Hottest DJ Winner A Local

The sexiest radio DJ in America is from Houston and she's a proud mom of four: What, you're surprised?

Erica Rico is more than a pretty voice.

Rico, a host on Houston radio station 93Q's Morning Zoo, has proven that and then some, winning a nationwide contest to determine the "Hottest Woman in Radio." OK, it's not the most enlightened competition in the world. But that doesn't make it any easier to win.

She isn't the usual "enhanced" blonde who tends to dominate these type of drool-heavy contests.

Rico beat out more than 10,000 contestants (there are a lot of radio stations in America) for the honor in online voting. And she seems like an interesting choice. She isn't the usual "enhanced" blonde who tends to dominate these type of drool-heavy contests.

Instead, Erica Rico is a mother of four who somewhat lives the rural lifestyle that many of the listeners of her country music station might aspire to experience. "My kids raise animals (a steer and some hogs right now), so going to the barn twice a day every day has been a new experience for me, but I secretly love it," Rico writes in her 93Q bio.

Rico first drew notice as a contestant on the NBC reality TV show Great American Road Trip in 2009. Her husband and kids were also part of the show.

Katy Magazine featured Rico in a profile a few years ago, but she doesn't seem to go out of her way to attract attention in Houston.

On her Twitter bio, Rico calls herself a "Mom, chef, taxi service, house cleaner, miracle worker, nurse & Morning Show Personality."

And this Arizona native has some animal skills herself. Rico won the Wild Cow Milking competition at the 2010 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The Hottest Woman In Radio and a Cow Milking champ? You can bet that's a double that has never been achieved before.

Erica Rico is a mother of four, but it's how she's shaken up 93Q's Morning Zoo that's garnered major attention.

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8 quirky Valentine's Day date ideas for offbeat Houston couples

Courtesy of the Health Museum

The Health Museum invites couples to dissect sheep hearts this Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day is upon us. For couples who are ready to ditch the same old roses-and-dinner routine, here are some offbeat ways to celebrate the occasion. From dissecting sheep hearts to testing your LEGO-building skills, it's easy to make this an unforgettable Valentine's Day. Whether you’re in a situationship or happily coupled, read on for some of Houston’s quirkiest ways to celebrate the holiday of love — no heart-shaped box of chocolates required.

It’s What’s Inside that Counts

Rather than letting someone break your heart, why not cut one apart together? At the Health Museum’s Heartstrings Unraveled, each couple will receive a sheep’s heart and be guided through a dissection by a doctor and science educator.

Heartstrings Unraveled begins with a three-course dinner, including made-to-order pasta dishes and unlimited beer and wine. A caricaturist will also be on hand to provide you and your sweetheart with a memento of the night. Attendees can also explore the Health Museum’s exhibits after the dissection, including preserved human bodies and organs at Body Worlds 101. Tickets are $150 per guest, with the program beginning at 6 pm.

For those who are fans of the macabre, but prefer a little less hands-on experience, the National Museum of Funeral History’s Till Death Do Us Part Market might just be the ticket. For $25 each, lovebirds will receive two drink tickets and admission to the market featuring more than 40 small business vendors. For $75, attendees can gain access to a VIP lounge with light bites, four drink tickets, and some swag. The event begins at 7 pm for general admission and 6 pm for VIP.

Visitors can peruse the museum and learn about everything from the history of embalming to the origins of various coffin designs. A certified copy of the Shroud of Turin is even on display.

Play Games, Not People

For a true challenge, see if your love can survive the heat of competition with a flirty game of putt-putt.

The Puttery is getting into the mood with a Cupid’s Course pop-up from February 3-23. Meanwhile, Holey Moley’s Caddyshack bar is pairing libations with love, including the “chocolate covered kisses” cocktail with vanilla-infused vodka and house chocolate liqueur ($14) and the “shot through the heart” shooter ($8).

At Holey Moley, prices are $36 for 27 holes, $26 for 18 holes, and $14 for 9 holes from Fridays through Sundays. The Puttery offers unlimited 9-hole play for $25 after 5 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Or why not settle your “situationship” once and for all at Cidercade’s sixth annual Stoplight Party on Valentine’s Day? Each attendee receives a colored armband — green for single, yellow for “it’s complicated,” and red for “in a relationship.” If your date doesn’t pick the right hue, you can always go green and mingle with other singles while playing unlimited arcade games. Tickets for the 21+ event are $12 each for admission, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Catch Feelings and a Flick

Of all the parks in all the towns in all the world, you should walk into Discovery Green for a screening of the granddaddy of all romantic films: Casablanca. This free event makes it easy to celebrate amore with vendors such as Craftella Bouquet Bar providing flowers and Phoenicia serving up a sweet bar with chocolate. Pack a picnic or order burgers and fries from the Lake House Cafe. The festivities kick off at 5 pm, with the movie starting at 7 pm. Arrive early to secure a good spot.

For a more elevated movie experience, Heights & Co. is hosting a viewing of Valentine’s Day accompanied by a four-course meal for $55. Patrons will be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne before settling in at a table on the pergola for dinner. The restaurant will feature themed cocktails — try “the Valentino,” a lavender-and-raspberry-infused vodka concoction with prosecco, lime, and fresh lavender. To top it off, enjoy the popular s’mores board, where couples can roast marshmallows over a personal flame for a sweet, gooey finish. Showings are at 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9:30 pm. Reservations required.

Let’s Build Something Together

The Houston Toy Museum’s Lego Night Out is only open to those 18 and up, so couples won’t have to arm-wrestle a seven-year-old for the Lego Hedgehog Picnic set. This laidback evening is not just for couples, but surely there isn't anything more romantic than building a Lego Rose Bouquet with the person who makes your heart skip a beat. The museum will have more than 10 different Lego sets available for purchase, ranging from $13 to $80. Attendees can build their sets while enjoying beer and snacks as rom-coms play on the projector. Entry is $10, and the event runs from 7-10 pm.

valentines day holidays romance