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British Isles: The Shortest Distance Between Houston and London

January 27, 2015 by

Anglophiles and expats alike flock to British Isles to stock up on edibles, collectibles, and gifts. This Houston area shop specializes in imports directly from Britain. You'll find jars of marmalade and chutney, as well as biscuits, cakes, and crackers, all of which make excellent additions to your afternoon tea. You can also stock up on royal family collectibles and coveted Royal Worcester porcelain pieces, each hand-painted and carefully gilded.

British Isles is also a great place to pick up a gift for someone special. Purchase a set of china tea cups for a particularly proper friend, or splurge on an exquisite piece of modern glassware for an artistically-inclined pal. Kids will especially appreciate a bit of imported chocolate or candy, as well as the adorable Paddington Bear and Peter Rabbit plush toys. Whatever you intend on purchasing, be sure to allot yourself plenty of time, because chances are good that you'll lose track of time browsing through British Isles's charming stock.

British Isles
2366 Rice Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 522-6868
britishislesonline.com
www.yelp.com/biz/british-isles-houston

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Ten Thousand Villages: Shop Globally-Sourced, Fair-Trade Crafts in Houston

December 23, 2014 by

You know you've got something special when you can combine beautiful artisan-made items with the satisfaction of knowing that your purchases are supporting ethical, sustainable production. And that's exactly what you'll get at Ten Thousand Villages, a national retailer with a location here in Houston.

As you browse around the store, you'll see huge variety in the style of items produced in different nations from around the globe. Admire an African stoneware place setting or a Guatemalan sculpture crafted out of salvaged aluminum scraps. Run your fingers across the fine beadwork adorning a brightly colored table runner, or select a fruit basket woven out of rushes. Feel free to inquire about the origins of any object that interests you as the staff at this shop are typically very knowledgeable about the craftwork that goes into each object, as well as the challenges faced by the communities where the items are produced.

Ten Thousand Villages
2424A Rice Boulevard
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 533-1000
www.tenthousandvillages.com/houston
www.yelp.com/biz/ten-thousand-villages-houston

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Find a One-of-a-Kind Gift at Space Montrose

December 9, 2014 by

Shopping for a unique gift or piece of art just became a lot more fun at Space Montrose in Houston. The gallery showcases more than 130 works by local and regional artists and includes handcrafted art, clothing, housewares and jewelry. The airy store is warm and welcoming, encouraging you to stay a while to explore the many facets of the space filled with a variety of special pieces.

From handmade cards, toys, and hand-dipped candles to t-shirts, scarves, and necklaces, the works are one-of-a-kind. Stop by regularly as new artists are always being brought in by the owners, or something you missed might catch your eye. Some of the featured artists include Tim Doyle, Lisa Chow, and Poppy and Fern. The store is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Space Montrose
1706 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77098
(832) 649-5743
www.spacemontrose.com
www.yelp.com/biz/space-montrose-houston-2

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Exotic Creatures Make Their Home at Cockrell Butterfly Center

November 25, 2014 by

Immerse yourself in the natural habitat of butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center housed within The Houston Museum of Natural Science. The distinctive sanctuary is made up of three fascinating levels for your enjoyment and education.

The Rainforest Conservatory encases a 50-foot waterfall within a manmade tropical paradise filled with thousands of imported exotic butterflies, plants, and unique arthropods from around the world. In Chrysalis Corner, watch the transformation of butterflies as they develop and grow. On the lower level, explore an entomologist's lab and investigate a number of insects up close. Before you go, grab a treat from the Insect Vending Machine featuring snacks made from insects that are popular in many cultures around the world. The museum also has a fun, interactive playground for the younger set with an insect area, a giant beehive and puzzles.

Cockrell Butterfly Center
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
www.hmns.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=8
www.yelp.com/biz/cockrell-butterfly-center-houston

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Grab Groceries or Dinner at Central Market

November 11, 2014 by

Foodies and gourmands will be in all their glory at Central Market in Houston. The market carries an impressive number of imported and domestic groceries, including olive oils, meats, cheeses, and produce. In addition, the store offers weekly specials, prepared dinners for two, overstuffed sandwiches and catering.

If you like to cook, Central Market's hands-on cooking school holds classes on everything from the basics to more advanced techniques with themes such as A French Feast, Indulgent Dinners, Seasonal Suppers, and the Basics of Butchering. Private classes can also be booked for a personal, more intimate event. Check out the cooking school schedule at Central Market's website for the monthly line-up. Finally, don't skip out on the flower department overflowing with beautiful blooms and unique complementary greens. The market is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Central Market
3815 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 386-1700
www.centralmarket.com/Home
www.yelp.com/biz/central-market-houston-houston

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Fresh Air and Professional Performances: Miller Outdoor Theatre

October 28, 2014 by

Outdoor concerts and high-end theatrical performances fill the air at Miller Outdoor Theatre, located within Hermann Park in Houston. Sponsored by the theather Board of Directors, the venue receives its funds from both private and public donors, affording it the ability to bring culture to the community free of charge.

The largest theater of its kind in the country, Miller Outdoor Theatre's eight-month season spans everything from dance, jazz, and ethnic music to musical theater, Shakespeare, and films. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and relax, have a picnic, and enjoy yourself at the 7.5-acre venue with room for up to 4,500 people. The season usually presents approximately 130 or more performances and have included Beauty and the Beast, The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats, and 42nd Street to name a few. Go online the theater's website for the current calendar of events and for additional information on upcoming ones.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(281) 373-3386
milleroutdoortheatre.com
www.yelp.com/biz/miller-outdoor-theatre-houston

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Houston Dairymaids: A Gourmet Cheese Shop

August 26, 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

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Joystix Classic Games & Pinball: Bringing Back the Games You Love

July 29, 2014 by

Feel nostalgia for the old-school video games you used to play when you were a kid at Joystix Classic Games & Pinball. In the age of the home console, this arcade is a throwback to a time when you not only played your favorite games, but did it in public while impressing your friends.

Show you’ve still got what it takes to overthrow Donkey Kong or rack up the highest score on the Star Trek Pro pinball machine. Hundreds of games line the walls of this house of fun, giving you an opportunity to play your favorite upright, sit down, and counter-top video games that you haven’t seen in years. Foosball, air hockey, and ping pong are also available for the analog fans, along with a jukebox and photo booth to add memories to the evening.

Visit the Joystix website to learn more about this unique Houston attraction.

Joystix Classic Games and Pinball
1820 Franklin Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-2225
www.joystixamusements.com
www.yelp.com/biz/joystix-classic-games-and-pinball-houston

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Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas: Discover Texas Treasures

June 24, 2014 by

If you love a good treasure hunt, consider a visit to Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas to see what goodies you can discover. It’s a huge space, filled with the wares of their many vendors. If you’re a collector, chances are you’ll find something great to add to your collection, whether your interest runs to salt & pepper shakers, pewter, dolls, books, teapots, or even silver!

Need furnishings? You’ll find all manner of items here, including antique dressers, easy chairs, rocking chairs, buffet tables, sideboards, armoires, lamps, dining tables, chairs and side tables. Dishware, glassware and kitchenware is also sold at this antique mall. Thompson's Antique Center even has a selection of vintage jewelry pieces!

Thompson's Antique Center of Texas
9950 Hempstead Road
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 688-4211
antiquecenteroftexas.tripod.com/
www.yelp.com/biz/thompsons-antique-center-of-texas-houston-2

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Minute Maid Park: Concessions by a Celebrity Chef

June 10, 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.

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