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    Justin and Kate on H-town

    Kate Upton and Justin Verlander reveal their 5 favorite Houston haunts

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 28, 2019 | 1:00 pm
    Houston Astros Team Up 4 Kids and K9s 2019 Justin Verlander and Kate Upton
    Verlander and Upton share their favorite places to visit in Houston in the New York Times.
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz

    Houston once again is in the national media spotlight. This time, it's courtesy of Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander and his ultra-glam, supermodel wife, Kate Upton, who dish to the New York Times on their five places to visit in the Bayou City. While neither was born in Texas, they got here as quickly as they could, as the saying goes, and they say they've become immersed in the energy of their new hometown.

    With the addition of their baby, Genevieve, and Verlander inking a deal with the Astros to stick around until 2021, Upton and Verlander definitely consider themselves Houstonians. Having the dynamic duo sing the city's praises should increase that intense local pride and serve as a reminder to all that Houston is totally celeb-worthy.

    So, where do Verlander and Upton like to hang out? Here are some of their favorite spots they share with the Times, broken down by neighborhood.

    Downtown
    No surprise that Minute Maid Park made the couple's list of favorite places in Houston. It is, after all, a home away from home for them. Verlander touted the enthusiasm of fans when the team won the 2017 World Series. "Feeling that atmosphere in the ballpark was amazing," he says. Meanwhile, Upton talked about how she and Verlander's brother have a superstition they follow. "We eat popcorn to get hits."

    EaDo
    Kate Upton — who needs no introduction, as she's often called one of the world's most beautiful women — does a serious name drop of her own when she shares her love of Nancy's Hustle (which won Restaurant of the Year at this year's Tastemaker Awards). "My friend Bailey McCarthy introduced me to it, and it is the best burger I have ever had," she tells the Times. "They use an English muffin instead of a bun, and it really just enhances the flavors."

    There was a bit of bickering between the couple when Upton told Verlander, a self-professed burger lover, about the dish. When she insisted they stop in after a game, though, his skepticism vanished. "..[It] really is to die for," he said. Upton clarifies. "[He] said the burger was in the top three [that he'd eaten]." Verlander, clearly sold, does have one significant question: "But does it count as a burger if it’s on an English muffin?"

    Montrose
    Who doesn't like meandering around Montrose, with its funky shops and headlining bars and restaurants? Those who do this routinely might run into the power couple, who told the Times they love the trendy neighborhood. Upton gave shout-outs to home good store Biscuit, Texas honkytonk Goodnight Charlie's, and the Chris Shepherd-led UB Preserve. Verlander offered a pro tip: "[G]oing on a Monday is sometimes better because it’s not as crowded."

    Museum District
    Houstonians understand that our hot, sticky summers come with the package of living in one of the most dynamic cities on the planet. But those who come here from cooler climes tend to get summer shock over how high the mercury can climb. That's definitely the case with Upton and Verlander. Houston summers get so hot, Upton explained, that she and her hubby went looking for things to do where there's air conditioning (yes, we know, that's nearly everywhere). Their hunt for cool led them to the Menil Collection, which Upton called "an awesome art collection."

    River Oaks
    The sports and media power couple lived for a time at the intersection of Upper Kirby and River Oaks, so they're more than familiar with the area — especially where to eat. Tucked away behind a hedge, Tiny Boxwoods is an oasis in Houston's hustle and bustle. Upton raves about its charcuterie board, but Verlander veers toward the burger. "I went there one day before start day — a day I was pitching — and I was looking at the menu and saw the ‘Lucky Burger’ and I was like well, I guess that’s what I better get," he told the Times. "And then I pitched well that game."

    Those looking for a little luck of their own — and maybe some star spotting — might take note.

    where-to-eathouston-astrosmuseumswhere-to-shopcelebrities
    news/city-life

    always be prepared

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

    Amber Heckler
    Apr 20, 2026 | 2:15 pm
    Community Service Bag packing
    Getty Images
    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 weekendemergency suppliestexas
    news/city-life

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