It’s Valentines Day and I have an idea for you to consider that will set the stage for a day to remember.  If you live on the West Side of Houston, and you want to get out of the rat race of stress in the city, I would suggest a trip down 1093 to the small City of Fulshear.  Bring your wife, hubby, children, or puppy dog here for a Valentine treat.  This is where I told our daughter to consider moving, as she likes to know everyone in town.  The big city life is not her thing.  I remember Fulshear from 1981, when I first move to Houston.  The only place out there, with a big draw, was a fancy country western ranch house restaurant called the “Cotton Gin”.  But it closed and other new businesses have popped up since.  This small town looks and feels like it is on the verge of an explosion in growth.  It’s quaint in a very old and brand new way. 

You will want to get up early and go west down the West Park Toll Way which becomes 1093 all the way to Fulshear. On the way, think to stop and have breakfast at The Essence House Café at the Cross Creek Ranch.  It looks like a grain Silo off in the distance on the right side, so you can’t miss it.  Turn right down Cross Creek Bend Lane to this new developments’ Welcome Center.  Take their video tour which includes an elevator ride up into a Look Out Tower.  Kickerillo, Trendmaker, Village Builders, Ashwoods, Perry, and David Weekly Homes are all slated to build dream homes here.  They have a fitness Center and mini water park for the kids.  Sit down in the Café to fresh coffee, home made breads, quiche, soups, and tasty sandwiches. 

 After this, go west again, on to downtown Fulshear.  If you bring along your dog, drop him or her off at the Doggy Styles Shop for a bath and trim while you shop.  Before you get to the main street, off to the right is a Hamburger Ranch House called Moore’s Double Horn Grill, decorated cowboy style with a post for your horse and all.  The owner likes to play chess and other games with local friends who come in for a meal.  Moving on down the road, when you get to the Country Market and gas station, turn right.  There’s a combination of old antique shops to newly built and brightly lit clothing stores.  In the Mosaic Boutique you can shop and leave information on your special “Wish List”.  Give this list to your love to get gifts you really want!  She can also fix you up with all you will need for the up coming rodeo season.  To the left is another Essence Café, Subway, and Pepperoni’s for Pizza.  To the right is an elegant Gourmet Steak House called Ray’s Grill.  On a Thursday night, enjoy Jazz and your favorite drinks inside or outside on the street at Ray’s Grill. 
 

Across the street is the Sweet Tooth Shoppe.  This shop looks like Candy Land from the outside to inside with rows and rows of all sorts of tasty morsels.  It’s heaven by chocolate, the perfect place to buy your love a Valentine box of candy. 

There you can drink a caramel latte on pink round stools and chat at her open counter.  In the back she has a party room for fun filled party experiences with friends.  The owner said she built the Sweet Tooth Shoppe as a place for many wonderful memories to be made, and revisited.

I certainly do remember vividly my Grand Dad taking me to the candy store!  Your definitely should make at least one trip with your children out to her store.  It’s worth the trip. 
 

Gaby’s is next door, and at night looks so enticing as one peers through their window, you will want to browse her décor, clothing and gift ideas too!  Through the wall you can hear the beat for exercise, the best place in town to get in shape, “Curves”, and if you don’t have a membership, ask Chinh for his special NEDSCO deal. Our NEDSCO card can be used at four places in Fulshear; the Sweet Tooth Shoppe, Curves, Las Flores Mexican Restaurant and the Silver Eagle Frame Shop.  If you love south of the border cooking, have lunch or dinner at Las Flores Mexican Restaurant.  Use your NEDSCO card and get 10% off the bill.  The old building was torn down, and he built his place ground up with a big parking lot.  When you see Curves, you are in his parking lot too.  Las Flores, as in a sign isn’t up on the building, but the smell of his fajitas will draw you there.  Follow your nose back further in to the parking area. There he is! Ask Arturo to give you a tour, as he’s excited to sport his brand new facility, and has reason to be proud. 

After you leave Las Flores, turn right, and drive on down until you see a bright white, green and black zebra sign saying the “Exotic Urn”.  JoAnn is the owner, and she has some of the most unique pieces of antique furniture, jewelry, and keepsakes to buy.  There, I bought two soft furry designer shawls for Christmas gifts.  These were so stunning my mother (who’s in her 80’s) has been wearing hers everyday for all the attention she gets.  My mother in law has been sporting around in hers too!  I bought a striking Santa Claus pin that got me attention too…all the way through the Christmas holiday. 

When you leave the Exotic Urn take your favorite unframed picture to the Silver Eagle Frame Shop.  They closed their store in Katy to reopen in Fulshear.  Wise move!  They are just behind the Post Office.  There you can find the best frame for have your photo, and other paintings to decorate your house with. 

Across the street from the Post Office is The Magic Pizza Italian Restaurant, waiting to give you a magical experience.  Over all, Fulshear is mushrooming into a wonderland for memories shared, and this is why I think you should take this little trip out of town on Valentines Day.   

 If you are from another side of town, don’t worry, I will be putting a spotlight on your area too, on another holiday!

 Crystal Daye