Cork Grinders: Baytown’s First Wine and Coffee Bar

Baytown's first wine and coffee bar, Cork Grinders is a popular spot to kick back and relax with a cold—or hot!—one. Boasting exposed brick walls and ductwork accented by cozy couches and a smattering of tables, the vibe at Cork Grinders is equally gritty and comfortable.

What you'll encounter upon arriving at this cozy cafe depends on the time of day. In the morning, for example, you'll see baristas behind the counter doling out fresh espresso, lattes, and breakfast sandwiches to patrons stopping by during the pre-work rush. As the sun sets, Cork Grinders makes its nightly transformation into a hip wine bar, where regulars congregate to choose from more than 80 different wines and an equally impressive number of locally brewed craft beers. Pair your libation with a cheese plate or a slice of molten lava chocolate cake.

Cork Grinders is open Mondays through Saturdays. Live music takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.

Cork Grinders
206 W. Texas Avenue
Baytown, TX 77520
(281) 427-3260
corkgrinders.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cork-grinders-baytown

Create Your Own Masterpiece at Painting with a Twist

Unleash your inner Picasso at Painting with a Twist on Fairmont Parkway. At this painting studio, customers are provided with everything they need (canvas, paint, brushes) to paint their very own work of art — even cleanup is provided! Perhaps better still, this painting studio is BYOB, so you can bring along your favorite bottle to enjoy while you paint. The studio even supplies wine openers and cups in case you forgot yours.

You register for classes on Painting with a Twist's website, choosing which painting you'd like to create. The calendar is updated on the 15th of every month and seating is reserved, so if you see something you'd like to paint, get in there quick! Classes are two hours long and cost $35. Family-friendly classes are offered once a month at a discounted rate of $25.

Painting with a Twist
4912 Fairmont Pkwy
Pasadena, TX 77505
281) 810-9582
www.paintingwithatwist.com

Salon Avante: Create a New ‘Do at This Upscale Salon

Since 2009, Salon Avante has offered an upscale salon experience to the La Porte area, complete with highly trained staff of stylists who have been in the industry for many years. The salon is furnished comfortably and luxuriously, with furnishings that feel more like they came from an elegant home than a typical hair salon. The retail area offers all of the latest products from the most respected hair care brands, and the coffee and wine bar adds that extra touch of hospitality that really sets Salon Avante apart from the rest.

Haircuts for both men and women begin with a private consultation to ensure that the stylist knows exactly what you want, and there are also hair color services to help you create a completely new look that you love. In addition to its hair treatments, Salon Avante offers facial waxing, hair extensions, and even makeup application for your next big event.

Salon Avante
11001 Fairmont Parkway
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 842-9770
www.salonavante.net

Baytown Nature Center: Where Natural Beauty Takes Flight

Baytown Nature Center offers visitors a chance to relax in the beauty of the natural world in a wetland setting. Here, bird watchers can view some of the more than 200 species of birds that call the area home at different times of the year, including raptors, sparrows, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and songbirds. A wide variety of butterflies—more than 30 species!—also call the park home, so don't skip a lap around the butterfly garden (keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds!).

Hiking, biking, and jogging on the more than five miles of nature trails in the park provide a chance to get some exercise while observing nature in a pristine setting. Pick up a trail map at the Butterfly Garden parking lot. Fishing and crabbing are a favorite pastime on the pier at the San Jacinto Point Recreation Area. There’s also a fishing pier at Crystal Bay and Burnet Bay. Note that people 17 and older must have a fishing permit.

Baytown Nature Center is open sunrise to sunset daily. Admission is $3 per visitor aged 13 and up.

Baytown Nature Center
6213 Bayway Drive
Baytown, TX 77520
(281) 424-9198
www.baytownnaturecenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/baytown-nature-center-baytown

Armand Bayou Nature Center: Go Canoeing in The Great Outdoors

Nature lovers of all ages enjoy the Armand Bayou Nature Center because it offers visitors the chance to connect with nature along the Texas Gulf Coast. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities here, and it offers an up close and personal view of the center’s natural wildlife. Geese and other local birds frequent the area around the water, and you’re almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two while canoeing (just remember not to get too close!).

A well-maintained boardwalk runs along the bayou for those who aren’t as partial to boating, while a circular nature trail creates a loop from the parking lot throughout the park’s wooded areas and back again. There are also guided tours for those who are interested in learning about the area’s wildlife, and you can even take a pontoon boat tour ride.

There are often events held at the center, so check the website for a full calendar.

Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Boulevard
Pasadena, TX 77507
(281) 474-2551
www.abnc.org
www.yelp.com/biz/armand-bayou-nature-center-pasadena

It’s Always Tee Time at the Bay Forest Golf Club

What better way to relax in the great outdoors than with a game of golf? Get your swing on at Bay Forest Golf Course, situated in a gorgeous setting with emerald turf, manicured trees, and glittering bayous.

The greens here present a challenge to both casual and advanced players. The chipping green and putting green are free and provide a great place to practice your skills. If you're not seeing the results you want, consider enrolling in a private or group lesson from one of the club's accomplished golf pros. Before or after your game, refuel at the Bay Forest Bar and Grill with a beverage and a bite to eat. Then, stop by the Pro Shop to outfit yourself with all of the latest golf gear and apparel for both women and men.

See the Bay Forest Golf Club website for rates or to book a tee time.

Bay Forest Golf Club
201 Bay Forest Drive
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-4653
www.bayforestgolf.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bay-forest-golf-course-la-porte-2

Have Your Morning Coffee With a Charming View at Sycamore Grounds Coffee House

There is no better way to greet the morning than with a fresh cup of joe. If you want to get your daily morning pick-me-up, stop by Sycamore Grounds Coffee House, a cozy café in Pasadena. Located on the grounds of the stately Silver Sycamore bed and breakfast, Sycamore Grounds Coffee House makes a charming place for your morning coffee or a breakfast of their scrumptious breakfast tacos.

The sunny and inviting cottage features a welcoming outdoor seating area, which is just as great for hanging out with friends as it is for popping in for your morning coffee. Whether you're looking for fresh baked goods, piping hot lattes or healthy breakfast options, you'll find it all at this local cafe.

If you want to learn about Sycamore Grounds Coffee House’s current lineup of gourmet drinks, visit their Facebook page.

Sycamore Grounds Coffee House
2502 Pansy Street
Pasadena, TX
(281) 978-6307
www.silversycamore.com/coffee-house
www.facebook.com/sycamoregroundscoffee

Go Nuts for Doughnuts at Shipley Do-Nuts

Since the 1930s, Shipley Do-Nuts has delighted customers near and far with over 60 varieties of specialty doughnuts. While the family-owned doughnuts shop now has more than 190 locations, Shipley Do-Nuts is proud to still offer the same great services and freshly prepared baked goods since the day it first opened way back in 1936.

Pasadena residents enjoy the tradition of Shipley Do-Nuts' homemade treats for breakfast and any time throughout the day. From their classic glazed doughnuts to newer items like the cream cheese rolls, Shipley treats include something to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a morning breakfast treat or a midday snack, the comfortable seating area and convenient takeout service at Shipley Do-Nuts makes this a great choice for all of your doughnut needs.

If you're hosting a special event such as a work conference or birthday party, Shipley Do-Nuts also offers catering services.

Shipley Do-Nuts
2902 East Southmore
Pasadena, TX 77504
(713) 472-5649
www.shipleydonuts.com
www.facebook.com/ShipleyDonuts

Snap Fitness: Better Physique at Almost the Snap of a Finger

Achieving your exercise goals doesn’t happen overnight, but at Snap Fitness, you’ll be one step closer to a healthy physique. This 24-hour gym understands how difficult it can be to fit a daily workout into your busy schedule, so it enables members to work out whenever it’s most convenient for them.

Although Snap Fitness is smaller than many gyms, it’s equipped with a wide variety of state-of-the-art cardio and strength machines to work every part of the body, as well as spacious open areas for things like kickboxing or athletic training. Personal trainers work one-on-one with you to help you meet your fitness goals, and if you prefer to work out in a group, you’ll love the fun and effective group workout classes. There are even nutrition consultants to ensure that you’re adhering the proper diet once you leave the gym.

For an effective workout at an affordable price, Snap Fitness might be a good choice!

Snap Fitness
2900 Nasa Parkway
Seabrook, TX 77586
(281) 532-4000
www.yelp.com/biz/snap-fitness-seabrook

Plan Some Fun in the Sun at Crenshaw Park

For a fun and free afternoon with friends and family, head down to Crenshaw Park in Pasadena. This scenic public park is located right along the lake, with a convenient bridge dividing it from the rest of the area. The walking, jogging, and biking trail winds its way around the lake’s perimeter, offering a nice, cool breeze and beautiful views along with your outdoor workout. If you’re simply looking for a relaxing spot to sit and relax, there are also a number of benches situated at various points along the trail that offer great views of the lake’s shores.

You’ll often find people fishing along the banks of the lake, as well as having the occasional picnic at its picnic tables and gazebos. Crenshaw Park boasts a nice playground for younger visitors, and there are even public restrooms that make it a convenient place for families to visit.

Crenshaw Park
4700 – 4950 Burke Road
Pasadena, TX 77504
www.yelp.com/biz/crenshaw-park-pasadena

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