Try Every Flavor of Gourmet Cupcake at Sprinkles

Get your sweet treats at Sprinkles in Houston. Although a chain cupcake bakery, customers rave about the fresh deliciousness of the confections. Favorite flavors include the chocolate marshmallow, red velvet, and strawberry but even boring old vanilla still tastes great at Sprinkles! You can even expect gluten free and vegan options. Check the website for today’s flavors, including seasonal specialties. Sprinkles is popular and will often sell out, so get there earlier in the day for the best selection. Although expensive at $3.75 each, these gourmet cupcakes are generously sized.

Sprinkles
4014 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 871-9929
http://www.sprinkles.com/cupcake-bakery-locations/houston
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sprinkles-cupcakes-houston

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Hermann Park Conservatory: Pack a Picnic

Plan a date or family outing at Hermann Park Conservatory, a Houston favorite for couples and families alike. Its location in the Museum District makes it ideal for an afternoon relaxing after visiting the zoo and museums. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy in the Japanese Garden. There are numerous water features throughout this large park, including a reflecting pool, fountain, and McGovern Lake. Weekend paddleboats provide a fun activity, as does a train that traverses the park. Joggers enjoy the exercise trail shaded by live oak trees. The park is a favorite setting for special occasion photographs, so bring your best camera and snap away.

Throughout the year, the park hosts numerous events, including a Kite Festival in the spring. There are regularly art installations throughout the park, which provide interesting and contemplative backdrops for an afternoon picnic.

Hermann Park Conservatory
6201-A Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 524-5876
http://www.hermannpark.org
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hermann-park-conservancy-houston-2

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/hummymummy

Catalina Coffee: Nice Pours from Locally Roasted Beans

For quality coffee without the chain atmosphere, try Houston’s Catalina Coffee, a simple cafe that focuses on quality beverages. Customers rave about the well balanced flavors from the locally roasted beans. If you are looking for a pour over, you can find one here, along with all the espresso drink standards.

Whether you judge a coffee shop by their regular cup of joe or a latte, you’ll be impressed with Catalina’s, and they are reasonably priced at $1.95 for a cup of coffee. Fresh pastries are delivered daily. Bring a book since they don’t offer Wi-Fi. This cafe features simple rustic-modern decor with indoor and outdoor seating.

Catalina Coffee
2201 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-8448
http://catalinacoffeeshop.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/catalina-coffee-houston

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Memorial Park: Explore Thirty Miles of Trails

The convenient location of Houston’s Memorial Park in the River Oaks neighborhood makes this a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts and picnickers alike. Most come for the many trails for hiking, jogging, and biking. The three mile loop is popular for runners, but there are over thirty miles that meander through woods. The large space provides plenty of room for visitors to spread out, so you don’t feel cramped. Although it may draw a crowd, parking is hardly ever an issue.

Other facilities include sand volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, as well as baseball and soccer fields, even a municipal golf course and indoor fitness center! Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh air. There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park, along with restrooms and water fountains. The playground makes a great family-friendly destination, and the whole park is dog friendly.

Memorial Park
6501 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
http://memorialparkconservancy.org
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memorial-park-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/likeaduck

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