50 First Dates... or, the First 50 Dates

In Case you missed them... here's a list of the first 50 uncommon dates.

50. Rent ATVs or Dune Buggies!

49. Hubble 3D - Wortham IMAX

48. "Dancin in the Streets.. Motown and More Revue at Miller Outdoor Theater

47. Friday Evening Drum Circle at Courtyard Caffe in Galveston, TX

46. City Wide Dance Festival 2010

45. Screen on the Green @Discover Green

44. Last Concert Cafe

43. Comedy Open Mic Night @Sherlock's Baker Street Pub

42. Wicked comes to Houston!

41. Italian Expo

40. GET MATCHING TATTOOS!!! (Just kidding... unless you want to) ***BODY ART EXPO - HOUSTON***

39. Passport to Argentina @Central Market: May 12-25, 2010

38. Explore Vineyards and Wineries near Houston, ...

37. Kayak Buffalo Bayou

35. Art Car Weekend 2010

34. Romance at the Gun Range

33. Eat Outside the Box - Saffron Moroccan Restaurant

32. Sunday Stroll through Open Houses in Houston

31. Opening Day at Sam Houston Race Park

30. Williams Water Wall

29. Buzzfest 2010 - Woodlands Pavilion

28. Old School Date Night at the Skating Rink!

27. Houston Zoo

26. Gospel Brunch at HOB - Houston

25. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

24. Celebrate Earth Day Houston Together!

23. Grand Wine and Food Affair

22. Couples Massage @ a discount!

21. 2010 Houston International Festival

20. "Neighborhood Night" at Hotel ZaZa

19. Karaoke Date Night!

18. US Air Guitar Championship - HOB

17. Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival

16. Texas Rock Gym

15. Simon Fashion Now - Galleria Fashion Show

9. Free First Sundays - Museum of Fine Arts Houston

14. Monster Energy Supercross Houston - Reliant Stadium

13. Broadway Across America's IN THE HEIGHTS @ Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

12. 24th Annual Texas Crawfish & Music Festival

11. Open Mic Poetry Night at Taft Street Coffee House

10. Central Market Cooking School

8. Houston Astros Season Opener & Tour of MInute Maid Park

7. Romantic Easter Egg Hunt

6. 2nd Annual Earth Day Houston Festival, 5K & Green Expo - April 3, 2010

5. Pinot and Picasso

4. Ballroom Dancing!

3. Art Bike 2010 - Discovery Green

2. March Madness Comes to Houston

1. Bayou City Arts Festival Memorial Park

50. Rent ATVs or Dune Buggies!

Go-carts, Schmo-carts.. I'm looking for something a little more powerful... something with a little more action... something like, ATVs & Dune Buggies!!! Houston and its surrounding areas offer several rental options for ATVs and Dune Buggies. You'll have to venture outside the city limits to hit the sand in a buggy (but road trips are good for relationships!). If it's an ATV your heart is after, you won't have to look far. Make a date of it and take your honey on the ride of his/her life. Don't be afraid to get dirty!

Here are a few rental websites where you'll find more information including location and prices.

Soggy Bottom ATV Ranch
Mud Buddy's
ATV 4X4 Adventure Rentals
Mational ATV Rental
Eagle Rider
General Sams Offroad Park

49. Hubble 3D - Wortham IMAX

If it's offered in "3D" you can bet that I'm going to try it... mainly because I know I look good in 3D glasses and I want my date to see me lookin' even fly-er than I already am. As you can imagine, star gazing is a fairly romantic outing. Give the romance a boost and take your date to an up close and personal viewing of the stars at Hubble 3D - Wortham IMAX. I don't care how old you are, star gazing never goes out of style.

"Experience the gripping story—full of hope, crushing disappointment, dazzling ingenuity, bravery, and triumph—in Hubble 3D, the seventh awe-inspiring film from the award-winning IMAX Space Team.

Vividly captured in IMAX 3D, Hubble 3D recounts the amazing journey of the most important scientific instrument since Galileo’s original telescope and the greatest success in space since the Moon Landing—the Hubble Space Telescope. Audiences will accompany the space walking astronauts as they attempt some of the most difficult tasks ever undertaken in NASA’s history, and will experience up close the awesome power of the launches, the heartbreaking setbacks, and the dramatic rescues of this most powerful story.

Hubble 3D will also reveal the cosmos as never before, allowing viewers of all ages to explore the grandeur of the nebulae and galaxies, the birth and death of stars, and some of the greatest mysteries of our celestial surroundings, all in amazing IMAX 3D."


Hubble 3D Tickets


Two Special Offers!
Experience Hubble 3D for only $6 during HMNS' Free Permanent Exhibits Tuesdays.
Click here for Coupon

Explore the Universe in both IMAX 3D and the Planetarium! Buy a ticket to Hubble 3D and get a ticket to see Life in the Universe in the Planetarium for just $5!
Click here for Coupon


HoustonMuseumofNaturalScience

48. "Dancin in the Streets.. Motown and More Revue" at Miller Outdoor Theater

I love me some soul music (aka: baby-makin-music, which means this date idea is already off to a great start!) "Dancin' in the Street... Motown and More Revue" at Miller Outdoor Theatre. "This electrifying and soulful revue features many of Houston's most talented vocalists and dancers accompanied by the 23-piece soulful BASEMENT orchestra. Dancin' in the Street…Motown and More Revue features soul music from its inception in the 1950s through contemporary times. The BACE company recreates the music of legendary soul music greats as recorded by Motown, STAX, Atlantic, Philadelphia International, Duke and Peacock and other labels." - Hyperlink toMillerOutdoorTheater

Miller Outdoor Theater is centrally located in Houston, Texas and within walking distance to several restaurants, bars and hotels.


Produced by BACE Productions and One Delta Plaza Educational Center

Dates:
Thursday, May 27th at 8:15 p.m.
Friday, May 28th at 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, May 29th at 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, May 30th at 8:15 p.m.


Location
Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Dr.
Houston, TX 77030

Website
Miller Outdoor Theater


Phone
281-373-3386

Ticket Prices:
This is a free event!

47. Friday Evening Drum Circle at Courtyard Caffe

Hello weekend!!! Sometimes getting outta the city for a bit and enjoying a slower pace of life is all we need to refocus for next week's work week. Think about heading down to Galveston tonight where the island folk somehow seem a bit more relaxed than the rest of us. Enjoy some seafood (while it lasts & before the oil spill gets the best of us) and take a stroll on the sand before heading to the Courtyard Caffe. "Every Friday evening, guests are invited to The Courtyard Caffe for its weekly Drum Circle, beginning at 9pm and continuing to close. During this festive weekly event, you'll enjoy everything from African drums, to belly dancing, to African chants. All are welcome, and admission is free." This place is so cute and a great date place or for a big group of friends.

Where:
Courtyard Caffe
2519 Market St
Galveston TX
Venue Phone Number: (409) 763-3845

46. City Wide Dance Festival 2010

"On Saturday, May 22nd, Dance Houston is proud to present its eighth annual City-Wide Dance Festival, showcasing the most exciting dancers local to Houston. The event will be held at the Wortham Center in the Cullen Theater and will feature over a hundred Houston-area dancers on one stage.

This annual festival focuses on presenting traditional and innovative performances in hip hop, bollywood, contemporary, ballet, and cultural styles. In presenting this popular festival, Dance Houston looks year round to showcase the best local dance companies that may or may not be well known.

This year, the lineup includes Phillip Chbeeb (SYTYCD), Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, Inertia, Houston Ballet II, Noblemotion, Monsoon Moves, Revolve, and U of H Alpha Phi Alpha Steppers, winners of the Sprite Step Off 2010 National Championship.

"We want people to see that their unique backgrounds make a significant contribution to today's dance culture", says Andrea Cody, Founder and Executive Director of Dance Houston.

Cody was inspired by a dance festival in Chicago that unites the local dancers together so the community can catch them all in one place. She wants to give Houston the same chance to see its dance community come together in a festival that is appealing, culturally relevant, fun and affordable.

Throughout the year, Dance Houston presents high quality festivals featuring Houston's favorite dancers and companies. The City-Wide Dance Festival continues to be the biggest and most popular event presented by Dance Houston. Curtain at 8pm."

Cost
Payment required. Tickets range from $15-$44.50 with special VIP tickets* and are available at www.dancehouston.org. *seated with Dance Houston artists, staff and board. Also includes access to exclusive downtown after-party with artists. ($100)

Where:
Cullen Theatre - Wortham Center
5oo Prairie - Prairie At Texas
Houston, TX

When:
May 22, 2010 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

45. Screen on the Green @Discover Green

Gone are the days of drive-in movie theaters... you'll have to drive outside the city limits and into small towns to find such a thing. But, now are the days of, "Screen on the Green" at Discovery Green in downtown Houston. Have you been to this park yet?? Go!

On any given Friday evening, Screen on the Green presents silent films, black and white films and contemporary movies for your entertainment. Movies start at dusk and include a wide variety of showings from the "African Film Festival Traveling Series" (June 25, 2010), to "School of Rock" (May 28, 2010). Pack a blanket to sit on, some snacks and some boxed wine in a cooler and enjoy the evening with your significant other. What a romantic and out-of-the-ordinary date idea.

Check out the Calendar of Events
calendar of events to find a showing and date that interests you.

44. Last Concert Cafe

A hidden Houston treasure, Last Concert Cafe seems other-worldly when compared to your usual Tex-Mex restaurant. The Bohemian vibe will have you forgetting you're in downtown Houston as you indulge in great live music and good-for-your-body&soul grub. Tucked away between a few ramshackled houses on Nance St. in Houston's old warehouse district, you may have to look hard to find the obscure red and white building, which boasts no apparent signage. Finding the front door locked as it always is, you'll impress your date by knocking on the door and requesting entrance for dinner and drinks. While you won't find the most elegant of all interiors, you will find a patio equipped with sand and hula hoops (for use in the event you want to work off those enchiladas you just downed or if you just want to have a hula hoop war with your significant other). An eclectic group of people and the great live music will set the stage for a fun and eventful night out with your sweetie.

Details:
Last Concert Cafe
1403 Nance St.
Houston, TX 77002

713 226-8563

Bar & Live music Tuesday - Saturday until 2am.

Other hours:
Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Dinner: Monday 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tues-Thurs 3:00 pm - 10:30 pm
Fri 3:00 pm - 12:00 midnight
Sat 5:00 pm - 12:00 midnight
Sunday Brunch 10:30am - 3:00 pm
Sunday Dinner 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Visit Last Concert Cafe for more info.

43. Comedy Open Mic Night @Sherlock's Baker Street Pub ***FREE***

Happy Monday Houston! If you've got a "case of the Mondays" and want something to look forward to when the workday ends, plan on Comedy Open Mic Night @Sherlock's Baker Street Pub River Oaks location. Every Monday is Open Mic Night. It's free admission and dirt cheap drinks for you and your honey. Comedy Open Mic night is always interesting and good for a few laughs...and I think we could all use that on a Monday.

Location:
Sherlock's Baker Street Pub
1952 W Gray St
Houston, TX 77019
713-521-1881

Laughs start around 9:30pm

42. Wicked comes to Houston!

Guys... if you love your lady at all, or have any interest in her whatsoever, take her to see what Entertainment Weekly deems, "the best musical of the decade," Wicked - the Untold Story of the Wizard of Oz. Even if you're not into musicals, this move will score you a thousand bonus points with her. Ladies, if you need to drop the hint, do so now, because this Broadway and West End musical is on the horizon and is certain to sell out quickly.

To read more about Wicked, visit the official site www.wickedthemusical.com

**Snuggle up with your significant other before the show and watch the entirety of the original Wizard of Oz, so that you'll have a better understanding of the storyline.

Although the Wicked doesn't roll into town until the end of June, I recommend getting your tickets asap. So, even if you're single and not sure who to invite, go ahead and buy a couple just so you're prepared when Ms. Right shows up. It's beats the alternative... some other guy taking Ms. Right to see Wicked.


Details:

Dates: Wicked will be on tour in Houston 6/30/2010 - 7/25/2010
Tickets: Buy Tickets Here or at www.wickedhouston.com

This is your fair warning to get your tickets early!

41. Italian Expo (the Body Art Expo "alternative" for May 21-23)

If, like me, you are obsessed with all things Italian (fashion, music, design, language, food, wine, cars, romance, people, culture) and you haven’t had the opportunity to take your significant other on an extravagant getaway to this romantic land, AND you aren’t so excited about attending the “Body Art Expo,” which was yesterday’s date idea and happens to fall on the same weekend, then you should definitely consider visiting the Italian Expo!!!

The Italian Expo will feature artists, including the ever popular Italian Street Paintersdoing live demonstrations (so cool!), several Italian-bred fashion, furniture, car and industrial designers, food and wine vendors (and that means free tastings of wine, gelato & specialty dishes), as well as a live broadcast of the final UEFA Champions League Game from Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid between Italian team FC Inter Milan and Bundesliga team Bayern Munich!nal

For a full list of vendors including fabulous Italian restaurants like Arcodoro and Ristorante Cavour, trip information and deals, motorized vehicles from Vespa to Ferrari and more, CLICK HERE

***At the end of the weekend, you can look forward to the Continental Round-trip giveaway for 2 to Italy and perhaps make your dreams of that romantic getaway come true!


When:
Friday, May 21 - Sunday, May 23, 2010

Where:
George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall A
1001 Avenida De Las Americas
Houston, TX 77010
Ph: (713) 853-8000

Hours:
Friday 2:30pm - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm

Tickets:
Pre-sale $10*
Doorprice $15
Children 12 and under are admitted free

Buy Pre-sale Tickets Here

40. GET MATCHING TATTOOS!!! (Just kidding... unless you want to) ***BODY ART EXPO - HOUSTON***

The BODY ART EXPO, also known as the world's largest tattoo expo, is coming to Houston this month! Tattoo lover or not (I, for one, have none), this is sure to be an interesting date for you and your beau, and it's a great option for beating the heat over the weekend.

The weekend long festivities include:
*Tattoo Contests (in every category you can imagine)
*Fashion Shows
*"Win a Tattoo" Contest (if that's your forte)
*Prize Giveaways

"Come feast your eyes with the world's largest Tattoo Expo and Gigantic Skin Show Off Party." bodyartexpo.com

HOUSTON TATTO EXPO

Event Takes Place May 21-23

Hours:
FRI 2 PM - 11 PM
SAT 11 AM- 11 PM
SUN 11 AM - 8 PM

Tickets are $22.00 for a one day pass and $45.00 for a three day pass.

Tickets will be sold only at the official ticket office at the main entrance to the sho

Where:
Reliant Park
1 Reliant Park
Houston, TX 77054
832-667-1400

39. Passport to Argentina @Central Market: May 12-25, 2010

Being a huge fan of Argentina wines, I feel compelled to bring this event to your attention. Starting Wednesday, May 12 - May 25, Central Market will be offering a full schedule of cooking classes, wine tastings and events centered around Argentinean lifestyle. A few events are geared particularly towards couples; however, most of the options are completely couple appropriate. Don't miss out on this opportunity of fabulous eats and libations, including appearances by several celebrity chefs and extraordinary winemakers of the region. What a great way to spend a date and learn more about Argentinean culture together.

Below is a partial list of classes and events you can enjoy this week.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
10:30am-12pm: Empanadas Mendocinas
4:00pm-7:00pm: Ben Marco Malbec & Mapena Sauvignon Wine Tasting
6:30pm-9:00pm: COUPLES Steaks on the Grill
7:30pm: Tango The Movie @ Studio Movie Grill Center

Thursday, May 13, 2010
2:00pm-3:00pm: Tea Time - Yerba Mate & Sopapillas
4:00pm-7:00pm: Susana Balbo Wine Tasting
6:30pm-9:00pm: Winemakers Diner with Susana Balbo

Friday, May 14, 20010
10:00am-11:30am: Spice Up Your Meals - Argentine Sauces
4:00pm-7:00pm: Luca Wine Tasting
6:30pm-9:00pm: Winemaker Dinner with Laura Catena

To see the fully loaded calendar visit CentralMarket.com and follow the links to "Cooking Classes" & the Houston store. I'll post more next week!

38. Explore Vineyards and Wineries near Houston, TX

Who needs Napa Valley when you can enjoy the vineyards and wineries right here in Houston, Texas (or close to it)? Okay, if you’re a wino or a travel enthusiast like me, you may need Napa at some point, but you can still enjoy the local wines of Texas in the meantime. Schedule a day trip with your date and take spend some time learning about a variety of wines. Browse the websites listed to below to find a winery near you and explore their calendars for special events, tours and wine tastings. You’ll find all the information you need for your vineyard/winery visits including directions, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Enjoy!

Circle S Vineyards (Sugar Land, TX)
Haak Vineyards and Winery (Santa Fe, TX)
Salud Winery (Inside the Loop) Winery only
Pleasant Hill Winery (Brenham, TX)
Messina Hof Winery (Bryan, TX)
Red River Winery 281-288-9463 (Spring, TX)

If you’re willing to drive a little further for your vineyard and winery experience, click the link for a full list of Texas Wineries

37. Kayak Buffalo Bayou

Explore Houston from a new perspective... in a canoe or kayak. Glide through Buffalo Bayou in a tandem (2-seater) kayak fit for you and your date. Make a reservation (required) for a guided tour (May 15 & June 19) as you paddle from Shepherd to Allen's Landing and finally ending downtown, where you'll be shuttled back to your car. If you prefer a more private trip with your date, feel free to go alone and rent a kayak or canoe through any of the following companies:

North Lake Conroe Paddling Co. (kayak’s only) 936.203.2697
Southwest Paddlesports 281.292.5600
REI www.rei.com
ACK Canoesport www.austinkayak.com
SouthWest PaddleSports www.paddlesports.com
Houston Rowing Club www.houstonrowing.com 281.532.1518

For more information call the Buffalo Bayou Partnership at 713.752.0314 ext. 3 or e-mail tsmith@buffalobayou.org


Pontoon Boat tours
The boat picks up at Sabine Street Bridge North Boat Landing. No reservations are required. First come, first serve for the 20 person boat. Tours occur on the following dates:
May 8
June 12
July 10
August 14
September 11
October 9
November 13
December 11

Cost: $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for children
***Cash only***

Parking available on Sabine Street Bridge and in City Lot H


*Waugh Bridge Bat Colony Pontoon Boat Tours
Second & Fourth Fridays of the month, March-October
Tours begin 45 minutes before dusk (weather permitting)
$35 per adult; $25 per child (ages 4-12) no children under 4

Dates: March 12 & 26
April 9 & 23
May 14 & 28
June 11 & 25
July 9 & 23
August 13 & 27
September 10 & 24
October 8 & 22

For more information, call 713.752.0314 ext. 4 or e-mail jballard@buffalobayou.org

35. Art Car Weekend 2010

Looking for something to do with your love this weekend? Take part as a spectator of the Art Car Parade Weekend 2010. Festivities kick off today, Thursday, May 6, 2010 and run through this Sunday, May 9, 2010. I'm copying the details of the Art Car Weekend in this note. But you can visit the Art Car Festival website for more information.

Art Car Weekend 2010 - 4 Days of Fabulous Events!

Art Car Ball "The Legend Returns"
Thursday, May 6, 2010 7pm-11pm
It’s baaaaack! For the first time in eight years, artists and fans will come together to celebrate and set the party mood for the weekend’s events. On Thursday, May 6 the public can enjoy live music, yummy food, spirits, performance art and fire-breathing cars as the night’s celebrated stars – the Art Car artists – become the center of attention. On the indoor stage, headliners include Southern Backtones and Flamin’ Hellcats. On the outdoor stage you can catch Kozmic Pearl and Herschel Berry and the Natives. Be sure you come in style for the costume contest, illuminated costumes are encouraged! EMCee by The ART GUYS. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Go here for tickets. (Food and drink for sale all night!)
NOTE: if you purchase Art Car Ball tickets via the website your name will be added to the "will call" list located at the entrance to the PAR-TAYYYYY! See you there.

Main Street Drag - Friday, May 7, 2010

Held on Friday morning, Main Street Drag is the official start of Art Car Weekend. Caravans of Art Cars visit more than 20,000 people who otherwise may not be able to experience the Saturday Parade. “The Drag” stops at children’s hospitals, schools, community centers and senior living facilities to spread smiles and the creative spirit with more than 80 Art Cars participating.

There is no charge for this event but you must register in advance. To request a school visit please contact the Orange Show.


Sneak Peek at Discovery Green, presented by Opportunity Houston
Friday, May 7, 2010 6pm-9pm
Parade-goers can get a preview of the newest Art Cars, along with some old favorites, at "Sneak Peek" which takes place Friday, May 7, from 6-9 pm at Discovery Green. Sponsored by Opportunity Houston and Discovery Green, Sneak Peek will feature live music and entertainment throughout the park by Grimy Styles and Foot Patrol. As the sun goes down, the park will be filled with illuminated Art Cars outfitted with special night lighting. Check out the arts and crafts activities for the kids!


The Art Car Parade - a major Houston Texas attraction



The Houston Art Car Parade
Saturday, May 8, 2010
(PARADE ROLLS AT 1PM)

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS??? Emmy-award winning actor and famed "Blues Brother" Dan Aykroyd will lead the way as the grand marshal of the 23rd Annual Art Car Parade on Saturday, May 8 at 1pm. Downtown Houston will come to life when more than 250 "motoriffic" mobile masterpieces hit the pavement.

As a free BYOG (bring your own goodies- lawn chairs, water, treats, no dogs please) event, the Parade has become a nationwide phenomenon and continues to bring out the artist in everyone. This year's spectacle is expected to draw a crowd of 250,000 fans from across the map and approximately 250 local, national and international artists will transform everyday automobiles into one-of-a-kind creations meant to amuse, inspire, enlighten and entertain.

Presented by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, the award-winning Parade preserves and promotes visionary art environments and provides opportunities to discover and celebrate the artist in everyone. At the biggest and best Art Car Parade on earth, the Orange Show dares ogling onlookers to discover their inner artists and to seek inspiration from stunners ranging from an exact replica F-18 fighter jet car to one inspired by the Beatles classic "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."

Be sure to also check out:

Art Car Fun Zone at Sam Houston Park, presented by CLEAR
Parade-goers will find activities aplenty: sand castle creations, arts and crafts, Art Car painting, food, drinks, $25 reserved bleacher seating (call 713-926-6368 for availability) and good times at the Houston Public Library summer reading program. Art Car Parade attendees will be one of the first to have a chance to check out CLEAR, a super fast, 4G mobile Internet service, new to Houston.

Blues SchoolHouse Program
Also at Sam Houston Park, the International House of Blues Foundation (IHOBF) will present its Blues SchoolHouse Program, a live musical presentation that traces the history of the blues from its roots in African musical traditions through its emergence as an American musical form and its influence on other forms of music including jazz, R&B, rock and roll, soul, funk and rap.


VIPit Party - The Place to be on Parade Day 11am-3pmThe Art Car Parade - a major Houston Texas attraction

VIPit Party at the Houston Heritage Society (ticketed event) provides the absolute best views of the Art Car Parade, plus shaded bleacher seating, live Parade commentary, open bar and tasty treats from some of Houston's best restaurants including Beaver's, Blue Bunny, California Pizza Kitchen, El Patio, Freebirds, Natachee's Restaurant & Bar, Paula's Texas Spirits, Raising Canes, Ruggles Green, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Silver Eagle, The Chocolate Bar, Vietnam Restaurant, IKEA and Crystal Head Vodka. Edgar "The Big E" Salazar will be performing.

* Individual tickets are $125 and can be purchased here.
* Tickets for children under 12 are $15 and can be purchased here.
* Art Car Angel Packages for 10 are available for $1,250
* Art Car STAR Packages for 25 are available for $3,750

This is a ticketed event - register and purchase tickets here or please call 713-926-6368. Money raised helps to keep the parade free for everyone.

NOTE: if you've purchased VIPit tickets via the website your name will be on the "will call" list at the entrance to VIPit.


Art Car Artists Awards Ceremony & Brunch -
Sunday, May 9th 11am-2pm

The last blast of the weekend takes place on Sunday afternoon, this year at the Continental Club, 3700 Main Street. The Art Car Awards Ceremony and Brunch feature live music and entertainment, food and drink, and artists selling their creations. This year’s winners will be announced at the awards ceremony with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes going to the best Art Car creations in 14 categories.

This event is free and open to the public.

34. Romance at the Gun Range

Get your guns up!

Nothing says "sexy" like a woman packin' heat. We're in Texas folks; take advantage of the lenient gun laws and work on your aim. Even better... do so with your woman! According to an article from www.texaslesstraveled.com, "it is estimated that Texans own around 51 million firearms." Interesting fact given that the population of Texas is only 24.8 million; That's nearly 2 guns to every person in the Lone Star State! Regardless of your opinion on gun laws or guns in general, don't miss the opportunity to educate yourself on how to use a firearm...safely and with proper ambition. I'm not suggesting you buy one. I'm not even suggesting that, "guns don't kill people, people kill people," because the first part of that statement simply isn't bona fide. What I am suggesting is that you experience the thrill of firing a weapon and holding a "best aim competition" with your date. And, if you feel the compulsion, go ahead and attempt to obtain your CHL - Concealed Handgun License.

Here's a partial list of gun ranges in Houston, Texas:
Memorial Shooting Center
Shiloh Shooting Range
Fountain Firearms
360Tactile Training
Greater Houston Gun Club

Feel free to google "Gun Ranges in Houston, TX" for a more detailed list.

Be careful. And don't shoot your eye out!

33. Eat Ouside the Box - Saffron Moroccan Restaurant

Happy Monday Houston! It's time to spice up your dating life and your restaurant habits. Houston is known for it's great restaurants, and given it's ranking as the 6th Fattest City in the U.S. (according to Men's Fitness magazine) it's clear that Houstonians like to eat! And we like to eat well! Instead of taking your date to Chili's again, make it a point to try new restaurants together in search of your favorite spot. Now, if your favorite spot is Chili's then have at it, but why not eat outside the box every now and then.

Get your hands on the Houston edition of Zagat,"the world's leading provider of consumer survey-based restaurant, nightlife, travel and leisure information, with more than 250,000 voters participating worldwide." Or subscribe online at Zagat Houston. Page through the thousands of restaurants and venue reviews to find one you're interested in or go for the old "Page-turn-Roulette." End the conversation that goes:

Him - "Where do you want to eat?"
Her - "I don't know, where do you want to eat?"
Him - "I don't care, your call."
Repeat.

My pick for the week is Saffron Moroccan Restaurant. Make reservations and experience Moroccan Cuisine and BELLY DANCING!! Yum!

Open Thursday through Saturday 5PM -11PM.
Belly dance show Thursdays 8:30PM,
Friday and Saturday two shows: 7:30PM & 9:30PM.

2006 Lexington St.
Houston, TX. 77098
713.523.5697

32. Sunday Stroll through Open Houses in Houston

Ahhhhh, Sunday afternoon; a great day to "pretend house hunt" with your beau and dream about your future. I say pretend with the assumption that some of us are unmarried, unwilling or just plain financially inept and as such, unprepared to put 20% down on a $3.2 million dollar home in the city. However, we can still explore possibilities, ideas and architecture in Houston by checking out open house listings. Pick up the Sunday paper, the Houston Chronicle that is, and page through the real estate section where you'll find an endless list of open houses to choose from and visit. Map out your day by selecting a particular area of town (I tend to choose those with the most exquisite options). Most open houses are open to public viewing between 12pm-5pm and usually provide drinks and snacks depending on the realtor. Take advantage of this time to get to know your significant other a little better; you'll learn more about his/her preferred style of furnishings, wall color and architecture. Hopefully your styles mesh, but if they don't, better to find out early on and start negotiations. Visit a variety of residential spaces from downtown lofts to oversized lots and mansions. Have fun, but don't waste the realtor's time by acting overly interested if you have no intentions to by a house. Be careful not to act on impulse as these houses can be tempting to say the least!

*Visit www.har.com to search the "open house finder" or Click Here