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Hermann Park moves full steam ahead with new electric trains

The new electric trains have enhanced one of the park's most popular features.

Hermann Park Conservancy/Facebook

Hermann Park continues its quest to be more environmentally friendly with the introduction of two new electric locomotives on the historic train ride. They begin operation this weekend. It is the first upgrade to the trains since 2008.

“The introduction of the electric trains to the Park represents a leap forward in our commitment to environmental stewardship and visitor experience,” said Hermann Park Conservancy president and CEO Cara Lambright. “We are deeply grateful to ExxonMobil and the McGovern Foundation for their generous support, which not only preserves but elevates the Hermann Park Railroad as a premier attraction for visitors of all ages.”

Riding the rails through the park has been a part of Houstonians’ visits to the Houston Zoo, Museum of Natural Science, and McGovern Gardens since 1957. Children especially love the chance to tour the grounds in carriages drawn by the miniature locomotives.

The two new electric engines are designed to look like 1863 C.P. Hunting locomotives, just as the previous trains on the railroad did. The biggest difference riders will notice is smoother travel and a lack of fumes blowing back.

Updating the trains was made possible through the sponsorship of ExxonMobil and the John P. McGovern Foundation. Each institution was allowed to name the trains, resulting in the The ExxonMobil Express and the Dr. Jack Express. The latter is named after John McGovern, an allergist whose stewardship of the park with his wife, Katherine, has been responsible for many improvements the area over the years.

“The McGovern Foundation is delighted to dedicate one of the new electric locomotives,” said Julia Mitchell of the John P. McGovern Foundation. “The Foundation supported the original upgrade to the railroad in 2008. We cannot wait to wave to the thousands of smiling Houstonians enjoying their rides in the Park with the Dr. Jack Express leading the way!”

Not to be outdone, ExxonMobil is sponsoring Ride the Rails week. Admission to the railroad will be free from August 31 to September 6, 2024. It’s an excellent chance to sample the benefits of electric vehicles in public spaces.

The switch to electric locomotives compliments the six years of green upgrades to the nearby Houston Zoo for its centennial celebration. The new Birds of the World exhibit includes a state-of-the-art aviary with upgraded irrigation systems for water conservation and new electric infrastructure that helps the zoo save 50,000 kwh per year.

In April, the park debuted the Commons, a 26-acre section features new playgrounds, hiking trails, and renovations to the Historic Fannin Pavilion. Taken together, going to the Hermann Park complex of attractions has never been greener.

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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