Ulta: Restock Your Makeup Kit Like the Pros

Whether you look for the best deals on bargain makeup or you love to splurge on designer products, Ulta has a large inventory of makeup at all ends of the price spectrum. This national chain stocks brands ranging from CoverGirl to Dior, as well as a variety of high quality brands in between. The store is organized by brand and by type of product, so it’s easy to find exactly the right lipstick, hairspray, or body cream for your unique needs and budget.

In addition to makeup, Ulta sells haircare products from top brands, styling tools, and even brushes and hair dryers at all price points. The Pasadena location also offers facials, waxing services, and makeup applications administered by skilled aestheticians, which makes it convenient to get your eyebrows touched up while stocking up on your favorite products.

With knowledgeable employees who are always willing to offer advice, Ulta is a reliable option for beauty products and services near La Porte.

Ulta
5696 Fairmont Parkway
Pasadena, TX 77505
(281) 991-1890
www.ulta.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ulta-pasadena-2

Shipley Do-Nuts: Make Your Morning Sweeter

Shipley Do-Nuts is a small chain of doughnut shops that has served its own unique blend of doughnuts and kolaches for more than 78 years. The La Porte location is an area favorite for breakfast or a sweet treat anytime throughout the day because of its convenient drive-through and its delicious selection of baked goods.

Traditional glazed doughnuts are some of the shop’s most popular items, but it also serves yeast, filled, and cake doughnuts in a variety of flavors to offer customers even more options. For those with more savory tastes, Shipley Do-Nuts serves warm kolaches filled with sausage and cheese or ham and cheese that make a hearty breakfast. Hot coffee also pairs perfectly with any of the shop’s items.

Whether you come to work on the free Wi-Fi or to take a dozen to go, locals say Shipley Do-Nuts is a tasty and convenient choice.

Shipley Do-Nuts
120 North Highway 146
La Porte TX, 77571
(281) 842-9522
www.shipleydonuts.com

Snap Fitness: Better Physique at Almost the Snap of a Finger

Achieving your exercise goals doesn’t happen overnight, but at Snap Fitness, you’ll be one step closer to a healthy physique. This 24-hour gym understands how difficult it can be to fit a daily workout into your busy schedule, so it enables members to work out whenever it’s most convenient for them.

Although Snap Fitness is smaller than many gyms, it’s equipped with a wide variety of state-of-the-art cardio and strength machines to work every part of the body, as well as spacious open areas for things like kickboxing or athletic training. Personal trainers work one-on-one with you to help you meet your fitness goals, and if you prefer to work out in a group, you’ll love the fun and effective group workout classes. There are even nutrition consultants to ensure that you’re adhering the proper diet once you leave the gym.

For an effective workout at an affordable price, Snap Fitness might be a good choice!

Snap Fitness
2900 Nasa Parkway
Seabrook, TX 77586
(281) 532-4000
www.yelp.com/biz/snap-fitness-seabrook

Cork Grinders: Baytown’s First Wine and Coffee Bar

Baytown's first wine and coffee bar, Cork Grinders is a popular spot to kick back and relax with a cold—or hot!—one. Boasting exposed brick walls and ductwork accented by cozy couches and a smattering of tables, the vibe at Cork Grinders is equally gritty and comfortable.

What you'll encounter upon arriving at this cozy cafe depends on the time of day. In the morning, for example, you'll see baristas behind the counter doling out fresh espresso, lattes, and breakfast sandwiches to patrons stopping by during the pre-work rush. As the sun sets, Cork Grinders makes its nightly transformation into a hip wine bar, where regulars congregate to choose from more than 80 different wines and an equally impressive number of locally brewed craft beers. Pair your libation with a cheese plate or a slice of molten lava chocolate cake.

Cork Grinders is open Mondays through Saturdays. Live music takes place every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.

Cork Grinders
206 W. Texas Avenue
Baytown, TX 77520
(281) 427-3260
corkgrinders.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cork-grinders-baytown

Armand Bayou Nature Center: Go Canoeing in The Great Outdoors

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

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

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

It’s Always Tee Time at the Bay Forest Golf Club

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

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

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

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