HyperLocal News for Port Arthur, Texas

Bayou Bend: Tour to the pastBayou Bend, the Southern plantation style home contains a memorable collection of American decorative arts that spans the 17th century and beyond.

Minute Maid Park: Tour the juice boxOne of the best ways to experience all Minute Maid Park has to offer -- whether you're interested in history, baseball, or both -- is to take a tour of the park. Tours are given year-round, but The Early Bird pre-game tour is of course only led through out the baseball season. This year the last home game is Oct. 3.

Cynthia Woods Pavilion: Top-notch concert venueThe Woodlands, a planned community in the Piney Woods north of Houston, has its detractors, but most concert-goers will agree that the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion outdoor amphitheatre there is one of the best places, if not the best place, to see a show in the Houston area.

Mercer Arboretum: Natural havenMercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is a favorite getaway on 300 plus acres in north Houston.

The Menil Collection: World class collection for art loversHeadquartered in a quiet neighborhood, The Menil Collection museum showcases the art acquisitions of Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, characterized as “The Medici of Modern Art,” by New York Times Magazine.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: An urban oasisSurrounded by the city, the 155 acres of the Houston Arboretum Nature Center are a sanctuary for plants, numerous critters and people.

Kemah Boardwalk for summer funKemah is one of those places you expect to leave worn out but happy. There is a lot to do here, from experiencing The Beast, a crazy fast boat ride; to midway attractions and arcades, to educational aquatic exhibits, concerts and good food.

Sam Houston Race Park: Fun on four feetThe race park in Northwest Harris County runs American Quarter horses from June to September, and thoroughbreds from November to March.

Pirate's Bay Water Park: Ahoy, fun!Pirates Bay Water Park -- with surfing, lazy river and more -- opened in June.

NASA: Embrace your inner space geekNASA'S Johnson Space Center offers so much, you won't be able to cram it all into one visit.

Black Swan: Upscale, not snootyLeave snooty behind and have fun with friends at the Black Swan, a dress-up bar at the Omni Hotel that brings in groups of friends and couples who want to get out and dance.

The Ginger Man Houston: Rare beers, pub atmosphereIf words like "lager" and "ale" open up a world of possibilities to your taste buds, and you take your pubs seriously, the Houston Ginger Man needs to be on your nightlife itinerary.

Grace Hart & Co.: Recycling the pastThe ultimate in recycling is reusing items that would otherwise have ended up tossed out or in a junk heap. And for many shoppers, there is beauty in vintage items that you just don’t find in a modern retail outlet. Have we mentioned the fun of the hunt?

White Linen Night shines in The HeightsWhite Linen Night in The Heights neighborhood of Houston is the perfect answer to any summer doldrums that may have settled in along with summer swelter.

Houston Heights: window to pastIn The Heights, tree-lined streets and Victorian era houses create a walkable vibe, and the 19th Street business district is the site of funky shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Little Bitty: burgers and moreHouston has its share of legendary burger vendors, and Little Bitty Burger Barn is right up there at the top of the list. Voted best burger in Houston by KTRH radio, the Little Bitty serves nothing teensy and is the sort of place frequented by rugby and football teams after a game or practice.

t'afia: Houston's 'more passionately local' restaurantIn a town with its share of outstanding restaurants – from high-end fine dining, to diamond-in-the-rough international strip shopping center cuisine – Houston’s chef of the moment is Monica Pope, owner of t’afia.

Korean Diner: Lots of food for lessAt Han Mi Jung Korean Diner, your order might come with seven or eight accompaniments to an already generous entrée.

A Moveable Feast: Healthy on the roadWhen traveling the immense highways crisscrossing Houston, travelers and even local residents often run into a dilemma – should they risk getting off the straight and narrow path to where they’re going when it comes to finding a restaurant, or simply eat at one of the numerous chain restaurants that flank the interstates?

City Eats: Houston's best New York dogsCity Eats is a local purveyor of Sabrett all-beef hot dogs, importing them from New York City in 1,500 pound shipments. And there are plenty of folks who think that helps make these the best hot dogs in Houston.

Shrimp N Stuff wins over localsIf you’re in Galveston and craving good seafood for not a lot of cash, you might want to consider a longtime island restaurant that’s off the main drag, Shrimp N Stuff Seafood.

Hula Mamas: Island charm, flavorsMaybe a trip to Hawaii isn’t in the cards this year, but at Hula Mamas restaurant in far north Houston, you’ll find the next best thing.

Bombay Brasserie: Houston's Indian buffet for first-timersSome of us have a more adventurous palate than others; The Bombay Brasserie is a great place to take the first-timer willing to try Indian food.

Cafe Express puts rush on good foodCafe Express, a Houston favorite for fast, healthy food.

Benno's: A Seawall InstitutionBeach-goers know Benno's for great Cajun seafood.