HOUSTON

Go...

• CASA RAMIREZ read more ›
  (241 W 19th St. Tel. 713-880-2420)
  http://cr.bjakub.com
  Pick up pieces made by Mexican artists and craftspeople or take a class and learn about Mexican-American culture at this spot, which is part museum and part classroom.
• MIDTOWN FARMERS MARKET read more ›
  (3701 Travis St. Tel. 713-524-6922)
  www.tafia.com/mfm.html
  Find local breads, organic coffee, handmade soaps and lotions, soy candles that double as hand balm and ready-made food at this allinclusive farmers market.
• PEEL GALLERY SHOP read more ›
  (4411 Montrose Blvd. Tel. 713-520-8122)
  www.peelgallery.org
  The owner of this store/gallery selects every piece to fit into his contemporary cosmopolitan aesthetic. Pick up ultra-cool home décor items like taco-shaped plates from Alissia Melka-Teichroew.
• SIG'S LAGOON read more ›
  (3710 Main St. Tel. 713-533-9525)
  www.sigslagoon.com
  Although it carries LPs and CDs from distinctly Texas musicians like Sideshow Tramps and The Judy's, Sig's is more than a local record store. It also sells kitschy toys and gifts like the Zapp Brannigan Atomic Ray Gun.

• BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM read more ›
  (834 Southmore Blvd. Tel. 713-942-8920)
  www.buffalosoldiermuseum.com
  This museum details the history of the fi rst black army units-nicknamed "buffalo soldiers" by the Cheyenne-that were formed in 1866 to help fi ght the Civil War for the North.
• GULF COAST JUNETEENTH read more ›
  (At Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr. Tel. 713-533-3276)
  www.milleroutdoortheatre.org
  Bring a picnic and celebrate the 144th anniversary of the emancipation of Texas slaves with the rich sounds of Texas Gulf Coast African-American music. Performers include Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. June 19.
• HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS read more ›
  (800 Bagby St. Tel. 713-315-2400)
  www.thehobbycenter.org
  Featuring performances by Broadway Across America, Theatre Under the Stars and Uniquely Houston, the Theater District's newest venue is also one of its fi nest. Expect great views, a café and nary a bad seat in the house.
• THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE read more ›
  (1 Hermann Circle Dr. Tel. 713-639-4629)
  www.hmns.org
  What do diamonds, marauding Mongols and geological wonders have in common? They're all part of the exhibit line-up this June at the HMNS. Don't miss a stroll through the Cockrell Butterfl y Center, home to some 1,500 colorful butterfl ies, then stop by the nearby Brown Hall of Entomology to see some cool (though perhaps less photogenic) creepy-crawlers.
• MEMORIAL PARK read more ›
  (1001 E Memorial Loop Dr. Tel. 713-863-8403)
  www.memorialparkconservancy.org
  Bring a picnic basket and while away a spring afternoon in this local park, home to 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, a golf course, sports fields, a swimming pool and an arboretum.

• LA MEXICANA read more ›
  (1018 Fairview St. Tel. 713-521-0963)
  www.lamexicanarestaurant.com
  The carne guisada (Mexican stewed beef) is juicy and tender; the mole poblano (served over chicken) is just spicy enough; and the homemade tortillas are always fresh. $
• DAILY REVIEW CAFÉ read more ›
  (3412 W Lamar St. Tel. 713-520-9217)
  www.dailyreviewcafe.com
  Updated classic American fare remains deliciously unpretentious at this little café. On Sunday evenings, dig into the chicken pot pie or a dry-aged sirloin while enjoying the live jazz duo, Mood Indigo. $$
• ZUSHI read more ›
  (5900 Memorial Dr, Ste 102. Tel. 713-861-5588)
  The fish is oh-so-fresh and the dashi is homemade-two signs that one of Houston's newest sushi restaurants will thrive. Chat with the friendly chefs at the sushi bar, and don't miss the great happy hour prices. $$$
• T'AFIA read more ›
  (3701 Travis St. Tel. 713-524-6922)
  www.tafia.com
  Award-winning chef Monica Pope delights with her inspired take on local, seasonal ingredients. Enjoy free bar food (sashimi, sliders and chickpea "fries") with drink orders Tuesday through Thursday. $$$$

• CEZANNE read more ›
  (4100 Montrose Blvd . Tel. 713-522-9621)
  www.blacklabradorpub.com
  Houston's most intimate jazz bar, this 40-seat music venue is perched atop the Black Labrador Pub. A great date spot, it attracts local, national and international jazz stars.
• CONTINENTAL CLUB read more ›
  (3700 Main St . Tel. 713-529-9899)
  www.continentalclub.com
  From Asleep at the Wheel's honky-tonk to the swinging rockabilly of The El Orbits, the music of the Texas bands that hit this stage is as diverse as it is awesome. Come ready to dance.
• LITTLE WOODROW'S read more ›
  (2306 Brazos St. Tel. 713-522-1041)
  www.littlewoodrows.com
  The next best thing to tailgating is grabbing a bucket of beer and watching the game on the big screen with some friends. Choose from more than 100 varieties of suds.
• OPEN CITY read more ›
  (2416 Brazos St, Ste A. Tel. 713-522-0118)
  www.ochouston.com
  Every night offers something different at this bistro. Tuesday is half-priced wine night, Thursday is steak night, and Wednesday through Friday features killer happy hour deals. Don't miss the rooftop bar.

• BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK read more ›
  (28 miles southwest of Houston. Tel. 979-553-5101)
  www.tpwd.state.tx.us
  Please don't feed the alligators while hiking across this 5,000-acre park. Instead, have a picnic under the live oaks on Saturday evenings and be first in line to see Saturn's rings through the George Observatory's 36-inch telescope.
• HISTORIC BRENHAM, TX read more ›
  (74 miles northwest of Houston. )
  www.brenhamtexas.com
  Here you'll find Blue Bell Creamery, the Burton Cotton Gin and Museum and the Barrington Living History Farm (home of the last president of the Republic of Texas).

This month...

Fun Fact!
"Houston" was the fi rst word ever spoken on the moon.