Houston, it’s Time to Party

Incorporate a little fun into your life and mix up your typical routine

Unwind with Jazz
57 West Jazz Café
Bring your bottle of wine, sit in an intimate setting and listen to big-name jazz acts at this BYOB café. 5757 Westheimer, (713) 520-Jazz
Old Quarter Acoustic Café
Visit this well-known establishment, known for showcasing local acoustic musicians, to hear a variety of musical styles. Great outdoor seating and an affordable happy hour featuring a diverse list of drink specialties make this Galveston spot a haven for music lovers. 413 20th St., Galveston, (409) 762-9199

Dance the night away
Blanco’s Bar &Grill
Fittingly named Blanco’s, this white wood building on West Alabama is perfect for those looking to put on their cowboy boots, grab a hat and dance ’till their country heart’s content. Many artists have graced Blanco’s stage, which provides some of the best quality country music in the city. The bar’s spacious patio serves as the perfect location when it’s time to cool down after two-stepping with your favorite dance partner. 3406 W. Alabama, (713) 439-0072
Sammy’s at 2016 Main
Considered one of the best spots in the city to get your groove on, Sammy’s has a packed house most nights of the week. Rock out to ’80s favorites performed by The Spazmatics on Thursday nights and MoTown tunes by Faye Robinson and the Mid City Players Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to get there early to reserve your spot on the dance floor — this Midtown hot spot fills up fast with young Houstonians. 2016 Main St., (713) 751-3101

Toast with wine
The Wine Bucket Boutique and Bar
The Wine Bucket features more than 50 wines by the bottle and 30 wines by the glass in a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere fit for decompressing from daily stress. Taste a wine flight or try the wine of the day. Quiet and inviting, this spot provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy their company and drink of choice. 2311 W. Alabama St., (713) 942-9463
The Tasting Room
The young owners of The Tasting Room know wine and are passionate when explaining the aromas and ingredients in each selection. Buy wine by the bottle to stock up on gifts for friends and family or have a seat in a private room following a romantic dinner. Multiple locations, (713) 993-9800

Drink with a view
Skyline Bar &Grill
For an unforgettable night out, visit Skyline Bar. You surely will not be disappointed when first laying eyes on Skyline Bar &Grill’s panoramic view of downtown Houston. With exceptional cocktails, a tasty menu and mouthwatering desserts, visit this place on a special occasion or to impress out-of-town guests. 1600 Lamar St., 24th Floor of Hilton Americas-Houston (713) 739-8000
702 Patio Bar
You can’t go wrong with 702. The bar offers something for everyone, including a patio with downtown views, a special section for smokers and food to snack on during the course of the night. Drink a cocktail while the guys watch the big game on the bar’s many flat screen TVs. 702 W Dallas St., (713) 654-8040

Hit the gay scene
South Beach
South Beach is as hot as the city. This racy club is crawling with good-looking men and women looking to party all night long. With adult videos playing and music blaring, you are sure to have an X-rated time. Bring your lady friends for a night out without the husband and kids and enjoy watching male exotic dancers at every corner of the bar. 810 Pacific St., (713) 529-7623

Have a happy hour
The Black Swan
Located in the Omni Hotel, this swanky, upscale lounge has a dark granite and copper bar with green LED lighting that offers ambiance unlike any other. Stop by for a drink after work for the happy hour specials and snuggle up in seating nooks called “snuggeries” with co-workers or friends. 4 Riverway Drive, (713) 871-8181
The State Bar &Lounge
Enjoy the elegant lounge at The State Bar &Lounge with people from out of town who want to experience one of Houston’s staples. Sit on the patio, look at the skyscrapers and marvel in the nostalgia. The bar’s character is sure to please when you’re seeking an after work drink. 909 Texas St., Ste. 2A, (713) 229-8888
Boondoggles
Every Thursday night this Clear Lake establishment offers the freshest crawfish and Alaskan king crab legs in the area. It is usually packed with people looking for food, beer and happy hour specials. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere on the outdoor patio with views of the Gulf, or stay inside and enjoy one of the 100 beers on hand. 4106 NASA Road 1, Seabrook, (281) 326-2739

Go upscale
Hotel ZaZa Monarch Restaurant
Hotel ZaZa is the hippest place in Houston. The hotel’s restaurant, Monarch, is filled with socialites looking to enjoy the trendiest place in the city. Enjoy cocktails and food under a tree-shaded terrace, or reserve a private area for VIP service. Either way, your night will be memorable. 5701 Main St., (713) 527-1800

Lounge about
Deco
In the middle of Houston’s thriving Midtown, Deco fits right in with its modern decor and selection of cocktails. Visit this place to mingle with friends in a glamorous, yet tranquil atmosphere during the week when it is less crowded. 510 Gray St., (866) 435-3653
Lounge at Benjy’s
This hidden jewel is a great place to visit when looking to have meaningful conversation over drinks. Retro couches and ottomans offer comfortable places to sit and enjoy an expansive drink menu. Nicely dressed professionals relax on the sofas while bamboo paper lanterns cast soft glows onto their faces in this Rice Village spot. 2424 Dunstan St., (713) 522-7602

Enjoy it with a twist
Zimm’s
Impress your friends at this posh martini bar that has a great selection of smooth concoctions to choose from. Have a seat on one of the leather chairs or sit outside and relish the night sky on the wonderful patio. Kick up your heels and revel in Zimm’s private seating for intimate conversations. 4321 Montrose Blvd., (713) 521-2002
Davenport
This small martini bar has a retro feel — from the cool décor to the Rat-pack era style of music. With more than 42 different single-malt scotches and 35 vodka varieties, this place does not disappoint when looking to try something new. Expect to get hit on if accompanied with girlfriends because this place is packed with men on the prowl. 2115 Richmond Ave., (713) 520-1140

Watch the big game
Nick’s Place Italian Sports Bar and Pizzeria
Nick’s Place is perfect for boys who love TV, sports, carbs and beer. If food and beer aren’t enough, then play shuffleboard, pool or Golden Tee Golf. Order a pitcher and expect to get rowdy at Nick’s. Rockyridge at Westheimer, (713) 780-8338
Griff’s Shenaningans Café and Bar
Griff’s Shenaningans Café and Bar, AKA Griff’s, is the home plate for sports fans. Because of Griff’s reputation and the constant presence of one of the owners, Griff’s is a must-do pub in Houston. Beer choices consist of the usual suspects and the menu is tasty, but the atmosphere of Griff’s is what makes this place charming. Don’t miss St. Patrick’s Day at this establishment; it’s one for the books. 3416 Roseland St., (713) 528-9912

Drink a beer
Little Woodrow’s
Little Woodrow’s is considered second home to most locals. All four locations are clean with a friendly, delightful staff that is unpretentious. The establishment offers more than 100 beers, with 22 on tap, including daily specials for beer connoisseur. This is the type of place to kick back, melt in the summer heat and enjoy beer with good friends. Multiple locations, (713) 661-5282
Ginger Man
Beer, beer and more beer! Ginger Man is the place to be for the beer lover in you. With a huge selection of draft and bottled beer, this tavern allows one to be adventurous and try different varieties from different origins. If you are looking for a place where jeans and flip-flops are staples, then this quaint pub is ideal. 5607 Morningside Drive, (713) 526-2770

Have a girls’ night out
Tony’s Corner Pocket
Leave the men at home when visiting this place. Tony’s Corner Pocket allows the ladies to have fun while ogling sexy, muscled men participating in amateur strip contests. If wanting to have fun is on the agenda, visit this place. 817 W. Dallas St., (713) 571-7870
Amazonia Discoteque
Sassy ladies looking to shake their hips all night long should visit Amazonia Discoteque. Throw on your best dress, put a flower in your hair and salsa dance all night long. Don’t feel intimidated if you are not sure how to dance — someone here is willing to show you how to move. 11449 I-45 North, (281) 260-9885

Visit something old, something new
La Carafe
La Carafe is intimate, romantic and welcoming. It is one of the few places in Houston that is decorated with personality instead of style. La Carafe occupies one of the oldest buildings in Houston, which makes it the oldest bar in the city. Even the building leans to emphasize its age. As the name implies, La Carafe knows wine and has a myriad of wine offerings. 813 Congress St., (713) 229-9399
Pi Lounge &Bar
If you want to see and be seen, Pi Lounge &Bar is the perfect place to people-watch. This place is crawling with urban professionals that just left work and are looking to wind down and relax. However, it is a meeting place for people looking to start their evening in style; as the night moves on, so does the crowd. 911 Franklin St., (713) 228-2990
Firehouse Saloon
Grab a longneck and sway to the live music that is constantly performed at this large music club and bar. The Firehouse features a jukebox, video games, outdoor seating and a stage for live music that ensures you will have fun. 5930 U.S. 59 South, (713) 977-1962
Palapa’s
If you want to try a place off the beaten path, then experience Palapa’s — Kemah’s best kept secret. This hole in the wall offers dollar beers every night, with live music on Friday nights. Sit back and relax on the two-story patio or put on your dancing shoes and let the salty air cool you down. 608 6th Street Kemah, (281) 334-3746

Ask the Bridal Extravaganza

Weddings are wonderful, happy occasions that can be chaotic and overwhelming to plan. Every couple wants the celebration to reflect their own personality, but with all the countless choices, everyone has questions and doubts. So how do you plan a wedding where everything goes smoothly? As a way to put everyone’s mind at ease, the Bridal Extravaganza Show gathered the top wedding experts in the Houston area to answer your how-to questions and give you the best ideas and advice.

Q: I am arranging transportation for myself, the groom, our wedding party and both sets of parents. What is the traditional schedule of events? Does a limo pick up the groomsmen and his parents, or do they get to the church on their own? Who rides with the bride … her parents, just the father or the bridesmaids?

A: It has been my experience that the limo first picks up the bride and her party to take them to the church. The vehicle then goes to get the groom and groomsmen, and after the ceremony takes the bride and groom to the reception facility. The parents usually get to the church on their own, but another option is to arrange sedan service.

An economical option is to book a one-way transfer. It will pick you up at your location and take you to the hotel. – Shawn J. Kogan, Black Tie Limousine Service

Q: Should the groom’s boutonniere have to match the bride’s flowers?

A: It is traditional for the groom’s boutonniere to match the bride’s bouquet and for the groomsmen’s to match the bridesmaids’. There are so many different trends popping up everywhere these days, it is not necessary for the boutonniere to match. The choice is a personal preference!

– Christina, Fresh Blooms of Houston

Q: The past few wedding invitations I’ve received directions and a map to the church and reception. Is this absolutely necessary?

A: Although it may not be absolutely necessary for everyone, the trend for most brides is to include as much information for their guests as possible. For those from out of town, directions or maps are particularly helpful.

– Cassandra, Joli Parti Paperie

Q: I’m having a hard time finding a song for the mother/son dance. My fiancés’ mother passed away and he will be dancing with his sister. What songs are appropriate?

A: That’s a great question. Some good choices are: “What a Wonderful World,” by Louis Armstrong, “Because You Love Me,” by Celine Dion, “Unforgettable,” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, and “There You’ll Be,” by Faith Hill. I can come up with more appropriate choices once I know a little about the groom’s musical taste.

– Jeff, DJ’s Unlimited

Please submit any wedding questions to info@bridalextravaganzashow.com.

Joint Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties

Every year, thousands of brides- and grooms-to-be gather with their closest friends to celebrate the end of filing taxes as “single” for a tradition known as the bachelor/bachelorette party. It is seemingly engrained in American culture that the bright lights of Las Vegas serve as the perfect backdrop for such a memorable experience. There are even a few mildly clever advertisements promoting this, along with the allure of public humiliation and other memories that apparently should be left behind in Sin City. Recently, more and more couples have been combining their respective parties into a unified coed bachelor/bachelorette party.

The notion of having your fiancé along on a bachelor/bachelorette party might sound absurd at first, but it’s also interesting. Friends always fear the loss of contact with a companion who is about to wed, and this experience can help to allay those fears. Combining the parties can actually bring both groups together and give the future spouses a chance to befriend their respective future friend-in-laws. A bachelor/bachelorette party can build lasting connections between the groups. Of course, some of the more publicized vices that go along with bachelor/bachelorette parties and Las Vegas can have adverse effects on this goal, so proceed with caution.

Las Vegas offers a number of activities that are ideal for bachelor/bachelorette parties — from poker tournaments to rooftop clubs overlooking the night lights of the strip. The myriad of activities at everyone’s fingertips in Vegas are enough to satisfy the group of partiers, gamblers or who knows what else. While it is costly, there are a number of clubs that offer bottle service to a reserved table, which is always a great way to make conversation between the two groups. Make a special effort to get both groups in on a private group poker tournament. These can be set up easily; just ask any of the friendly pit bosses in a poker room during off-hours. The rivalries and friendships that ensue from a rousing game of poker can create fond memories of the trip, even amongst a table of amateur players. The possibilities are endless; many activities can be found just from walking around the strip.

There are many aspects of Las Vegas that make it a prime bachelor/bachelorette destination, but the concept of such a party is not exclusive to Southern Nevada. In fact, it can be done in many places. A large city ensures that when the groups are separated, no one will run into each other. The destination of choice also needs a wide variety of activities. Having lots of attractions is helpful when the two groups spend time together, as it will be easier to find a universally agreeable activity rather than compromising for hanging out at the Red Lobster off of the highway.

A joint bachelor/bachelorette party can be a very memorable experience with the proper planning. As the big last night is being planned, there is always room for a new spin on old ideas. And that is what the concept of a bachelor/bachelorette party is all about — creating something new and memorable.

Florida’s Forgotten Coast

Do you know the way to Beaches of South Walton?

When heading to Florida, thoughts of frolicking co-eds in Miami and Fort Lauderdale come to mind. Recently, we discovered an entirely new side to our 27th state. Twenty-five miles south of I-10, along Florida’s panhandle, former farming country now thrives as a vacation getaway.

Get to know Beaches of South Walton and discover an assortment of 14 eclectic beach communities. Your family will love the breathtaking sugar-white sands, brilliant emerald-green waters and smooth, protective sand dunes. This is the Gulf of Mexico Texans don’t typically experience.

Arrive in style
We flew into Fort Walton Beach and were greeted by Bob Derry from Destin Coach. Derry offers a wealth of knowledge about the area and takes extra steps to make sure guests are familiar with their surroundings. As you ride in his luxurious town car, take in the sea air and crystal-clear water.

If you recall the tranquil setting of the movie “The Truman Show,” you’ll recognize the colorful palette of cozy cottages used to create the setting. Yes, this Utopian-style community actually exists in Florida in the town of Seaside. Today, multiple communities reminiscent of early 18th and 19th century beach towns are available for pleasure.

Lodge in luxury
Surrounding Seaside is the WaterColor Resort, created in pastels so subtle, the entire resort practically blends into the beach. The brand new community of WaterSound, the 14th beach community, offers an exclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Beach-side bonfires are common as the sun sets and the sky turns from a symphony of pinks to molten gold.

There are 30 unique neighborhoods filled with condos, villas, town homes and hotel rooms, including the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort that has 1,800 options for travelers. Host to the PGA’s Boeing Championship, this resort certainly has something for everyone. Hop on a bicycle and explore scenic spots throughout the 2,400-acre resort (four hours of biking are included daily), or indulge in a Salt Glo body treatment at the Sandestin Salon &Day Spa.

Get moving
There are plenty of opportunities to get up-close and personal with nature and wildlife by canoeing or kayaking. You can also explore the grassy coastal wetlands on a guided daybreak Waverunner tour. If your kids are in tow, drop them off at the KidZone for games or arts and crafts. And don’t miss Taylor, the talking parrot, who makes his home on the dock.

Consider the ecosystem
Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the country to have all 26 miles of coastline certified as Blue Wave Beaches, an environmental seal of approval from the Clean Beaches Council. Criteria, such as water quality, safety services, habitat conservation, erosion management, public information and education, are all taken into account for this prestigious designation.

There are 25,000 acres of untouched property which are home to native wildlife. Stressing the importance of man’s relationship to nature and the landscape we inhabit is of utmost importance. The scenic setting and homes painted with colors of the sea, make the crystal beach even more enjoyable.

Essentials:
Destin Coach, (850) 240-7410
Beaches of South Walton, www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

Mother Nurture

Transier shines as a devoted advocate for Houston-area children

CAI is a private, nonprofit agency with the mission to give children who are victims of child abuse, neglect and abandonment a voice. The organization mobilizes highly trained Court Appointed Advocate Volunteers to serve as the link between the child and the courts, thus ensuring they don’t slip through the cracks. After an exhaustive case study, the volunteers make recommendations to the judge.

“Our Court Appointed Advocates help get these abused children the care they need,” Transier says. “Our volunteers provide everything from access to psychological care and educational tutoring to the more basic needs of eyeglasses and clothing. Many of our children travel through the foster care system with very few possessions, often carried in a plastic garbage bag. They deserve a better chance in life; this costs money.” Transier finds the money.

Changing lives
For the past 18 years, Transier has raised more than six and a half million dollars for Houston charities. “Of late, I am focusing less on events, concentrating my efforts more on board service and capital campaigns,” Transier tells me as I look over the long list of balls, luncheons and other events she has chaired or assisted.

In addition to Child Advocates Inc., she currently serves on the executive boards of the Houston Ballet Foundation, Theatre Under the Stars and the “I Have a Dream” Foundation.

“I have good time management skills,” she says. “Plus, I’m that deadly combination of Southern and Texan. I live by the Golden Rule, write thank-you notes and make the bed first thing in the morning.”

The organizations for which she has helped raise funds are so numerous that in both 1994 and 2003 she was named “Volunteer of the Year” by the National Society of Fundraising Executives on National Philanthropy Day.

Glass half-full
Transier describes herself as, “a glass-half-full kind of person.” This positive attitude is partly the product of a happy childhood.

Lynda Lighthouse Transier grew up in Glenn Brook Valley by Hobby Airport. “[It was] a house where I never heard a criticism or a raised voice,” she proudly declares. Her parents, Katy and Terry, met at the Shell Oil Deer Park refinery. He was an engineer and she worked for his boss. Unlike many oil patch families, they didn’t move around. Her dad turned down any job that would uproot Transier and her brother James out of Houston, and for that she is grateful.

Transier describes a classic baby-boomer childhood. “[We had] one rotary black phone. We walked to school in the neighborhood. We knew all our neighbors and played with their kids. Sunday night was ‘The Wonderful World of Disney’ on television and Saturday night was ‘Lawrence Welk,'” she recalls fondly.

Weekends consisted of either riding the ponies at Playland Park or catching crabs at friends’ bay houses. There was always time to catch lightning bugs in the evening. Summers were “visitin’ time” with trips all over Texas to see “[her] granny, aunts, uncles and cousins.” From Alpine, Transier came to love Fort Davis’ McDonald Observatory, Mexican food in Marfa and the canyons of the Rio Grande. She could serve as a tour guide through San Antonio, Uvalde, Garner State Park, Brownwood, Rusk, Lufkin and Wimberley’s 7A Ranch on the river.

Giving back
After graduating from Milby High School, Transier earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and special education from the University of Texas at Austin. Transier began her career of helping children at Austin State School, teaching physically handicapped and emotionally disturbed children. A year and a half later, she married her husband, Bill Transier, on Christmas break, moved to Houston and began teaching for the Spring Branch district in January 1977.

“I was teaching in the Title One reading program. All of our students were either on free or reduced price breakfast and lunch. There was always a child without enough lunch money, so I’d loan them a dollar. To teach responsibility, I was very clear that the first time they did not pay me back the next day, there would be no more loans. Never did a child fail to bring me back that dollar.”

The Spring Branch job helped Lynda begin to fulfill her childhood dream of learning how to ride English saddle and jump horses. The music teacher at the school had property nearby with horses. In exchange for riding lessons, Lynda helped care for the horses. Just as she started to jump, she discovered she was pregnant. Bill didn’t want her to take any chances, and Lynda agreed to dismount.

Car pool and kids
Nicholas Ryan made his entrance in April of 1980. When Christopher Hall followed in June of 1983, Lynda quit teaching and became a full-time mom.

“I drove 14 straight years of Friday car pool,” she declares. In true Texan style, never a moment of time was wasted. While waiting for the kids in the carpool line, she indulged her passion for needlepoint.

“I always showed up. The boys knew they could count on me. I’m not saying I was always on time, but I got there! I was always home at 3 p.m., even when my boys were in high school. I didn’t want them coming home to an empty house,” she says.

That house was constantly brimming with the children’s young friends. “You always want to be the house they come to,” a friend had told her. Lynda took that advice to heart.

“Bill and I had remarkable trust in our sons, and great conversations about our expectations regarding their behavior.”

The trust and lines of communication are still beautifully open. Both sons graduated from the University of Virginia. Now, Nicholas is attending the University of Texas School of Law and Christopher is in investment banking.

Lynda has every right to say, “I’ve been a really good mom; a mom just like I had years ago. The years spent teaching and being with children of all backgrounds and abilities help me to appreciate all the more what I have. I am blessed,” she says.

Dreams do come true
In February of 2000, Lynda finally obtained her lifelong wish of owning her own horse when she acquired Waylon. She and the thoroughbred had five glorious years together as she learned the graceful, athletic challenges of the hunter/jumper style of riding. Unfortunately, Waylon developed arthritis and bone spurs. From her capital campaign work with the San Jacinto Council of Girl Scouts, Lynda knew of Camp Misty Meadows, the Scouts riding camp near Conroe. Soon, Waylon had a new home at the camp and Lynda had a broken heart.

Niko, a Dutch Warmblood, whose show name is Sergeant Pepper, is Lynda’s new love. Together, they have fulfilled another one of her dreams: to win a ribbon in the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, which she attended with her dad when she was a child.

“In March of ’06, I entered my first Pin Oak Horse Show and I got a sixth-place ribbon. Of course, there were only six entries,” she says. “Sixth place is a green ribbon and I’ve got a lot of green. I’ve got lots of white ribbons — that’s fourth. I’ve got one second and five thirds.”

Over the past year, Lynda has been in six horse shows and looks forward to a summer stalking a first place, blue ribbon. In addition to horse shows, Lynda is setting her sights on a summer of golf and might just fulfill her goal of setting foot in all 50 states; she has five to go. Lynda looks forward to helping more kids grow to be generous, happy adults, specifically her grandchildren. While she does not have any yet, she does have a room already decorated with red bandana-sporting cowboys waiting for them.

“I’ll buy every one of them a pony and teach them all to catch fireflies,” she says.

What are our Odds? Bringing a little sin to the Bayou City

LAS VEGAS – The neon lights! The buzz of thousands of tourists! The money! The hurly-burly of the Strip lined with casinos, each the size of Delaware filled with drunken conventioneers! The rattle of dice and the clang of slot machines and … wait … let’s go back to the money. Where’s our cut? Why doesn’t Houston have a place at the table? Why is it “Good-bye Mister Chips” and not “Hello, Houston”? Stop everything. In other words, Texas, Hold ‘Em.

We broach this matter because we need to get in on America’s current fascination with gambling, or “gaming” as those in the biz like to say. Poker is on a huge binge. Then there is online gambling. We should move quickly for, although Tom DeLay and Jack Abramhoff have been deposed and their efforts to keep Texas gambling-free have been sidetracked, the betting craze may not last. Like the Texas Lotto, people will eventually figure that they are losers and will break the habit. So it’s time for Houston to become the next Monaco-on-the-Turning Basin.

You protest that our fair town does not have the best weather for visiting gamblers, especially in the summer. Visit Sin City during July and compare the sweat quotient. Houston wins, glands down. When it comes to location, location, location, Houston is more centrally situated than Las Vegas, which sits on the most inhospitable spot in America outside of Alaska’s north slope, surrounded by the landscape of the moon, hundreds of miles from any other sizable town, the temperature easily reaches 120 in the summer, and virtually everything has to be imported.

Houston, on the other hand, has plenty of cheap land, lots of water (a nagging problem in Nevada), cruise ships to drop by, and we’d finally find a use for the Astrodome. Just picture casino-lined Buffalo Bayou, brightly lit with neon signs touting Wayne Newton’s new act and Cirque du Soleil’s 143 different shows, and all that money coming in.

Years ago, no doubt some naysayers said Vegas would never work. But the idea clicked even better than Bugsy Siegel could have predicted in his final moments before getting gunned down by his associates (every business has its drawbacks). Look at the record. In 1950, Las Vegas’ head count was 24,624, the size of today’s Rosenberg. Now the population is nearing 2 million and growing. In the mid-1970s, there were 35,000 hotel rooms in Vegas.

Today, there are 151,000 rooms (more than any other city in the country), with 11,000 rooms under construction, as well as more on the drawing boards (35,000). In comparison, the Houston area has 443 major hotels and motels with 58,607 rooms and another 886 rooms under development. Las Vegas hotels have a 95 percent weekend occupancy rate — approaching 100 percent at the newer properties. Last year, even the weekday rate fell just shy of 90 percent.

Everywhere you look on the Strip, huge construction cranes loom. Echelon Place will have more than 5,000 rooms when finished. The Venetian, already the sixth largest hotel in the world and the fourth largest in Las Vegas, is opening a 3,200-suite tower. The relatively new Wynn is doubling its size, which would rank as New York’s largest hotel, but will not even crack Las Vegas’ top 15. Then there is the Fontainebleau Resorts which has plans for a $2.8 billion, 3,900-room resort on the Strip.

A new condo-casino called CityCenter, costing $7 billion, will rank as the most expensive private project in American history. The MGM, with 5,000 rooms, is the largest hotel in the world — thus far. The town is home to 15 of the 20 largest hotels on the planet, with each new project bigger than the last.

Increasingly, condominiums are hot property and everyone wants to get into the act. Even Donald Trump who, according to a local real estate expert (my cabbie), wanted to build a casino and a high-rise condo, but the Nevada Gaming Commission said no because The Donald had gone bankrupt with his Atlantic City casinos and no one who declares bankruptcy can get a casino operating license in Nevada. So Trump is building two huge, high-rise condos without casinos.

Why can’t Houston be dealt in on the action? We have a lot more going for us than this oasis in the middle of nowhere. We have major league sports. Las Vegas doesn’t and probably never will because the pro sports owners insist there be no gambling on their games, and the casino owners say that’s an offer they can refuse.

Houston has good restaurants and shops, which are important. Last year, visitors to Vegas spent a combined $15 billion at the Strip’s various casino resorts. Sixty percent of that revenue — $9 billion — was from non-casino sources ranging from hotel rooms to shows to restaurants, which can cost a night’s big winnings. Then there are high-end retailers which pay a fortune for a spot inside the sprawling malls that are now a necessity in every large casino.

There would seem to be enough gambling to go around. The American Gaming Association just released a new study which found that last year, for the eleventh straight year, gambling revenues have increased, hitting the $32.4 billion mark in 2006. The Las Vegas newspaper, the Review-Journal, figured up just how much $32.4 billion would buy, including 217 Picasso’s painting of “Le Reve,” 27 New York Yankee franchises, 108,000 Ferraris and 982 years of Celine Dion’s rumored salary. But this $32.4 billion is just the tip. It doesn’t include the Indian reservation gambling take, which is more than Nevada’s commercial casinos, nor the slots at horse and dog tracks. All told, get this, Americans are now spending nearly $90 billion a year on legal gambling.

At this point, let me insert The Reason I am Not Rich (Chapter 34): Gambling was a major force in Nevada for years before other states got into the act. If you wanted to gamble, you had to go to Nevada. Then every state with a showboat or Indian reservation slowly got into the act. Today, more states have some sort of casino, commercial or Indian, than don’t. (See the sidebar).

Did these new operations siphon away from the Strip the dice-throwers and card sharks like I figured they would? It seemed that potential gamblers would say, “Why fly to Vegas when I can drive to Lake Charles?” Wrong. Studies show that the local operations only whetted the appetites for gambling. So all those Houstonians who went to Coushatta or L’Auberge du Luc and tried their luck, said, “Hey, let’s try the big time in Vegas.” Texas is surrounded by casinos which are the Triple A farm teams for the Strip.

The Gaming Association’s survey somehow does not cover bankruptcy, divorce or suicides, which might see an uptick in our town with the advent of casinos. We might have to import a few Mafia bosses to add to the ambiance in a colorful but semi-respectable way. The flamboyant Oscar Goodman, “lawyer to the mob,” is now mayor of Las Vegas.

All we need is a catchy slogan. How about: “What happens in Houston stays in Houston,” because what stays in Vegas is other people’s money.

Beaches of South Walton

Florida’s Forgotten Coast Do you know the way to Beaches of South Walton?

When heading to Florida, thoughts of frolicking co-eds in Miami and Fort Lauderdale come to mind. Recently, we discovered an entirely new side to our 27th state. Twenty-five miles south of I-10, along Florida’s panhandle, former farming country now thrives as a vacation getaway.

Get to know Beaches of South Walton and discover an assortment of 14 eclectic beach communities. Your family will love the breathtaking sugar-white sands, brilliant emerald-green waters and smooth, protective sand dunes. This is the Gulf of Mexico Texans don’t typically experience.

Arrive in style
We flew into Fort Walton Beach and were greeted by Bob Derry from Destin Coach. Derry offers a wealth of knowledge about the area and takes extra steps to make sure guests are familiar with their surroundings. As you ride in his luxurious town car, take in the sea air and crystal-clear water.

If you recall the tranquil setting of the movie “The Truman Show,” you’ll recognize the colorful palette of cozy cottages used to create the setting. Yes, this Utopian-style community actually exists in Florida in the town of Seaside. Today, multiple communities reminiscent of early 18th and 19th century beach towns are available for pleasure.

Lodge in luxury
Surrounding Seaside is the WaterColor Resort, created in pastels so subtle, the entire resort practically blends into the beach. The brand new community of WaterSound, the 14th beach community, offers an exclusive escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Beach-side bonfires are common as the sun sets and the sky turns from a symphony of pinks to molten gold.

There are 30 unique neighborhoods filled with condos, villas, town homes and hotel rooms, including the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort that has 1,800 options for travelers. Host to the PGA’s Boeing Championship, this resort certainly has something for everyone. Hop on a bicycle and explore scenic spots throughout the 2,400-acre resort (four hours of biking are included daily), or indulge in a Salt Glo body treatment at the Sandestin Salon &Day Spa.

Get moving
There are plenty of opportunities to get up-close and personal with nature and wildlife by canoeing or kayaking. You can also explore the grassy coastal wetlands on a guided daybreak Waverunner tour. If your kids are in tow, drop them off at the KidZone for games or arts and crafts. And don’t miss Taylor, the talking parrot, who makes his home on the dock.

Consider the ecosystem
Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the country to have all 26 miles of coastline certified as Blue Wave Beaches, an environmental seal of approval from the Clean Beaches Council. Criteria, such as water quality, safety services, habitat conservation, erosion management, public information and education, are all taken into account for this prestigious designation.

There are 25,000 acres of untouched property which are home to native wildlife. Stressing the importance of man’s relationship to nature and the landscape we inhabit is of utmost importance. The scenic setting and homes painted with colors of the sea, make the crystal beach even more enjoyable.

Essentials:
Destin Coach, (850) 240-7410
Beaches of South Walton, www.beachesofsouthwalton.com