TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
When you choose to travel, whether it is for business
or pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Don't be
afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers let their miles accumulate
and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of your traveling and spend the
miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before
they expire. Often you can use them on items other than travel, so check out
your options and get to spending. When
you want to plan a vacation contact me!
HOUSTON, “Space City”
About
Houston
Urbanistas and cowboys create a laid-back Southern vibe in
cosmopolitan Houston, the USA's fourth largest city. Oil wealth and space-race
innovation have lent this sprawling Texan giant a certain swagger, fueling
inspirational museums, happening neighborhoods and a constantly refreshing foodie
scene.
You're spoilt for choice
with innovative attractions in the tree-lined Museum District. Among them is
the fabulous Houston Museum of Natural Science, where you can go on an eerily
realistic prehistoric safari (complete with chomping, chasing and escaping
dinosaurs) or encounter rare, endangered and extinct Texan species (albeit the
stuffed variety). The Museum of Fine Arts, over a century old, is home to a
collection of more than 56,000 works, from ancient Egyptian coffins to curious
contemporary Chinese video installations.
This is Space City, so
launch yourself out of this world on a behind-the-scenes NASA tour at Space
Center Houston. You can check out cutting-edge space technology, touch an
actual chunk of lunar rock, and even arrange to have lunch with an astronaut.
Foodies are hard-pressed
to keep up with Houston's hottest new eateries, with restaurants opening up
faster than you can polish off your starter. Create your own picnic at the huge
farmers' market on Airline Drive, which lures hungry customers with super-fresh
pyramids of Texan-grown produce. If you'd rather stock up on fashion than food,
filling an extra suitcase is a cinch thanks to Houston's hip boutiques and
Western outfitters. Handcrafted alligator cowboy boots, anyone?
After dark, you might
catch world-class opera or ballet, or bag tickets to see NFL side the Houston
Texans in action at the 71,500-seater NRG Stadium.
If you're looking for your
own piece of action, kayak along Buffalo Bayou, the 84km (52-mile) waterway
coursing its way through Houston. The surrounding park has been undergoing a
massive face-lift, transforming it into a go-to urban green space laced with
jogging trails, bike paths, lush wetlands and a gigantic skate park.
Worn out? Grab yourself a
beer in one of the legendary pubs, honky tonk bars or slick lounges along
Washington Avenue, put your alligator boots up, and chill to live music.
Tours
& Excursions
Tourist Information Centers
Bay Area Convention &
Visitors Bureau
Webster
20710 Gulf Freeway (I-45)
Houston
United States
20710 Gulf Freeway (I-45)
Houston
United States
(281) 474 9700.
Mon-Sat 0900-1600, Sun 1100-1600.
Houston Convention &
Visitors Bureau
1331 Lamar Street, Suite 700
Houston
Texas
United States
Houston
Texas
United States
(713) 437 5200.
Mon-Sat 0900-1600.
Excursions
George Ranch
Located 30 minutes
southwest of downtown Houston, this is a 23,000 acre working ranch where
costumed presenters bring the ranch alive. Visits include 1830s and 1860s
homesteads, a 1890s mansion, and a 1930s ranch house. In addition there is a
chuck wagon, a working blacksmith and visitors can watch cowboys at work. There
are occasional special events including the re-enactment of the struggle for
independence and Christmas round the campfire with the cowboys.
10215 FM762, Richmond.
10215 FM762, Richmond.
(281) 343 0218.
Kemah Boardwalk
This excursion is only a
45-minute drive from downtown (south along I-45 and Tex-518) and overlooking
Galveston Bay, Kemah is a popular full-day trip due to its waterfront shops,
restaurants and amusement rides including the Boardwalk Bullet rollercoaster
and Century Wheel. The Boardwalk Beast is a 25-minute thrill ride out into
Galveston Bay where the crew guarantee you will get wet. Be aware that the
queues are long at weekends and in school holidays. Nearby, the Old Seabrook
Historic District is a charming village with shop-lined streets, outdoor
markets and seasonal festivals.
215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah 77565.
215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah 77565.
(877) 285 3624.
Galveston Island
Located 80km (50 miles)
southeast of Houston (along I-45) on the Gulf of Mexico, this island is rich in
history. The grand avenues and quiet lanes of the East End and Silk Stocking
Historic Districts are home to some extravagant residences built by the wealthy
merchants. The Strand has Victorian shops, art galleries and museums.
Across the island, Moody Gardens houses an aquarium representing the oceans of the world, a tropical rainforest and 3D and 4D theatres, as well as a film theatre with wrap-around screens giving the sensation of being in the film. The nearby Lone Star Flight Museum houses an extensive collection of restored aircraft.
Galveston Island Visitors Centre, Seawall Boulevard.
Across the island, Moody Gardens houses an aquarium representing the oceans of the world, a tropical rainforest and 3D and 4D theatres, as well as a film theatre with wrap-around screens giving the sensation of being in the film. The nearby Lone Star Flight Museum houses an extensive collection of restored aircraft.
Galveston Island Visitors Centre, Seawall Boulevard.
(409) 797 5145.
San Jacinto Battleground
Historical Complex
Approximately 32km (20
miles) east of Houston, (along Tex-225 and Tex-134), is the spot that marks the
battleground where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. The battle
is re-enacted every year in April.
The complex houses the San Jacinto Monument, which is a 174m (570ft) obelisk that towers over the surrounding area - there is an observation deck for visitors to enjoy the views. At the base of the monument is the San Jacinto Museum of History. Of particular interest is the Battleship Texas, commissioned in 1914, which saw action at Normandy and Okinawa.
One Monument Circle, La Porte.
The complex houses the San Jacinto Monument, which is a 174m (570ft) obelisk that towers over the surrounding area - there is an observation deck for visitors to enjoy the views. At the base of the monument is the San Jacinto Museum of History. Of particular interest is the Battleship Texas, commissioned in 1914, which saw action at Normandy and Okinawa.
One Monument Circle, La Porte.
(281) 479 2421.
Tours
Boat tours
The Sam Houston Boat Tour
is a spectacular trip through one of the world's busiest ports. The free,
leisurely 90-minute trip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Embarking at
the port's Sam Houston Pavilion, the boat passes massive cargo boats and the
port's Turning Basin Terminal. Reservations must be made in advance and
passengers must present photo ID before boarding the boat.
(713) 670 2416.
Culinary tours
Houston has a large number
of restaurants and a great way to find some of the best is to join the monthly
culinary tours and go to 'where the chefs eat'. Each month there is a different
theme highlighting the diversity of the restaurants in the city. There are
tastings at each stop and complimentary local beverages. These tours are very
popular and restricted in group size so booking is a necessity.
(713) 437 5275/5206.
Walking tours
Houston is not an ideal
city to walk around, but visitors who are interested in the architecture and
culture of the city can join one of the monthly Sunday walking tours which are
offered by the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance. The tours vary each
month, so keen walkers should telephone for details and departure point
information. Discover Houston Tours also offers a variety of walking tours in
downtown, the Tunnel System and a ghost walk. Reservations are required.
(713) 216 5000 ; (713) 222 9255.
Bus tours
Houston Tours has a
year-round city sightseeing tour. A minimum of three passengers is required for
certain trips. The tour passes through downtown, the Museum District, the Texas
Medical Center and includes the Water Wall, the Galleria and River Oaks area.
Houston Tours also operates a tour to the Space Center Houston and Galveston. Pick-up
for tours is from all major hotels in downtown, Galleria and Medical Center
areas.
(713) 988 5900.
REFERENCE SITES:
Houston is undoubtedly my
showcase city. I saved all my best buildings for Houston.
Philip Johnson
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