Things You'll Need:
- Luggage Sets
- Travel Clothes
- Local Guidebooks To Texas
- Maps
- Sunscreen
- Airline Tickets
- Travel Services
- Cameras
- Film
- Maps
- Cameras
-
Step 1
Visit the International Festival in April for a look at the many cultures that blend in Houston.
-
Step 2
Step back in time at the Renaissance Festival that sets up every October and November between nearby Plantersville and Magnolia.
-
Step 3
Watch pure speed in September at the Houston Grand Prix.
-
Step 4
Make the short drive to Kemah or Galveston for seaside dining.
-
Step 5
Spend some money - or at least some time - in The Galleria, a large upscale shopping center with an ice rink.
-
Step 6
Get your kicks at the AstroWorld amusement park. It's home to no fewer than 11 roller coasters, including the new "Serial Thriller."
-
Step 7
Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center to get a look at NASA's triumphs and challenges.
-
Step 8
Stop by the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Cockrell Butterfly Center, where you can step inside a rain forest habitat with thousands of live butterflies.
-
Step 1
Decide when you'll visit. Spring and fall have the most pleasant weather. Avoid the summer if you can - unless hot, sticky weather doesn't bother you.
-
Step 2
See what's going on when you're in town by checking "Seasonal Events" below.
-
Step 3
Take care of your travel details. Houston is easily accessible by air, as it's Continental's home base, and most other airlines have flights to one or both airports, too. Most motorists arrive via Interstate 45, Interstate 10 or U.S. Highway 59. Trains pull in to the Amtrak station downtown, but Houston doesn't have a busy Amtrak schedule.
-
Step 4
Check out the weather forecast just before you leave and pack accordingly.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 2/2/2006 Astroworld is no more. But no need to fear, a brand new gigantic semi-indoor year-round water park is in the final stages of construction on Galveston Island (Google "Schlitterbahn").
While visiting the island you have to visit the historic downtown area for it's excellent shopping and restaurants. This area is known as The Strand. The first weekend in December there is an annual festival called Dickens on the Strand, where the theme is anything and everything 1800's style. The beach is nothing special (greenish water, brown sand, 3 foot waves in fair weather), but Stewart Beach is something you should ask about if you are looking for a bathroom, showers, and parking.
If the hour and a half drive to the island is too much for you, there is also Splashtown in North Houston. While you visit North Houston, check out it's own historic town of Spring. Many of the original buildings have been restored to house craft vendors (Google "old town spring"). For an extra special treat, eat at Wunche Bros., a saloon-turned-burger-joint that is reportedly haunted.
Other points of interest: (I am much to lazy to expound on these)
Katy Mills Mall. A mega-mall on the western outskirts; just head west on I-10.
The Aquarium restaurant. The downtown version of the Kemah boardwalk, but the food isn't anything over the top, it has an awesome atmosphere, a spectacular view of the city, and a ferris wheel.
Harwin Street. I think it's really the area around Harwin Dr. and Fondrin Dr. Don't take my word for those directions. It is home to many import and wholesale stores that sale perfume, handbags, jewelry, beads, furniture, etc. Be careful. It is not the best area of town. Last time I was there there was an ice cream truck stalking us. It is cleaning up, quite a bit.
Memorial City Mall. Another mall with an ice rink.
Mexican Food. A must. I recommend Papasitos, but there is a good Mexican food restaurant on practically every corner.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Mid-February through Early March every year. Check out www.rodeohouston.com for all the exact dates and happenings. You must see at least one rodeo and experience the top in entertainment at least once in your life!
Weather-wise, expect the unexpected. It can be 80 during the day, then a blue northern will blow in and MAY drop the temperature into the high 30s or low 40s. Dress cool but bring a warm coat.