Imperial Farmers Market: Brisket Sandwiches, Locally Brewed Beer and Much More

Buying local food not only ensures that you're getting the freshest stuff possible, straight from the field, but also decreases your carbon footprint since the grub doesn't need to be transported across the country (or the world). At Imperial Farmers Market in Sugar Land, locals have access to this fresh food from area vendors.

The market unfolds, rain or shine, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., so stock up on produce and snacks for the week. Pick up some fresh, plump berries or golden honey from Big Creek Farms, or creamy goat's milk and cheese from Proverbs Farm and Dairy. You can also buy prepared food to nibble on while you shop, such as the tacos by Berry Hill Cantina or a brisket sandwich from Imperial BBQ. Raw juice, locally crafted wine and beer, and wheatgrass shots are among the other items on sale at Imperial Farmers Market in Sugar Land.

Imperial Farmers Market
198 Kempner Street
Sugar Land, TX 77498
(281) 494-0200
www.imperialsugarland.com/farmersmarket
www.yelp.com/biz/imperial-farmers-market-sugar-land

Shop and Get Inspired at Multiplicity

Artists of all ages and skill levels will find something to do at Multiplicity. It could just be going on a shopping spree. The establishment boasts a large artisan gift shop, where handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and other treats are on sale. The shop also stocks everything you need for DIY projects at home, including Chalk Paint, a slew of name-brand beads, and everything in between.

If you aren't much of a crafter just yet—or you want to take your art to the next level—sign up for one of Multiplicity's crafting classes. There's one that teaches metalsmithing, another about copper-etching, and even seasonal classes where you can create holiday ornaments or pendants. Also check the schedule for upcoming events when Multiplicity opens its beautiful back garden to the public.

Multiplicity
1306 Avenue A
Katy, TX 77493
(832) 437-2442
www.multiplicity.co
www.yelp.com/biz/multiplicity-katy

Sip, Paint and Smile at Painting With a Twist

True, the fact that you can bring wine and snacks along to a painting class is a big part of Painting With a Twist's charm. In fact, it's a big part of what propelled the nationwide chain to its current level of stardom. But your license to sip and snack isn't the only reason to book a class here.

Katy locals also say the talented instructors are super friendly and fun to work with. No matter who's teaching the class that you book, you can expect the artist to guide you step by step as you create your very own masterpiece. No previous artistic experience is required; even total newbies can tackle the simple portraits with the help of the instructor. You might find yourself painting a tropical landscape, a modern reimagining of the Eiffel Tower, or simply a vase of flowers at Painting With a Twist.

Painting With a Twist
202 S. Fry Road
Katy, TX 77450
(832) 391-8858
paintingwithatwist.com/katy
www.yelp.com/biz/painting-with-a-twist-katy-2

Art Montage Yoga: Sweat Out Stress

Even if you're a seasoned yogi, you might find something new to learn at Art Montage Yoga in Katy. The studio offers the practice of Forrest Yoga, which was designed by namesake Ana Forrest as a way to alleviate stress. It consists of challenging postures that help practitioners "embody spirit" and achieve a higher level of self-awareness. Through the practice, Forrest hoped people would come to heal from the stressors that plagued them.

Art Montage Yoga offers the practice straight-up, but also incorporates it into other classes like the Hot YogArtCORE. In this class, the temperature is kicked up to about 90 degrees to help deepen your poses (and protect against injury) while you move through Forrest Method sequences, most of which focus on the abdominal region. If you're looking for a more traditional yoga practice, try the 75-Minute Hot Hatha, which uses the same heat but offers more familiar poses and sequences.

Art Montage Yoga
2501 S. Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450
(855) 666-8243
www.artmontageyoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/art-montage-yoga-katy

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

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

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

Expect Family-Friendly Fun at TopGolf in Houston

Drink, play, and eat at TopGolf, a family-friendly entertainment facility in the Energy Corridor. Similar in concept to bowling but played on a driving range, there are six different golfing games from which to choose—making TopGolf fun for beginners and experts alike. All games provide a target and a computerized challenge for you to compete. There is also a KidZone for the younger set with video games, board games, and pool tables.

The on-site restaurant boasts a full bar lined with TVs, while an extensive food menu lists appetizers such as brisket tacos, nachos, and beef or chicken sliders. Heartier appetites can try one of the specialty flatbreads with grilled vegetables, prosciutto, or steak. The menu also offers huge, overstuffed sandwiches, handcrafted burgers, wraps, and salads.

TopGolf is a convenient venue for birthday parties, corporate outings, and group play. The doors are open 9 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

TopGolf
1030 Memorial Brook Road
Houston, TX 77084
(281) 406-3176
www.topgolf.com/us/houston-west
www.yelp.com/biz/topgolf-houston-3

Bite Into a Burger Under the Oak Trees at Live Oak Grill

The Live Oak Grill offers casual dining, with picnic tables both indoors and out. Order at the counter, find a table, and enjoy the “down-home atmosphere”—augmented by the massive Texas-shaped art piece made of Texas license plates. The menu focuses mostly on classic Southern dishes, sandwiches, and burgers; however, you’ll also encounter specialties such as chicken fried steak, grilled ribeye, and quesadillas. Salads and soups round out the casual menu.

This is a great place for families thanks to the kids’ menu. Outside under the big oak trees, your brood can run off excess energy at the playground while you enjoy your beer, burger, and onion rings. If you’re feeling especially hungry, order some pecan pie, too!

Live Oak Grill can be easy to miss as it’s just off the freeway, so keep your eyes peeled.

Live Oak Grill
12935 Dairy Ashford Road
Sugar Land, TX 77478
(281) 491-5253
www.liveoakgrills.com
www.yelp.com/biz/live-oak-grill-sugar-land

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