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25 Things to Know about the Shell Houston Open

Attention all PGA Tour fans, clear your calendars for the Shell Houston Open, teeing off March 31st to April 6th at the Golf Club of Houston Tournament Course in Humble, Texas. Formerly known as the Redstone Golf Club, this challenging course with picturesque scenery welcomes many of your favorite golf stars.

5 Things to Know About the SHO

  • The Shell Houston Open has raised more than $50 million for children and families in need through charities and scholarships in the Greater Houston area.
  • The Houston Golf Association has been conducting PGA Tour events since 1946, making Houston’s tournament the 10th oldest on the schedule.
  • The youngest player to win the Houston Open was Hubert Green at age 24 in 1984.
  • The oldest player to win the Houston Open was Gene Littler at age 46 in 1977.
  • Since 1949, there have been 22 holes-in-one at the Shell Houston Open.

How to Get Your Tickets

You can purchase your tickets at the tournament gate of the Golf Club of Houston Tournament Course or buy and print them online at Extreme Tix. General parking is available Thursday through Sunday at ecopark at the Bush Intercontinental Airport, with round-trip bus rides to get you to and from the course.

Top 5 Restaurants in the Houston Area

CINQ – Located in the La Colombe d’Or Hotel, CINQ indulges diners with a modern European cuisine. Try CIA-trained chef German Mosquera’s bold menu, (713) 524-7999 or online.

Da Marco – Satisfy your craving at the intimate Italian restaurant, Da Marco. Chef Marco Wiles has his fish jet-flown to Houston directly from Italy. Call (713) 807-8857 or reserve online.

Pappas Bros Steakhouse – Pappas Bros offers private dining for the luxurious VIP experience you’ve been searching for. Known for its selection of wine and steaks, it’ll be a night to remember. Call (713) 780-7352 or reserve online at OpenTable.

Américas River Oaks – Spice up your night with Latin food at Américas at River Oaks. Enjoy a private dining experience and indulge in dishes like the grilled swordfish churrasco or the achiote rubbed pork tenderloin stuffed with cilantro tamalito and topped with jumbo lump crab meat. Call (832) 200-1492 or reserve online at OpenTable.

Uchi – Dine luxuriously at this contemporary Japanese restaurant. Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole’s signature menu offers hot and cool tastings, makimono, yakimono, tempura and of course, sushi and sashimi. The dishes draw from his style of combining unexpected textures and flavors that push the boundaries of Japanese cuisine so that each guest at the table may enjoy and share the experience of dining at Uchi together. Call (713) 522-4808 or reserve online at Uchi.

Top 5 Things You Need to See

The Downtown Tunnels – Six miles of mazes connects many of Houston’s downtown buildings and offers a unique dining and shopping experience. Check out the tunnel’s map to find a coffee shop, deli or a gift boutique while you explore miles of underground entertainment.

Discovery Green – Known as Houston’s version of Central Park and located right in the middle of Downtown Houston, Discovery Green is home to great cafés and a stage featuring free entertainment. From kayaking to jogging trails to yoga classes in the park, there is something for everyone at Discovery Green.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Enjoy wine tastings while you explore the 5 mile, pet-friendly nature trail at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Try out tai chi, yoga or learn which plants are edible during your wander through the lush woods.

Bayou Place – Home to countless theaters, bars, lounges and nightclubs, Bayou Place is the place to be if you’re looking for a fun night out. Located in the heart of Houston’s Downtown Theater District, this 130,000 square foot entertainment megaplex is the premier destination for great food and good times.

Downtown Aquarium – Dine alongside a 150,000 gallon, two-story tank with over 400 species of beautiful, intriguing marine life, pet and feed a stingray or enjoy a train ride through the Shark Voyage. Downtown Aquarium offers many exhibits, games and rides for a fun experience that caters to all ages.

Top 5 Golf Courses in the Houston Area

Memorial Park Golf Course – A Houston golf fan favorite, this historic course has hosted some of the most famous golf pros including Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Ranked best course to walk by the Houston Chron, the Memorial Park Golf Course is beautifully framed by huge trees and occasionally you can spot a deer prancing through the course. Call (713) 559-2000 to reserve your tee time today!

BlackHorse Golf Club – Perfect for a corporate event or client outing, the BlackHorse Golf Club welcomes seasoned golfers looking for a challenge. Refuel after a round at Jake’s Grill, a bar and grill in the clubhouse that offers outdoor seating with a fantastic view of the course. Call (281) 304-1747 to reserve your tee time today!

Tour 18 Golf Club – Have time for just one round? This course is perfect for anyone, from novice players to golf pros, so bring a friend along and experience the Tour 18 Golf Club with its replicas of the 18 most famous holes on the PGA golf tour. Call (281) 540-1818 to reserve your tee time today!

Wildcat Golf Club – Impress your friends and co-workers by inviting them to the Wildcat Golf Club, the preferred golf club of Houston’s professional sports teams. The Highlands Course elevates you high enough to offer stunning views of Reliant Stadium and downtown Houston. With its strategically placed bunkers, elevation changes and blind shots, the courses at Wildcat Golf Club are sure to keep you entertained. Call (713) 413-3400 to reserve your tee time today!

Sienna Plantation Golf Club – Experience one of the more upscale courses in the Greater Houston area. The Sienna Plantation Golf Club gives you a sense of community with its country club atmosphere and offers the highest quality of golf you can find. Tee off in a naturally wooded setting with beautiful winding creeks throughout the course and finish off the day by treating yourself to a gourmet meal at the Sienna Grille. Call (281) 778-4653 to reserve your tee time today!

Love the Area? 5 Darling Homes Communities to Tour

Aliana – Aliana is a beautiful master-planned community located west of Houston in Richmond, Texas. Aliana offers a variety of gorgeous Darling Homes set amidst numerous parks with miles of hiking and biking trails. Aliana residents enjoy access to a 24-hour fitness center, tennis courts and a video game center for the kids, and the Club at Aliana Swim Center offers activities year round, with everything from swim lessons to cooking classes in the Clubhouse’s gourmet kitchen.

Creekside Park – The idyllic community at Creekside Park offers one and two-story homes with several different floor plans, each with eclectic architecture and inspired design. The master design of the interior, family-friendly environment and luxurious amenities offered make this new community a perfect fit for every lifestyle.

Riverstone – Darling Homes introduces a new, gated section of larger home sites in Fort Bend’s award winning development of Riverstone. This new neighborhood encompasses creek side, lake view and cul-de-sac lots for buyers to choose from. Darling Homes brings a new series of luxury homes with distinctive designs offering living spaces with up to approximately 5,200 square feet.

Sienna Plantation – Conveniently located just minutes from downtown Houston, this 7,000-acre master-planned community is nestled adjacent to the Sienna Plantation Golf Club and the 160-acre Camp Sienna sports park. Sienna Plantation’s community amenities include walking trails, neighborhood parks and playgrounds, resort-style water parks, community center, amphitheater, fishing pier, tennis courts and a 6,000 square foot fitness center.

Woodforest – Woodforest, one of Houston’s newest and most innovative master-planned communities, features a championship golf course, parks, trails and pools. Darling Homes offers a unique collection of designs and floor plans with up to approximately 4,000 square feet. Design features throughout the series include generously sized rooms, high ceilings, open concept kitchen/breakfast and family rooms, first floor guest suites, large covered rear patios, optional media rooms, three and four car garages and more.

by Danny DuBois
At Home Community Darling Difference Travel

Things to Do in Southlake

Looking for Things to Do in Southlake? Get Ready for Fun!

Did you know there are more than 100 places to dine in Southlake? How about the fact that Southlake was named as the most affluent neighborhood in the United States? It was, based on average median household income estimated by Forbes.com in December 2008.

Then there’s the history of Southlake. And all of the fun activities and shopping. In short, this beautiful city is definitely the place to be!

So how do you choose what to do first? We’ve compiled a list of five fun things to do in Southlake:

Things to Do in Southlake

1.  Love horseback riding? The Widowmaker Trail Rides provides an afternoon of guided riding on Lake Grapevine.

2.  Foodies can enjoy more than 103 restaurants, patios, bars and upscale lounges in the Southlake area. Find a full list of dining destinations here.

3.  Spend an afternoon relaxing at one of the 20 salons and spas located around Southlake. From nail salons to full service spas, Southlake has plenty of pampering opportunities!

4.  Take the online Southlake Historical Tour. It is speculated the Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker spent time in the area west of Grapevine and Clyde may have attended the 1919 Carroll School! Learn more about this history-rich city by clicking each location on the website and reading the descriptions below.

5.  Kids can release some energy at the Urban Air Trampoline Park. The venue even features events such as neon nights for ages nine to 12 and teen night for ages 13 and up.

Southlake gives residents the feeling of a small town with a strong focus on family and community activities. The city is also known for its Southlake Town Square, a 1.3 million square foot shopping center offering high-end boutiques and shopping destinations and fine dining, all located within minutes of the community.

The Verandas at Southlake by Darling Homes

Darling Homes is now pre-selling in this premiere community. Those who entertain often will love the spacious floor plans at The Verandas at Southlake. Each award-winning patio home will feature expansive bedrooms and living spaces ranging from approximately 2,600 to 3,500 square feet.

Home buyers who step inside the model at Southlake will discover an inviting front courtyard followed by an elegant entryway. Chef’s will appreciate the luxurious gourmet kitchen with specially accented designer cabinetry and unique vent hoods chosen from a variety of styles and finishes. The extended outdoor entertaining area with optional outdoor kitchen, creates the perfect place to host barbecues, gatherings and spend time with friends and family.

Welcome home to Southlake!

 

 

by Danny DuBois
At Home Community Darling Difference Travel

10 Top Reasons to Live in Houston

10 Reasons You Need to Move to Houston

Houston, Texas. It’s America’s fourth-largest city chock full of world-class dining, art destinations, award-winning restaurants and that charming southern hospitality.

According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston was named No. 1 for corporate expansion and relocation by Site Selection Magazine. Texas was also named the “stickiest” state in the country, according to the Pew Research Center, meaning that more than three-quarters of adults who were born in Texas still live there.

If you’re planning on relocating, Houston may be the best city for you! Here’s a list of 10 reasons we feel best explain why you need to move to Houston.

1. The word “Houston” was the first word said on the moon. When Apollo 11 landed on the moon, Neil Armstrong reported, “Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.”

2. The weather. While the northern part of the nation is experiencing sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow falls, Houstonians appreciate mild weather all year long with average winter temperatures in the 40s.

3. Sports. For those who enjoy attending professional sporting events, Houston is home to the Texans football team, Houston Astros baseball team, Houston Rockets men’s basketball, and Houston Dynamo soccer team.

4. If Houston were an independent nation, it would rank as the 30th largest economy in the world according to The City of Houston.

5. Dennis Quaid, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and Beyonce Knowles have all called Houston home.

6. Houston is known as the “Energy Capital of the World” according to The Greater Houston Partnership, and home to 40 of the nation’s 145 publicly traded oil and gas production firms.

7. Hungry diners can venture into the highly reputed restaurant Oxheart, included in Southern Living’s 2013 list of 100 Places to Eat Now and dubbed one of the five “hottest restaurant openings” in 2012 by GQ Magazine. The intimate restaurant is only open for dinner Thursday through Monday and only 26 seats are available. Guests can choose from a choice of three menus nightly.

8. The Woodlands. Those who are looking for a nature oasis outside of the city, can “Come Home to The Woodlands,” as the city slogan goes. Located north of Houston, the city houses several corporate campuses such as Chevron Phillips, Woodforest National Bank and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation. Darling Homes offers five communities in The Woodlands area. See them here.

9. If music is your passion, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater that features the Houston Symphony in the summer and the Houston Ballet. Ranked as the second-most used amphitheater in the world, it can house 19,500 people at once.

10. Harmony. This beautiful master-planned community is located in Spring, TX and is only minutes from the new Exxon campus. Highlights of this community include a nature preserve, hike and bike trails, playgrounds, a resort-style pool and recreation center.

 

by Danny DuBois