Contrary to its name, Animal Farm isn't quite an animal farm. They do have two sizable chicken…read morecoups, a horse, a pony, pigs, some dogs and a few other small animals on the property, but those are mostly for cultivating purposes. Animal Farm is actually a 70+-acre property complete with a permaculture center, yoga center, extensive certified organic garden of arugula, tomatoes, legumes, summer squash, sunchokes, sweet peppers, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips and other foods that you'll find at local (including Houston) farmers markets and on the menus at several Houston and Austin restaurants - Local Foods, Haven and Sorrel Bistro, just to name a few. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to check out Animal Farm for a tour and a seven-course farm dinner hosted along with Roots Bistro, 13 Celsius, and a few other local participants. It was a unique and educational experience in which we learned about the 20-year history of Animal Farm and its permaculture techniques directly from founders (and former Houstonians) Guita Van Woerden and husband Cas. Not only do I looked forward to attending another Animal Farm dinners (about $120 per person), but on my next visit to an Urban Harvest farmers market, I'll head straight to their booth to purchase some freshly harvested and delicious arugula and sunchokes.

Initially, I discovered Animal Farm through Urban Harvest Farmers Market (Eastside). They are…read morecertified organic and the only farm in the area that seem to be. They use permaculture principles as part of their farming practices. I admire them for what they do. Frankly, when I start my farm, I would love to utilize their techniques. I've visited the farm twice for farm-to-table dinners last year. The owners are lovely and laid-back. Both times I went, Gita offered a tour and provided a brief overview of how Animal Farm started. It was her idea and she is truly an inspiration. She had no agricultural background at all. The property is about 70 acres and only 20 acres is being used. I believe they live off the grid by using solar power. They offer a CSA program. They grow herbs and all sorts of vegetables and fruits. And also a huge variety of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen!!! I have been buying produce from them every single time I go to Urban Harvest. Some of the vegetables are: jerusalem artichokes, cauliflower (in different colors), rainbow carrots, green onions, broccoli, arugula, romaine lettuce, beets, turnips, different radishes, bell peppers (all colors), shishito peppers, tuscano kale, dragon tongue beans, cucumbers, eggplants, all sorts of squash, etc. Some fruits: blackberries, jujubes, mulberries, a variety of tomatoes, persimmons, fijoas. I highly recommend you visit their farm in Cat Spring and check out their farm-to-table dinners. Follow them on facebook to see upcoming events. Also, you can pay them a visit at Rice University Farmers Market (every Tuesday) or Urban Harvest Eastside (every Saturday).

I have been curious about Blisswood for awhile. I like getaways with nice tubs and hot tubs. This…read moreone seemed to foot the bill being close to Houston. I was on the fence as the pictures made it look nice but was it dated? Too country? I wasn't sure. So...headed to Wimberly, I decided to break up the driving and try this place out. So, now I'm thinking Blisswood is running out of bliss. We arrived at night and let me tell you, it is hard to find at night. When I called the owner about getting inside since the gate was shut, she explained we had to open the gate (manually)...odd for such a large operation. Forget food...it is quite far for food. We wound up eating breakfast for dinner as we did bring breakfast items. The bed seemed comfy as far as sheets were clean but pillows were all soft and old. Not one firm pillow. If you go, bring your own. It did not feel antiquish. It felt garage sale-ish. Everything was very dated and just tired. The curtains really tripped me out. They looked like rags and did not even match. The shower had gross caulking that looked like mold. The cabin had a moldy smell and just looked like it was built of the cheapest possible scraps. The hot tub...see photos. We kept on one side only. It smelt like tons of bleach. The hot tub surroundings were a rickety hazard. The step down into the bedroom...another hazard. I'm sure people have fallen as it blends. Maybe I'm spoiled from my recent Round Top stays but this place needs a serious "redo." I saw the owner's story one day I believe on YouTube and wanted to support her cause. Maybe it's good for the activities. I want to believe that's where it shines. If you really love super rustic, super dated spaces, this may be ideal for you. Also, the kitchen light did not work. Bulb was out. Doesn't someone make sure the cabins are ready? Obviously not or the hot tub would not have looked like that. So, for a romantic getaway, I would keep looking. There is much better out there and even cheaper. I don't get how they charge what they do here.

A great place to explore and get away for a while…read more We came to this ranch as a bit of an escape from the city life and rest our heads. We were going to do the safari tent but the tent got damaged. So we ended up in a little cabin in the woods instead. The cabin itself was simple, but had plenty of modern amenities. A stovetop, microwave, indoor bathroom and shower, hot water, hot tub, electric fireplace, and whirlpool bath. The space was small but intimate, clean and furnished but aged and worn. It's not luxurious living, but it has a ton of luxury items that one would not normally find in a venue like this. We booked some horseback riding and wildlife safari excursions. The horseback riding was fun, slow paced but as I never rode a horse before it was enough to get the feel of things. The wildlife safari was actually quite entertaining as well. You get up close and personal with deer, buffalo, bucks, donkeys, emu, and antelope. They very much know you got food, and watching a pack of stampeding buffalo barrel towards you for food is a very cool experience. The space is large and varied, there's plenty to see and lots you can do. It's a great space to take the family to and live as simple as you would like. The girlfriend dealt with logistics, but every interaction with staff or the owner was professional and friendly. Every part of the booking, modifying, and check in process was easy and everyone we interacted with was very hospitable. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and although our weather was not ideal we did make the best of it. It's a nice place to stay and worth the trek if you just want a respite

Have you ever wanted your own Castle? How about exploring someone else's? Now imagine instead of…read morethis being a historical castle that's huge and old with a lot of history, a local man made it because he always wanted a castle a few decades ago and it still a work in progress. It's a neat thing to see. You can tour it on your own for about 30 minutes and see and do all there is to see and do. There's a guided tour which gives you a bit more history and what's going on today, like trying to finish some more rooms to use it as an event space or Airbnb. If you're looking for something to do that's different, and maybe something Instagram worthy, It's worth the $15. I'm sure kids would have a field day here. Just be aware of what you're getting.

I had no service here to check in over the weekend but this was such a neat little place. We made…read morea reservation online before we went and they were great communicators. I couldn't find my email of the place and when I called and left a voicemail, they immediately called me back and told me they were going to text me when they found my reservation. That all happened in a matter of 5 minutes and I got a text with a picture of my name on the reservation. When we arrived (we stayed the night in Brenham) there was a person with a list and we had paid a deposit for our tickets. She ran the rest and then we parked and walked in. It was a super cool experience because it's so random and also an hour and some change outside of Houston. My kid and my husband loved it and so did I.

I have been here 1 time with friends. My Dad and brother just went a few weeks ago and confirmed it…read morewas still as delicious now as it was 4 years ago. It is a smaller place, Trump Vance memorabilia was there when I went, so I have a Trump koozie and a FJB koozie lol It is a walk up to order. Employees were really nice. Now when I went, I got the mushroom swiss burger with fries. OMG this burger was huge. Fresh ingredients and the fries were outstanding. Hot salty and perfect! I hate I moved out of state, because I'll never get to eat another. But at least I still have the memory! Solid 5 stars across the board for my visit and from what my Family told me about theirs a couple weeks ago.

Make America Great Again! Definitely a MAGA place to eat. Everything President Trump can be found…read moreinside this incredible restaurant. We even took a selfie with the cardboard cut-out of our wonderful, fearless leader. I had the Spicy Buffalo Chicken sandwich and fries. (The helping of fries was huge!) If I lived in the area, I would eat here again. Make America Great Again for a third term!!

I've been coming here for nearly a year now under new ownership. The steaks are great on Friday…read morenights and good company. During the week there is a daily menu that is good comfort food. Come in and shoot pool, throw darts, or just sit at the bar and watch games and listen to jukebox music. Try it you'll like it!!

Grew up right down the road from Miss Bobi's Roadhouse, when I was a kid, it use to be called…read moreShortbranch. Good times here, fond memories of steak night and being the 13 year old kid that would beat everybody in pool and eat all the pickles they had in stock. Anyways! Stopped in today for lunch as we did the day before and had the daily special and it was amazing haven't had a chicken fried steak in a long time and was damn near perfect! I think they just started doing lunches and I hope they get enough business to keep it going. Nelsonville and the surrounding area, there's not much to choose from so this is good for the community and the people working ranches/construction. First review and I hope you've been informed, as well as enticed to stop in next time you're in the area! The pool table is still the same as I remember it and I feel the nostalgia all over again when I walk in

The hours posted on Facebook, google and Yelp are not correct. I tried to go on my to Belleville,…read more Tx on a a Saturday. The hours online state the place is open until 8 pm . Got there at 2pm, but the place was closed. No hours posted on the door. I ended up going to another place down the road for drinks. I looked like a cool place. Just know it the posted hours seem to incorrect.

Great dive spot!!! If you're looking to be greeted with hugs and kisses.. well this isn't a place…read morefor you lol but if you're looking for a ice house while out riding and driving by with a good dive feel... this is for you!! Great place! I Iove it!! I've heard the fish fry is to notch!!! Haven't tried it yet!

I have heard about this restaurant for quite some time and so we drove out on Sunday morning to…read morehave brunch and must tell you that the cuisine was quite good. I had eggs Benedict with crab, wonderful bacon, and home fries, and because I had traveled all the way out to Belleville, Texas. I made it a point to complement it all with a pancake, which was equally wonderful. It's a lovely restaurant and I think I read somewhere that it is old time Texas architecture and I must tell you it really was quite lovely. There was a patio and the weather was wonderful. We chose not to dine there but the next time we're in town. There is no question that we will make it a point to do so. The bartender was very capable, bloody Mary's and mimosas as well as a myriad of other drinks. Very many top shelf, liquors, and a wonderful cup of coffee make for not only a pleasant dining experience, but frankly a wonderful dining experience. If you're ever in Belleville, Texas, I would make it a point to stop by and enjoy really a top level dining experience.

A neighbor recommended this spot and said it was amazing, so we had to give it a try and it did not…read moredisappoint. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant felt cozy and inviting with a great atmosphere. The staff was attentive without being overbearing, our waitress was so sweet. I ordered fish and my husband had the steak, both were beautifully presented, but more importantly, absolutely delicious. The quality of the food really stood out. One of the highlights of the evening was watching fresh pasta being made right in front of us, which is something you don't come across often. We'll definitely be back. This has quickly become one of our new favorite spots, and I highly recommend it.