Tag: Houston

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday in Texas: Local Deals, Local Spirit

November 12, 2025

The holiday season has officially arrived in Texas — and so has the biggest shopping week of the year. While Black Friday brings major nationwide deals, Texans know the real magic happens when you explore local shops, weekend markets, and small businesses across the state.

This year, skip the stress and discover the best of both worlds: smart Black Friday savings and the warm community spirit of Small Business Saturday.

Black Friday in Texas: Where the Big Deals Are

If you love a good discount, Texas is the perfect place to be. Whether you’re in Dallas, Houston, Austin, or College Station, national retailers and outlet centers launch some of their biggest sales of the year.

You’ll find:

  • Electronics deals at Best Buy and Walmart
  • Clothing & home sales at Target, Macy’s, and Kohl’s
  • Outdoor & lifestyle discounts at Academy and REI
  • Online-only Texas-wide deals for those who prefer shopping from the couch

Black Friday is great for snagging big-ticket items — TVs, laptops, home gadgets, and holiday gifts.

But here’s the truth: the heart of Texas shines even brighter the following day.

Small Business Saturday: Where Texas Local Spirit Lives

While Black Friday focuses on major retailers, Small Business Saturday celebrates the makers, artists, farmers, boutique owners, and family-run shops that give Texas its charm.

Across Austin, Bryan–College Station, Houston, and beyond, local markets and neighborhood stores come alive with holiday specials, handmade goods, and festive events.

Small businesses offer:
✨ Unique, handmade gifts
✨ Higher-quality local products
✨ Personal, friendly service
✨ The chance to directly support someone’s dream

Places like:

  • Brazos Valley Farmers Market (B/CS)
  • Lake Walk Market
  • Austin Flea & HOPE Market
  • Houston Heights Mercantile Market
  • Local candle makers, artists, jewelry designers, and craft vendors across Texas

Shopping small keeps money in the community and helps local businesses grow — especially during the holiday season.

Why Combine Both? Because Texas Does It Best

Here’s the perfect Texas-style approach:

  • Use Black Friday for big purchases and essentials
  • Spend Saturday discovering the makers and small shops that make your town unique

A balanced, stress-free holiday shopping week — and an opportunity to support your community while finding meaningful, memorable gifts.

Your Texas Weekend Plan

✔️ Grab early Black Friday deals online or at major stores
✔️ Enjoy breakfast or coffee at a local spot on Saturday
✔️ Head to your closest weekend market
✔️ Pick up handmade candles, local foods, art, crafts, and gifts
✔️ Enjoy the warm, friendly Texas atmosphere

The best part? You’ll walk away with gifts that have a story — and that’s the Texas way.

Pumpkin Days: A Celebration of Fall’s Favorite Fruit

October 5, 2024

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red, one thing becomes clear: Pumpkin Days have arrived! Celebrated in small towns and big cities alike, Pumpkin Days honor the season’s most iconic fruit—the pumpkin. Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin-flavored treats or enjoy the festive decorations, Pumpkin Days offer something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at what makes these events so special.

A Brief History of Pumpkin Days

Pumpkins have been a symbol of fall for centuries, deeply rooted in the traditions of Native Americans who cultivated them long before the arrival of European settlers. These bright orange fruits were used for everything from food to medicine and even as storage containers. Over time, pumpkins became a key feature of autumn celebrations, most notably during harvest festivals and Halloween.

Today, Pumpkin Days have evolved into vibrant community events that highlight the joy and creativity of the season. Many towns host annual festivals where pumpkins take center stage, from carving competitions to pumpkin pie-eating contests.

Activities to Enjoy During Pumpkin Days

One of the best things about Pumpkin Days is the wide variety of activities available for people of all ages. Here are a few popular ways to celebrate:

  1. Pumpkin Carving Contests
    Show off your artistic skills by participating in a pumpkin carving contest. Whether you carve a spooky face, a detailed scene, or something abstract, these contests are a great way to get into the festive spirit.
  2. Pumpkin Patches
    Visiting a local pumpkin patch is a quintessential autumn activity. Stroll through fields filled with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, and pick the perfect one to take home for decorating or baking.
  3. Hayrides and Corn Mazes
    Many Pumpkin Days festivals offer hayrides through scenic fall landscapes or corn mazes designed to challenge your sense of direction. These activities are a fun way to experience the beauty of autumn with friends and family.
  4. Pumpkin-Themed Treats
    From pumpkin spice lattes to pumpkin pies, no Pumpkin Days celebration would be complete without indulging in delicious pumpkin-flavored goodies. Local vendors often showcase creative pumpkin dishes and drinks that are a must-try during the festival.
  5. Live Entertainment and Craft Markets
    In addition to pumpkins, many festivals feature live music, craft booths, and local artisans selling handmade goods. It’s a great opportunity to support small businesses and find unique fall-themed items.

Fun Facts About Pumpkins

  • Pumpkins are technically a fruit, not a vegetable, as they contain seeds.
  • The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed over 2,600 pounds!
  • Pumpkins are packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, making them both delicious and nutritious.

Tips for Visiting Pumpkin Days

If you’re planning to attend a Pumpkin Days festival this year, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

  • Arrive early: These events can get crowded, so arriving early ensures you’ll have plenty of time to explore.
  • Dress warmly: Fall weather can be unpredictable, so layer up to stay comfortable throughout the day.
  • Bring cash: Many vendors may not accept credit cards, so having cash on hand is always a good idea.
  • Bring your camera: Pumpkin patches and fall landscapes make for great photo opportunities. Capture memories with friends and family!

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Days are a celebration of everything we love about fall—warm drinks, cozy sweaters, and of course, pumpkins. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, exploring a corn maze, or simply enjoying the beauty of autumn, Pumpkin Days offer the perfect opportunity to embrace the season.

So grab your favorite fall sweater, head to a local festival, and get ready to make some pumpkin-filled memories!

NOTE: I would like to give you a few addresses. However, it would be useful to check the current dates and times. Have fun!

P-6 Farms

Froberg’s Farm

Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green

10 Fall Festivals In Houston To Revel In Autumn Joy

The Devastating Impact of Hurricane Beryl on Texas in June 2024

August 1, 2024

In June 2024, Texas faced a severe natural disaster with the arrival of Hurricane Beryl. This powerful storm brought widespread destruction to the region, impacting countless lives and highlighting the urgent need for preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes.

Hurricane Beryl began as a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico on June 5, 2024. Rapidly intensifying due to favorable conditions, it reached Category 4 status with sustained winds of up to 140 mph. Beryl made landfall near Corpus Christi on June 10, 2024, unleashing torrential rains, severe flooding, and devastating winds across a wide swath of Texas.

The impact of Hurricane Beryl on Texas was catastrophic. The hardest-hit areas included Corpus Christi, Houston, and Galveston, where entire neighborhoods were inundated with floodwaters. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 36 lives were lost, and thousands of residents were forced to evacuate. Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power lines, suffered extensive damage, leaving many without electricity and clean water for days.

Homes and businesses in coastal areas were particularly affected, with many structures being completely destroyed. The economic toll of the hurricane is estimated to be in the billions, with long-term recovery efforts expected to take years.

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, a massive response effort was quickly mobilized. Local authorities, state agencies, and federal teams worked around the clock to provide relief to the affected populations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established multiple relief centers, offering shelter, food, and medical assistance to those in need.

Non-profit organizations and volunteers from across the country played a crucial role, delivering essential supplies and support. Community members also came together, with many offering their homes to displaced neighbors and participating in cleanup efforts.

The resilience and bravery of Texas residents shone through in the aftermath of the disaster. Stories of heroism, such as Maria Gonzalez’s daring rescue of her elderly neighbors trapped in their home and John Davis’s community kitchen providing meals to hundreds, highlighted the strength and solidarity of the affected communities. These personal accounts underscore the human spirit’s ability to endure and recover in the face of adversity.

Hurricane Beryl serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change. Scientists have long warned that warmer ocean temperatures can lead to more intense and frequent hurricanes. Beryl’s unprecedented strength and rapid intensification fit into these broader climate patterns. Addressing climate change is crucial to mitigating the risks and impacts of such natural disasters in the future.

Hurricane Beryl left an indelible mark on Texas in June 2024. The destruction it caused and the subsequent recovery efforts have highlighted both the vulnerabilities and the resilience of the region. As Texas rebuilds, it is essential to reflect on the lessons learned and to take steps toward greater preparedness and sustainability. The collective efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations will be vital in forging a path forward and ensuring a safer future for all.