Spring is in the air (Equinox is March 20 at 6:21 p.m. according to our sources) and so are my allergies. Nothing that severe doses of green smoothies cannot handle.

Bringing a large pitcher to the office without telling incited some colorful conversations — in addition to heavy doses Vitamin C. I feel peachy.

Is it blasphemy to drink green smoothies out of a beer mug?

Spring was certainly apparent at Bayou Bend. As I sipped and strolled (more like frolicked) through the wooded trails, intense tulips, gorgeous azaleas and unidentified flowered objects incited a feeling of youthful vigor. I did stop myself from twirling gaily and breaking out into a Sound of Music medley, my attention turning to a couple of feathery creatures courting each other. In the spirit of the season, they got it on.

Most impressive was Bayou Bend's gift shop. Located in the new The Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Center, when in need for a cool unique gift for that pain-in-the-butt person that has everything, give the boutique a chance.

The Houston Symphony brought in a most coveted artist with a divine gift of classical improvisation. Gabriela Montero brought audiences to a roaring standing ovation after her interpretation of Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme of Paganini and an off-the-cuff improv on a theme sung by an audience member.

I tend to be critical of the Houston Symphony at times, but thankful they are such an important part of Houston cultural heritage (almost 100 years old) and present amazing performances.

Cool happenings this week? Read on.

Urban Harvest 2011 Gala "Tastes of the Garden" at Trevisio
Urban Harvest is the main catalyst behind the major expansion of locally-based farmers markets. This past year, aside from fine tuning the Discovery Green market on Sundays,

Executive director Mark Bowen helped launch the downtown market on Wednesdays, managing the Highland Village market on Sunday mornings while supporting the growth of community gardens. Because local and green is the concept du jour, Urban Harvest honors sustainability master San Francisco-Houston convert, Laura Spanjian. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Houston Ballet's Sleeping Beauty
Does being doomed to sleep for 100 years really sound that bad? Given most of our schedules, I'd welcome a full eight hours, but I'd be happy to wake up earlier if that entails making out with a hot prince and living happily ever after. Opens on Thursday and runs through March 20.

Buffalo Bayou Regatta
The Buffalo Bayou Regatta is Texas' largest canoe and kayak race. Rumor has it that CultureMap's own adventure mama (social media editor), Fayza Elmostehi, will be showing off her paddling skills. You can participate or just encourage and cheerlead while grooving to a little zydeco music. Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

2011 Opera Vista Festival
What could best be compared as the American Idol of contemporary opera worldwide, Opera Vista begins its Festival with a performance of last year's winning work, And Then I Remember by Lembit Beecher, in collaboration with Sara Draper and Dancepatheatre. The American-Estonian composer found inspiration in his grandmother's stories, living through the two World Wars and being displaced in refugee camps, using her stories as the core of the opera. Saturday at 8 p.m.

AIDS Walk Houston 2011
Because you care. Because you are responsible neighbor. And because everyone needs to do their part to advance HIV/AIDS research so we can one day say goodbye to this worldwide epidemic and in the meantime, support programs that help those with HIV/AIDS live better lives. Sunday at 8 a.m.

My colleague's picks:

Assistant editor and bar savant Caroline Gallay's pick: Joe Dirt Feast at Alamo Drafthouse West Oaks
Caroline says: "Now that we know the theater is closing at West Oak Mall, there's no better time to plead our case for a move inside the Loop. Plus, who could resist a feast of thunderbeans and weiners? I dig it." Thursday at 7 p.m.

Indie music guru Jennifer Patterson's pick: Thee Oh Sees with Bare Wires at Fitzgerald's
Jennifer says: "Indie rockers Thee Oh Sees will stop in Houston before showcasing at South by Southwest for a second year. This band is loud — think Dead Kennedys' energy with the experimental antics of Ariel Pink". Thursday at 8 p.m.

Arts columnist and Dancehunter Nancy Wozny's pick: Bobbindoctrin's Seventh Annual Puppet Festival
Nancy says: "Nothing creeps me out like puppets, which is why I had a blast at Bobbindoctrin's Seventh Annual Puppet Festival. Expect rod, hand and shadow puppets along with a selection of fantastic films from Handmade Puppet dreams. The weirdest stuff came from Joel Orr himself, Bobbindoctrin's founder with Tommy.

I also found The Mania of Bonaparte: A One-Sided Epistolary by Paedarchy Puppets equal parts fun and strange. Matty Sidle's UNICYCLE BABY GUY, about a poor little creature who desires to make friends with the galaxy’s other creatures, is epically bizarre." Friday through Saturday.

Assistant editor and art authority Steven Thomson's pick: BOX 13 ArtSpace Fundraiser: "The Empty BOX"
Steven says: "BOX 13 represents the youthful frontier of Houston's art scene. If you're familiar with their programs, then this is your chance to support the innovative art space. And if you're seeking to be initiated to the East End enclave, capitalize on this fundraiser to get a glimpse of what's next." Saturday at 7 p.m.

Managing editor Chris Baldwin's pick: The Houston Rockets Tux & Tennies Gala
Chris says: "If you want to see your favorite Rocket in a relaxed environment, this is your chance. Something about the formal, yet silly, dress code (tuxedo jackets combined with sneakers — and often designer jeans for the players) seems to prompt fun interaction. And the roving Improv comedians don't hurt the atmosphere either.

Sure, if you haven't been at a game recently, you might not recognize many of the Rockets, but this suddenly young, madeover-on-the-fly team has sprinted back into at least the outside of the playoff chase. Better yet, this year’s gala benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and SNAP — Spay Neuter Assistance Program." Thursday at 6:30 p.m.