Bus Charter and Leisure Blog Archive

Los Angeles Country Museum of Art

The Los Angeles Country Museum of Art is home to over 100,000 works of art. The most popular museum in Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Country Museum of Art aims to engage people from all walks of life.

The permanent collections at the Los Angeles Country Museum are sure to awe all spectators. There is a section devoted to Chinese and Korean art. These pieces vary in age from the stone ages to the twentieth century. It includes paintings, jades, and ceramics from Southeast Asia.

One of the most popular sections in the Los Angeles Country Museum is the European Painting and sculpture area. Here you can view masterpieces by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Degas, and Florentino. It is here the famous "Water Lilies" work by Claude Monet is displayed.

There too many permanent collections to name at the Los Angeles Country Museum, but perhaps one of the neatest areas is the Boone Children's Gallery. The Los Angeles Country Museum strives to engage children to appreciate modern day art as well as older pieces. In Boone Children's Gallery children are invited in interact with art and make their own masterpieces. It is here where children can explore Egyptian art in "The Pharaoh's World" section. This is fascinating for children as well as parents.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday- 12:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday 12:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The museum is closed on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Admission: Adults- $9.00, Seniors and students over 18- $5.00, Children 17 and under are free. After 5:00 all general admission is free.

The Los Angeles Country museum is a venue full of culture and beauty. People from all ages young and old will find something fascinating at the Los Angeles Country Museum.

Paying Tribute To Houston Officers

If you are in the Houston area, you should stop by the Houston Police Officer's Memorial dedication to the honor of slain police officers in the line of duty. Every hour of every day, police officers put their lives on the line to uphold the law and keep the general public safe. It is refreshing to see such a memorial that pays tribute to such brave men and women.

This memorial, which is guarded by on-duty officers 24 hours a day, is located on Memorial Drive in beautiful Buffalo Bayou Park. Each year the Houston Police Officer's Memorial hosts an annual wreath-laying ceremony and annual procession to honor the fallen officers of the Houston area.

The design of the memorial is a pretty neat thing to see in person. It is constructed of five stepped pyramids that takes on the shape of a type of Greek cross. There are four slabs inscribed with the names of nearly a hundred Houston officers that have died while in the line of duty. In the middle of these four pink granite slabs is a tranquil reflecting pool. A perfect spot for loved ones and well wishers to reflect on the officers and their great courage and sacrifices.

The park area where the memorial stands is a beauty all on its own. This is a great place to go and read a book, play catch with your children, run with your dog, or even sit down for a leisurely picnic in the inviting Houston air. If you feel like getting some exercise, there is even a great walking path nearby.

This entire area surrounding the Houston Police Officer's Memorial is a beautifully landscaped tribute. Be sure to bring your camera, because these are sights that you will not want to forget. This is a wonderful memorial that your entire family will enjoy.

A Day At Houston Speedway

Are you a race fan? If you are, you have gotta check out the Houston Motorsports Park Speedway. This is one of the sweetest asphalt oval short tracks known to man. A 3/8 mile, high banked track complete with concrete turns sits nestled within a gorgeous state of the art complex.

What a great place to go to hang out with your family, friends or co-workers. Make it a weekly trip for a social gathering! This is the stuff that memories are made of. There are full concessions available so when you are hungry, you can get your snack on. Share a cold brew with someone you love while you are watching the cars racing by!

Just some of the classes that have raced here are the NASCAR Autozone Elite Late Model Series, ASA American Speed Association, USRA United States Racing Association, as well as Thunder Roadsters, Pro Challenge Trucks and Cars, HMS Late Models and Limited Modified, and many more. There is a 40 car showroom on the premises also with a complete spare parts division. For drivers, there are two fully equipped workshops to be used for prep and maintenance. Convenient garaging facilities are available as well.

The ticket prices are super affordable for the entire family. General admission is only $20 for adults, only $5 for children ages 6 through 12, and FREE for children ages 5 and under. If you are looking to get into the pit, the passes are only $25 for all ages. With prices like this, it is no wonder why families make this speedway a regular stop for entertainment.

The Houston Motorsports Park Speedway is conveniently located in Houston at 11620 North Lake Houston Parkway. If you need further information or if you have general questions, you can call the track at (281) 458-1972. What are you waiting for? There is a ton of racing excitement right in your backyard!

A Walk On The Wild Side In Houston

Wonder and excitement await you in Texas at the Houston Zoo. This place is just loaded with tons of great animals in a fun, family friendly environment. There are well over 3,000 animals that live at the Houston Zoo that need constant care and attention by the professional, dedicated staff on board.

There are several great eating places within the zoo area sure to satisfy whatever wild hunger you may have. The Macaw Cafe has a great menu that offers such things as hot dogs, garden burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, fruit salad, taco salad, nachos, chicken tenders, french fries and more. There are even great carts stationed throughout the perimeter where you can pick up a tasty frozen treat or a icy cold bottle of water.

There are some really cool amphibians on display at the zoo such as the black mamba, gaboon viper, komodo dragon, Rio Grande leopard frog and more. If you are one who likes to look at fine-feathered friends, there are also a wide variety of birds on display as well. Chilean flamingos, Indian runner ducks, Congo peafowl, burrowing owls, blue-bellied rollers and hawk-headed parrots are just a few that you can see during your visit. There are many other animals as well like lions, monkeys, camels, prairie dogs, elephants, giraffes, tigers and more.

The hours that the zoo is open for your enjoyment are from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm March through September and 9:00 am until 5:00 pm from October through February. The only day of the year that the zoo closes down is on Christmas day. Admission prices are $8.50 for adults, $4.00 for children ages 2 to 11, free for children under 2 years, $5 for seniors age 64 and older and members get in for free. The cost to ride the Wildlife Carousel is $2 and only $1 for members.

Outdoor Fun In Memorial Park

If you are a major fan of the outdoors, you will just love Memorial Park in Houston, Texas. This is a gorgeous 1,466 acres of woodland goodness for all to visit and enjoy. You will not even believe your eyes when you see the awesome 18-hole golf course that sits in the park. There is so much to see and do, you will think that you are in some swanky resort.

Tennis anyone? There are great, modern facilities at Memorial Park to play tennis so be sure that you bring your racket! There is also an area where you can play softball, you can go for a swim and even play volleyball. Are you someone who just loves the water? You can also take a dip here to cool off after getting your fill of the other activities available.

Memorial Park also has quite a few decent bike trails for those of you that like to get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer on a nice bike path. Looking for a bit more biking adventure? Well, you are in luck! All of the trails are color coded according to skill level so you can either take it easy or hit the harder trails for a bit rougher terrain.

If running is more your style, there are some pretty cool off-road running trails that you can tackle to get your heart racing. Also, if you are looking for more tame run, you should check out their three-mile-loop running path. It is lighted at night for your safety, and paved with crushed granite. All runners will be pleased to know that there are restrooms and water fountains located for your convenience along the path.

Memorial Park is located at 6501 Memorial Drive in Houston, Texas. If you have any further questions or would like more information regarding the facilities, you can call (713) 845-1000.

Discovering The Menil Collection

Any true lover of art should plan a trip to see the Me nil Collection when they are in the Houston, Texas area. This is a wonderful display of the private collection of John and Dominique de Me nil, operated by the Me nil Foundation, Inc. There are an amazing 15,000 pieces for public viewing set up throughout four different areas.

This wonderful site opened up in 1987 to bring some of the most wonderful collections of the 20th century together on display for the general public. The Me nil Collection is full of photographs, paintings, sculptures, prints, rare books and much more. All sure to please any art lover.

When you visit this beautiful collection, you will have the opportunity to view collections of Antiquities, Byzantine and Medieval, Tribal, and Twentieth-Century art. With the Antiquities Collection, you can view some very important prehistoric European items that date back between the fifth century B.C. all the way to the first century A.D. The Byzantine and Medieval Collection is full of medieval art as well as Byzantine artifacts and icon paintings.

Many of these items on display are very rare in nature, which make them a beautiful sight to behold. The Tribal Collection is a decent installation of tribal art including works of ancient Alia art that dates back between the eleventh and nineteenth centuries. The famous Twentieth-Century Collection is primarily focused on European Modernism, Surrealism, and American postwar art. Included in this collection is the very last acquisition of John de Me nil before he died in 1973, the painting, Voice, by Jasper Johns.

Museum hours are from Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm. The facility is closed on mostly all of the major holidays. This lovely environment is offered to the public for viewing completely free of charge. If you are looking for an easy place to park, there is plenty of room at 1515 West Alabama.

Taking In The Arts In Houston

There is so much to see and do in the Houston area, you should make sure to schedule some time during your visit to stop by the Museum of Fine Arts. This is a wonderful place that has so much to offer for the entire family. All of the exhibits and sculptures are just amazing. You will want to spend more than a day here to take in everything that there is to see and do.

With all of the different exhibits there are to choose from, you may want to sit back and take notice of everything that the Museum of Fine Arts has to offer. This way, you can get a good feeling ahead of time for all of the different things that you do not want to miss during your visit.

The Audrey Jones Beck Building at the museum is a gorgeous structure that is home to galleries that hold prints, photographs, drawings, sculptures and more. The Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden is a true sight to behold with the meticulously manicured landscaping and some of the coolest sculptures that you have ever laid your eyes on. These two places are just the tip of the iceberg when talking about all the Museum of Fine Arts has to offer.

You will more than likely have an opportunity to catch a film while you are visiting the museum. There are often several movie showings throughout the calendar year at the museum to both educate and enlighten visitors. There are also great programs for adults who are wishing to get more involved in the arts. You can attend lectures, performances, symposia and take a tour as well.

No matter what you are looking to find at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, you are sure to find some of the best collections and exhibits in all of Texas. This museum prides itself on its state-of-the-art facilities and consistently bringing the best in art education to the public.

A Day At The Houston Sports Museum

If you are a true sports fan, a really true sports fan, then you need to stop by the Houston Sports Museum. The Houston Sports Museum is located at 4001 Gulf Freeway, in Houston, Texas. What is that? You say you have looked for it before but you could not find it? Well, that is because it is located inside Finger Furniture.

Why is it set up in the middle of a furniture store? Well, it is hard to say. That is a bit strange. However, the Houston Sports Museum is built around the old stadium home plate of the Houston Buffalo baseball team. The Houston Buffs were a part of the old Texas League and they played all of their home games on the very site the Museum is located on. It explains it a little bit more, but if you are still scratching your head, that is normal.

Whether it is located in a furniture store or not, this place is home to some really cool stuff. You can find exhibits that include memorabilia from the Rockets, Comets and even the Oilers and Aeros. There is even a really special exhibit that follows the amazing history of the Houston Buffs transformation into the Houston Astros. Talk about your amazing walk through Houston sports history. These are certainly some displays that you will not soon forget.

Admission is completely free at the Houston Sports Museum, so this makes for a great place to go visit with friends or your entire family. The location in the downtown area, is easy to get to once you find the Finger Furniture store. Operating hours for the museum are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm and then on Sundays from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm. This great sports museum is a great little find for anyone who is a lover of sports.

Gorgeous Hermann Park

A vacation in the Houston area would not be complete without a trip to Hermann Park. This place is one of the most historic in all of Houston and still grows constantly today as one of the most popular recreation destinations. There is just no end to all of the wonders that are continuously adding to this beautiful space amidst the bustling Houston community. Just wait until you get a chance to see all that awaits you in Hermann Park.

Sit back and relax in the serene and tranquil Hermann Park Japanese Garden. There are lovely shaded paths for you to leisurely stroll along through as you wash your stresses away. A few minutes in this harmonious garden space and you will feel as though you have traveled to Japan for a quick getaway.

A really amazing place that you can plan to visit while Hermann Park is the wildly exciting Houston Zoo. What a fun place to take the kids for an exotic adventure. You can see over 3,500 rare and interesting animals during your visit. A trip to this well-kept zoo will be a memorable experience for your entire family to enjoy.

If you are looking for a bit of a romantic getaway with that special person in your life, take a stroll by McGovern Lake. Maybe you are on a date, honeymoon or a nice vacation. Any way you slice it, there is nothing more romantic than a cozy ride on a pedal boat across the lake. Rentals only cost $8 for a half an hour, plenty of time to spark up a lovely conversation about all of the lush landscape and scenery that surrounds you.

No matter what destination you choose, Hermann Park truly has something for everyone to enjoy. The citizens of Houston take pride in all of the gorgeous land and wonderful activities that are set up in this nice, almost resort-like setting.

The Sounds Of The Houston Symphony

If you are looking for a little bit of fine musical entertainment the next time you are in the Houston, Texas area, be sure to stop by to be delighted by the Houston Symphony. The symphony was founded back in 1913 and is known to be one of the oldest performing arts organizations in America. There have been many wonderful leaders of the talented orchestra over the years bringing them to the top of their performing abilities.

There are approximately 170 concerts performed each year at the Houston Symphony, entertaining more than 350,000 people. Some of the amazing performances include: Time Warner Family Concerts, the Gold Classic Series, Messiah Performances at Christmas, The Houston Chronicle Dollar Concert, and many more.

The design inside the Houston Symphony is just amazing as well. Interior design includes a gorgeous scarlet carpet, teakwood and travertine marble accents, and stunning sixty-six foot ceilings. Once you get inside you can also enjoy a glass of exquisite wine, a steamy cappuccino, or gourmet desserts while you wait for the performance. All of this makes for quite an enchanting and entertaining experience.

For those patrons wishing to bring children, they are welcome to all Houston Symphony events if they are age six or older. Time Warner First Concerts are available for viewing by children of all ages, including infants. To those performances, all children older than one must have a ticket.

Pictures are not allowed at all during any performances in the hall. Items such as cellular phones, pagers and other noises devices are prohibited as well. Also, food items are not permitted inside during performances. There are plenty of areas outside in the lobby to consume food and drink before showings or during intermissions.
If you have any other questions or would like further information, you may
call the Houston Symphony at (713) 224-4240.

History And Heritage At The Shrine Of The Black Madonna

Anyone who is interest in African or African American arts simply must visit the Shrine of the Black Madonna while they are in the Houston area. The Shrine, located at 5317 Martin Luther King Boulevard, is a Pan African Orthodox Christian church dedicated to serve those in the Houston area. There are also churches located in Detroit and Atlanta as well.

The Shrine of the Black Madonna celebrates Mary, Joseph and Jesus as people of color within this amazing sanctuary display of red, black and green. During your visit, you can stop by the Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center and Bookstore for some really amazing items as well as exhibits. The Black Holocaust Exhibit is a stunning and moving display that explains the effects of the brutal slave trade. While viewing this exhibit, you can learn through authentic slave documents, articles, memorabilia, and pictures. There is much to learn about this critical time in African American history, making this a must-see on your trip to the Houston area.

There is also a display dedicated to Black Inventors that includes replicas of some of the many inventions that have been produced and patented by African Americans over the years. Just some of the important patented inventions you can learn about are the toilet, mailbox and many others. If you have never stopped by this place, you really should. It is full of great things to learn about.

Hours at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore are Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. If you are lucky enough to visit the bookstore on special days, there are often book signings as well as other in-store events such as poetry readings and various lectures that are all related to Black history and culture.

You Must See The Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden

Any true lover of the fine arts simply must visit the Lillie and Hugh Roc Cullen sculpture garden. This lovely little gem is located within the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Texas. The gorgeous garden holds over 20 great works of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston along with others from various major collections. You will just love visiting this place that was created by sculptor Isamu Noguchi back in 1986, which now holds some of the most exquisite sculptures that anyone has ever laid their eyes on.

You will find the Sculpture Garden during your visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston by way of Montrose Boulevard at Bissonnet Street. The hours that you can visit are from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm every day. And you cannot beat the free admission. Seeing such great works without a price tag is pretty much unheard of!

Parking is easy to get to within the four-story covered parking garage conveniently located within the Museum of Fine Arts Houston Visitors Center. The parking only costs $3 for the entire day. If you prefer outdoor parking, there are also a few street level lots available around the premises.

During your visit to the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden you can also stop by the Cafe Express within the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. This is a really nice place to stop for a snack or quick lunch to keep you going for some more browsing through the garden area.

Be sure to bring a camera for your visit. The many sculptures on display in the garden are truly picture worthy. Besides, you will want to be sure and have great photos of them to share with your friends and family as well. A trip to the gardens is a memorable and educational experience.

Stunning Rothko Chapel

If you would like to visit a gorgeous, meditative environment while you are in the Houston, Texas area, the Rothko Chapel is the perfect destination for you. This stunning chapel was founded by famous artists, John and Dominique de Menil. Thousands of visitors grace the Rothko Chapel every year to come together with a wide variety of faiths from around the world.

No matter what your faith is or your level of belief, there is something about the Rothko Chapel that will draw you in. Whether it is the amazing architecture, or the lovely philosophy behind the creation of such a gorgeous place, once you visit, you will understand. Many people have been touched and enlightened by this famous piece of culture that makes a lovely addition to the Houston landscape. Young and old, no matter what your race or background it, the Rothko Chapel welcomes you with open arms and loving spirit.

The Rothko Chapel is conveniently located at the corner of Yupon and Sul Ross smack dab in the center of the Houston museum district. The Chapel is open every single day of the year to cater to the needs of everyone who wishes to stop by. Hours are Saturday through Tuesday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm and Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. Of course, admission is completely free and donations are always a welcomed gift.

There is ample street parking available around the chapel making for easy travel along with wheelchair access at the north end of the chapel as well. You are not allowed to bring any bulky items into the chapel such as backpacks or umbrellas. Certainly food and drink is also prohibited along with photography and videotaping. Please respect others as well during your visit and shut your cell phone off.

Do Not Miss The Heritage Society In Houston

Would you like to learn a little about the amazing past of Houston, Texas? If you would, be sure to pencil in a visit to the Heritage Society the next time you are visiting the Houston area. The Heritage Society is the only outdoor, interactive museum and park located within the city.

On the grounds, there are 19 acres of gorgeous parks for your enjoyment. There are always hundreds of visitors flocking to the 8 historic structures maintained by the Heritage Society. The dates of the buildings range from 1823 to 1905. When you visit each one of these homes, you can learn about the wonderful part that each one of these families played in the earlier times in Houston.

The Yates House was built by a freed slave named Jack Yates back in 1870. Reverend Yates was a well known religious leader in the Houston community. Back in 1994, his home was given to the Heritage Society and was moved to the park for display.

The Staiti House was built back in 1905. Bought by an oil tycoon named Henry T. Saiti, this lavish and spacious house was complete with professional landscaping as well as electricity. The Staiti House was brought to the park for display in 1986.

The Heritage Society museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm and on Sundays from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. There are also tours available of the historic houses. The times are as follows: Tuesday through Friday at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm.

Saturday times are 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on the hour, every hour. On Sundays, reservations are suggested for the 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm tours. You can call them to set up group tours or ask for more information at (713) 655-1912.

Remembering The Holocaust In Houston

There is a wonderful place in the Houston area dedicated to helping educate people about the horrors of the Holocaust. Over 6 million innocent Jews and others lost their lives throughout the terribly tragic time period. The Holocaust Museum Houston is open with a main goal to teach about the dangers that are involved with hatred, prejudice and apathy.

There are a great many permanent exhibitions on display as well as other interesting programs and events on a regular basis. Since the time the Holocaust Museum opened back in March 1996, hundreds of letters, poems, artwork and more have come in from individuals and school groups that have been moved by the impact they felt from all of the exhibits they encountered.

Some of the events that have been held at the museum are "Medical Ethics from the Holocaust to Present Times", "Who are the Real Heroes?", "The Fate of a Man", "Remembering the Past for the Sake of Future" and many others. There is always something new and informative to learn about at the museum.

One of the permanent exhibits that is on display is called "Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers". This is an exhibit that mainly focuses on the stories of some of the Holocaust survivors that are living with the Houston area. During your viewing of this exhibit you can see a few short films with verbal testimony from the area survivors.

The hours that the museum is open are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and then on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm. The museum is located on 5401 Caroline Street in Houston, Texas. General admission is completely free, making this a great place to bring the entire family for an educational outing and learning experience that they will not soon forget. For more information or to ask general questions, you can call the Holocaust Museum at (713) 942-8000.

Excitement Around Every Corner at Funplex

Looking to add a little bit of excitement to your life? Funplex is the place to go in Houston for all that is fun and excitement. The possibilities of activities here are pretty much endless. Nowhere else on earth is there another place that you can go and do so much all in one place. You could literally spend a few weeks at Funplex and never get bored at all.

Are you up for a little roller skating? At Funplex, there is a 12,000 square foot rink complete with a state of the art sound system for hours of skating enjoyment. Are you more in the mood for some mini-golf? Funplex offers a great course called Putter Park. This is a huge course that is great for the entire family, full of waterfalls, caves and more.

Are you someone who likes to get in on a few good amusement park rides? Once again, Funplex has them! You can ride the Ferris Wheel, the Rio Grande Train, the crazy Lady Bugs, spin around in Orbotrons, crash around in the Bumper Cars and even fly high in Red Baron Air Planes! There are rides perfect for your entire family.

You can even go to Funplex to celebrate the next birthday of your child. There are several different packages available for you to choose from. One great choice is the Fun Paint party package. Here, you can schedule a party to get together and paint your chosen piece of lovely ceramic. Kids just love to get their hands on their own work of art.

Getting hungry from all of this fun and excitement? The variety of fun foods you can get your mitts on is huge! You can have Hot Dogs, Funnel Cakes, Ice Cream, Burgers, Salads, BBQ, Cotton Candy and more. You can either eat like you are attending the local carnival or as though you were out at a great restaurant. Funplex has it all!

Enjoy The Outdoors At Miller Theater

Looking for a little something wonderful to do outdoors in the wonderful Houston air? The Miller Outdoor Theater located at 100 Concert Drive in Houston, Texas is a fantastic theater that offers free entertainment to the public in an amazing outdoor setting. This open-air setting near Hermann Park in the downtown area is host to some of the best free entertainment in the United States.

During the holiday months, people are welcome to attend for viewings of several classic holiday movies to get you in the spirit! Movies such as A Christmas Story and White Christmas are sure to be a hit for the entire family. Plus, you really cannot beat the price. Free admission to see some of the best holiday movies produced is just wonderful!

For the summer months, you are bound to find many great performances to brighten your evenings. Are you in the mood for a little entertainment? How about a free concert with a loved one underneath the starry Houston skies? Nothing says romance like some fantastic free entertainment amidst the warm Texas air!

There are also a lot of different fun and family oriented events that are scheduled from time to time at the fabulous outdoor Miller Theater. Because the admission is free, it is a wonderfully affordable way to bring out the entire family where other attractions would cost you a bundle. This is a lovely setting to kick back, relax and enjoy some great entertainment with your children.

There is a concession stand available at Miller Theater where you can purchase refreshments as well as all of the supplies you would need for a great picnic. All proceeds go to supporting all of the free performances that are put on at the Miller Theater. A great time can be had by all at this lovely free venue

Check Out Some Printing History In Houston

If you are looking for some educational insight on the printing industry, you should stop by the Museum of Printing History in Houston, Texas. The Museum features wonderful information and workshops regarding printmaking, papermaking, as well as book bindery. There are several volunteers and resident artists on board to teach as well as answer and questions that may arise regarding the history of printing.

There are all kinds of collections and exhibits on display at the Museum that pertain to the vast history of printing throughout the years. There are also many exhibits of some of the works by print artists and other printers. If you are interested in looking at some of the equipment that has been used to create various print works throughout history, the museum also carries quite the display of machinery. You can browse through a collection of books, type, and ephemera regarding the commercial printing industry along with some of the different presses and equipment that was used in different processes along the way.

Just a small list of some of the items on display include: 1604 Douay Bible, 1765 Tax Stamp, 1453 Gutenberg Bible Facsimile, Ancient Papyrus Fragments, Antique Bookbinding Equipment, Letter Press and Type Collection, 1830 Oak Litho Press and much, much more. If you have ever wondered about the history of the printing industry, maybe it is the perfect time for you to schedule a visit to the Museum!

The Museum of Printing History is located on 1324 West Clay Street in Houston, Texas. Hours for your visiting pleasure are from Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Admission is only $5 for adults, $2 for children, students and seniors. Group tours are available as well, with the cost being $4 for adults and $2 for children. For further information or to set up a tour, you can give them a call at (713) 522-4652.

A Trip To Lovely Rienzi Mansion

For a gorgeous view of European decorative arts, a trip to the Rienzi Mansion in Houston is an absolute must. Located in the beautiful River Oaks district, this mansion is furnished in some of the finest English, Italian and Roman styles. The outside of the mansion is laced with some of the most lush gardens and beautiful tall trees that span over five acres.

The Rienzi Museum was formerly owned by the Masterson family and is now actually a part of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. The mansion was designed back in the 1950s by an architect named John F. Staub. This talented architect was also responsible for designing Bayou Bend and other various wonderful structures.

The Rienzi Mansion opened for public viewing back in 1999, and since then has been the delight of all who stop by to catch a glimpse of one of the most handsome properties in all of Houston. Behind the majestic doors, you will find a lovely collection of fine English ceramics as well as a large collection of fine Continental porcelain. It is said that any person who is lucky enough to pass through the doors of the mansion will be suddenly struck with delight at all of the visual wonders they will come to behold.

The stunning mansion is located at 1406 Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas. It is open for viewing Mondays and Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Admission is only $6 for adults and $4 for seniors and students with a valid id. Reservations are required so be sure that you call them ahead of time to schedule your tour at (713) 639-7800. The Rienzi Mansion is an amazing place to visit for a concert, tour or even to bring your entire family for a day of activities amidst the splendor.

Lift Off At Space Center Houston

The wonder of space exploration has been on the minds of millions of Americans since the very first moon landing. Kids and adults alike love to learn about the many planets, stars and formations that make up the vast universe around us. For a really cool learning experience, you should pack up the entire family and head out to the Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Here, at NASA's Johnson Space Center, you can take a super interesting guided tour to learn how this amazing facility works. Many times during these guided tours, visitors even get a chance to see actual astronauts training for upcoming space missions. You will be amazed at every aspect of the center and how it all works to come together as one of the top Space Centers in the entire United States.

If you are bringing the kids, you will be pleased to know that there is even a special place for them to get some hands on learning experience about everything that the astronauts get to do in space. In the Kids Space Place there are a ton of really cool exhibits for younger minds to learn about the exploration of space and all about living on the space station just like a real life astronaut. Your child will probably be talking about their experience for many years to come.

Admission prices for the Space Center Houston are $18.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 4 through 11, and $17.95 for seniors. Hours of operation are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am until 6:00 pm on weekends. For further information on group rates or extended hours, you can call the Space Center information line at (281) 244-2100. If you have ever dreamed about the stars and the universe, this is a great place to go to feel like you are really there!

Horse Racing At Sam Houston Race Park

Are you a fan of horse racing? Have you been to the Sam Houston Race Park yet? If the answer is no, then what are you waiting for? This classy horse racing park has some of the finest live Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Racing in all of Texas!

The race park also has a lovely facility called Pavilion Centre that is located right next to the race tract. This is a beautiful facility that can be reserved for retail shows, receptions, company outings and any other special events. Imagine how wonderful it would be to book a lovely evening to hold a birthday or anniversary party at the horse track! You will even have your choice of food options from the extensive catering menu.

Speaking of food, if you are in for a day of great horse racing, you are bound to work up quite an appetite. The Winner's Circle Restaurant is located at the park for sheer dining enjoyment. All of the seats in the restaurant have a perfect view of the finish line so you can catch all of the action while savoring one of the many delicious menu items.

If you are in the mood for a little bit of healthy shopping after a great day at the track, the Colors Gift Shop has a wide variety of equestrian gifts and souvenirs from the racetrack for you buying pleasure. You will find different clothing items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and even infant items. There is also a good collection of silverware such as glasses, mugs, key chains and magnets all sporting the Sam Houston Race Park logo. All of these things can make great gifts for yourself or your friends and loved ones at home.

Sam Houston Race Park is located at 7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West in Houston, Texas. For additional information or general questions, feel free to give them a call at (281) 807-8700.

Natural Science In Houston

If you are a science buff, you simply must stop by the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This place is just loaded with some of the coolest exhibits and displays that you will ever find under one roof. Once you visit, you will want to keep coming back time and time again because there is always something new and exciting going on.

The George Observatory is a great place to learn about everything that has to do with Space Science Education. You can go on simulate space missions, check out a cool meteorite exhibit with actual fragments of famous meteorites and so much more. There are three giant telescopes at the George Observatory for visitors to catch a glimpse of some of the breathtaking views of the night sky.

How about a stop over at the Insect Zoo within the Cockrell Butterfly Center? You will find a huge amount of different arthropods here. All together there are about 30 different species that include insects, myriopods, arachnids and more. Feast your eyes on a Greenbottle Blue Tarantula or a Giant Prickly Stick. This is one stop at the Museum of Natural Science that you are sure to never forget!

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is located at One Hermann Circle Drive in Hermann Park, just across the street from the Miller Outdoor Theater. Hours of operation vary depending on the exhibit you are wishing to see. The cost to get in also ranges in price depending on where you wish to go, either the exhibits, Butterfly Center, Planetarium or IMAX. However, all of the pricing is extremely reasonable ranging from as low as $1.50 and only going up to a maximum of $8.00. A trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science is not only fun for the whole entire family, but it is affordable as well.

Seeing The Military Museum of Texas

Are you a military buff? Do you happen to know somebody who is? If so, then you really need to plan a trip to see the Military Museum of Texas located on 8611 Wallisville Road in Houston. There is plenty of great stuff to see here from equipment and vehicles to pictures and memorabilia. Interested in learning about the history of the US hand grenade? How about the development and history of the WWII Jeep? These are all interesting facts and information that you can find out at the museum.

If you area of interest in the military lies with the vehicles, then wow are you in luck! The museum is loaded with an awesome vehicle display. You will want to be sure that you are stocked up with plenty of film in your camera to get some cool shots. Tanks, supply trucks, you name it, you can see them at the museum.

The Military Museum is a great place to see some of the best collections of military articles in the entire state of Texas. You can check out some of the best artillery field pieces ever used by the military as well as military support and field equipment from all wars starting back with World War II.

The museum hours are on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and again on Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you have any questions or if you would like information on membership to the museum, you can call them at (713) 673-1234. You can even schedule your own guided tour for yourself, your family or even your school group. What a great way to learn about military history, in this up close and personal setting. This is a place dedicated to our military and offering a wonderful educational outlet for all who are interested.

Shop Until You Drop At Traders Village

If you are in the mood for some amazing shopping, you simply have to hit Traders Village when you are in the Houston, Texas area. This cool place is located at 7979 North Eldridge Road for some fun shopping for the entire family. Not only can you shop the flea market, you can also hit some of the great festivals that are put on at Traders Village.

Traders Village opened up back in 1989 and fills up over 100 acres with a shopping extravaganza put on by about 1,000 dealers. You can find tons of items here on any given day such as flowers, crafts, automotive accessories and tires, clothing, furniture, jewelry and much more! The market is open every Saturday and Sunday for your shopping pleasure from 7:00 am until Dusk.

If you need to get some extra cash for shopping, there is an ATM located on the grounds for your convenience. You can also rent strollers, wagons and wheelchairs to help you get around a bit easier. If you are looking for something great to eat, there are awesome food stands that serve almost anything that you can dream up.

You can even stay for a while until you get all of the shopping out your system. There is a great RV park on the grounds as well that is open 365 days of the year. Drive on in with your motor home and stay at one of the 287 sites with full hookup capabilities. At the RV park you will find cool amenities such as clean restrooms and showers, dump stations, playground, swimming pool, recreation hall, mini-mart and more. It is like a little village located right next to Traders Village!

Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend visit, this is the place to go for the best deals around! Catch a show at one of the festivals, shop for the holidays, or just browse around. You will be amazed at all of the deals that you can find all in one place.

A Perfect Getaway At The Arboretum

If you are like most people today, you long to get away from it all. The stresses of everyday life can certainly start to take their toll on you after a while. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center may be just what you need to set your senses free. This 155-acre sanctuary located on the western side of Memorial Park is full of some of the coolest plants and animals in the Houston area.

There is a gorgeous five-mile trail area that all visitors can explore for free.There are also quite a few school groups who regularly attend field trips at the arboretum to gain a better appreciation of the natural world around them. What a great place for the entire family to go and learn about the many wonderful aspects about the environment around them.

At the arboretum, there is a great place called the Discovery Room. Here, you can learn all about trees and every aspect of the forest in an educational and interactive environment. You can explore by viewing little things under a microscope or maybe listen to various audio clips that tell about the creatures that live in the forest.

If you are in the mood to shop and pick up various trinkets, the Gift Shop is open from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm daily. You can buy some of the coolest gifts from books, educational toys and much more. All of the proceeds from purchases help to fund the Nature Center in keeping their educational programs running.

The gates to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center are open every day of the week. The Grounds and Trails are open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. The Discovery Room is open every day but Monday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Cost of admission to the arboretum is always free, but donations are truly welcomed and appreciated.

Planning A Drive To The Art Car Museum

Looking for something fun to do? How about something that is truly unique? Maybe even something that your friends will not believe you if you told them that you were there unless you were able to show them pictures to prove it? Well, if you are going to be in the Houston area, you are truly in luck. The Art Car Museum has the funkiest displays of art on a vehicle canvas that you can imagine.

You probably never thought that you would see a car transformed into a giant white Easter bunny complete with a basket loaded with bright, pastel eggs. At this museum you can! There are cars loaded up with some of the coolest paint jobs, gems, glitter, and props on the planet. In this place, you will never know what you are going to find. Like, can you ever imagine seeing a car transformed into a giant, creepy cockroach? How about a 12 foot tall red stiletto heel that seats two and goes up to 80MPH? You have to see these rolling works of art to believe them.

All of the artists are amazing at what they do. Not only that, they love and take great pride in the artwork that they create. Once they have a vision, they make it come to life. Plus, what better canvas to create your art on that something as real, big and as 3-D as a car?

All of the exhibits on display are from local, national and even international artists that come together to forge a display of really cool contemporary art. Once a year, many of the cars displayed participate in the Art Car Parade which is held each April or May in conjunction with the Houston International Festival. The Art Car Museum opened back in February of 1998 and has been putting on amazing displays to the public ever since. Whether you are an art fanatic or a car enthusiast, this is the place for you to see.

The museum is open from Wednesday through Sunday with hours from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. Easy to get to, the museum location is at 140 Heights Boulevard in Houston. You can schedule your own tour to ensure you see all that there is to see by calling (713) 861-5526.

Fun At The Museum Of Health and Medical Science

When you are in the Houston area, be sure to make some time to stop by for a visit to the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science. This place is a world full of learning and amazement for everyone in your family. Known as the most visited health museum in the entire country, millions of visitors have made this an exciting stop on their tour of all that Texas has to offer.

To enter the museum, you first must enter through the giant mouth that is the gate to the rest of your visit. Then you travel through the esophagus hallway to the true "inner body experience" in the heart of the museum. On display are many huge anatomy models that all explain their functions within the human body and their effect on your health. This is really the perfect place for all ages to go to learn about all that is wonderful in the human body as well as teaching you to take care of you mind and spirit as well.

On Thursdays, the McGovern Museum of Health and Science offers Free Family Thursdays and Museum District Day where guests may enter free of charge. What a cause for a great group outing! The hands-on exhibits, programs and special classes available are sure to get your imaginative juices flowing to keep your creativity going even after you leave the building.

Memberships to the museum are really affordable for all. For just $35 you can get a membership that entitles yourself and a guest to admission for a full year. There are also several other benefits that are included with your membership such as a low $50 family admission price, a 10% discount for shopping in The Amazing Body Store and much, much more. There is fun in leaning for the entire family!

A Stop At The Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum

A trip to the Houston area is just not complete without stopping by to view the breathtaking Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum. This is a gorgeous venue that is host to the only intact Byzantine frescoes in the entire western hemisphere. This lovely asset to the United States was opened back in February of 1997.

The story behind the Byzantine Fresco display is just amazing and worth telling for generations and generations to come. The Menil Foundation worked diligently to restore the paintings that had been stolen from a chapel in Cyprus back in the 1980s. This was no small task for Menil as these paintings were cut into pieces so they could be smuggled off of the island to be sold bit by bit. Once they had been rescued, the Menil Foundation was granted the paintings on loan from the Church of Cyprus and now they are on display in Houston for all to see.

Everyone, from young to old, will appreciate such a stunning display of fully restored artwork. Whether or not you are an art history buff, you can really enjoy your visit to the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum. You will love to learn about the rich history behind every stroke that went into the creation of each painting. This could make a wonderful day trip for your family, with a friend or loved one, or even a larger group. Tours may be scheduled ahead of time by calling the Menil Collection.

The hours that you may stop by to view these gorgeous pieces of wonderful art history are from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at the Menil Collection location, 4011 Yupon at Branard in Houston, Texas. For further information regarding this fine display, you may give the offices a call at (713) 521-3990.

Enjoying Theater Under The Stars

Do you love the theater? Are you one who enjoys wonderful productions in a glorious setting? If so, then you must schedule a visit to the Theater Under The Stars in Houston, Texas. Theater Under The Stars was founded by Frank M. Young back in 1968 and the venue has been delighting audiences ever since. The non-profit theater has put on more than 200 musicals through the years.

Just some of the amazing productions that the Theater Under The Stars has put on are Miss Saigon, Mame, Jesus Christ Superstar, Man of La Mancha, Carousel, Scrooge, Chaplin and many, many more. If you did not see anything in that list that tickled your fancy, there has also been Grease, Nunsense, Brigadoon, Flower Drum Song, Jekyll and Hyde, Thoroughly Modern Millie and others. There is always something wonderful going on to suit just about everyone, even those with eclectic tastes.

When you are planning a visit to the Theater Under The Stars, you need to be sure that you are on time. Otherwise, you will have to wait to be seated during a pause or the first intermission during the show. Evening performances, except Sundays, start at 8:00 pm. The Sunday performances start at 7:30 pm, with matinees at 2:00 pm. It is always best to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to the start time of the show.

People of all ages are welcome, with the exception of children who have to be at least 4 years old to attend any of the shows. This can make for a lovely group outing with friends or even a nice trip for a local school group. Also, a famous play performed at the Theater Under The Starts is a phenomenal way to impress that special someone on a date!

Tickets to all events as well as subscriptions are available by calling the ticket center at (713) 558-8887. If you become a subscriber, you get tickets to all of the shows offered at the Theater Under The Stars as well as significant discounts on additional or season tickets.

Climb Your Way Through The Texas Rock Gym

Have you ever been rock climbing? Maybe you are afraid to? If not, then you should check out the Texas Rock Gym Memorial located in Houston, Texas. Here, they take rock climbing very seriously! You will be amazed once you see this high quality, professional rock climbing gym. People of all ages can come here to experience one of the coolest and most popular adventure sports.

At this Rock Gym location there is over 10,000 square feet of amazing climbing walls for you to conquer. You will also find a 14-foot boulder as well as 12 lead climbing anchors and 40 top-roping stations. Even the more seasoned climber could have a hard time covering all of this terrain! They even go through and change the area up a bit from time to time to keep things fresh and interesting for all.

If you are looking to plan a climbing trip, do not worry about it breaking your bank. A day trip to the Rock Gym is really affordable. An off peak day pass is only $10.50 and a peak day pass is still a good price at only $12.50. If you are looking just to hit the boulders, it is only going to cost you a mere $7.00. There is a one-time registration fee for all climbers of only $3.75. Do you have your own gear? If you in need of some, you can rent climbing shoes, harnesses and chalk for nominal fees as well.

This true climbing destination is located at 1526 Campbell Road in Houston. If you would like more information, feel free to give them at shout at (713) 973-ROCK (7625). The hours that the Texas Rock Gym is open for you to get your climb on are Monday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Be sure and check this place out if you are looking for some great fun and exercise!

Up For A Little Funeral History Anyone?

If you are a person who likes the macabre, a visit to the National Museum of Funeral History may be just perfect for you. This gem is located at 415 Barren Springs Drive in Houston, Texas, where they say that any day above ground is a good one!

Okay, so maybe you have never given much thought to the history of the funeral industry. Even so, you will be truly impressed and amazed at all of the interesting history and heritage that surround this important industry that eventually affects each and every one of us. The National Museum of Funeral History is known as the largest, non-profit educational center in the world. All proceeds from admissions, gift shop sales, and donations raised go directly into museum operations.

While you are at the museum there are all sorts of really cool and interesting exhibits to help further educate the public on all that is the funeral industry. You will get to see, up close and personal, some of the most beautiful examples of different hearses that have been used through the years. For instance, there is the stunning 1921 RockFalls Hearse. The detail that went into creating this exquisite hearse is just amazing. You will have to see it in person to truly appreciate the wonderfully hand carved, wooden side panels.

Another awesome and interesting exhibit brings you through the history of Civil War embalming. Follow famous Civil War embalmer, Dr. Thomas Holmes through every step of the old school process of embalming. You will even learn about some of the primitive tools he used to prepare bodies for their final journey.

This is a really cool place to visit to give you a great education about the all of the fascinating aspects that make up the history of the funeral industry. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm. The cost of admission is only $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and veterans, $3 for children 12 and under and children under three get in for free. Set up your tour of the National Museum of Funeral History today!

A Day At The Orange Show

If you are looking for a truly unique experience in the Houston area, you must stop by The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. This is a non-profit organization that was founded back in 1980 as an outlet for people to express their inner artist.

When you visit The Orange Show you are greeted with a neat maze of walkways as well as arenas, exhibits and balconies all decorated with some really bright painted iron figures and mosaics. You will also see lots of great sculptures and one-of-a-kind works of art on display. This place has been called the hub of folk art activity, and is continuously working to enrich the lives and culture of people within the local community.

Interestingly enough, this entire amazing venue was built by one man named Jeff McKissick who truly and absolutely believed the humble orange was the perfect food. He worked for years bringing home scrap pieces and making homages to the orange. McKissick opened the Orange Show and not too many people shared his idea and soon he only opened the venue occasionally until his death. After Jeff's passing, the Orange Show started to generate interest among Houston's art community who worked to make it a focal point for the creative community.

During the year, there are several events and activities that take place such as music, entertainment, workshops and more. The Orange Show is also home to annual Art Car Museum Parades that are fun for the whole family. This parade features some of the coolest decorated cars that you will ever see in your entire life.

You will be absolutely amazed at all of the innovative ways that people decorate these vehicles from flashy to gaudy, it is still art. You will see classic cars, low riders, people in costumes on roller skates, hot-rodders, bicyclists and much more. The Art Car Museum Parade is quickly turning into one of the most popular events in the entire Houston area, and The Orange Show has it!

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art is located at 2402 Munger Street in Houston, Texas. If you would like more information on the center or if you would to become a member, you can give them a call at (713) 926-6368. All proceeds from member donations go directly to purchasing items for workshops and office supplies to keep The Orange Show running year round.

The Stunning Chase Tower

A trip to the Houston, Texas are would just not be complete without seeing and visiting the JPMorgan Chase Tower. This amazing office tower is the tallest composite building in the entire world. It is quite a sight to see standing so tall in the midst of the Houston skyline. Your jaw will drop when you see the gorgeous granite, stainless steel and gray glass motif that makes up the exterior of the building.

The architecture of the Chase Tower is pretty amazing with its unique five-sided design. The lovely one-acre that the tower sits on is peppered with lush landscaping complete with a water garden, sculptures and granite paving. The famous Sky Lobby on the 60th floor is known for the highest public view available of the Houston area. The public is welcome in the Sky Lobby from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

You would not believe just how much the Chase Tower has to offer. This incredible mega structure contains just about every amenity that you could possibly imagine. On the first level, for your convenience, you can utilize the JPMorgan Chase Bank and ATM as well as many different restaurants. A great selection of restaurants that include Alonti Market Cafe, Roman Delight and Ninfa's Express where you can get a wide variety of tasty breakfast and lunch items to keep you going throughout your day. There is even a Starbucks Coffee Shop on the premises to satisfy even the strongest caffeine cravings.

Just a few of the other convenient amenities include a hair salon, gift shop, foot health center and even a dental office. Often during different times of the year, the Chase Tower is host to many different performers such as soloists, choirs, and even musicians. During the holidays they even hold Holiday Gift Fairs where you can find lots of great gifts for those on your list. The Chase Tower always has something going on for everyone.

The Gorgeous Gardens Of Bayou Bend

To grab a peek of one of the most unique collections of Americana in the Houston, Texas area, be sure and stop by Bayou Bend. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is located at 1 Westcott Street, formerly the home of a remarkable woman named Miss Ima Hogg. You will be swept away by the collection of American decorative arts, the stunning architecture and some of the most beautiful gardens that you have ever laid your eyes on.

The gorgeous house at Bayou Bend was designed by architect John F. Staub between 1927 and 1928. Miss Hogg took the dense wooded area around the home and transformed it into some of the most stunning and wonderful gardens made to host outdoor living and entertainment events. Plus, the gorgeous view from the house is a lovely bonus as well.

Bayu Bend and the collections inside were donated to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston by Miss Hogg back in 1957. Since 1966, it has been open to the public for viewing and is known as one of the greatest finds in the Houston area today. You will be completely overwhelmed at the beauty of the thousands of objects on display within the home.

If you would like to take a guided tour of the home at Bayou Bend, the hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am and again from 1:00 pm to 2:45 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am until 11:15 am. The 90-minute tours are offered to the public every 15 minutes. Admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior and college students with valid ID, and $5 for children ages 10 to 17. Self-guided audio tours of the home are also available as well as self-guided garden tours to suit whatever your tastes may be.

The Amazing Houston Astrodome

Whether or not you are a sports fanatic, you have more than likely heard of the Houston Astrodome. If you have not, then where have you been hiding? The Astrodome was the first ever ballpark to be built with a roof covering the entire playing field. This huge domed ballpark also included cushy red and orange seats as well as a multi-million dollar, 474 foot long scoreboard that features cartoons, instructions and information for the fans and home run replays.

This ground-breaking ballpark is the former home to the famous Houston Astros baseball team and the Houston Oilers Football team, and is located at 8400 Kirby Drive in Houston, Texas. The ballpark was originally called the Harris County Domed Stadium back in 1965. The opening day for the actual Astrodome was April 12, 1966.

There are also 53 state-of-the-art "Sky Boxes" for your viewing pleasure at the Houston Astrodome. As far as viewing goes, there is really not a single bad seat in the house. This well-lit, climate controlled park has been host to millions of avid sports fans over the decades.

Have you ever heard of Astroturf? This is the fake or plastic grass that is used today in many sports parks around the world. The name Astroturf came from the grass that had to be used inside the Astrodome. Due to the closed ceiling and other complications, the original grass that was planted in the Astrodome died, thus leading to the creation and installation of Astroturf.

Even though there have not been any major baseball or football games held at the Astrodome for more than a few years now, there are still many great events hosted at the site. Keep checking for schedules to see if there is something coming up that you can enjoy with your entire family or a group of friends.

The Beauty Of The Butterflies

If you are ever lucky enough to visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, be sure to stop by and see all of the butterflies on display inside at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. This is a truly amazing exhibit with hundreds of live butterflies in a gorgeous rainforest setting for your complete viewing pleasure. To be more specific, there are at least 50 to 60 different species of some of the most colorful butterflies that you will ever witness in one place.

This is a truly wonderful treat for your entire family or even a nice place to bring somebody special for a date. These lovely butterflies have even been known to take breaks from the flowers and fruit to stop by and land on a visitor now and then. What a wonderful experience to behold!

All of the butterflies are raised on various butterfly farms in different tropical regions. North, South and Central America and Asia are just a few of the places that they are raised. They are then shipped to the Butterfly Center while in their chrysalis form before hatching. You can stop by the Chrysalis Corner located at the center where you may even be able to watch one of these gorgeous creatures come into the world before your very own eyes! This is a great experience for both children and adults alike to witness.

The hours that you may stop by and visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday and then 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday. There are several shops located on the premises of the Houston Museum of Natural Science where you may stop by to find some truly amazing and unique gifts. The Collectors Shop is located right near the Cockrell Butterfly Center and you can get items here such as jewelry, books and other hand-crafted items.

Experiencing The Arts In Houston

If you are a lover of art, or you feel the need to learn more about it, you simply must schedule a visit to the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, Texas. This non-profit and non-collecting venue is completely dedicated to showing the fine arts to the public on local, regional, national and international levels. Everyone from the young to the old is sure to have a wonderful visit at the Museum.

The Contemporary Arts Museum was founded back in 1948 by several Houston locals who were passionate about bringing exhibits, activities and lectures to the general public. Since that time, the museum has grown to become one of the most popular cultural centers in the entire nation. There was even a major renovation project to update the museum back in 1997. Now, the museum still stands strong to bring the best art from the past 40 years to all of those lucky people who step through their doors.

There are many permanent exhibits on display at the museum as well as a wide variety of programs and events scheduled throughout the year. One will never find a dull moment in this amazing place. There is always something new to see and many things to learn about.

Admission to the Contemporary Arts Museum is completely free, making it a wonderfully affordable place to take the entire family for a bit of viewing pleasure as well as education. Hours that you may visit the museum are Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, Thursday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The museum is closed every Monday as well as most of the major national holidays.

If you have any questions regarding your visit or some of the current displays, you can call the Contemporary Arts Museum information line at (713) 214-8250.

Shopping For Everyone At The Galleria

For the complete shopping enthusiast, you absolutely must schedule a visit to The Galleria in Houston. It is really hard to figure out where to begin when trying to explain all that is wonderful about this amazing shopping venue. This place really has everything that you would be looking for all under one roof.

Just the architecture alone is enough to make your jaw drop to the floor when you see the inside of The Galleria. The glass atriums make for a very inviting shopping atmosphere for your browsing pleasure. There is even an ice rink called the Polar Ice Galleria for loads of ice skating fun for your entire family.

Just a small list of some of the amazing shops you can buy from at The Galleria are Cartier, Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Sharper Image, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Tiffany and Co. You can find just about any gift imaginable all under one roof! Being the one of the largest malls in the entire nation, you will need a week to look around and see everything that there is to see.

Looking for a great bite to eat? There are tons of great food choices within The Galleria. You can get some good eats at Big Easy Cajun, work your chopsticks at Famous Wok, catch the game at Fox Sports Grill, or even hunker down on a juicy steak at Harlon's Pit Bar-B-Q. The possibilities are just endless when you are walking around this giant shopping complex!

The Galleria is located in the center of Uptown Houston at 5085 Westheimer Road. Mall Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm. If you have any questions or you are in need of further information regarding hours or stores, you can call The Galleria at (713) 622-0663.