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City Cast Houston

Flu season in Houston starts next month and stretches until late May. So, how can you protect yourself from the flu as the weather (finally) cools?

Since COVID-19 cases are still popping across Houston, you 

might wonder if you have COVID or the flu? 

COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu.

It can also cause more severe illness than the flu.

It may take longer for you to show symptoms of COVID-19 compared to the flu.

Since the symptoms of COVID-19 and flu can be similar, it’s best to get a COVID-19 test to rule out what you have.

Starting today, four free rapid COVID-19 home tests are now available 

If you catch the flu, it can be a mild illness, but sometimes symptoms can be severe and lead to death. Most common flu symptoms will clear up in two weeks, but sometimes they 

can lead to pneumonia or other severe complications

. Some common flu symptoms include fever, cough, muscle and body aches, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. Below are severe symptoms you should be aware of. If you experience these, please seek medical care immediately.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is getting a vaccine every year. 

 offer free flu shots to the community. You can also visit your local Walgreens or CVS pharmacy for a shot.

How Houstonians Can Protect Themselves From The Flu

Houston Life Hacks

Christian Colon, who was originally born in Puerto Rico, first fell in love with airplanes watching them take off into the sky with his parents. His interest grew even more when he became a student at 

Houston ISD’s Sterling Aviation High School,

 where he initially trained to be a pilot. Through mentorship from United Airlines, the 21-year-old is now one of the youngest pilots licensed to fly for Mesa Airlines.

Q: What’s one of your favorite memories from high school and training to be a pilot?

“We had this thing called a solo flight. The solo flight is when your instructor hands you the airplane and you fly the plane on your own. I remember, you had a block [of time] to go to the flight school and fly the airplanes. By the time I got done with my flights, I would be coming back to school because I played sports in high school. Coming back to [school], in my head I’m like Oh my God, I just did this. I couldn’t stop smiling. Who can say I’m going to high school today, but at 12:00, I’m getting my lunch, and then I’m going to fly?”

Q: When you’re piloting a plane, what do you enjoy the most about the experience?

"I’m trying to soak it all in still. I’m just focused on do this right. Don’t mess this up. I’m still trying to bring my school knowledge into the flight deck. Recently, I had the opportunity to fly my parents. I took them from Jacksonville, Florida and back. That was a wild moment. I also enjoy the view. It looks like what people might think heaven is. It’s beautiful. I have what 45 years in my career left? I don’t think I will ever get used to the view. ”

Q: What’s a dream destination that you want to fly to?

“Flying back home to Puerto Rico. Hopefully I get blessed enough to go to United. They fly from Houston to Puerto Rico. Just have my family be out there and see the airplane land. Being able to land back where I was born, seeing the beach and all that, coming in for the landing, I feel like would be pretty cool.”

This 21-Year-Old Houston Pilot Is Living The Dream

3 Questions With

Last week, many of you shared your favorite spot to grab beer in Houston

 Whether you’re new to town or just looking to change up which brewery you hit up, then check out some of Hey Houston readers’ favorites below.

Stacy is a fan of this north Houston brewery:

 is a favorite of mine. They are family, pet & event friendly. Lots of outdoor activities & space.”

 in Midtown/Third Ward. It’s a cute little brewery with a fantastic beer garden and some of the best beer in the city.”

 in Jersey Village which has original seats from the Astrodome:

 “Their chicken fried steak on Monday is better than most. Worth the trip in my opinion. They also do lots to support the local community of Cub Scouts, have a running club, and have paid for fireworks for 4th of July and Founder's Day in Jersey Village.”

Allison says this is their favorite brewery in the country: 

“Our very favorite brewery in Houston, or anywhere for that matter (and we have visited nearly 50 in the US) is 

 in the Garden Oaks area. It has a beautiful air conditioned taproom, two beer gardens and is kid and dog friendly. They also have close to 20 delicious craft beers on tap!”

“Very low key and relaxed. The beers and food are both excellent. I highly recommend it.”

H-Town's Best Breweries 

Food & Drink

Katy used to be just a small, quiet suburb west of Houston. Today, it’s a sprawling city filled with more than 24,000 people, as well as exciting restaurants, coffee shops, and tons of places to shop. I spent most of my childhood there until high school, but the Katy of the past is a distant memory. Here are some spots you should check out:

 opened in 1999: My elementary school went on a field trip to the Rainforest Cafe. (Yes, we were lucky students!) The mall remains a shopping attraction for the city, with Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Adidas, and Cole Haan outlets. Oh, and yes, 

A newer, bougier alternative for shopping is 

; think of it as the suburban alternative to City Centre. I also love that it’s home to Houston restaurant favorites 

I’m a movie lover and always looking for a place to kick back and watch a film. My favorite: 

. The seats are comfy, and the food options are tasty. Keep an eye out for their theme nights. 

 has been around forever, and is another classic place to catch a movie. Other options: 

check out Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

 for go-karts, arcades, laser tag and more. In the summer, splash around at 

 by Katy Mills Mall. And grab a beer from 

Katy used to be just a small, quiet suburb west of Houston. Today, it’s a sprawling city filled with more than 24,000 people, as well as exciting restaurants, coffee shops, and tons of places to shop. I grew up there, but the Katy of my childhood is a distant memory. Here are some spots you should check out:

The Best Places To Visit In Katy 

Neighborhood Guides

In recent months we’ve seen superstars such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Janet Jackson, LL Cool J, Stevie Nicks, and more come to Houston to perform. This fall, Beyoncé, The Jonas Brothers, and John Mayer are just some of the artists gracing Houston stages. So, what’s the best concert venue to see your favorite artist?

, located next to POST Houston downtown, opened in 2021. Back in May, I went to a gospel concert here for the first time and quickly fell in love with the venue. It’s smaller and more intimate than other venues like Toyota Center or NRG Stadium, but it also has enough seating to accommodate up to 5,000 people. Even though my friends and I had assigned seating, there was enough room for us to stand along the sides for a while to sing and dance. This fall, you can catch The All American Rejects, Brandon Lake, and Ivan Cornejo performing.

There’s something special about watching a concert at NRG Stadium. Whether it’s for the rodeo or a big-time celebrity, I love hearing the roar of thousands of people as the artist comes out on stage. Earlier this year, when I saw Taylor Swift, I wondered if my nosebleed seats would be good enough to enjoy the show. However, the view from above allowed me to see her stage in its entirety. A concert at a stadium feels like one giant party that a smaller concert venue won’t provide. In upcoming weeks,

 catch Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour, Atif Aslam, and Katt Williams

 in The Woodlands is my favorite place to see a concert. Even though it’s about an hour away from Houston, it’s worth the drive. There’s nothing like lounging on the lawn with a blanket and singing along to your favorite artist underneath the Texas sky. Chris Stapleton, a Hocus Pocus themed concert, and Sting are some concerts coming in October.

So, what’s your favorite place to see a concert in Houston? Or did you go to a memorable show recently? 

Houston's Best Concert Venues 

Houston's Best

There’s something magical about Houston rodeo season. For a few weeks, Houstonians wear their best country western attire, watch concerts from a diverse range of artists, devour delicious barbecue, and venture to the Rodeo carnival. So, how did the Houston rodeo begin?

A group of men looking to preserve the cattle industry 

met for lunch at the old Texas State hotel in downtown Houston.

 Based on their meeting, the The Houston Fat Stock Show and Livestock Exposition was created in 1931. The next year, the event was held at the Democratic Convention Hall. In 1938, some of our favorite events were added, including the rodeo, horse show, and downtown parade. Gene Autry, known as America’s singing cowboy, was the first performer at the rodeo in 1942. He performed 

 across southeast Texas leading up to the rodeo. The tradition started in 1952, when trail riders traversed from Brenham, Texas to Houston. Educational scholarships are also a key part of festivities. In 1957, the show gave its first $2,000 scholarship to Houstonian Ben Dickerson. The rodeo changed its name to Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 1961 and also moved its events to the Astrodome five years later. 1970 was a big year for the rodeo. Elvis Presley 

performed several shows for over 200,000 Houstonians.

 While he was in Houston, he stayed at the AstroWorld Hotel for $2,500 per night.

The rodeo continued to grow in popularity. By the 1990s, the Rodeo had launched its website and reached 1 million paid attendance visitors. It also had some special guests, including President George H.W. Bush 

and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

 Today, the rodeo remains a popular attraction for Houstonians. More than 2.4 million people attended the rodeo earlier this year. Next year, the rodeo kicks off on Feb. 27 and runs until March 17.

Did You Know Elvis Performed at Houston Rodeo? 

Did You Know Elvis Performed At The Houston Rodeo? 

Houston History

It might be hard for you to spot a Walking Stick because 

they easily camouflage into their surroundings

. To escape predators, they usually blend into plant material. These insects sometimes sway back and forth, making them look like twigs blowing in the wind.

Walking Sticks are pretty common across the world. They’re found in Texas and every continent except Antarctica, residing in woodlands and tropical forests. Bats are one of the insects most common predators. They’re not thrown off by their camouflage skills because bats hunt by sound and not by sight. However, walking sticks will pull out other tricks to confuse their predators. A walking stick recently found its way on the back of a Houston Arboretum volunteer.

Justin Clay of Houston Arboretum explains more: 

“Sometimes insects hitchhike their way into buildings on people. This was the case for this large two striped walking stick. She hitched a ride on the back of one of our botany volunteers. These walking sticks are harmless but are sometimes called spitting devils. This is because they can release a chemical defense that smells somewhat like movie theater popcorn and is an irritant. They rarely do this unless provoked.”

It might be hard for you to spot a Walking Stick because they easily camouflage into their surroundings. To escape predators, they usually blend into plant material. These insects sometimes sway back and forth, making them look like twigs blowing in the wind

Walking Sticks Are Experts At Hiding From Predators 

Urban Almanac

Are you a new homeowner? Trying to understand the recycling schedule? Do you have a large item that you need to throw out, but don’t know when to leave it out for trash pick-up? If any of these questions have plagued you lately, I have a breakdown on how to understand Houston’s trash and recycling pick-up.

If you just moved to a new area, type in your address in this map 

 Recycling is picked up every other week on the same day as your trash pick up. Some items can be recycled improperly and contaminate clean recyclables at the sorting center. 

: cans, cartons, glass, paper, and plastic. Also, don’t put a plastic bag around your recycled items because it can contaminate it further.

Tree waste such as tree limbs, branches, and stumps are picked up once a month during odd numbered months: January, March, May, July, September, and November. Junk waste such as furniture, appliances, and other bulky items are picked up during even numbered months: February, April, June, August, October and December. To find out which day is your heavy trash pick up, 

. If you want to get rid of tree or junk waste before your designated day, then you can drop it off at 

your Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center.

Has your trash or recycling pick up been irregular? Do you have other tips that I need to know? 

How To Understand Houston Trash Days 

Margie Seaman isn’t letting her age stop her. She published her first 

romance novel “Someday Belongs To Us”

 at 85-years-old, and is already working on a sequel. She 

 about her adventures across Texas and beyond called The Graytripper.

What inspired you to write your first novel now?

“When I went through school, all my teachers said when you grow up you need to write. I don’t think of myself as a writer, but I think of myself as a storyteller and a character developer. So, I thought, I’m going to do that, when I get a little older, I’m going to write a book. Well, when I got older, I got married, had three kids, had a job, a career, and kept thinking I’m going to write that book next year. After about 70 years of procrastinating, it dawned on me when I hit 82. On my 82nd birthday, I thought, I better stop saying I’m going to do it next year because next years are getting a little bit limited.”

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve taken recently, and why?

The trip I went to Paris, Texas, into Carthage, [and] Kilgore. I’ve been in Texas all of my life. I had not gone to the area in East Texas as much. Paris is a really charming little town. They have a replica of the Eiffel Tower. It’s not quite as big as people think. It has a cowboy hat on the top, so that’s perfect. We got to Carthage. We found the country western museum. It’s a beautiful brick building, very large. They have things from every country western singer known throughout the time.”

What advice do you have for someone younger who feels behind in achieving their dreams?

“I had a major heart attack, had open heart surgery, quadruple bypass, had an intestinal bleed afterwards and had to go back in ICU. That’s only been two years ago. So, I have a very strong appreciation for the fact that I’m still hanging around. Seriously, to me life is a gift that I’m given every morning when I wake up. When somebody gives me a gift, then I have to do what is right and I have to appreciate that gift. To appreciate that gift, I need to live it to the fullest extent that I can. I need to contribute to whatever I can. My goal is to let people know that if you have a dream, if you have a goal in life, you can still accomplish it. Just do it.”

Margie Seaman isn’t letting her age stop her. She just published her first romance novel “Someday Belongs To Us” at 86-years-old, and is already working on a sequel. She also has a travel blog about her adventures across Texas and beyond called The Graytripper.

This 86-year-old Houstonian is a first-time author 

I have a soft spot for Spring Branch because I went to school there from kindergarten to senior year. This neighborhood, located in west Houston, is known for its diverse residents and delicious restaurants. Spring Branch resident Becky

wrote in with suggestions below for those looking to visit the neighborhood.

amazing cold brew and house-made British baked goods.

 It’s also decorated with geology stuff, which is soooo Houston.

works to support veterans and their families

. In the past, American Legion Hall raised funds to take 18 World War II vets to New Orleans for two days of fun, including being honored at the World War II Museum there with a full police escort. You also don’t want to 

If you’re looking for a place to see live music, 

 which also has a vintage arcade, bingo, karaoke, and open mic nights. Mark 

your calendar for their pre-Halloween party

Which is your favorite Tex-Mex? They’re all within about a half a mile of each other on Gessner. A lot of the old-timers swear by 

has the nicest servers and great tortilla soup. 

 has the rare Tex-Mex drive-through. There’s definitely something for everyone.

This neighborhood, located in west Houston, is known for its diverse residents and delicious restaurants. Spring Branch resident Becky wrote in with suggestions below for those looking to visit the neighborhood.

Spring Branch Hotspots You Need To Visit 

If you have a sweet tooth like me, then this round-up of best desserts below is going to satisfy all of your cravings. Plus, where should you eat in the Theater District? Bon appetit!

For me, the best part of every meal is dessert. Houston restaurants 

know how to deliver some of the most delicious treats

, such as a chocolate rum cake at Coltivare, tres leches at Flora, or the Italian sundae at il Bracco. [Eater Houston]

Houston desserts that will change your life.

Are you seeing a show this season and looking to grab a bite before or after? It can be overwhelming to navigate the food scene near the Theater District, but 

. I can vouch for Birraporetti’s delicious crème brûlée. I also devoured items on Common Bond Brasserie & Bakery's tasty dinner menu before seeing Hamilton last year. [Houstonia Magazine]

Want to switch up your food routine as the seasons change? Houston Chronicle food editor Greg Morago 

recommends Albi, a new upscale Mediterranean restaurant, 

Josephine's, a seafood-focused Gulf Coast restaurant, and others to try this fall. [Houston Chronicle 🔒]

If you have a sweet tooth like me, then this round-up of best desserts below is going to satisfy all of your cravings. Plus, a new ice cream shop in Rice Village is giving out free paletas this weekend. Bon appetit!


The Best Desserts in Houston 

The Best Desserts In Houston 

If you’re a beer lover, then you know Houston is home to some tasty breweries. Whether you’re looking to visit a city classic or a brand new brewery, check out my suggestions below.

You can’t visit a Houston brewery without first heading to 

, north of downtown. Rice University graduates founded the brewery in 1994, making it the state’s oldest craft brewery. Mark 

 at the end of the month, where you can hear live music in the beer garden, participate in their costume contest, pretzel eating contest, and taste delicious beer.

 in 2011. Now, the ginormous 28,000 square foot Sawyer Yards brewery produces more than 8,000 barrels of kegs, cans, and bombers. Here are 

: Crush City IPA, Dreamsicle, More Cowbell, and their Pumpkin Spice Latte in honor of fall approaching.

Make a trip to the burbs and check out the kid-friendly and dog-friendly 

 This award-winning brewery offers weekly bingo on Wednesdays, taco Tuesdays, and has a running club every Monday.

, located in near Northside, opened last December and is quickly gaining popularity among Houstonians. The brewery, co-founded by former employees at Karbach Brewing, is home to many events. They will host 

Where To Grab The Best Beer In Houston 

In downtown Houston, some may not realize there’s an intricate underground tunnel system connecting office buildings and restaurants. The tunnel, which is about 20 feet below ground level and stretches six miles, was first constructed in the 1930s. The tunnels offer a cooler way for Houstonians to explore downtown without having to walk in the heat.

to connect two buildings owned by former governor

 Ross Sterling. The tunnels would go on to connect two movie theaters owned by Will Horwitz, who dubbed it,  “The Uptown Theater Project.” Besides movie theaters, attendees could enjoy restaurants, shops, a penny arcade, and a German wine tavern. 

After Horwitz passed away, his Texan Theater was demolished and the tunnels were abandoned for many years until the 1970s. Real estate developer Gerald Hines revived the area and the tunnel system, adding 27 buildings to downtown Houston.

Today, the tunnels remain an iconic fixture of the city and remain open Monday thru Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. You’ll find a variety of great dining options including 5411 Empanadas, Adair Downtown, Tacos A Go Go, and more. If you’re a foodie and want to go all in, 

 that takes you through the dining spots in the tunnel system. 

 that shows you all the buildings and shops throughout the tunnel.

Houston's Downtown Tunnel System

This week I’m excited to feature a tree story from Melissa Kyle at the 

My Kidneywood Brings All the Bees to the Yard

is the trifecta of native shrubs. Not only is it a favored snack of ruminants and seed-eating birds and a traditional healer of the ailing human digestive tract, but, in the Houston Arboretum courtyard, it is also notably the most popular pollinator bush in the bunch.

On any given hot and sunny afternoon (and we’ve been given many of them this year) an uncountable number and variety of visitors — among them bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, and even native green and invasive brown anole lizards — can be spotted competing for space in the citrusy sweet smelling blossoms. Stop by outside the administration building windows to see how many different species you can spot.

Do you have a flora & fauna story you’d like to share?

Share an Urban Almanac Story

My Texas Kidneywood Brings All the Bees to the Yard

Donating blood can be daunting and the question of eligibility can be confusing — earlier this year, the FDA updated its 

eligibility guidelines for men who have sex with men

. Here’s a guide on how to donate blood in Houston.

As a person with tattoos who has donated blood, I know that merely hearing myths about blood donations can be discouraging. The best place to start is to review an 

eligibility checklist like the one from the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

. There are general requirements to keep in mind, such as a minimum age of 17 without parental consent, and health guidelines, as well as more specific health protocol. Always verify eligibility information.

 Yes, the moment the needle goes in can hurt momentarily, but it goes away once it’s placed.

My blood type is common, so it’s not needed:

 Every two seconds someone in the country needs blood. Every blood type is vital.

 There is no maximum age for blood donation.

 The entire process typically takes around an hour. That’s less than the TikTok rabbit holes in which I frequently find myself.

Organizations often host blood drives around Houston. You can start by searching “blood drives near me.” Blood donation appointments can also be made directly with organizations like the 

Have a blood donation story? We want to hear it.

Share a Blood Donation Story

How to Donate Blood in Houston

, decided to create a construction theme park because of his seven-year-old son’s love for construction equipment. The theme park, which opened last year in Katy, is the first of its kind in Texas and allows kids and adults to safely operate construction equipment.

Q: Why do you think it’s important for more theme parks to cater to those with disabilities?

“My son, Pierce, is seven years old. He was born with no health issues. He was progressing just fine. Then, in 2017, he contracted bacterial meningitis. He was in the hospital 75 days, a coma twelve of those days. We left the hospital with a different son than when we entered. He’s nonverbal, epileptic, deaf, in a wheelchair, lower mental capacity. Our life got turned upside down. [When] we were creating the park, the idea was we wanted people like Pierce to be able to come to the park. We shut down the park once a quarter and we host families for free, as long as they have one individual in their family that has some type of disability or special need. The reason is we want those individuals to have a unique experience. We want those individuals to be treated normally. We want those people to have a fun time. At the same time, we want the siblings to have an experience. We want parents to come that night, and say ‘Hey, listen, if it takes your kid 10 minutes to get on that machine and have a good time, take 15.’ We want you to enjoy it. We’re all in the same boat tonight. Everybody around you is like you.”

Q: Do you have a favorite part of the theme park?

“The tried and true is people love to get on that excavator and dig dirt. From a two-year-old to a couple weeks ago we had a 73-year-old birthday party. It was just her life goal to dig some dirt with a machine. I think it’s just a fun, unique experience that people love to be a part of.”

Q: If you had to pick a restaurant to go to in Houston every weekend, what would it be?

 I love the old-school feeling of it. I love the service of it. I’m like a kid in the candy store whenever I get to go. Somebody’s taking me next week, and I’m very aware that it’s one week away.”

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