Fitzgerald’s: Enjoy a “Live and Loud” Concert

Fitzgerald’s in the Heights neighborhood of Houston is a live music venue offering “live and loud” performances since 1977. Located just over a mile from Siena at Memorial Heights, live music is just a five-minute trip away at the place that many locals refer to as “The Fitz."

There are live performances at Fitzgerald’s most nights of the week. The venue has two fully equipped stages in addition to fully stocked bars, so multiple acts can perform at Fitzgerald’s on the same night. Some of the most notable musical acts of prior decades have performed on Fitzgerald’s stage, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, Etta James, Sonic Youth, and James Brown. Tickets to shows can be bought on the Fitzgerald’s website, where there is also a full schedule of upcoming performances. Fitzgerald’s also hosts open mic nights for local, upcoming artists.

Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77007
www.fitzlive.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/fitzgeralds-houston-2

Learn More About the Art of Photography at FotoFest International

Just a mile from Siena and Memorial Heights, FotoFest International is an effort and platform for museum-quality photography exhibitions to be showcased. FotoFest began in 1983 to promote this type of artwork and has since worked to provide exhibitions on artists from all over the world for the local community to see.

Each year, FotoFest brings a varying program of art exhibitions exploring different concepts to the Houston community. Programs occur at different galleries throughout the city and touch on different social issues through the use of art. As part of the 2016 Biennial, Changing Circumstances: Looking at the Future of the Planet included mixed media and educational programs that explore humanity’s relationship with the changing planet. FotoFest also provides professional development seminars in photography for artists and the local community. Those interested can learn more information and read about who will be participating in the seminars on FotoFest’s website.

FotoFest International
2000 Edwards Street, Building C, #2
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 223-5522
https://www.facebook.com/fotofest/

Rumor Has It Day Spa: Sip a Mimosa and Be Doted On

Whether you prefer to relax with a mug of hot tea or a chilled mimosa in hand, Rumor Has It Day Spa can accommodate. The Houston spa doles out complimentary drinks to its guests as soon as they arrive including tea, mimosas, and glasses of wine. Patrons seem to appreciate that Rumor Has It's staff go out of their way to really pamper them, which is why they keep coming back time and time again.

Of course, the large slate of spa services doesn't hurt, either. Rumor Has It offers both standard and lavish mani-pedis, of course, but you can also head to the day spa for a luxurious massage or a decadent facial. Add aromatherapy to your massage to leave even more relaxed. You can also rely on Rumor Has It for beautifying services such as waxing and eyelash extensions.

Rumor Has It Day Spa
1911 Taylor Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 426-6245
www.rhidayspa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/rumor-has-it-day-spa-houston

Drink in the View from the Deck at Platypus Brewing This Summer

Platypus Brewing owners Rachna, Sean, and Morgan have lived in both Australia and Texas, which is why many of their beers are modeled after Australian ales though their fare features local Texas-grown ingredients. Some of the brews pull from more traditional American and European processes too, so there should be something for everyone at Platypus Brewing when it officially opens this summer.

According to Eater Houston, the big debut will happen in the next few months, so keep an eye on Platypus Brewing's Facebook page for updates. Although it doesn't have a lot of details about the brewery and adjacent taproom just yet, it has recently revealed that Platypus Brewing will have a deck that looks right out over Houston. This summer, it might be the perfect place to enjoy a frosty pint of house-brewed beer.

Platypus Brewing
1902 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(832) 985-8007
www.platypusbrewing.com
www.facebook.com/platypusbrewingllc

Sprouts Farmers Market: Local, Organic Food at Budget-Friendly Prices

The family behind Sprouts Farmers Market has long believed that fresh, organic produce and other foods should be available to everyone, not just people with enough money to pay high prices. That's why the family of grocers decided to open the very first Sprouts Farmers Market in 2002, a no-frills grocery store focused on low prices and high quality foods.

Sprouts responsibly sources its inventory from eco-friendly producers and also operates in a way that's conscious of the earth's limited resources, so you can feel good about shopping here. Its budget-friendly, earth-friendly stockpile includes rows and rows of produce bins nearly overflowing with organic and local fruits and vegetables as well as a large bulk food section with more than 200 rices, coffees, spices, and everything in between. Full deli, meat, and seafood counters as well as extensive beer and wine, frozen foods, and vitamin sections round out the floor plan at Sprouts Farmers Market.

Sprouts Farmers Market
22506 Tomball Parkway
Houston, TX 77070
(832) 698-0004
www.sprouts.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sprouts-farmers-market-houston-9

Art Car Museum: Where Autos Become Works of Art

The sphere of art extends well beyond classic paintings and sculptures, which is exactly why the Art Car Museum exists. It not only shows off a collection of art cars—that is, vehicles decked out to become true works of art—but also serves as a home for other offbeat masterpieces that wouldn't fit in at your standard museum.

If you want to know more about the art car movement, just head to the museum and ogle its resident art cars firsthand. Expect to see a classic car embellished with fiery deities and ebbing ocean waves, a station wagon decked out in glitzy holiday lights, and even a roadster almost completely obscured by an enormous (and slightly terrifying) stuffed bunny called Rex Rabbit. Check out the museum's schedule for special exhibits that will only be in town for a limited time.

Art Car Museum
140 Heights Boulevard
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-5526
artcarmuseum.com
www.yelp.com/biz/art-car-museum-houston

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

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

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