Spring Branch East - Houston, TX

Karl Kolbe was one of Spring Branch's earliest settlers; he arrived from Germany in 1830 to start a dairy farm along the fertile banks of the Spring Branch bayou. In 1889, the first school was opened, and more settlers discovered Spring Branch, starting farms and opening sawmills. When the attempt to make Spring Branch a city failed in the 1950s, the community was annexed by Houston.

Six small villages that were once part of the community weren't annexed; today, these are the Memorial Villages. Incorporated in the 1950s, these villages are situated south of Spring Branch East, extending along I-10. The villages include Spring Valley Village, Bunker Hill Village, Hedwig Village, Piney Point Village, Hunters Creek Village, and Hilshire Village.

Spring Branch East is home to a number of excellent Asian restaurants, mostly clustered around Long Point Road. EurAsia Fusion Sushi, a small but highly reviewed restaurant on Wirt Road, offers diners upscale ambiance and an interesting interpretation of traditional Japanese fare. A very large selection of traditional sushi rolls serves as the menu's foundation, joined by some unusual new combinations, such as superb peanut butter-stuffed jalapenos, a unique Texas treat. The miso and ramen soups are considered by locals as some of the best in Houston.

Vieng Thai, located on Long Point Road, serves fiery Thai food at very reasonable prices. This unpretentious BYO eatery is hidden in one of Long Point's ubiquitous strip malls. The plaa pad ped delivers crispy fried catfish in curry paste, exquisitely flavored with fresh basil leaves. For those who love authentic Thai soups, the tom kha gai has just the right balance of coconut milk and broth. As an appetizer or light nibble, don't miss the som tum, a spicy Thai salad made with green papayas.

If a cold brew is more your style, head straight to the Texas T Tavern on Brittmoore Road. This cozy dive bar, which is known for its strong drinks and casual vibe, hosts poker tournaments and a regular line-up of live music. Stop in on Tuesdays for trivia, or come in on a Sunday for karaoke.

Most residents of Spring Branch East use personal vehicles to get around town. The neighborhood has easy access to the 610 Loop, which in turn provides access to downtown via the North Freeway. Highway 290 and Interstate 10 open out to the West, and the Spring Branch neighborhood itself contains several major roadways. Some biking lanes are available, and most streets have sidewalks for pedestrians to safely access nearby destinations.

Freed Park and Community Center is located at 7020 Shadyvilla Lane. The park has an indoor gymnasium, a hiking and bicycle trail, a playground, and even a lighted sports field. Moritz Pech Family Park, located along Moritz Drive, has two playgrounds and a unique granite jogging trail that's leashed-dog-friendly. Eastern Spring Branch hosts a well-organized Polish festival each year on Blalock road, and residents often take the short jaunt into nearby Houston to catch the First Saturdays art festivals where they can pick up a local painting, statue, or craft for their home.

The average one-bedroom apartment in Spring Branch East rents for about $766 a month. Spring Branch's average price for gasoline is nine percent lower than the national average. A Metro Bus Day pass costs $3.25 in Zone 2 where Spring Branch East is located. This fare allows free transfers up to three hours in the same direction for the first two paid fares; a rider receives unlimited transfers after the third paid fare on that day.

Northwest Mall is one of Houston's original climate-controlled shopping centers. If you get hungry while perusing your couture options in the mall itself, there are several restaurants with specialties ranging from steak to pizza. Children love to take in a show at the Express Children's Theater, and don't forget to treat them with a stop by Dreyer's Ice Cream after the show. Upscale shoppers head for the gemstone creations available at Jewelry Master or check out the latest entertainment ideas from Posh Parties and Events. If you'd like a unusual treat to quench your thirst while you window shop, pop into the Royal Tea Cafe and try a Boba Tea.

Becker's Books on Westview Drive contains 3,500 square feet of book on subjects from Texan history to psychology to rare leather-bound vintage classics. The Beckers have owned and operated this Spring Branch institution since 1994, and they know their many long-time customers by both name and literary taste. Book lovers are enchanted by the floor-to-ceiling array of tempting tomes.

Eastern Spring Branch grocery shoppers can select from several nearby options. The Fiesta Mart, in keeping with the diverse cultural background of the neighborhood, is your best shot for finding a wide variety of ethnic foods and ingredients. Further down Wirt Road, a Kroger grocery store stocks more traditional grocery staples, and there's a Walmart on Long Point Road.