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Houston, Texas, is known across the nation for being a city of fantastic food. No matter what you're hungry for, you'll find it in this vast and exciting city. If you have a craving for seafood, Houston is the place to go. Check out our list of most delicious Houston seafood destinations. You're sure to find a restaurant you'll never forget. Truluck's To indulge in some of the best seafood in Houston, head over to 5350 Westheimer Road. There you'll find artistically arranged gourmet seafood options sure to make your mouth water. Their patrons adore their fresh Florida stone crab claws, jumbo lump crab cakes, clam chowder, and escargot. Reserve a table today and pair your meal with one of their wonderful wines, including options from France, Italy, Russia, California, Austria, New Zealand, Chile, Germany, Oregon, Argentina, and Washington State. If you want fresh, high-end seafood options in an elegant atmosphere, Truluck's is the place for you. more Caracol Houston is known nationwide for its storied combination of Mexican and American cuisines. This cultural trend meets the sea in Caracol, at 2200 Post Oak Boulevard in Houston. Their customers love their Sopa De Mariscos, a seafood stew with sautéed calamari, shrimp, octopus, bay scallops, mussels, epazote, and masa cups. If a meal including tentacles isn't your thing, go with Ceviche De Chile Canario, which is lime-cured raw red snapper with chile Canario, cherry tomato, pearl onion, cucumber, radish, and cilantro. Caracol also offers oysters in the half-shell, and they have a special menu just for happy hour, so bring friends and have a great time. Kata RoBata At 3600 Kirby Drive, you'll discover a place where the east meets the sea in Houston. For everything from sushi and sashimi to karaage pork belly and hirame, Kata RoBata is the place to go. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails with your meal, like The Old Fashioned Way, the Articulate Ginger, or 99 Problems. Finish off the experience with Kata RoBata's Japanese pumpkin cheesecake or warm blueberry cake. For a sampling of the best sushi they have to offer, try out their sushi platter, including the customer's choice of ten pieces of nigiri sushi. Their menu is well worth working through on multiple visits. Peli Peli For flavorful seafood in a colorful and relaxing atmosphere, drive down to 110 Vintage Park Boulevard Suite P in Houston. Their vegetarian platter, Peli Peli salad, and sea bass are the talk of the town, and customers love their lamb chops and shrimp Peli Peli. Peli Peli 's staff pride themselves on their southern hospitality. The restaurant's name means pepper in Bantu, so come ready for a grand combination of spices and flavors. They have brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, so come whenever you're hungry. Peli Peli's menus provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options, so if you have personal diet requirements, this restaurant is the place to go. For fresh seafood that you'll come back for again and again, Houston, Texas, is a prime destination. Taste the delicious offerings of each of these restaurants. They provide memorable experiences, so bring someone special along. Image by 昕 沈 from Pixabay

If you're looking for a quality donut shop in the Houston, Texas, area, you're in luck. They're in abundance here, so the most difficult part of finding one is choosing between them. We suggest trying these highly rated donut shops: Glazed the Doughnut Cafe For some of the best-tasting donuts you'll ever taste, check out Glazed the Doughnut Cafe. Inside, you'll find a great selection of donuts and baked goods that will satisfy any sweet tooth, as well as savory donut sandwiches filled with sausage, chicken, cheese, and more. If you're just here for the yeast donuts, you can fill your dozen with anything from cinnamon sugar and lemon poppy seeds donuts to ones topped with Fruit Loops and Snickers. more B&B Donuts If you're looking for a classic coffee-and-donut experience, head to B&B Donuts. You'll find all the staples here, including bear claws, cinnamon buns, glazed donuts, and more. One of the best parts about B&B Donuts is their prices. If you're trying to get a dozen donuts to please the whole family or office, this is the place to do it. You'll also find a great selection of more savory items, such as sausage kolache, fried rice, and sandwiches. Hugs & Donuts Hugs & Donuts ' cute atmosphere lends itself well to the sweet delicacies they create. Their donuts are made with fresh ingredients and homemade fillings that make for some of the best artisan donuts in town. Their selections change daily, but you'll find a great base of simple classics to whet your palate before trying one of the adventurous options, such as maple bacon yeast, Biscoff cookie butter yeast, and tres leches cake donuts. Be sure to try one of their great kolaches while you're there. Sam's Fried Chicken & Donuts If you want a side of fried chicken with your donuts, then your new favorite spot is the aptly named Sam's Fried Chicken and Donuts. They specialize in lunch sandwiches and fried chicken, but their donuts are out of this world. Go for the glazed, or try their Mexican chocolate icing, blueberry cake, or filled donuts to see which you want to bring back home with you. Step aside, fried chicken and waffles, there's a new sheriff in town. River Oaks Donuts It's time to get adventurous at River Oaks Donuts. Their array of different flavors, toppings, shapes, and sizes makes this donut shop an exciting place to take the whole family. Try one of the maple bacon donuts with jalapenos if you want a delicious sweet-savory donut. If you want to punch your mouth in the sweet tooth, order a couple of the s'mores, Holland cream-filled, or devil's food donuts. River Oaks Donuts' great offerings and great prices make this shop one of our favorite shops to grab a dozen or two donuts. Whether you're trying to expand your dessert horizons or stick to your tried-and-true favorites, there's a donut shop in Houston for you. Take time to explore each to find your new go-to donut destination. Image via Pixabay by Pexels

If you're planning a trip to Houston, Texas, and you're looking for a little indulgence, you don't have to stay at a large hotel. Instead, consider staying at a bed and breakfast that offers a convenient location and all of your favorite amenities from home. The next time you're coming to Houston, spend the night at one of these top bed and breakfasts in the area. Sara's Inn on the Boulevard For over 30 years, Sara's Inn on the Boulevard has welcomed everyone from couples on a romantic trip to business travelers looking for a convenient place to stay. The inn is located in a home that's over 100 years old, so it offers all the charm of a historic house with the modern luxuries you need for a relaxing trip. All of the rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, plush robes and linens, a flat-screen television, miniature refrigerator, and full homemade breakfasts. more Texas Ranch Life For an experience that's truly Texan, plan a stay at Texas Ranch Life. This unique bed and breakfast is situated just an hour west of Houston in the rolling hills of Austin County. Here, you'll find the 1,800-acre Lonesome Pine Ranch, which is a working ranch established in the 1820s that's home to bison, quarter horses, and one of the largest registered Texas longhorn herds in the country. In addition to all the great activities you can enjoy in Houston, the ranch also offers opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and ranch work demonstrations. Houston Towers Inn Houston Towers Inn is a stunning bed and breakfast that offers privacy and comfort. The inn has four rooms and three suites that all have a private bathroom. Other amenities at this adults-only inn include a complimentary buffet breakfast, a fenced-in backyard with a swimming pool, and a wooden deck with umbrellas. La Maison in Midtown La Maison in Midtown is an urban bed and breakfast that lets you enjoy a relaxing retreat while still being close to everything you want to see and do in the city. During your stay, you can savor a hearty continental or Southern breakfast served each morning. When you're ready to explore the area, you'll find yourself within walking distance of a variety of Houston's top attractions. Or, if you simply want to unwind,  put up your feet at the inn's spacious parlor or living room. Modern Bed and Breakfast Located in the Montrose neighborhood, a stay at Modern Bed and Breakfast puts you close to several popular attractions in the area, including downtown Houston, The Galleria, Rice University, and NRG Stadium. The bed and breakfast features five adjacent luxury townhomes designed to give you the service of a boutique hotel while still delivering all the comforts of home. Every morning, you can start your day by joining fellow guests at the communal table for a fresh breakfast made by the inn's chef. If you're planning a trip to Houston and you want to indulge in a special getaway, plan a stay at one of these amazing, local bed and breakfast retreats. Image via Pixabay by ErikaWittlieb

Are you planning on getting married in Houston, Texas? Then you want a special location that's just right for the big day. Whether you want a small and intimate gathering or a large, formal affair, these amazing wedding venues in Houston have everything you need to help put together the perfect day. Ashton Gardens Ashton Gardens has two beautiful locations in the Houston area designed to provide everything you need for your wedding. Both Ashton Gardens Houston West and Ashton Gardens Houston North boast a distinctive glass enclosed chapel where you can have your ceremony with panoramic views of the surrounding forest. To make your day complete, both locations also feature a gorgeous reception ballroom that includes elegant crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, grand presentation staircase, complimentary cake cutting, an oversized hardwood built-in dance floor, and more. more The Astorian The Astorian is one of the premier event venues in Houston. This landmark building is located in The Heights area of the city. Rustic elements like the stained concrete floors, copper and brushed aluminum detailing, soft lighting, and wood paneling give the venue a warm and inviting feel. When you combine these touches with modern elements that include two private suites, 14-foot ceilings, a fully functional gourmet kitchen and bar, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of downtown Houston, you'll get a venue that will help you create a memorable wedding. The Bell Tower on 34th The Bell Tower on 34th was built to be an entertainment venue, which means it's perfectly suited to accommodate the needs of you and your guests. To make planning your big day even easier, the gorgeous event venue has a variety of ceremony packages available. Once you decide which package and ballroom you would like, you can rest easy knowing your meal, basic tables, mahogany Chiavari chairs, silverware, china, stemware, napkins, floor-length linens, servers, chefs, and culinary staff are all included. Crystal Ballroom at the Rice The Crystal Ballroom at the Rice is a stunning 1913 historic ballroom that's situated in the heart of downtown Houston in the Rice Hotel. Your guests will marvel at the incredible beauty of the ballroom, which features heroic murals, crystal chandeliers, 35-foot ceilings, and a full wraparound terrace. This space can handle up to 400 people for a seated meal, and the venue partners with skilled teams that have created perfectly curated food and beverage menus. Shirley Acres If you've been dreaming about an outdoor wedding in Houston, Shirley Acres is the perfect destination. Here you'll find 21 acres of dramatic oak trees and towering pine trees. The Courtyard is landscaped with colorful flower beds that make a memorable wedding ceremony. You can also choose the Garden Room ballroom with its dramatic 20-foot ceilings or the rustic and elegant Pavilion that overlooks a pond. No matter what type of wedding you're planning, you know you can find the ideal location for your special day when you choose one of these outstanding wedding venues in Houston. Image via Pixabay by Olessya

Learning a martial art comes with a huge variety of benefits, including increased self-confidence, improved physical health, and life-saving stress relief. From Taekwondo to Muay Thai to Tai chi, the various disciplines allow you to connect with the best choice for your needs. Residents of Houston looking to learn a martial art themselves or find classes for their kids are in luck because there are some amazing schools around the city. To get you started, these four martial arts schools in Houston have a lot to offer. Elite Mixed Martial Arts Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is an extremely popular martial art that gained traction in the United States alongside the rise of Dana White's Ultimate Fighting Championship, in which MMA fighters face off in an octagon-shaped ring. If you want to learn the basics of MMA, Elite Mixed Martial Arts on Westheimer Road is an ideal place to start. The programs include options for men, women, and children targeted at levels ranging from beginner to advanced. You can also try your hand at Brazilian jiu-jitsu or kickboxing if you don't want to start with MMA lessons. Elite MMA was first launched in 1993 with a core underlying philosophy of teamwork. more Iron Dragon Martial Arts Offering Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Iron Dragon Martial Arts is a well-regarded school located on Maxey Road. Jason White, a three-time state and national Taekwondo champion, is the owner and chief instructor at Iron Dragon. His talented team of instructors provide a welcoming and beginner-friendly atmosphere that is ideal for learning a martial art. Bam Bam Martial Arts Houston Whether you want to learn a martial art for fun, to meet people, to get fit, or to defend yourself, Bam Bam Martial Arts takes care of your needs with some amazing programs for adults and kids. The instructors at Bam Bam specialize in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for adults. Kids can learn karate or jiu-jitsu, and the instructors at Bam Bam focus on equipping them with valuable life skills, including self-confidence, character development, and discipline. You can find this martial arts school on Bellaire Boulevard. Houston Samurai Karate Dojo Karate is a martial art that emerged in the Ryukyu Kingdom in what is now present-day Japan. It will make its debut as an Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, so it's likely to experience a renewed surge in popularity. Dojo is a Japanese term for a formal gathering place where people practice judo or karate. Houston Samurai Karate Dojo has taught the fundamentals of karate to children and adults since 2001. You can also try your hand at judo or grappling at Houston Samurai. The chief instructor, Shihan Ehab Ahmed, is a sixth-degree black belt in karate, which guarantees you or your children will learn from someone who is highly skilled. Learning a martial art is one of the most valuable commitments to personal growth you'll ever make. Regardless of how old you are, you can find a range of top-notch martial art schools in Houston offering the program you need. Image via Pixabay by stevepb

Planning a date in Houston, Texas, can be a little daunting with all the great options of things to do and see in the city. If you want to make it a memorable date, do a little homework to find attractions and destinations that will interest both of you. For a few great date ideas, here are a few of our favorite date spots in Houston: Go to an Event at Discovery Green If you want to do something different for your date, see what's going on at Discovery Green. This public park has a full schedule of things to do and see throughout the year. Join up with stargazers one night and see a live performance the next. Even if your date doesn't coincide with one of their events, a walk through a beautiful park is always a good date idea. more Play Lawn Games at Brooklyn Athletic Club Get competitive at the Brooklyn Athletic Club. This beer garden-style destination is full of outdoor lawn games you can play with each other. Try your hand at bocce ball and croquet while indulging in their tasty menu items and cocktails. The BAC is always a surefire good time. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts For Free If you're on a budget, don't worry — there are plenty of interesting dates you can take them on without having to spend too much. A great idea is visiting the Museum of Fine Arts on Thursdays when admission is free. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has an impressive collection that will make for a thought-provoking date night that makes it easy to find something to talk about. The museum has a wide variety of art styles that will interest anyone even slightly interested in art. Go Kayaking on the Buffalo Bayou One of the best date ideas for outdoorsy people is going kayaking on the Buffalo Bayou. You don't have to travel outside the city to enjoy the great outdoors — this watersport destination is right in downtown Houston. The paddling trail stretches for 26 miles and is a great opportunity to see some wildlife and see the city from a different perspective. If you don't have a kayak or canoe, there are quite a few businesses that rent them out. Get Creative at TXRX Labs The couple that makes things together stays together, we say. If you want to get crafty on your date, show up for a class at TXRX Labs. This self-proclaimed "makerspace" is full of opportunities to create something together. The list of everything they teach at this great studio is extensive. You can learn everything from welding and robot-building to screenprinting and airbrush painting. Look through their class schedule to find something that might interest you (rather, your date). Whether you're on a first date or celebrating your nth anniversary, these places are sure to make for a fun day or night out. Surprise your date with something new, somewhere that will impress them. Any of these suggestions are sure to do the trick. Some rights reserved by wuestenigel

With lots of sunshine and warm weather throughout the year, Houston, Texas, is the perfect place to explore the outdoors. Riding ATVs with other adventure lovers is a thrilling way to take in some of the natural beauty that this area has to offer. Here are the top ATV trails near Houston. General Sam's Offroad Park At General Sam's Offroad Park in Huntsville, there are 705 acres of land ready to be explored. Ride your ATV over creeks, through forests full of pine trees, and on more than 60 miles of trails created for off-road vehicles. There's even an ATV course with sand and mud drags and a huge bog for a fun challenge and plenty of messy excitement. This park also offers on-site camping so you can make a weekend of it. more Mudbuddys Park In Lavaca County, Mudbuddys Park is a recreational park loaded with opportunities for fun for all ages. A kid's area allows little adventurers to enjoy some messy riding in a safe place. With over 500 acres of land, you'll be sure to find plenty of challenges for your ATV. The Lavaca River passes through the property for some water-fording opportunities. Cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups are also available for anyone staying the night. Creekside Offroad Ranch Just a short drive up Interstate 69 from Houston is Creekside Offroad Ranch. This spot is a local favorite for challenging off-road courses full of mud, sand, and water over 350 acres of land. Open on the weekends, campsites surround the area for primitive camping or RV owners, plus there are public restrooms and showers to clean off after some serious mud riding. Visit their website to get on their mailing list so you never miss a fun event. Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach Along the San Jacinto River, Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach is a great spot to take the whole family. Several swimming areas are found in the area. Plan a weekend getaway for loads of outdoor fun like fishing, off-road driving, and hiking. Only primitive camping is available here, so be sure to bring a tent and supplies. ATVs are free to ride, while larger vehicles like Jeeps cost $10. Sam Houston National Forest In the Sam Houston National Forest, you'll find lots of great trails for all kinds of adventures. You'll find opportunities to navigate through mud, dirt, rocky terrain, and creek crossings. Visit any time of the year and enjoy hours of ATV riding. Over 160,000 acres of land make up this forest, so you'll have a lot of exploring to do. Keep an eye out for signs as you ride because some trails will close after heavy rain to protect the integrity of the trails. Houston is full of beautiful parks and undeveloped land. Don't sit inside and miss out on the natural beauty of the area, get out and explore. Next time you're ready to get out for some exciting ATV trail riding, check out one of these great trails near Houston, Texas. Some rights reserved by thigpen.robert

Staying in a hotel is a perk of traveling. No matter the reason for your trip, staying in a hotel offers you an escape from daily life. So why not make the most of it by staying in a luxurious hotel? Here's an overview of four of the most luxurious hotels in Houston, Texas. The Houstonian Club, Hotel, & Spa The Houstonian is a hotel to remember and is popular for hosting large events like reunions or weddings. It features sizable ground space with pretty botanicals all around. You'll also find three pools if you would like to take a swim. The hotel also boasts a 175,000-square-foot health club where you can partake in everything from a workout to a game of tennis. There are three restaurants on-site where you can enjoy a good meal. more Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District Located not far from the Houston Museum of Fine Art, Hotel ZaZa mixes business with pleasure in its own unique way. Stay in one of the Concept Suites, for example. The Houston We Have a Problem Suite has a space theme, featuring a moon-inspired couch, an astronaut statue and an eight-seat executive-style table in a 1,035-square-foot space. Take a lounge by the pool and you'll find an extensive menu that includes drinks and adult popsicles. There's a restaurant on-site that has lovely views of the museum from its terrace. The St. Regis Houston At first glance, the St. Regis Houston appears to resemble a high-rise condominium. It's located between the River Oaks neighborhood and the Galleria in Houston. If you have an appreciation for fine hospitality, this is the place to stay. The St. Regis has an old-school charm to it, with junior suites featuring a marble-and-granite bathroom, a king-size pillow-top bed, and a nice leather desk chair made for catching up on work. Make sure to attend a famed St. Regis afternoon tea during your stay if you can. Hotel Alessandra The chic Hotel Alessandra takes luxury to another level. Those who like to try new things will like staying here. It's located in downtown Houston and is close to the Discovery Center, Toyota Center, and the House of Blues Houston. There's a complimentary Maserati car service that takes guests between the hotel and the rest of downtown. The concierge is also happy to arrange exclusive experiences outside the hotel. If you're a lover of golf, they'll arrange for you to visit private or semiprivate golf courses in the city. The hotel has a beautiful pool on-site, too, with a seasonal pool bar that's a must-go spot for happy hour. Indulging in a luxury hotel experience in Houston isn't hard to do. The hotels highlighted here are some of the more unique and well-known places to stay in the city. No matter what kind of a traveler you are, each of these hotels has something to make your next stay in Houston a memorable one. Image from pixabay.com Pixabay License

Sometimes, a day at the spa is just the relaxation and recharge that you require. Fortunately, there are many exceptional day spas that you can enjoy right here in Houston, Texas. The Petite Retreat With a relaxing environment, high-quality all-natural products, and staff who are experts at what they do, what more could you want in a spa? The petite Retreat gives you the opportunity to enjoy a retreat from the stresses of daily life, without ever having to leave the big city. Come to the Petite Retreat for massage therapy, facials, body treatments, and couple's spa services. You can also add unique treatments and services to your packages like cupping, hot stones, or flow restore. more Trellis Spa This Mediterranean-inspired spa is in a courtyard that expands over 17,000-square feet. The natural greenery and floral garden are a great start to your relaxing getaway. You can enjoy the locker rooms before your appointment which include a steam room, jetted tub, and rainfall showers. In the spa itself, you can enjoy services like full-body massages, facials, and body wraps. Continue your afternoon of relaxation by visiting the on-site indoor float pool or the relaxing room with a cozy fireplace. Trellis Spa also has packages for mothers-to-be and business professionals. Pure Spa Houston Located within the Marriott Marquis Houston is Pure Spa Houston. This luxurious spa aims to provide relaxation and a sense of renewal for each and every guest. Available services include body treatments, massages, facials, hair services, and nail services. Pure also understands the contribution of fitness to relaxation and offers a 7,000-square foot fitness facility within the spa. You can improve your overall wellbeing with pool yoga and water aerobics. Milk + Honey Whether you are looking for a relaxing manicure or a full-body massage with essential oils, you will find it at Milk + Honey. Milk + Honey spa carries its own line of products that are sure to excite the senses and offer you a sense of relaxation. Choose a massage that meets your need with Swedish, deep tissue, or specialty massages available. Enhance your massage with body brushing, warm oil scalp, or a back polish session. Bring your child or teen to Milk + Honey for spa services catered to them to melt away their stress. The Woodhouse Day Spa You will notice feelings of serenity from the moment you walk into the Woodhouse Day Spa. You are immediately given a warm robe, reflexology sandals, and the permission to fully relax upon your arrival. Each spa room and service is designed to give you the ultimate retreat with skincare, massage, body and sleep treatments, and hand and foot treatments available. Plan your upcoming retreat with the Woodhouse Day Spa. They have full-service packages available for girls' weekends or bridal parties. It is possible to find relaxation among the hustle and bustle of downtown Houston. Give yourself the appreciation that you deserve by scheduling a spa day at one of these top-rated local spas. Image form Pixabay.com Pixabay License

Houston's pizza scene is quite diverse. You've got shops dishing out Chicago, Detroit, and New York-style pies by the dozen. You've also got some that stick to traditional Italian recipes, while others throw in a fusion of ingredients from countries here and there. If there's one thing we know, it's that Houston knows how to cater to the pizza-loving crowd. Sample one yourself at these top area pizzerias. You'll definitely want more than just a slice! Frank's Pizza Head downtown to Frank's Pizza for some of the best Italian cuisine. The pies are delicious and made fresh daily, and you can order yours from a fixed menu or give it a bit of a custom finish. Traditional flavors include supreme, margherita, and garden veggie. Or try a house specialty like the spicy fajita Chicken Fiesta. more You can also build your own using meats like pepperoni and marinated grilled chicken and veggies such as black olives and fresh spinach. Then finish off with a dipping sauce to complement your meal. Choices include barbecue, marinara, and ranch. Barry's Pizza and Italian Diner There are so many choices when it comes to building your perfect pie at Barry's Pizza and Italian Diner. Choose from more than 35 toppings on the menu, including asiago cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and house-made meatballs. Keep the meat feast going with a classic like the Meatza, a specialty pie topped with five different types of meat. Aside from the scrumptious pizzas, you'll also find different events hosted throughout the week for all ages. You've got Kids Night on Tuesdays, Pint Night on Wednesdays, and lunch specials on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., all held inside this rustic log cabin that brings out a casual and fun ambiance for everyone. Star Pizza Star Pizza has earned consistent praise for its pies for more than 40 years. Create your own masterpiece from ingredients such as ground beef, salami, anchovies, and poblano peppers. Or go for a signature dish like The Cowbell, a tasty combo of smoked beef brisket, barbecue sauce, and cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Then, top off your meal with an apple cinnamon pizza. This sweet delight comes with seasoned cinnamon apples, toasted walnuts, a sprinkling of caramel and chocolate sauce, and a coating of powdered sugar. Want to sample a little bit of everything on the menu? Take advantage of the weekday lunch special from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet. Need we say more? Bombay Pizza Company When you dine at Bombay Pizza Company, you'll feel like you've taken your taste buds on a trip to both Europe and South Asia. This pizzeria dishes out classic Italian pies topped with a blend of Indian herbs and spices. A look at the specialty gourmet items is enough to get your mouth watering. The Gateway of India features tandoori chicken and crab meat with artichoke hearts, cheese, and cilantro-mint chutney. Meanwhile, Mitul's Masala comes with Spanish chorizo, grilled chicken, mozzarella over cumin-spiced gravy, and house pizza sauce. Can't decide? Neither can we. If you're in the mood for Italian cuisine, there are more than enough options around Houston to satisfy your craving. A visit to these top-rated pizzerias should do the trick. Some rights reserved by russellstreet

While you're on the road to the Mazda dealership in Houston, why not check out a few family-oriented outings? There are plenty of exciting day trip opportunities in the area. Here are just a few to get you started. Spend a Day in Dallas Dallas, Texas, is about a three and a half hour drive out of the Houston city area. Dallas is a great metropolis to visit if your party is adults-only, or if your kids are a bit older and can easily join you in a shopping spree. Check out fabulous downtown shops and restaurants, enjoy the lovely skyline that exposes the sprawling city buildings, and pay a visit to a local museum, like the Nasher Sculpture Center. Alternatively, try a visit to the John F. Kennedy Memorial in Dallas, which was erected in 1970. This artistic landmark offers a meaningful pause for reflection in his honor. more See Art in Austin Austin, Texas, a major city just slightly closer than Dallas (it takes about two hours and forty-five minutes to drive there from the Houston area), is known for its hip artistic coffee-shop culture and galleries. Opt to plan your visit during two major festivals: the Austin City Limits music festival that takes place in early October or the South by Southwest music and art festival scheduled for March. You might also check out the Mexic-Arte Museum, open throughout the year, to witness classic and contemporary Mexican and Latino art. Set Sail at Galveston Island Need a break to chill out, enjoy nature, or escape from big city life? Only an hour and a half from Houston, you will find the simple yet beautiful atmosphere of Galveston Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico. Here, on the small, sandy public beaches, you can rent a sailboat, luxuriate by the water, or go fishing. This convenient getaway is enjoyable for the whole family and won't put a big dent in your pocketbook. If you do want to splurge, however, you will find plenty of restaurants and hotels along the boardwalk. You will also see the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, an amusement park with fun rides and games which is located atop the pier. Experience the Natural Bridge Caverns If you love to have fun with water, then you can visit the largest caverns in Texas, the Natural Bridge Caverns. Journeying 180 feet below, you will find water formations, canopies, and specially developed fun mazes. Take the Hidden Passages Tour to explore the cave's internal paths, or try one of the other enjoyable tours, such as the Discovery Tour. Kids can visit the Mining Company area, where they explore what it is like to mine for gems. There are souvenir shops and restaurants for snacks, as well. When you're in the Houston area, take advantage of the many great day trips. Whether you prefer to stay in a big city and explore or prefer a natural experience, the area has loads of exciting events. Some rights reserved by Life Lenses

If you live in the Houston area, you know that June-November is hurricane season. Hurricanes can cause extensive damage, and it’s important to be prepared. You might want to start by taking some necessary steps to make sure your home is protected in the event of a storm. Create a Hurricane Kit A basic Hurricane kit is designed to get a family through 48 hours without electricity and basic services. Your kit should include a whistle, blankets, garbage bags, flashlights or a battery-powered lantern, batteries, a three-day water supply and two days’ worth of food. You may also want to include a first aid kit, items for pets, medicine, and comfort items. Grab Some Gas Long before the lines at the gas stations get out of control, make sure your vehicles and generators have plenty of gas. You may want to fill up an extra tank to have available if needed. Plan Ahead Move furniture to higher ground, or elevate it, if you have the time. If you lose electricity, you don’t want food to spoil. Turn your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting. Your food will keep for longer. Make sure you know what shut-offs for water, gas, and electricity are located. Prepare Your Exterior Before it gets stormy bring in outdoor objects like lawn furniture, toys, garden implements, and anchor down pieces that you can’t bring inside or put away in a garage. Prepare your windows, doors, and garage doors. You may want to brace of shutter these places. Have Important Documents in One Place Home insurance documents and other important papers should be part of your Hurricane kit and available in the event of a storm because you will need that proof for claims and assistance. You may also want copies of important identification and medical documents. Stay Informed Russell & Smith Mazda put together a great list here for you, but there are more tips out there. Watch the Houston news to find out specific instructions to your area. Check out what ready.gov has to say about disaster preparedness and accuweather’s 5 expert tips. Be safe this hurricane season! image from Pixabay.com Pixabay License