soifan

I lived in Walnut Bend from birth until age 10 and we went to Westchase Mall often. Since I was young and it's been more than 25 years, I don't remember everything that was in there, but many of the descriptions given are correct - a long air conditioned hallway w/ stores on both sides and a few entrances/ sitting areas. What I do remember is a hallway near the front right side of Target that led in to the mall. I do remember it being at an angle too as someone posted. The I remember The Gap being the on the right side of the mall just outside the Target entrance. I don't remember too many other particulars about exact stores, but I know there was a pizza place, a haircut place, my eye doctor (who is still in the area by Whole Foods now), a Hallmark type store, etc... I know there were other places, but these were the ones we went to often and the ones I remember. I'll have to ask my mom next time I talk to her as she would remember more.

RR had some tables and such outside... and that was on the outside corner. The RC (?) was on the INSIDE corner. Right across the walkway from Cafe Adobe. There was a waterfall, animatronic birds, and alligators or whatever. Even had the jungle flora and background noise... if it wasn't that then what was it?

I know exactly what you are talking about b/c we ate in the restaurant you are describing w/ friends probably 7-9 years ago. It was surfer/ tropical themed, but it was NOT a Rainforest Cafe. We also didn't ever go back and it's been gone now for at least 3-4 years if not more.

Dh and I first discovered RC in Vegas in 1999 as we were walking through the MGM Grand. We ate there and thought it was pretty good for a theme restaurant - comparing to Hard Rock, Planet Hollywood, etc type places. We have small kids now and live in Katy, so yes we do go to RC. We usually go once a year for ds's birthday as he loves it. The food is decent and the kids have fun - a fun place for a birthday dinner for our kids. We've been to the Galveston one once on a RAINY day to kill time since our plans changed due to the weather. It's about the same except for the ride addition.

We are moving to Houston and are looking at the NOTTINGHAM COUNTRY area at Fry & I10. I'll be driving to Woodway and 610 and would like to be in the office at 7:30 and will leave about 5:30. With the construction finished on the 10 what are the approximate commute times I could expect?

I hope you get your commute answer.

I remember many of those places. I also remember:

Units - Remember this fad?! It was basic knit pieces that you mixed and matched -most outfits were finished off with a fabric "belt" ( a tube of fabric). I remember the stores having walls of cubbies w/ the pieces in there.

Contempo - didn't shop there much, but some friends did

579 -I think these might still exist

I remember Outback Red clothes, but can't remember who sold them.

I also shopped sometimes at Gap, Express, Lerners (now NY&Co) and Banana Republic - all stores that still exist.

BTW these would be mid -late 80's stores.

Check out the Showboat in Hockley.

http://www.theshowboatdrivein.com/index.html

I agree! Love the showboat - great place to see a double feature for $5! It's very clean, safe, and family friendly. Drive-ins seem to be coming back as they are opening one in Brookshire soon as well. Here's that link. http://www.starsatnightdrivein.com/

There was a place on a sloping patch of land at 610 and 59 that was like a homemade amusement park with crafts, mabe that was it? I used to take my son there in the early 80ies. There were pitch black tunnel mazes that you could crawl through -kinda scary - ball pits, dress-up areas. It was really informal and uncommercial. I hardly ever remember any staff being around. It was fun. Later there was a plant nursery on this patch of land and now it is just more freeway.

You are describing what I think was called Mountain Park. I remember going there as a child. I also remember a large hill that you could go down in/on giant bags/ mats (or something like that) -like a giant slide.

I realize this is a 2 year old post, but I have to wax nostalgic about these two places.

These were the best empanadas I've ever had. The menu was huge. I think there were over 100 different kinds of empanadas. The original joint was tiny, with bull fighting posters on the walls and tables and chairs made from old barrels. I remember a few other locations later on, including one in Good Time Charlies at Sharpstown Mall. There was a location on Hillcroft that changed its name to Marines in the 90s when Marini opened up a new place on Westheimer. None of them are as good as the original, when grandma was making them in the back.

I just thought I'd let you know they've had a location open in Katy for about 4 years now. It's still the original family and delicious. Here's a link to their site: http://www.theoriginalmarinisempanadahouse.com/home.html

I remember Mountain Park well, but it wasn't at 6-10/ I-10, it was at 6-10 and 59 - across 6-10 from the old Houston Post building. I think I went a couple of times from 2nd-4th grade (early-mid 80's). I remember that the hill at that time was not ice, but that you went down either in bags or dry sled like things (it's hazy as it's been a long time). I just remember going down the hill fast. I also remember the ball pit now that you mention it and I remember doing cool crafts there. I think I went on a field trip and for a birthday party during those years. I'm not sure when it closed, but I know the hill was there for quite awhile - maybe used for something else later on. So, yes there are others that remember that place - you are not alone.

Tokyo Gardens-Is this place still there? I went to many a prom/homecoming/high school dinner here( 1977).

Frank

I remember this restaurant quite well. It was on Westheimer just inside the Loop across from what is now the Red Lion hotel. Unfortunately, it's been gone for at least 10 years - there is now an inexpensive chain hotel there. I remember going to a 2nd grade birthday there and sitting on those cushions to eat, crossing the bridge over the pond, and then doing a pinata -lol. I went to 2nd Baptist at that time and they always had "extravagant" kid birthday parties. I do remember it well though - I think I went one other time years later.

Clements lives in the Memorial area here in Houston. His restaurant's right down the street. He raised his kids here in Houston, too.

Clemens used to live in Katy in the 80's/ most of the 90's. (not sure exact year that he moved) I graduated high school in the early 90's and can remember friends of mine who worked at Randall's as sackers getting a $50 tip each (2 guys as it was a big order) one day. I also remember that he used to sit outside his house on Halloween and sign baseballs for trick or treaters. My neighbors kids played baseball w/ his kids when they were younger and an old coworker actually taught his wife (Debbie) as a child - I think in Spring Branch. So yes the Clemens call Houston home.

Strawberry Patch on Westheimer and Mason Jar. I don't know if there are ANY Mason Jars left - there was one in Clear Lake for a very short time. It has changed hands at least 4 times now.

There's still a Mason Jar on I-10 near Bunker Hill - I think the Houston original. I remember Strawberry Patch -YUM! I think that is where Pappas Bros. Steakhouse is now.

This was a suicide and he died at the hospital. He did not aim at any other students. It was done outside in a courtyard at lunch time. So very sad... Many prayers for the family and staff/students at SLHS. Here's a news link: http://www.click2houston.com/news/10096768/detail.html

We would definitely like to see some nice retail such as:

Cache

Storehouse

Z Gallery

Sharper Image

Visible Changes

and for dining-

Perry's Steakhouse

Cheesecake Factory

PF Changs

Pappadeaux's

Carrabba's

La Madeline

It would be very nice to have these places at arm's length rather than in another city.

La Madeliene is going in at The Grande (by Cinemark movie theater) last I heard. My mother is a huge LM person (frequents the T&C location) and asked them about it last year. We have lunch about 2-3/month and she oftens wants to go there. It will be nice to have it in Katy.

how good was the food at bistro 829?

You are going to roll your eyes at me (LOL), but we haven't personally eaten there. HOWEVER, we have several different friends and some family members who have been there on multiple occassions and all have LOVED it. My dh and I are going for our anniversary this year. We have a little one at home so fine dining isn't a top priority these days except for special celebrations. I have been inside though to buy a gift certificate for my parents and it was very nicely done. We are excited to try it as many friends have given it great reviews.

restaurants- The Palm or something nice along those lines. because the fanciest restaurant out in katy is probably johnny carino's and thats like saying the olive garden is fancy

Have you tried Bistro 829? It's a very nice place to have dinner -much fancier than Johnny Carino's. I would call it fine dining -don't let the strip center location fool you. I know there are several more that are better than JC. Here's the link to Bistro 829. http://www.bistro829.com/

I think I'm going to go to Allrecords and buy some music from Fred while I still can.

I've been following this post w/ interest since I'm a native Houstonian and love the River Oaks shopping area. I also have a great memory of seeing Casablanca there for the first time in high school w/ a friend. I've also been following it b/c Fred (Uncle Bob to me -still makes me smile to hear him called Fred - can't remember how that started) is my uncle and Allrecords his lifelong work. He's had that store (was at different spot) as long as I can remember. I also loved his record room at their old house as a kid. It was an amazing collection! Anyway, hearing him and his store mentioned made me smile. I missed him last few trips to RO, so your post has inspired me to go down before it's too late. Thanks.

My favorite restaurants as a kid:

The small seafood place across from Jimmy Walker's in Kemah - lots of good family memories! Don't know the name of it though.

Could this have been a restaurant called the Brass Parrot? I had a boyfriend take me to dinner in the late 80's at a restaurant in Kemah that sounds like what you and others have described. It was outside seating on a big deck overlooking the water and we watched the boats come in. It was the first time I had been to Kemah since we lived on the west side. It was a far away date place for high schoolers - part of why I remember it so well.

TV ALERT - 4pm

I haven't read this thread in the last 2 days, but wanted to tell you all that Channel 2 is running a story about a strong, new ally for this fight on the 4pm newscast. Sorry if this has already been posted.

Well, Astroworld folded. It's only natural that other amusement parks would follow suit. As I said on this forum a week or two ago, I think that because of the Internet, DVDs, video games, etc., that people are having fun simply staying at home instead of going out to amusement parks, drive-in movie theatres, roller rinks, etc., the places that I went to as a kid for entertainment and recreation. All that we had at home back then was a black and white TV and a record player. That wasn't enough to keep us home even for half of the time on my dad's days off from work.

There's a new drive-in in the Houston area (near Tomball) that we went to last weekend. It was very nice, clean, great price, and packed! We had a great time and will probably go every month or 2. Here's the link:

http://www.theshowboatdrivein.com/

Anone been here yet. I would be interesed as to thoughts. I am sorta of interested, but probably will blow it off as I hate crowds.

I would love it if someone took their camera along. I would like to see what the old dome is looking like on the inside these days. Thanks.

I haven't been and probably won't make it, but here is a link to a post on an Astroworld tribute site I frequent with a few pictures. I really miss Astroworld and my yearly coaster fix.

http://www.sixflagshouston.com/forums/view...er=asc&start=45

We just moved into the neighborhood 7 months ago. I have not actually been to the pool (no kids so no real reason). My mother has a pool at her house in Briarbrove Park which works better for us. I have heard that the pool set up is very fun and family friendly. I see people there all the times and yes the tennis courts are still there.

Thanks for answering. We were out of town for a week at our yearly beach family reunion, so I'm just getting back to the boards. I should have known that you probably wouldn't have gone since we never went to our neighborhood pool before our son was born either. Now we go often as our son loves all things water. Anyway, thanks for answering. I may have to drive by and look next time I'm in the area.

I hated the hokey pokey. They made us do the hokey pokey in PE class in elementary school and I hated it. I heard it a few years ago and had to leave the room. Weird how a song can do that someone.

I also did not like the ladies choice time because I was goofy looking and more goofy acting. Chicks never asked me to skate so I had to sit around and wait.

Now you make me laugh -lol. I had forgotten about ladies choice, but I don't think I acted on it much unless it was with people in my group already.

Although the hokey pokey doesn't bother me, I know what you mean. Remember square dancing in PE -ACK! I don't think I could ever square dance again-lol. My husband and I also hated "the Macerena" (sp?) and banned it from our wedding -lol.

Here's my theory. Years ago, there were no video games, Internet, cell phones, cable TV, VCRs/DVDs, etc. So for recreation, people had to go out to places like drive-in restaurants, drive-in movie theatres, roller rinks, etc.

It's just a theory.

I completely agree and just posted something similar on this site somewhere recently. Many of the fun amusement type places of my youth are gone and few things have replaced them. Kids don't get out like we did - we were always on the go and doing stuff all over the city.

You are too funny.

I do not remember the limbo at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink.

Did you ever skate/ have a school dance at the Walnut Bend Gym. I remember that place being a palace. Fast Forward 20 years and my attending a HOA meeting there. It is not a palace, except for the palace of dirt.

As for my Friday nights. We are a partying couple that is lazy. We used to go out all the time, but lately things are a little different. My wife usually hits the gym on Sat. Mornings which means she goes to bed early and I hit the CPU for a little HAIF, online poker, or whatever floats my boat. We are sans children but seriously thinking about it. We both love kids, but don't love resposibility.

As for the drive in. My father took my sister and I to see Jaws at a drive in when I was maybe 4. I remember watching about 10 minutes and then blacking out (sleep). What is amazing is that I actually remember the experience. My pops passed away when I was 7 so I do not have too many memories, but that one sticks out. My mother was pissed off, because I was afraid of the ocean for a few years after. Like I said, I probably made it through the previews and was out, but the thought of a big shark was all I needed.

I'm glad I can amuse -lol.

I never went to a dance at WB gym. I don't have many memories inside the building there. We LIVED at the pools when we were kids though and I remember a snack bar on the back side of the gym building that you could access from the outside. Do they still have 3 pools (Olympic lane pool w/ diving boards and slide, medium pool w/ deep area, and kiddie pool)? Are the tennis courts and park still there? I have many memories of days spent there.

LOL - about the partying couple that's hit a lazy spot/ place. Enjoy your time b/c it is harder once you have children, but definitely worth it!! Our son is the light of our lives and we hope for more soon. We still get out some as my family lives nearby (for mainly movies and Astros games these days), but love being home too. I'm the night owl- that's where my internet time comes in.

I'm sorry that you lost your dad at such a young age. That must have been hard. I hope you have many great memories that you carry with you.

Have a great week!

I have ask since we lived parrallel lives. Did you ever couple skate at the Dairy Ashford Rink. I was usually too busy gearing up for the races they had. My buddy and I always won the derby race (one person crouches and another pushes)- I was the pusher !!! . I was pretty good at the all around speed skate, but there was some apartment kid who always won. I wonder what happened to him. Probably drank himself to death after all that early success.

My Friday's at the Rink were great. Now my friday's usually mean I am drinking a few glasses of wine and posting on this site. LOSER ALERT.

No special couple skating memories that I can remember except maybe when we had a skate night with classmates in jr. high. Oh, I also think my friends and I went a few times in early high school for kicks, so most likely couples skating with some of them but no one else. I remember those games too. I didn't have your racing abilities though -lol. Did you also limbo? I think I attended a lock-in there once too. We skated there quite a bit, but we also skated in our church gym for free when we were younger -esp. on Wednesday night while my mom was at choir practice.

Friday nights with wine and internet sound like a parent thing to me. We spend many Friday nights at home too these days. We are thinking about hitting the new drive-in so we can see new movies on the big screen w/o getting a sitter for our son. I think he's old enough that he'll like it. We can watch the first movie and then hope he drifts off to sleep so we can stay for the 2nd. I've only been to a drive-in once - to see Pretty Woman with a boyfriend in high school (have no idea where in this city it was, but it was far from us), but thought it was a lot of fun and would love to go again. Maybe soon...

There is still one in Katy off Mason Rd near Kingsland (on Applewhite Rd, I think) that still does a good business. I think it's called Mason Road Skate Center. My nephew had a birthday party there a few years back.

I think there may also be one still off Highway 6 north (near Copperfield).

Yes, the Dairy Ashford one is still open (or it was last week when I drove by -lol).

Yes, but I didn't think of until now to ask: Are there still any roller rinks operating in Houston? Or did they die out like the drive-in movie theatres?

There are several new drive-ins in the Houston area that have opened recently. We drove by the one in this link a few months ago and plan on going one evening soon - a great way to see movies with a toddler -lol.

http://www.theshowboatdrivein.com/

You are thinking of Briargrove Three. Woodlake 3 was in Woodlake Sqaure at Gessner and Westheimer behind the Randall's. 10 or so years ago it turned into SRO and was a huge sports bar. It has floundered ever since.

Okay, thanks! I didn't remember there being another so close to the one that was behind Benihana's. We must not have gone to the other often as it doesn't ring any bells, but I should have known from the name. Was it where Bayou Mama's club (I think that's the right one) was located in the late 80's, early 90's? We went there a few times in college and I can see how that would have been old theatres by the set up.

As for Memorial City. Your memories are correct. There was a big theater there that burned down. About 15 years there was another mutliplex built in the mall. It closed down 5 or so years ago (maybe more). I saw Dumb n Dumber there in 1996 or so. I believe they are building a new theater complex at the same location as the old one.

Was the T&C 10 or 12 Theaters. I think you are right. I was thinking 12, but 10 sounds correct. There was a Chili's and Bennigens right there too. I think both of those are gone too.

There was also a bar right next to the Theater that had a surf motif going. I remember going in at about 20 and drinking Mai Tai's.

It was T&C 10. We used to go there ALOT in high school. The Chili's is still there, but the Bennigan's was torn down about a year ago b/c of freeway expansion. I remember the Surf Bar too with the thatched roof.