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Somehow riding a motorcycle is a more intimate way to connect with nature and your surroundings. Perhaps its the air gliding past your body or the relationship you form with the people and places you pass through. Near Houston, you have plenty of choices for a smooth, exciting ride. Hit the throttle and twist and turn your way through these amazing motorcycle journeys in southeast Texas. Galveston Island and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge Hop on your hog and head south on I-45 until you reach Galveston Island. While the commute out of the city isn't for the faint of heart, once you reach the island, you're met with a sea breeze and coastal waters that provide calm and a time for reflection. Head southwest down the Termini-San Luis Pass Road, which takes you along Galveston Island's most famous beaches. This road eventually turns into the Bluewater Highway where you can continue your journey until you reach Seaside Beach. From there, head north into the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. While cruising through the park, you'll have plenty of opportunities to see birds, waterfowl, and over 100,000 Canadian geese, which migrate here every winter. At the end of this leg of the journey, stop by some of the small towns such as Liverpool, Iowa Colony, or Rosharon on your way back to the Space City. Approximate Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes Distance Traveled: 160 miles Sam Houston National Forest Located about an hour north of Houston is scenic Sam Houston National Forest. Hardwood trees line the forest as you weave your way through the park. The forest has several entrances and exits, allowing you to explore the area as you wish, but if you exit on the west end of the park, you're greeted with rolling hills and seasonal wildflowers. The forest offers plenty of opportunities to see white-tailed deer, quail, doves, and the rare and endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. With plenty of stops and places to stretch along the drive, it's an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate riders. Approximate Time: 4 hours Distance Traveled: 150 miles Texas Hill Country If you're willing to make the trek west into Texas Hill Country, you're rewarded with some of the best riding in Texas. Just northwest of Fredericksburg is the Willow City Loop, often regarded as Texas' finest motorcycle-riding areas. This 20-mile loop takes you through the hilly countryside, where you have numerous opportunities to see wildflowers and other flora and fauna. You'll also get the chance to visit the quaint Texas town of Willow City, where you can stop in for a bite to eat and enjoy the charm of small-town Texas. Hills and curves are a bit more demanding, but at a proper speed, you shouldn't have any problems. Approximate Time: 8 hours Distance Traveled: 475 miles From the beachside roads along the Gulf of Mexico to the river road running alongside the Rio Grande, these motorcycle rides are just a thrilling way to spend your time. They're a memorable moment you won't soon forget. Image from pixabay

With summer right around the corner, Houston's ready to heat up. Sweltering triple-digit temperatures and oppressive humidity swallow the city whole, which means it's time to find some relief. Thankfully, Houston is within close proximity to some of Texas' top swimming holes. From natural spring-fed pools to rivers to lakes, one dip is all you need to ward off the blistering summer heat. Huntsville State Park Located 65 miles north of Houston, Huntsville State Park is one of the closest rural watering holes, requiring you only to get out of the city and urban sprawl before you take a dip. The 210-acre Lake Raven is where you can pop on your bathing suit and splash away between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. in the park's designated swimming area. Make a weekend out of it by renting one of 160 powered or unpowered campsites. Other activities include fishing, boating, and hiking. more Matagorda Bay Nature Park Matagorda Bay is one of the more interesting places to go for a swim in Texas. Located just under two hours south of Houston, this bay is where the Colorado River ends its 1,450-mile journey and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. At the Matagorda Bay Nature Park, you're spoiled for choice as far as swimming. Two miles of beachfront sand on the Gulf of Mexico provides excellent swimming and oftentimes, you'll find waves to splash around in. If you're searching for more calm, cool waters, take a dip in the Colorado River. Often a bit chillier than its vast ocean neighbor, the river is smooth and relaxing, allowing you to float down or stand, enjoy the coolness, and sip a beverage. Camping is available for one day or long weekends. Quintana Beach County Park Zip on down State Highway 288 south for 60 miles, and you'll find yourself within the comfortable confines of Quintana Beach County Park. Named the Houston Press "Top Swimming Spot" in 2013, this county park provides long stretches of unspoiled beach, uncombed and untouched by workers (other than to pick up trash), giving beachcombers the chance to find driftwood and shells with ease. What makes Quintana Beach County Park the top swimming hole is its privateness. Away from the crowds that overrun Galveston, you can enjoy the beach by yourself or with only a handful of others. Plus, the water is a bit bluer her, offering plenty of photo-ops. Sea Rim State Park Located 100 miles east of downtown Houston, Sea Rim State Park is another lightly visited swimming area on the Gulf Coast. Over 4,000 acres of marshlands cover the park (as well as alligators), but it's the 5.2-mile stretch of golden sands that attract most visitors. The pristine beach offers stunning panoramic views, a great place to take a dip, and no crowds. You can also rent a kayak or canoe and take in the scenery from an ocean perspective. With so many different swimming options near Houston, the most difficult part isn't getting there; it's deciding where to go first. Once you've decided that, you're on your way to a relaxing cool-down you'll want to experience all summer long. Some rights reserved by barsen

Do your upcoming plans include a tour of Houston, Texas? Whether your trip to the Houston area consists of a visit at the world-famous NASA Space Center or a day on the Gulf Coast, you're in luck. Let's discover four amazing tours of Houston you should take this year. more The Total Package Consider booking a comprehensive exploration of Houston's prime attractions. Spend the day in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle while you embark on a highly-recommended sightseeing tour of the city. Start your trip with a 90-minute journey to famous local landmarks including River Oaks, Minute Maid Park, and The Toyota Center. Then climb aboard the tram for a tour of the NASA Space Center. Take your time browsing the Mission Control, Training Facility, and Rocket Park exhibits before you head to the city's popular Kemah Boardwalk for dinner at your choice of restaurant. The tour includes snacks and a dinner appetizer, all entrance fees, and pick up and drop-off from your hotel, starting at $115 per person. Explore Historic Galveston What better way to sight-see the area than from the top of a double-decker bus? Meet your guide at 1302 Dallas Street. at 10 a.m. for a wonderful six-hour coach tour adventure. Set out on your historic tour of the area with a 90-minute overview of Houston's key sights. Next, you'll head to the small coastal town of Galveston, where you're invited to explore this scenic Gulf Coast town at your own pace. You'll discover the architectural heritage districts with glorious Victorian mansions, including the Gresham's Castle. Wander through the Strand historic district and gaze at the Galveston Seawall. Hit the beach, go dolphin-watching, browse the shops, or stop for lunch during this unique travel experience from $98.95 per person. Take Your Tour Underground See Houston from an all-new vantage point when you take an underground walking tour. Houston touts an impressive system of tunnels below the city. Head into the depths with a local guide and explore new and ancient sections of tunnels. Unearth the gritty history of Houston through its architecture and treasures by world-famous artists on this one-of-a-kind exploration and learn how Houston's seven miles of pedestrian-friendly tunnels were made. The underground tour departs from Cafe Express on Main Street and costs just $28 per person. Discover the Aquarium Tour Houston's Downtown Aquarium and enjoy a fantastic day with the fishes. This 90-minute city tour loop departs from Houston City Tours visitor's center at 1302 Dallas Street. and stops at the city's 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland. It showcases a variety of sea life and marine ecosystems including a sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon that's home to a gigantic octopus. The aquarium offers visitors a full-service restaurant with an upscale bar, aquatic and geographic exhibits, shopping, and a variety of rides and amusements. The Houston City Tour starts at 10 a.m. Next time you're in Houston, consider a tour of the city. There's no better way to experience everything that makes this Texas city so alluring. Some rights reserved by Texasbu bba

Texas is well known for its bigger is better philosophy, and this state doesn't skimp when it comes to nightlife. From world-class dance clubs to incredible live performances, Houston has it all. We've put together this list of four ways to explore Houston at night. Mingle With Spirits Combine a visit of haunted Houston with a pub crawl and get the best of both spirit worlds. Nightly Spirits is one of the best ghost tour companies in the city. Discover why Houston is the Texas hub for paranormal exploration and research with this authentic, year-round tour. more Guests 21 and over will learn the creepy history of Houston and hear some of its most famous haunted bar stories. Reserve your spot today and start your tour at Charbar at 305 Travis Street. Sip your favorite cocktail and get to know the spirits that may be sitting on the bar stool right next to you. This 2.5-hour journey stops at four haunted pubs and costs just $25 per person. Catch a Live Performance Houston's Alley Theatre is a hot spot for thrilling live performances. Located at 615 Texas Street., this state-of-the-art venue is home to the oldest professional theater company in Texas and offers a season of up to 16 shows. Catch the Pulitzer Prize award-winning production of Beth Henley's “Crimes of the Heart” on May 4 at 8 p.m. Follow Mississippi's Magrath sisters as they embark on a warm-hearted journey to face the present, forgive the past, and embrace the future. Tickets are $26 for this wonderful event. Experience Texas Honky-Tonk One of the best ways to celebrate a night on the town is with an evening of good old-fashioned boot-scootin' honky-tonk. You're going to want to find a rustic venue that touts a large dance floor where you can cut loose to top national and local country music acts. Whether your scene features two-stepping at the cowboy-themed Neon Boots Dance Hall at 11410 Hempstead Road or the Firehouse Saloon at 5930 Southwest Fwy strikes your fancy, Houston delivers a variety of venues to kick up your heels. Order up a long neck bottle of your favorite brew and grab your dance partner. Grab a Cocktail or Two Houston's downtown club scene is undergoing a resurgence. It now features a number of bars along Main Street that are packed with party-goers. These flashy, big-budget nightclubs are serving some of the city's finest craft cocktails while DJs spin the latest heart-pumping dance music that's sure to get your toes tapping. Make your first stop at Okras on 924 Congress Avenue. This unique establishment donates a portion of their proceeds to charity. Head to The Nightingale Room at 308 Main Street on Thursday nights for the area's best local musicians. If you're in the mood for a more romantic evening, try La Carafe on 813 Congress Avenue. Never spend another dull moment in Houston with these four fun things to do. Get out there and explore the city tonight. Some rights reserved by talversonpics70

Camping offers the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to scope out wildlife and enjoy scenic landscapes. It also means spending time with friends and family who share the same interests as you do. If you're planning some recreational fun surrounded by nature and bonfires, these five shops in Houston, Texas, can help you gear up for the perfect camping trip. REI Houston The right equipment enhances outdoor adventures, and REI Houston has a catalog that fits the bill nicely. They even offer workshops to enhance your camping knowledge. From cots and air mattresses to tents and shelter setups, this store has much to offer. You can also shop for items like binoculars, compasses, maps, flashlights, and backpacks for all ages (even some with child carriers). In addition, you can browse the first-aid kits for the right blend of emergency tools and pick up handy accessories such as sunscreen and bug repellant. Other basics include dishware, cookware, and utensils to ensure your makeshift kitchen is the best of the bunch. Add in protein bars and pre-packaged meals, hiking footwear, and camping apparel, and you're good to go! more Army Surplus World This store caters to more than just a military demographic; it also sells everything you need to prep for a camping trip. At Army Surplus World, you can shop for sleeping bags, mosquito netting, and high-quality hydration products. You can also browse for roping supplies and paracord bracelets, canned cooking fuel, pocket knives, and waterproof matches. Additional accessories you'll find here include standard and military-style first-aid kits, flashlights, and camouflage clothing for both children and adults. Whole Earth Provision Co. Find what you need for camping at Whole Earth Provision Co. It's stocked with all the food and drink essentials, including meal preparation, insulated travel cups, portable stoves, water filters, and Yeti campsite coolers. You can shop for other necessities as well, including antibacterial toothbrush holders, body and hand towels, lighters, mosquito-proof shelters, and reusable heat packs. If you're interested in learning more about animal tracking, fire building, knot tying, or stargazing, Whole Earth Provision Co. offers educational cards with all the basics. Trail Expeditions With a large selection of kitchen and sleeping accessories, you can't go wrong with a tour of Trail Expeditions. This store sells a variety of MSR WindBurner cookware, including coffee press kits, ceramic skillets, and cooking pots. You'll also find a generous amount of Therm-a-Rest supplies ranging from mesh cots and bug shelters to mattresses and camping chairs. If you want to sleep atop your camping vehicle, you can shop the Yakima awnings and rooftop tents, too. Bass Pro Shop For the most extensive collection of outdoor gear and apparel, Bass Pro Shop is a must for camping enthusiasts. This sporting goods store has all the basics, including backpacks, bug repellant, flashlights, first-aid kits, sleeping bags, and stainless steel water bottles. Don't forget to browse the aisles for the right outfit as well, whether it's camouflage clothing, raincoats and rain pants, safari hats, or footwear such as fishing shoes and insulated water boots for both men and women. Need to stock up on the perfect camping gear? These five locations in Houston have everything you need to turn your outdoor adventure into a success. Image via Flickr by Michael Brownlee licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

With a Hispanic population bordering a million, it's no surprise that Houston, Texas, is home to diverse cultures and cuisines. In particular, the Mexican restaurants dotting this metropolis bring together a tasteful blend of local flavors with those from south of the border. If you're in the mood for delicious Mexican food, these top eateries in Houston have just the appetizing cure. Arnaldo Richards' Picos Restaurant People come to Picos Restaurant for the diverse flavors brought to you by the seven regions of Mexico, stretching from "El Norte" to the South Pacific Coast. The menu itself offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch options, as well as daily happy hour deals and fajita specials every Monday and Tuesday. One of the most popular dishes we recommend includes the poblano pepper-stuffed Gulf shrimp wrapped in bacon and seasoned with a house sauce. You can also sample breakfast classics like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. Other favorites include the pork pozole soup, charbroiled beef and chicken fajita tacos, and the refreshing margarita and cocktail options. more Tacos A Go-Go Made-from-scratch Tex-Mex food is commonplace at Tacos A Go-Go. As its name suggests, you can expect to see a menu comprising tacos, tacos, and more tacos. You can make your own using corn, flour, or whole wheat tortillas and fill them up with ingredients like eggs, potatoes, chorizo, refried beans, and pico de gallo. You can also order a Mexican street taco with your choice of tortilla, meat, and toppings like cilantro, onions, and queso fresco (white cheese). Or go for a massive 12-inch burrito filled with taco meat, beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and fresh salsa. Other menu items include nachos, quesadillas, and beverages ranging from cafe de olla coffee, Mexican cola, and frozen margaritas. Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen You can find a wide variety of tacos at this establishment as well, though Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen is famous for another popular Mexican dish. It serves up 18 different enchiladas to be exact, and it's received praise for its flavorful cuisine. Chef Sylvia Casares also hosts regular classes for cooking popular Mexican dishes. Options for brunch include an omelet station with ingredients of your choosing, while most lunch and dinner specials are named after South Texas towns. San Antonio comes with fajita tacos and a cheese enchilada. McAllen features two chicken enchiladas drizzled in a chili sauce. El Paso adds three stacked enchiladas and a side of red salsa. Don't forget to pair your meal with a margarita or specialty drink, and finish off with a Mexican dessert like flan, tres leches cake, or sopapillas. Cuchara Restaurant The intricate and brightly colored murals running across the dining room at Cuchara Restaurant may bring diners in, but it's the authentic Mexican bistro food that keeps them coming back for more. This restaurant gets the ball rolling with choices like crispy tortilla soup in a rich pasilla pepper broth, pork belly-stuffed corn gorditas, and a decorated dish of plantain topped with Veracruz-style red snapper. You can also order a Mexican cola, hot chocolate or cappuccino, or traditional agua fresca to complement your meal. For the finest and most flavorful Mexican food in Houston, these top four restaurants certainly offer more than enough to soothe your cuisine cravings. Image via Flickr by DelishPlan licensed under CC-BY 2.0

It’s that time of year again, rodeo season! If you want to get to the rodeo in style this year, you and your entire family should consider climbing into a Mazda SUV. Mazda has a remarkable lineup of SUVs, and we here at Russell & Smith Mazda have many new and used models on our lot for you to view! Whether you’re on your way to or from the rodeo this year, make sure you’re stopping by our dealership to see what we have to offer! more One of the most talked about Mazda SUVs this year is the 2018 Mazda CX-5. Drivers and passengers alike cannot get enough of this modern SUV crossover vehicle, which features all of the safety features, modern technology, and striking style you could ever want. For 2018, the CX-5 comes standard with rear-cross traffic alert and radar-based cruise control. These safety technology features can make your drive easier and safer, and who doesn't love that? Under the hood of the 2018 CX-5 is a four cylinder, 2.5 liter engine, with a six speed automatic transmission. The CX-5 also has four wheel drive, perfect for taking on the road ahead. Another Mazda vehicle that might catch the eyes of your family is the 2018 Mazda CX-9. Whether you're interested in the Sport or Touring trim level, you can test drive the CX-9 at Russell & Smith Mazda! We have an extraordinary selection of CX-9s for your family to check out. The CX-9 has a sleek exterior, 4-cylinder engine, and a six speed automatic transmission. The CX-9 also has a third row, seating up to seven passengers!. When you're commuting to or from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this year, consider making a stop at Russell & Smith Mazda! We're located on the drive to and from the event, so you can see what we're all about without going out of your way. Our Mazda vehicles are perfect for families, so spend some time with yours by visiting our dealership. You can find Russell & Smith Mazda at 3440 S Loop W in Houston, Texas. We hope to see you soon! Sugar Land Mazda Specials | Houston Mazda CX-5

When you get a vehicle, most states require you to carry insurance on it. However, when you start to shop for rates, you may begin to notice that some companies offer comprehensive car insurance. If you’re not familiar with this type of coverage and you’re wondering if it’s something that might work for you, keep reading to learn more about it. more What Is Comprehensive Insurance? Comprehensive insurance is insurance coverage for your vehicle that will help pay to repair or replace it if it’s damaged in an incident that’s not a collision or if it’s stolen. When you choose a plan, you select the amount of deductible that you want to pay out of pocket. Then your insurance company will pay for the remaining damage up to the limit you selected. What Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover? Comprehensive insurance will pay for the value of your vehicle if it's stolen and never recovered. Additionally, it will cover damage to your vehicle caused by weather events, such as hail, tornadoes, or floods. If a tree limb breaks and falls on your car, comprehensive insurance will cover it. Comprehensive insurance will also cover damage caused if a vandal walks by and smashes all your car windows. It will cover your vehicle if there’s a fire or explosion, and it provides coverage if you hit an animal and cause damage to your vehicle. What Does Comprehensive Insurance Not Cover? While comprehensive insurance covers quite a few scenarios, there are some things that it doesn’t cover. If the vandal mentioned above smashes your car windows and steals the laptop you had in your vehicle, comprehensive insurance won’t cover the stolen property. Additionally, if you’re in a collision with another object, such as a pole, fence, or other vehicle, you’ll need collision insurance to cover this damage. Comprehensive insurance also can’t help if you need money to cover roadside assistance or towing or need to rent a car because your vehicle is in the shop getting repaired. Should You Get Comprehensive Insurance Coverage? As with other insurance options, you have to consider your specific situation to decide if you need to get comprehensive insurance coverage. While there are no states that require you to have it, if you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, the lender or leasing company might require you to carry it. You also have to consider if you can afford to repair or replace your vehicle or someone stole it or it was damaged. If not, the insurance might be beneficial. Also, consider how often you deal with the risks mentioned above. While your chances of vandalism might be low depending on where you live, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates there are over 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions every year, which results in around $1 billion in vehicle damage. With this information, you now understand what comprehensive car insurance is and what it covers and doesn’t cover. You can now use what you learned to decide if comprehensive insurance coverage is right for you. Image “ Bad day to be a car” by crazbabe21, used under CC BY 2.0

From earthquakes and hurricanes to floods and forest fires, when inclement weather makes its way across an area wreaking havoc, it can have devastating effects on property. more Flood Insurance When a disaster happens, such as a flood, it’s important for homeowners to understand their homeowner’s insurance policy. This ensures you aren’t left in a dire situation because you weren’t aware you didn’t have flood insurance. Information available from the FEMA website has answers to questions you may have about flood insurance. Flood Zone A fact many homeowners do not realize is living next to or near water is not the only reason flood insurance is necessary. Homeowners living in areas designated as “low risk” can also suffer from a flash flood due to a hurricane, torrential rain storms, and melting snow. Should there be a failure of the city or county drainage system, an overload to the system due to increased water presence, or a levee or dam breaks, homes and businesses in a wide radius can be severely impacted by flooring water. Flood Damage If you homeowner’s policy does not include flood insurance because it is not offered or available through specific insurance companies, homeowners do not need to worry. Flood insurance is available to cover property and personal belongings through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood insurance coverage is available up to $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for the contents. These figures are for home and business flood insurance coverage through NFIP. Whether property is considered located in a high-risk flood zone, medium-risk, or low-risk, flood insurance can be purchased in areas that participate with the NFIP. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program is available from insurance agents and private insurance companies. Affordability On average, flood insurance can cost around $500 per year for a single one-story family dwelling without a basement that resides in a flood zone. Coverage is around $65,000 to cover the structure and its contents. Compared to having no flood insurance and the necessity of getting a disaster home loan to cover losses, based on a $50,000 loan, payments would average around $240 monthly. This is calculated using a 4 percent interest rate on a 20-year loan. Based on the comparison, it’s more economical to purchase flood insurance. There is also the option for homeowners and business owners with property in a low to medium risk area to purchase a Preferred Risk Policy. The estimated cost for homeowners is around $180 yearly and around $39 per year for renters insuring the contents of their rental property. Homeowners and Renters and Non-Residential When flood insurance is purchased, it’s for the building. Coverage for the contents of the home or business is separate and not automatically included. Homeowners and renters can insure their dwelling’s contents for up to $100,000. Business owners can purchase flood insurance for non-residential buildings with coverage of up to $500,000 for the structure and $500,000 for the contents. Federal Disaster Insurance If you’re counting on the government to provide losses due to a flood, unless the president declares the area as a disaster, no federal assistance will be forthcoming. A disaster does not have to be proclaimed for flood insurance to cover losses. Protecting your property and its contents is a smart move since most disasters in the U.S. do not qualify as federal disaster areas. Don’t hesitate to investigate your options. It can take 30 days before flood insurance coverage is active and in effect.