65. The Beer Can House

The Beer Can House in Houston is something you've got to see. In 1968, John Milkovisch, a quirky, retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, began adding on to his home in a unique way... with aluminum from beer cans. Although Milkovisch claims the project didn't begin as a work of art, it's certainly ended up that way. Over 50,000 beer cans, which Milkovisch drank over the course of many years, now cover the home for what has been deem, "practical and decorative reasons." (http://www.beercanhouse.org/about.php) Not only is it a sight to see, it also helps keep the electricity bill down.

Milkovisch is quoted on www.thebeercanhouse.org, saying, "Some people say this is sculpture but I didn't go to no expensive school to get these crazy notions.”

You can view a gallery of photos, both past and present at TheBeerCanHouse.org, but it's worth the trip to Memorial Dr & Washington Ave. to see it in person.

Admission to The Beer Can House grounds is $1.00.
Guided Tours, including house exhibition, are available for $5.00.
Self-guided tours available for purchase in the gift shop

Location:
222 Malone Street
Houston, TX

Hours:
The Beer Can House is open Saturdays & Sundays, Noon - 5pm

63. Houston Rockets Draft Party - June 24, 2010

Clutch City… this is for you. Yeah, so the Lakers won another championship, but that was last season. The 2010-2011 NBA season officially begins this Thursday, June 24, 2010 with the NBA Draft. Take part in the 2010-2011Rockets Draft Party at the House of Blues Concert Hall along with the Rockets Power Dancers, Clutch and the Launch Crew. Participate in contests for Rockets giveaways, including autographed items and trips. Be on the look out for special guest appearances and speakers. Simply sign up to become a Rockets Insider Here, and you’ll be able to print a FREE ticket from home. Yes, this event is FREE.

*Make sure your date is a sports fan before dragging him/her on this date.

Go Rockets!!!
Thursday, June 24
Presented by Toyota
House of Blues Concert Hall
Doors Open at 5:30 pm
1204 Caroline (@ Dallas), 77002
*The Concert Hall is located on the 3rd floor*

62. The Chocolate Bar

If you've always wanted to see the Willy Wanka Chocolate Factory come to life... visit The Chocolate Bar. Like a kid in a candy store, you'll go gaga for the never-ending anything-you-want-covered-

in-chocolate creations. You'll need several weeks to try everything. Chocolate drinks, chocolate cakes, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookies, chocolate popcorn, chocolate pizza, chocolate chocolate... the menu goes on and on. They even have sugar-free and gluten-free options.

The best thing about chocolate is its amazing ability to enhance one's mood. Although not proven to be an aphrodisiac, the simple act of indulging in a wonderful piece of heaven can cause someone to be overcome with happiness and pleasure. If you're present at the height of happiness and pleasure, your significant other just might attribute those feelings to you! The rest will be history.

2 Locations:

1835 W. Alabama
Houston, TX 77098
713.520.8599

Rice Village
2521 University Boulevard.
Houston, TX 77005
713.520.8888

The Original Chocolate Bar

60. Bands on the Sand: Moody Gardens

"Music and fireworks will fill the air with a summer concert series with fireworks at Moody Gardens. The Bands on the Sand Friday night concert series will kick off June 18 at Palm Beach.

This eight-week event is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and features some of the best local and regional bands on the Gulf Coast. Admission is just $6. Concert goers can enjoy live music with a different style of music each week ranging from rock, to blues to beach bands. Guests can enjoy a view of Offatts Bayou and a fireworks display following each show. Galveston Native, Hamilton Loomis, opens the Bands on the Sand season as he splices blues and rock and blends it for the contemporary ear.

Admission to the Bands on the Sand Concerts is included with a Palm Beach ticket or just $6 after 6 p.m. on concert dates. Tickets can be purchased at moodygardens.org/concerts/. For more information about Moody Gardens, call 800-582-4673 or visit moodygardens.org.

Bands on the Sand Concert Schedule:
June 18: Hamilton Loomis, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., $6
June 25: Mambo Jazz Kings, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $6
July 2: Ezra Charles & Texas Blues Band, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., $6
July 9: Radio London, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $6
July 16: Vertigo, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $6
July 23: D.R.U.M., 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., $6
July 30: James Reese Band, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., $6
August 6: The Intercoastal Pirates, 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., $6"

Venue: Moody Gardens
Phone: 800-582-4673
URL: Moody Gardens
Date: June 18, 2010

59. Wine and Food Week: June 14-20, 2010

I love wine. I love food. It's as if this week was created specifically for me! The 6th annual Wine and Food Week encompasses a week-long celebration of culinary and wine mastery. Regardless of your schedule and pocketbook, you'll find over 20 events to attend this week with your significant other. From encounters of the casual kind with Sip, Suds & Sliders to a night of lavishing finds at Frosted! Sip, Sparkle, & Shine, you're sure to find the perfect event to suit your taste and tastebuds.

Wine & Food Week 2010... Full list of EVENTS

Tickets

Location: The Woodlands, TX
Dates: June 14-20, 2010
Hours: Vary
21 and Up to purchase tickets.

Additional Info:
Food and Vine Time Productions
13518 North Tracewood Bend
Houston, Texas 77077
713-557-5732 (office)
713-481-9831 (fax)
info@foodandvinetime.com

58. Skydiving!

If you love her, you'll jump out of a plane for her. You're that crazy. Now, I'm not convinced that skydiving is the best "first date" date, but it certainly a quick way to learn about your mate. How do they deal with fear (of heights maybe), or listening (to instructions on pulling the parachute cord)?? And how do they look in goofy goggles and a snug onesie? Oh the things you'll learn...

If you've ever wanted to skydive or are searching for cool date ideas, today is the day to buy tickets. Why? Because, today's GROUPON is "45% off Skydiving" at Houston Skydiving. Normally a $179 value, you'll get if for $99 for the next 2 days. Here's a link to the coupon:

Groupon

Skydive Houston
15355 Penick Rd.
Waller, Texas 77484
800-JUMP-OUT

57. Houston Dynamo Game

If ya don't know, now ya know... Houston has a Major League Soccer Team. Now, I know this is Texas, land of the football-bred child, where heroes are Heisman Trophy Winners and the only acceptable day to miss religious services is Super Bowl Sunday. But, the Houston Dynamo deserve our support just like the Texans, the Longhorns - Hook em! (whoops - sorry Aggies) and your high school alma mater.

In their first 2 seasons, 2006 & 2007, the Dynamo won the MLS Cup Champions, which is something to be proud of and another reason to offer support. Games are exciting, and when we score, feel free to yell, "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Visit Houston Dynamo Website for schedule and ticket information.

Games are currently played at the University of Houston's Robertson Stadium as the Dynamo await funding and decisions for their new stadium.

56. Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge

I grew up in the 80s watching my dad compete in semi-pro bowling leagues, traveling around town to bowling alleys whose interiors were stuck in the 60s and 70s. Each one was fairly similar in that they reaked of stale cigarette smoke and served cold cheese nachos, but made up for such errors with rad pinball machines. Although some bowling alleys are still trapped in the mid 20th century, others, i.e.Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge have embraced modernized interiors and delectable grub.

It's swanky decor adds a sexy twist to bowling. Delicious cocktails and appetizers will keep you energized and may even help your bowling gam. Get a group together and reserve the intimate Luxe suite, which has 4 private lanes, it's own bar and a huge projection screen. It may be a bit pricier compared to you old bowling alley, but you can avoid that by making reservations during happy hour, weekedays (3pm-7pm) or reverse happy hour, Sunday-Thursday (10pm-close). Book in advance as they don't take same-day reservations.

Location:
1201 San Jacinto St.
Houston, TX 77002 (Downtown)
Phone: 713.343.3300
Fax: 713.343.3301

Hours
Sun-Thurs: 11AM - 12AM
Fri & Sat: 11AM - 2AM

21 and up after 8pm daily.

55. Sky Lobby at the JPMorgan Chase Tower - Dowtown

I live for a fantastic view. As a result, I'm always on the lookout for the best view a city has to offer. For Houston, that view can be found at the JPMorgan Chase Tower's Sky Lobby. Rising 75 stories high, the Chase Tower is the tallest building, not only in Houston, but also in Texas. In addition, it's the tallest "5-sided structure" in the world. One of six express elevators will shoot you up to the 60th floor Sky Lounge at 1000ft per minute for the best view in Houston. It's free and open to the public from 8am-5pm M-F. Share the view with your date!




Location:

600 Travis Street

Houston, Texas

54. Cirque du Soleil comes to Houston this month!!

Cirque du Soleil, which translates in English to, “Circus of the Sun” is not the circus of your childhood. You won’t see a ringmaster eating fire or domesticating a liger, and you’ll have to check out Barnum & Bailey’s if it’s the elephant conga line you desire. You will see performers flying through the air and configuring their bodies in ways you’ve never imagined, with strength and flexibility you simply cannot fathom. You’ll also see out-of-this world costume and make-up design, and experience a storyline deep-rooted in the passing of power, the evolution of society and its social boundaries. You’ll be moved by the powerful voice of, “The White Singer” and feel the sounds of acoustical instruments that entangle “ jazz, pop, tango and klezmer,” in Cirque du Soliel’s, Alegria.

Alegría comes to Cypress (NW Houston) June 16-20, 2010

Location:
Berry Center Stadium
8877 Barker Cypress Road
Cypress, TX 77433-1972

Phone: (281) 894-3913

Tickets prices range from $ 32.00 to $95.00 and can be bought HERE

OR....

Members of TravelZoo can buy tickets at $30-$40 off regular prices if bought by Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Level 1 and 2 seats are $50 (reg. $80) for adults and $24
(reg. $64) for children for the following performances:
- Wednesday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, June 18 at 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Click below to purchase tickets at the discounted rate. Fees of up to $5.75 per ticket will be added.
Discount Tickets!

53. Up, Up & Away

As the summer heats up, I'm reminded that anytime is a good time to heat up our dating lives. And what could be hotter than a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the city? As a child, my uncle surprised me with a book written especially for me, which included my full name and a hot air balloon adventure. Since the day he gave me that book, I've been looking forward to my first balloon ride. What's more is that during the "Balloon Boy Hoax," or at least before police discovered it was a hoax, I was a bit jealous that a 6-year old was having the ride of his life while I was standing on the ground looking up in a daydream. If a children's book had that great of an effect on me, imagine the effect of the real thing on your significant other. What a great surprise! At least for those who don't suffer from acrophobia or a fear of heights. (check with him or her before scheduling this event!)
You'll find several Hot Air Balloon companies in Houston. If you're a bit more on the dangerous side, you might even try a glider. Check out the following websites fore more info:
Bear Creek Balloons

Bear Creek Balloons offers rides for just 2 (and a pilot) or for a group of 5-7

Air Texas Balloon

Houston Ballooning

52. Star Fleet Dinner Cruise - Clear Lake and Galveston Bay

It's summer time, and the way I see it, that calls for time spent on a boat. Be it night or day, Star Fleet offers brunch and dinner cruises every weekend.

If you're a fan of the boardgame, Clue, try a Murder Mystery Dinner where, "the cruise ship is taken over by pirates in search of a treasure map, but the only person on board who knows about the gold is murdered! Find out who done it and why before the pirates force all the “land lovers” to walk the plank! Join us for this special production created by...MURDER BY CHOCOLATE."

If you can't wait for the 4th of July and big lights in the sky are more your flair, take the Friday Night Fireworks Cruise. Every Friday evening in June, you'll have the chance to dine over BBQ and experience an exciting fireworks display from Galveston Bay. You'll also enjoy music and a dance floor all night.

Prefer to cruise under the sun? Check out the Sunday Bottomless Brunch, where the term "Bottomless" refers to mimosas... not your attire. Dine on a gourmet brunch buffet and sip on endless champagne over entertainment and a Mardi Gras bead toss.

Check out the Star Fleet Yachts
website for the cruise calendar and to purchase tickets in advance. *Fireworks cruises sell out quickly.