The List - Houston
The top 10 must-dos in Houston
Buffalo Bayou
© JIM CALDWELL
1 Buffalo Bayou
Explore this 75-mile-long aquatic paradise, part of which snakes through downtown Houston. Soak up some local culture at a waterside concert or film screening, or paddle the day away on guided canoe and kayak tours. 713-752-0314; www.buffalobayou.org
2 Pinto Ranch
See the finer side of modern Western apparel in this Galleria/ Uptown Park-area store. Before heading home with handmade Lucchese and Rocketbuster boots, gorgeous silversmithed buckles or a piece of turquoise jewelry, get an old-fashioned boot shine from Joe. 1717 Post Oak Blvd; 713-333-7900; www.pintoranch.com
3 Miller Outdoor Theatre
Have a picnic under the stars on the sprawling lawn at Miller, where you can enjoy music, dance and theater free of charge. In June, the worldrenowned Houston Symphony will play a full schedule of both classical and pops concerts. 100 Concert Dr; 713-533-3276; milleroutdoortheatre.com
4 Petrol Station Coffeehouse
This converted gas station tucked into the Garden Oaks neighborhood seems an unlikely place to enjoy 30-plus craft and microbrews on tap. Don’t miss the Hummus Amongus or Mary’s Lamb burger. 985 Wakefield Dr; 713-957-2875
5 The Continental Club
Come as you are and dance to the very best in live Texas music at this laidback, legendary club. It’s bound to be a two-steppin’, skirt-flying good time in the hall where greats like James McMurtry, Joe Ely and The El Orbits have graced the stage. 3700 Main St; 713-529-9899; www.continentalclub.com
6 Casa Ramirez Imports
Find brightly colored Lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) masks, hammered tin stars, festive papel picado (perforated paper) and other authentic, hand-crafted folk art at this Mexican import store, located in the heart of historic Houston Heights. It's a lovely stop on a morning stroll of 19th Street, which is peppered with shops, galleries and cafés. 241 W 19th St; 713-880-2420
7 La Colombe d’Or
Lay your head where Madonna, Desmond Tutu and Bill Clinton have in one of five luxury rooms at this boutique hotel that was once an oil baron’s mansion. The stunning art collection for sale here is complemented by award-winning Chef Jeramie Robison’s offerings at the on-site Restaurant CINQ. 3410 Montrose Blvd; 713-524-7999; www.lacolombedor.com
8 The Orange Show}
This trippy, 3,000-squarefoot visionary art environment is one man’s quirky monument to his favorite citrus fruit. Explore its maze of balconies, walkways and exhibits decorated with brightly painted iron figures and mosaics. Also make sure to stop by the neighboring (and equally quirky) Beer Can House. 2402 Munger St; 713-9266368; www.orangeshow.org
9 Houston Culinary Tours Ryan Pera (Revival Market) and Bryan Caswell (Reef, Stella Sola and TV’s The Next Iron Chef) guide the June edition of this chef-led culinary tour series, during which you'll explore Vietnamese food in Houston, home to the thirdlargest Vietnamese population in the US. Tours start from 3815 Westheimer Rd; 713-437-5200; www.houstonculinarytours.com
10 The Menil Collection The vast and varied personal collection of the de Menils — from ancient tribal to modern surrealist — is free to the public in this natural light-filled Renzo Piano building in the heart of Montrose. 1515 Sul Ross St; 713-5259400; www.menil.org
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