Events and Activities
Best places to view Christmas Lights in Northwest Houston
December 19th, 2008 categories: Events and Activities
One of our favorite places to view Christmas Lights in Northwest Houston is in the Prestonwood Forest subdivision. Known as the “Christmas Lights Neighborhood”, its continuation of a 30+ year tradition has become legendary.
Local newspapers and television stations, Southern Living, FOX News, and the Travel Channel have all written stories about or done programs on the Christmas lights adorning the Prestonwood Forest homes.
Just about every home in the Prestonwood Forest subdivision of 750 homes gets involved in the Nite of Lights event. With almost every block in the subdivision choosing a different holiday theme. One of the themes is based on “The Night Before Christmas” in which each home on the block displays a page of the story.
The subdivision hands out awards for “Best House”, “Best Block”, “Runner-up Block”, “Best Mailbox”, “Best Door”, and “Best Lamp Post”
Estimations are around 15,000 people drive through Prestonwood Forest and view the Christmas decorations and lights display during the Nite of Lites event. The 2008 Nite of Lites begins on December 13th and continues through January 3rd. The homes lights are on Monday - Friday 6 pm to 10 pm and Saturday - Sunday 6 pm to 11 pm. The Prestonwood Forest subdivision is located South of Cypresswood about 2 miles East of HWY 249.
The residents of Prestonwood Forest take their NIte of Lites event serious. So serious ….. that included in the sale of the homes are the homes Christmas decorations.
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Recently opened Vintage Park announces Summer Events
July 29th, 2008 categories: Dining and Entertainment, Events and Activities
Vintage Park, an upscale town center shopping center, announces its first Summer Events schedule. On the following Saturdays, August 2 and 16, September 13 and 20 from 4 - 6 pm enjoy live music plus additional entertainment for the kids at Vintage Park.
The recently opened Vintage Park is located at the HWY 249 and Louetta intersection in Northwest Houston. Careful attention to detail has been paid in the construction of the Mediterranean architecture structure including hand-laid pavers, stone columns, clay tile roofs, and hand painted murals.
Vintage Park’s first tenant of Potbelly Sandwich Works opened its doors in December of 2007. Since then construction has been completed on additional buildings with more tenants moving in including Imagination Toys and Shoes, Eminence Fine Furniture, Starbucks, Alan Murphy Salons. And its newest tenant Cheeburger Cheeburger.
A good old-fashioned Cheeburger and malt in a replicated 50s and 60s diner is waiting to be enjoyed by you at Cheeburger Cheeburger. This is Cheeburger Cheeburger’s first location in the great State of Texas and we are proud for it to be located in Houston.
The center of activity at Vintage Park is certain to occur in its Piazza. Designed to be reminiscent of an Italian shopping promenade with dramatic landscaping and fountains to be enjoyed al fresco by diners. None of the restaurants overlooking the Piazza are open as of yet. Mia Bella an Italian restaurant has secured space at one corner of the Piazza. Shogun a Japanese restaurant will occupy space in the opposite corner of the Piazza.
I can’t think of too many better things to do on a Friday night than having an enjoyable dinner in a wonderful atmosphere with my husband. So if you are one of the workers working on this project, please hurry up and finish. Because I am hungry and am ready to eat.
If you want a quick drive home after a night of shopping and dining at Vintage Park consider the neighborhoods of Champion Forest, Champion Woods, Memorial Northwest, and Gleannloch Farms. They are all within a short 10 minute drive. Begin your search for Spring Texas homes and discover the great homes available in these and other neighborhoods. If you have questions or are ready to begin viewing homes, give us a call at 281.300.3141 or 281.804.8626.
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Jazz takes center stage at The Centrum
February 29th, 2008 categories: Arts and Culture, Events and Activities
On March 7th at 8:00 pm the joint a.k.a The Centrum will be a rocking to the sounds of big band swing jazz performed by Gordon Goodwin and his Big Phat Band.
Comprised of L.A.’s finest musicians this 18-piece ensemble has quickly become one of the most hard swinging jazz ensembles around. The Big Phat Band’s debut album “Swinging for the Fences” received two Grammy nominations and Goodwin won a 2006 Grammy for Instrumental Arrangement of Incredits from the film, The Incredibles.
If you are lover of jazz, swing, or big band, you won’t want to miss The Big Phat Band’s first appearance in Spring Texas. Get your tickets now. Tickets range in price from $30 to $60.
The Centrum is located at 6823 Cypresswood Dr Spring TX 77379.
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The Year of the Mustang
February 17th, 2008 categories: Events and Activities
2008 - The year of the Mustang? I know you probably thought it was the year of the Rat. Well its both the year of the Rat and the year of the Mustang. At least it is in Houston Texas.
At the end of February, a herd of 28 hand-painted mustangs will go on display to celebrate the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The majority of the horses will be on display at the rodeo, but a select few will be roaming the streets of downtown Houston. After the rodeo is over, the mustangs will make their way back to their owners. Many of them will later be auctioned off for charity or put on display in business lobbies.
This is not the first time that larger than life hand-painted items were displayed around the city. Last year in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, 85 six-foot high cowboy boots were on display.
In 2001, Houston sponsored its first cow parade. Our city was inundated with 300 fiberglass cows. It seemed like they were everywhere. The Houston Chronicle, our local newspaper, even got in on the fun and gave away miniature versions of the cows. I was lucky enough to get one of the miniature versions.
Months later when I was in a major decluttering mode I put the cow up for auction on eBay. And you know what that little cow brought me $180. It wasn’t my first experience selling on eBay but it was the first time I ever sold a cow.
Personally I liked the cows better than the boots because I thought that the designs on the cows were more creative than the boots.
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Houston Rodeo announces 2008 entertainment
January 8th, 2008 categories: Dining and Entertainment, Events and Activities
The Houston Rodeo announced its 2008 entertainment schedule today. The entertainment is sure not to disappoint as some of the biggest names in Country Music are slated to perform. The entertainers include Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kevin Fowler, Alan Jackson, John Legend, Martina McBride, Hannah Montana, Sugarland, Rascal Flatts, John Fogerty, Toby Keith, Clay Walker, Brad Paisley, Duelo / Los Horoscopos De Durango, Miranda Lambert, Big & Rich, Fergie, Dierks Bentley, Pat Green, and Brooks & Dunn.
Tickets are $16 - $300 and go on sale at 10 am on Saturday, January 12th 2008. The Hannah Montana, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Alan Jackson tickets are certain to go fast. Hannah Montana’s 2007 Houston Rodeo appearance broke the attendance record and fried the sound system. So if you want a good view for the concert, don’t delay in getting your tickets.
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Spending New Year’s Eve in Spring Texas?
December 29th, 2007 categories: Events and Activities
Are you spending New Year’s Eve in Spring Texas? Here are a few ideas on how to ring in the New Year.
- Sam Houston Race Park - Spend the evening at the Race Park. Live Racing starts at 7 pm. Package deals are available. The $35 Winner’s Circle Package includes admission, live racing program, reserved seat, grande buffet, party favors, champagne, live music, and fireworks at midnight. A good price for a lot of entertainment.
The Centrum- Spend the evening listening to the Houston Symphony play at the Centrum. The Houston Symphony will be performing Rossini’s Overture to La cenerentola, several character dances from Tchanikovsky’s The Nutcracker, the Overture from Bernstein’s West Side Story, selections from Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess, and more. The performance starts at 8 pm and tickets are available from $30 to $60.- Stay Home - You can create a wonderful evening at home for just the two of you or for a crowd. Prepare a decadent meal with King Crab Legs as the entree. King Crab Legs are on sale this time of year and you can pick them up for a reasonable $8.00 a pound.
- Fireworks - Host your own fireworks display. Numerous temporary firework stands are along side our roadways making it convenient for you to purchase an array of noise makers. It is legal to let off fireworks in Spring Texas. If you don’t want to host your own fireworks display, but still want to join in the fun. Don’t worry, your neighbors will be letting off fireworks and you can enjoy theirs.
Enjoy your New Year’s Eve, however you decide to spend it.
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Start a family tradition … Picking out the Perfect Christmas Tree in Spring Texas
December 8th, 2007 categories: Events and Activities
Some of my best holiday memories involve the traditions that my parents created for us. One of my favorite traditions was the going to pick out the Christmas Tree. We all bundled up, piled into our wood paneled station wagon and headed to a small Christmas Tree Farm to find THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS TREE.
We ran up and down the rows of Christmas trees looking for just the right one to display in our living room. We debated and debated until we agreed that we had found the perfect Christmas tree. We cut it down and tied it the roof of our wagon. Away we went to bring home our treasure. It was a wonderful tradition. One that we looked forward to each year. 
You too can start a family tradition of going to pick out the perfect Christmas Tree. And no you do not have to drive an hour. Located in Spring Texas off of Spring Cypress and between Steubner Airline and Champion Forest is Old Time Christmas Tree Farm. The Farm has been in the owners family for over 100 years. The Old Time Christmas Tree Farm has around 30 acres of trees planted.
Bring the family and go up and down the rows of trees hunting for your perfect Christmas Tree. On the weekends after Thanksgiving, Santa will be waiting to hear your child’s wish list.
Before you leave the Farm with your perfect Christmas Tree, take the kids on the Farm’s free hayride. Start a new family tradition this year. Your children will treasure the memories.
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Enjoy the Holiday Classic “A Christmas Story”
December 1st, 2007 categories: Arts and Culture, Events and Activities
You are sure to delight in and laugh out loud as the Holiday classic, “A Christmas Story” is performed on stage in Northwest Houston. For a second year, the Texas Repertory Theatre Company brings to life the 1940’s story of Ralphie Parker’s quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
Create a new holiday tradition by taking your children to a performance of A Christmas Story. I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I did and still do. A Christmas Story is one of my favorite holiday movies and I have seen it more times than I can count. It is a true holiday classic from the triple dog dare to the secret decoder ring to the bar of soap to the exploding furnace to the easter bunny pajamas to the neighbors dog eating the turkey. But wait, let’s not forget Ralphie’s Old Man winning a “Major Award”. I have so many favorite scenes that it is impossible to pick just one favorite.
A Christmas Story opens December 5th and runs through December 30th. Tickets are $20 - $40. Half price children’s tickets are available when accompanied by an adult. Call today to get your tickets to an evening of fun that you will not want to miss.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 281.583.7573. The Texas Repertory Theatre is located at 14243 Stuebner Airline Rd. Get out there and enjoy all that Spring Texas and Northwest Houston have to offer.
Can’t get enough of A Christmas Story? Check out the original A Christmas Story House where the movie was filmed. It is open year around for tours. They also have some wonderful gift ideas for that A Christmas Story fan on your list
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Thoroughbred Racing Returns to Sam Houston Race Park
November 16th, 2007 categories: Dining and Entertainment, Events and Activities
Are the relatives going to be in town for the Thanksgiving Weekend? And are you looking for something to do besides shopping at the overcrowded malls? How about spending the evening at the Sam Houston Race Park in Northwest Houston. 
Enjoy live Thoroughbred Racing as it returns to Sam Houston Park on November 23rd. The excitement continues with concerts scheduled for November 23rd and November 24th. Grammy nominated country singer-songwriter, Miranda Lambert will perform on Friday and Texas country musician, Kevin Fowler will perform on Saturday.Arrive at Sam Houston Race Park hungry, because they have 2 restaurants, 8 bars, and 5 concession stands ready to tempt your taste buds. The Winner’s Circle Restaurant is one of my personal favorites. You will enjoy feasting on their five star buffet while you get caught up in the action. The dining tables provide a fantastic view of the finish line. Sam Houston Race Park is just a short drive from Spring TX on Beltway 8 between 249 and I45.
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Experience the Christmas classic The Nutcracker Ballet
November 12th, 2007 categories: Arts and Culture, Events and Activities
Come and experience the beauty of The Nutcracker Ballet as it is performed by the Houston Dance Theatre in Northwest Houston. 100 local dancers will be performing with world famous guest artists during this classic Christmas Story Ballet about a young girl and her dreams of a prince. A Klein Oak High School Senior will be sharing the role of “The Snow Queen”.
Every young girl has dreamed about being a ballerina. Isn’t it time you took your children to experience the excitement of the ballet. The Houston Dance Theatre has been a part of the Northwest Houston community for many years with this year being its 25th year of presenting The Nutcracker Ballet.
Only three performances are scheduled over the Thanksgiving Weekend: Saturday, November 24th at 2:30 pm & 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 25th at 2:30 pm. All performances will be at Westfield’s Gieger Performing Arts Center located at 16713 Ella Houston TX. Tickets are $18.00 and may be purchased online.
Enjoy watching the ballet and reliving your own dreams of once being a famous ballerina.
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