If you’re in the Katy area and looking for a serious shopping destination, LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch could become your new favorite place. Offering a unique mélange of old town elegance and modern retailers located in the heart of the Cinco Ranch planned community, this retail palace boasts over 200,000 square feet of retail space, occupied by stores including Eddie Bauer, Coldwater Creek and Chico’s. It’s an awesome place to just walk around and also great for people-watching. There are even plenty of excellent places to eat here if you get peckish.

On Saturday nights, live music starts at 7 p.m. in the Central Green area. Bring a picnic blanket and make an evening of it. There’s plenty of parking available through several underground garages as well as surface lots. LaCenterra also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, including a popular holiday tree lighting that draws celebrants from all over the community.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 395-5533
http://www.lacenterra.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lacenterra-at-cinco-ranch-katy

Texas is well-known for its barbecue, and one of the top-notch places to get transcendently good slow-cooked meat in Katy is Spring Creek Barbecue. The smoked pork ribs here are out of this world – they’re tender enough to fall off the bone but the outside is perfectly crispy and delectable. Their sauces are also great, packing tons of flavor. Other prime meats include the beef brisket – get it on a sandwich with plenty of sauce and you’ll be satisfied all day. Their sides are also great, with all you can eat vegetables giving you a little healthy factor for your meal. Sunday is the prime day to visit, as before three in the afternoon you can get a free scoop of ice cream for dessert. They also have a fresh cobbler station if you have a real sweet tooth!

Spring Creek Barbeque
21000 Katy Freeway
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 829-0359
http://www.springcreekbarbeque.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/spring-creek-barbeque-katy

A good day of antiquing starts in a familiar spot and then leads you in a new direction, a shopping experience that Vogelsang Antique Emporium has sustained for 15 years. Located in the century-old Vogelsang building in the historic downtown district, Vogelsang Antique Emporium offers a wide variety of antiques, including paintings, furniture, clothing, and books.

Aside from the antiques, Vogelsang is home to several businesses; you can begin your day at the Ol’ RR Café with a big country breakfast, pick up delicious craft jellies at Brazos River Provision Co., and then relax with a glass of wine at BR Vino. Bring the family back on the weekend to enjoy a show at Cast Theatrical, Vogelsang’s in-house live performance theater. Check out their website for the performance, shopping and dining times. Discovering new treasures and historical variety at Vogelsang Antique Emporium is a great way to spend any day.

Vogelsang Antique Emporium
1909 Avenue G
Rosenberg, Texas 77471
281-342-6804
http://www.vogelsangantiques.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vogelsang-antique-emporium-rosenberg