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Our Best of 2025 list, an annual feature from the Avenue Property Group, highlights our favorites from media, shopping, dining and travel.
Every December I tell myself I’ll start this list earlier, and every December I lie. But this year, somehow, I actually did it. Maybe it’s because I finally stopped wrestling with Christmas lights and started focusing on the stuff that really matters—like ranking my favorite things of the year before the ball drops.
2025 didn’t exactly coast by quietly. Interest rates zigged, then zagged. Politics went off-script (again). The housing market tried on three different personalities. And yet, between all that noise, there were moments that still managed to make us laugh, think, or feel something real. That’s what this list celebrates.
As always, we’re rounding up the best of what we discovered this year – our favorite restaurants, weekend getaways, stories, podcasts, shows, and products that made life a little better or easier. You’ll probably disagree with a few picks, and that’s fine. The comment section’s open, so let’s hear your version of “the best of 2025.”
Happy Holidays
– Brian.
Each year, we round up the headlines that made us stop scrolling and actually read. 2025 didn’t disappoint. The world managed to serve up equal parts chaos and curiosity—global flare-ups, tech meltdowns, political theater, and a few wild moments closer to home. Here’s our rundown of the biggest, strangest, and most unforgettable stories of the year.
Global flashpoints are multiplying, and U.S. experts say 2025 could be the most dangerous year in recent memory. From Gaza and Ukraine to the Taiwan Strait and the southern border, the world’s hotspots are testing America’s limits like never before.
Big Tech is betting big on AI. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and others are pouring an extra $100 billion into data centers, chips, and infrastructure to stay ahead in the race. The spending spree is massive, the cash flow strong, and the stakes high – not just for them, but for NVIDIA and every company chasing the AI future.
America’s new tariff wave is shaking the global economy. After months of increases, U.S. trade barriers have reached levels not seen since the 1930s – slowing growth, raising prices, and cutting wages. Analysts warn the ripple effects could reshape industries worldwide, with durable goods, farming, and mining taking the hardest hits.
Millions of Americans flooded streets nationwide for the “No Kings” protests, pushing back against President Trump’s show of military power in Washington. From New York to small-town Michigan, demonstrators demanded restraint, democracy, and civility amid rising political tension and violence that marked one of the largest coordinated protests in U.S. history.
As urban populations surge, food insecurity is shifting from rural fields to city streets. Nearly 47 million Americans and 673 million people worldwide struggle to access enough nutritious food. Experts say the solution lies in transforming cities into food-growing hubs through urban farming, better distribution, and stronger local food systems.
We read a lot… books, blogs, news feeds, and the occasional late-night comment section we probably shouldn’t admit to. Still, every year a few stories stand out for being smarter, stranger, or just better than the rest. Here are the ones that stuck with us in 2025.
When 18-year-old Zach Yadegari revealed that he’d built a $30 million app yet was rejected by every Ivy League school, the internet erupted. Critics blamed his admissions essay – and that backlash reignited debate over how college essays reward privilege, punish honesty, and pressure teens to perform hardship. Many now argue it’s time to scrap them altogether.
Writer Michael Dean has launched a $10,000 essay competition asking a simple question with endless angles: “What’s it like to live in 2025?” The contest invites essays that capture this moment in time through personal experience, culture, or technology – aiming to publish standout entries as a snapshot of how it feels to live right now.
After more than two centuries, the Farmers’ Almanac is ending its remarkable run. The beloved publication – famous for its long-range weather forecasts and old-fashioned wisdom – announced that its 2026 edition will be its last. Editors thanked generations of loyal readers, marking the close of a 207-year chapter in American print history.
Crypto’s comeback has been staggering. After scandals and lawsuits nearly crushed the industry, it’s once again flush with cash and political influence. Both major U.S. parties now court crypto donors, and deregulation could soon unleash another speculative boom; one that critics warn could empower scammers as much as innovators.
Corporate profits are hitting record highs while nearly a million U.S. workers have lost their jobs this year – a phenomenon economists call a “jobless boom.” Experts say AI is boosting productivity but cutting labor demand, creating an odd mix of strong earnings, mass layoffs, and a shrinking pool of available workers.
There’s never a shortage of great books, but 2025 delivered more than its share of standouts. We mixed in fiction, nonfiction, and a few that stretched the brain on business and wealth-building. Some inspired, some surprised, and a couple left us questioning our life choices in the best way.
“The Side Hustle” is part motivation, part manual for anyone tired of waiting for permission to build something of their own. It breaks down how to turn small ideas into real income without quitting your day job. With sharp examples and a no-nonsense tone, it reminds you that success doesn’t require a leap; it starts with a step.
“Oversubscribed” digs into the art of creating demand so strong people line up to work with you, buy from you, or join your cause. It’s a playbook for turning scarcity into strategy, built on real-world examples and clear, actionable advice. The takeaway is simple but powerful—stop chasing customers, and start making them chase you.
“Stories That Stick” shows how the right story can do what data and slogans never will – make people care. Kindra Hall breaks down why storytelling drives connection, trust, and sales, then teaches you how to craft narratives that actually stick. It’s a smart, practical guide for anyone who needs to capture attention and move an audience to act.
Ione Skye’s Say Everything is a tender, unfiltered memoir about love, creativity, and self-discovery. She traces her journey from Hollywood’s spotlight to the quiet search for meaning beyond it, writing with warmth, wit, and self-awareness. It’s not a tell-all – it’s a thoughtful look at growing up, growing older, and finding peace in who you’ve become.
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told is Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally’s hilarious, offbeat take on marriage, fame, and the strange joy of finding your person. Told through conversations, photos, and playful banter, it feels less like a memoir and more like being invited into their living room. It’s honest, irreverent, and—underneath all the laughter—deeply sweet.
Podcasts have become the new soundtrack of daily life, replacing plenty of long-forgotten Audible credits along the way. Whether it’s business, true crime, or random trivia you didn’t know you needed, there’s something for everyone. These were the shows that kept us listening (and occasionally ignoring texts) in 2025.
For a quick, fact-based start to your day, listen to Morning Wire. Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe, the show delivers sharp, balanced coverage of politics, culture, and current events in about 15 minutes – perfect for staying informed without the noise.
The Online Marketing Made Easy podcast with Amy Porterfield offers actionable marketing strategies for entrepreneurs, bloggers, and business owners. Each episode delivers clear steps, whether you’re launching a new digital product or growing your email list, with a friendly, no-fluff style that makes complex tactics feel doable.
The MREA Podcast is a powerhouse for real-estate professionals who want more than just deals; they want predictable growth and systems that scale. Hosted by Jason Abrams of Keller Williams Realty, each episode dives into real tactics from top agents, lead generation, team building, tech stacks, and automation.
The Personal Finance Club Show turns finance talk into something you’ll actually feel like listening to. Hosts Jeremy Schneider and Jenn Mundia break down complex topics – index funds, 401(k)s, viral money hacks – into short, sharp episodes that make investing and personal finance clear and actionable.
The podcast Unobscured takes you behind the familiar stories of history and shows you a much deeper truth. Hosted by Aaron Mahnke, creator of the hit podcast Lore, each season focuses on a dark, misunderstood chapter in the past and gives you high-quality narrative storytelling plus expert historian interviews.
When you listen to podcasts everyday, you learn to really appreciate the special episodes – the ones that seperate themselves from the rest and leave you thinking. For me, these are the episodes that did this for me this year. They may not necessarily be from the podcasts listed above.
3 Questions That Determine Who You Really Are
The Mel Robbins Podcast | January 24, 2025
Clients for Life with Amy Stockberger
Real Estate Team OS | February 11, 2025
Actionable Steps to Manage Your Money Like a Boss with Tiffany Aliche
Online Marketing Made Easy | March 4, 2025
Subject Lines that Stop the Scroll
The Amy Porterfield Show | April 22, 2025
How Much Do We Really Know
Hidden Brain | May 19, 2025
How to Do a Mid-Year Reset for Your Business
Empire Building | July 7, 2025
Rates Dropping, Good Debt, and When to Pay Off Your Mortgage
The Personal Finance Club Show | September 24, 2025
Garrett Maroon on Finding Freedom Beyond Hustle Culture
Everything Life & Real Estate | November 11, 2025
20+ Ways to Make, Save & Grow Money (in 30 Minutes of Less)
Empire Building | October 6, 2025
We’ve long since given up on mainstream radio. Whatever’s playing there isn’t for us. Most of what we listened to in 2025 came from the Americana side of things, where the writing’s sharper and the stories still matter. Call it country before it lost its soul.
Norther, the latest from Shane Smith and the Saints, hits like a cold wind and a prayer. It’s raw, cinematic, and full of that gravel-throated energy the band’s known for. With soaring harmonies and driving fiddle lines, it feels built for open highways and late-night fires, proof the Saints are still carrying Texas grit straight into modern Americana.
Amanda Shires’ “Nobody’s Girl” cuts deep with sharp lyrics and aching honesty. Her voice moves between defiance and vulnerability, backed by a haunting blend of fiddle and steel. It’s equal parts heartbreak and liberation; a reminder that claiming your independence sometimes means standing in the wreckage and smiling anyway.
“The Price of Admission” by Turnpike Troubadours feels like a slow burn through heartache and hard truth. Evan Felker’s voice carries the weight of regret and resolve, wrapped in the band’s signature mix of grit and grace. It’s a song about what love costs—and why some lessons only sink in once you’ve paid in full.
“Son of Dad” by Stephen Wilson Jr. is raw, powerful, and deeply human. It’s a son’s reckoning with loss and legacy, sung with the ache of someone still learning how to carry both. The mix of rock grit and country soul gives it muscle, but the heart of the song is pure emotion – a tribute that feels as lived-in as it does timeless.
Marc Scibilia’s “More to This” is a reflective, quietly stirring track that questions what really matters beneath all the noise. His smooth, soulful delivery pairs with warm, understated production to create a song that feels intimate yet universal. It’s the kind of tune that sneaks up on you—gentle at first, then suddenly heavy with meaning.
After a few years of streaming dominance, 2025 proved that theaters are officially back in business. Big screens, packed seats, and popcorn that somehow costs more than lunch, it all made a comeback. Still, every release now seems to spark the same debate: hit play at home or make the trip to the theater?
F1: The Movie follows veteran driver Sonny Hayes, played by Brad Pitt, as he’s pulled out of retirement to mentor a rising star and prove he still belongs on the track. Set in the high-stakes world of Formula One, it’s a visceral ride that captures both the glory and the cost of chasing greatness.
Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning finds Ethan Hunt racing to stop a rogue AI weapon capable of reshaping global power. As old allies return and loyalties fracture, he faces impossible choices that test his limits, his conscience, and the true cost of saving both his team and the world.
The Accountant 2 finds Ben Affleck’s Wolff pulled back into danger when a former client’s murder exposes a powerful criminal network. Teaming up with a Treasury agent and his estranged brother, he’s forced to confront a conspiracy that cuts close to home, testing his code, his loyalty, and the line between justice and revenge.
Echo Valley stars Julianne Moore as a mother whose quiet life on a rural horse farm shatters when her daughter, played by Sydney Sweeney, arrives covered in someone else’s blood. As dark secrets unfold and danger closes in, a desperate fight for survival forces both women to confront the past they’ve tried to bury.
The Gorge follows Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as elite assassins from opposing sides who meet by chance and form an uneasy alliance. As their missions collide, trust gives way to tension, and survival means confronting the line between duty and desire in a world where no one is truly innocent.
Breaking Bad may have kicked off the binge-watching era, but 2025 proved the obsession is alive and well. With every streaming platform fighting for attention, it’s easier than ever to lose an entire weekend to “just one more episode.” Here are the shows that completely pulled us in this year.
Smoke is a tense, slow-burn thriller that follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen and detective Michelle Calderone as they hunt a pair of serial fire-starters across the Pacific Northwest. Gritty, well-acted, and packed with simmering tension, it keeps you hooked until the final spark dies out.
Trying is a sweet, quirky dramedy that follows Nikki and Jason, a thirty-something London couple who desperately want a baby but find themselves navigating the chaotic world of adoption instead. With their hilarious friends and dysfunctional family in tow, they learn that building a family means more heart, mess, and laughter than they ever expected.
Running Point follows former party-girl Isla Gordon, who unexpectedly takes charge of her family’s pro basketball team. She must prove she’s more than a placeholder – navigating boardroom battles, locker-room drama, and her own reputation, all while trying not to lose the game and her place in the family.
The Diplomat follows U.S. Ambassador Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) as she steps into her high-profile post in London amid an international crisis, all while juggling the complex politics at work and the fracturing relationship with her ex-husband Hal (Rufus Sewell). Fans of West Wing and The American President will love the writing in this show.
Stick stars Owen Wilson as Pryce Cahill, a washed-up golf pro looking for redemption when he takes a gifted teen under his wing. What begins as a long shot at revival turns into a sharp, funny, and heartfelt story about second chances, mentorship, and finding purpose when life slices you off the fairway.
The App Store and Google Play love to rank apps by downloads, but that doesn’t tell the full story. We all have a few that just sit there collecting digital dust. So instead, here’s our list of the apps we actually use every day; the ones that make life smoother, smarter, or just more fun. Maybe one will earn a spot on your home screen too.
Affinity Studio is a sleek creative tool that proves design software doesn’t have to be clunky or overpriced. It’s fast, intuitive, and loaded with pro-level features that make photo editing, illustration, and layout feel effortless. Whether you’re a designer or just someone who likes clean, powerful tools, this one earns its place on your desktop. What’s more… it’s completely free.
Blackmagic Cam turns your phone into a filmmaker’s toolkit. It delivers professional-level controls – ISO, shutter angle, LUTs, and audio levels – without the fuss. The interface is clean, the footage looks cinematic, and it feels built for creators who actually know what they’re doing. It’s hands down the best way to shoot serious video without hauling a rig.
The Holy Bible app makes daily scripture reading simple, personal, and accessible anywhere. With countless translations, audio options, and reading plans, it fits faith into real life instead of the other way around. Whether you’re studying deeply or just need a little peace in your day, it delivers the Word with clarity and ease.
Reeder is the kind of app that makes staying informed feel calm again. It pulls all your news and RSS feeds into one clean, minimalist space with no clutter or noise. Fast, elegant, and endlessly customizable, it turns scrolling into something closer to focus, a quiet way to keep up without getting lost in the feed.
ChatGPT is like having a sharp, tireless thinking partner in your pocket. It helps you write, plan, brainstorm, or just make sense of ideas faster than you thought possible. The app feels intuitive and conversational, turning complex tasks into quick, clear answers—it’s less like using a tool and more like having a smart friend who never runs out of energy.
Katy and Fulshear diners have been craving something new for years: less drive-thru, more flavor. In 2025, the food scene finally delivered. Local spots stepped up with creative menus, fresh ideas, and just enough personality to make eating out exciting again.
Fogo de Chao hit Katy like a perfectly seasoned sirloin – bold, polished, and a little addictive. The service runs like clockwork, the salad bar could double as a work of art, and the endless parade of gauchos with skewers makes it impossible to say no. Pricey? Sure. Worth it for a special night or client dinner? Absolutely.
On the Kirb feels like that rare spot that nails both the vibe and the menu. You can grab a craft beer, watch the game, and still eat like you care about what’s on your plate. The pizzas hit just right, the burgers are solid, and the energy always hums without being too loud. It’s Katy casual done right.
Rail & Rye is the kind of place that makes a small-town night feel big. Set inside a restored building with plenty of charm, it serves up steaks, craft cocktails, and live music that never feels forced. The bartenders know their stuff, the crowd’s easygoing, and the food consistently overdelivers for a spot off 290.
Katy Kickoff packs the energy of a Friday night game into a restaurant. It’s lively, local, and built for people who love good food with their football talk. The wings are top-tier, the burgers never miss, and the TVs seem perfectly placed from every seat. It’s the go-to hangout before or after anything Katy football.
Fulshear’s Fieldhouse has that small-town sports bar feel with just enough polish to make it a go-to for locals. The food’s dependable, the beer’s cold, and the staff keeps things moving even on packed nights. Whether it’s family dinner or game day with friends, it’s the kind of place you settle into and stay longer than planned.
We know the holidays are here and your calendar’s already packed, but this is actually the best time to start planning next year’s getaways. The good spots book fast, and a little foresight beats another “we’ll figure it out later” weekend. Here are five Texas escapes worth locking in early for 2025.
Chalk Bluff is the kind of Texas getaway that reminds you how good it feels to unplug. Sitting along the Nueces River, it’s all about clear water, campfires, and no rush to be anywhere. Families float, fish, and grill while kids chase minnows in the shallows. It’s rustic, simple, and exactly the kind of escape most of us need.
Old Baldy in Wimberley is one of those climbs that looks easy from the bottom, until you hit stair number fifty. The payoff, though, is worth every step. At the top, you get sweeping Hill Country views that make you forget how out of breath you are. Go early, bring water, and enjoy one of the best quick hikes in Texas.
Monahans Sandhills delivers a landscape you don’t expect in Texas—rolling dunes, endless horizon, and silence that stretches for miles. Visitors hike, sled, or just sit and watch the light shift across the sand. It’s simple, raw, and worth the trip for anyone who likes wide-open spaces and zero distractions.
Sewell Park in San Marcos blends college energy with river calm. On sunny days, students and locals spread out along the banks, tubing, tossing frisbees, or diving into the spring-fed water. It’s clean, refreshing, and easy to spend a whole afternoon doing nothing but enjoying the shade and the current.
Caddo Lake is Texas at its most mysterious. Cypress trees rise from dark, glassy water draped in Spanish moss, and every turn of the canoe feels like you’re discovering something hidden. It’s quiet, humid, and unforgettable at sunrise when the mist hangs low. Bring a camera, a kayak, and time to explore.
At this point, I’m pretty sure the Amazon delivery guy deserves a Christmas card. He’s basically part of the family. He shows up, drops off the goods, and never judges my order history. This year we found some products that genuinely impressed us, and with early Black Friday deals already rolling, it’s the perfect time to grab a few favorites.
This jewelry armoire is both stylish furniture and serious storage. The 63-inch fluted mirror gives a full view while the inside keeps every piece organized. The 360-degree swivel, LED lighting, and built-in locks make it feel high-end without the price tag; functional, secure, and sharp in any bedroom.
The Homegroove Cat Exercise Wheel turns lazy indoor cats into cardio champs. Built from sturdy wood with a carpeted runway, it runs smooth and quiet, even at night. The safety lock keeps things under control when you’re away, and setup’s simple enough for anyone. It’s durable, safe, and perfect for cats that need to move more and shred less furniture.
I’ve tried every email platform out there, and FloDesk is the one that actually gets it right. Clean design, simple automation, and zero tech headaches. It’s built for creators who want great-looking emails without wasting time on setup. Best part—they’re offering 50% off, which makes it an easy yes.
I’ve used American Blinds for multiple rental properties, and the quality’s been solid across the board. The fit is clean, the materials last, and pricing at 45% off makes it tough to beat. If those bent or broken blinds have been bugging you for months, this is the time to swap them out.
I finally upgraded to the National Tree Company 7.5-foot Douglas Fir, and it’s everything a Christmas tree should be. Full branches, lifelike texture, and lighting that shifts from warm white to multicolor with a tap of the foot pedal. Setup takes less than an hour, and it looks good enough to pass for real. At 49% off, it’s the smartest holiday splurge you’ll make.
The Coolife 3-piece luggage set checks every box for frequent travelers. Lightweight, durable, and smooth-rolling, it handles airports like a pro. The nested design saves closet space, and the TSA locks add peace of mind. After several trips, mine still look brand new. At $139.99 for all three, this deal’s too good to pass up.
I use the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for business video, and it flat-out delivers. The 4K/120fps footage looks incredible, even in low light, and the stabilization makes every shot look pro-level without extra gear. Face tracking keeps everything crisp and centered, and setup takes seconds. For how small it is, the video quality is unreal.
I switched to SiteGround for my web hosting about a year ago, and it’s been flawless since day one. Fast load times, real support, and zero downtime. After trying several hosts, this one finally just works. And right now, you can move your site over for as low as $2.99 a month, it’s an easy upgrade that actually pays off.
A fried of mine recently stepped into my office and told me that she felt like I could use a little Jesus in my life. She then handed me ‘a little Jesus’. It was a fun play on words, but really it made me feel special. And ever since, I look at it on my desk literally every day.
Anyone who’s every had outdoor umbrella’s in Texas knows that you rarely get more than one season out of them before the material starts to fade and tear. I found these replacement canopies that are excellent quality and much cheaper than replacing the entire umbrella. What’s more – they fit like a glove.
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, you should really look at Apple Card. The rates are on-par with other providers, but their benefits and cash rewards are amazing. What’s more, when paired with Apple’s High Yield Savings account, you can get it to deposit your rewards automatically.
The Canoly C16 Cold Press Juicer makes fresh juice feel easy again. The wide feed chute fits whole apples and carrots, so there’s no endless chopping, and the motor runs quiet but strong. I’ve used it for juice, sorbet, and almond milk – all came out smooth and clean. It’s sturdy, simple to wash, and worth every bit of its $239 price tag.
These Luxfuel glass bottles are the real deal for anyone who juices or preps drinks ahead. The glass is thick, the caps seal tight, and nothing leaks, even when tossed in a bag. I use them for fresh juice from the Canoly and cold brew in the fridge. Ten bottles for under thirty bucks makes this set a no-brainer for everyday use.
The 500ml essential oil diffuser turns any room into a calm, spa-like space. It runs whisper-quiet, offers adjustable mist settings, and includes a remote for easy control. The 14-color LED lighting adds a soft glow that works as both a nightlight and a mood booster. It’s simple, reliable, and makes any space instantly more relaxing.
I’ve got the Klipsch R-41Ms on my desk, and they make everything sound better—music, calls, even YouTube videos. The highs are crisp, the lows hit clean, and the detail is unreal for their size. They look sharp, too, with that copper driver and wood-grain finish. Small footprint, big sound, zero regrets.
So that’s it. That’s our list for 2025! What do you think? What would you add, and why? We’ve opened up the comments section below because we want to hear from you. So let us have it! And until next year, have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Want more? Check out our previous Best-Of lists:
* Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Associates program and may earn from qualifying purchases.
