Houston To-Do's

If you are planning a visit to one of the geographically largest cities in the United States, you will find a diverse assortment of things to do that will be both fun and memorable.

What I am talking about doing may not be on classic "to do list" that includes historical markers, theme parks and all sorts of boring fun that seems to be required when planning a vacation. You end up snapping tons of pictures with your new digital camera and wonder why you spent so much money doing all of those things. I'm talking about doing fun stuff while you are in town here!

Taquerias and Tex Mex Restaurants

A classic Taqueria serves real Mexican food and offers great tasting food like real tacos and burritos. These aren't Taco Bell style tacos either…or even the tacos your Mom used to make on Wednesday night. These tacos have succulently seasoned pork, beef and chicken all sautéed in special seasonings that make the mouth water. Top it off with some grilled onions and cilantro and you will be addicted for life. Look, don't go into one of these places if you plan on never coming back to Houston again. It will haunt your dreams! If you want to delve deeper into the culinary delight that Taquerias will give you, try some Tortas (Mexican sandwiches), Cabrito (Goat), Menudo (Tripe) and lots more goodies.

"Dos tacos Al Pastor, Por Favor"

Translation: Bring some of that heaven over here!

Obviously, you can't leave Houston without eating some of our own Texas invention; namely Tex-Mex food. This consists of the basics of chips and salsa, refried beans, a variety of creatively handcrafted enchiladas, Spanish rice and of course fajitas. Some people here call them "fa-jeeters" but only after a few cold Caronas (Beer) or one "El Presidente Margarita". Now, other states do have what they call Mexican restaurants, but there is always something missing in the food. The salsa is either mass produced, the beans taste bland or the chicken is tasteless. Bring on the salt! In Houston, every shopping center worth it's weight in cilantro has at least one Tex Mex restaurant and they are all good ("Gewd")!

The Unequivocally Best Water Park Around:

OK, you may be from a state that has never heard of water parks, but here in Houston it gets exceedingly hot and muggy. The air is wet and the temperature is high, so we say if you can't beat em', join em'! That's where Splash Town comes in. Acres and Acres of pure, refreshing water fun that is cooler than an Ozarka commercial and about a thousand times more fun. There are huge slides, a lazy river, wave pools and a myriad of creative ways to have fun in the sun! There's even a giant barrel that tips over and floods its victims with a torrential downpour.

Lower Westheimer and Montrose:

This area of Houston is both eclectic and creative. It is the true spiritual center of our fair city. Coffee shops like Agora and Black Hole Café add to the urban feel of this area along with superb restaurants like The Empire Café. If you are hungry for a juicy burger, try Little Bigs. It is rated as one of the best burger joints in town.

OK, if you must shop, visit places along upper and lower Westheimer. On the west side, there are upscale stores (For Buffy) and on the east side there are "interesting and varied" shops that sell anything from unique antiques and vintage clothes to dominatrix gear (For Spike).

Having picnics outside the Menil Museum and Rothco Chapel is a popular thing to do for Montrose locals. The park between these two landmarks boasts a beautiful outdoor haven filled with art, winding oak trees, benches and lots of grass to have a picnic. On Saturdays in April and May, you may see a few weddings taking place there.

If you are an art fan, Montrose offers a huge selection of galleries and art museums. If you love music, there always seems to be some kind of music festival or local concert going on here.

Memorial Park:

Some of you out there visiting Houston may like to continue your exercise routine while here. If you like to walk or jog, beautiful Memorial Park is the place to go. There are over 1,500 acres of urban woodlands that contain garden trails, bike trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, ADA accessible playgrounds and so much more.

It's a wonderland of outdoor entertainment!

Ice Skating:

Have you ever ice skated in the south? Visit the Houston Galleria. It is an enormous shopping mall filled with all of the right stores and restaurants (I know). But way down in the bottom section of the mall there is a break from the Houston heat. Ice at the Galleria offers public ice skating, lessons and events such as "Broom Ball." You will have to see that one for yourself! After an afternoon of skating, relax with a cup of java or a glass of wine. This is the perfect date idea!

Off Beat Houston:

The Big Easy Social and Pleasure Club is a terrific blues club that is gritty, unpretentious, authentic and fun with great music. For a truly off beat Houston experience visit the Glenwood Cemetery. Houston notables are buried here including Howard Hughes and the director of the movie "Scarface". Near downtown, this cemetery is serene, otherworldly and allows creativity designed monuments for the deceased. Also visit the Beer Can house for something a little different that is easy on the pocket book. Project Row Houses is another Houston "must see." It encompasses four city blocks and houses uniquely crafted creative art amongst other things.

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