Today we take the time to honor our courageous leaders and how their visions have shaped our great country.
Armand Bayou Nature Center: Go Canoeing in The Great Outdoors
February 12, 2015 by
Nature lovers of all ages enjoy the Armand Bayou Nature Center because it offers visitors the chance to connect with nature along the Texas Gulf Coast. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities here, and it offers an up close and personal view of the center’s natural wildlife. Geese and other local birds frequent the area around the water, and you’re almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two while canoeing (just remember not to get too close!).
A well-maintained boardwalk runs along the bayou for those who aren’t as partial to boating, while a circular nature trail creates a loop from the parking lot throughout the park’s wooded areas and back again. There are also guided tours for those who are interested in learning about the area’s wildlife, and you can even take a pontoon boat tour ride.
There are often events held at the center, so check the website for a full calendar.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Boulevard
Pasadena, TX 77507
(281) 474-2551
www.abnc.org
www.yelp.com/biz/armand-bayou-nature-center-pasadena
Baytown Nature Center: Where Natural Beauty Takes Flight
February 5, 2015 by
Baytown Nature Center offers visitors a chance to relax in the beauty of the natural world in a wetland setting. Here, bird watchers can view some of the more than 200 species of birds that call the area home at different times of the year, including raptors, sparrows, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and songbirds. A wide variety of butterflies—more than 30 species!—also call the park home, so don't skip a lap around the butterfly garden (keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds!).
Hiking, biking, and jogging on the more than five miles of nature trails in the park provide a chance to get some exercise while observing nature in a pristine setting. Pick up a trail map at the Butterfly Garden parking lot. Fishing and crabbing are a favorite pastime on the pier at the San Jacinto Point Recreation Area. There’s also a fishing pier at Crystal Bay and Burnet Bay. Note that people 17 and older must have a fishing permit.
Baytown Nature Center is open sunrise to sunset daily. Admission is $3 per visitor aged 13 and up.
Baytown Nature Center
6213 Bayway Drive
Baytown, TX 77520
(281) 424-9198
www.baytownnaturecenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/baytown-nature-center-baytown
King’s BBQ: Hearty Meals at Less-Than-Hearty Prices
January 29, 2015 by
In Texas, you certainly won't be hard-pressed to find a great barbecue joint. With that being said, King’s BBQ brings something special to the table through its charming, country atmosphere, fast service, and friendly employees—oh, and we can’t forget about the food!
King’s BBQ serves traditional Texas barbecue based on decades-old traditions, and every dish comes in a serving large enough to food at least two people. Choose your preferred meat from the menu of fried chicken, turkey, brisket, or even combinations of a few, or treat yourself to a full steak dinner prepared in the King’s way. Your meal comes with a variety of classic barbecue side dishes like cole slaw, baked beans, or fried okra, and it’s all available at affordable prices.
If you want to take the whole family out for barbecue without breaking the bank, King’s BBQ might just be the place to do it.
King’s BBQ
521 West Main Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 470-8358
kingsbbq.biz
Find Local Fare at Food Co-Ops
January 22, 2015 by
A food co-op is a grocery store that is collectively owned and operated by its members, and it normally focuses on local products. Even though you might not realize it, you likely have a food co-op in your area. Here are a few ways that a food co-op can improve your relationship with food.
- They’re more convenient than most farmers markets. Although farmers markets are also great ways to shop locally, they’re usually only held once a week (and not at all in the winter months). Food co-ops, on the other hand, are just as convenient as a traditional grocery store.
- They help to support local farmers. These days, local farmers are much fewer and farther between than they were in the past, and food co-ops are some of the most important things to help them continue to make a living by farming.
- Expect to become a member. In exchange for providing fresh, local produce, meats and baked goods, most food co-ops expect their shoppers to become members. This usually means paying yearly dues and receiving a type of membership card before you’re able to shop in their store. If you’re dedicated to supporting local agriculture or improving your diet, these dues are more than worth it.
How to Find a Food Co-Op in Your Area and Score Some High-Quality, Super-Cheap Eats [Lifehacker]
What is a Food Co-Op? [WiseGeek]
What is a Food Co-op? [Kitsap Food]
It’s Always Tee Time at the Bay Forest Golf Club
January 15, 2015 by
What better way to relax in the great outdoors than with a game of golf? Get your swing on at Bay Forest Golf Course, situated in a gorgeous setting with emerald turf, manicured trees, and glittering bayous.
The greens here present a challenge to both casual and advanced players. The chipping green and putting green are free and provide a great place to practice your skills. If you're not seeing the results you want, consider enrolling in a private or group lesson from one of the club's accomplished golf pros. Before or after your game, refuel at the Bay Forest Bar and Grill with a beverage and a bite to eat. Then, stop by the Pro Shop to outfit yourself with all of the latest golf gear and apparel for both women and men.
See the Bay Forest Golf Club website for rates or to book a tee time.
Bay Forest Golf Club
201 Bay Forest Drive
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-4653
www.bayforestgolf.com
www.yelp.com/biz/bay-forest-golf-course-la-porte-2
Salon Avante: Create a New ‘Do at This Upscale Salon
January 8, 2015 by
Since 2009, Salon Avante has offered an upscale salon experience to the La Porte area, complete with highly trained staff of stylists who have been in the industry for many years. The salon is furnished comfortably and luxuriously, with furnishings that feel more like they came from an elegant home than a typical hair salon. The retail area offers all of the latest products from the most respected hair care brands, and the coffee and wine bar adds that extra touch of hospitality that really sets Salon Avante apart from the rest.
Haircuts for both men and women begin with a private consultation to ensure that the stylist knows exactly what you want, and there are also hair color services to help you create a completely new look that you love. In addition to its hair treatments, Salon Avante offers facial waxing, hair extensions, and even makeup application for your next big event.
Salon Avante
11001 Fairmont Parkway
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 842-9770
www.salonavante.net
Monument Inn: A Seafood Restaurant Perfect for Special Occasions
December 22, 2014 by
To La Porte residents, Monument Inn is an upscale eatery that is known for hosting special occasions. From birthday parties to celebratory dinners, you’ll almost always find a large party feting an occasion at this longtime local favorite.
Monument Inn has been serving its delicious seafood to the community since 1974, and although the restaurant has changed a great deal since then, the quality of its food hasn’t. The menu includes all types of baked, blackened, grilled, and fried fish and seafood, but the fried shrimp and blue crab are two of the most popular dishes. For the little ones, Monument Inn offers a children’s menu filled with kid-friendly dishes. For of-age guests, Monument Inn offers access to a full bar with wine, beer, and cocktails.
Monument Inn is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Monument Inn
4406 Independence Parkway South
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 479-1521
www.monumentinn.com
Cereal Is the Secret Ingredient in These Fun Recipes
December 18, 2014 by
If you think that cereal is only meant for breakfast, you’re really missing out! There are many ways to crush, bake, and blend cereal into creative dishes that you would never expect. Check out these three unique recipes that use cereal as a main ingredient.
BBQ Pork Sticks [kelloggs.com]
By blending Kellogg’s Special K cereal with mesquite seasoning and barbecue sauce, you can create a crunchy, spicy coating for baked pork strips. Best of all, the low-calorie cereal is a much healthier alternative to the usual heavy breading.
Refrigerator S’mores Mini Cakes [bettycrocker.com]
The sweet combination of Golden Grahams and Cocoa Puffs cereals blends with marshmallows and chocolate chips to imitate the flavor of everyone’s favorite campfire treat. They also don’t require any baking, which makes this recipe even easier than most.
Apple Cinnamon Cheerios Pancakes [cheerios.com]
Skip the milk and spoon and eat cereal for breakfast in a new and exciting way. This recipe uses Apple Cinnamon Cheerios to make fluffy pancakes that taste delicious when topped with maple syrup.
Equal Housing Opportunity