As a young couple, we are always trying to find fun, new activities to do together. Unfortunately, we've been really disappointed with the other websites that list date ideas in Houston. They are typically uninspired, poorly written, and put out by people who have probably never even been to Houston. We're going to try to fix this by blogging about some of the things and places that we enjoy. We would love to hear your suggestions! Send them to us at heidiNeric@gmail.com!
Heidi and Eric
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Ballet
If you’re a fan of ballet, you probably don’t need us to tell you that an evening at the Houston Ballet makes a great date. This write-up is for the skeptical among you.
We think a lot of people don’t enjoy the ballet because the experience is so unfamiliar. There are a few things you can do ahead of time to make sure you get the most out of it.
First, make sure you know the plot. Most ballets tell a story, and here, unlike movies, spoilers are your friend. The dancers are acting it out, but pirouettes and pliés, while beautiful, can be less than helpful when trying to follow the plot. Read over a good synopsis in advance. Don't count on the program notes; once you get there you should be too busy talking to your date.
Second, listen to some of the most famous musical numbers beforehand. If you don’t listen to a lot of classical music, you will enjoy it more if the music is familiar. Also, the most famous musical numbers are usually where you will see the flashiest and most impressive dancing. When that music catches your ear, you will know to be on the lookout for something extra-special from the dancers on stage.
The ballet is a great change from the usual dinner and movie, so give it a try.
Seats in the Balcony go for less than $30 per ticket. Even these "nosebleed" seats are pretty decent; the acoustics are very good and the height makes it easy to take in the entire performance without losing the ability to see the dancers clearly. Parking at the Theater District parking at Texas and Smith (Turn East onto Texas from Bagby) was convenient.
Check out the Houston Ballet calendar online.
She says: Beautiful dancing in a beautiful setting. Highly recommended.
He says: I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. The music was great and the dancing was amazing.
Saint Arnold Brewery Tour
Calling this a Brewery Tour is probably a little inaccurate. The entire tour takes place in a big room in a warehouse where the ‘tourists’ sit at picnic tables or stand while a man on a forklift gives an approximately thirty minute description of . . . Well, we aren't quite sure. You can’t really hear the tour guide over the din of the thirsty crowd which, let's be honest, doesn't care what he is saying anyway. The whole exercise is basically an excuse to hang out in the brewery and drink beer. For $5.00 you get a 10 oz tasting glass and 4 drink tokens to exchange for beers. You can upgrade to a larger mug for a small fee, or bring St. Arnolds six pack boxes to exchange for glassware. Whichever you choose, you get to keep the glass as a souvenir.
We were somewhat disappointed by the beer selection the last time we went. They were out of most of their specialty beers, leaving us to choose from the ones available at any grocery store. The room was already packed 20 minutes beforehand, so we suggest arriving really early to get a table or just bringing folding chairs if you don’t want to worry about finding a seat.
Our first tour was on a hot Saturday in early August. The warehouse has little airflow and no A/C, so our return trip on a mild day in late October was much more enjoyable.
You will definitely want to bring snacks and water. They also provide rootbeer for the designated driver. Tours run from 1 – 3 on Saturdays - no reservation is required. You can find driving directions here: http://www.saintarnold.com/contact/Map_big.jpg.
The cost is $5 per person.
He says: It was an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon, provided she's a beer drinker.
She says: Good beer in a fun setting. Best saved for nice weather.
We were somewhat disappointed by the beer selection the last time we went. They were out of most of their specialty beers, leaving us to choose from the ones available at any grocery store. The room was already packed 20 minutes beforehand, so we suggest arriving really early to get a table or just bringing folding chairs if you don’t want to worry about finding a seat.
Our first tour was on a hot Saturday in early August. The warehouse has little airflow and no A/C, so our return trip on a mild day in late October was much more enjoyable.
You will definitely want to bring snacks and water. They also provide rootbeer for the designated driver. Tours run from 1 – 3 on Saturdays - no reservation is required. You can find driving directions here: http://www.saintarnold.com/contact/Map_big.jpg.
The cost is $5 per person.
He says: It was an enjoyable way to spend a Saturday afternoon, provided she's a beer drinker.
She says: Good beer in a fun setting. Best saved for nice weather.
Rock climbing
We headed over to the Texas Rock Gym for an evening of rock climbing fun. After squeezing into the tiny climbing shoes and cinching on the rented harness, we headed over for a friendly introduction to belaying and climbing, required for everyone who is not in their database, regardless of experience level.
Climbing is very tiring, and the vast majority of the walls were beyond our skill level, effectively limiting us to 5 or 6 out of the many walls they have available. The free climb area was out of our range as well. Rock climbing is an activity that has to be done regularly. Even so, we both had fun and agreed to go back soon.
Since that first trip we've been back twice, and have noticed rapid improvement both times. We still have to stick to the easier walls, but our options have increased. Its always fun, even when you fall. Again, it is quite strenuous, so if you're very out of shape, have an overwhelming fear of heights or are worried about your manicure, this isn't the activity for you.
Total cost: $50.00 for two day passes, safety class, harnesses, shoe rentals and one chalk bag. They offer student discounts on Friday and Saturday evenings which is good for half off the day pass, and you only have to attend the safety class the first time you go.
He says: This is hard to beat if you're the kind of couple that enjoy getting sweaty together.
She says: Fun and a great workout too. Definitely not for girls with long nails.
Climbing is very tiring, and the vast majority of the walls were beyond our skill level, effectively limiting us to 5 or 6 out of the many walls they have available. The free climb area was out of our range as well. Rock climbing is an activity that has to be done regularly. Even so, we both had fun and agreed to go back soon.
Since that first trip we've been back twice, and have noticed rapid improvement both times. We still have to stick to the easier walls, but our options have increased. Its always fun, even when you fall. Again, it is quite strenuous, so if you're very out of shape, have an overwhelming fear of heights or are worried about your manicure, this isn't the activity for you.
Total cost: $50.00 for two day passes, safety class, harnesses, shoe rentals and one chalk bag. They offer student discounts on Friday and Saturday evenings which is good for half off the day pass, and you only have to attend the safety class the first time you go.
He says: This is hard to beat if you're the kind of couple that enjoy getting sweaty together.
She says: Fun and a great workout too. Definitely not for girls with long nails.
Beer tasting at Rudyard's
Rudyards's is a casual neighborhood bar in Montrose. Their beer tastings feature 5 half-pints chosen to fit a monthly theme. Each round of beer is accompanied by a food course designed to complement it. The food is fantastic; it is a big step above your usual pub offerings. We promise it will be the best meal you've ever eaten with a plastic fork.
A recent tasting consisted of Belgian beers, featuring a range of Trappist, abbey and lambic varieties. The food included potstickers with a sauce made from one of the beers, apple smoked bacon and habenero crackerjacks, mussels and fries, and pork tenderloin marinated in the beer it accompanied paired with cabbage in mustard sauce. Belgian waffles with brie and poached pear topped off the evening.
Tastings are usually scheduled near the end of each month, though they are rarely advertised on Rudyard's website (http://rudyards.s425.sureserver.com/). The easiest way to check the schedule is to just give them a call (713 521-0521). You have to sign up ahead of time, which you can also do over the phone. The cost is typically $35 per person, which is worth it for the food alone. Parking is available across the street.
She says: A fun alternative to the typical night out at the bar. Not for picky eaters.
He says: The food and beer are outstanding. If she's up for it you won't be dissapointed.
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A recent tasting consisted of Belgian beers, featuring a range of Trappist, abbey and lambic varieties. The food included potstickers with a sauce made from one of the beers, apple smoked bacon and habenero crackerjacks, mussels and fries, and pork tenderloin marinated in the beer it accompanied paired with cabbage in mustard sauce. Belgian waffles with brie and poached pear topped off the evening.
Tastings are usually scheduled near the end of each month, though they are rarely advertised on Rudyard's website (http://rudyards.s425.sureserver.com/). The easiest way to check the schedule is to just give them a call (713 521-0521). You have to sign up ahead of time, which you can also do over the phone. The cost is typically $35 per person, which is worth it for the food alone. Parking is available across the street.
She says: A fun alternative to the typical night out at the bar. Not for picky eaters.
He says: The food and beer are outstanding. If she's up for it you won't be dissapointed.
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