Despite it raining cats, dogs and pigs this past weekend it was an eventful one. My step-mom and I rainchecked our Mother’s Day celebration last weekend, so on Saturday we got mani/pedis at the salon she’s been going to recently and checked out the Captain America: Civil War at the new Studio Movie Grill in Pearland. Now I’ve lived in Houston for most of my life, but I feel like I’m constantly finding new places and outings to try. It’s like I’m seeing the Greater Houston area in a different light. I’ve had friends come into town and ask me to show them my city and I don’t know if it was because I’ve lived here forever or what, but I couldn’t think of much past NASA and our world-renowned Medical Center. I didn’t think about the other attractions until recently and I wanted to share a few of these touristy spots with y’all.
Menil Collection – This is one of those gems in this city that people often forget about. It’s located on St. Thomas’ campus and it’s a free museum that features the beautiful and private collection of founders John de Menil and Dominique de Menil. It’s comprised of over 17,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and rare books and in my opinion there are times where the current showcase is better than what’s showing in the MFA.
Galveston Strand – Now I know that this isn’t in the greater Houston area, but making the drive out to the island is totally worth it. I would stay away from that murky water, but the Galveston strand is historically beautiful. I’m not a big fan of scary stories, but I recommend a ghost tour. Galveston has literally been built, demolished by bad weather and rebuilt over and over again and the stories that go along with it are both chilling and thrilling.
Museum District – I mentioned the Menil Collection earlier, but that’s only one of the numerous museums we have in this city. Most of them are in a 5 mile radius, pretty much walking distance from each other, and there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Buffalo Soldier National Museum, the Holocaust Museum of Houston, and many others!
Downtown Aquarium – Maybe museums aren’t your thing, well that’s fine. You can always head downtown to the Aquarium and check out the aquatic life, ride the huge ferris wheel they have and partake in their happy hour. I was able to have a few drinks and appetizers (and even got full) for less than $20! The parking sucks there, but the happy hour prices are totally worth it.
Minute Maid Park – Take in a baseball game and knock back a few of those $11 beers and Blue Bell ice cream in a little plastic baseball helmet. Just don’t do them together. The food and drinks might be pretty pricey inside, but tickets for the game aren’t; you can easily score them for $20 or less. That’s a win in my book!
NRG Park – Much like Minute Maid, you can enjoy another great Houston sports team here. See JJ Watt and team up close, take in a live concert, and every Spring you’ll be able to experience Rodeo Houston. Believe me, you want to do that at least once in your life.
Toyota Center – I know, I know. Another sports arena that also gets used as a concert venue. Like our other venues, this one has a retractable roof (that’s just how we do things in Houston) and you can enjoy a Rockets game or check out a live show.
Buffalo Bayou Park – I currently work near this park and on gorgeous days I’d rather be out jogging around it than cooped up in my office. It’s full of numerous art installations, a historical bat colony and is near the heart of downtown Houston.
Miller Outdoor Theater – This amphitheater is located near the medical center and plays host to numerous live acts (musical and theater) and the best part about it is that it’s always free! There’s a rolling hill where people use camp out bringing snacks and drinks, but there’s also a covered seating area closer to the stage. I’ve performed there with school bands, danced in the park during the annual Motown Review for Memorial Day and I’ve seen quite a few Shakespeare performances during the summer.
Do any of y’all plan on visiting Houston any time soon? I’d love to show y’all around the city. I’d also love to learn about your hometowns; comment below or email me some of your favorite attractions.