Welcome to Houston, Texas, the second biggest state in the United States (only Alaska is bigger). Here the average temperature is 68, the average age is 31, and the state motto is, that's right, Friendship. To help you enjoy your stay here, we've provided some information on hotels, restaurants, entertainment, the arts, and shopping. We'll give you the local tour and help you decide where to take yourself, your client, or your family to dinner. Enjoy. Fun FactsThe lightning whelk is the official state shell of Texas
The King Ranch in Texas covers an area larger than the state of Rhode Island
Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center offers more than a million square feet of rentable space. | Your Itinerary If You Have Two Hours
Learn about the changing Korean identity
over the past four decades as it is expressed through astonishing artwork. The
MFAH will display the debut exhibit of Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography
from Oct.18-Jan.3. View photography by 40 different artists born between 1965
and 1984 as they unravel the social and historical changes of Korea, as well as
an illustrated academic catalogue that captures the essence of exquisite artwork
being made in South Korea. Featured artists include Anne Wilkes Tucker, Karen
Sinsheimer, and photographer Bohnchang Koo. Tickets are on sale now for $35. 713-639-7300
www.mfah.org If
You Have Two Days
If you're looking for the perfect mix of southern-style
cuisine and soul stopping entertainment, the Red Cat Jazz Café is the place
for you. Winner of the 2009 Houston's Best Jazz Club, the Red Cat offers a lively
mix of jazz and blues music- from veteran vocalists like Mary Griffin to smooth
saxophonist like Kyle Turner. Blending Cajun and Creole-style foods, guests can
enjoy southern classics like shrimp gumbo or Cajun-style hot wings. The downtown
establishment welcomes you for lunch as entertainment is almost daily, but all
are encouraged to stick around as this brick building stays rocking from happy
hour through the late night. 713-229-7870 www.redcatjazzcafe.com/index.htm If
You Have a Long Weekend
Enjoy great food, entertainment, and breath-taking
views as you sail along one of Star Fleet's Kemah dinner cruises. Located about
45 minutes outside of Houston, Star Fleet Cruises has a little something for everyone
and is offering excursions every weekend through the month of November. Gourmet
food is made on site and served in buffet-style. Bring the kids along for a Murder
Mystery Dinner, or enjoy a memorable evening for two on their Romantic Outdoor
Dining experience. Dancing is always encouraged, especially if you embark on the
Kemah Dinner Dance cruise. Be sure to bring your Mardi Gras beads for when the
two-hour boat ride cruises by the Kemah Boardwalk. 281.334.4692 www.starfleetyachts.com | Convention & Visitor's BureauGreater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
901 Bagby, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77002
800.4.HOUSTON
visithoustontexas.com |
Local Flavor
Massa's Restaurant: If you're looking for
a fine-dining experience that offers the perfect mix of surf and turf-Massa's
has it all, in two locations. Visit their original restaurant featuring traditional
dishes like Grilled Catfish or stop by their Seafood and Grill restaurant that
offers both traditional and specialty dishes like their Dorado Tostada (blackened
Mahi-Mahi). Open Monday through Saturday; be sure to stop in for their weekly
happy hour. 1160 Smith St, 713-655-9100 www.massas.com
Ibiza Food and Wine Bar: Offering a
rich mix of Spanish, French, and Mediterranean fare, Ibiza acquires a sophisticated
atmosphere for a satisfying experience. Fresh fish is ordered twice a day and
cooked to their signature style. Enjoy dishes to warm the soul like their Roasted
Amish Lamb Chops, or for lighter fare, try their Smoked Peppered Trout Salad.
Call for reservations: 713-524-0004. 2450 Louisiana St. Ste 300. Rio
Ranch Restaurant: For a true Texas dinning experience, visit the Rio
Ranch for home-style cooking that is sure to please any appetite. The ranch-style
setting compliments their southern-style cuisine, offering daily brunch and a
special Sunday brunch buffet. Try one of their famous wood-grilled steaks or remain
guilt-free as the menu offers a healthy section. Make your party reservations
at 713-952-5000 or online at www.rioranch.com.
999 Westheimer St.
Photographs: © Sanggil KIM/Courtesy of
MFAH (Burberry); istockphoto (skyline) |
