Another one bites the dust

"Progress" wipes out Forbidden Gardens; last days to see unique attraction

Photo by Tarra Gaines
Photo by Tarra Gaines
Photo by Tarra Gaines
Photo by Tarra Gaines
Photo by Tarra Gaines
Photo by Tarra Gaines

The Grand Parkway, State Highway 99, is on a collision course with one of America’s wackiest attractions, and wackiness is about to get run over.

Located off I-10 in Katy, The Forbidden Gardens, the self-described Chinese history and cultural museum, will officially close on Feb. 21 to make way for the Grand Parkway's expansion. But this is the last weekend to see it intact.

Listed by Time Magazine as one of the 50 top U.S roadside attractions and as one of America’s wackiest attractions by Tripadvisor.com, the Forbidden Gardens was built by Hong Kong businessman Ira Poon to “help promote knowledge of ancient Chinese history and culture,”according to the museum’s literature.

Forbidden Gardens consists of nine exhibits designed to educate visitors on Chinese history, including a miniature, but expansive, replica of the Forbidden City, a weapons room, and a 20-minute movie about the various exhibits.

Perhaps most impressive is the Terra Cotta Army, the 6,000 one-third sized replicas of the famous Terra Cotta Army of First Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di. Though this Texas version of the warriors might be slightly smaller in stature, standing in pits in the middle of a Katy field, their existence is rather wondrous. A brightly colored statue of the emperor is situated slightly above them, perhaps ready to command his army forward against the advancing Grand Parkway.

With the closing imminent, crowds having been making pilgrimages to get a last, and sometimes first, look. Forbidden Gardens’ office manager and web designer, Kristina Cortez, reports that 800 visitors came through the museum last Saturday and while the rest of area was watching the Super Bowl on Sunday, 1,000 visitors were watching the frozen warriors.

Sunday will be the final day to see the entire museum. From Feb. 14 through 17, Forbidden Gardens will be open, but the process of breaking down and removing the exhibits will have begun. The museum is in talks to sell the exhibits intact; however, some of the damaged or broken terra cotta warriors will be sold to the general public, along with everything else in the museum, excluding the major exhibits.

If any Houstonian is in need of some forbidden rocks, plants, refrigerators, or a damaged replica of a 2200 year old terra cotta warrior, the big sale runs February 19-21 at Forbidden Gardens.

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dancing days

Massive new country western dancehall now open in Southwest Houston

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

The wait for Houston’s newest destination for two stepping, boot scootin’, and line dancing has come to an end. Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon has officially opened its doors.

Located at Plazamericas, the Latin-themed shopping mall and entertainment complex in Southwest Houston (7500 Bellaire Blvd.), Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon offers almost 37,000 square feet of space, including a 2,500-square-foot “race-track” dance floor that’s designed for popular country dance styles such as two stepping and line dancing. It’s the company third location, joining a Dallas outpost that opened in 1989 and a San Antonio location that opened in 2003.

"We’re fired up to bring Cowboys Red River to Houston," said Scott Murphy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement. "For over 30 years, we’ve been the biggest, baddest honky-tonk in Texas — the kind of place where you can hold someone close on the dance floor or raise a little hell with your buddies and feel right at home either way. Now it’s Houston’s turn. With our race-track dance floor, top-tier live acts, and that Southern hospitality we’re known for, we’re bringing a whole lot of romance, energy, and Texas-sized fun to this city. Houston, grab your boots, a couple of friends, and let’s go have a damn good time.”

In order to entertain crowds that are expected to swell to as many as 2,000 people on busy nights, Cowboys Red River will feature performances by honky-tonk band Runnin’ Behind. In addition, Cowboys Red River expects to host between 12 and 15 national touring acts in its first year.

Other amenities include 1,700 parking spots, free valet for “unescorted ladies,” pool tables, and a mechanical bull. Cowboys Red River offers special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 7 pm until 3 am.

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

nightlife openings cowboys red river dance hall and saloon