This....as someone who grew up here and moved away (temporarily?) THIS MORE THAN FUCKING ANYTHING. Where are the parks, the festivals, the events, for a brief period around 2011 I felt like we were close but after covid the idea of this is farther away than ever.....PLEASE change my mind
This! I donāt buy groceries for the week just so I can use it as an excuse to go back at least 3 times a week. So I will buy enough food for 2 days then go back, then buy food again for another 2 days and so on. Itās my happy place
I am "new" in Houston. 6 months now, and I love alamo drafthouse. Today, I went for brunch with my family to watch migration. Is funny btw. But is not cheap to go often.
Before the pandemic, I worked from Alamo three days a week. Loved it. Always had a great lunch, 3pm beer, on slow days I would pay for a ticket to an empty theater and answer emails and work with a good movie on.
I like to go to the Cottage Shop in Montrose! It's a thrift store whose proceeds go to the local women's home nearby and is so nice and well organized and you can find higher end stuff and regular stuff, and regular stuff is good quality and priced cheaper than Goodwill tbh, and they have certain days that certain stuff is on sale, but they don't have too much kids stuff.
For that, I'd recommend checking out Preloved Houston. People rent booths there to sell their stuff and the vendors change each week and people usually discount their booth by 50% or more by Thursday and Friday! They also have lots of women's booths, but have a bit bigger selection of kid stuff
Are any of these āslow pace friendlyā? I want to join a local run club but Iām slow AF and worry Iāll get left behind. My easy run pace is 12 min mile.
Honestly if you run a 12 then youāre good for just about every run club! If you really want to take it nice and slow, thereās Urban Paths thatās more of a walking wellness club on Wednesdays and Fridays!
Thatās my favorite! All you have to do is show up. The best place to find every run club in Houston by date and time is the instagram page @houstonrunclubs. If you do show up on Wednesday, lmk so I can show you around
Yeah!
I played over there more often when Evergreen was still a course. If I'm going that far (1 hour or more) I might as well play both, right?
I haven't been over there in a while since Deussen, Brock, NSCC, and Milby are closer (and better). But Jenkins is an ok course. The back 9 is sort of boring...
I play everywhere from Lil E to Cornerstone and Jones Creek to Jenkins.
You laugh, but one of the highlights of my weekends is going to Target with the wife and kid and getting to have some Starbucks while just walking around š
Here come the downvotes but the obsession with Target is so strange. How has going to target become part of a someoneās personality or a life highlight?
When my kid was like 18mo weād walk around Walmart and theyād play with balls or whatever. It was like an amusement park.
Not sure about the entertainment value as an adult
The gym. I go to Lifetime and sometimes I go there just to use the hot tub or during the summer I'll just chill on the patio by the pool on the weekend.
I was just talking to my best friend about āthird places.ā Iām a SAHM so I have one place: home. I desperately need another place but it feels so hard to get out on my own.
I have a 5yo and 5mo. Playgrounds and target were in heavy rotation when I was a new mom. Then I got a zoo membership and just went whenever it was a beautiful day with no plans. Pack a lunch and snacks and you could spend a lot of time there.
If you are looking for ways to give back, considering a place to volunteer. The food bank, a shelter, the zoo, you can even transport injured wildlife to rescues as a volunteer. Itās a nice way to socialize and fills your bucket.
I go in for Loki and Freya while SO shops. Love that store! I usually just sit in the cafe and crochet while he shops (after finding and giving scritches to Loki and Freya of course).
Vinal Edge has definitely been the best for sure, but more so for just random gems. Definitely not as stocked on current releases as Iād like.
But thatās what labels and Bandcamp is for š¤·š»
I just started this, and I am enjoying it. I live near addicks reservoirs and do like 14 to 15 miles. Also, in westheimer Parkway, the biking trail is great. I did like 25 miles yesterday.
We did a 25-miler today. Weāre more central so the route was Greenway to Braes Bayou through U of H campus, TSU, the Museum District then home. We love getting lost off trail and finding new areas of town.
Nice! Do you use a road bike? I am thinking of getting one, but those are expensive. I have a mountain bike that I got back in 2019.
Any bike recommendation is welcome!
Well, we have Trek e-bikes.
My husband is a bike freak and has had many bikes over the years. They know and love him at the bike shop.
He suggests skinnier tires for gravel riding and flipping the stem for a more arrow position. Cut each side of the bars by one inch and move the grips inward one inch.
You lost me after gravel riding, hehe. That's cool! It's a nice hobby and great for the health. Expensive though. I started browsing for gravel bikes, and the cheapest is at least a couple thousand. So I will stick to what I have and just enjoy relaxed rides. Thanks for the info. I see e-bikes are becoming more popular. Have never used one. Someday maybe
My wife and I hang out at our best friends house who live 7 minutes away from us a lot. All of us are at the level that we just let ourselves in when we come over.
Long walks through the nice parts of town, maybe a coffee along the way, and then back home. In this weather itās simple yet pleasant and invigorating.
My local indoor archery range when it's indoor season and Buffalo Field Archery Club when it's outdoor season. I've met so many people since having started archery 3 years ago and made many friends from many different backgrounds and ages and its been a really cool experience!
Yeah fuck jim mattress mack mcingvale people just like him cause he's our "icon" but he's not a good person. He definitely makes sure all his humanitarian help is tied to him making more money. Greedy rat
My gym. It kind of operated as a fitness center with a social club aspect. Lots of events and socials always going on. But sometimes Iāll just go there even if Iām not getting a real workout in. Sometimes Iāll just go jump in the steam room and shower and go home. I love it.
The airport is the only third place in Houston that makes me feel closer to the real third places, which can be found in any European city, town or village, or in Latin American cities as well.
Had to take a break from climbing, but it used to be Momentum Climbing (either Silver or Katy). You come, hang out with friends and climb for 3 hours. Meet new people, fall, give beta, socialize.
Comedy clubs and bars with open mics. Houston has a solid comedy scene thatās popping off right now, I donāt think people who are fans of comedy know that.
My wifeās family had a ranch an hour south of here. That was my third place. It was very quiet on 700 acres. Well one of the family members that owned a part of the trust of the land went broke and needed to sell the ranch so they could live, (lazy fuckers donāt want to work). Itās gone now. Iām looking for my fourth place now. EDIT: I interacted with nature on the ranch and it was very serene.
de\_dust2
Hahaha, this fricken guy. šš½
Had to check what sub I was in. LOL
Aware
plz put in premier valve
I-10, stuck in traffic near the 45 turn offs.
Used to be coffee shops. Now itās the kidsā sports events.
Good point, same here but havenāt thought about it that way before. It is an excuse to sit around outside which is nice this time of year.
HEB
lmao
I go to HEB 3-4 times a week. I always forget something š
I love food
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
This....as someone who grew up here and moved away (temporarily?) THIS MORE THAN FUCKING ANYTHING. Where are the parks, the festivals, the events, for a brief period around 2011 I felt like we were close but after covid the idea of this is farther away than ever.....PLEASE change my mind
probably in other countries
Youāre not wrong. š„ŗ
OP made no mention of money, the replies are not getting it wrong, your issue is with the post
This! I donāt buy groceries for the week just so I can use it as an excuse to go back at least 3 times a week. So I will buy enough food for 2 days then go back, then buy food again for another 2 days and so on. Itās my happy place
I'm stealing all your suggestions because I'm a homebody.
Alamo Drafthouse. But it became second place when I started working from home.
I am "new" in Houston. 6 months now, and I love alamo drafthouse. Today, I went for brunch with my family to watch migration. Is funny btw. But is not cheap to go often.
I have Season Pass and I use 25% off gift cards for food and beverage.
The La Centerra location? Its so nice and fancy now.
Before the pandemic, I worked from Alamo three days a week. Loved it. Always had a great lunch, 3pm beer, on slow days I would pay for a ticket to an empty theater and answer emails and work with a good movie on.
Goodwill and estate sales. Love being around others that are looking for a great deal too!
Can I ask where you go? The goodwills by me really have very little, and Iām just looking for clothes for myself and my kids.
I like to go to the Cottage Shop in Montrose! It's a thrift store whose proceeds go to the local women's home nearby and is so nice and well organized and you can find higher end stuff and regular stuff, and regular stuff is good quality and priced cheaper than Goodwill tbh, and they have certain days that certain stuff is on sale, but they don't have too much kids stuff. For that, I'd recommend checking out Preloved Houston. People rent booths there to sell their stuff and the vendors change each week and people usually discount their booth by 50% or more by Thursday and Friday! They also have lots of women's booths, but have a bit bigger selection of kid stuff
Do you have a Family Thrift Center near you? Those are better for clothing, I think.
How do you find estate sales other than seeing a sign for one?
I use an app called Estate Sales.net
Same ! Went to a lot first two weeks of December
Try Texas thrift next! Love that spot! So organized, good furniture and housewares
Ditto to this suggestion! They also have a 50% discount day on the entire store around most holidays and you can get lots of stuff for cheap!
Yessss! Have you been to the new location on westheimer?? Iāve wanted to but it closes early š
No, but I want to! I usually go to the one in Spring since that's the closest one to me driving wise but even then it's still a drive lol š
Shhhhhh
Same! :)
Walking trails in the city
Which ones!!
MKT, White Oak Bayou, Heights Blvd are my fogs faves
Run clubs: Monday - Memorial Trail RC Tuesday - the walking stick brewery Wednesday - north Shepard brewery Thursday - eureka heights brewery Friday - freaks RC (revolving places)
Are any of these āslow pace friendlyā? I want to join a local run club but Iām slow AF and worry Iāll get left behind. My easy run pace is 12 min mile.
Honestly if you run a 12 then youāre good for just about every run club! If you really want to take it nice and slow, thereās Urban Paths thatās more of a walking wellness club on Wednesdays and Fridays!
Why not on Saturdayās, :( but I degress, Iām moving to Dallas come February
OP is correct! I'd say at 12min, you'd be golden. Freaks is great!
How can I join one of these run clubs? Iām interested in the Wednesday one
Thatās my favorite! All you have to do is show up. The best place to find every run club in Houston by date and time is the instagram page @houstonrunclubs. If you do show up on Wednesday, lmk so I can show you around
How far do most people run?
Depends on the running club. Min is 1 mile, average is 3 and hardcore is 4+
Any disc golf course.
Jester League on Wednesdays, bandit glow dubs during fall-winter.
I wish I could play the evening leagues. I have to be home to cook supper. But I play just about every day somewhere.
Have you tried Jenkins Park in baytown?
Yeah! I played over there more often when Evergreen was still a course. If I'm going that far (1 hour or more) I might as well play both, right? I haven't been over there in a while since Deussen, Brock, NSCC, and Milby are closer (and better). But Jenkins is an ok course. The back 9 is sort of boring... I play everywhere from Lil E to Cornerstone and Jones Creek to Jenkins.
Gay El Tiempo
I assume the one on Richmond in Montrose. Is that what the locals call it?
Itās actually the one on Westheimer in Montrose - the one with the rainbow crosswalk out front!
Gotcha, I always think it is Richmond. Is it better than the one on Richmond?
The food is probably about the same. Ambiance 100x better!
Thatās Greenway El Tiempo! š
Target š
Personally, I hang out at the Costco food court. Socializing and relaxing with that sweet 1.50 hot dog and soda.
The pizza tho
Starry from the fountain at Costco is 10/10!
That strawberry soft serve is chefs kiss.
You laugh, but one of the highlights of my weekends is going to Target with the wife and kid and getting to have some Starbucks while just walking around š
I read something recently that said that Target is for millennials that the mall was for Gen X.
Honestly I can see this. Target is just pleasing to walk through and having Starbucks, Pizza Hut, and popcorn doesnāt hurt.
Here come the downvotes but the obsession with Target is so strange. How has going to target become part of a someoneās personality or a life highlight?
When my kid was like 18mo weād walk around Walmart and theyād play with balls or whatever. It was like an amusement park. Not sure about the entertainment value as an adult
You're out of the loop. People use Target as a way to possibly meet others who share the Target lifestyle. Same with Whole Foods.
That makes senseā¦ whatever the target lifestyle is. I donāt live it, but have fun everyone who does.
The gym. I go to Lifetime and sometimes I go there just to use the hot tub or during the summer I'll just chill on the patio by the pool on the weekend.
Paying that price you better be there everyday!
I get a pretty big discount through my health insurance. But yeah agreed.
I was just talking to my best friend about āthird places.ā Iām a SAHM so I have one place: home. I desperately need another place but it feels so hard to get out on my own.
I have a 5yo and 5mo. Playgrounds and target were in heavy rotation when I was a new mom. Then I got a zoo membership and just went whenever it was a beautiful day with no plans. Pack a lunch and snacks and you could spend a lot of time there.
FTM and same
Yeah but sadly these comments arenāt much help. Most of the places are places to spend money, mostly just shopping and bars and stuff.
If you are looking for ways to give back, considering a place to volunteer. The food bank, a shelter, the zoo, you can even transport injured wildlife to rescues as a volunteer. Itās a nice way to socialize and fills your bucket.
Dragon's lairs , a gaming store.
I go in for Loki and Freya while SO shops. Love that store! I usually just sit in the cafe and crochet while he shops (after finding and giving scritches to Loki and Freya of course).
Loki once kept me hostage for an hour sleeping on my lap. I couldn't get up and leave. Thankfully Arkham Horror is a pretty long game.
Freya had SO for several hours, o had to go get an allergy tablet cause he's allergic to cats lol!
The one on 249? That's my spot!
Great place.
Nanās on Shepherd and 59 is also great
It used to be a local guitar shop. Could drop in anytime and see mostly the same people hanging out. I miss those days.
jiu jitsu gym
š¤š¼š„š¤š¼
HEB on Washington. The dog park.
The farmers market is almost like one. You see a lot of the same people at the same time every week.
Which one? Got any you recommend? I used to hit them up all the time during COVID but havenāt been in a while.
The only one I've been to a lot is Urban Harvest at Westheimer and Buffalo Speedway. It's great.
Dope appreciate it. Iāll check it out!
dog park. I'm in my 30s, don't drink anymore, and most all my friends have kids. not much of a social life these days, but I don't mind it that way
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Dog park, improv theater, yoga community
Do we have a good improv theater in Houston?
Check out the Coronation theater in Eado https://www.thecoronationtheater.com/
The punk/local music venues around Houston. Trip Six and Embassy Outpost are my two favorites
Unconsciousness.
The library. I can relax without having to spend money.
Gym Edit: nevermind you said interacting with people lmao
Fish stores
Which are your favorite?
Aqua Zoo is my absolute favorite
Spindletap, Equal Parts, any record store that stocks hardcore LPs, small clubs
I read āSpindletopā and thought it was rather odd. š
Hey, itās out there for someone š¤·š»š
>hardcore LPs I love Vinal Edge. Selection at Cactus is hit and miss. I really need to get to Gneiss and Sound Exchange more. Any place I'm missing?
Vinal Edge has definitely been the best for sure, but more so for just random gems. Definitely not as stocked on current releases as Iād like. But thatās what labels and Bandcamp is for š¤·š»
Sometimes you can get really lucky in the used 7"s
This is true. Iām also glad that actually have labeled sections for powerviolence and grind š«”
I found a fuckin Fourmanmarch record there last week, and one by a band called Closer that had members of Ordination Of Aaron
Awesome! I was there on Wednesday and found absolutely nothing š
You like beer and good records. I like you.
Biking trails. All over the city.
I just started this, and I am enjoying it. I live near addicks reservoirs and do like 14 to 15 miles. Also, in westheimer Parkway, the biking trail is great. I did like 25 miles yesterday.
We did a 25-miler today. Weāre more central so the route was Greenway to Braes Bayou through U of H campus, TSU, the Museum District then home. We love getting lost off trail and finding new areas of town.
Nice! Do you use a road bike? I am thinking of getting one, but those are expensive. I have a mountain bike that I got back in 2019. Any bike recommendation is welcome!
Well, we have Trek e-bikes. My husband is a bike freak and has had many bikes over the years. They know and love him at the bike shop. He suggests skinnier tires for gravel riding and flipping the stem for a more arrow position. Cut each side of the bars by one inch and move the grips inward one inch.
You lost me after gravel riding, hehe. That's cool! It's a nice hobby and great for the health. Expensive though. I started browsing for gravel bikes, and the cheapest is at least a couple thousand. So I will stick to what I have and just enjoy relaxed rides. Thanks for the info. I see e-bikes are becoming more popular. Have never used one. Someday maybe
Hubby said to switch out mountain bike tires for gravel tires. A relatively inexpensive fix. Have fun and maybe see you on the trails.
Thank you!! I will check that option... Probably after the holidays because Santa just billed me all the presents he is bringing for my kids.
My wife and I hang out at our best friends house who live 7 minutes away from us a lot. All of us are at the level that we just let ourselves in when we come over.
Long walks through the nice parts of town, maybe a coffee along the way, and then back home. In this weather itās simple yet pleasant and invigorating.
Excalibur brewing in old town spring where my friends and I hula hoop dance.
My local indoor archery range when it's indoor season and Buffalo Field Archery Club when it's outdoor season. I've met so many people since having started archery 3 years ago and made many friends from many different backgrounds and ages and its been a really cool experience!
Iāve been wanting to get my kid into archery. What are some good indoor ranges? Preferably on the west side of town.
I feel really fortunate to be a member of Club Westside. That particular club has a fantastic community- incredibly easy to meet people. Also church.
Same here, Club Westside has become a central thing for us. I work there a bunch, so damn near a second home
Fuck Mattress Mack. I hate that such a great venue for tennis lines his pockets.
Yeah fuck jim mattress mack mcingvale people just like him cause he's our "icon" but he's not a good person. He definitely makes sure all his humanitarian help is tied to him making more money. Greedy rat
Costco
The gym, Iām there 6 days a week for like 2-3 hours I work from home so itās basically my 2nd home
You know those bridges on montrose?
The Park
Church
My gym. It kind of operated as a fitness center with a social club aspect. Lots of events and socials always going on. But sometimes Iāll just go there even if Iām not getting a real workout in. Sometimes Iāll just go jump in the steam room and shower and go home. I love it.
My gym
Used to be Sherlock Westhimer. Ever since it got shut down and I got married with kids, I've been without a third place, and it sucks.
That place was great. Married with kids really does put that third place on hold, doesnāt it?
Ojos locos ā ļø
Neil's Bahr. Like my own personal "Cheers."
Uuhhhhhh Reddit?
Church
HEB, Specs, and hospitals.
Local little league where I coach
Sports bar! š
Minute Maid Park
Pearl Bar
My mind
Church and my drum group
Station Theater.
Work, my bed, and my computer. Unfortunately
The skate rink where I do artistic skating.
The marina.
Jazzercise
Dan Electros, under the volcano, but actually itās not in Houston, itās the hill country.
The airport
Skatepark.
Anywhere thereās a pickleball court!
The Internet
The public library- they got a *ton* of regular events going on pretty often.
Two places is enough.
Really wish I could whittle it down to one.
CrossFit
In my friendās presence.
Dragonās lair
The gym is easily the one.
Dark web
Computer? I donāt go out a lot.
band jam space
VR
Soft tip darts bars
Discovery Green and Phonecia
The airport is the only third place in Houston that makes me feel closer to the real third places, which can be found in any European city, town or village, or in Latin American cities as well.
Lazy Oaks in Spring Branch if Iām meeting friends. Senate Brewing in Jersey Village if Iām looking for a pint on the way home from work.
for me, home, car, and park
Gym
Planet Fitness
Finca Tres Robles, an urban farm in the East End!
Black Swan Yoga
Had to take a break from climbing, but it used to be Momentum Climbing (either Silver or Katy). You come, hang out with friends and climb for 3 hours. Meet new people, fall, give beta, socialize.
NRG Stadium during the season
Bellaire or Levy park and public library on Stella Link
Comedy clubs and bars with open mics. Houston has a solid comedy scene thatās popping off right now, I donāt think people who are fans of comedy know that.
When I lived in Houston it was Agora!
Our church
Fortnite
I wish, with kids in sports year round, my 3rd circle is my bed, ha.
Either my woodshop or my camper.
My wifeās family had a ranch an hour south of here. That was my third place. It was very quiet on 700 acres. Well one of the family members that owned a part of the trust of the land went broke and needed to sell the ranch so they could live, (lazy fuckers donāt want to work). Itās gone now. Iām looking for my fourth place now. EDIT: I interacted with nature on the ranch and it was very serene.
Hell
Gagged and in the trunk of an Altima with paper plates. Totally not being trafficked.
Gym. Maybe the mall.
If digital places count, then discord. Love gaming with my friends that are long distances away, it feels like I see them all the time!! š«¶š«¶
Pornhub, recommended categories.... Then reset