Fourth of July Texas Style: What’s Happening in Houston

Looking for something to do this Fourth of July in Houston? Well, there are a number of great fireworks events that are completely free for you and your family. Here are just a few of them.

Freedom Over Texas is Houston’s official Fourth of July event, and it’s always held at Eleanor Tinsley Park. It has the nation’s largest land-based fireworks show, and it’s certainly a sight to behold. In addition to fireworks, visitors are treated to an auto show, beer garden, volleyball tournament, and a concert. Events kick off at 4:00 p.m.

The Houston Symphony will host A Start Spangled Salute at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theater. The concert will feature many all-American favorites, and it will be followed by a fireworks show.

The Bayou Bend July 4th Celebration is held annually at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. It begins with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:00. Visitors can enjoy a puppet show, American-themed performances, crafts, and even have the opportunity to sign a huge replica of the Declaration.

Finally, the Woodlands Town Center will be hosting their 13th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. It begins at 9:00 a.m. with a parade and ends with a fireworks show later that night. A number of different cartoon characters will be on hand for kids to take pictures with kids and provide entertainment.

Setting the Perfect Table for an Outdoor Party

If you’re planning an outdoor party this summer, then you know it’s important to set the perfect table for your guests. Since a good portion of your outdoor party will take place at the table, especially if you’re planning to serve a full meal, you’ll want to make sure it’s set just as well as you would set your indoor dining room table. However, setting an outdoor table isn’t quite the same as dining indoors.

For one thing, you don’t necessarily have a nice cloth tablecloth, crystal goblets, and fine china. Of course, you can use these items outdoors, but many people, especially for an outdoor summer dinner, go with different options. For one, if you have a nice picnic or other type of outdoor table, you may elect not to use any tablecloth at all. If you’re having a cookout, paper plates, plastic silverware, and paper cups may be more appropriate than good dishes. Even if you do use dishes and silverware, you may not use quite as fancy bowls or serving platters as you would inside.

When it comes to decorations, a lot of people use the natural beauty of their back yard and garden to set the theme. You can always move some of your potted plants and flowers up closer to the table, and a few small potted flowers can make great centerpieces. Likewise, hanging paper lanterns over the table and then lighting scented candles can make a nice addition to natural lighting. The scented candles can even help drive bugs and mosquitoes away so you can dine in peace.

Dining outdoors is often seen as more informal than dining indoors, especially if you’re serving food off the grill. Just because it’s informal, however, that doesn’t mean that you should not put some work into setting the perfect table. Just take a few minutes to think of how best to make use of your outdoor setting.

Father's Day Fun in Houston Texas

With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to plan a trip to Texas for dear ol’ dad. No matter what your father’s interests, you can bet there is a Texas vacation that will put a smile on his face.

Most men think of outdoor activity when considering what to do in Texas. And, Texas offers plenty of outdoor activities to justify that mental image. Fishing is one of the most popular summer activities in Texas. The Lone Star State offers some of the best bass fishing in the nation, with storied lakes like Fork, Toledo Bend, Falcon and Sam Rayburn leading the way. However, there are plenty of other Texas lakes which offer good freshwater fishing for bass and other species, as well as a host of other water sport activities such as skiing, jet skiing, wake boarding, boating, sailing and windsurfing.

Fly fishing has also become extremely popular in Texas over the past decade or so. Most fly fishers head to the Texas Hill Country to fish the clear, cold waters for trout, Guadalupe bass, Rio Grande perch and other species.

Salt water fishing is another top draw for fishermen heading to Texas. All along the Texas coast, anglers chase redfish (red drum), speckled trout, and flounder. On the lower stretches of the coast, fishermen also have good tarpon fishing. At the extreme southern end of the coast, fishermen working the waters around Port Isabel and South Padre Island also can enjoy the only snook fishing outside of South Florida. Texas also offers a number of world-class fishing lodges if you want to stay close to the water.

If your dad is the adventurous type, you may want to check into a trip with Lake Buchanan Adventures, who offers a variety of trips and activities, including kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, and more. If dad wants to get wet, but at a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider tubing the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country.

Of course, the other popular type trip would be a golf vacation. Texas has a variety of the country’s top golf courses, ensuring dad can “tee it up” regardless of what part of the state he visits.

If dad won’t be able to make it to Texas for Father’s Day, you may consider bringing a taste of Texas to him. Lone Star Steak Company offers premium cuts of Texas beef, delivered right to your door. In addition, the company’s website offers a variety of cooking tips to ensure your steak will taste just like you would expect a “Texas steak” to taste.

Don't forget to send Dad flowers, gourmet goodies or our cool '48 Ford Pickup keepsake.

Summer Flowering Gardening

Looking to do a little summer flower gardening? There are many different things to keep in mind during the hot summer months. Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping your flower gardens looking great during the summer.

Don’t water between noon and 5:00 p.m. The water will just evaporate and not sink into the ground like it should. This means your flowers’ roots won’t get the moisture they need. Watering after 6:00 p.m. helps hydrate your flowers and conserves water.

Remember to plant your fall bulbs in June.

To keep your flowers blooming throughout the season, be sure to routinely remove any deadheads.

Fertilize your flowering annuals every two weeks during the hot summer months.

During really hot, dry weather, water your container plants every other day at a minimum.

If you are growing roses, be sure to fertilize them in June.

If flowers seem to be getting out of hand, don’t be afraid to cut them back a bit.

Don’t fall behind on the weeding.