Texas Trotter

I absolutely love Phoenix and all it has to offer for the locals. Whether it is the excellent weather, quality dining venues, or stellar community atmosphere, there’s always something new to see and do throughout the area.   What better way to experience the full appeal of the Phoenix area than to pay a visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden? This beautiful outdoor location features 3.5 acres of sprawling nature, including a koi pond, 300 beautifully-colored koi fish, a 12-foot waterfall, stone footbridges, lanterns, and a tea house that offers traditional ceremonies. If you’re looking to take a break from the hot and dusty desert climate that surrounds the Phoenix area, this is a cool and refreshing way to enjoy a bit of green with this thriving and peaceful natural landscape . The garden is open from 10 to 4 Tuesday through Sunday and general admission costs on ly $10, allowing for an easy visit with family and friends. It’s definitely the perfect getaway to find a quiet...

Cats are great. And that’s not just because I’m kind of a cat person (don’t worry, I love dogs as well!), but they just are. They’re low-maintenance, funny, affectionate, and they really are just super fun to watch. The internet itself lays its very foundations on the number of silly cat pictures and videos that exist on every platform. In short, cats are amazing and they’re a joy to be near. So with that said, what could be better than getting the chance to pet and play with cute cats while also enjoying some great coffee and snacks? That’s where cat cafes come in. In Japan, the concept of a cat cafe is part of the everyday norm. And gradually, over time, the US is really starting to pick up on the activity with more and more cat cafes starting to pop up across the country.  El Gato Coffeehouse is Houston’s first and best place to enjoy some coffee and treats while getting to play with some adorable cats. I’ve been there many times and I can’t begin to express just how fun the exp...