120 Ways to Get Zen, Shop Local, and Give Back

Love your life and your city! Plus, what the Biden Administration will mean for Houston, the heart of the Comets, and is the Bayou City now a public art Mecca?

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

CREATIVITY IN THE BAYOU CITY

We're Not Joking, There Are Flying Chicken Statues at the Heights H-E-B

Why did the chicken cross the road? To get some Spicy Whataburger Ketchup, of course.

02/12/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

The Ultimate Guide to Houston's Public Art

Space City's had a public art boom in the last 20 years, and it’s easy to see why.

02/12/2021 By Emma Schkloven Photography by Amy Kinkead

CREATIVITY IN THE BAYOU CITY

Discover a Seuss-like World on Main Street

Artist Floyd Newsum's squiggly "Planter and Stems" is meant to represent Houston's old "8F Crowd."

02/11/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Feel the Waves of Janavi Folmsbee's Rail to the Sea

The watercolor-like Washington Arts District mural sits right next to an active rail line headed toward the Port of Houston.

02/11/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Admire the Houston-themed Papel Picado at This East End Light-Rail Station

Part of the city's Art in Transit program, the Cesar Chavez/67th Street Station is an homage to the neighborhood’s Hispanic roots.

02/10/2021 By Emma Schkloven

On The Town

Let Your Fancy Take Flight with Books of a Feather

Instead the three Greek muses of theater, a trio of plucky birds welcome visitors Alice McKean Young Neighborhood Library.

02/10/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

If You're Ever in City Hall, Look Up

The lobby's vaulted ceiling features a New Deal-era idealized depiction of Houston.

02/09/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Check out this #HoustonStrong Mural in Midtown

"Curtain Mural Houston" was painted in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

02/09/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Houston's Seven Wonders Are a Time Capsule for the City

The towers, also called "Pillars of the Community," commemorate the Bayou City's 150th anniversary.

02/08/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Who Needs Mount Rushmore When We've Got Mount Rush Hour?

Keep your eyes peeled for American Statesmanship Park next time you're near the I-10 and I-45 interchange.

02/08/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls—Just Head Over to the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Bridal parties, prom-goers, quinceañera celebrators, newly engaged couples, and more have all posed in front of Houston's iconic fountain.

02/05/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

Here's Why the Hermann Park Railroad Tunnel Now Looks Like a Comic Book

Yes, Destination Mound Town got rid of the puppets, but the iconic tunnel's been entertaining Houstonians for generations.

02/04/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

The Best Time to Visit Rice's Twilight Epiphany Is ... You Guessed It .... Dusk

Sure, nothing gold can stay, but check out the cerulean blues and brilliant tangerines of this James Turrell public art piece in the evenings and early mornings.

02/04/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Creativity in the Bayou City

The Story Behind those Mosaic Pillars at Emancipation Park

"Elements of Change," completed in January of 2020, relays the story of both the park and its founders.

02/03/2021 By Emma Schkloven

The Funny Pages

Nick Anderson’s Second Act

The Pulitzer-winning editorial cartoonist is reclaiming his voice, outside of newspapers.

02/02/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Woman Crush Wednesday

#WCW: Hannah Anderson

Michelle Obama has her eye on Houston singer, a.k.a. Sister, and you should too.

01/20/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Charitable Giving

A Day in Photos: The Houston Food Bank

A look at how the food bank gets it done.

12/11/2020 Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Charitable Giving

20-Plus Ways to Donate, Volunteer, and Help out in Houston Right Now

And how to get some help in return!

12/11/2020 Edited by Dianna Wray

Charitable Giving

10 Ways to Make a Difference in Another Houstonian's Life

Make it count.

12/10/2020 By Timothy Malcolm, Emma Schkloven, Denise Cathey, and Catherine Wendlandt

Charitable Giving

Here's How Houstonians Helped Each Other This Year

Our readers tell their stories.

12/09/2020 Edited by Catherine Wendlandt

Charitable Giving

10 Ways Houstonians Can Find Help Right Now

Get back on your feet with these organizations.

12/08/2020 By Timothy Malcolm, Emma Schkloven, Gwendolyn Knapp, Catherine Wendlandt, and Denise Cathey

Charitable Giving

Just How Far Can Your $5 Donation Go in Houston?

Even the smallest amount helps.

12/07/2020 By Laura Furr Mericas

Eat & Drink

International Coffee

The Best International Coffee Houses in Houston

Experience the cult of coffee around the world with a cup of java at these 12 local spots.

03/04/2021 By Timothy Malcolm and Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Grab a Classic Cup of Joe at a Classic Houston Diner

Tel-Wink Grill has been a local institution since 1940.

03/04/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Did Café Viennois Actually Come from Austria?

Try the delectable combo of espresso and whipped cream at this local French coffee shop.

03/03/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

It's Time to Try This Thai Coffee

There’re coffee beans in this drink, but you might also find cardamom seeds, corn, or even soybeans in the mix.

03/03/2021 By Timothy Malcolm

International Coffee

Get Vietnamese Egg Coffee at TeaFix

Cà phê trứng is made with coffee, condensed milk, and egg yolk.

03/02/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Here's Where to Order a Flat White in Houston

The Down Under drink started making the rounds in Australia and New Zealand back in the 1980s before one famous coffee company brought it to the attention of many Americans in 2015.

03/02/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Yes, Caffè Marocchino Is Named after a Fedora

Despite its moniker, the Italian coffee drink has nothing to do with Morocco.

03/01/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Order South Indian Java at All Bengal Sweets & Coffee House

India might be the world's second-largest tea producer, but you should try a cup of Kumbakonam Degree.

03/01/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Café Cubano Might Be the Strongest Cup of Coffee You'll Ever Drink

Order this drink, and the folks at Azucar Cuban Bakery will ask if you're sure.

02/26/2021 By Timothy Malcolm

International Coffee

Experience Ethiopia's Centuries-old Coffee Ceremony at Blue Nile

The East African country purportedly discovered coffee around the ninth century.

02/26/2021 By Timothy Malcolm

food deserts

Jonny Rhodes and Others Fight for Food Equality

Why a celebrated local chef is pivoting and joining a growing movement.

02/26/2021 By Timothy Malcolm

International Coffee

Café de Olla Pair Perfectly with Pan Dulce

Order this coffee drink, which has its roots in the Mexican Revolution, at La Guadalupana.

02/25/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

A Brief History of Irish Coffee

There’s an art to making the perfect caife Gaelach.

02/25/2021 By Paul Galvani

International Coffee

Need Instant Coffee? Try a Frappe

The whipped Greek drink was first made by accident.

02/25/2021 By Timothy Malcolm

Hey (Home) Bartender

Everything You Could Possibly Need in Your Home Bar

Our ultimate guide on which spirits, mixers, and tools you should stock up on.

12/22/2020 By Timothy Malcolm

Bowl or cup?

The Best 15 Soups to Warm You Up in Houston

There’s a soup for your every craving here in the Bayou City.

11/30/2020 By Timothy Malcolm

Health & Wellness

Stay home, feel fab

3 Ways You Can Prioritize Your Mental Health This Year

You shouldn't have to "white-knuckle it" through these stressful times.

01/01/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Stay Home, Feel Fab

20-Plus Ways to Take Care of Yourself—Inside and Out—at Home

Inner Beauty 101

01/01/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp, Kaitlyn Miller, and Laura Furr Mericas

Stay home, feel fab

4 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Your Detox

These splendid and blended drinks will help your digestion, protect you from the flu, and taste good, too.

12/31/2020 By Gwendolyn Knapp Photography by Jenn Duncan

Stay home, feel fab

How to Make the At-Home Workout Work

A local fitness instructor gives us tips on what equipment to buy, what areas to focus on, and more.

12/31/2020 By Laura Furr Mericas

Stay home, feel fab

How to Maintain a Balanced Diet

A local dietician walks us through how improving our diet can improve our overall health.

12/30/2020 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Stay home, feel fab

Meditation, for Beginners

Local yoga practitioner and wellness influencer Jazmin Porter walks you through finding your zen.

12/30/2020 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Stay home, feel fab

Our Favorite Virtual Fitness Classes

These four Houston-based trainers will get you sweating.

12/29/2020 By Laura Furr Mericas

News & City Life

Forging New Politics

Meet Steven Garza, the Breakout Boys State Star

Get to know the 19-year-old whose political skills have already made him famous.

01/28/2021 By Chris Gray

Season Pass

The Space City Weather Guys Talk the Ike Dike and Last Year's Hurricane Season

A chill Houston (hurricane-wise) 2020 is no reason to get complacent, Matt Lanza and Eric Berger say.

01/26/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp

New year, new president

How Will the Biden Administration Impact the Bayou City?

Four things to know about what a new president will—and will not—mean for Houston.

01/19/2021 By Dianna Wray

baller

The Heart of the Comets: The Story of Kim Perrot

Houston’s WNBA team had the talent to achieve greatness. One player gave them the will to make it happen.

01/11/2021 By Jarrett Van Meter

Top Lawyers 2020

Meet the Legal Eagles of Houston

Five legendary litigators who helped shape the Bayou City.

01/06/2021 By Houstonia Staff

Stay Home, Feel Fab

20-Plus Ways to Take Care of Yourself—Inside and Out—at Home

Inner Beauty 101.

12/31/2020 By Houstonia Staff

Top Lawyers 2020

Leon Jaworski: The Houston Lawyer Who Got the Watergate Tapes Released

The attorney was known for his willingness to take on the tough cases.

12/14/2020 By Jeff Balke

Top Lawyers 2020

Houston’s Original Nasty Woman

Hortense Sparks Ward fought for women’s rights and permanently changed Texas law in the process.

12/14/2020 By Emma Schkloven

Top Lawyers 2020

The Change of Plans That Made Rufus Cormier a Trailblazer

The attorney never wanted to practice law, but he ended up in the middle of history.

12/14/2020 By Emma Schkloven

Top Lawyers 2020

The Life and Trials of Richard "Racehorse" Haynes

How Houston produced one of the winningest criminal defense attorneys in recent history.

12/14/2020 By Dianna Wray

Top Lawyers 2020

Why Haven't You Heard of CES Openshaw?

The lawyer made a splash in the '30s fighting capital punishment with a high-profile Barrow Gang case.

12/14/2020 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Top Lawyers 2020

Meet the Legal Eagles of Houston

Five legendary litigators who helped shape the Bayou City.

12/14/2020 By Dianna Wray

Baby, there's covid outside

Where Are You, Christmas?

Yes, this Houston holiday season is going to be different, but all is not lost.

12/01/2020 By Craig Hlavaty

Style & Shopping

Shop Local

Houston's Greatest Hometown Shops

A guide for the best shops and stores in neighborhoods throughout the city.

03/01/2021

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in West University

Our curated West U shopping guide.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in Memorial

Because Town and Country is everything you want it to be and more.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in Third Ward

Where to go in The Tre.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in River Oaks

Whether you're looking for a new rug, your wedding dress, or an old map of Texas, you'll find it in River Oaks.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in the Heights

Find whatever you're looking for inside a cute bungalow.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in Montrose

An eclectic list from one of Houston's quirkiest neighborhoods.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in Uptown Park

Why go downtown when you can head uptown?

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in Katy

Here're the places to check out if you're tired of the mall.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in Sugar Land

A guide for T-shirts, soaps, and more.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Shop Local

Our Favorite Shops in The Woodlands

Where to stop into on your way up I-45.

03/01/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Stay home, feel fab

Skincare Tips for Colder Months (and Warm Ones, Too)

Stay dewy all year long.

01/01/2021 By Kaitlyn Miller

Stay home, feel fab

How to Color and Cut Your Hair at Home (Even Your Bangs)

We got an expert's advice on how to avoid damage and disaster when cleaning up your own ’do.

12/29/2020 By Kaitlyn Miller

stay home, feel fab

Our Relaxation Must-Haves

10 essentials to relax, recharge, and reveal your best (homebody) self.

12/28/2020 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Stay home, feel fab

We Loved Working in Our PJs in 2020. Here's Why We Should Get Dressed in 2021

Tips on mastering the professional work-from-home style ... and okay, you can still wear your PJ bottoms.

12/28/2020 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Handmade in Houston

Here's Where to Buy Local While Holiday Shopping This Year

Gift your loved ones beautiful, personal presents while supporting Bayou City's artisans.

11/30/2020 By Emma Schkloven Photography by Jeff Fitlow

Shop Local

Check out These Awesomely Creative Black-Owned Businesses

Back the “Buy Black” movement at these H-Town shops.

11/27/2020 By Denise Cathey, Catherine Wendlandt, Rebecca Noel, and Laura Furr Mericas