sign of the times

Houston once again declared a best place to visit in the world in 2019

Another week, another list naming Houston a place to visit in 2019.

Sky Noir Photography by Bill Dickinson/Getty Images

It’s seemingly a weekly trend: Houston is named the place to be in 2019. Fresh off the heels of the Bloomberg christening the Bayou City one of the world’s best places to visit, the New York Times has named H-Town to its list of 52 Places to Go in 2019.

Much like the Bloomberg’s checklist, the New York Times cites exotic locales such as Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Germany, India, and Viet Nam. The Times recognized far more American cities than Bloomberg — which recognized only three. Houston made the cut along obvious spots like New York and Las Vegas; and less-buzzworthy places such as Columbus, Ohio and Huntsville, Alabama.

“After Hurricane Harvey, the city is back on its feet and showing off the everything-is-bigger-in-Texas attitude,” declares the Times. Echoing Bloomberg, Houston’s four food halls — including Finn Hall — are mentioned. James Beard-nominated chef Jianyun Ye and his Chinese hot spot Mala Sichuan gets some love, as does Goode Company Taqueria.

Not surprisingly, Tilman Fertitta’s five-diamond Post Oak Hotel, with its two-story Rolls Royce showroom, art by Frank Stella and a 30,000-bottle wine cellar, is named a place to stay.

Culturally, visitors are encouraged to visit the visually stunning, white-steel-and-glass Menil Collection, as well as the newly expanded Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Holocaust Museum.

Unparalleled food scene, check. Opulent hospitality, check. World-class cultural attractions, check. Space City creds, check: NASA fans will no doubt enjoy the Times’ must-visit mention of the Apollo Mission Center, which will open in time for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing in July.

bests lists museums

always be prepared

Texas tax-free weekend lets shoppers stock up on emergency supplies

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Emergency supplies like first aid kits that cost less than $75 are eligible for a tax break this weekend.

The best time for Texas residents to stock up on supplies to prepare for natural disasters is coming up this weekend. The annual statewide Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from April 25-27, when Texans will be able to purchase critical emergency supplies — plus household necessities like batteries and fire extinguishers — tax-fee.

Shoppers can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free starting at 12:01 am on Saturday, April 25, and the "holiday" runs until midnight on Monday, April 27. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased during the weekend, and purchases can be made in store, online, through the mail, and via custom order.

Saving on emergency supplies
Emergency preparation supplies must be purchased under certain price brackets to qualify for the tax exemption. For example, portable generators must have a sales price less than $3,000 to qualify for a tax break. Ladders and hurricane shutters that cost less than $300 also qualify.

Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are included in the sales price, according to the Comptroller. So if a shopper buys a $299 rescue ladder and is charged a $10 delivery fee, the total sales price for the purchase is $309, and tax would need to be paid for that sales price.

Additional items that qualify for a tax break as long as they cost less than $75 include:

Axes
Batteries – single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Fuel containers
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Hatchets
Ice products – including reusable and artificial ice
Light sources – including those that are battery operated or portable self-powered sources; candles, flashlights, and lanterns
Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
Non-electric can openers
Non-electric coolers and ice chests for food storage
Radios – including portable self-powered radios, battery operated radios, two-way radios, and weather band radios
Smoke detectors
Tarps and other plastic sheeting

The full list of qualifying items is available on The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' website.

As a reminder, over-the-counter items like antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, and spray and wipes are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a "Drug Facts" panel in compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations.

Non-qualifying items that will still be taxed
Medical masks, face masks, and gloves of any kind do not qualify for a tax exemption. Other taxable items including toilet paper, cleaning supplies (such as disinfectants and bleach wipes), vehicle or boat batteries, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, and stepladders. Camping equipment and supplies, including stoves and tents, are also not eligible for a tax break.

Additionally, any repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies do not qualify for tax exemptions, and neither do any services that are performed on or related to those supplies.

What to do if a qualifying item is taxed during the holiday
If customers buy a tax-exempt item between April 25-27 and are still taxed, they may request a refund from the seller on the tax paid for the item. The seller can grant the refund to the buyer, or provide them with Form 00-985, Assignment to Right to Refund, which would allow the customer to file a claim for their refund through the Comptroller's website.

tax free weekend emergency supplies texas