Blue Willow Bookshop: A Bibliophile’s Dream in Houston

Walking into Blue Willow Bookshop is a book lover's dream. Wooden bookshelves line the walls from floor to ceiling in this cozy Houston bookstore, and you're likely to encounter the friendly, knowledgeable owner behind the counter. Wooden plank flooring and low tables displaying kids' books and crafts make you feel like you're in a well-stocked home library, though regulars emphasize that despite the store's intimate feel, the stock is surprisingly large, and you can often find whatever book you're looking for. If not, don't worry, because the staff is happy to order anything you need.

Visiting Blue Willow on a lazy Saturday afternoon when you have time to leisurely browse the shelves is always fun, though you should also consider visiting during one of the bookstore's signature events—perhaps a book signing, author reading, or kids' story time hour.

Blue Willow Bookshop
14532 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-8675
www.bluewillowbookshop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-willow-bookshop-houston-3

Make Your Own Masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette

Grumpy Cat. A Texas-themed version of van Gogh's Starry Night. A lake glimmering in the moonlight. These are just a few of the subjects and scenes you can learn to paint at Pinot's Palette—even if you've never so much as picked up a paintbrush before. The painting studio in Sugar Land is part of a much larger franchise, but it still makes the customer experience its top priority.

That means that instructors take the time to break down each painting, step by step, so that their pupils can follow along easily, even if they're not artistically inclined. The painting classes make for a fun night out, especially with the addition of some booze. You're welcome to bring a bottle of wine along to enjoy while you paint, but Pinot's Palette also serves libations on-site. Feel free to nibble on snacks, too, while you recreate a masterpiece alongside friends at Pinot's Palette in Sugar Land.

Pinot's Palette
16170 City Walk
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(713) 893-0923
www.pinotspalette.com/sugarland
www.yelp.com/biz/pinots-palette-sugar-land-sugar-land-2

George Bush Park: Plan a Picnic and Playtime This Weekend

If you’re looking for a place to get outdoors this weekend and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider planning an outing to George Bush Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a relaxing spot to plan a picnic with the family, there’s something for everyone at this beloved local park, which spans a whopping 7,800 acres!

Hike or bike the trail along the paved Bayou trail and check out Houston’s diverse plants and wildlife as you pass. You can also make use of the park’s soccer and baseball fields, or saddle up for a horseback ride. If you’re looking to immerse yourself even more in the local landscape, plan a day of fishing, or camp out in one of the designated campgrounds.

George Bush Park
16756 Westheimer Parkway
Houston, TX 77082
(281) 496-2177
www.pct3.com/parks.html

Pack a Picnic and Head to Mary Jo Pekham Park

If you’ve never been to Mary Jo Pekham Park, prepare to be impressed. Mary Jo Pekham Park is a prime spot to go to if you’re looking for something to do in Katy. The public park has just the right amount of shade, perfect for a hot summer day.

Leashed dogs are allowed in the park and they even have baggies available on the trail for you. The park includes a community center, an indoor exercise area, an indoor pool, a fishing pier, a gazebo, koi pond, a miniature-golf course, and an area to disc golf. They also have a pavilion and picnic area to reserve for special events, a playground, and a lighted hiking trail.

Visit for your next family outing or even just a day for yourself to just go and relax. As a bonus, it’s free to enjoy!

Mary Jo Pekham Park
5597 Gardenia Lane
Katy, TX 77491
(281) 391-4482
www.pct3.com/parks/peckham-park

Paint Your Own Pottery Pieces at Glazed Over Ceramics Studio

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to get creative near Marquis at Katy, paying a visit to Glazed Over Ceramics Studio is a great option. This social ceramics studio offers paint-your-own-pottery classes for visitors of all ages, and you can walk in at any time and start painting. Once you choose from the selection of hundreds of pottery pieces, you’ll set to work decorating your piece with paints, brushes, and sponges and then firing it in the kiln to take home with you. There are also glass fusion classes if you prefer something a bit more unique.

While Glazed Over doesn’t require reservations for pottery painting, if you want to plan your own private party, accommodations can be made in advance for a birthday party, bachelorette party, or bridal shower. There is a BYOB policy so that guests can bring their own food, drinks, and desserts, including your favorite wine or beer (for of-age guests only, of course).

Glazed Over Ceramics Studio
14627-B Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-7272
www.glazedoverceramics.com

Cool Off in the Spraying Flowers at Cullen Park

In the almost perpetually sunny state of Texas, it would be a waste to stay indoors on a Saturday afternoon. Cullen Park near Katy gives you a fresh-air alternative. The park claims a portion of what used to be the Addicks Reservoir, converting it into a sprawling green space where locals can picnic and play.

If you do want to picnic, bring along lunch and set up shop at one of the covered tables or barbecue grills near the playground. Pecan trees are scattered throughout the picnic area, offering ample shade to people snacking. From here, you can hop on the three-mile paved trail that winds along a historic cemetery, wetlands, and fields of flourishing wildflowers. Let the kids run around on the playground or splash in the misting flowers at the water playground.

Cullen Park
19008 Saums Road
Houston, TX 77084
(832) 395-7000
www.houstontx.gov/parks/ourparks/cullenpark.html
www.yelp.com/biz/cullen-park-houston

Go for a Bike Ride or Run at Sugar Land Memorial Park

Sugar Land Memorial Park's Justin P. Brindley Trail helps commemorate the life of a local outdoors enthusiast; its gorgeous military memorial honors veterans from the Sugar Land area.

The entire park will eventually span more than 400 acres; today the space covers a still quite large 150 acres, including a 2.5 mile running path, a dog park, a playground, and sports fields. Open since 2009, the Brindley Trail mountain biking path is a single-track path still welcomes both beginners and intermediate riders today with its relatively easy route—although, there are a few more advanced wooden technical features scattered along the trail for more advanced riders.

Sugar Land Memorial Park also offers on-site amenities like restrooms and picnic areas. Visit the park's website to learn more!

Sugar Land Memorial Park
15300 University Boulevard
Sugar Land, TX 77479
www.sugarlandtx.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Sugar-Land-Memorial-Park-and-Brazos-Rive-6
www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-land-memorial-park-sugar-land

Minuti Coffee: Coffee With Italian Flair

A place that mixes modern sensitivity with Italian roots, Minuti Coffee, might just be the coolest way to start your morning. Come in and check out the very modern and comfortable interior. You’ll love the nice tables and the lounge chairs. But first, step up to the counter to get yourself a coffee drink that is made with care. All of the coffee blends are made by a roast master in Italy and brought to Minuti. And your order will be taken by one of the well trained staffers who specialize in making you happy. Get a coffee and baked good to go, or have a seat and take it easy. If you need to get some work or studying done, there’s also free WiFi!

Minuti Coffee
1535 Highway 6, Suite A
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(281) 265-3344

www.minuticoffee.com
www.yelp.com/biz/minuti-coffee-sugar-land

Laserzone: Fast-Paced Laser Tag Fun for All Ages

Laserzone is a 10,000-square-foot laser tag facility that offers three levels of places to hide, crawl, and strategize against the opposing team. When you first arrive, you step into the official Briefing Room and receive your mission, and then the armory equips you and your teammates with your Gen7 Laserforce Battlesuit vests and phasers to get the job done. For the next two hours you’ll battle it out in the Laser Maze, which is filled with brilliant green lasers, loud music and dim, mysterious lighting, just like an exciting scene in your favorite action movie.

Laserzone is a fun weekend activity, but it also makes a great place to host birthday parties or other group events. The prices are affordable, and the helpful staff ensures that everyone stays safe while playing. Laserzone even offers food and drinks for guests to enjoy after working up an appetite in the Laser Maze.

Laserzone
4125 Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(281) 277-2900
www.laserzoneusa.com
www.yelp.com/biz/laserzone-sugar-land

Sugar Land Town Square: Go to Town

The Sugar Land Town Square was planned and constructed so people could have a place to “work, live, shop and gather.” And here, you can do it all! Walk through City Walk and enjoy the beautiful architecture of City Hall and the amazing Bob Pack sculpture of a cowboy saving a colt from the water. It’s right in the main fountain! The shopping is also good, with plenty of places to buy clothing and accessories. And if you’re hungry, you are sure to find something tasty with all of the restaurants on hand. Make sure that you check the calendar to find out the local events, like outdoor movie nights, Fitness in the Plaza and Dancing under the Stars. So many people come to the Town Square, you are bound to see friends or make new ones.

Sugar Land Town Square
15958 City Walk
Sugar Land, TX 77479
(281) 276-6000

www.sugarlandtownsquare.com
www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-land-town-square-sugar-land

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