ThursdayGirl

I’ll be honest, my mouth is watering at just the mere thought of this place. Cakes, ice cream and just about any type of chocolate confection you can imagine — how can you not love this place? My absolute favorite item from the Chocolate Bar is the caramel-coated, chocolate-dipped pretzel rods. I’ve never had anything so delicious (or addicting)!

Although there are Spec’s located all over the city, it is the flagship store downtown that is a true tourist attraction. Located at 2410 Smith, the 80,000-square-foot mega store has an unrivaled selection of wine and liquor. In addition, this Spec’s has a huge selection of gourmet foods, chocolates, cheeses, meats and produce; a walk-in humidor; coffees and candies; glassware; and lots of friendly staffers to steer you in the right direction. And, if you pay cash (or debit), their prices are the best in town.

Miss Ima Hogg (I swear it’s her real name) bequeathed her beautiful home and gardens to the Museum of Fine Arts 50 years ago, and it now stands as one of the Houston’s great architechtural and botanical treasures. Although the home is a showplace of American antiques, it’s the gardens that can take your breath away, especially in the spring. To walk among the azaleas, camellias and tall loblolly pines is like entering another time and place — it’s easy to forget that you’re just five minutes from the skyscrapers of downtown. I count Bayou Bend among the many hidden gems that make Houston such a unique city.