TIME TO PAINT the town! This season, a trio of art fairs hits Houston, beginning with the Houston Art Fair (formerly the Houston Fine Art Fair), where nearly 50 local and international galleries exhibit Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at Silver Street Studios. On the same weekend, the Texas Contemporary event is held Downtown at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Opening-night festivities include a collaborative performance with the Houston Ballet’s Oliver Halkowich and multi-media artist Chris Doyle. And a week later, the semi-annual Bayou City Art Festival returns to the streets of Downtown with hundreds of outdoor booths.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
We feel that our locations are ideally positioned so that residents can take advantage of familiar retail and restaurants, healthcare providers, private clubs, cultural activities, places of worship and the many walking trails, parks and green spaces that make our city so vibrant. Footsteps from the newly renovated River Oaks Theatre, elevated dining at Autry Park and minutes from downtown and the Theatre District and the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park at The Village of River Oaks. Nestled in gracious, shaded tree-lined residential neighborhoods close to Uptown and Memorial Park and popular shopping and dining at The Village of Tanglewood. To sweeping views across the treetops towards Rice University to the Museum District and the Medical Center at The Village of Southampton.
WELLNESS & CARE
All of our communities provide access to outdoor activities and connectivity to the area. So vital for wellness. We also offer a wide variety of group exercise and fitness activities daily from Tai Chi, Aerobics and Water Aquatics. Activities are plentiful – and you can take in as many or few as you wish. Including speaker events, book club, card games, Mahjong and lively happy hours. The Village communities have partnered with a premier home health company to provide physical therapy, occupational therapy, and palliative care, onsite in the building. Members whether Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care are welcome to use their services for as little or as much as they may require. The Village of River Oaks is also unique in providing Optimized Care, our focused, extra needs Assisted Living which enables our members to recover onsite or receive care that might otherwise require a hospital-like setting. Our Memory Care program, SOAR® by Aspenwood, was developed in consultation with industry experts and neuroscientists at Rice University to ensure our residents live purposefully while still retaining activities of comfort and stimulation in a safe and secure environment. The SOAR® program is offered at River Oaks and Southampton.
DINE IN OUR RESTAURANTS AND ENJOY CHEF-INSPIRED MEALS. FROM FRESH SALADS, FISH, PASTA, COMFORT FOOD TO SEASONAL SPECIALS AND HEALTHY OPTIONS – YOU WILL FIND AN ABUNDANCE OF CHOICES DAILY.
NATURAL GAS GENERATORS – Uninterrupted Power
A unique feature of The Village communities is our Enchanted Rock Natural Gas Generators that provide full, uninterrupted electrical service to the building during a power outage. All building electrical systems including lights, air conditioning, elevators, communications, and the kitchen are served by the generators.
THE VILLAGE LIFE
When you visit our communities, you will see first-hand what makes them so appealing. From locations that allow you to live in the most desirable neighborhoods in the area to services and well-planned social activities – there is much to contribute to your way of living.
Explore The Village of River Oaks here or call 713-952-7600.
Palmaïa The House of AïA
Have you done this personally, and if so, what did you get out of it? While I haven't personally experienced a full-blown retreat (it's on the list!), I've definitely benefited from shorter wellness getaways. Think of them as mini-reboots. They always left me feeling physically refreshed and mentally clearer, ready to tackle things with fresh energy. However, I did notice something missing: that feeling of shared growth and connection. That's what inspired this retreat – to blend the restorative benefits of a beautiful setting with the power of community and personal development. It's about refreshing your body and your spirit.
Tell us about the destination, Palmaïa. The House of AïA.We’re traveling to a beautiful wellness resort in the Riviera Maya, between Cancun and Tulum Oct. 17-21. Half of the resort backs up to the jungle, the other to the ocean. The Atlantis Spa incorporates ancient Mexican healing rituals, and the food is plant forward, though you can add proteins to a lot of the menu items. There is even a taco truck on the property that has vegan tacos that you would never guess didn’t have meat in them. The food is outstanding and you will feel so good after you leave since there are no seed oils, refined sugar or flour in their kitchens. All drinks are included as well, so there’s no need to feel any guilt for that Aperol Spritz you’ll be enjoying at the end of the day. Mocktails and fresh squeezed juices are also available. There are beautiful pools, five restaurants, and daily classes that support the work we’ll be doing together. They also just received two Michelin Keys and are ranked as one of the best spas in the world in Conde Nast Traveler.
What specific classes will you be leading? Our daily sessions will be focused on helping you explore your inner landscape and uncover your best self. Think of them as guided journeys in self-discovery. We'll gently explore limiting beliefs and cultivate more empowering perspectives. Each day will have a different focus, building on the last. We'll use journaling prompts to spark some "aha!" moments and have discussions that are both insightful and hopefully, not too serious. The goal is to leave you feeling more connected to yourself and with some practical tools for growth.
Who should come to your retreat in Mexico? If you've ever thought there might be a slightly more awesome version of yourself waiting to be discovered, this retreat is for you. Whether you're a man, woman, a couple, traveling with friends, or enjoying some solo time, all are welcome. If you're feeling a bit stuck, a tad overwhelmed, or simply ready to invest in your well-being, consider this your invitation. And the fact that it's all-inclusive means you can truly focus on yourself without the stress of planning every detail. Plus, the resort offers a fantastic array of wellness classes in addition to our group sessions, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore what resonates with you.
What tools will attendees have when they return home? My aim is for everyone to leave with a personalized set of resources for continued growth. You'll have clearer goals, a better understanding of what truly matters to you, and some real-world strategies for navigating life's ups and downs. The journaling exercises will be there for ongoing self-reflection. But perhaps most importantly, you'll leave with a stronger sense of connection and the knowledge that you're part of a supportive community. It's about empowering you to keep that positive momentum going long after you return home.
More information and to book click HERE.
Jackson will lead a wellness journey to Mexico in July.
An outdoor lounge at Palmaïa The House of AïA
A spiritual experience at Palmaïa The House of AïA
Delicious, healthy dining at Palmaïa The House of AïA
From Your Site Articles
Brian Crawmer, Sarah Crawmer, Marilyn, and David Guion
In true Italian style, the evening began with a lively cocktail hour featuring Aperol Spritzes and a silent auction. Top items included a six-night Colorado retreat, a private casita stay in the Yucatán, and Golden Koi, a striking photograph by Joe C. Aker. Guests.
Dinner in the ballroom followed, where guests — dressed in bright Italian summer colors — enjoyed an Italian meal and an inspiring program. Emcee Kip Altstaetter opened the evening, followed by remarks from CEO Joseph Cooper and event co-chairs Kristen Perrin, Pamela Perilloux and Bryan P. Smith. A moving video presentation highlighted testimonials from those touched by Vita Living’s work.
The live auction brought plenty of energy, led by auctioneer Johnny Bravo. The night ended on a sweet note with an After Event Toast and gelato bar, where guests finished the night in dolce vita fashion.
Kara Willis, Chacole Santiago
Allison Padon and Luke Fechtman
Christina O'Donnell and Larry O'Donnell
Isabel Wynn, Livi Ingram, and Larkin Steen
John Hoffman, Beth Hoffman
Johnny Bravo
Niki Galbert, Lorrie Chretien
Myrla Menn, Roberto Vanegas, and Myrla Vanegas
Peter Cawthorne, Krystyna Cawthrone, John Hoffman, Beth Hoffman