Houston visit

[JamStone]

In two weeks, I'll be visiting Houston for a week and a half. I've been to Houston before a couple times, last time a year ago. But this time, I'll have a couple days where I don't really have anything planned. I've been to NASA before, not really interested to go back. I went to some kind of rodeo/carnival last year around this time.

Any suggestions for cool things to do, during the day. I might have my 4 year old nephew with me though during the day. Aside from that, maybe suggestions for nice places to eat, cool bars or clubs, though I'm not really into the club scene since I'm too "old" for that now. I'll be in the southern part of Houston. I'm visiting my sister and her family in Sugar Land, so I won't be making my way to the northern areas. My sister and brother will have ideas on what to do and where to go, but doesn't hurt to ask if there's other cool things they might not be aware of.

I'm also thinking about going to either the Orlando or San Antonio game too. Tickets don't seem to be too expensive. If I'm reading it right, only $50 for lower bowl seats behind the baskets or some section call Red Rowdies.

[Whisky Dog]

You don't want to sit in red rowdies. They rape pistons fan in those parts.

[JamStone]

Well if I do go to a Rockets game, it won't be a Piston game. It's either Orlando or San Antonio because that's when I'll be down there. And regardless, it's not like I'd go there and rock a Pistons jersey.

Lol but thanks for the advice.

[baseline bum]

My favorite place to eat in Houston when I lived there was Ninfa's. It has to be the original one though, on Navigation Blvd east of downtown. There's tons of Ninfa's around town, and they're all supposed to be so-so except for the original (which was outstanding every time I went; I never tried the knock-offs). Great tortillas, awesome salsa, great enchiladas, and so on. It used to be kind of a rough section of town back when I was out there, but I'd bet it's a lot nicer ever since the Astros park opened up just on the other side of 59 from there.

http://www.mamaninfas.com/

http://www.mamaninfas.com/images/shuttle.jpg

[Jekka]

To do during the day: Most of my recommendations would be around the Museum District. If you like art, the Menil Gallery is amazing, and if you're a Rothko fan, you should definitely walk down to the Rothko Chapel which is a couple blocks east of the Menil. The Contemporary Arts Museum doesn't have a permanent collection, but they bring in some really great guest artists, then of course the Museum of Fine Arts is literally across the corner from that. If you like non-art museums, the Museum of Natural Science is down the street from that. Hermann Park is right nearby, which is also where the zoo is. That's easily a few days within a mile radius.

Food: Ragin' Cajun. Their shrimp po'boys are something that I've really missed ever since I've moved away. http://www.ragin-cajun.com/

There are also tons of great Vietnamese restaurants close to downtown, and the bigger Chinatown is around the beltway and Bellaire Blvd.

[baseline bum]

There are also tons of great Vietnamese restaurants close to downtown, and the bigger Chinatown is around the beltway and Bellaire Blvd.

Do you have any specific recommendations? Pho is the shit!

[ploto]

The museum of Natural Science is great with a kid and you can spend an entire day there and not do everything.

[Many PackYao]

The Museum district was already mentioned so I'll tell you about downtown.

Downtown
Discovery Park
Downtown Aquarium/restaurant
Houston Center and the tunnels which have eateries and souvenir shops.
the Chase tower sky deck
Houston Pavillions-House of Blues, Lucky Strike bowling, books-a-million, some restaurants and other retail.
Root Memorial Square -a park with a basketball court right across from the Toyota Center.
Bayou Place- has an Angelika theatre for indie films, Hard Rock cafe, Rocbar and a Banzai Sushi restaurant.

Uptown
take a picure at the waterwall which is also located next to 901 ft Williams Tower and Galleria Mall:p:

[Jekka]

Do you have any specific recommendations? Pho is the shit!

For Vietnamese, I've been going to Mai's and Van Loc for years - they are both right by downtown and very good. I <3 Mai's.

If you're a wine/liquor person, the Spec's in that area of town has an incredible selection - the wine guys there are awesome and can help you find just about anything to suit your tastes if you're looking for something.

As for Chinatown, I haven't spent too much time in the restaurants there (either one - there's also the Old Chinatown east of downtown ... don't go there, it's scary), but there are some guides online that look pretty reputable. Chowhound.com is always a good resource. Usually if I'm headed that far out past the Beltway, I'm going to Hong Kong Market, which is in a shopping center right off Bellaire Blvd. It has a pretty insane variety of things to shop for (food, music, anything Asian) and good bubble tea. If you're looking to kill time out closer to Sugarland, that's pretty fun.

Also, a special mention: if you like pie, there's always the House of Pies. It's open 24/7, but you might have problems getting a table after midnight, it's where everyone goes after the clubs - but they have great pie (and over 30 varieties daily) with two locations that are both good.

Some good Chowhound threads to start with:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/463820
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/422472
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/549031

[baseline bum]

Thanks, I'll have to check Mai's next time I'm in H-Town.

[CosmicCowboy]

The Houston Stock Show and Rodeo will be happening while you are there.

http://www.hlsr.com/

[PakiDan]

You need to head down to Kemah Boardwalk with the little one. Great day trip.... lot's of fresh seafood all around the area.

[JamStone]

I'll be in Houston in less than 24 hours. Took note of several of your suggestions. Definitely going to the Kemah boardwalk and I'd like to check out that place called Ninfa's. Thanks for the ideas. Any other additional ideas before I get there?

[baseline bum]

Uptown
take a picure at the waterwall which is also located next to 901 ft Williams Tower and Galleria Mall:p:

Hell naw. That building will always be the Transco Tower!

[I. Hustle]

I visited the screw shop while I was there (the original) They had good deals like buy 2 get one free. I say you should hit it up.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

Visit the historic 3rd Ward if you ever get homesick for Detroit.

[baseline bum]

Visit the historic 3rd Ward if you ever get homesick for Detroit.

:lol

That's the part of town I lived in.

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

:lol

That's the part of town I lived in.

I did too once upon a time so I think we both know the truth is it's just like the rest of Houston, which is to say that it varies wildly as though there was no thought put into the urban planning at all. There are plenty of rough parts that live up to the reputation of the area but there's also a few blocks of some really nice homes there too.

[baseline bum]

I did too once upon a time so I think we both know the truth is it's just like the rest of Houston, which is to say that it varies wildly as though there was no thought put into the urban planning at all. There are plenty of rough parts that live up to the reputation of the area but there's also a few blocks of some really nice homes there too.

Yeah, it seemed like half the land on OST once you got past Scott was completely undeveloped even though it's in the middle of one of the largest cities in the US. Maybe it's changed since I left though.

[Trainwreck2100]

Dont get shot

[EricB]

The Houston Stock Show and Rodeo will be happening while you are there.

http://www.hlsr.com/


Yes, yes it will :)