Things To Do In Huntsville

It's a common misconception that the city of Houston is named after the Houston Rockets basketball team. The truth is far stranger. The city is actually named in honor of Sam Houston, a key player in Texas's bid for statehood. The Lone Star State as we know it today would not have been possible if Houston hadn't led the Texas Revolution and subsequently assumed office as the Republic of Texas's first and third president.

Houston?both the city and the man?is the focus of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Located on 15 acres of the leader's own estate, the sprawling museum lets visitors learn about Houston's life and accomplishments via artifacts, manuscripts, and even buildings he frequented. Houston's hunting lodge along with the Steamboat House have been moved to the museum grounds from their original locations, and a replica of his kitchen was hand-built with period tools on the same spot as the original. In the rotunda building, visitors can examine personal effects and articles of clothing to get a feel for what Houston was like as a person. Though the museum is open six days a week year-round, the summer months are perhaps the best time to visit, as the museum offers free tours twice daily with paid admission.

At each of its 31 area locations, the YMCA of Greater Houston pursues a mission to bring health, wellness, and personal growth to communities. Kids leap into activities ranging from swim lessons and youth sports to a teen Youth & Government program that stirs up confidence and leadership abilities in students, preparing them for mudslinging student-council campaigns.

Zumba, ballroom dance, and Les Mills group exercise classes shake up adult workout routines, as complimentary childcare frees up parents to pursue fitness goals. Meanwhile, adult sport leagues such as basketball and racquetball result in friendly competition and hyper-literate team names inspired by obscure philosophers.

Racing Humans events pit earthlings against 5 kilometers of treacherous terrain riddled with hills, hurdles, and enough mud to make a bathtub look into early retirement. During spectator-friendly adventures, racers are challenged with a strenuous course, but must conquer a series of obstacles as well, including crawling under barbed wire, swimming across lakes, and high stepping over stacks of logs. Course officials keep feet moving along the route, and afterward, an awards ceremony recognizes the day's fastest competitors and best costumes. Racing Humans also hosts 1-mile events for youngsters aged 7–14, during which kids surmount obstacles without help from their parents or answers from the back of the teacher’s book.

Weekend cruises along the lake. The occasional night fishing trip. While many people would like to own a boat for those reasons, the expenses of maintaining and storing a boat year-round can be daunting. Carefree Boat Rental eliminates the tedious bits of boat ownership by lending its well-maintained fleet to members by the hour. Inspected weekly by a dock staff using a 50-point checklist, each boat is also equipped with US Coast Guard-required safety equipment such as flares, approved flotation devices, and an emergency stash of Cheetos. The crew also takes care of regular maintenance, such as oil changes, hull cleaning, and annual bottom painting.

In the shade of rust-red barns and tall trees, groups of llamas, goats, and ponies trot around wooden-fenced corrals, nabbing bites of feed from youngsters? extended palms. This idyllic scene is one of many that abound at 7 Acre Wood. An old-fashioned Western fort houses a jail cell for interrogating suspicious-looking cartons of milk. Nearby, tots soar on the playground?s zipline or weave through the mini-golf course. The property also hosts 7 Acre Wood's Concessions, where families can get snacks.

Established: 2003

Handicap Accessible: No

Staff Size: 2?10 people

Parking: Parking lot

Reservations/Appointments: Required

Most popular offering: North Lake Conroe's kayak outfitter

Pro Tip: Fully enjoy the Sam Houston National Forest, paddling along its' shores and cycling on its' trails

Good for Kids: Yes

Q&A with the Operator and Owner

What makes your business stand out?

NLCPC is on the shores of Lake Conroe, with a kayak friendly beach.This means rock star parking for customer and kayaks ready for you upon arrival. Paddle and Pedal is a unique program which allows particiipants to really enjoy the forest.

What inspired you to start this business?

A personal recreational hobby glided to becoming a more serious one.Then, accumulating a "collection" of kayaks lent itself to a loaner program for family and friends,[and] then to a developing outfitting service.

What?s your favorite part about your job?

When [customers] return from their trip with a smile on their faces, and say they never realized how beautiful the Northside of Lake Conroe really is.

Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover?

The uniqueness of this paddling and pedaling combination. [It offers] natural beauty in the great outdoors [and a] great workout. [The] participant controls the extensiveness of the trip. Dry boxes and dry bags [are] includedwith package to protect paddlers personal items while on the water.