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What to Do Where I Live -- Houston, Texas & the Best Ways to Spend Your Days

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Locals and visitors alike can take a look at this list.  It contains some of my favorite places, some that I go daily and others that are a special treat.  Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I do.  It's a bit of a random collection but they are all worth the trip or the drive and many have multiple locations to make it more convenient!  Travel time and parking are two things we take seriously in H-Town!
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Outdoor Activities

Great ways to enjoy the great outdoors and fun outside activities in HTX.  Highly curated to be the best of the best!

 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is my favorite part of Houston. Elegant monuments, water features and park amenities blend into natural landscapes. There are trees for days and in Houston, we do love our trees. Discover the serious trails for biking and walking too! They ar...
Houston's Memorial Park & Washington Corridor Neighborhood
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
I love being a member of this club! The great news is that if you are not a member, you can book the hotel, dining or spa and enjoy it right along with me. It's a great spot for special events too.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
Groovy spot to shop, sip, dine and hang out. Cool venues and architecture among the quaint, neighborhood feel of the Heights in central Houston.
Markets — Heights Mercantile

Restaurants

Houston is a great town for foodies.  These are favorites, tried and true and never disappoint.  All kinds of good stuff here at a variety of price points too.

 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is our go-to for take out pizza.  It's a nice place for families and big groups to eat in too.  However, it's not far from home and we just call in our order.  There are several locations around town.  Don't miss the Cesar salad, honestly one of the best in around – you must like garlic though!  All of the dressings are homemade and excellent.  You can't go wrong with their salads.  We order a large Cesar and a small or medium pizza which is more than enough for two people for dinner and leftovers.  Our favorite pizza is the Chicken Alfredo, whole wheat thin crust.  Try it or one of the other options, all of their pizzas are delicious!
Star Pizza
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Pamela O'Brien profile picture
My husband goes to a sit down lunch every day.  He loves this place and always bring back something for me.  They have some great sides and appetizers too and sometimes we order extras of those.  It's nice for lunch and also a cute and cozy date place for dinner.  We like the deviled eggs, the quinoa and kale salad and the rotisserie chicken pesto panini as lunch favorites.
Relish Restaurant & Bar - Houston
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is a saucy and kind of irreverent spot that has fun and doesn't take itself to seriously while serving really delicious food and wine.  You just have to pop a cork or two and that never bothers me.  Mussels and truffles are two of my trigger foods and they feature both deliciously.
a'Bouzy

Other Food & Drinks

Faves for grabbing a coffee, drink, snack or groceries on the go

 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is the closest independent coffee shop near me.  They make delicious coffees but even as a devout coffee fan, I just love their teas too.  Try to Lemongrass Basil hot with honey.  It's delicious!
The Yellow Cup
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is close to both of the design centers in Houston so I often stop by with clients when we need a coffee and a pastry snack or a quick lunch while shopping for furniture, art and accessories in the area.  The chicken salad is really good too.  The sandwich on a croissant is filling enough that I usually eat the other half for dinner.
Bistros, Bakeries, Brasseries, and On-The-Go Restaurants in Texas
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is a fun spot that is great for happy hour.  Good wine options and interesting appetizers and boards.  It's a great way to spend a few hours on the patio after work.
Postino Heights

Arts & Entertainment

 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is a beautiful museum house.  Think of it as visiting your great aunt, if you are lucky enough to have a great aunt who was elegant, sophisticated and rich.  This could be her home.  It's a lovely house on a beautiful wooded lot oozing sophistication and charm. There are pretty rooms and fascinating collections.  It's a nice way to spend a few hours in an uncrowded part of busy Houston. I've attended concerts there too, it's makes a great event venue.
Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
I'm not a huge football fan but if I'm invited to a game at NRG, I'm excited!  Tailgating is the best and you can spend the whole day on a weekend and be extremely entertained.
NRG Stadium
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
You won't be disappointed in performances at The Alley.  They always do a great job. From the seasonal favorites to classics to new and innovative plays, I enjoy it every time I go.
Alley Theatre - Official Site - Houston

Local Favorites

Houston Must Haves for Locals and Visitors

 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is the quintessential Houston liquor store.  Locations all over town.  Fine wines and foods.  Party needs.  The staff is so helpful, they will help you plan your party down to the last cocktail and pack it all up for you and take it to your car.  It's really fun to go during the holidays too.  So much Christmas cheer!
Spec's Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
For specialty shopping it doesn't get any better than here.  So much great produce, dairy, charcuterie, fresh meat and fish, a great bakery, excellent lunch counter and scrumptious to-go options to eat on site or take home.  Super fun before any holiday.  I love browsing the seasonal offerings while sipping a sample of their delicious coffees.
Central Market
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
Not my favorite thing to do but might as well get gas and a great wash at the same time.  These folks make it pleasant with a nice waiting room and quick service.  Houston can be rainy or dusty or full of pollen.  Our cars get dirty.  Mr. Car Wash helps with that!
Mister Car Wash
 
Pamela O'Brien profile picture
This is kind of a hidden gem south of Houston.  The museum is full of perfectly maintained vintage aircraft and has fascinating displays.  I love how they feature the WASPs – Women's Airforce Service Pilots. It's very interesting information that I don't think many Americans know about and the museum has a great exhibit.
Lone Star Flight Museum