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

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

Find Quirky Playthings at Big Blue Whale Toys and Curiosities

Big Blue Whale looks very little like the big-name toy stores scattered across the country. This small, independent store in Houston stocks playthings that you won't find anywhere else, including old-school classics and educational toys. You see, the folks behind Big Blue Whale know that toys are more than just sources of entertainment, they're also the building blocks for better cognitive development in children.

So make the short trip from Siena at Memorial Heights to Big Blue Whale (it's less than three miles) and pick out something fun for your little one. You'll find everything from board games to animal masks at the toy store, all stocked in seemingly never-ending aisles. Just follow the black-and-white checkered floor to the section that suits your kids' play-tastes.

Big Blue Whale Toys and Curiosities
237 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
(832) 623-6990
www.bigbluewhaletoys.com
www.yelp.com/biz/big-blue-whale-houston

Take In Dazzling Holiday Lights At Lights In The Heights

Holiday cheer can be felt in Woodland Heights for the annual Lights in the Heights Yuletide event. Returning on Saturday, Dec. 12, the event is smaller this year, but the homes will still illuminate for the season for this evening.

From 6 to 9 p.m., folks are welcome to walk throughout the neighborhood and "ooh" and "aah" over the twinkling lights, Christmas carols and holiday fun. Note that there won’t be any street closures this year and most events will be contained to private parties at the homes in the neighborhood — those looking to soak up holiday cheer are still welcome to wander through the neighborhood, though.

Dec. 12 marks night one of the neighborhood-wide illumination, so those interested in checking out the holiday lights further are welcome to stroll through throughout December. There is no cost to explore the neighborhood, just be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to photograph the impressive displays! Make the short drive from Siena at Memorial Heights to check it out.

Lights in the Heights in Woodland Heights
Saturday, Dec.12, 6-9 p.m.
www.woodland-heights.org/calendar/lights-in-the-heights

Explore Handcrafted Items at the First Saturday Arts Market

If you've been struggling to find a unique gift for a friend or significant other, wait until Dec. 5. That's the day when the First Saturday Arts Market will bring giftable handcrafted items to Houston—just as it does every month. Only 10 minutes away from Siena at Memorial Heights, the outdoor market runs year-long from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

It's a good place to go treasure hunting because a slew of different artisans show off their masterpieces here. You'll find everything from bold, abstract paintings to subdued, black and white photographs. That's not to mention the jewelry, sculptures, and other handmade works on display at the First Saturday Arts Market. Head there this December to check off any last-minute holiday gifts on your list.

First Saturday Arts Market
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5
540 W. 19th Street
Houston, TX 77008
firstsaturdayartsmarket.com

Do Some Holiday Shopping at the Fall Edition of Vintage Flea!

On Nov. 21 and 22, Vintage Flea fills Silver Street Studios with goods from vintage vendors and antiques vendors, making for a vintage lover's dream!

The flea market features more than 50 local, or Texas-based, vendors selling things like furniture, jewelry, antique kitchen items, clothing, paintings and much, much more. In addition to folks vending vintage and antique goods, food, beer and wine will be available for purchase, and several food trucks are expected to be there, too.

Since the flea market is so popular, tickets are required for entry. Tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door for those over the age of 12 and free for children under 12. Scoop up your tickets today to get in on the flea market action — it's happening only 1.5 miles from Siena at Memorial Heights!

Vintage Flea at Silver Street Studios
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21-22
1501 Silver Street
Houston, TX 77007
www.facebook.com/events

Enjoy Fresh Air and Family Fun at the 9th Annual KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou

Houston parents who are in the know have been eagerly awaiting the debut of the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion, and it's finally here. This natural playground is now open for business, and your little ones will probably love exploring its three-story tree house and boat deck, complete with climbing net, and zooming down the 33-foot slide. The perfect time to do just that? The 9th Annual KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou, an event during which the new play area is just one attraction.

The fair at Buffalo Bayou Park, less than a mile from Siena at Memorial Heights, will bring together 15 different local nonprofits to entertain your little ones, so there will be plenty to see and do. You can go for a ride on the Buffalo Bayou Partnership's pontoon boat, fittingly named the Spirit of the Bayou, or rent a paddleboat and head out on the water yourself. You can also just enjoy the live music and grub from food trucks at KBR Kids Day.

9th Annual KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou
The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17
105 Sabine Street
Houston, TX 77007
buffalobayou.org/event/9th-annual-kbr-kids-day-on-buffalo-bayou
www.yelp.com/events/houston-9th-annual-kbr-kids-day-on-buffalo-bayou

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