You are here: Home / Archives for Things to Do in Houston

Houston Dairymaids: A Gourmet Cheese Shop

November 25, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Breen’s Florist: Express Yourself Via Fresh Blooms

October 28, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Rich Gelato Is Served Atop Brioche Buns at SweetCup in Houston

October 14, 2014 by

After traveling through Italy during her honeymoon, the founder of SweetCup returned to the U.S. with a new purpose: to bring the authentic Italian gelato cafe experience to Houston. Her cafe, SweetCup, opened in February 2012, bringing with it authentic elements ranging from its all-natural gelato to its freshly brewed espresso that makes use of locally roasted beans.

At SweetCup, gelato is prepared in small batches on a daily basis. Flavors vary by season, but past highlights have included peanut butter stracciatella, caramelized banana, and bourbon caramel alongside everyday favorites such as bacio and zabaione. Order your gelato atop a warm brioche bun or enjoy it "affogato" style, topped with two shots of fresh espresso. Regulars note that the sorbetto here is also not to be missed, especially when the flavors highlight summertime fruits and berries.

SweetCup is open Tuesdays through Sundays.

SweetCup
3939 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 942-2226
sweetcupgelato.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sweetcup-houston

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian: Pamper Yourself

September 23, 2014 by

Pamper yourself at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian. This hotel spa offers an array of relaxing and rejuvenating services, from facials and waxing to massages and body wraps. Customers love the ambiance with soothing decor and fresh flower arrangements. Large windows look out onto the Houstonian’s 18-acre grounds.

Arrive early for your service and lounge about in a soft, oversized robe and snack on cookies and tea. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the amenities, which include an indoor float pool, jacuzzi tubs, steam rooms, and a tranquility room with a fireplace.

Plan on spending a whole afternoon at Trellis.

Trellis Spa at The Houstonian
111 N. Post Oak Lane
Houston, TX 77024
(713) 680-2626
www.houstonian.com/TheSpa.aspx
www.yelp.com/biz/the-houstonian-hotel-club-and-spa-houston

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Beer Can House: Quirky Houston Folk Art

September 9, 2014 by

A monument both to the power of recycling and to the power of one man’s dedication, Beer Can House is a kitschy attraction that has been carefully preserved as a museum of sorts since its creator, John Milkovisch passed away in 1988. Flattened beer cans and pull tabs cover the entire exterior of the house and form garlands that hang from the eaves. It’s fun to pick out obsolete local brews among the dozens of brands – Milkovisch’s favorite beer was “whatever is on special”.

Milkovisch’s oddball backyard landscaping, while not as beer-centric, is also a sight to see, with thousands of marbles, rocks and toys embedded into concrete used to make patios and planters covering the entire yard. For the low cost of admission guests can tour the house and watch a short film on its history.

Beer Can House
222 Malone Street
Houston TX 77007

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Expect Shopping With Elbow Room at Memorial City Mall

August 26, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Enjoy Art in Houston

July 29, 2014 by

Located in the former home and grounds of local scion Ima Hogg, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens may just be one of Houston's most distinctive museums. Visitors can take a guided tour to see many of the rooms on both floors, especially the main rooms used to entertain. They’ll also see some of the rarest artifacts in the collection, especially many Texas artifacts. You’ll also learn about Mrs. Hogg and how her singular devotion has resulted in a top collection of art. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the home and the beautiful surrounding grounds.

The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
1 Westcott Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 639-7750
www.yelp.com/biz/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens-houston

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , , , ,

Break a Sweat at New Heights at Texas Rock Gym

June 24, 2014 by

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

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Cafe Dolce Gelato: Sweet Treats in Houston

June 10, 2014 by

Cafe Dolce Gelato, located on the second level of The Galleria near Nordstrom, serves artisan gelato and sorbetto made from scratch, plus grilled panini sandwiches, and cappuccino and espresso. The Italian counterpart to American ice cream, Italian gelato is a dense frozen dessert that boasts less fat than the ice cream we're accustomed to here in the States.

Here, gelato and sorbetto (dairy-free sorbet) are made in-house, using organic whole milk, real sugar, fresh fruit, and ingredients imported straight from Italy. Flavors include Nutella, coconut, salted caramel, hazelnut, roasted almond, and strawberry cheesecake, all of which can be served in a cup or a waffle cone. For a treat that's a little less chilly, opt for the tiramisu. The tiramisu at Cafe Dolce Gelato is made in-house every day using fresh whipped cream.

Cafe Dolce Gelato is open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cafe Dolce Gelato
The Galleria
5135 West Alabama
Houston, Texas 77056
(713) 965-9987
http://www.cafedolcegelato.com/index.html
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-dolce-gelato-houston

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

Minute Maid Park: Concessions by a Celebrity Chef

May 27, 2014 by

When Bryan Caswell was voted out of the running for the Food Network's The Next Iron Chef, it was far from the end of his career. The Southern native went on to open his own restaurant, REEF, in Houston and join Continental Airlines' team of chefs, who devise in-flight menus. But most importantly for Houston Astros fans, he also took on two new projects at their home field that greatly elevated its culinary scene. These concessions stands have left their mark on Minute Maid Park:

  • Little Bigs. Tucked amid the other concessions outside of Section 109, this new spot may look modest, but it serves Caswell's take on ballpark classics. The menu includes handcrafted burgers, pork sliders, and potato chips.
  • El Real. Another concession stand, El Real sits outside of Section 132 but offers more classically Texan cuisine—Tex-Mex, to be exact. Here, you can order fajitas stuffed with chicken or steak and a side of nachos.

Find out more about the cuisine surrounding the Astros' home field at the Minute Maid Park's website.

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest