This year’s Via Colori festival takes place Saturday, November 19, 2011 and Sunday, November 20, 2011. Events will take place around Downtown Houston; Sam Houston Park & the streets of Allen Parkway & Bagby.

Admission to the festival is free, but there are several optional activities (including bungee jumping!) available for a fee. All proceeds benefit The Center for Hearing and Speech, which has helped thousands of children develop listening, speaking and literacy skills needed to succeed in the mainstream hearing world.

The video below introduces some of the artists who will be drawing at the 2011 festival.

The Via Colori Street Scene features beer and wine sampling, live music, light bites provided by Carrabba’s, and even a festival-wide scavenger hunt with prizes. Tickets for Street Scene are available for $20 at http://viacoloristreetscene.eventbrite.com.

Here are some photos from previous years’ festivals.

Photo Credit: Ed Schipul http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschipul/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit: Ed Schipul http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschipul/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit: Linda MacPhee-Cobb http://www.flickr.com/photos/herselfsphotos/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit: Ed Schipul http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschipul/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit: Ed Schipul http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschipul/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

The 2011 Quilt Festival will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston, Texas on November 3 – 6, 2011, with a preview on November 2, 2011.

The festival includes juried competitions, 1000+ vendor booths offering fabrics and other supplies, and more than 400 courses on all aspects of quilting. Class registration is available onsite. A complete listing of classes is available at the quilt festival website.

Even non-quilters can enjoy viewing the amazing works of art on display. More than 1,500 antique and contemporary quilts, original cloth dolls and wearable art will be displayed at the quilt festival.

Photo credit: Big Bang Quilt by zephrene, on Flickr

Daily admission is $10 with a discounted rate of $8 for seniors and students. Children 10 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. A pass for the entire festival is $35.

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, Texas, 77010 USA
Dates and Times:

• Thursday, November 3, 2011, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Friday, November 4, 2011, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, November 5, 2011, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, November 6, 2011, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about the show:
Call: 713-781-6864
E-mAIL: shows@quilts.com
Website: http://Quilts.com/

Although some people may be squeamish about eating food from a truck, be assured that food trucks are strictly regulated. You can feel as safe eating from a licensed food truck as you do when eating at your favorite wheel-less restaurant (and it is probably at least as safe as eating in your own kitchen, and without the cooking and cleaning up).

Some trucks stay in one place most of the time, while others are on the move nearly every day. Many Houston food trucks have Twitter accounts where they announce where they will be, their hours and daily specials. Many of these trucks can be found in central Houston, but they may be seen anywhere in town and even in the suburbs. This is a tough business and food trucks come and go quite often. Although some favorites have disappeared, new trucks have come along to feed hungry Houston diners. Before making a special trip to visit a food truck, verify that it is still in business and where they are located.

The best way to keep up with your favorite mobile food vendors is to follow them on Twitter. You can click through the following links to learn more and follow these Houston food trucks, or follow the entire list of Houston food trucks here.

Following the Twitter list below you will see links to a few Houston food trucks we couldn’t find on Twitter.

Have a link or update to this list? Leave it in the comments. Thanks!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/schipulites/ / CC BY 2.0

	3cajunpigs 3 Cajun Pigs | Houston, Texas
	angiescake angie jackson | League City, TX
	berniesburgers Bernie’s Burger Bus | Houston,TX
	banhmieria BanhMieria | Houston, TX
	bullbutterbros Bullbutter Bros., George L Shea | Houston Texas
	cajunwaycuisine Cajun Way Crawfish | Houston, TX
	chipsdipsnsips Chips Dips n Sips | Houston, TX
	cupcakecoach Cupcake Coach | Houston Texas
	cupcakesagogotx Cupcakes a GoGo | Houston TX
	dshotdog Doggy Style Hot Dogs | Houston, Texas
	eatsieboys eatsie boys | Houston, TX
	fezexpress Fez Express |
	flamingpatties Flaming Patties | Houston, TX
	luvfrostedbetty Frosted Betty | 833 Studewood Houston 77007
	fusiontaco Fusion Taco | Houston, TX
	gooddoghotdogs Good Dog Hot Dogs | Heights, Houston, TX
	greenseedvegan green seed vegan | houston, tx
	grillmarkshou grill marks houston | Street Corner Near You
	gcbus Grilled Cheese Bus, Scott Smith | Houston, TX
	htownstreats H-town strEATs | Houston, heights, Montrose
	headsuptacos HeadsUp Tacos | corner of 1st and Live Oak
	hitnrunfoods Hit n’ Run | N 29°50′ 0” / W 95°23′ 0”
	hubcap_grill Hubcap Grill, Ricky Craig | Houston, Texas
	itsawraptruck It’s A Wrap! | Houston, TX
	katfishkitchen Katfish Kitchen |
	mamshouseofice MAM’S House of Ice | Heights @ 20th and Rutland
	melangecreperie Melange Creperie | Houston, Texas
	mmmcupcaketruck MMM Cupcake | Houston, Tx
	noborderstruck No Borders Truck |
	offthehookfish Off the Hook Catfish | Houston, Texas
	ohmypocketpies Oh my! Pocket Pies | Houston, Texas
	ohmygogi Oh My Gogi! BBQ | Houston, Tx
	partyfowltruck partyfowltruck |
	phamilybites Phamily Bites | N 29? 44′ 0” / W 95? 25′ 0”
	pipizzatruck PiPizzaTruck | Houston, TX
	potluckkitchen Pot Luck Kitchen, Mobile Kitchen | Houston, Texas
	slydertruck slyder truck | Houston
	sweetridehoustn SweetRide! Houston | Houston, TX
	htownsweetstop Sweet Stop | Houston, TX
	themodular the modular trailer | parking lots all over Houston
	poboy_express The Po-Boy Express | Houston,TX.
	thecookiebus The Cookie Bus, Alex & Scott | Houston, TX
	rolling_hunger The Rolling Hunger | Houston
	treatsexpress Treats Express | The Woodlands, TX
	wallywallyfood WALLY WALLY | Houston, TX
	whatupcupcake Whats up cupcake | Houston, TX
	wicked_food Wicked Whisk | The Woodlands, Texas
	wingfiregrill Wing Fire Grill | Houston, Texas
	zillastreeteats Zilla Street Eats | tba

These Houston food trucks are not on Twitter, but you can learn more at these links:

Bansuri Indian Food Truck Houston | Indian

Juice Girl

The Lunch Bag

Snowdog Ice-Cream

Tacos Tierra Caliente

Tandoori Nite

Taqueria Maya Quiché

Although the skyline has changed a lot over the years, I still think that Houston has one of the best skylines around. When I return from out of town, I love it when the towering buildings come in to view, whether I am viewing them from my car or the window of an airplane.

The video below shows off downtown Houston as seen from the air.

Unlike most cities, Houston has more than one “downtown” skyline. The Texas Medical Center is the largest in the world. The Williams Tower dominates a busy Galleria skyline. Add in Park 10, Greenway Plaza and Greenspoint, and you could forgive a visitor for wondering how many downtowns Houston really has. Downtown is still impressive, day or night, and a great example of what a modern city can be.

What started with just two grape vines back in 1969 is now a thriving vineyard with 1800 vines. Although the Estate Reserve Blanc du Bois is the only one of their award-winning wines that is made 100% from grapes grown at the Haak Vineyard, all of the grapes used in Haak wines are Texas grown.

Winery tours are run hourly, seven days a week (except during events). On the short tour you will see the vineyards, grape crushers, wine cellar, and the bottling and corking area. The best part comes at the end of the tour, though, when you get to taste some of the Haak wines. The basic tour is $5 and includes tastes of a selection of four wines. For $15 you taste seven wines and get a logo wine glass to take home with you as a souvenir of your visit.

The Haak Winery hosts a number of events, such as concerts, wine and cheese tastings and seminars. Children are welcome to attend events and take the winery tour, although only those persons 21 and older may drink. Soft drinks and a variety of cheeses, meats, crackers and other foods are available at the deli and gift shop, and wine may be purchased by the bottle or the glass. You can see a schedule of upcoming events on the Haak website.

Grapes are typically harvested in July, and the community is invited to join in. People interested in wine and wine making spend a few hours harvesting the grapes, then get to watch the grapes being crushed and even sample a bit of the grape juice. Wine tastings and door prizes add to the fun.

The Haak Vineyards and Winery is located 1.8 miles south of Highway 6 between Alvin and Galveston. From Highway 6, go south on Avenue T. The winery will be on your right.

From central Houston, take I-45 (the Gulf Freeway) south to exit 20, Santa Fe/FM 646. Turn right on FM 646, then right on FM 1764. Make a left on Highway 6, then take the first right onto Avenue T.

Haak Vineyards & Winery
6310 Ave. T
Santa Fe, Texas 77510

Phone: 409-925-1401
http://HaakWine.com/

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Hours and tour availability may vary at times, such as during events. Check the website or call before making the trip.

NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent is preparing for a sixth season and producers will hold auditions at Reliant Center in Houston on February 12 and 13, 2011.

What can you do in 90 seconds? That is how long you have to sing, dance, do magic tricks, juggle, tell jokes or whatever your talent is. (Yes, there is a spot for “Other” on the application!) Every type of performer is welcome – this includes musicians, dance crews, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts and everything in between – all of whom want to perform for America’s votes and compete for the coveted $1 million prize.

All ages are welcome (although minors need a parent’s permission). America’s Got Talent offers a unique chance for anyone who has dreamed of performing their talent on a national stage. Do you have what it takes? Find out this February!

You can get more information and register for the Houston auditions at the America’s Got Talent auditions website: http://americasgottalentauditions.com/new/houston

Can’t make the auditions? You can submit a video for consideration. Learn more here: http://americasgottalentauditions.com/new/submitvideo

In Houston, you will find everything from traditional Christmas trees and decorations to lighted palm trees. You can drive around town to catch the Christmas spirit, or just enjoy the lights on your neighbors’ houses.

To get you started, here are some interesting holiday scenes from around Houston.

Christmas at the Texas Medical Center in Houston

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517255@N00/ / CC BY 2.0

Christmas in Highland Village, Houston

Photo credit: Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Uptown Houston Lighting Ceremony

Photo credit: Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Snowy December Day in Houston

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eschipul/ / CC BY-SA 2.0

Paddle Boat House, Hermann Park

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobrosenberg/240019746/ / CC BY 2.0

McGovern Commons at the Texas Medical Center in Houston

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34517255@N00/ / CC BY 2.0

The BBP recently introduced their new pontoon boat, Spirit of the Bayou, with a cruise along Buffalo Bayou. (The Spirit of the Bayou replaces a boat lost to an arson fire over the summer.)

On this cruise, the boat traveled east along the Bayou from Allen’s Landing, through historic east Houston with historian Louis F. Aulbach providing insight, commentary and fun facts about Houston history along the way. Aulbach is the BBP’s resident historian, and he leads monthly historical tours.

Viewing the city from the bayou gives you a brand new perspective on Houston. Passengers can view industry, nature, history and striking views of the downtown Houston skyline, while taking a relaxing boat trip along a portion of Houston’s main waterway.

Several Buffalo Bayou boat tours are available at various times of the year, from the Christmas cruises happening this month to bat colony tours, historical tours and more. Tours depart from Sabine Promenade. You can get information about scheduled tours, or how to schedule a private Buffalo Bayou boat tour for your group, at the Buffalo Bayou Partnership website.

Be sure to book your cruise to discover this little-seen side of Houston. Meanwhile, take a look at some of the photos from the recent preview cruise offered by BBP.

Buffalo Bayou from Allen’s Landing

Buffalo Bayou Nature

One of Many Bridges Over Buffalo Bayou

Downtown Houston Skyline from Buffalo Bayou

Share in the excitement as costumed re-enactors participate in historical vignettes portraying holiday celebrations from the past. Crafters will demonstrate long-forgotten holiday traditions. You can visit the Gingerbread tent to create holiday crafts or have your photo taken with St. Nick. You might even thrill to the experience of an unexpected snowfall, right in downtown Houston!

Tickets are available for $10.00 (adults 19+) and $5.00 (students 13-18 and Seniors 65+). Children (12 and under) are admitted free. Advance tickets may be purchased by contacting The Heritage Society Business Office at (713) 655-1912 or at their website, www.heritagesociety.org. Cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express may be used to purchase tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at the gate.

All proceeds from the Holiday Candlelight Tour in the Park benefit The Heritage Society to further the mission of preserving the past while educating for the future.

Image Credit: Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Kegg’s even lets you get up close to the candy making process. Visitors can take a self-tour, walking along a 90-foot glass wall that reveals the candy factory floor. For a special treat, your group can schedule a guided tour and get up close and personal with the candy makers–and the candy. The tour gives a view of the entire chocolate making process from the cooking of raw ingredients in the candy kitchen to enrobing the candy centers with milk and dark chocolate to the molding area where chocolate is shaped into as many as 500 unique shapes. (Attention “I Love Lucy” fans: Yes, there is a conveyor belt in the candy factory.)

For many years, Kegg’s candies were made in a 2,000 square foot factory and store on Beechnut in Meyerland. Kegg’s moved to the current 11,000 square foot facility on Westpark in 2009, but they still maintain a retail store in Meyerland.

Tours (both self and guided) are free. Advance reservations are required for guided tours, and the 30-minute tours are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Kegg’s website has information about the Houston candy factory tours.

Tours end in the candy store, where an almost unimaginable variety of treats awaits. Your sweet tooth will think it died and went to heaven!

Kegg’s Candies
http://keggcandies.com/
Chocolate Factory & Retail Store
8168 A Westpark Drive (between Hillcroft and Fondren)
Houston, TX 77063-6324

Store Hours:
Mon – Sat 10am – 9pm
Sun – Closed

(713) 784-3000