HOUSTON

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• EVENTS read more ›
  (1966 W Gray St. Tel. 713-520-5700)
  www.eventsgifts.com
  From cloisonné keepsake boxes to zebra-print frames, this store in the River Oaks Shopping Center has the perfect gift for the person with everything. If you’re stumped, the friendly staff will help you fi nd something.
• ONE GREEN STREET read more ›
  (5160 Buffalo Speedway. Tel. 281-888-9518)
  onegreenstreet.com
  Living green would be a lot easier if there were more stores like this: In addition to selling beautiful home and bath products and ecofriendly fashions at competitive prices, it also hosts fun events, like knitting meets and a magazine swap.
• KUHL-LINSCOMB read more ›
  (2424 W Alabama St. Tel. 713-526-6000)
  www.kuhl-linscomb.com
  Three buildings make up this design store, which peddles everything from Malin+Goetz natural bath products to frilly summer dresses to garden swings.

• HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL read more ›
  (1500 McKinney St. Tel. 713-839-7000)
  jazzeducation.org
  Tito Puente Jr, Rachelle Ferrell, the Latin Jazz All Stars, Hiroshima and other top talent converge under the stars downtown for this annual event. Food vendors will be on hand so you can stay to enjoy the music all day. Aug. 6-8.
• THEATER DISTRICT DAY read more ›
  (Theater District. Tel. 713-223-4544)
  houstontheaterdistrict.org
  For fi ve hours only, get a free look behind the curtains throughout Houston’s 17-block Theater District. The annual event features backstage tours, performances and sneak peeks at sets and costumes. Aug. 29.

• AL’S QUICK STOP read more ›
  (2002 Waugh Dr. Tel. 713-522-5170)
  The unassuming convenience store next door to Rudyard’s Pub sports a walk-up deli counter that serves a fi ne falafel sandwich and gyros with meat so perfectly cooked, they border on perfection. $
• MARDI GRAS GRILL read more ›
  (1200 Durham Dr. Tel. 713-864-5600)
  mardigrasgrill.net
  At this New Orleans-themed eatery, you can tap your toes to zydeco tunes on the patio while indulging in classic dishes like jambalaya and blackened catfish. Wash it down with a bucket of beer (to share) or a Hurricane. $$
• CATALAN FOOD & WINE read more ›
  (5555 Washington Ave. Tel. 713-426-4260)
  www.catalanfoodandwine.com
  You can’t go wrong with any of the dishes at this fancy Spanish-infl uenced American food spot. A few tasty options: foie gras bon bons, cockles with chorizo and garlic—and for dessert, a Texas apple tart. Also, the dazzling wine list has earned it props from Sommelier Journal. $$$$$

• MR. GINO’S LOUNGE read more ›
  (7306 Cullen Blvd. Tel. 713-738-0555)
  Put on your Sunday best and head over to this music lounge to catch some of the South’s greatest blues musicians playing together in a Sunday jam session. The friendly regulars will make room for you.
• PETROL STATION COFFEEHOUSE read more ›
  (985 Wakefield Dr. Tel. 713-957-2875)
  facebook.com/PetrolStation
  This Garden Oaks neighborhood dive has great burgers and even better coffee, but it’s mostly known for its thorough selection of microbrews. Catch a breeze on the patio over an Independence Imperial Oatmeal Stout or visit on a Sunday for the Eggs and Kegs beer brunch.

• BELLVILLE, TX read more ›
  (63 miles northwest of Houston. )
  bellville.com
  On a trip to this small town, step into Newman’s Bakery to savor the donuts and request a tour of the castle the baker built by hand. Visit Cochran General Store to soak up small town charm, drink cold beer and—if it’s Thursday—listen to live, homegrown music.

This month...

Fun Fact!
“Houston” was the fi rst word astronauts said to Earth from the moon.