Texas Trotter

For years, people from around the world have fallen in love with the works of Studio Ghibli.  From Spirited Away to Kiki’s Delivery Service to Princess Mononoke, these films have captured the heart and imagination of film and animation enthusiasts everywhere. Yours truly included! I really can’t think of a single film by the company that I haven’t absolutely adored.  The good news for Dallas residents is that now they can experience these films on the big screen the way they were meant to be enjoyed. At the Angelika Film Center, Ghibli fans across the Dallas area can gather together to enjoy subbed and dubbed showings of their favorite Studio Ghibli films at the theater.  With their stunning animation, creative visuals, and quirky storytelling, Studio Ghibli movies are perfect for families and people of all ages. And if you know someone who hasn’t seen these films before, this is definitely the perfect opportunity to introduce them in an ideal movie-focused atmosphere!...

San Antonio benefits from a rich, scenic climate complete with a lovely nature-fueled atmosphere.  So what better way to celebrate it than to experience the amazing nighttime spectacle that is watching a movie under San Antonio’s beautiful night sky? Just in time for the end of summer, Tower of the Americas is presenting a series of family-friendly movies under the stars for San Antonio families across the city to enjoy. These movies include all things Disney, Pixar, and Marvel, ensuring plenty of fan-favorite experiences that your children will absolutely love.  Families can gather together to watch all their favorite movies outside by the Tower of the Americas, surrounded by a beautiful outside glow to maximize the coziness of their experience. Movies will be shown year-round and some of the upcoming titles include Aladdin, Elf, Star Wars, Avengers, and plenty more! It’s a great way to show up to celebrate San Antonio’s welcoming atmosphere, as well as spend quality time wit...

You really can’t put a price on a lazy summer evening, especially when it’s outside in one of the finest areas in Downtown Houston!  I’ve extolled the amazing virtues of Houston’s Discovery Green in the past but it goes without saying that this park really is a spectacle to behold. From its amazing scenic downtown location to its beautiful playgrounds, art, and fountains, Discovery Green is the pride and joy of the area, a perfect place for children and families.  Running throughout the summer, Discovery Green will be featuring its summertime Screen on the Green events. These screenings will include some of your favorite family films including Mulan, Onward, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Abominable to name a few. Families can experience the magic at the movies under the warm glow of the summer evening with the beautiful lights of Downtown Houston all around. And the best part? The movies are FREE, and guests are even invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets! You can even brin...

I’ve showcased pop-up restaurants around Houston before. But why not try my hand at Austin? This May, Austin is featuring a brand new Kevin Smith-themed pop-up restaurant for locals to enjoy--Mooby’s! Running from May 10 through May 15, Mooby’s features a great selection of tasty fast food for movie lovers across the Austin region. From burgers to vegetarian and vegan options, there will be plenty of tasty grub to chow down on at this fun-filled take-out venture.  Mooby’s, for those unaware, is a fictional dining location in Kevin Smith’s movies, from Clerks to Jay and Silent Bob, and more! Guests can book their time in advance and pick up their food with utmost Covid-19 safety. There will even be dine-in options on a first-come, first-served basis. For those of you who love all things greasy and delicious when it comes to fast food, I think it’s safe to say that this will prove to deliver on all fronts! There will even be beer and dessert options available! Austin’s hip, funky atm...

  San Antonio is the gift that keeps on giving. It might just be nostalgia from my college years but I recall the city being one of the absolute best places to live in the entire state of Texas.  And if there’s one place I distinctly remember during my time in San Antonio, it’s definitely The Quarry Market. This relaxed shopping district is located just shy of some of the most prominent universities in the area, including Trinity University and the University of the Incarnate Word. It sports a movie theater, an endless array of great dining options, high-end clothing shopping, a grocery store, upscale housing, and more!  Word is that the Quarry Market is the local hangout place for all the university students. I remember I myself spent more than several hundred afternoons (as well as dollars) there during my time in the city. It’s also a great spot for local food and charity events including the Alamo Heights Farmers Market and the San Antonio Food Bank Drive. It’s just a...

Out of all the things I miss the most in a post-Covid world, it’s getting the chance to go to the movies. There really is nothing like watching something on the big screen and, as much as I’ve enjoyed my Tiger King and The Queen’s Gambit , they simply can’t replace the magic that going to the movies has to offer.  But there’s plenty of good news for me and many other movie-lovers in Houston because the Moonstruck Drive-In is fully open for business! This East-Downtown Drive-In is the city’s first and only permanent drive-in movie theater and event venue, the perfect place to enjoy a good flick from the comfort of your car. Films are screened over the course of the day, from popular family-friendly movies to Sundance Film Festival selections. No matter what your tastes are, there’s always plenty of different options to enjoy, even now during Covid. East Downtown Houston is where the art and soul of the city are truly located. Here, Houstonians can always find a true taste of Texas ...