Staycation: When You Can't Afford to Getaway!

Instead of the typical getaway to Disney World or Mexico this Summer, many families are choosing to explore in their hometowns without breaking their bank. "Staycation" is a popular term used among many parents and couples who want to take a break from the 9-5 grind, but need to tighten their wallets by becoming a tourist in their local surroundings. Texas is the perfect state to live in if opting for a Staycation. Not only is there Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, the coast offers many opportunities for day trips, like touring The Strand in Galveston or spending the afternoon on the beach at Corpus Christi. When you live in Texas, you don't have to go far to explore! Also, many museums in the major cities have free admission or special discount days for families. Here are a list of Websites I found helpful in order to plan your "Staycation":

http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/

http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/

http://www.amoa.org/site/PageServer

http://www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors/play/san-antonio-free-fun/index.aspx

http://www.visitdallas.com/visitors/online_toolkit/free_things_to_do/

Enjoy, Texas Staycationers!!

Let's Go Tubing!! Whee!!!

When a co-worker of mine told me one Friday that her weekend plans were to go "tubing," I immediately reminisced about my summer's as a child being dragged by a speed boat across the lake on an inner tube and holding on for dear life. Yes, that's what us Yankees call fun. So, when I told my friend that story, she looked at me like I was crazy (I'm pretty used to that look by now) and told me "tubing" in Texas meant lounging on an inner tube and drinking beer while floating down a river. Sounds like my kind of downtime! A summer tradition for most Texans that I have yet to experience, but will hopefully get the chance before this season's end. New Braunfels, TX is an excellent place to enjoy river tubing according to the many people I've talked to. Bring your own tube, a cooler full of drinks and food, and enjoy the scenery with friends and family. Sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Summer in Texas! http://www.ci.new-braunfels.tx.us/

Best Fish Fry in Texas! (Well, so far!)

Last Friday I was invited by friends for a fish fry at what they called a "Hole in the Wall" sports bar. "Once you see the trailers, you'll know why I call it that," my friend said as we were driving there, unaware that I am no stranger to bars with rickety bar stools and an aura of stale beer.

As we pulled into the gravel covered parking lot, I became a little worried. I saw the two double-wide trailers parked at opposite ends, and there behind a menagerie of pick-up trucks and 100 year old trees was a wooden shack that looked like it was stolen off the set of "Young Guns." I was afraid to be the first to walk in, but felt eased when I heard Justin Timberlake's "Rock your Body" playing on the jukebox. Phew!

A friendly face resembling a 1950s barbie doll greeted us with a "How y'all doin' tonite?" and as we sat at the bar, I noticed the friendly faces of the regulars, their welcoming grins making us feel right at home. Their fish fry was only $10, and was enough food for two! The cook graciously told us while he was sitting at the bar sipping on Shiner that Tues.-Thurs. are a can't miss, for it's all you can eat steak for $16!! I can only imagine how amazing their steaks could taste after feasting on the best fish fry I've ever had! Like my friend Chuck said "It's the perfect Friday night out." Not only were my friends and I well fed, we also enjoyed the country home-like atmosphere. If you live around or are visiting the Cypress, TX area, this is a definite can't miss! Wick's Sports Bar, 14600 Cypress North Houston Road, near the intersection of Cypress NorthHouston Rd. and N. Kolbe Dr.

If All Else Fails, Road Trip!!

Last Sunday I was plagued by cabin fever and a low bank account. I suggested going to the beach for the afternoon to the boy, but he apparently wasn't up for another sunburn. So, we just jumped in our Jeep and went for a drive, heading West on 290 towards Austin. We decided to take our chances down Hwy 6 towards Bryan-College Station, not knowing what little towns we would find along the way. Cruising down the highway, we kept seeing signs for Navasota. Curious, we took a slight detour to this small town resembling the Old West, but with antique stores and a dance studio. It was interesting to see buildings from the 1800s left untouched, not remodeled for the 21st century. The downtown strip in Navasota only stretches about 6 blocks, perfect for antiquing.

Back on the road, we entered College Station about a half hour later. The town is beautiful, and Texas A & M University is so huge, it should just be its own city. We toured some of the campus and stumbled upon the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which was just down the road from A & M. The boy had to ask a College Station police officer how to get to the museum, as our GPS was taking us in circles as usual.

The officer snickered at his fashion statement of the day--a Texas Longhorns baseball cap and an orange shirt to match. We would have been crucified if school wasn't out for summer!! In our defense, "Eh, how were we supposed to know? We're from Chicago, okay?!". We were led by the cop to the museum, and to our dismay it closed at 5pm, so we strolled by the peaceful pond on the museum grounds and gazed at the beautiful scenery. We ended our road trip with a Sonic dinner (gotta love those chili-cheese tots!) and a relaxing drive home. Didn't spend much, still had over half a tank of gas, and saw three new places we would have never seen if we didn't detour onto Hwy 6. Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Texas!

http://bushlibrary.tamu.edu/

4th of July Events!!

Here are the descriptions of some of the best 4th of July celebrations in Texas. And the best part? Most of them are FREE!! Happy 4th!!

Dallas:
Fair Park Fourth

Enjoy a free of charge, fun-filled day for the whole family, which includes free admission to museums, musical performances, games and food. Fireworks will be viewed from the newly renovated Cotton Bowl!

http://www.fairpark.org/

Houston:
Freedom Over Texas

This year's event will feature one of the largest land-based fireworks displays in the nation!! With musical performances from local bands and Clay Walker, along with rides and games for the kids, this is a can't miss!! Plus, admission is FREE!!

http://www.houstontx.gov/july4/index.html

San Antonio:

Salute to the Union

Celebrate the traditional 4th of July in at Fort Sam Houston while they pay tribute to the 230th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the United States by shooting off 50 cannons to represent each state.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/MYSA063006_WK_july4roundup_17773a5_html26033.html

Austin:

HEB Austin Symphony

Enjoy the patriotic sounds of the Austin Symphony as you celebrate how proud it is to be an American! A spectacular view of the fireworks will be displayed over Lady Bird Lake. Admission is free!!

http://www.austinsymphony.org

Fort Hood:

Freedom Fest

Come celebrate your freedom and view the best fireworks display in central Texas! Dierks Bentley will be performing, with a free carnival, games, food and fun for the whole family! From 1-10pm, fireworks at 9:30.

http://hoodmwr.com/freedomfest.htm



Katy:

July 4th Big Backyard Barbecue

The fun starts at La Centerra at 5pm with live entertainment from area high school bands and local bands from Houston. Fireworks from Pyro of Houston at 9:15. Food and beverages available at the local restaurants.

http://www.lacenterra.com/July4thBIGBackyardBarbecue/tabid/87/Default.aspx

Galveston:
Galveston’s 4th of July Parade and Fireworks!!

Kick-off your celebration with a parade in historic downtown Galveston and watch the Gulf of Mexico light up with an amazing fireworks display along the seawall!

http://www.galveston.com/062609a/

Make it a safe and happy fourth Texans!!

Pleasing to the Eye....

The Menil Collection in Houston is the place to go when looking for an escape from the noise of the bustling city streets. Located on a campus known as the "Neighborhood of Art," this pristine building is surrounded by shady, tree-lined streets, giving it a homey appeal. The peacefulness of the neighborhood is reflected in by the tranquility of the museum. As I walked in, the noise was so minimal, you could hear a pin drop. Whispering to my niece "Use 4-inch voices only," I was afraid to even gasp at a sculpture that caught my eye, as the guards would peer around the corner to make sure we were on our best behavior. Even though all are welcome, the museum is not kid friendly. Some of the modern art exhibitions lean more towards the R-rated side, so beware when taking your little-littles. I had to cover my niece's eyes a few times so her parents wouldn't kill me!

The paintings and sculptures in the museum are plentiful, making it almost hard to believe there is no entrance fee. You won't find Monet or Van Gogh in this collection. The art is somewhat provocative, but from different eras such as Ancient Greece B.C., 1920s Modern, as well as tribal remnants from Alaska. The museum itself is beautiful, with the Texas sunlight peaking in through the canvas sailcloth ceilings, the soft light gleaming on the paintings of the gallery walls and the whit-oak floors. A huge monarch butterfly bid me farewell as I exited the museum, welcoming me to the pleasant neighborhood atmosphere. The bookstore across the street was useful in finding information on my favorite artists in the collection! If you're in need for a little tranquility in your life, along with wanting to view fantastic art and sculptures from centuries past, The Menil Collection is the place to be! Plus, it's free!! Parking is also free and conveniently across the street from the gallery. http://www.menil.org/

Going Ga Ga for Hotel ZaZa!!

Having been born and bred in the Windy City, I've grown accustomed to seeing lavish hotels as I walked the streets of downtown Chicago, knowing there was no way I could possibly ever afford a night's stay there, let alone a martini in their "ultra classy" lounge. So, when I was invited to a charity event at the posh Hotel ZaZa in downtown Houston, I felt a bit intimidated. "What would I wear? (or what still fit?), How should I do my hair? Should I get my nails done?" were common questions rolling through my mind, as I was only invited 6 hours before.

Wearing my "little black dress" (it's because of last-minute invites to swanky events that every woman should have one), we pulled up to the hotel with about five people waiting to help us out of our cars. I had a reason to feel intimidated. Although, walking into the hotel lobby, I felt like I was in the lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, but with a "homey" Houston feel, immediately drawn to the huge gold cow they have presented under pink and purple lights. Our event was poolside, which had a balcony that overlooked the beautiful museum district. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect night! The staff was very attentive and friendly, even when we went down to the Monarch Lounge for drinks and appetizers. Here's a tip: The Steak and Sticks were phenomenal!! Their appetizers are big enough for 2-3 people, and are the way to go if you're on a budget like me. :)

Hotel ZaZa is definitely a place to relax and have a martini in when visiting Houston! The staff and atmosphere will make you feel right at home!! http://www.hotelzaza.com/houston/