My blog

Tag: Highland Village

  • Republic Boot Co.

    Republic Boot Co.

    1133 E 11th Street

    Houston, TX 77009

    (832) 767-6586

    Texas Gifts

    Exceptional Texas Gifts & Shirts – Built to Last

    We take pride in painstakingly crafting the highest-quality gifts and shirts you’ll find anywhere. Every item is designed with the same dedication to excellence that defines all of our products — premium materials, meticulous construction, and attention to every detail.

    These aren’t just souvenirs — they’re lasting keepsakes. Our shirts are made for comfort and durability, holding their shape and color wash after wash. Our gifts are equally rugged, built to stand the test of time while still showcasing the beauty, heritage, and bold spirit of Texas.

    It’s no wonder these pieces have become ultra-popular favorites among our customers. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a fellow Texan at heart, these are must-haves for anyone who loves the Lone Star State.

    In a World of Cowboy Boots, Republic Boot Co Stands Apart

    When it comes to cowboy boots, there are two types of companies: mass-produced “ready-made” brands and small-batch custom bootmakers. Most major boot brands—Lucchese, Tony Lama, Nocona, Justin—are owned by private equity firms like Berkshire Hathaway. Meanwhile, many new direct-to-consumer startups are simply marketing operations selling factory-made boots from conglomerates in León, Mexico. On the other hand, traditional custom bootmakers are typically small teams of artisans crafting each pair by hand, often with wait times exceeding a year.

    Republic Boot Co bridges the gap—offering the best of both worlds.

    Founded with a unique vision, Republic blends the precision and efficiency of ready-made boots with the quality, character, and soul of custom craftsmanship. Our Houston bootshop delivers an immersive experience where visitors can watch custom boots being handcrafted while browsing our collection of ready-made boots and other finely made leather goods. For a taste of the experience, check out our YouTube channel.

    Thanks to our deep bench of master bootmakers, we offer truly custom boots in 7–9 months—without sacrificing quality. Our ready-made boots are built using the same techniques and standards as our custom line, with production managed to maintain consistency and affordability. Every pair is finished, modified, resoled, and quality-checked in our Houston shop. We are master bootmakers, and we stand behind every boot for life.

    A Legacy Rooted in Texas Grit

    The story of Republic Boot Co began in 2011, when founder Chris Conrad answered a divine calling to “Save Texas” by preserving its rich culture through handcrafted boots and leather goods. He and his wife liquidated their savings and opened a small Houston shop, assembling a team of the finest local craftsmen. Through years of dedication—marked by triumphs and trials worthy of the Texas Revolution itself—Republic Boot Co grew into an award-winning brand that embodies authenticity, heritage, and Texas pride.

    “Walking into our shop feels like stepping into a blend of museum, saloon, engineering lab, and John Wayne film. It’s not just retail—it’s an experience.”

    Our roots run deep. The Conrad family was among the first to settle in the Houston Heights in the late 1800s, and the shop today proudly honors that legacy.

    The Republic Family

    At the heart of Republic Boot Co is our incredible team—the soul of our success. Fireball Bill, our General Manager, is a true force of energy who never meets a stranger. He and his wife, Lucky Laura, manage daily operations with Texas charm. 

     Yoch manages the bootshop, while Spence oversees production. Adam B co-manages and is training to lead our new Fredericksburg location. St. Augustine is the best boot repairman west of the Mississippi. Our bootshop team is deep and incredible.

    Our extended Republic Family includes Coach, Gadi, Sauce, Alleyway Callaway, Jake, Ian, Haley, Adam Ray, Abby B & H, Alexa, Davin James, Pasadena James, Johnny Falstaff, Lara, Cuban Mario, Scottio, Italiano Cosimo, Bear Chase, and many more. Their dedication, talent, and heart have carried Republic through the years—and we are beyond grateful.

    We are Christ-centered, faith-driven, and deeply thankful for this calling. We love meeting new folks and sharing what we do.

    Come join us at Republic—and maybe even earn a bootshop nickname.

  • Beer Can House

    Beer Can House

    The Beer Can House
    The Beer Can House

    222 Malone

    Houston, TX 77007

    (713) 926-6368

    John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, started his project now known as the Beer Can House in 1968.

    The Beer Can House is a folk art house in Rice Military, Houston, Texas, covered with beer cans, bottles, and other beer paraphernalia. Houstonian John Milkovisch worked through the late 1960s to transform his Houston home at 222 Malone Street into the Beer Can House. The Beer Can House is now one of Houston’s most recognizable folk art icons. It is covered with flattened beer cans, bottle caps, bottles, and other beer ephemera. The house is estimated to include over 50,000 beer cans. Milkovisch started his project in 1968 laying thousands of marbles, rocks, brass figures and metal pieces in concrete blocks and redwood, all of which were used to make patios, fences, flower boxes, and an array of other items. The result was a yard with no grass, as the entire front and back yards were covered with cement. When asked why he did it, John simply answered, “I got sick of mowing the grass.”Today, the Beer Can House is owned and operated by The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, a non-profit organization founded in 1980 to preserve and present works of extraordinary imagination and provide people the opportunity to express personal artistic vision. In March 2004, John Milkovisch was named Man of the Week on Spike TV. In 2010 comedy news site Cracked.com said, “if there’s ever a vote on who the awesomest guy ever was, John Milkovisch ought to at least be on the ballot.”

  • Schulenburg

    Schulenburg

    SCHULENBURG
    SCHULENBURG

    SCHULENBURG

    With a motto of “Halfway to Everywhere,” Schulenburg is not only 1.5 hours from downtown Houston City but the same distance from Austin and San Antonio too.

    As a result, Schulenburg is a popular stopping point on Texas road trips. But we think it’s a destination in its own right!

    You’ll be greeted by a picturesque main street, rich Czech and German heritage, and lots of Southern comfort food. 

    To make the most of the latter, hit City Meat Market for BBQ and Potter Country Store for all kinds of pecan treats.

    The main attraction, however, is the Painted Churches, a series of 15 small cathedrals scattered around the area, of which 4 can be visited throughout the week. The others are either no longer functioning or open only on Sundays.

    CULTURE

    THE PAINTED CHURCHES

    This area of Texas is best know of its rich German and Czech heritage. When these settlers immigrated to Fayette County in the 1800’s, they brought their culture, food and faith. Following the deep traditions of the motherland, they built amazing churches that rival the cathedrals of Europe – known today as the “Painted Churches.” From the outside, they look like ordinary country churches, but inside you’ll find ornate altars, intricately painted frescoes and details that make you feel as if you’re standing in Old World Europe. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church of High Hill is considered the “Queen of the Painted Churches.” One step inside and you’ll understand why. St. John the Baptist Church in Ammansville is known as the “pink one” (at least inside.)  And Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church gives visitors a quaint view of religious life, but still in painted church glory.

     TEXAS POLKA MUSIC MUSEUM

    Another important part of German and Czech heritage is indeed music, specifically POLKA! Downtown on Schulenberg’s Main Street you’ll find the Texas Polka Music Museum. It’s full of instruments, pictures, outfits and a map showing every polka band in the Lone Star State. If your feet aren’t tapping by the time you leave, “czech” your pulse. For some real dancing, head to Sengelmann Hall on Wednesday nights or other special occasions. Find more on this venue down in the “food” section.

     STANZEL MODEL AIRCRAFT MUSEUM

    Another museum not to be missed is the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum honoring the Stanzel family and their rise to becoming one of the top model aircraft brands in the world. They were even inducted into the model aircraft hall of fame for their iconic “Tiger Shark” model. This well-done museum is full of models, maps and information on how “control-line” model airplanes work. I highly recommend it.

  • Perimeter Gallery Art&Framing Art Gallery

    Perimeter Gallery Art&Framing Art Gallery

    2635 Rice Blvd Ste E

    Houston, TX 77005

    (713) 521-5928

    perimeterart@outlook.com

    31 years in ❤️ Houston Rice Village 713.521.5928 Consultants, Art, Framing, Restore, Commercial & Residential Designers | Meets Style & Budget

    Our gallery consists of talented and dedicated professional Art Consultants, Interior Designers & Picture Framers – sincere to serve your arts and framing needs.

    We are here to help you select the right look for all artwork. From your child’s most recent schoolwork to the great masterpiece you’ve inherited. Be assured, each piece is treated with utmost respect, care, and attention.

    The Citizen of the Year Award by the Greater South West Houston Chamber of Commerce for connecting Commerce & Community was presented to Aubrey Mendonca.

    Perimeter Gallery won the 3rd Place Award for A Creative Display at the Texas Home & Garden Show, as well as others over the years.

    Our art and custom-framed pieces are featured in Australia, New Zealand & Japan as shared by our customers.