As we practice social distancing, there are many activities we can do to turn this tough time into a fun time. March is National Crafting Month, and Memorial District is home to stores with supplies to suit your crafting desires.
Bring any crafting idea to life with JOANN. Whether you want to put together jigsaw puzzles or plan a wedding, JOANN has art supplies and craft-making resources to help.
While in-store are events are temporarily canceled, you can order products online or call the store at 713-467-6170 and pick them up curbside.
Maybe you want to take up crocheting, knitting, sewing or weaving. JOANN is currently offering savings of up to 50% off its entire stock of yarn. JOANN also offers other fabulous National Crafting Month sales.
Plus, you can support America’s medical personnel by making and donating protective masks at JOANN. Learn more about similar projects here.
When you need supplies to make beautiful paper arts and crafts, check out Paper Source. This store has something for everyone—from advanced origami specialists to newcomers to the world of paper crafts. Plus, you can find greeting cards and stationery, wedding invitations and party essentials, and gifts for holidays and special personal events.
All locations, including the CityCentre store, are closed until at least March 27. However, you can order products online. You also can check out excellent craft-making tutorials that Paper Source has online. For example, you could follow a tutorial to help you design cards in the shape of butterflies.
Or put together a fun DIY notepad. Perhaps you could use it as a journal to keep a diary of what you and your family do during this unusual time in history.
Paper Source also sells DIY paper crafting kits that make it easy to focus on fun projects without the difficulty of gathering too many supplies. In fact, Paper Source’s annual craft sale is happening right now, and you can save 25% if you shop online. Here are just a few fun ideas:
Need additional craft inspiration? Find great ideas here, including:
Let’s get crafty!
You can still enjoy great food from the Memorial District and keep your social distancing. The following restaurants are serving takeout. You may also find them on your favorite food delivery app.
TOWN & COUNTRY VILLAGE RESTAURANTS
OTHER NEARBY EATERIES
At the Memorial District, your health and safety are our top concerns. Currently, we are seeing daily updates and changes to our everyday lives due to an evolving situation with the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. The Memorial District is a popular place to eat, shop and play but, in order to keep the virus from spreading, federal and local officials are implementing safety measures to protect the community. This means businesses are operating differently to ensure social distancing.
Memorial City Mall, has closed through March 31. Target is remaining open for now but many shops in other centers have chosen to close. We ask that you check their individual websites and to check with specific stores and before heading out to places in CityCentre, Town & Country Village or Village Plaza at Bunker Hill,
While bars are closed, many restaurants are offering meals via take out, so please continue to order meals for carry-out or delivery from them and plan to return when local officials determine it is safe for people to congregate in public places.
In the meantime, HEB and Randall’s, regularly restock supplies and offer pick-up options for shoppers. And both grocery stores are hiring people to help with stocking, checkout and curbside delivery service.
Additionally, the Memorial District is home to the highest-quality medical care. Memorial Hermann Hospital and Texas Children's Urgent Care are both here—as are several additional medical and urgent care centers. Memorial Hermann has created a resource page that is updated daily to help you understand the latest information regarding COVID-19.
Remain vigilant with your health and be sure to follow doctors' recommendations on staying healthy during this time. Below are links to information about COVID-19 from local, state, national and international health organizations:
Dallas-based cowork operator FUSE Workspace unveiled its second location in Houston’s CityCentre, simultaneously debuting the city’s first showroom for VariDesk, a leader in active office products and sit-stand solutions.
“We can’t wait to introduce FUSE Workspace in Houston at CityCentre, steps from premier dining, shopping, entertainment and hotels.” said CEO Mike Daugherty. “We’re proud to be Texas owned and operated and further differentiate ourselves with a focus on hospitality as a core value of our concept.”
Encompassing approximately 23,000 square feet of modern and inspiring Class A office, along with more than 6,000 additional square feet of outdoor space, the new FUSE site joins one of the most active coworking environments in Houston. Spanning the second floors of two buildings – soon to be linked by sky bridge – FUSE will feature 90 private offices, three specialty suites, four terraces, seven conference rooms, including a podcast studio, as well as function space for up to 100 guests.
Two of the three suites have been pre-leased, including the VariDesk showroom/sales office and the Brick Suite, featuring three offices and bullpen. Still available is the 1,350 square-foot Patio Suite with 27 desks, nine offices and a private patio.
According to FUSE Brand Manager John Herring, “FUSE sets itself apart with its ‘DoMore’ philosophy. Our goal is to create an outstanding experience in the office through décor, amenities, programming, conference space and our concierge staff. And outside the office, we encourage our members to ‘DoMore’ for the community by partnering with local, national and international non-profits.”
For more information about joining the FUSE Community, visit fuseworkspace.com or contact General Manager Kris Thomas at houston@fuseworkspace.com/281-315-9490.
This year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has the food and fun that people love. Plus, the lineup of entertainers includes something for everyone—from Lizzo to Willie Nelson to Gwen Stefani to Keith Urban. Similarly, the Memorial District has something for every rodeo lover.
The Trail Riders will soon make their way through Houston on their way to nearby Memorial Park. Twelve Trail Rides, comprising more than 2,000 Trail Riders, participate in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade. The groups come from far and wide, and they converge in nearby Memorial Park. The Valley Lodge Trail Ride from Brookshire will go right by the Memorial District Friday morning as they make their way to Memorial Park in case you want to cheer them on.
Friday, February 28, 2020
11 a.m.: Trail Rides begin entering Memorial Park.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Now, before you head to the big event, get Rodeo ready at the Memorial District!
Over at Marlo Miller Boutique behind the Memorial Hermann Hospital, you will find stylish apparel and items perfect for Rodeo. For example, this boutique has fashion-forward leather jackets and vests. Marlo Miller, the owner of the boutique, is a horse and equestrian lover, so you will be in the hands of someone who really knows this event.
Rodeo is the perfect chance to wear your cowboy boots, and if your pair needs some TLC, visit Village Cobbler Shoe Repair at Town and Country Village. Don’t have boots of your own? Check out Boot Barn on I-10. You’ll find boots, of course, but also belt buckles, hats, jeans and much more.
Have family and friends coming to town for the events? Visit Texas Treasures at Memorial City Mall to find Lonestar State products from apparel to souvenirs to treats. Your guests might also like the clothing, leather goods, jewelry and other products that express the spirit of Texas ranchers at King Ranch Saddle Shop in City Centre.
Also, be sure to check out the fashions available at Goodwill Houston. You never know what you might find on any given day. Who knows? You might find the exact cowboy hat or pair of Rodeo-ready denim jeans you’ve been needing.
These ideas for plans and styles are just a taste of what you might find in the Memorial District. Come on by and saddle up for a great time!
This year Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, falls on Tuesday, February 25. Mardi Gras is a day to enjoy lighthearted indulgences before Lent, a time when some Christians observe 40 days of sacrifice. Culturally, Mardi Gras is a day to celebrate life and feel joyful. While people often picture the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, a trip to the Big Easy does not need to be in your travel plans this month. Enjoy the atmosphere and foods of New Orleans in the Memorial District.
The Rouxpour will be hosting a Mardi Gras event from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Square at Memorial City Mall on Tuesday, February 25. Expect to see a crawfish boil as well as specialty cocktails, beers, and wines. Plus, there will be live music and room to shake your tailfeather on the dancefloor. As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bon temps rouler” or “let the good times roll.”
Also at Memorial City, check out the New Orleans-style cuisine available at Pappadeaux. This wonderful eatery offers up fresh seafood and Louisiana-style delights, including crab, flounder, catfish, and even alligator. Plus, it has French Quarter flavors like Gulf oysters, boiled crawfish, and whole lobster. It’s a great spot for a Mardi Gras dinner.
In many Latin American countries, Mardi Gras means it’s time for Carnaval. In countries like Brazil, Carnaval is a celebratory time when there are massive public festivities over multiple days. There are parades, street parties, and performances. But this exciting time would be nothing without fantastic Latin American foods.
Fortunately, you don’t need a ticket to South America. If you’re at Memorial City Mall, head on over to Churrascos for delicious Brazilian cuisine. Similarly, you could pay a visit to Texas de Brazil at CityCentre to find incredible Brazilian dishes, and be sure to ask about the Carnaval specials, including the $5 passionfruit caipirinhas. Nearby, Sal y Pimienta at CityCentre brings South American cuisine to Houston with organic, grass-fed Uruguayan beef. All of these places will transport you to South America for a Carnaval-style night of dining.
Last but not least, you’re in luck if you’re looking to satisfy your Mardi Gras sweet tooth in the Memorial District. Head to Three Brothers Bakery at Memorial City to pick up a King Cake. This style of cake has the three main colors of Mardi Gras: green, purple, and yellow. A small figurine of a baby, which represents the baby Jesus and is called a fève, is tucked away on the cake. Whoever gets the piece of cake with the fève becomes “the king” for the day. But the best tradition associated with the King Cake is, perhaps, enjoying a yummy slice.
So, visit the Memorial District for Mardi Gras, and we’ll take you on a Fat Tuesday culinary journey.
Warby Parker, Yi Peng Restaurant, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Sapphire Smiles Dentistry will soon open in CityCentre while Freedom Supercars and lululemon, are expanding their presence.
Warby Parker, is an eyewear retailer that offers designer frames at affordable prices, while also leading the way for socially conscious businesses. With options to shop online, in-stores, and try on glasses at home or through Virtual Try-On, Warby Parker meets their customers wherever they are. Look for them this spring at a storefront on Town & Country Boulevard adjacent to J.Crew.
Founded in Columbus, OH by entrepreneur Jeni Britton Bauer, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams scooped the artisan ice cream movement well before it became a trend. Whole ingredients and dairy from grass-pastured cows create a uniquely smooth texture and buttercream body plus bright, inspired flavors – all without stabilizers and emulsifiers, synthetic flavorings, dyes or off-the-shelf mixes. Jeni’s is slated to open this summer in a pint-sized 888-square-foot space on the plaza between Free People and Yard House.
Sapphire Smiles Dental Specialists provides comprehensive dentistry needs, ranging from preventive care and restorative treatments to full cosmetic makeovers and is filling in a space at 12888 Queensbury Lane off the Beltway 8 access road. They specialize in dental implants, orthodontics and smile makeovers, Sapphire Smiles Dental Specialists is led by Dr. Glenwood Jordan, Top Invisalign Provider with 40+ years of experience, and a team of Dental Specialists. A spring debut is anticipated.
Opening this spring is Yi Peng, the newest Thai restaurant concept from the award-winning husband and wife culinary team of Jett and Jira Hurapan. Named after the annual sky lantern festival held to celebrate the full moon in Chiang Mai, Yi Peng will occupy a prime corner position on Sorella Court. The upscale casual eatery will offer continuous service daily from lunch through dinner. In addition to seating for 60 in the main dining room and bar, the restaurant will feature a chef’s table experience (by reservation) for eight, patio seating for 28 and a mezzanine-level private dining space with a capacity of 24. Showcasing fresh seasonal and exotic ingredients, the menu’s signatures will span from Chiang Mai grilled spicy sausage with aromatic herbs, roasted chili spices and lemongrass to Northern-Style braised curry beef short ribs with Thai spices and Chinese broccoli. Guests can pair their meal with premium wine, beer and craft cocktails like the Lemon-Ginger Lantern, incorporating Woodinville Bourbon, hibiscus, fresh ginger and mint, lemon and club soda. Cooking classes will also be available.
Freedom Supercars has nearly doubled its footprint, moving into a 6,563-square-foot space formerly occupied by Charming Charlie. The new venue allows exterior staging of a sampling of its coveted, exotic car collection, available through a tiered membership program.
Also expanding is premium athletic apparel retailer lululemon. While construction is currently underway to resize the existing boutique on Town & Country Blvd. adjacent to Life Time Athletic from 3,430 to 5,473 square feet, they have taken up temporary residence across and down the street between Madewell and Paper Source. The renovation is slated for completion this spring.
Super Bowl LIV is almost here. Who will you be rooting for? San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs? Either way, stop in at the Memorial District to view the big game.
The Square at Memorial City will be screening the entire game on a huge screen, watch from Maggiano’s patio or enjoy the delicious oysters or gumbo at The Rouxpour, Memorial District’s newest eatery.
Or come on out to the Yard House at City Centre where there are televisions all around the bar giving you a 360-degree view. They have more than 150 beers on tap and so much delicious food to choose from.
Looking to try out a savory burger or sandwich? Grub Kitchen & Bar has a wide variety of burgers including a wagyu beef burger. If you’re looking to stay on the healthy side, they also offer tasty salads. Huge televisions in the place ensure you won’t miss a second of the action.
The General Public in City Centre has a delicious bacon burger and tasty club sandwich. Make sure you order the truffle fries; they are worth it. They also have large televisions surrounding the bar for a perfect view of the game. Enjoy a cocktail and cheer on your team.
Planning on staying home and having a grill fest, check out HEB Bunker Hill for their Super Bowl recipes and amazing deals. Their Combo Loco coupons are always a great saver when buying meat or other grilling necessities. Randall’s in Town and Country Village can also supply all your Super Bowl party trays and needs for a fun game day event.
As we start a new decade it’s exciting to think about the changes coming to Memorial City. Here’s a look back at all of the changes that we have seen over the past decade.
Now it’s 2020 and there are several projects in the works including The McKinley, a new luxury apartment highrise. Also, Kirby Ice House, Torchy’s Tacos and Mia’s Table are all coming to the Northwest Corner … and there is exciting news about the redevelopment of Memorial City Mall that is soon to come. Stay tuned.
Let's see what exciting developments this decade brings to the Memorial District.
Ready to hit the restart button on your closet? Doing early spring cleaning in your garage or storage space? Visit Goodwill Houston to donate gently used belongings and pick up goods that are new to you.
Goodwill Houston makes it easy to donate with more than 100 locations across the city. Find a donation center using Goodwill Houston’s website or smartphone app. In the Memorial District, stop by Goodwill Houston at 10521 Katy Freeway to do a little shopping or to make a donation.
Speaking of which, if you’re donating, be sure what you want to donate is in good condition. Stick with items that are new, as good as new, or gently used. Make sure all of the parts and pieces of your donations are available and any pairs are together.
Goodwill Houston is grateful for all of the donations it receives, but the organization cannot accept some donations, such as baby car seats and furniture, for various reasons. Therefore, Goodwill Houston has lists of acceptable and unacceptable items that you should review.
When you donate, a friendly attendant will greet you at the door and offer to help you unload your items. Afterward, the attendant will ask you if you’d like a receipt, which is an acknowledgment that you made a donation.
Once you’ve donated, check out the wonderful products inside the store. You can find books, clothes, electronics, toys and more on any given day. At the Memorial District location, we discovered outstanding clothing for kids and grownups, and fabulous household merchandise. There were products perfect for the young at heart, such as board games, teddy bears, and popular books. Hosting a party? Swing by Goodwill Houston to pick up party décor and supplies that are both beautiful and economical.
You never know what surprises you’ll find at Goodwill Houston, but that is just one reason why it should be on your list of shops to visit in the Memorial District. This wonderful retailer will turn 75 in 2020, and over those years, Goodwill Houston has dedicated itself to helping people.
“The revenue we generate by selling the gently used items you donate creates jobs and helps people rebuild their careers and families,” said Steve Lufburrow, President and CEO of Goodwill Houston. “When you support Goodwill, you touch countless individuals, families, and communities by helping us provide education, training, and employment opportunities to those who otherwise would have nowhere else to turn.”
At Goodwill Houston, products receive fair and reasonable prices that are relatively inexpensive compared to the prices at many other retailers. That means you can find quality merchandise at low prices. Therefore, Goodwill Houston will help you find everyday items and round out your shopping without breaking your budget.
Are you an educator or a veteran? Goodwill Houston has a standing discount for you every Wednesday. This discount helps to make the store’s prices even more affordable than they already are, and it is yet another way that the retailer gives back to the community.
The new year brings new opportunities to reshape your health. It’s a time to start afresh — recharge your mind, body and soul. But with so many diet and exercise options, it’s hard to decide which healthy lifestyle change to embrace and, most importantly, the ones you can stick to.
To ease your burdens, Memorial Hermann Wellness Coach Sarah Sagullo provides some expert advice on the topic. Here are her recommended five health goals worth sticking to in 2020.
Self-care is about taking care of yourself to improve your emotional, physical and mental well-being. It includes getting enough sleep and relaxation, and managing your stress, to improve your health. So, this year, take time to unwind, get an extra hour of sleep, put down your cell phone at night and laugh a little more. Sagullo explains that when you’re less stressed, you’re able to make healthier choices.
It’s no secret that daily exercise can improve your health. But to improve your fitness results, use a mobile health app. A study by the University of Florida and the University of Kansas showed the use of mobile health apps can improve health outcomes. They’re convenient, easily accessible and many are free. From step counters to aerobics videos and live-streaming workout classes to virtual trainers, with a health app, a workout is right at your fingertips, leaving you with no excuse not to burn calories.
Self-care is about taking care of yourself to improve your emotional, physical and mental well-being.
Going on a diet also implies getting off a diet, at some point, which often leads to gaining the weight back. However, evidence shows losing weight gradually and making long-term changes in your daily eating and exercise habits delivers long-lasting results. Focus on making a sustainable shift toward better food choices, such as whole grains, lean meats and fresh fruits and vegetables. The dreaded “d” word is often associated with restriction and deprivation, which can make it harder to commit. So, get off the diet bandwagon and work toward a permanent, healthy eating lifestyle.
Get off the diet bandwagon and work toward a permanent, healthy eating lifestyle.
There’s a reason your Mom always told you to. According to Harvard University, diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, can lower blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, and have a positive effect on blood sugar, which can help regulate your appetite. They’re also dense in nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends five servings of vegetables per day and four servings of fruit. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention only 1 in 10 adults get enough fruits and vegetables. Not getting your daily servings in? Change that — add spinach and mushrooms to your eggs, throw kale in your smoothie and choose an apple or orange for your afternoon snack.
Superfoods, such as kale, brussels sprouts, blueberries and mushrooms, have increased in popularity — and with good reason. Researchers have found they’re packed with higher levels of vitamins and minerals than most foods. And some are also rich in antioxidants, which help prevent disease and protect cells from damage. So, as you increase your fruit and vegetable intake, be sure to add superfoods to your mix. One of Sagullo’s favorites is mushrooms because they’re high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, selenium and vitamin D. Kale, which has become so popular that it’s been added to a major fast-food restaurant’s menu, is high in vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and powerful antioxidants, which help protect against some cancers.
To get a kick-start on your goals, join Memorial Hermann's free Resolution Challenge, which features meal plans, workouts, guided meditations and other forms of digital support:
http://www.memorialhermann.org/resolution/signup/http://www.memorialhermann.org/resolution/signup/
What are you doing New Year’s Eve? You’re spending it in the Memorial District, of course! We have all of the daytime and nighttime events you might want this year. Here are several excellent recommendations for you, your friends, and your family.
New Year’s Eve Daytime Events
Noon Year’s Eve at Memorial City
Don’t wait until midnight to celebrate. Bring the kids to the Xfinity Fireplace for a DJ dance party from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be family-friendly entertainment, such as face painting and balloon artists. This event even includes a balloon drop with a lemonade toast when the clock strikes noon.
Where: Xfinity Fireplace at Memorial City
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Celebrate NYE early in the plaza at CITYCENTRE with Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus. This event includes family-friendly fun, such as face painting, music by a live DJ, a balloon and caricature artist, and a magic mirror photo booth.
Where: The Plaza at CITYCENTRE
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
New Year’s Eve Nighttime Events
Ring in the new year with other fun-loving people in the plaza at CITYCENTRE. Five-piece variety dance band, A Sure Thing, will kick off the night. Get ready for confetti and a rooftop fireworks display at midnight.
Where: The plaza at CITYCENTRE
When: 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Cost: Free ($10 for parking)
New Year’s Eve at Hotel Zaza Memorial City
Hotel ZaZa wants to send you into 2020 with a live DJ, dancing, hors d’oeuvres, a midnight countdown with a champagne toast, and more. Dress to impress! Reserving a room? Ask about the NYE package, which includes overnight accommodations, 2 tickets to the NYE Party, a $50 credit for Brunch in the Ballroom, and additional amenities. Call 713-465-9292 for details.
Where: Hotel ZaZa Memorial City
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Cost: $75
New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Moran
Stay at The Moran, formerly known as Hotel Sorella, and ask about the New Year’s Eve package. Throughout the evening, there will be live music by OMG and Thunderpants. Then at midnight, watch the neighborhood’s fireworks display from the comfort of your suite, and enjoy a champagne toast. Call 713-923-1600 for details.
Where: The Moran at CITYCENTRE
When: Live music begins at 8 p.m.
Cost: Prices may vary, as there are package options. Call ahead.
New Year’s Eve Offer at the Westin Houston Memorial Hotel
Spend New Year’s Eve at the sophisticated Westin Houston Memorial Hotel. Enjoy the skyline views and the signature Westin amenities. This hotel’s package includes dinner for two on New Year’s Eve, breakfast for two on New Year’s Day, and complimentary parking. You’ll see all of the sights and sounds of NYE in the Memorial District. Plus, you’ll be in the center of the action in one of Houston’s most stylish hotels. Call 281-501-4300 for details to ensure the package availability. Alternatively, if you visit the website, make sure Promotional Code YQ1 appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when you enter your online reservation.
Where: The Westin Houston Memorial Hotel
When: New Year’s Eve
Cost: $199–329 per night
Bonus Recommendation
Did you know you can get a voucher for $5 off your next Uber trip to or from Memorial City Mall? This voucher is valid for up to 10 trips with a limit of 1 voucher per person. That means you potentially could use the voucher to save money when you catch an Uber home after the NYE celebrations. Visit MemorialCity.com/UberToMall to get your voucher today.
So, if you’re still deciding on plans for New Year’s Eve in Houston, look no further than the Memorial District. Have a wonderful, safe celebration!