Texas Trotter

Looking for a relaxing, nature-filled getaway in Houston? Try out the Houston Arboretum! I’ve made it no secret that I really love Arboretums all across the state. And why not? Texas is full of some really amazing nature and it’s always a great day to take some time to get some fresh air, especially after being cooped up all the time during 2020.  Summer is here and the flowers are in full bloom. And yeah, the heat may be a bit of a challenge but under the shade of green trees, there’s plenty of room to enjoy some beautiful sights and fresh smells in nature.  The Houston Arboretum is the perfect place to visit, complete with plenty of shade, green fields, perfect picnic spots, events, and more! All throughout the month of May and going on into June, the Arboretum will host plenty of exciting activities, from Bingo on the Lawn to a Family Owl Prowl, and more! There are even late-night events for adults who are looking for beautiful nocturnal animals.  Really, it’s the full package if yo

Look alive, Jurassic Park fans! Or is it Jurassic World now? The franchise recently changed its title so it’s hard to keep track! Either way, fans of the series have a reason to celebrate when it comes to new things to do near the Dallas region! Running from June 18th and beyond, the nearby Grandscape region is showcasing Jurassic World: The Exhibition! Whether you’re a kiddo or a million years old, you’ll find an awe-inspiring presentation full of dinosaurs, ensuring hours of entertainment and adventure! At this 20,000 square foot experience, guests can encounter life-size dinosaur models, as well as explore intricate themed environments. You’ll encounter all the old dino favorites including Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, and good old Tyrannosaurus Rex. Plus, there will even be the opportunity to interact with adorable baby dinosaurs, adding a level of incredible cuteness to your visit.  No need to fear for parents--this event is not expected to be too scary or stressful for little ones

I’ve heard tons of exciting new developments for all apartment residents in the area, but none come close to that of what’s happening over at Bella Vista Apartments right now. On Saturday, May 15th, a brand-new FREE healthcare clinic officially opened to the public, celebrated with a ton of fanfare. Karya Kares, the charity program responsible for opening the clinic, officially cut the ribbon at Bella Vista Apartments, attended by some truly big-name officials in the Houston area! These officials included: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Congresswoman Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee, Former-Congressman John Culberson, Consul General of India Shri Aseem R. Mahajan, Former Secretary of State of Texas Geoff Conner, Texas Regional Director Jason Fuller from the office of U.S senator Ted Cruz, Director of Public sector Sam Merchant from the office of Congressman Al Green, Consul member Tiffany Thomas, and Jennifer Herrara from TX-CDR.  Whew! With so many important names like tha

I have plenty of fond memories of Space Center Houston from when I was little.  You’d be amazed at just how much the experience is able to capture a childlike sense of wonder for those who are experiencing it for the very first time. I’m not even really all that big into space exploration nowadays but I’ll admit that it’s pretty awe-inspiring for a small child. And one of the big features that Houston can proudly brag about is its amazing space center. While we’re not the main launching location, we are definitely the brains behind NASA with our communications center and where the astronauts train and rest between missions. And one of the crowning achievements of having such a great space program means having quick access to one of the most entertaining spots in Houston! Space Center Houston is home to some truly informative and engaging entertainment that people of all ages can experience. With holiday events, fun-filled exhibits, great hands-on activities, and plenty of room to run a

Houston is always game for new events to satisfy a hungry stomach. And what better way to experience the culinary thrills that Houston has to offer than to celebrate via a festival of food? You heard me, Houston’s premier food festival is here to celebrate the literal spices of life that make us whole with some great food, fun, and family time.  On May 29th and located in Midtown Park, the 2021 Houston Food Festival will feature food from over 70 different food vendors from Houston, Austin, and other surrounding cities. You can expect a delicious blend of all your favorite meals, from tacos to gumbo to ice cream. There will even be vegan options, along with some truly delicious BBQ for guests to munch on for hours!  Sounds like absolute heaven if you ask me. There will also be plenty of outdoor space as well for those of you who are conscious about Covid-19. Just make sure to wear your mask and socially distance. There will also be some great music at the event as well, with local band

Are you ready for some delicious smokey goodness?  That’s right, I’m talking barbecue. Ribs, smoked ham, brisket--all the finger-licking treasures you’d come to expect from living in the glorious state of Texas. Well for Austin residents, the time has come to loosen your belts and get ready for a dining experience you won’t want to miss!  Running from May 20th through May 22nd, Hot Luck is a one-of-a-kind, palate-pleasing event that is sure to get your mouth watering! With plenty of delicious food and some great live music, guests can experience the thrills of a truly great meal with friends and family.  Located at Franklin Barbecue, Hot Luck features top chefs within the area here to provide some red-hot munchies and live special events throughout the weekend. It’s an absolutely perfect way to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, complete with a special dining experience you’ll definitely never forget. Austin is home to some of the best food locations in the state. Texas is known for its b

Looking for something creative to do near Dallas? Look no further because this great festival is just the creative opportunity you’ve been dreaming of! On Saturday, May 15, the nearby city of Carrollton is hosting its Chalk Art Festival! Located in the absolutely beautiful Mary Heads Carter Park, this awesome festival allows for amateur and professional artists to show off their full artistic potential with a colorful showcase fit for the eyes on the park’s many sidewalks. I’m all for something completely imaginative so I can predict that this sort of experience will be extremely rewarding and cathartic for youngsters looking to become artists when they grow up. The absolutely great thing about this event is that it will also feature food, games, and live music! Plus, artists that participate in the event have the chance to receive some excellent prize money as well for their artistry. I’m pretty sure the registration deadline has already passed but it’s still a great opportunity to sh

I f you held me hostage and told me to pick a favorite food to save my life, I’ll be honest--it would probably be pizza.  For food lovers, Italians, and Ninja Turtles everywhere, pizza is a staple of culinary excellence with an assortment of tasty toppings to choose from. It’s the perfect cheesy, saucy food to enjoy with friends and family alike.  If you’re a Dallas resident, you now have a reason to get excited because the Dallas Pizza Fest will be taking place soon! This tastebud-tingling event will feature a pizza truck block party along with a pizza-eating contest, a kids bounce land, live shows, a beer & wine garden, and much more! For pizza-enthusiasts everywhere, the time has come to stand for your right to consume as much delectable Italian goodness as possible. There will even be a cash prize to the winner of the pizza-eating contest! It’s a win-win situation all around in my book. If you’re a parent with children, you can definitely expect the little ones to go absolutely

Looking for a great place to unwind within the Houston area?  Look no further! If you’re a Houston resident and haven’t had the chance to visit Hermann Park yet, it’s your civic duty to stop by for a visit. Located in Houston’s Museum District, Hermann Park is a sprawling, beautifully landscaped park full of green fields, wide spaces, and plenty of great things to see and do across all boards! The park is home to some of the most iconic recreational landmarks in the city, including the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Hermann Park Golf Course. I was actually just at Hermann Park a weekend or so ago. It really is something spectacular, complete with some excellent civilian services and some absolutely breathtaking nature. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, this is definitely up your alley for a great weekend run or even a great way to spend some quality time with friends or family. Covid took a lot out of us in terms of wanting to g

Ready for some exciting Austin news? This year, one of Austin’s most beloved historic parks is set to reopen with a brand new makeover, complete with acres of green space, hike-and-bike trails, playscapes for the kiddos, and a dazzling outdoor amphitheater for performances.  Waterloo Greenway Conservancy recently announced that on Monday, May 3rd after years of construction, Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater will open to the public this coming August. This sleek, scenic park is designed to cultivate the full Austin experience with stunning landscaping, plenty of nature, and fresh gardens for everyone to enjoy. It hopes to be the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as a solid outing to enjoy some quiet time outside.  “The reopening of Waterloo Park represents a bridge between Austin’s past, present, and future,” says Kathy Miller, interim CEO of Waterloo Greenway. “We’re honoring the culture of the area while building a place that is a vital part of what A

Beware of bats! Just kidding. This place is actually really something special if you live in the San Antonio area. Discovered in 1960 by four college students and running across 60 ft. of natural limestone, Natural Bridge Caverns is the perfect place to visit for anyone looking for a level of fun and adventure.  Complete with special lighting and comfortable temperatures, this premier natural attraction leads guests through amazing caverns complete with some truly awe-inspiring formations. Take a tour through hidden passages or trek through an underground experience you’ll never forget! I have very fond memories of visiting the caverns with my old college Geology group. I remember seeing some extremely spectacular sightings deep down below in the caves. And don’t worry--it’s all perfectly safe with special rules set in place to make sure everyone has a great time. If you’re a bit claustrophobic, no worries. There’s a surprising level of space, as well as clean air, in the caverns to ke

The  unjust killing of AstroWorld really took its toll on plenty of Houstonians with a love for theme parks. The good news is that we’re not completely without the thrill of the theme park experience thanks to Kemah Boardwalk. Located near the Houston area, the Kemah Boardwalk is open daily with the goal of providing a unique level of fun and entertainment for individuals and families alike, complete with rides, great food, and a wonderful coastal atmosphere. The welcoming waterfront climate also includes an array of great shopping locations, festivals, and seaside shows every day, adding to a sweet-natured climate to make the kinds of memories we all could have after losing our beloved AstroWorld.  But don’t worry, the Kemah Boardwalk stands on its own as a completely different experience. There’s even an aquarium that guests can enjoy, along with towers, roller coasters, and some truly great restaurants. Houstonians definitely have plenty of quick reach to the area to really get a fe