Oyster Creek Park: Run, Bike and Smell the Roses

Oyster Creek Park is one of the most beloved parks in Sugar Land. It offers a three-mile trail for hiking and bicycling, as well as a playground for kids and a water feature with rock-lined falls and a pond. Pack a picnic and use the park's grills and picnic tables to enjoy lunch, and take a stroll to the rose garden where you can, quite literally, stop and smell the roses. Oyster Creek Park is attached to Lost Creek Park and offers plenty of shade from mature trees.

Runners like to get their workouts on the trails, but a word of warning – the trails can get a bit busy on weekday as well as weekend mornings, as well as in the early evenings, when joggers do their after-work runs. But the trail gives you easy access to the surrounding neighborhoods, so you have the option of running in those areas as well.

Oyster Creek Park
4033 Hwy 6 S.
Sugar Land, TX 77479
www.sugarlandtx.gov
www.yelp.com/biz/oyster-creek-park-sugar-land?sort_by=date_desc

Happy Fall!

With Autumn just arriving, we hope everyone enjoys all of the fun this season has to offer! Happy Fall!

Houston Museum of Natural Science: From Dinosaurs to Mummies

At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the history of the entire globe comes to life—with a special emphasis on your home state. Begin your educational adventure at one of the regionally inspired exhibits, such as the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife. True to its name, this section of the museum features the flora and fauna of various "biotic provinces" around Texas. Nearby, the Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology teaches you more about the ecological balance along the Texas coastline, and the collection of Vintage Texas Wildlife Dioramas illustrate how locals have perceived their surroundings for the past few decades.

If you're more interested in learning about international natural history, head straight to the Morian Hall of Paleontology. It houses more than 450 fossils, and uses them to explain the prehistoric world. You can also check out the ancient writings and religious practices of the Egyptian people at the Hall of Ancient Egypt.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
13016 University Boulevard
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(713) 313-2277
www.hmns.org
www.yelp.com/biz/houston-museum-of-natural-science-sugar-land

4 Health Benefits of Cranberries

You love to add tart cranberries to all of your holiday breads, sauces, and even cocktails, but did you know that there are actually hidden health benefits in all of those seasonal treats? Cranberries are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, and they just might make you feel a bit less guilty about eating that extra dessert. Here are a few of the most common health benefits of cranberries.

  1. Cranberries contain a great deal of phytonutrients, or plant chemicals filled with disease-preventing compounds that turn into antioxidants in the body. These tiny phytonutrients are involved with inhibiting cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
  2. Cranberries decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing the body’s levels of “bad” cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol. This lowers blood pressures, inhibits blood clots, and can even prevents coronary artery disease.
  3. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber, all of which are essential daily nutrients.

What's New and Beneficial About Cranberries [The World’s Healthiest Foods]
Health Benefits of Cranberries [Dairy Council of California]
What are the health benefits of cranberries? [MNT]

Tsukiji Fusion Sushi: Trade In Your Fork for a Pair of Chopsticks

If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine for tonight’s dinner, Tsukiji Fusion Sushi is a great dinner option. This popular Katy sushi spot has a thoughtful, artistic decor complete with dim lighting, a sleek sushi bar, and colorful fish tanks along the walls.

The food is just as artistic, from the colorful sushi rolls to the decorative garnishes that decorate each plate. You’ll find classics like California rolls and spicy tuna, as well as more inventive maki that are signature to Tsukiji Fusion. In addition to sushi, this stylish eatery offers tuna tartare and fried rice dishes, as well as combination platters and sushi boats that the whole table can share. Add a glass of wine or an exotic Japanese beer to your order and you’ll enjoy a true taste of Japan without leaving Katy.

Tsukiji Fusion Sushi is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays.

Tsukiji Fusion Sushi
24449 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 769-9038
www.tsukijifusionsushi.com

Mary Jo Peckham Park: The Most Fun You’ll Have For Free

Whether you love active, athletic activities or you’re simply looking for a scenic spot to relax in nature, there’s something for all types of outdoorsy Katy residents at Mary Jo Peckham Park. This free public park is one of the most popular in town, due in large part to its beautiful pond and gorgeous views. The pond is fully stocked with fish for area fishermen and women to enjoy, while the well-maintained jogging trail that surrounds the pond offers a cool breeze perfect for your nightly run. The large playground and picnic areas make great spots for your weekend afternoons with the family, and the miniature golf course is a fun place to get competitive if your kids are a bit older. The free fitness center is stocked with both cardio and strength equipment that will give you a great workout at no cost, and there is even an indoor pool for Harris County residents to enjoy.

Mary Jo Peckham Park
5597 Gardenia Lane
Katy, TX 77491
(281) 391-4482
www.onlykaty.com/directory/mary-jo-peckham-park

No Label Brewing: A Hidden Brewery That’s Worth the Search

While you might have to drive past Katy’s No Label Brewing a few times before you actually spot it from the street, once you get inside, you’ll see why so many beer enthusiasts rave about this off-the-beaten-path brewery. The brewery itself is built into recycled rice silos, and the outside looks like an old-fashioned ranch house that fits right into the dry Texas landscape.

Once you’re inside, however, you’ll see that the brewing process is anything but simple: No Label Brewing’s skilled employees craft small-batch beers that are some of the best local brews in town, from the popular El Hefe to the Milk Stout, and they’re always happy to let you take a sampling of each of their handcrafted brews. If you come on a busy weekend, regulars recommend bringing lawn chairs and umbrellas to shield the Texan sun, and if you’re a dog owner, your four-legged friend is always welcome to tag along.

No Label Brewing
5351 First St
Katy, TX 77493
(281) 693-7545
www.nolabelbrew.com

How to Eat More Fruit and Veggies Every Day

If we’re being honest, most people would say that they would much rather have a bowl of ice cream than a bowl of vegetables. If you still struggle with eating your recommended daily amount of fresh fruit and veggies, these simple tips will help make it a bit easier.

  1. Make a smoothie. To jump-start your fruit and veggie intake first thing in the morning, blend them into a smoothie to start your day. Add any fruit that you have around the house, and even toss in some spinach or cucumber for a boost of veggies that you likely won’t even notice.
  2. Keep frozen veggies on hand. If you’re unsure of how to prepare vegetables with your meal, keep a few bags of frozen vegetables in the freezer. That way, you can simply pop them into the microwave come mealtime.
  3. Think more veggies than protein. If you don’t like to weigh and measure everything that you eat, keep in mind that your vegetables should always be the largest portion on your plate.
  4. Have fruit for dessert. If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, switch out your usual chocolate for a plate of fresh fruit. It packs the same sweet punch, and by making this healthy switch, you won’t have to skip dessert entirely when you’re on a diet.

6 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables [Live Science]
22 Easy Ways to Eat Fruits and Veggies Every Single Day [Organic Life]
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables [American Heart Association]

Happy Labor Day!

Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Labor Day!

Palma de Cera: Fine South American Cuisine

If you normally think of upscale American cuisine when you imagine a fine dining restaurant, Palma de Cera will add more varied flavors to your next special occasion. This fine South American eatery is both elegant and laid-back, with a sparse yet cozy dining area and an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in on a well-kept secret.

Here gourmet chefs prepare the most popular dishes from Columbia, Cuba, Brazil and Chile using only authentic, high quality ingredients, including empanadas, pargo roji frito and hearty steaks. Order creamy flan for dessert and a glass of fine wine to pair with the meal, and if you bring the little ones, try a smaller portion from the equally fresh, healthy children’s menu. Palma de Cera proves that you don’t have to pay a fortune to enjoy upscale cuisines, and its welcoming atmosphere will keep you coming back again and again.

Palma de Cera
2004 S Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 392-3800
www.palmadecerarestaurant.com

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