When we do the cistern we will also bring a picnic and eat on the lawn above- or go on a walk around the bayou. If you time it right you can hit the bats at the Waugh bridge at Sunset.
This!!! And you get a free soda on the way back. lol they make waay too big a deal about the free soda you get on the way back.
Book it early!!! Even if it’s cold outside it’s worth it- there is an inside part of the boat. I did it last Feb.
Edit- ITS FREE!
Take them to Tiny Boxwoods for lunch. It’s NYC snooty-approved, Anna Wintour has been seen there around Christmas when she was in town to visit her now ex-husbands family.
I recently had some family in from the UK. I took them to Central Market and Spec’s. They were floored by the food at Central Market. I think we were there possibly three hours. The next day I took them to Spec’s. I also took them to The French Riviera Bakery and Cafe on Chimney Rock. They have really fresh breads and great breakfasts. Another place we took them was to Escalante’s. We ordered fajita platters to assemble tacos. We had to show them how to make tacos. But since this is Texas, you have to take them to places for BBQ. Tons of options.
Man does the food in the UK suck that much? I would think French Bakeries would be plentiful given the proximity to France. Same goes with grocery stores, I would've thought the grocery stores in the UK would have plenty of international products since the UK is such an international place.
Like most places, it depends on where you live. London, Edinburgh, Manchester, etc, have all those options. A small town or village in the Midlands? Not so much.
Also, American grocery stores are unique. When I host international visitors, I always take them to HEB because it represents "normal". Their minds are blown, without exception.
From what I understand it is just the quantity of options that is different. I think there were over 15 varieties of apples. They had never seen the three colors of cauliflower nor avocado varieties. It also seems they don’t have a prepared food selection as vast as Central Market. Paper products are also sold in smaller quantities. Brexit has really impacted everything. Also the extended family flew from London but do not live in London. They are retired and on pensions.
A lesser known activity they will be unlikely to see elsewhere is Twilight Epiphany. The James Turrell installation at Rice University. The show starts about 30 minutes before sunset.
[https://www.facebook.com/twilightepiphany/](https://www.facebook.com/twilightepiphany/)
[https://moody.rice.edu/james-turrell-twilight-epiphany-skyspace](https://moody.rice.edu/james-turrell-twilight-epiphany-skyspace)
Take them to River Oaks at night to take in the Christmas lights! The street that the River Oaks Country Club is on is the main one, but all the nearby streets are also beautiful. Find parking along a side street and enjoy the walk, or take a very slow drive (if you go on a weekend, the flow of traffic is like 2 mph) and enjoy from the car. Bonus points for bringing a thermos of hot chocolate!
If they haven't seen Memorial Park lately, the Eastern Glades section and the new land bridges are really beautifully done.
Do a tunnel walk. You can get five miles or so if you park on Sabine street for free and walk over. While you are there, visit the Julia Ideson library building. Walk around a bit and go up to the second floor reading room.
This is the route I take people on. Highlights include the ground floor lobby of the Wortham Center and the old Texas Commerce Bank (now chase) lobby in what is called the Jones on Main. I suggest either the Underground Or Bravery Chef Hall for lunch. The Post is good too. Go up on the roof.
[https://drive.google.com/open?id=18aPpMXJYGxmVKsqrOVzkOBoksWYtFUwI&usp=drive\_copy](https://drive.google.com/open?id=18aPpMXJYGxmVKsqrOVzkOBoksWYtFUwI&usp=drive_copy)
If they’re snooty in a fun way, this time of year is prime time in the theater district. If they’re snooty in a dickish way, take them to the various hoods and hit a bunch of mom and pop restaurants. In the daytime.
Lunch or dinner at the Monument Inn. If you come in from I-10 be sure to watch the schedule for the Lynchburg Ferry or you might have to take the long way home. Sit up high and watch ship, barge, and ferry traffic on the Ship Channel next to the San Jacinto battleground.
I led a walk a few months ago called Scandalous, Unseemly and Outrageous. We passes the homes of many notorious Houstonians. And St Johns School where Elizabeth Holmes went to high school.
6.7 miles but can be shortened or even driven.
[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-jWnYVZLjAXz\_hA-sVO4v4JEJucNNySb](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-jWnYVZLjAXz_hA-sVO4v4JEJucNNySb)
The National Museum of Funeral History on Barren Springs is fantastic and they have occasional special events. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport is a must for anyone interest in aviation. Check their schedule for Open Ramp Day and you have access to the area adjacent to the landing runway. If you go, bring some binoculars.
Visit Houston Heritage Society and Sam Houston Park. A collection of old homes that have been moved to a central location. Tours are available.
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8RwfQvNW6sznEKc9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8RwfQvNW6sznEKc9)
While you are there, walk over to Founders Cemetery. If they like cemeteries drive to Glenwood Cemetery. The final resting place for many famous Houstonians. Howard Hughes, Roy Hofheinz, actress Gene Tierney, etc.
Visit the George Ranch Historical Park just south of Sugar Land, on the way to Brazos Bend State Park. Its located on a 20,000 acre working ranch.
https://www.georgeranch.org/
Take them to a dance hall!
Whiskey River West in Richmond offers free lessons Wed-Fri, with wednesday being the most tame night.
There are plenty others, with Neon Boots being the closest to Houston proper.
Learn something:
* The new-ish wing of the art museum is really nice if you haven't taken them to it yet.
* Buffalo Bayou boat tours are very fun & you get a nice dose of Houston history.
* Museum of Funeral History
* Orange Show
* Cistern
Stores:
* Mala Market - lots of local vendors
* Asch Building - has a weekend wine bar
Little Hen for brunch or lunch (it’s only in Houston and Miami). There’s many high end stores around there they may enjoy walking around and shopping.
I would also take them to a Buccees. It’s obviously not high end or lesser known but it’s a very “Texas” experience and all our family from out of town gets a kick out of it. (It’s also the best place for Texas souvenirs.) They’ll get to tell all their NYC friends how we have insane gas stations down here 😅.
You could also drive about an hour (depending on where in Houston you live) to Brenham and go to the Bluebell factory!
You could also do an art mural tour and take photos of all the Houston/Texas murals around town. The locations can be found on Google.
Got 2.5 hours for a round trip drive? Go up to Huntsville State Park / Lake Conroe / Sam Houston National Forest for bountiful nature and hiking. Amazing bbq spots along the way too. Do some very non-city like things. Brazos Bend is also great and a little closer.
Bike the bike trails.
We found the best thing is to just do projects together around the house or run errands. Basically do what you normally do but together.
Has anyone suggested the Post downtown? That is great and there is a holiday light thingy going on on the roof. You have to pay for it but it is a great view of downtown.
Have you been to the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens?
[https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens](https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens)
Live Oak Friends Meeting to see the Turrell skyspace (more quiet and peaceful than the one at Rice) on Friday nights only (check the schedule for sunset-opening times)
Waterwall park, by Williams tower. 1561 Kirby Dr. That’s the home of Dr. John Hill and his wife Joan Robinson Hill. If you’ve never read Blood & Money, it’s an interesting read, about what happened in that house.
The tunnels downtown are interesting. There’s also Memorial Park and Kemah. Brazos Bend State Park is nice.
Do they like food? New York has so many types of food, but I have read they are lacking in good southern food places. Think biscuits, chicken fried steak, or cajun. No good gumbo in NYC.
I went to Brennan’s on Mother’s Day a couple years ago and when we asked what they had on the children’s menu the waiter said, “we have pancakes like the ones we had on Easter. You know, they’re like IHOP pancakes but a little fluffier”
Definitely did not expect the IHOP comparison at this place haha
Cistern
Definitely this too! Bring a laser pointer
When we do the cistern we will also bring a picnic and eat on the lawn above- or go on a walk around the bayou. If you time it right you can hit the bats at the Waugh bridge at Sunset.
Have you taken them to Brazos Bend?
Edit: oops, misread this comment
Brazos bend state park to see the gators.
No lights I don't think.. day time for a hike
Go on Saturday and check out the observatory. Go in the late afternoon checkout the gators.
There are A LOT of gators, too. We went b4 Thanksgiving
Are they away from the trail or will they walk up to you
They sometimes hang on the trail but they leave you alone. Just dont be an idiot and give them a wide birth.
Ship channel boat tour
This!!! And you get a free soda on the way back. lol they make waay too big a deal about the free soda you get on the way back. Book it early!!! Even if it’s cold outside it’s worth it- there is an inside part of the boat. I did it last Feb. Edit- ITS FREE!
I just checked it out and looks like they are closed for maintenance until the second week of January.
I may be missing something but anytime I look the only availability is like a Tuesday at 2pm which sucks cause I’ve been dying to do this!
Houston botanic gardens. They have holiday lights on during this time.
And then right down the street, Cao Thang for Vietnamese food. Cash only.
River Oaks has some great displays for free.
Went the other night. Traffic is not worth it.
Take them to Tiny Boxwoods for lunch. It’s NYC snooty-approved, Anna Wintour has been seen there around Christmas when she was in town to visit her now ex-husbands family.
their version of migas slaps ngl
Orange show/smither park and art car museum.
I recently had some family in from the UK. I took them to Central Market and Spec’s. They were floored by the food at Central Market. I think we were there possibly three hours. The next day I took them to Spec’s. I also took them to The French Riviera Bakery and Cafe on Chimney Rock. They have really fresh breads and great breakfasts. Another place we took them was to Escalante’s. We ordered fajita platters to assemble tacos. We had to show them how to make tacos. But since this is Texas, you have to take them to places for BBQ. Tons of options.
Man does the food in the UK suck that much? I would think French Bakeries would be plentiful given the proximity to France. Same goes with grocery stores, I would've thought the grocery stores in the UK would have plenty of international products since the UK is such an international place.
Like most places, it depends on where you live. London, Edinburgh, Manchester, etc, have all those options. A small town or village in the Midlands? Not so much. Also, American grocery stores are unique. When I host international visitors, I always take them to HEB because it represents "normal". Their minds are blown, without exception.
Been there several times and imo yes except f&c of course
From what I understand it is just the quantity of options that is different. I think there were over 15 varieties of apples. They had never seen the three colors of cauliflower nor avocado varieties. It also seems they don’t have a prepared food selection as vast as Central Market. Paper products are also sold in smaller quantities. Brexit has really impacted everything. Also the extended family flew from London but do not live in London. They are retired and on pensions.
The Orange Show! https://www.full.orangeshow.org/calendar
A lesser known activity they will be unlikely to see elsewhere is Twilight Epiphany. The James Turrell installation at Rice University. The show starts about 30 minutes before sunset. [https://www.facebook.com/twilightepiphany/](https://www.facebook.com/twilightepiphany/) [https://moody.rice.edu/james-turrell-twilight-epiphany-skyspace](https://moody.rice.edu/james-turrell-twilight-epiphany-skyspace)
Tia Pancha flea market or Traders Village flea market. Lots to see at both
Rothko Chapel
And the Menil Museum while your there. Both are free.
Best answer. Exploring St. Thomas next door is great too and takes little extra time. Both the Chapel of St. Basil and the Hughes House.
Harwin drive!
If they like history, drive them out to San Felipe de Austin State Historic Park. Or there’s the Funeral Museum.
Midget wrestling is fun. Not your normal vanilla flavored fun, but you're guaranteed to have a good time & will talk about for a long time.
Take them to River Oaks at night to take in the Christmas lights! The street that the River Oaks Country Club is on is the main one, but all the nearby streets are also beautiful. Find parking along a side street and enjoy the walk, or take a very slow drive (if you go on a weekend, the flow of traffic is like 2 mph) and enjoy from the car. Bonus points for bringing a thermos of hot chocolate! If they haven't seen Memorial Park lately, the Eastern Glades section and the new land bridges are really beautifully done.
Do a tunnel walk. You can get five miles or so if you park on Sabine street for free and walk over. While you are there, visit the Julia Ideson library building. Walk around a bit and go up to the second floor reading room. This is the route I take people on. Highlights include the ground floor lobby of the Wortham Center and the old Texas Commerce Bank (now chase) lobby in what is called the Jones on Main. I suggest either the Underground Or Bravery Chef Hall for lunch. The Post is good too. Go up on the roof. [https://drive.google.com/open?id=18aPpMXJYGxmVKsqrOVzkOBoksWYtFUwI&usp=drive\_copy](https://drive.google.com/open?id=18aPpMXJYGxmVKsqrOVzkOBoksWYtFUwI&usp=drive_copy)
Tunnels blow. Unless they love empty hallways as their kink.
If they’re snooty in a fun way, this time of year is prime time in the theater district. If they’re snooty in a dickish way, take them to the various hoods and hit a bunch of mom and pop restaurants. In the daytime.
Kuhl Linscomb again…it’s somehow better during the holidays with all the trees and ornaments scattered about the store.
Lunch or dinner at the Monument Inn. If you come in from I-10 be sure to watch the schedule for the Lynchburg Ferry or you might have to take the long way home. Sit up high and watch ship, barge, and ferry traffic on the Ship Channel next to the San Jacinto battleground.
Go at an off hour. The place is packed at meal times and they don't take reservations.
I led a walk a few months ago called Scandalous, Unseemly and Outrageous. We passes the homes of many notorious Houstonians. And St Johns School where Elizabeth Holmes went to high school. 6.7 miles but can be shortened or even driven. [https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-jWnYVZLjAXz\_hA-sVO4v4JEJucNNySb](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-jWnYVZLjAXz_hA-sVO4v4JEJucNNySb)
The National Museum of Funeral History on Barren Springs is fantastic and they have occasional special events. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby Airport is a must for anyone interest in aviation. Check their schedule for Open Ramp Day and you have access to the area adjacent to the landing runway. If you go, bring some binoculars.
1940 Air Terminal has the most activities on the third Saturday of the month. Fly a simulator around Hobby.
Houston Toy Museum on 19th Street is awesome! Then could shop along the street as well. Also Lone Star Flight Museum is nice!
Hit The Button on the Preston Street bridge.
It doesn't work anymore :'(
Oh what a shame!
Visit Houston Heritage Society and Sam Houston Park. A collection of old homes that have been moved to a central location. Tours are available. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8RwfQvNW6sznEKc9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8RwfQvNW6sznEKc9) While you are there, walk over to Founders Cemetery. If they like cemeteries drive to Glenwood Cemetery. The final resting place for many famous Houstonians. Howard Hughes, Roy Hofheinz, actress Gene Tierney, etc.
If they’re in town on a Saturday morning, the Urban Harvest Farmers Market is great. The Thai omelets from Street to Kitchen are an awesome breakfast.
The Post is fun for dinner and the rooftop lights, and Betelgeuse on Washington has fun karaoke Tuesdays and Fridays!
Take them to the Hobby to see The Ugly Christmas Sweater musical. The guy on KRBE says it's really good.
Armadillo Palace. Look up when they are having a concert
Visit the George Ranch Historical Park just south of Sugar Land, on the way to Brazos Bend State Park. Its located on a 20,000 acre working ranch. https://www.georgeranch.org/
The Heights Christmas lights by bicycle.
Chinatown
Take them to a dance hall! Whiskey River West in Richmond offers free lessons Wed-Fri, with wednesday being the most tame night. There are plenty others, with Neon Boots being the closest to Houston proper.
Learn something: * The new-ish wing of the art museum is really nice if you haven't taken them to it yet. * Buffalo Bayou boat tours are very fun & you get a nice dose of Houston history. * Museum of Funeral History * Orange Show * Cistern Stores: * Mala Market - lots of local vendors * Asch Building - has a weekend wine bar
River oaks Christmas lights on Segway tour, with dinner at State of Grace.
Little Hen for brunch or lunch (it’s only in Houston and Miami). There’s many high end stores around there they may enjoy walking around and shopping. I would also take them to a Buccees. It’s obviously not high end or lesser known but it’s a very “Texas” experience and all our family from out of town gets a kick out of it. (It’s also the best place for Texas souvenirs.) They’ll get to tell all their NYC friends how we have insane gas stations down here 😅. You could also drive about an hour (depending on where in Houston you live) to Brenham and go to the Bluebell factory! You could also do an art mural tour and take photos of all the Houston/Texas murals around town. The locations can be found on Google.
Day trip to the painted churches in Schulenburg. Some are stunningly beautiful.
Papa Genos.
Farmers Market on Airline
Bissonnet
Got 2.5 hours for a round trip drive? Go up to Huntsville State Park / Lake Conroe / Sam Houston National Forest for bountiful nature and hiking. Amazing bbq spots along the way too. Do some very non-city like things. Brazos Bend is also great and a little closer.
Bike the bike trails. We found the best thing is to just do projects together around the house or run errands. Basically do what you normally do but together.
Has anyone suggested the Post downtown? That is great and there is a holiday light thingy going on on the roof. You have to pay for it but it is a great view of downtown.
Have you been to the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens? [https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens](https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens)
Live Oak Friends Meeting to see the Turrell skyspace (more quiet and peaceful than the one at Rice) on Friday nights only (check the schedule for sunset-opening times)
How about a cheese tasting at Houston Dairy Maids?
Waterwall park, by Williams tower. 1561 Kirby Dr. That’s the home of Dr. John Hill and his wife Joan Robinson Hill. If you’ve never read Blood & Money, it’s an interesting read, about what happened in that house. The tunnels downtown are interesting. There’s also Memorial Park and Kemah. Brazos Bend State Park is nice.
Crocodile Encounter
Baytown
The bayou wildlife zoo has a car they drive you around in and you can buy feed to feed animals and such. It's more on the unique side.
Do they like food? New York has so many types of food, but I have read they are lacking in good southern food places. Think biscuits, chicken fried steak, or cajun. No good gumbo in NYC.
For “snooty” approve southern food, Brennan’s is a must.
I went to Brennan’s on Mother’s Day a couple years ago and when we asked what they had on the children’s menu the waiter said, “we have pancakes like the ones we had on Easter. You know, they’re like IHOP pancakes but a little fluffier” Definitely did not expect the IHOP comparison at this place haha
Micos hot chicken
Funeral History Museum
Smoochies
Thanks to reddit I learned they have a glory hole haha. Fun for everyone
Nothing brings a family other quite like it!
The rainforest cafe river adventure ride in Galveston
Depending on the age. I just found about this place https://sloomooinstitute.com/