Nathan-Garner - Insiders Guide to Houston

INSIDERS GUIDE TO

All the information in this guidebook is subject to change. We recommend that you call ahead to obtain current information before traveling.

INSIDERS GUIDE

Copyright 2012 Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, except as may be expressly permitted in writing from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Globe Pequot Press, Attn: Rights and Permissions Department, PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437.

Insiders Guide is a registered trademark of Morris Book Publishing, LLC.

Editor: Kevin Sirois

Project Editor: Heather Santiago

Layout: Joanna Beyer

Text Design: Sheryl Kober

Maps by XNR Productions, Inc. Morris Book Publishing, LLC

ISBN 978-0-7627-8130-0

Printed in the United States of America

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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Youve heard the saying: Everything is bigger in Texas. Houston is no exception. With the city itself spanning nearly 600 square miles and the surrounding suburbs and exurbs adding another 8,000-plus square miles, theres a lot of ground to cover here. All of the possibilitieswhere to eat, which theater company to watch, where to shop, where to stay, which festivals to attendcan seem overwhelming, even if youve lived here for years.

Thats where this book comes in. Whether youre in town for a weekend, a week, a month, or a lifetime, consider this your personal tour guide for Houston. In the self-contained chapters that follow, youll find information on almost everything you might want or need to know about Houstonwhere to stay or live, where to eat and go out at night, where to see a great theater performance, and countless other details. How you read these chapters is up to you: Every tripor decision to live in a new cityis a little different, so this book is designed to allow you to easily jump around and use the chapters that you need most. Each chapter includes options for every taste and budget, making this something of a Choose Your Own Adventure guide. Of course, feel free to read this book from cover to cover if you find it helpful.

The book begins with a look at Houstons history. Even if you already know a thing or two about the city, youre likely to find a few things you dont know. Perhaps you know that Augustus Allen and his brother John founded the city, but do you know how they lured prospective residents to live here? Or did you know that Houston was once the railroad capital of Texas? Check out the History chapter to learn even more about this citys intriguing past and present.

After youve gotten a feel for Houstons history, you might want to figure out how youre going to get to and around the city. Thats where the Getting Here, Getting Around chapter comes in. If you need a place to stay, be sure to check out the Accommodations chapter, too.

Afterward, follow your stomach to the Restaurants chapter for a sampling of some of Houstons best culinary offerings. Trying to decide where to go after dinner? Be sure to check out the Nightlife chapter, which includes something for every mood and tastepubs, bars, wine bars, live music venues, dance clubs, country-and-western dance clubs, gay bars, movie theaters, and readings.

If its the arts you love, look at the Performing Arts chapter for some of Houstons best theater, ballet, opera, and music offerings, many of which can be found downtown in Houstons 17-block Theater District. And be sure to check out the Museums chapter, which showcases everything from the requisite (but outstanding) fine arts and natural history museums to the one-of-a-kind Rothko Chapel, the Holocaust Museum, and even a funeral museum.

Whether youre here a day, a week, or a lifetime, youre probably wondering what you should put on your list of must-sees. Flip to the Attractions chapter to find some of this citys gems, including NASAs Space Center Houston, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, and the downtown tunnel system. Also check out the Annual Events chapter, which highlights some of the citys best annual festivals, parades, and events ranging from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to the International Festival to the Bayou City Arts Festival. Annual events are organized by month so you can flip to the month youre in town and see whats happening during your stay. Kids in tow? Be sure to check out the Kidstuff chapter, which will point you toward Houstons many kid-friendly attractions, theaters, events, and activities like ice-skating and bowling.

Looking for a good place to run or have a picnic? Check out the Parks chapter. Youll learn about some of the citys best parks, including several off-leash parks where you can take your favorite dog. For ideas on where to relax or enjoy your favorite recreational activity, flip to the Recreation chapter, which highlights some of the best places to partake in everything from skateboarding to camping. Youll also find a list of gyms and yoga studios. Prefer to watch other people play sports? Check out the Spectator Sports chapter to find out how and where to see Houstons many professional sports teams in action. Youll even learn about Houstons annual bowl game and greyhound and car racing venues.

Need to buy something, or just like to shop? Either way, be sure to peruse the Shopping chapter, where youll find some local gems.

If youre moving to the Houston area or already live here, be sure to check out the blue-tabbed pages at the back of the book. There you will find the Living Here appendix that offers sections on relocation, child care, education, and health care.

In each chapter, youll find InsidersTips (represented by an i ), which offer up useful information and tips you might not find elsewhere. Sprinkled throughout the book are Close-ups, which offer insight into some of the most intriguingand often idiosyncratic yet endearingaspects of Houston.

Youll also find listings accompanied by the * symbolthese are our top picks for attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and everything in between that you shouldnt miss while youre in the area. You want the best this region has to offer? Go with our Insiders Choice.

As you consult these pages, keep in mind that this book is meant to be a starting point for your trip or move. Houston is a huge city, and no chapter is exhaustive in recommendations or information. Often, favorite spots are those discovered by accident, so dont be afraid to stray from this book when deciding what to do here. There are so many great restaurants, shops, clubs, bars, and attractions in this city that you just might stumble upon something really special. Also bear in mind that some recommendations and information may be out of date by the time you read this book. New businesses are constantly popping up, while others move or close their doors. Even long-standing shops, restaurants, clubs, theaters, and attractions often change their hours or days of operation, so call ahead before heading out to see the city.

With that in mind, start exploring Houstonwhether in your chair (or airplane seat) as you read this book or as you try to navigate your way around the city. Odds are, once you get to know Houston, youll start to love it.