This is Houston's version of the amazing race! It's a lot of fun as you get to travel through…read moredowntown in search of clues. Along the way there are challenges you must accomplish to take your required pictures. The clues teach you about Houston and you get to see areas of downtown you might not normally visited. Teams are encouraged to dress in costume and it's a blast to see all these people running around the streets of downtown.

I was told about this run from a fellow yelper Zain R, and I was able to convince couple of other…read moreyelpies to join us, thus forming the team "Agony of De Feet". Mike M and Catheryn S were the other team members. We met at Zain's place and took an uber lift to the med center where the run was taking place. It had sprinkled in the morning, and so the roads were still damp and grass was wet. It was also somewhat of a cold morning too. We did a quick 5 min stretch, participated in the national anthem, and started the run. Since this was a nice sized crowd, we started at the back end of the crowd, giving all others to start before us. The lane was very narrow and being a wet ground, I wanted to avoid any slips/fall/injury. The first couple of minutes, I kept pace with my fellow team members, and then took my long strides and disappeared with the crowd. There was plenty of law officers directing traffic and ensuring safety of the runners. I was dashing on the side curb, avoiding running on the lane and bypassing people. There were volunteers passing out water through out the course and also at the finish line. Once I got to the finish line, it was about 15 extra minutes before the rest of my team members showed up. We all got water and took a few selfies together. We then went next door to the tents where there was some snacks to nibble on and replenish your energy. I plan on running next year at this event.

This is a 2015 update from my below post (be sure to read that for all the details. I don't want to…read morerepeat). I downgraded one star (from four stars to three stars) this year based upon some changes in the race organization. In particular, packet pick up required before the race. For those of us that live out of town, it is near impossible (and certainly not desirable) to trek downtown on a weekday to pick up a race packet. This after paying $30 or more to run. I highly recommend expanding the volunteer workforce on the morning of the race OR even offering mailed packets. I would pay $5 to not spend 2 hours driving in and out of town, finding parking, etc. This year I was on vacation during packet pick up and despite stating there were no race day pickup (and no exceptions), they were able to pass them out (and I was appreciative, but this was still a hassle). If you read my review last year, there were issues with race day pickup, but this wasn't a good fix. Also disappointed that Live Oak brewery wasn't out, instead they had some beer, but a one 8 oz can limit per runner. I know sponsorships are a two way street so this had no bearing on my star rating, but not as good. Also, change in parking, they used to offer free parking in a nearby garage, now you have to pay to park on race day (as a regular visitor to the hospital). We were early and found some free street parking, but this is another step back this year. Also a bit of a downer, no team competition this year. Neutral things: The route changed from previous year, but was more or less the same roads. Awards for age groups were not announced at the event and will be mailed, again, since I didn't win, this wasn't a big deal, might be for some. Overall Men's and Women's, overall and Masters Top 3 were announced with awards passed out. On the positive side, the pre-race tents and post-race party were MUCH better location (right near the start/finish). It was also on pavement instead of grass, leading to much less mud due to rains and lack of evaporation prevalent this time of year. Also YELP HAD A TENT THERE!!!! Thanks to Rosa and Christine for coming out with lots of SWAG. I hope they consider tents in future years, I saw a lot of people stopping by and checking in to the event due to their presence. GOOD MOVE YELP!!!! I may or may not do the race next year, depends on the packet pick up situation.

The Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) is another of Houston's semisecret film/tv/video…read moreresources. This organization can help you find crew, gear, money, or locations for your project, as well as somewhere to screen it when all is said and done. Their most extensive offering is their workshops, which cover every facet of film and video production. Members receive lots of great benefits. SWAMP hosts frequent mixers for local industry pro's and newbies alike, so stop by one to mingle and network with others who enjoy sporting gaffer's tape stripes.

Love this local park in Bellaire…read more From the Nature Discovery Center to the Texas Birdwatching Trail, there are so many interesting finds along the woodsy walk. The Nature Discovery Center was a favorite when my kids were small. Loved the bunnies, the Wiggles and Squirms classes and summer camps. From being summer campers to junior counselors, they really learned a lot about science and nature. They even hosted a booth about eating healthy for their Girl Scout Silver Award during Pumpkin Patch one sunny October weekend. Love birding? Check out the list of bird sightings. Saw a juvenile yellow crowned night heron recently. In some cultures, this is a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Check out the turtles swimming in the small pond along the boardwalk. The park is free to visit. Parking is available both off Evergreen and Newcastle. Enjoy a walk in the woods in Bellaire.

The Nature Discovery Center is situated in Russ Pittman Park. The actual nature center building has…read morelimited hours. They are only open on weekends from June - August (10am-noon). Their hours during the school year (late August - late May) are Tuesday through Thursday, 10am-noon and 4pm-6pm. The surrounding park is open 7 days a week, 5am-930pm. The park is small but lovely. There are lots of little trails that help isolate you from the road/other visitors. I was impressed at how many benches & picnic tables there were throughout the park. Lots of places to stop and rest. A charming fountain. A few signs to let you know about local flora/fauna. A playground for kids. Even if you visit when the nature center is closed, they do have some outdoor cages with animals. There was a bunny cage although I think he was hiding. Also saw a possum -- Blossom was a cutie. There was also a turtle cage but they weren't there (gone for hibernation, apparently). There was also a large cage with doves. So there are some animals to see whenever you visit. Another major plus -- they have outdoor bathrooms! They are separate from the nature center. I always have to pee so this is a big draw for me. There are two parking lots -- one at the north area (by the nature center) and the other at the south area (by the playground). The parking lots are small but if you come early, it shouldn't be an issue. I'm not sure what the street parking situation is in the area.

This review is for the adventurous, the creative and those with any shred of imagination....oh, and…read morehistory buffs. American Statesmanship Park, aka Mount Rush Hour, was donated to Harris County Precinct 2 in November 2012. All it is is a collection of 18 foot tall sculptures, created by Houston artist David Adickes. These concrete representations of, Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, loiter, 24/7, in a lot near the intersection of I-10 and 45. The place is not hard to reach, by car, bus, or bike, and the walk from the bus stop is not that far of a jaunt and the neighborhood not that intimidating, though since it's near abandoned land along the freeway walkers should be wary. Homes are a mix of old and worn and new development. I visited on my birthday in March 2013. My review is in the form of a creative telling of that trip and includes 4 photos that give you the lay of the land and amusing looks at these wonderful sculptures. I hope the story and the photos encourage you to visit the spot and bring along the kids for a cool adventure of a historical nature... The Mad Houstonian had arrived in Houston in September, from southern California, jobless, but a writer with creative hopes and dreams. On this day, as he celebrated his 53rd birthday, a lot had happened in the intervening 6 months, but his confidence in the rightness of his relocation remained unshaken. In California he had performed at open mic poetry readings in several venues, including the famed Ugly Mug Cafe, in the city of Orange, and hoped to do the same in his new home. Having begun to become familiar with the poetry scene in Houston he finally decided to take the bull by the horn and venture forth. His first choice might surprise the natives, but he felt it was the right thing to do, and so he soon found himself wandering down a dusty lane, ancient, single, two and 3-story wood frame homes, some dating back to the turn of the previous century, some still in use, some long abandoned, surrounding him on all sides, all situated on what had once been, partly, a civil war era cemetery, from what a resident had told him. He had come to perform before men known simply as George, Stephen, Sam, and Abraham. The biggest, most impressive, audience in town. As he proceeded to introduce himself he couldn't help but notice how silent they were. Maybe they were meditating, he thought, or maybe mesmerized by the passing traffic on the nearby freeway, or train tracks. Maybe they were stunned that someone had actually come to pay them a visit! As he proceeded to read some of his work, they just stared at him, not budging an inch, refraining from giving any sort of feedback, positive, or negative. They didn't even call the constable on him for occupying their space, and ruining their day! Finally, at his wits end, he begged, and pleaded, for any of them to say something, anything... Just please, stop looking at him so stone faced, and coldly. They just continued to sit there looking at him stonily, refusing to respond in any way... Finally, he packed up, said good-bye, and left the gentlemen to their own devices. A tough audience, he thought, as he made up his mind to try a less demanding bunch of poetry lovers, of which there surely had to be a few in this town somewhere.... Quotes of relevance... "Happiness depends more upon the internal frame of a person's own mind, than on the externals in the world." "To encourage literature and the arts is a duty which every good citizen owes to his country." ― George Washington "Whatever you are, be a good one." "I will prepare and some day my chance will come." "The best way to predict your future is to create it". "Those who write clearly have readers, those who write obscurely have commentators." "Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed." "I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end." ― Abraham Lincoln

Stuck in stop-and-go traffic on the interstate, I was able to enjoy this park at 5 to 10 miles an…read morehour. A surprising little bright spot in an otherwise frustrating afternoon and affectionately nicknamed "Mount Rush Hour" (like Mount Rushmore but with traffic). The park has 18 foot tall busts of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Stephen F. Austin, and Sam Houston. (Yes, for you non-Texans, the cities of Austin and Houston are named after those last two.) The park is operated by Harris County and these artworks by sculptor David Adickes were added in 2012. He titles them, "A Tribute to American Statesmanship." Enjoy if you're going slow. Or if you want a better look, the park is open to the public but not directly accessible from the interstate. [Review 852 of 2024 - 607 in Texas - 21882 overall]

Had a great time fishing with Ken. He was very helpful when my sister and I needed to get out on…read morethe water. Lots of throw backs but a few keepers. All in all very pleased with the service.

We spent the morning on the water with Captain Ken. This was by far one of the best fishing trips…read moreI've ever experienced. Captain Ken is easily accessible. Booking and scheduling took little effort. He didnt even fuss when we got lost the morning of and talked us through our little GPS error. On arrival he was ready to go! He took us to multiple spots in the Bay and we had a pretty good catch. He's great for novices. He baits the hook and shows you how to cast. And to top it all off he cleans your catch. We're already planning our next trip.

So much fun! I would definitely recommend you guys to come. The staff was super nice, and we had an…read moreamazing time riding the ATVs. Definitely worth it!

10/10 mud riding experience the lady up front was so nice & our instructor was amazing & patientread more

My husband and I have been diving for a little while, always renting equipment. We finally decided…read moreto start acquiring out own, and purchased BCDs from Chris and Tanya. Since diving means travel, we wanted the least bulk to fit in our luggage, and researched back wing systems, which they could provide. They fitted us with systems they put together and then took us to the pool to make sure they were properly fitted and gave us some tips on buoyancy control with the different fell to this type of BCD. After out pool outing, we tried to pay them for their time, at which time they let us know that helping us adjust the fit and giving tips on use was part of the service. Several websites warn of the difficulties of fitting a backplate wing BCD while also singing the praises of how great they are once you adjust. I highly recommend going to Chris and Tanya! P

They can provide specialty equipment that you may not be able to find elsewhere, and have great…read morevideos.