What are the five best things to see and do in Houston?
As the fourth largest city in the country, Houston has something for everyone. Here are five things you must take advantage of if you’re visiting the Bayou City:
1. The Museum District: Within a 1.5 mile radius of the Mecom Fountain, you’ll find 18 different museums ranging from the light-hearted to the heavy-hitting. Take in a variety of them by purchasing a CityPass, which gets you into five museums for the price of one. Whether fine art is your specialty or you want to take the kids to the zoo, the Museum District has something for you to enjoy. Filled with parks and monuments, this Houston neighborhood is certainly one that you can’t miss. You can even pack a picnic to take to Hermann Park located in the heart of the Museum District.
2. Saint Arnold Brewing Company: Close to downtown, you’ll find Texas’ oldest craft brewery. Beer enthusiasts flock to the three-story building for its tours, which come complete with a visit to the tap and a souvenir glass. This small-time brewery is gaining recognition as craft beers are becoming more and more popular. We love the Weedwacker beer, which is a Bavarian hefeweizen, but the Summer Pils is also nice and refreshing as it is a bohemian-style pilsner in the true sense of the word. If you fall in love with the craft beer, and we know you will, you can find Saint Arnold beers in specialty stores throughout the country.
3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: You have to go to a rodeo while you’re in Texas, don’t you? From February to March, you can check off your Texas to-do list by cheering on the bull riders at the world’s largest rodeo in Reliant Stadium. Saddle up to take in something like you’ve never seen before - the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is home to everything from poultry auctions to live concerts by big stars. There is even a carnival to make the rodeo into an all day affair. Whether you are looking to buy a nice steer or just want to check out the petting zoo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the place to go. The best part is that the rodeo is one big charity, granting Texas students thousands of scholarships each year.
4. Rice University: This school is one of the South’s most prestigious, and is worth a visit if you’re in Houston. Walk around the heavily wooded 295-acre campus and take in its impressive landscape and architecture. You may feel like you are in the most recent Harry Potter movie as you explore the campus with a plethora of gothic buildings. Situated in the middle of one of the largest hospital districts in the world, Rice University is definitely a sight to see.
5. Downtown Tunnels: You can take a break from Houston’s blazing sun by moving below street-level to the underground tunnel system. It runs below the downtown buildings and is complete with its own restaurants, shops and newsstands. Though you will be rubbing elbows with the business folk as you wander underneath the streets of downtown, it makes for an unforgettable experience. Only in Texas will you find a city that keeps growing - even underground.
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On May 10Hayley Bosch answered the question:
What’s the best time to visit Houston?
As the largest city by population in Texas, there's always something to do in Houston — it's just the weather that dictates when you actually want to leave the comfort of the air conditioning. If you aren't one for the heat, it's best to avoid Houston in the summer when it is unbearably humid and just as hot. Personally, I'm a big fan of late winter/early spring in Houston. One of my favorite events of all time hits the city and there's such a great vibe. In February and March (it changes every year), the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo takes over Reliant Stadium (where the Houston Texans play) and the surrounding Reliant Park. It's three weeks of country western fun, concerts nightly and even a fair aspect — think rides, games and tons of fried food. Of course, you can't experience the rodeo without trying some good Texas barbecue. Each year the three-week extravaganza kicks off with a barbecue competition.
By March, the weather is warming up to pleasant temps, making it a great time to experience the outdoor areas that Houston has to offer. Whether you're running through Memorial Park or soaking up the big city vibe at Discovery Green downtown, the city has a lot of great spots to enjoy the weather before it gets too hot. Spring is also crawfish season, which is always fun to experience — whether you have friends throwing a crawfish boil or heading to a shack for a feast, it's a must. By the time June rolls around, the only thing you'll want to do is lounge by the pool (more likely in the pool) when you aren't inside enjoying the air conditioning.
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On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the best events this weekend in Houston?
This weekend in Houston, you don't want to miss the 26th Annual Art Car Parade, the largest of its kind in the world. Scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. off of Allen Parkway, the annual event draws masses of people from far and wide, and is a fun and exciting event for the entire family.
If you're an interior design buff, or simply want to see what designers are up to these days, plan to spend a morning or afternoon viewing homes as part of the American Society of Interior Designers home show, where you'll get to explore a fully designed, 6,000-plus square foot home in Sugar Land.
Ballet lovers won't want to miss the free showing of Madame Butterfly at the Miller Outdoor Theater, showing both Friday and Saturday May 10 and 11, 2013.
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On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What is the one must-do activity when visiting Houston?
You could literally spend a whole weekend revolved around eating and drinking in Houston. From the explosive new restaurant scene, to the ethnic pockets of restaurants -- Asian, Indian, African, Mexican, to the barbecue circuit, the burger trail, the taco truck tour, Vietnamese crawfish crawl, to the ultimate steak indulgence, a visit to Houston without eating would be a sin.
Best bets for a few days in Houston would be to get a taste of barbecue at Gatlin’s in the Heights or during the weekend at the new Killen’s pop-up barbecue in Pearland. Indulging in Tex-Mex of some kind is obligatory, especially the fajitas -- good bets would be El Tiempo, Pappasito’s, Ninfa’s on Navigation, Molina’s Cantina, or Teotihuacan.
Steak is a necessary indulgence. We get some of the best steak this side of the country, and it would be a shame to miss out. Taste of Texas, Perry’s Steakhouse, Killen’s in Pearland, and Vic & Anthony’s are homegrown restaurants worth a visit, while chains like Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, Eddie V’s, and Morton’s have their place.
For burgers, I recommend the mega-burgers. Those thick-cut kobe or akaushi burgers that will stay in your memory a long time. Visit Mockingbird Bistro, Max’s Wine Dive, RDG + Bar Annie, BRC Gastropub, Brooklyn Athletic Club, the Burger Guys for excellent renditions of the all-American staple.
For crawfish, everyone has their favorite, but the Vietnamese crawfish phenomenon is something Houston delivers with panache. Try LA Crawfish, Hank’s Crawfish, Wild Cajun, Crawfish and Noodles, and Seafood Shoppe for some excellent representation. -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the best attractions in Houston?
The 26th Annual Houston Art Car Parade, May 9-11, 2013
The biggest parade of it's kind, the annual event attracts entries from all over the country, culminating in a parade of gargantuan proportions with approximately forty fantastically decorated cars on display. From the traditional to the wild and wacky, hugely colorful, delightfull embellished, futuristically impossible, the art car parade has it all.
Free Press Summer Fest, June 1 and June 2, 2013
Houston is heating up this summer with the Free Press Summer Fest, featuring two days’ worth of non-stop music and fun at Eleanor Tinsley Park this coming June 1 and 2. The lineup this year features headliners like The Postal Service, Arctic Monkeys, Passion Pit, Bassnectar -- approximately forty bands total. Plan to get sweaty, rock ‘n roll, and have the time of your life when thousands of music fans descend upon FPSF 2013. Basic general admission passes are $120; Fancy pants passes are $255; High roller package for two is $1800 presale. For more information, visit: fpsf.com
The Houston Zoo.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Home to more than 6,000 animals, get your fill of giraffe or monkey gazing, see a live dragon, or observe the African lions and pet a non-poisonous snake. The Houston Zoo is the perfect place for animal lovers to congregate, and for childen and adults alike to learn more about all the animals that inhabit our planet.
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On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the best concert venues in Houston?
The largest concert venues like Toyota Center or Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion may attract the biggest name stars like Beyonce or Justin Timberlake, but they aren't necessarily the best. Houston's best concert venues provide standing room only, where, if you're early enough or pushy enough, you can carve a space for yourself in the middle of the crowd, and sing along or dance along with the live music. Favorites include: Fitzgerald's, Last Concert Cafe, Continental Club, and Mucky Duck for indie and local bands; House of Blues, Warehouse Live, and Bayou Music Center for more mainstream acts.
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On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the best spas in Houston?
Trellis at The Houstonian. Trellis at the Houstonian is the closest you’ll find to a spa oasis in Houston. The 17,000 square foot facility boasts 21 treatment rooms and a true full service spa offering facial, massage, body treatments, and a salon services. You can luxuriate in the indoor jacuzzi and steam room, or relax in the tranquility room or courtyard as you take a moment out of time to indulge in spa bliss.
The Spa at the Four Seasons. Quality and luxury precedes the name Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Houston, and you can expect no less at their spa. The full service facility offers treatment packages and facials, massages, scrubs, and more. A cool service they offer to beat the heat is called “Spa Tapas” -- little ditties performed poolside like the Tropical Foot Smoother or the Mango Mini Massage, a non-traditional way to indulge and relax while enjoying their beautiful rooftop pool. -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
Which five Houston restaurants are best for brunch?
1. Hugo’s. You can get mimosas, margaritas, live mariachi music, and award-winning food. James Beard-nominated Hugo’s famous Sunday buffet brunch is always packed, and with good reason: It’s one of the best in town. Featuring regional Mexican brunch items, you can get everything from a hand-stirred Mexican hot chocolate, to a decadent shrimp salad, to fantastic mole topped enchiladas, or finger-licking ribs. The dessert stand is a pure joy, with a myriad of choices including flan, tres leches, churros, fresh fruit and more.
2. Triniti. If you’re looking for fantastic food in a gorgeous setting, look no further than Triniti for brunch. With mains that include their deliciously decadent Mascarpone-stuffed Monkey Bread or their incredible Six-Minute egg, perched tremulously atop a bed of barley and finished off with a caramelized, chunk of sous-vide pork belly. Sides like their creamy grits or collard greens are just $6, and the cocktail list, which includes $5 bloody marys and $3 mimosas, puts everyone in good mood. A DJ spins tunes to enhance an already lively ambiance, perfect for couples, groups, or families.
3. Max’s Wine Dive. Gourmet comfort food is a hit with almost everyone, and at Max’s Wine Dive, they deliver it with the utmost reverence, turning out plates of achingly beautiful red velvet pancakes or so-good-you-could-have-it-for-dessert creme brulee french toast. Served from Friday through Sunday, at Max’s, you don’t have to wait until Sunday to start sipping those delicious mimosas.
4. Brennan’s. Brennan’s embodies Southern elegance. If you want the fine dining with all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it, this is the place to indulge in a scrumptious three-course brunch, with your choice of items like a traditional eggs benedict or their signature silver cart service bananas foster for dessert.
5) Brooklyn Athletic Club. You’ll fall in love with this restaurant the minute you see the mini putting green cum croquet area sandwiched between the two attractive decks out front. This restaurant perfectly captures that New England athletic club feel while also serving some of the most deliciously decadent food on the planet. Brunch items change weekly, but the s’mores bread pudding and regular menu items like their reuben is always available. -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What is public transportation like in Houston?
Due to the fact that Houston’s configuration is spread out, most people in Houston rely on cars as their main mode of transport. For public transportation, those without a private vehicle can ride bikes, or utilize the Metro system, which includes bus service and the Light Rail servicing The Medical Center to Downtown Houston. More information on the Metro system can be found here: www.ridemetro.org.
For those enjoying the nightlife around Houston, we have a wonderful service called The Wave, a shuttle service that operates from Thursdays to Sundays for a nominal fee, servicing most almost all of the Inner Loop 610 areas.
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On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What’s happening this weekend in Houston?
There are so many activities around Houston this weekend that it’s just a matter of taking your pick to see what interests you.
Friday evening, May 9, 2013:
6:30 p.m. - Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s “Spirit of the Bayou” boat will be conducting a bat tour along the Buffalo Bayou
7:00 p.m. - At the Wortham Theater, Sophia Loren will be on hand to speak as part of the Brilliant Lecture series.
7:00 p.m. - The 26th Annual Art Car Parade Art Car Ball will take place
8:00 p.m. - Mercury presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Symphony No. 5
8:00 p.m. - Alley Theatre will present Warrior Class
8:00 p.m. - Houston Ballet will perform Madame Butterfly for free at the Miller Outdoor Theater
Saturday, May 10, 2013:
10:00 a.m. - American Society of Interior Designers Show Home Tour
10:00 a.m. - 39th Annual Galveston Historic Homes Tour
11:00 a.m. - Pop Shop Houston at Spring Street Studios will present an arts and crafts fair with music.
1:00 p.m. - The 26th Annual Houston Art Car Parade will take place at Allen Parkway
8:00 p.m. - Houston Ballet will present Madame Butterfly at Miller Outdoor Theater
8:00 p.m. - Houston Symphony will present Chopin and Beethoven at Jones Hall
Sunday, May 11, 2013:
Local restaurants will be offering brunch specials in celebration of Mother’s Day.
11:00 a.m. Bellaire New Homes Showcase
12:00 p.m. American Society of Interior Designers Show Home Tour
8:00 p.m. - Houston Ballet presents Madame Butterfly at Miller Outdoor Theater -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What is the weather like right now in Houston?
May is one of the best months for weather in Houston. For the most part, the weather will be sunny with relatively low humidity, with averages in the high 70's and mid-80's. Occasionally, there will be thunderstorms, usually a welcome respite to dispel the gradually mounting heat, which will begin to peak come June, July and August. -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
Where can I go to watch sports in Houston?
1) Toyota Center. Home of the Houston Rockets -- it was the host of this year's NBA All-Stars and where to be when you want to watch a home game. Hockey fans can also be found here whenever the Houston Aeros play.
2) Reliant Park. Houston Texans and football fans, Reliant Stadium isn't just home to the rodeo, it's also home to our city's beloved football team. Throughout the year, Reliant also plays host to numerous sporting events, like the Breast Cancer Walk or the Electric Run, and soccer games.
3. Minute Maid Park. Home to the Houston Astros, baseball fans can enjoy an entertaining game while noshing on fantastic arena food.
4. BBVA Compass Stadium. Soccer fans flock to the BBVA Compass Stadium to see the Houston Dynamo strut their stuff.
5. Houston Polo Club. Since 1928, fans have been flocking to the Houston Polo Club to watch this exhilarating equine sport.
6. River Oaks Country Club. Host of the US Men's Clay Court Championship, for one week a year, adoring tennis fans flock to this this private club to see their favorite singles and doubles players each year. -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
Where can I go to watch sports in Houston?
1) Toyota Center. Home of the Houston Rockets -- it was the host of this year's NBA All-Stars and where to be when you want to watch a home game. Hockey fans can also be found here whenever the Houston Aeros play.
2) Reliant Park. Houston Texans and football fans, Reliant Stadium isn't just home to the rodeo, it's also home to our city's beloved football team. Throughout the year, Reliant also plays host to numerous sporting events, like the Breast Cancer Walk or the Electric Run, and soccer games.
3. Minute Maid Park. Home to the Houston Astros, baseball fans can enjoy an entertaining game while noshing on fantastic arena food.
4. BBVA Compass Stadium. Soccer fans flock to the BBVA Compass Stadium to see the Houston Dynamo strut their stuff.
5. Houston Polo Club. Since 1928, fans have been flocking to the Houston Polo Club to watch this exhilarating equine sport.
6. River Oaks Country Club. Host of the US Men's Clay Court Championship, for one week a year, adoring tennis fans flock to this this private club to see their favorite singles and doubles players each year. -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the best five free things to do in Houston?
1) Visit a Museum. The Menil Collection is always free, every day. On Thursdays, general admission is also free to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. There are up to 10 other free museums in Houston's museum district. For more information, visit: www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org
2) Visit the Williams Waterwall. One of the most recognizable water sculptures in town, the Waterwall is located a block away from Houston's largest indoor mall, the Galleria. A perfect spot for kids to do a bit of gazing and for some photo ops.
3) Catch a performance at Miller Outdoor Theater. When the weather is nice, the free-all-the-time Miller Outdoor Theater is a great place to visit to watch everything from plays, to dance performances, ballets, to opera. Performance dates and times can be found on their website: http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/
4) Wander Around Discovery Green. In the heart of Downtown Houston, Discovery Green is an expansive, 12-acre park that regularly hosts concerts, yoga, and other fun activities throughout the year. For a schedule of events, visit: www.discoverygreen.com
5) Explore your inner Interior Designer at Decorative Center Houston. You can wander for hours at the Decorative Center Houston, which offers a central cafe area for resting, and countless of shops boasting everything from period to modern furniture, fixtures, textiles, sample sales and more. For more information, visit: www.decorativecenter.com -
On May 8Mai Pham answered the question:
What are the best five free things to do in Houston?
1) Visit a Museum. The Menil Collection is always free, every day. On Thursdays, general admission is also free to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. There are up to 10 other free museums in Houston's museum district. For more information, visit: www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org
2) Visit the Williams Waterwall. One of the most recognizable water sculptures in town, the Waterwall is located a block away from Houston's largest indoor mall, the Galleria. A perfect spot for kids to do a bit of gazing and for some photo ops.
3) Catch a performance at Miller Outdoor Theater. When the weather is nice, the free-all-the-time Miller Outdoor Theater is a great place to visit to watch everything from plays, to dance performances, ballets, to opera. Performance dates and times can be found on their website: http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/
4) Wander Around Discovery Green. In the heart of Downtown Houston, Discovery Green is an expansive, 12-acre park that regularly hosts concerts, yoga, and other fun activities throughout the year. For a schedule of events, visit: www.discoverygreen.com
5) Explore your inner Interior Designer at Decorative Center Houston. You can wander for hours at the Decorative Center Houston, which offers a central cafe area for resting, and countless of shops boasting everything from period to modern furniture, fixtures, textiles, sample sales and more. For more information, visit: www.decorativecenter.comhttp://www.decorativecenter.com
