When Sipple, Texas' first non-alcoholic bottle shop, opened in Houston's Rice Village in October 2021 , owners Danny and Helenita Frounfelkner knew the city was ready, but didn't know exactly how thirsty it was for booze-free drinks. As it turns out, the answer was: very. Business has boomed at the store, which carries dozens of non-alcoholic spirits, beers, wines, CBD seltzers and other beverages that barely even existed five years ago, before "sober curiosity" became a movement. But people have been abstaining from alcohol—permanently or temporarily, and for endless reasons—for eons before this new trend. So it's about time shops and restaurants around town start catering to them . On a recent Wednesday evening, between greeting customers, Helenita relays that Sipple is having its busiest time yet—a result of Dry January coinciding with a well-read Texas Monthly profile on the store. A half-hour before closing, an older couple walks in, looking apprehensive and … [Read more...] about The best drinks at Sipple, Houston’s only non-alcoholic bottle shop
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The Houston Rodeo is hosting its first-ever free admission day this March
For the first time ever, guests will get to experience the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for free for one day only. This week, rodeo officials announced a new Community Day , which will offer free admission to the rodeo grounds— which includes the entrance to the carnival, livestock show and all attractions inside NRG Center and NRG arena—for all visitors until noon on Wednesday, March 8. The special day, sponsored by TC Energy, includes buy one, get one rides and games inside the Junction Carnival area until 4 p.m. and offers discounts on some food and beverages until 4 p.m. The free admission also includes a $3 mini corn dog at McKinney Corn Dog, $3 small popcorn at Kid Shack, and $3 small sour apple lemonade at Squeezers. "Community Day will ensure the entire community gets the opportunity to come out to the NRG grounds and truly experience what the rodeo has to offer," said rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman in a news release. Additionally, for each person … [Read more...] about The Houston Rodeo is hosting its first-ever free admission day this March
11 things you must do at Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park
Views of the Houston skyline ? Check. Plentiful scenic hiking and biking trails? Check. A skatepark, dog park and boat tours? Check. Buffalo Bayou Park checks all the boxes for an awesome adventure. Whether you decide to stroll, jog or cycle your way through the 160-acre urban oasis, prepare to be simultaneously relaxed and energized. Here are 11 things you must do in Buffalo Bayou Park to make the most of your visit to Houston's epic green space. 1. Enjoy a picnic in the park There are several options for eating in the park. If you opt to pursue Buffalo Bayou Park picnic areas, your best spot is the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area and Picnic Pavilion. The nature-inspired playground is nearby and there's no shortage of picnic space. (The playground includes a boulder rock scramble, climbing logs and stones, a rolling lawn, a stream, a waterfall, a tri-level tree house and boat deck with climbing net and a 33-foot slide). When it comes to restaurants near Buffalo … [Read more...] about 11 things you must do at Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park
Where to celebrate the life, legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Houston
Houston will play host to a slew of events celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on and leading up to the national holiday marking his Jan. 15 birthday. Here are seven events where you can honor the iconic civil rights leader in the Bayou City . MLK Jr. Dream Catcher Bike Ride Cyclists can celebrate Dr. King's birthday by taking a 20-mile tour of all the places he visited during his last trip to Houston. The 13 mph-paced ride will go from 8 a.m. sharp to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. Be sure to be there on time since early arrival is suggested. The bike ride will begin at Antioch MBC Downtown at 500 Clay St. The event is free but donations are welcome. 27th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration Each year, the Houston Children's Museum honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with messages of unity, justice, and peace during its celebration. This year, the event taking place between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 15 will also recognize Caryakid … [Read more...] about Where to celebrate the life, legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Houston
How to spend the perfect afternoon at Houston’s Levy Park
When it comes to public parks in Houston, Levy Park is a hidden gem nestled in the city. It has so many enticing elements throughout its six acres: game and activity areas, a dog park, community garden, children’s playground, splash pad , food trucks and an abundance of program offerings from arts and education to recreation and wellness. It's no wonder that Levy Park is the recipient of multiple design and distinction awards. Poised in the Upper Kirby District of H-Town, Levy Park is a beautiful setting for a fun picnic, a date, a special event or simply to enjoy the great outdoors. If you're looking for free things to do in Houston , spending a relaxing afternoon at Levy Park is a priceless option. Bring the whole family to Levy Park The children's park is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A parent, guardian or responsible adult must accompany a child under the age of 12. Kids will love playing on the slide, tunnels, climbing structures and splash … [Read more...] about How to spend the perfect afternoon at Houston’s Levy Park
Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul are bringing their latest project to Houston
One of television's most beloved couples, Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad , is headed to Houston this week to tout their newest project . Instead of methamphetamine, the two actors are cooking up their new Dos Hombres Mezcal. Breaking Bad may be no more, but Cranston and Paul have continued their chemistry off-set as friends and now as business partners. The duo will be signing bottles of their mezcal and meeting fans in Houston this Thursday, January 19, at Spec's Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This is a free event, so you will want to arrive early or prepare for long lines to the Midtown location at 2410 Smith Street . Fans who want a more intimate experience can pay up to $2,000 to join Cranston and Paul later that day for drinks at Clarkwood , a wine and cocktail bar in Montrose . The party is from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. with tickets for general admission priced at $100. Attendees can also purchase a VIP table package that begins … [Read more...] about Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul are bringing their latest project to Houston
Is the New York Times’ 36 Hours in Houston as bad as people say?
Houstonians who might refer to themselves as terminally online are once again abuzz with opinions about yet another national media outlet's attempts to summarize the city's greatness in just a few thousand words. This week, it was the New York Times, which published the latest edition of their "36 Hours In" travel series , this time ending up in Houston. I always brace myself when these pieces come out—whatever mood I'm in, I'm sure to get a bit more sour. Houston is a wonderful, complex place that is often misunderstood by parachuters, although I was relieved to read that the author "grew up in Houston and lives there today," per a note at the very top, probably to brace themselves for the onslaught of online clapbacks from locals. There were indeed some infuriating omissions in this "36 Hours in Houston" and definitely a few headscratchers, but I'll admit to not being as annoyed by this guide as I typically have been in the past. Stick with me. My biggest pet peeve about … [Read more...] about Is the New York Times’ 36 Hours in Houston as bad as people say?
Laugh out loud at these excellent comedy clubs in Houston
Houston nightlife is a lively scene. Whether you're indulging in the city's best late-night food , enjoying a vibrant cocktail , or belly laughing your way through the evening at one of the best comedy clubs in Houston, there's plenty of fun to be had after dark. The next time you're in need of some entertaining chuckles , look no further than these Houston comedy clubs where hilarity is sure to ensue . ComedySportz Houston At ComedySportz every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., two teams compete in improv games on stage to get the most laughs. This fast-paced improv is similar to the TV show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," as it includes audience suggestions and a referee helps determine the winning team. Additional shows include "Improv! The Musical" and "Benji and the Beer Babies" (an ode to beer). ComedySportz also runs the Houston School of Improv with four levels of classes, if you're inspired to step behind the mic. Find it: 2201 Preston St., Houston, … [Read more...] about Laugh out loud at these excellent comedy clubs in Houston
There’s a world to discover at this ‘gem’ in downtown Houston
Opened in 2008, Houston's Discovery Green has blossomed into a lively, all-ages neighborhood social hub . Located in downtown Houston , it's a place where Houstonians go to play outdoors, stroll along paths, walk their dogs, exercise, picnic and enjoy the on-site restaurants and food trucks . Proving how much an urban park can do for a neighborhood, the 12-acre park has helped revitalize Houston's downtown, enticing office workers and fun-seekers with green spaces, family-friendly recreation and more than 10,000 free events that have showcased the culture, diversity and spirit of H-Town. The park has also helped spur more than $1.5 billion in development within its two-block radius, according to Central Houston, Inc . The number of residents living by the park has also more than tripled from 2010 to 2022—further evidence of its appeal. Downtown's great backyard was funded by private-public partnerships and created with input from Houstonians. "Discovery Green is a hidden … [Read more...] about There’s a world to discover at this ‘gem’ in downtown Houston