Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in houston, TX

Cupcake Tour: indoor fun with kids and friends

June 01, 2009

This weekend we joined the Houston Cupcake Tour to check out the Dessert Gallery on Kirby. Once a month, a nice group gathers to check out different dessert shops. I'm personally on a quest for the perfect Red Velvet Cupcake. (Dessert Gallery made a nice one that was quite tasty but a little on the light and fluffy side for my red velvet preference.)

It got me thinking about a fun idea for parents and kids this summer: a progressive treat tour with friends.

For example:

Start at a sandwich place and get a tray of assorted sandwiches. Cut in fourths and share, so everyone can try different flavors. Move on to a fruit and vegetable spot, such as Whole Foods, and get some snacks there. (If you do go to Whole Foods off Kirby, you could take a break across the street at Borders and do a little book read time with the kids).Then finish up at one of the great dessert spots in your area. We enjoyed sharing bites so everyone got a little taste of something different. (If you do the Kirby area, Dessert Gallery and Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique are really fun spots. Dessert Gallery even has a shelf of toys.)

Kids love buffets and trying out new places, this is a neat way to try new foods, and a fun way to spend time indoors---not too long at one spot---with kids.

Enjoy!

Top 5 farmer's markets and farms in the Houston area

April 21, 2009

With so much talk (and writing) about Earth Day and ways to be eco-friendly and economically-friendly, I thought it was time for a list of the best spots in Houston (and its area) where you can pick your own farm fresh produce either from a market or direct on the farm, right in the fields. It's berry season, so I'm including the best organic "pick your own" farms nearby!

1. Green Market at Discovery Green

Location: 1500 McKinney at Discovery Green

Open: 12 - 4 p.m. Sundays year-round

Description: Operated by Central City Co-Op, the Green Market is the pick-up spot for Co-Op members, but they also provide fresh produce for purchase.

More information: www.centralcityco-op.org/discoverygreen.html

Why is this one number one? I know the folks who run this and they do a great job. You can count on a great selection of seasonal produce. Plus, the location is very family friendly---Discovery Green offers loads of fun activities for kids on the weekend. It could be a fantastic family day with a tasty reward.

2. Froberg's Vegetable Farm Store

Location: 11875 County Road 190, Alvin

Open: 9-6 a.m. daily except some holidays

Description: A fresh food and specialty food farm and market, Froberg's offers locally grown and grown right on the farm seasonal produce, including "pick your own" at good prices. Some of the produce is brought in from elsewhere, but is clearly marked. It's another great, family-friendly spot.

More information: 281-585-3531 or www.alvintexas.org/run.cgi?froberg

3. Bayou City Farmers Market

Location: 3000 Richmond, Houston 77098-3102 -- at Eastside (between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway), back parking lot

Open: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays

More information: www.urbanharvest.org

4. Houston Farmers Market

Location: 3106 White Oak, Rice University campus, in parking lot south of Rice Stadium, University Blvd. near Montclair. Free parking in the lot at Entrance 9 or in the Greenbriar Lot, entrances 13A or 13B.

Open: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, 3:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays

5. Chmielewski's Blueberry Farm (organic)

Location:  23810 Bauer Hockley Road, Hockley, TX 77447. Directions: From Houston: Hwy 290 to Becker Road, turn right on Becker. Go 1 one half miles to Bauer Hockley Road (Baptist Church) turn right on Bauer Hockley. Go one quarter mile on the left side of road.

Open: Check for exact date of opening in May, for blueberry picking. Wednesday and Friday 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM; other times by appointment.

Description: This blueberry farm opens in May when the blueberries are ready for picking. It also offers a gift shop, restrooms, and a picnic area. They do follow organic methods, but are not yet certified. Payment: Cash, Check.

For more information: 281-304-0554 or dawndc@pdq.net or web site.