chic shopping

New upscale farmers market blooms in posh River Oaks District

January comes with goals of eating healthy and venturing out (safely) to enjoy the crisp Houston weather. Now, a luxe local venue offers a chance for both with an upscale new shopping experience. River Oaks District (4444 Westheimer Rd.) has announced The Market at the District, an boutique, outdoor farmers market that will launch Sunday, January 17 from 11am to 3pm.

Savvy shoppers can expect goods and products from 20 of Houston’s finest local farms, artisans and vendors, according to a press release. The market will take place at the tony River Oaks District on the third Sunday of every month.

As with any good outdoor market, this offering promises a curated vendor list of produce, handmade condiments, baked goods, refreshments, and even dog treats for fur babies.

Local vendors include Pain Train Salsa, Mama’s Tamales, eggs and meats from Erbe Ranch, 4 Brother’s New York Bagels, Biryani Hut Indian cuisine, seasonal produce from Texas Farm & Ranch, baked goods from Milk Mustache, and pasta sauce from Mary Ann’s Products.

The Market at the District will be located on River Oaks District’s interior street, Post Oak Park Drive, located between Hopdoddy and COS. Guests are asked to to practice social distancing and wear masks while shopping; hand sanitizing stations will be set up throughout the event.

Your Neighborhood Farmers Market Association (YNFMA), the largest certified community farmers market in Texas, has partnered with River Oaks District for the venture. Plans for the market started in 2020; the pandemic spurred the launch as the demand for more open-air experiences grew.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the family and community together in each experience,” said Cre Johnson, Your Neighborhood Farmers Market chairwoman, in a statement. “We aim to create a relaxed and enjoyable event where people can taste new flavors and discover new local products while enjoying the first-class amenities River Oaks District has to offer.”

This new River Oaks experience joins a list of buzzy Houston-area outdoor offerings, including Urban Harvest Farmers Market, Heights Mercantile Farmers Market, and Memorial Villages Farmers Market.

The Market at the District is pet-friendly.

The Market at The District Houston farmers market

Photo courtesy of River Oaks District

The Market at the District is pet-friendly.

shopping festivals food-trucks

no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

undefined

Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana