If you’re in the mood for simple, filling Southern fare, head straight for Treebeards. Open for lunch only, this small chain of cafeteria-style eateries serves all of your favorite homestyle Southern dishes, including fried chicken, buttery mashed potatoes, and flavorful jambalaya just like they make it in New Orleans. Fill up on meatloaf just like Mom used to make it, then add a side of seafood gumbo made according to the traditional Louisiana style. Don't skip the popular butter cake for dessert, provided that you’re not already too full, of course!

Enjoy your food at one of the wooden tables inside of the cozy, family-friendly eatery, or venture outdoors to the balcony to spend some time people watching over Market Square while you eat.

Treebeards is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. The restaurant is closed on weekends.

Treebeards
711 Louisiana St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-6677
www.treebeards.com
www.yelp.com/biz/treebeards-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr n_sonic

Though Houston may be a sprawling metropolis, it provides ample opportunities for locals to get outdoors at parks like Discovery Green. This modern green space and community hub hosts beautiful gardens, playgrounds for the little ones, and an ever-changing array of inspirational outdoor art installations.

The park’s large pond is often used for canoeing around Houston’s beautiful cityscape, while in the winter, it doubles as an outdoor ice rink for visitors of all ages to enjoy. There are sprawling green spaces where people can play catch or enjoy a picnic, walking paths for those who want to get a bit of exercise, and even a dog park where you can take your furry friend. Discovery Green contains a few different restaurants on its grounds, and there are also areas where the park hosts live music performances, outdoor movies, and festivals during the summer months.

For a full list of happenings at Discovery Green, visit the park’s website!

Discovery Green
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
(713) 400-7336
www.discoverygreen.com
www.yelp.com/biz/discovery-green-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr She Paused 4 Thought

Do you love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but you’re worried about the strange looks you’ll get from your friends when you pull one out at a party? Don’t be! With these fun and fancy recipes for adult PB&Js, you can enjoy the treat in style.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie [cookingchanneltv.com]
This sweet and nutty pie is the ideal dessert for any social gathering. The classic flavor of fruit jelly perfectly mingles with a peanut butter and cream cheese filling, while a whipped cream topping is just the icing on the cake.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars [chow.com]
Guests of all ages will love these peanut butter and jelly dessert bars, which are made with a browned oat crust and thick strawberry jam for a hearty taste that’s the perfect grown-up version of your childhood favorite.

PB&J Cocktail [delish.com]
If you want to add a really adult twist to the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this PB&J cocktail is a lively and exciting choice. Although the two flavors seem like an unlikely pairing with alcohol, once you taste them with aged rum you’ll certainly become a believer. Line the rim with salted peanuts for a truly authentic taste.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/kae71463