The landscape in and around Houston, Texas, is ideal for hiking. Whether you want a short hike or a longer trek, the city and surrounding countryside have something to offer you. Please take a look at our list of the most impressive hikes near Houston. Galveston Island State Park For an easy to moderately challenging hiking experience, journey to Galveston Island State Park. There you'll find several trails that are perfect for a relaxing hike. Visitors are most fond of the Galveston Island State Park Trail, the Clapper Rail Trail to the Carcara Trail Loop, Prairie Trail to Freshwater Loop, and the Clapper Rail Trail to Heron's Walk. The park also offers bird-watching, beach swimming, nature study, camping, fishing, and mountain biking opportunities, so it has something for you no matter what your outdoor leanings are. For a gorgeous landscape full of everything from wetlands to sand dunes, visit Galveston Island State Park. more Sam Houston National Forest Named for the founder of the city, the Sam Houston National Forest is a picturesque landscape full of woodland creatures of all types. This national forest is 163,000 acres in size, so you could explore for years and not see it all. The Sam Houston National Forest is home to one of the most challenging hiking trails in the country, the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which stretches into the woods for a breathtaking 128 miles. Don't worry, there is no need to take the whole trail in one visit. The rangers at this national forest welcome hikers of all skill levels and are glad to give useful tips to anyone new to the activity. Stephen F. Austin Park Fifty miles outside of Houston, you'll find a 12-acre park that was home to the first colony in Texas history. Explore the site where Texas began and view the landscape first settled by Stephen "Big Daddy" Austin, the father of Texas. Stephen F. Austin Park includes a 6-mile hiking trail through the land that was initially released under contract with the Mexican government for three years. If you get hungry during your hike, wander over to Taco Cabana and have a bite to eat. The restaurant hosts hikers year-round. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center At 4501 Woodway Drive in Houston, you'll find a hike so full of life that the creatures there will follow you into your dreams. This 155-acre arboretum and natural sanctuary are just four miles west of downtown Houston. Five miles of hiking trails cut through the parks, wetlands, and forests in the Houston Arboretum and the nature center plays host to a nature shop, aquariums, interactive exhibits, and microscopes. Pick up a list of common wildlife around Houston and see how many varieties of frog, turtle, bird, and other species you can spot on your hike. The grounds are open until nightfall, so night hiking is not permitted. Whether you like to wander for short distances or take on the challenge of epic hikes, the area in and around Houston has a trail for you. Take on these trails and form memories that will last a lifetime. Image by Michelle Orelup from Pixabay
One of the best ways to enjoy a night out with friends is by heading to a local karaoke bar and enjoying a little bit of spotlight. Whether you are there to sing your heart out to some of your favorite tunes or simply to sit back and enjoy the show, karaoke bars are fun for everyone. Here are some of the best places to sing karaoke near Houston, Texas. Spotlight Karaoke Spotlight Karaoke is a popular karaoke spot in the Midtown and Galleria areas of Houston. Here you can book a private room for your party if you only feel comfortable performing for your friends or you can all enjoy singing with the locals in the main stage area. If you plan to sing, it's free of charge, but you'll need to meet the two-drink minimum. You'll have thousands of songs to choose from, so you're sure to find a few favorites. more Book your next celebration at Spotlight and add some karaoke to the festivities. Parties can be booked during the day for any day of the week, and you'll get the option for a private bartender and karaoke jockey. A photo booth is also available so you and your guests can be sure to remember the fun. Rudyard's Pub For anyone with the dream of performing with a live band, Rudyard's Pub can make it come true. Every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the upstairs living room of this Irish pub features a live punk rock band playing only the best list of songs. You'll need to be able to perform songs by bands like Bad Religion, Minor Threat, and The Clash, but if you're feeling like a rock star, you'll be welcomed to the stage. Mohawks are not required but are certainly encouraged. Non-performers shouldn't feel pressured to sing, Punkaraoke is also just an awesome show to enjoy. Dino's Den At Dino's Den, you can have burgers with your karaoke. This classic dive bar is a great local spot for a more intimate karaoke experience. Every Tuesday and Saturday night, head to Dino's for drinks, food, and a chance to jam out to your favorite songs. You'll get to enjoy the performances of local regulars and take your own talent up to the stage for a show. Glitter Karaoke Glitter Karaoke is another fun place offering public and private karaoke experiences. Book the private party room to keep the performances between you and your crew, or hang out in the main lounge area. Glitter welcomes singers new and experienced, and typically everyone will join in the fun. If you've never performed on a karaoke stage before, this is a great place to start. Head out for happy hour five nights a week and enjoy discounted drinks while you sing. Don't be shy, get up on that stage and belt it out! Head to one of these great karaoke spots around Houston, and enjoy an experience you won't soon forget. Image from pixabay.com Pixabay License
Tabletop nerds, rejoice! Houston is one of the best cities in the country for finding great stores for your wares. No matter what game you're into, you have plenty of spots to choose from to find a place to play. Or, if you're looking for a new favorite tabletop game, these stores have you covered. Fat Ogre Games & Comics If you're looking for the ultimate tabletop gaming shop, head to Fat Ogre Games & Comics. This huge store has everything you need to plan your game night right. Comics, games, collectibles, gaming gear — Fat Ogre has it all. Whether you're looking for a new game to bring home or paints and figures to supplement your favorite adventures, you can find it here. more They also hold events for a great swath of games. Sign up or show up to play Warhammer, Magic the Gathering, Star Wars, Warmachine, and more. 8th Dimension Comics & Games 8th Dimension is your pop culture and tabletop Mecca. If you're a seasoned pro or a newbie, this is a great place to get what you need to start rolling dice. This store has been a crowd favorite since 2011. Their friendly staff is ready to help you find the perfect gear for your tabletop gaming quest. If you're into Dungeons & Dragons, show up for their D&D Adventurers League every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Test out your new Magic the Gathering deck every Friday at 6 p.m. They have organized play sessions throughout the week, so check their calendar regularly to find a time and game that works for you. Geek Life Geek Life has been rolling natural 20s since they opened their doors. If you're looking for the best place to find organized play, Geek Life is tops. Their calendar of events is full of events — D&D, Pokemon, Gundam, and more. You'll also find a full inventory of great games that you can play in-house and take home. Grab your favorite comic's latest issue, pick up some collectible gifts and toys, and join the strong, inclusively friendly community at Geek Life. Asgard Games Do you know what pairs well with a holographic Machamp card? A nice cabernet sauvignon. Asgard Games is one of the best places to play your favorite games, in part due to their beer and wine bar. If you don't have time to show off your rogue, grab one of the great games they have for sale and take the adventure home with you. You'll find hobby supplies, miniatures, Pokemon cards, Magic the Gathering cards, and the latest and greatest tabletop games at Asgard Games. They hold in-house events nearly every day, for games from King of War to Netrunner. If you can't find any organized game you like on their calendar, show up to one of their open play times to choose your own adventure. These, along with the many other great stores in town we couldn't fit here, are top-notch tabletop gaming oases. Whether you're shopping for your game night or joining the strong communities here, these shops are your new best friends. Some rights reserved by Hatchibombotar
