a part of the City of Houston's water system. But when The Water Works stopped functioning for the water system, they were transformed into the focal point of Buffalo Bayou Park, a four-acre perch from which locals can drink in a view of the city's skyline.

Stroll beyond The Water Works to see what else this beloved 160-acre park in the heart of Houston has to offer. Many locals tout it as a natural escape in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle, going here to hike, bike, boat, and to enjoy the nice weather. There's a lot to see at Buffalo Bayou Park, and it regularly hosts outdoor events for the community. So keep an eye out for things to do on the calendar, like the Second Saturday Boat Ride or the Waugh Bat Colony Boat Tour.

Buffalo Bayou Park
18-3600 Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 752-0314
buffalobayou.org/visit
www.yelp.com/biz/buffalo-bayou-park-houston

The Lucky Fig Serves Farm-Fresh Italian Food Near Siena at Memorial Heights

Don’t let the humble food truck fool you, The Lucky Fig serves upscale farm-fresh Italian fare by a well-trained chef. Owned and operated by chef Luca Manfe—a television personality and author—who promises fresh ingredients from local farms and farmers’ markets. The menu is constantly changing to meet the demands of the season, so guests can expect different menus to accompany different times of the year. All items on the menu are inspired by classic Italian dishes but are served with a modern food truck flair. The current menu consists of classics like meatballs, pancetta sandwiches, gnocchi, pappardelle with braised lamb shank, and tiramisu.

Since The Lucky Fig is a roaming restaurant, the food vendor can be found all around town throughout the week. Some of its most popular locations include the Urban Harvest Farmers’ Market, Houston Community College, and the Palazzo at Cypresswood. The truck's serving schedule is available online.

The Lucky Fig
Various locations
Houston, TX
(832) 776-7507
http://theluckyfig.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-lucky-fig-houston?osq=hot+and+new

Absolve Wine Lounge: A Lovely Wine Spot in a Great Location Near Siena at Memorial Heights

Located in a strip mall just a couple minutes from Siena at Memorial Heights, Absolve Wine Lounge’s unremarkable exterior hides a gem of the Houston wine bar scene. It’s a cozy but comfortable spot that's perfect for date night or a night with friends. The eclectic and colorful décor of striped armchairs with bright blue ottomans, wood and fern accents, and 19th century paintings makes this a cool place to hang out—it feels more like relaxing in someone’s swanky living room than a bar.

Absolve offers a wide variety of wines by the glass and bottle as well as cocktails. Are you a beer drinker? Fear not—there are tons of craft ales available too. The food goes above typical wine bar fare with interesting options like the Punjabi popcorn, the duck baked brie, and the champagne donut bread pudding. The bartenders are knowledgeable and would love to guide you to a great glass of vino.

Absolve Wine Lounge
920 Studemont Street
Houston, TX 77007
(281) 501-1788
http://absolvewinelounge.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/absolve-wine-lounge-houston?sort_by=date_desc

Beaver’s Near Siena at Memorial Heights: From Brisket Tacos to Nut Burgers

It's not very often that you find top-notch barbecue and a stellar vegan burger in the same place, but Beaver's boasts both. The "gastropub meets icehouse" near Siena at Memorial Heights is known for its brisket and its nut burger, not to mention the many other revised American dishes.

If you want to try the brisket, order eight ounces of it over toast. It comes hot from a smoker stoked with oak and maple wood, and it's dished out with pickles, onions, cole slaw, and, of course, a healthy smattering of barbecue sauce. Pork ribs and pork sausage are also on the list of smoked meats. You can savor the brisket stuffed inside tacos as well or get more adventurous with something like the alligator and crawfish grits. If you want to skip the meat, try the Beaver nut burger. Its blend of brown rice, cashews, and walnuts mimics the texture of a beef burger without most of the unhealthy fat.

Beaver's
2310 Decatur Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 864-2328
beavershouston.com
www.yelp.com/biz/beavers-houston

Kayak a Beautiful 15-Mile Stretch at This Year’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta

If you've ever boated along the picturesque Buffalo Bayou, then you already know what a beautiful sight the powerful Texas river is. If you haven't, then you have a chance to experience its natural beauty firsthand at this year's 44th Annual Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta. It launches from Sesquicentennial Park, just two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights.

Everyone 12 years and older can climb into a canoe or kayak and attempt the 15-mile trek along the river. Some people compete against other boaters, whereas others simply join in for fun. Regardless of which camp you fall into, there'll be plenty of spectators cheering you on from the river banks as you ride the current toward the finish line. Sign up this year to challenge yourself and have some fun in the process.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership Regatta
Sesquicentennial Park
7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 12
400 Texas Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
buffalobayou.org/event/44th-annual-buffalo-bayou-partnership-regatta

Eat Crawfish And Groove To Live Music At The Annual Houston Crawfish Festival

Crawfish is practically a food group in the South, and every year the annual Houston Crawfish Festival celebrates the crustacean. The festival returns on Saturday, March 5 with lots of crawfish and good times. This year’s festival will take place in the Heights—just 10 minutes from Siena at Memorial Heights—from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

More than 7,000 people are expected to turn up for the festival. Throughout the day, guests can look forward to tons of crawfish with all the fixings (potatoes and corn, of course!), live music, shopping, kid-friendly activities, booths from local businesses, and more. Those who don’t eat crawfish can nosh on pizza and hot dogs from a number of local vendors. Admission to the festival is free, but all food and drinks are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. Will you be heading out for the crawfish festival? If so, come hungry!

Houston Crawfish Festival
Saturday, March 5, 11 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
411 W. 20th Street
Houston, TX 77008
heightschamber.com/crawfish-festival_copy_noart

Rogue Improv: Funny People, Flowing Drinks and Lots of Fun

Performing weekly at Rudyard's British Pub, Rogue Improv is a group of comedians and actors who come together to do what they love best: make people laugh. With a show every Thursday night, Rogue Improv is one of the only long-form improv troupes in Houston. Fans love the unexpected humor that comes with improv performances, and appreciate that, while the audience can participate, they aren’t picked on like they may be during other comedy shows.

Tickets are only $5, making a show a great cheap date, and there are awesome drink specials to accompany the show (like $2 pints). If you’re interested in getting in on the fun, the group also offers improv classes. Parking in the bar’s small lot can be tricky at show time, so street parking is suggested. Rogue Improv is a blast for all, and, perhaps best of all, the troupe performs less than two miles from Siena at Memorial Heights.

Rogue Improv
Rudyard's British Pub
​Every Thursday
2010 Waugh Drive
Houston, TX 77006
www.facebook.com/RogueImprov
www.yelp.com/biz/rogue-improv-houston

Sip and Explore at Thursday’s Happy Hour at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Even if you usually think of a trip to the museum as a pretty boring outing, you'll be able to appreciate the art in a glass served up at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston's happy hour every Thursday. From 6 to 8 p.m., the cash bar is open, doling out drinks inspired by the exhibits at the museum.

Make the three-mile drive from Siena at Memorial Heights to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston this Thursday to imbibe while you explore. Admission to the museum is always free on Thursdays, so you won't have to pay to get in, just per drink. While you sip and enjoy the fine art on the walls, a local DJ will spin beats and a Houston food truck will supply grub just beyond the door.

Happy Hour at Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Beck Building
6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday
5601 Main Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 639-7300
www.mfah.org/calendar/happy-hour-thursdays/12754
www.yelp.com/biz/museum-of-fine-arts-houston-houston

Newk’s Eatery: An Ever-Growing Chain Comes to the Neighborhood

Serving American food staples with a few surprises, Newk's Eatery is a great new addition to the area, less than a mile from Siena at Memorial Heights. Newk's Eatery is the creation of Don Newcomb, Debra Bryson, and Chris Newcomb, and features the Newcomb’s own family recipes. The original location was opened in 2004, and the business has quickly grown into a healthy franchise.

This Houston location offers well-portioned, affordable eats in a friendly and welcoming environment. The menu is full of soups, salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. Meals unique to Newk’s include a variety of mac and cheese dishes, like the crawfish mac and cheese and the six-cheese pimiento with bacon. There’s a breadstick and pickle station, too, where guests are free to sample. This is a great choice for lunch or a casual dinner, whether eating in or taking out.

Newk's Eatery
9448 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77055
(832) 917-0500
www.newks.com
www.yelp.com/biz/newks-eatery-bunker-hill-houston

Take in Sweeping Park Views at The Kitchen at The Dunlavy

Care for food with a beautiful view? Make plans to dine at The Kitchen at The Dunlavy, a restaurant with views of Buffalo Bayou Park and Lost Lake. The restaurant is just one mile from Siena at Memorial Heights, and it serves up some of the freshest new American food around.

The menu calls on ingredients from a number of local farms to ensure that diners dig into the best grub available. Popular plates on the menu include the apple and brie sandwich, Chinese chicken salad, chocolate and java smoothie, and the bacon, egg and kale breakfast sandwich. Drinks are available from the full bar, too.

The picturesque space is lined with glass windows to allow guests to take in the beautiful panorama surrounding them, and sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, but brunch is considered the best time to visit The Kitchen at The Dunlavy.

The Kitchen at The Dunlavy
3422 Allen Parkway
Houston, TX 77019
(713) 360-6477
thedunlavy.com/thekitchen
www.yelp.com/biz/the-kitchen-at-the-dunlavy-houston

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