cosmic08

I don't recall a "watercoaster" but the site the OP is asking about was definitely not Celebration Station. It didn't come along until much later. I remember taking batting practice in elementary school at the park mentioned by the OP. But Celebration Station wasn't built until I was in high school, if not later. I also think the OPs site is further south than Celebration Station, closer to Richie.

It was not Celebration Station. I went to this "Peppermint Park"-like place once when I was a kid and yep, there were batting cages. I am 99% sure it was on the 45S feeder road in between 1960 and Richey Rd. You can't even tell it existed now...there are no signs of anything left.

No, unfortunately it wasn't where Splash Town used to be (wasn't that only ever Hanna Barbera Land?) nor was it where Celebration Station was. This place would be closer to where the AMC (now a Movie Tavern) and Corvette of Houston is. It was almost directly across from Pappasitos or the big Chinese restaurant is. It was on one side of an overpass... The landscape of I-45 has changed so much and I don't think this place even made it into the 1990's, I'm sorry if I'm being vague... but if RhinoVP says it was Malibu-Watercoaster, that's probably it...

Yeah, like I said, you should look at the ol' Games People Play lot on a satellite view, you can still see the layout of almost everything! I want to go by there in person now!!

I know what place you are talking about. It was on the feeder road of 45 south in between 1960 and Rankin. It had some sort of big top, an animal farm, and I can't remember what else. This was not where Celebration Station or Splashtown (Hanna Barbara Land) stood. It closed in the late 80s or very early 90s. It was kinda like that place that used to be by Astroworld that had the pony rides...it think it was Kiddieland or Peppermint Park, something like that...I may be waaaaay off about the name...

I know of 2 snow cone stands that will pile on the condensed milk for you, but they are not in Cypress. One is Flamingo Chill on Airline near Parker. You can't miss it - pink building that always has a line of 10+ people. Another is a stand off N. Main, west of 45. I think it's called Tampico...not too sure. If you are heading south on 45, exit N. Main, turn right and drive about 1/2 mile down. The stand will be on your right...across the street from Spanish Flower.

Maybe it only lists the Almeda location because the Greenspoint location is closed? I haven't been in that area in a long time, but the last time I drove by the Greenspoint location I remember it looked closed.

GOOD LORD, PEOPLE.

That was me, cosmic08. And, yes, pics are coming shortly.

I'm sorry I'm sorry - haha - I just noticed someone taking pics and it caught my attention - knew it had to be a Haifer

What other businesses do you remember? Do you remember Springer Oil at Gulf Bank and I-45 (now underneath that Mobil station)? I always wondered what that place was. I never saw anyone in there either, but they had this big, nasty dog out front that was never chained up and would chase you if you came walking or riding a bike past the place. He'd even run across Gulf Bank. One day I threw a glass bottle in front of him (not to hurt him, but to scare him) and when that bottle busted, he yelped and ran off. He never bothered me again! LOL!

I remember taking the family dog to a vet that ran his clinic out of his home at the intersection of Gulf Bank and Sweetwater. The home is still there, but the vet sign has been down for at least 10+ years. And, this is random, but there was a huge house off Airline near Gulf Bank that had a huge Statue of Liberty in the front yard.

I just drove down Washington and saw a lady taking pictures of the inside through the windows. Maybe a fellow Haifer and pics soon to be posted? Hope so!

WOW - that place is FULL of stuff! I pass this place everyday, and the lights are always on inside

That's Allen Office Supply and Printing. It's been at a few different locations in the area before settling in that spot in about 1972.

Not sure if it's still in business, but they are listed on CitySearch, so they probably are. I image that business is between 40 and 45 years old. A pretty good run.

Thanks, Firebird65. I would go there in the 80s with my parents to buy school supplies. Honestly, I would be totally shocked if it were still open - it was always dead even back in the 80s. I hope it is, but would be shocked. This topic also made me think about Dow Park in Northline Terrace. I have many fond memories of that park...played softball there for years

Very scary indeed, and I think it's really great that you took action

Is it on TV yet?

Yep - it's been on for a couple weeks now. It's on TLC...I think on Monday nights.

Does anyone remember the name of that office supply company near the corner of Gulf Bank and Sweetwater? Is it still open? I remember it was like stepping back in time!

The best breakfast place isn't far from there at all, Frank's on Mangum. Great value, expect to be full afterward.

I second that! My dad asks us to take him there every Father's Day! There is always a line, but it moves pretty quickly.

I've heard this is a good spot to meet friendly people and attractive girls. Is it a coffee shop or a bar or cafe or all of the above?

Kobain is a bar that has a huge outdoor patio. I'm not sure about any other function (although I saw a sign advertising weekend brunch). IMO, the patrons are not anymore friendly than any other bar. I've always had a great time and met friendly people at Komodos in Midtown. The crowd is mid 20s - mid 30s I'd say.

I had no idea this place still existed! Had a b-day party there in the 80s at Fame City Waterworks!

Avocado green carpeted bar...sweet

Wow, I had no idea it was that wild down there. If Id have known Id taken my kayak years ago down there. I always do my kayaking at Anahuac or out in the ship channel cause I love paddling next to those giant oil tankers. I wonder how in the world the bayou managed to escape being cemented in after all these years like the rest of the old rivers did. Glad this one escaped and its crazy to think alligators are swimming through downtown.

I love gators and I love kayaking next to em, its gives a great adrenaline rush! But man, theres got to be some nasty shit on the bottom of that creek. Probably dead people, used needles, feet of trash. Yuck.

Used needles and dead people Probably so!

My company participates in some sort of boating race in the bayou every year...I think every March or April. Anywho, this year it was moved to another location because the bayou was deemed unsafe and too dirty after Ike stirred it up. I've jogged from downtown to Waugh (yes, I'm lazy!) and just thinking about what's in the water gives me the heebie jeebies

Isn't the Drake crowd what's been in the news lately for the immature behavior at 2am? That's over by Pandora's though, so that's on the other end of Washington closer to downtown, so not even in Rice Military.

I'm hoping that Washington only goes as far as having up-tempo lounges rather than mainstream club type places. Not too big on the jam-packed dance clubs that charge covers like you used to find on Richmond 10 years ago. I think the difference between Washington and Richmond is the concept of all the places. Richmond was more about big dance floors and lights and DJs, while Washington is more of a mix of bars, pubs, and lounges that incorporate some dancing and dj-ing and/or live music like Midtown pubs. I think the latter if more of the thing nowadays. The late 90s style clubs have become out of style.

I'm bar and pub kind of guy, but when I'm out at night on weekends I want a more up-tempo place with either live music or lounge music. Anyone know of a spot on Washington that is an uptempo weekend night hot spot, but without the douche atmosphere? I'm looking for a good place to mingle with attractive girls, but I want a more intelligent crowd where the girls have social skills and are more responsive, rather than just taking up space in the bar as a douchebag ornament. Hopefully some of you are hip to the nightlife scene and can point me in the right direction.

Yep, Drake is right by Pandora, but the crowd at Drake is very douche-like and IMO, I'm thinking Reign will attract the likes of the Drake crowd.

As for me, I always have a good time at Etro off Westheimer near Montrose...the dj plays 80s music which I love

I toured this house in Shepherd Forest yesterday with my realtor, http://search.har.com/engine/doSearch.cfm?...&FOR_SALE=1 .

Too much work for me versus the property's inherent value. Bones are still good but it's got lots of things I would want to change, first off adding central air to displace the window units. Also the kitchen layout is really pretty modern for a 60's design but the cabinetry/appliances are really dated and not in a good MCM manner. The other turnoff for me was an apparent addition/remodel to the left side of the house as seen from the front view. I think it was originally a one car garage on the end with an attached breezeway to the house but many years ago was enclosed in, so you've got two rooms without a real purpose grafted on to the main living areas. Looks structurally sound but a fair amount of deferred maintenance. Shepherd Forest is an interesting area. It's directly outside the loop, good access to downtown/uptown, etc. but lacks the "trendiness" of the neighborhoods right across 610 from it and the prices reflect it. I suspect they will have to drop the price quite a bit for a quick sale.

I like the Shepherd Forest/Oak Forest/Garden Oaks area a lot. Have you looked at the homes in Lazybrook or Timbergrove on the other side of 610? Those homes may interest you...

The name of the bar on the other side of Chatters is Kobain.

The pics above are of course a joke, but I would say there is a good chance the pics above resemble those who might frequent Reign. I predict Reign will attract the Drake crowd.

Don't know how Red Door is still open either

Washington is the new "it" place I suppose. I really don't hear of people even going to midtown anymore, rather a new spot on Washington. I drove down Washington yesterday afternoon and was amazed at all the bars going up. IMO, there are too many in such a small area. I also noticed the old Pig Stand's blue mosaic tilework is long gone...wish that was kept. Wonder where the new "it" spot will be after Washington dies down. When I started going out, Richmond was standing on it's last leg...then the wave moved to downtown...then midtown, now Washington

I don't know about everyone else, but I would turn in my notice with the landlord and peace out!!

Another burrito fast food chain to join MacDonald's Chipotle down the road on Shepherd coming to the neighborhood. Looks disgusting! I prefer my dive Tex-Mex places with good tortillas.

They will have some competition with El Rey being so close and popular. Plus Freebirds is about a mile away

Assuming you guys rented, were your utilities included or did you have to set them up yourself?

Electricity is not included. Sorry for the late response...someone already beat me to it