The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Returns to One NRG Park on Feb. 27

The first Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo unfolded nearly a century ago in 1932. The tradition continues this year from February 27th to March 18th at One NRG Park. In 2017, the rode attracted more than 2.6 million visitors. And with concerts by Blake Shelton, Little Big Town, and Luke Bryan on the itinerary, among many others, the crowd could be even bigger this year.

The big-name concerts are just a part of the draw. Head to the rodeo ring to watch cowboys attempt to stay atop bucking bulls, wrestle steers, and race barrels. Meet the goats, alpacas, and rabbits at the Livestock Show. From February 22nd to 24th, stop by for the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. More than 250 teams face off for the title of champion, and some of the barbecue tents are open to the public so come and do a taste-test (or several). General admission tickets to the grounds start at $15.

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Get Something Sweet for Your Sweetie at Araya Artisan Chocolate

Elements of French and Belgian artistry are evident in every confection that comes from Araya Artisan Chocolate in River Oaks. However, the origin of its cocoa beans is actually halfway across the globe from Europe, in Venezuela. The combination of high-quality, single-origin chocolate from South America and classic chocolate-making techniques results in gourmet treats that are perfect for Valentine's Day.

They're so perfect, in fact, that Araya Artisan Chocolate has a separate section of its website dedicated solely to V-Day chocolates. Treat someone special to a snack that's as sweet as they are, like the chocolate-dipped Oreos embellished with white and pink hearts. Express your amore with a more lavish gift, like the multi-layer chocolate gift box packed with 36 small confections that range from artsy truffles to chocolate-coated nuts.

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Find a Valentine’s Day Bouquet at Blomma Flower Shop

Blomma Flower Shop's user-friendly website might trick you into thinking that this is your typical online flower company. The ease and convenience of the streamlined online ordering process rival that of big-name floral brands. Yet the online presence is merely an offshoot of a physical store where owner Kim and her team of floral artists create one-of-a-kind bouquets.

You can use the website as inspiration and have Kim create something to your exact specifications, or order a bouquet exactly as it appears online. For Valentine's Day, Blomma Flower Shop offers a mix of classic and contemporary arrangements. The Guilty Pleasure bouquet features a simple mix of red roses, sprays of small white flowers, and eucalyptus. You can really stun your significant other with the Pink Explosion, an arrangement that features a vibrant combination of pink Stargazer lilies, roses, and daisies.

Gourmet Italian Java Enjoys the Spotlight at Minuti Coffee

Irish cream. Chocolate and hazelnut. Ginseng. These are a few of the unique flavors infused into java beans at Minuti Coffee. You won't find these blends anywhere else. The cafe's roast master crafts them an ocean away in Italy, specifically for Minuti stores, and then ships them directly to the shelves. So if you want to try one of these flavored coffees or any of the other classic roasts, you'll have to come to the Minuti in Katy.

You can purchase a bag of the beans to take home and brew or let the baristas do the work for you. Regular patrons highly recommend specialty treats like the vanilla latte and the dirty chai. Sip on your coffee with a chicken salad sandwich, a plate of pasta, or something light and sweet from the pastry case at Minuti Coffee.

Don’t Miss the 24th Annual MLK Grand Parade Midtown Houston on Jan. 15

Martin Luther King, Jr. may be gone, but he's far from forgotten. The iconic civil rights leader's legacy lives on in the change that he inspired across the nation and a day dedicated specifically to his memory each January. This year, Martin Luther King Day on Monday, January 15th will host the 24th Annual MLK Grand Parade in Midtown Houston.

The festivities begin at 10 a.m. on Monday after a weekend of preparing with the 12th Annual MLK Youth Parade and the 17th Annual MLK Battle of the Bands Competition. The main parade will showcase more than 300 performance groups and floats, featuring a culturally eclectic mix of people as an homage to the equality that MLK fought for in his lifetime. Come to check out the parade in Midtown Houston with friends or family in tow to commemorate a great American leader and agent of change.

Savor Spicy Eats and Frosty Drinks at the Hops n’ Hot Sauce Festival 2018 on Jan. 13

Klowns on Fire! Hot Sauce and SpindleTap Brewery are teaming up on January 13th for the Hops n' Hot Sauce Festival 2018. Now in its second year, Hops n' Hot Sauce celebrates all things spicy—in fact, it even hosts a hot pepper-eating contest. But the peppers are just one example of the many spicy foods that will be on hand for you to try.

So if you love fiery fare, come to the Hops n' Hot Sauce festival for a taste of Meeha Hot Chili Sauce, Crenshaw's C6 Salsa, and food from Foreign Policy and Mikey V's. Then cool off your taste buds with a pint of beer from SpindleTap Brewery's house draft list or a frosty sweet treat from Buck's Original Shaved Ice Company. Kids can come along to play inside of the bounce houses, bop along to the live music, and enjoy some milder grub from the local food trucks. Admission is $5 when you purchase tickets in advance.

Merchant: High-Quality Treats, Artisan Coffee and Draft Wine

Imported French Valhrona chocolate and French butter converge in the perfectly portioned "4oz chocolate chip cookie" at Merchant. Although the cafe and bakery only opened last September, its unique treats, sweet and savory crepes, and top-notch coffee have quickly propelled it to local stardom.

Savor a cup of Illy espresso or a green tea matcha latte with your chosen cookie or pair the java with a crepe. Try the Green Eggs and Ham, stuffed with prosciutto, French ham, scrambled eggs, and herbs and spices. You can also dig into a breakfast parfait with layers of organic hemp seeds, granola, sliced bananas, berries, and Greek yogurt. When you stop by for dinner, order a glass of wine from the tap or by the can and enjoy it with a kale salad topped with parmesan, cucumber-lemon vinaigrette, and pine nuts.

Enjoy an Electric New Year’s Eve at Hotel Derek

A pair of the state's best DJs. Four hours' worth of an open bar and complimentary appetizers. Party favors to commemorate the evening. These are all perks of skipping other NYE plans and coming to the Electric New Year’s Eve at Hotel Derek on Sunday, December 31st.

Start partying your way into the new year at 9:30 p.m., when anyone with a ticket can come to Hotel Derek and explore the space for the soiree. It boasts three distinct areas for dancing and drinking, as well as several different bars where you can take full advantage of those complimentary libations. Dance the night away to Top 40 hits, EDM, and other up-tempo tunes, courtesy of high-profile DJs, and make sure you're ready to say hello to 2018 when the clock strikes midnight. Tickets start at $150.

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Explore the Great Outdoors at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

If you are in need of an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, take a trip to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. This 155-acre oasis boasts eight trails, special gardens, a discovery center, and a wide variety of educational programming for nature exploration. The trails are extensive. Whether you’re looking for a spot to jog in the morning with your pup, or a place to take the kids during the day, there is a trail for everyone. Grab a map to decide which is best for you.

The Nature Center provides programs for youth of all ages from toddlers to teens throughout their campus. Join them for a weekly tyke hike, or their tadpole troopers program which exposes toddlers to the wonder of the great outdoors. They also offer summer camps, as well as various education programs for families throughout the year.

Their programs aren’t limited to just youth, with a wide range of adult programs offered as well. Their signature Arboretum at Night series brings adults up close and personal with nature on Saturday nights, while pairing the experience with snacks and adult beverages. Visit their website for a full list of programs and events.

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The Magical Winter Lights Display Pays Homage to Far-Off Lands and the Lone Star State This December

Santa's Christmas Village. Dinosaur Land. The Mystical Forest. These might sound like settings ripped from the pages of fairytales, but they're very real at the Magical Winter Lights display. From December 1st through January 2nd, Gulf Greyhound Park transforms into a twinkling land of holiday lights. It showcases seven distinct areas, each with their own theme, including the new Lone Star State.

Head toward the 36-foot cowboy lantern, and you'll land in the heart of the Lone Star State display. From here, explore a glowing maze that fans out toward eight Texan landmarks. Then make your way to the Holiday Market square for some food, gift shopping, and photo ops. Santa Claus will be there, waiting and ready for his close-up. In keeping with the event's international focus, you can also see acrobats, masterpieces crafted by Chinese artisans, and more at Magical Winter Lights. Tickets start at $15 for children and $22 for adults.

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