Take a Ride on the Railroad at the Hermann Park Conservancy

For nature lovers in Houston, there are few places more fun and fascinating than the Hermann Park Conservancy. This large park is packed full of outdoor attractions that everyone in your family will love to explore, or if you prefer to simply relax in the grass, you’ll find lots of places to do that as well.

Start your visit by purchasing an all-day ticket for the Hermann Park Railroad, a train that winds its way around all of the park’s major attractions. Tickets are just over $6 to ride all day long, or you can purchase single ride passes if you know where you’re going. Next, rent a paddle boat on the crystal clear lake or rent a bike to pedal your way around the park’s numerous trails. There is a small zoo on the park’s grounds, a Japanese garden, and even the Miller Outdoor Theatre, which shows Shakespeare performances all summer long.

Hermann Park Conservancy
1700 Hermann Drive
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 524-5876
www.hermannpark.org

Pick Up Fresh-Roasted Beans in Micro Brews at Katz Coffee

For true coffee lovers in the Houston area, any old grocery store beans just won’t do. That’s why so many area residents adore Katz Coffee, a micro roaster that consistently churns out fresh coffees, some of which are only a few hours old when you purchase them.

Stop in to this off-the-beaten-path roaster and you’ll instantly get hit with the intoxicating aroma of premium beans roasting right on site. Katz sources coffee beans from responsible, sustainable sources all over the world, and once received, they roast them in their Houston warehouse and ship them to coffee shops all over the area.

If you go straight to the source, however, you can meet the knowledgeable, coffee-loving minds behind the brews and even pick up bags of beans in bulk. Check out delicious batches like the popular Jumping Mouse blend, Bavarian Chocolate for those who prefer flavored coffee and even Velvet Espresso to make your own latte at home.

Katz Coffee
1003 W 34th St
Houston, TX 77018
(713) 864-3338
www.KatzCoffee.com

Climb Your Way to Fitness at the Texas Rock Gym

For adventurous Houston residents looking for a workout that’s more exciting than an hour on the treadmill, try your hand at the Texas Rock Gym. This state-of-the-art facility contains sturdy climbing walls perfect for indoor rock climbing or even daring bouldering, which is similar to rock climbing but done without a rope. The routes change very often so that there’s always a new experience for frequent visitors, and if you’re a first-timer, the gym’s experienced staff of trainers are always on hand to show you the ropes—quite literally.

You’re free to bring your own climbing gear if you already own some, but if you don’t, you can also rent everything you’ll need from the pro shop at Texas Rock Gym. With its convenient location and frequent price specials on certain days of the week, everyone will feel welcome in this fun, friendly climbing gym.

Texas Rock Gym
1526 Campbell Road
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 973-7625
www.texasrockgym.com

Enjoy Books and More at Fairbanks Branch Library

Curling up with a great book can be one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon, and avid readers know that despite its small size, the Fairbanks Branch Library has one of the best book selections in northwest Houston.

This branch library has been serving the neighborhood since 1970 and currently houses a collection of more than 55,000 circulating materials. Check out the latest spine-tingling mystery novel, or choose a work of nonfiction that will enhance your appreciation of local history. Check out a DVD copy of your favorite Hollywood blockbuster, or pick up an audio book to listen to on your daily commute. In addition to books and movies, you'll find nearly 50 computer stations for public use (including both desktop and laptop computers), and you can brush up on your software skills by signing up for one of the library's many computer classes.

Fairbanks Branch Library
7122 North Gessner
Houston, TX 77040
(713) 466-4438
www.hcpl.net/location/fairbanks-branch-library
www.yelp.com/biz/fairbanks-branch-library-houston

Set Out On an Afternoon Trek at the Hermann Park Trail

If you’re in the mood to spend some time outdoors but you don’t have time to venture too far outside of Houston, you’ll love hiking the Hermann Park Trail. This convenient trail is located inside of Houston’s beloved Hermann Park, and it offers beautiful views of all of the park’s nearby attractions.

Watch as schools of catfish swim in the bayou when you reach riverside points of the trail, and then check out skyline views once the trail reaches areas near the city. Some portions of the trail are paved, while others are covered in gravel in areas around the zoo and golf course. Whichever type of trail you prefer to walk or run on, there’s a portion of the Hermann Park Trail that you’re sure to enjoy.

If you want to engage in even more rigorous leg exercises, there are even steep hills along the portion of trail that runs near the Miller Outdoor Theater.

Hermann Park Trail
2145-2155 N Macgregor Way
Houston, TX 77004
www.yelp.com/biz/hermann-park-trail-houston

Cherry Blossom Yoga: Watch Your Yoga Practice Blossom

With a variety of different class packages from which to choose, Cherry Blossom Yoga is ideal for any type of yogi in the Houston area, according to regulars. This family-owned and -operated studio offers more than 25 different yoga classes each week, which makes it convenient for just about anyone’s busy schedule.

Cherry Blossom’s knowledgeable teachers have completed a minimum of 200 hours of training in order to teach students at any skill level, from the most novice to the most experienced. The studio also frequently hosts workshops taught by some of the most renowned yoga instructors from around the world.

The studio itself is clean and spacious, with hardwood floors lining the practice space and soothing, beautiful decor to inspire your practice and meditation. Visit Cherry Blossom’s website for a full class schedule.

Cherry Blossom Yoga
15816 Champion Forest Drive
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 257-4245
www.cherryblossomyoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cherry-blossom-yoga-spring

Sip Something Sweet and Colorful at Nu Ice & Drinks

When you’re craving dessert in the Houston area but you’re tired of your usual ice cream spot, pay a visit to Nu Ice & Drinks. This unique sweet spot serves Asian-style shaved ice in flavors like lychee and green tea, and they taste even better when you drizzle them with egg pudding or sweetened condensed milk. You’ll also find fresh fruit toppings and boba balls that add a colorful flair and great flavor to any dessert. The portions are very large for the affordable prices, and it’s available in two sizes affectionately called the Hill and the Mountain.

Inside, Nu Ice & Drinks is stylish and modern, with a spacious ordering counter where you can watch as the employees prepare your shaved ice and even choose your own toppings from the colorful bar. In the dining area, there are a number of tables where you can sit and relax once you receive your dessert.

Nu Ice & Drinks
5901 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77057
(832) 649-2266
www.nucafehouston.com

Thompson’s Antique Center of Texas: Vintage Pieces Ranging From Furniture to Fishing Tackle

From furniture to fishing tackle, Thompson's Antique Center of Texas boasts an all-encompassing inventory. It plays host to 17 aisles' worth of collectibles and antique items from more than 100 different dealers. Explore the massive 108,000-square-foot space in search of your next treasure.

Start your own coin collection with some of the collectible pieces at Thompson's Antique Center of Texas. Grab a new end table or comfy chair to accentuate your living room. Embellish your neck or wrists with a piece of vintage jewelry. You can also pick up a new hat or top, sift through various pieces of artwork, and even buy a few books. Thompson's Antique Center of Texas also boasts a collection of dish sets, so you should be able to find one that suits your taste at the store. If you're buying any item as a gift, Thompson's staff will be happy to wrap it for you—and they always take great care to keep the piece in perfect condition.

Thompson's Antique Center of Texas
9950 Hempstead Road
Houston, TX 77092
(713) 688-4211
antiquecenteroftexas.com
www.yelp.com/biz/thompsons-antique-center-of-texas-houston-2

Dance the Night Away at Howl at the Moon in Houston

Houston is home to quite a few great live music venues, but Howl at the Moon is a local favorite that stands out amongst the others. This lively bar, dance club, and music venue hosts some of the most exciting parties in the city, making it a go-to spot in the Houston nightlife scene.

The venue portion frequently books an eclectic array of local acts and nationally touring musicians, spanning genres from hip hop to pop and even hard rock. The spacious dance floor offers ample space for you to rock out to your favorite band or get down with your friends to a DJ spinning the latest dance tracks. Howl at the Moon is known for its 86-ounce buckets of booze, but the numerous bars also offer classic cocktails and a great selection of beers.

There are often elaborate parties for holidays like Halloween and New Years Eve, but it also makes a great place if you’re planning your own birthday or bachelor party.

Howl at the Moon
612 Hadley St
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 658-9700
www.howlatthemoon.com

Foelber Pottery: Sculpt New Memories With Family and Friends

If you’ve always wanted to take a spin on a pottery wheel, Foelber Pottery Gallery & Studio offers classes that will give you a chance to do just that. This friendly, welcoming pottery studio welcomes aspiring sculptors of all ages, from the youngest children to inexperienced adults and even longtime, experienced artists.

Enter the arched doorway of the tree-shaded building and you’ll find a large, open gallery area displaying beautiful sculptures created by on-site artists. There are frequent exhibits and gallery openings featuring local sculptors, as well as outdoor festivals during the fall. If you want to try your hand at creating your own pottery, Foelber Pottery also hosts classes taught by experienced artists and private parties that make fun bonding activities for your friends or family.

For a complete list of upcoming events at Foelber Pottery or to sign up for a class, visit the studio’s website.

Foelber Pottery
706 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1703
www.foelberpottery.com

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