YOUR CHEAT SHEET PARKS & RECREATION: WHERE TO EAT,

TO A GREAT PLACES TO ENJOY DRINK AND SHOP IN

GALVESTON GETAWAY THE OUTDOORS THE CITY NOW

EXPLORE
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
HOUSTON & BEYOND
S U M M E R • 2 0 1 9
 CONTENTS 6 EXPLORE

Explore Houston & Beyond

Mark Mulligan / Staff photographer

Aerial view of downtown above Allen Parkway

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DINING OUTDOORS RECREATION On the cover:

Museums 6 Alison Cook’s Top 10 17 City parks 30 Paddling 41 Elisabeth Suazo and
Outdoor shows 9 Steakhouses 18 Dog parks 32 Sailing 42 Mmunga Mluli dance
Indoors shows 10 Barbecue 19 Birding 33 Charters/rentals 43 together at the top
Theater 11 Houston classics 20 Hike/bike trails 34 of the hill near Miller
Classical music 12 Burgers 21 Camping 34 SHOPPING Outdoor Theatre in
Dance 12 Tex-Mex and Mexican 22 Fishing 35 Retail centers 44 Hermann Park.
Opera 12 Asian 23 Antiques 46 Photo by
Kid-friendly 24 SPORTS Karen Warren /
NIGHTLIFE Ice cream 24 Pools 36 CALENDAR Staff photographer.
Beer bars 13 Golf courses 37 Events and festivals 48
Cocktail and wine bars 14 KIDS Tennis 39
houstonchronicle
Breweries 16 Amusement parks 25 Skating 40 GETAWAY
.com/explore
Nature centers 27 Galveston 52
Playgrounds 28

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 3

 EXPLORE 6 MAP

NW NE
1314
The
WALLER COUNTY

Woodlands TY
99 N
U
O
C
Y
NTY ER
COU M
MERY O
TGO TG
MON N
UNTY Tomball O
IS CO 99

LI B
M
HARR

HA
Spring

ER
RR

TY
IS C
99

CO
OU
1960

UN
Hu
umblee

NT

TY
Y
290

249
1960
Atascosita
a
Cypress
45
5

8
59 Crosby
69

90
Greater 8

Katy 290
90A

610 10
8

10
10
Baytown
Katy FO
RT Houston
B EN
D
CO
U
Inner 225
NT
Y Loop Pasadena
610 La Porte
HARRIS COUNTY
6

99 90A

Missouri City 8 146

C OUN TY
Sugar Land BRAZORIA Kemah
45 Webster
288 Pearland

SW69 59 35

GALVESTON
COUNTY
SE
4 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
A special series by the

T
his year marks the 50th
anniversary of Neil Armstrong
and Buzz Aldrin becamng the
!rst humans to walk on the moon.

Dont’ miss the Houston Chronicle’s

Mission Moon series as we journey toward
one of the greatest accomplishments in
human history.

Never miss a story.

HoustonChronicle.com/MissionMoon
 EXPLORE 6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE
1940 AIR TERMINAL MUSEUM
History of aviation and a daily air show.
8325 Travelair, 713-454-1940; 1940air-
terminal.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.,
1-5 p.m. Sun. $5 adults; $2 children. SE
AMERICAN COWBOY MUSEUM
Art, history and culture that shaped the
development of the American West.
11822 Almeda, 713-478-9677; amer-
icancowboymuseum.org. Open to
visitors by appointment. $10 adults; $9
children. SE
ART CAR MUSEUM
A Houston classic merging cars and
modern art. Through Aug. 25, “Then
6 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
MUSEUMS
and Now.” 140 Heights, 713-861-5526;
artcarmuseum.com. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wed.-Sun. Free. Inner Loop
ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER
Art exhibits, performances and pro-
grams related to all Asian cultures.
Through Aug. 18, “Site Lines: Artists
Working in Texas.” Through July 21,
“Super Sarap,” video, sculpture and
photography inspired by Filipino food.
1370 Southmore; 713-496-9901, asia-
society.org/texas; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-
Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; $8; $5
seniors and students, children 12 and
under free. Inner Loop
Visitors walk through the Clio
Garden at Bayou Bend.
BAYOU BEND COLLECTION
AND GARDENS
MFAH house museum for American
decorative arts, paintings and furniture.
6003 Memorial, 713-639-7750; mfa-
h.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.
Sun. $12.50 adults; $11 students and
seniors; $6.25 children ages 10-18.
Inner Loop
BLAFFER ART MUSEUM
Contemporary art on University of
Houston campus. May 17-Oct. 12,
Brett Coomer / Staff photographer
“Amie Siegel: Medium Cool.” 4173 Elgin,
713-743-9521; blafferartmuseum.org. 10
a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat. Free. Inner
Loop
BRAZOSPORT MUSEUM
OF NATURAL SCIENCE
Fossils, mammoth bones, a seashell
collection and an interactive children’s
area. 400 College, Clute, 979-265-
7831; bcfas.org/museum2. 10 a.m.-4
p.m. Tues.-Sat., 2-5 p.m. Sun. Free. SE
BUFFALO SOLDIERS
NATIONAL MUSEUM
Exhibits, workshops, re-enactments
and research dedicated to African-

American soldiers. 3816 Caroline, 713-
942-8920; buffalosoldiermuseum-
.com. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4
p.m. Sat. $10; $5 seniors and students;
5 and younger free. Inner Loop
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
OF HOUSTON
Exhibits emphasize hands-on learning.
1500 Binz, 713-522-1138; cmhousto-
n.org. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat., 10
a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs., noon-6 p.m. Sun.
$12; $11 seniors; $10 active-duty military
personnel. Inner Loop
CONTEMPORARY ARTS
MUSEUM HOUSTON
Cutting-edge international, national
and regional art. Through June 16,
“Shapeshifters.” Through July 28,
“Stonewall 50.” 5216 Montrose, 713-
284-8250; camh.org. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Tues.-Wed. and Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., noon-6 p.m.
Sun., closed Mon. Free. Inner Loop
DUNHAM BIBLE MUSEUM
Exhibits of ancient and medieval
manuscripts, examples of the earliest
printed Bibles and displays of the earli-
est English and American Bibles tell
the story of the Bible’s preservation,
history, transmission and influence. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Special tours by
appointment. In the Morris Cultural
Arts Center on the campus of Houston
Baptist University. 7502 Fondren, 281-
649-3298; hbu.edu/biblemuseum.
Free. SW
GALVESTON ARTS CENTER
Art exhibits and classes. Through June
2, “Brad Tucker: Standard Tan.”
Through July 7, “Jeffrey Dell: Maquette
Moon” and “Chris Bakay: The Tangibil-
ity of Memory.” 2127 Strand, Galveston;
409-877-7666; galvestonartscente-
r.org; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5
p.m. Sun. Free. SE
GEORGE BUSH PRESIDENTIAL
LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Exhibits explore George H.W. Bush’s life
and presidency. Through May 20,
“Spies, Traitors, Saboteurs: Fear and
Freedom in America.” July 1-Jan. 5
2020, “Wit and Humor: American
Political Cartoons.” 1000 George Bush
Drive W., College Station, 979-691-
4000; bush41.org. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Adults $9;
seniors and retired military $7; youth
ages 6-17 and college students $3. NW
THE HEALTH MUSEUM
Exhibits explore the body and mind,
with interactive videos, a 4D theater
and healthful-eating classes. 1515 Her-
mann, 713-521-1515; thehealthmuse-
um.org. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Wed. and
Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs., noon-5
p.m. Sun. $10 adults; $8 ages 3-12 and
seniors; 2 and younger free. Inner
Loop
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON
Examines the impact of prejudice and
hatred in society, with a focus on the
Holocaust temporary exhibits that
examine other genocides. Through
May 15, “In the Country of Numbers,
where men have no names,” temporary
space at 9220 Kirby. June 22-23,
Grand reopening of expanded campus,
with new exhibit spaces including
displays of the museum’s World War II
era railcar and Danish rescue boat.
5401 Caroline, 713-942-8000; hmh.org.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $12; $8 active-
duty military; children up to 18 and
students free. Inner Loop
HOUSTON CENTER
FOR CONTEMPORARY CRAFT
Art exhibitions and open artists’ stu-
dios. Through May 12, “Tom Loesser:
Please Please Please” and “To Be of
Use: The Functional Ceramics of Mike
Helke, Ayumi Hori and East Fork.”
Through June 2, “Statecraft: Selec-
tions from the Jewelry Collection of the
Danish Arts Foundation.” June 1-Aug.
25, “Justin Favela: All You Can Eat” and
“Tiff Massey: A Different World.” 4848
Main, 713-529-4848, crafthouston.org;
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Weds.-Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Sun. Free. Inner Loop
HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM
Explores the history of Houston’s fire
department. 2403 Milam, 713-524-
2526; houstonfiremuseum.org. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat. $5 adults; $4
seniors; $3 children. Inner Loop
HOUSTON MARITIME MUSEUM
Eight galleries cover maritime history.
2311 Canal, 713-666-1910; houstonmar-
itime.org. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sat. $8;
$5 seniors and kids 3-12; active-duty
military and veterans free. Inner Loop
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 6 EXPLORE
Mike Rathke and his daughter Zooey Rathke, 4, pose for a photo near a
large lunar sculpture at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
HOUSTON MUSEUM
OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE
Art exhibits, film screenings and edu-
cational programs. Through June 29,
“3 The Hard Way: Spencer Evans, Vitus
Shell and Anthony Suber.” Through
July 6, “Brionya James: That’s All She
Wrote.” 4807 Caroline, 713-526-1015;
hmaac.org. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sat.
and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs. Inner Loop
HOUSTON MUSEUM
OF NATURAL SCIENCE
Exhibits of dinosaurs, amber gems and
rare fossils, Burke Baker Planetarium,
IMAX and more. 5555 Hermann Park
Drive, 713-639-4629; hmns.org. 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun. $25 adults; $15
children, seniors and college students;
free 2-5 p.m. Thurs. Inner Loop
LAWNDALE ART CENTER
Exhibitions by regional artists. Through
June 2, “Axis Mundo: Queer Networks
in Chicano L.A.” June 21-Aug. 18, “2018-
19 Artist Studio Program, Exhibition,”
“Preetika Rajgariah: I Ain’t Sari,” “Jona-
than Molina-Garcia: The Bethesda
Brotherhood” and “Michael Bhichitkul:
Parading Rain.” 4912 Main, 713-528-
5858, lawndaleartcenter.org; noon-6
p.m. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.,
Jon Shapley / Staff photographer
noon-3 p.m. Sun. Free. Inner Loop
LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM
Aviation museum and STEM learning
center with a mission to preserve,
educate and inspire. The new $38
million facility at Ellington Airport
includes Texas Aviation Hall of Fame,
historical aircraft and dynamic hands-
on exhibits. 11551 Aerospace Ave., 346-
708-2517; lonestarflight.org. 9 a.m.-5
p.m. Tues.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.;
$14.95 adults, $12.95 young adult (12-
17) and seniors, $9.95 child (4-11). $2
discount if booked online. SE
MENIL COLLECTION
Permanent collection of John and
Dominique de Menil include art from
antiquity, the Byzantine world, tribal
cultures and the 20th century. Through
May 19, “Contemporary Focus: Trenton
Doyle Hancock.” May 31-July 14, “Con-
temporary Focus: Mineko Grimmer.”
June 7-Sept. 1, “Roni Horn: When I
Breathe, I Draw, Part II” (Menil Drawing
Institute). June 28-Oct. 19, “Collection
Close-Up: The Graphic Work of Do-
rothea Tanning.” Sept. 13-Jan 26, “Ma-
pa Wiya (Your Map’s Not Needed):
Australian Aboriginal Art From the
Fondation Opale.” 1533 Sul Ross, 713-
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 7
 EXPLORE 6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

525-9400; menil.org. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wed.-Sun. Free. Inner Loop

MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ARCHITEC-

TURE AND DECORATIVE ARTS
History and culture of Texas settlers
between 1830-1930. Houston Baptist
University campus, 7502 Fondren,
281-649-3000; hbu.edu. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mon.-Sat. $6; $5 seniors; $4 children 12
and younger. SW

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON

Permanent collection spans 6,000
years of history. Through May 27,
“Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings,”
photography exhibition exploring
themes of family, memory, mortality
and the Southern landscape; and
“Odyssey: Jack Whitten Sculpture,
1963-2017,” first show of sculpture by
the important American artist.
Through June 27, “Vincent van Gogh:
His Life in Art” follows Van Gogh
through key career stages, from early
sketches to final paintings. Through
Sept. 8, “Between Play and Grief:
Selections From the Latino American
Collection” works purchased by MFAH
in the past decade. May 24-Sept. 15,
“William Forsythe: Choreographic
Objects,” interactive installation fea-
turing “City of Abstracts,” “Nowhere
and Everywhere at the Same Time, No.
2” and “Towards the Diagnostic Gaze.”
June 23-Sept. 22, “Icons of Style: A
Century of Fashion Photography,” more
than 200 photographs by famous
practitioners and lesser-known, yet
influential, artists trace the move-
ment’s trajectory. July 18-Sept. 2,
“Shooting the Moon: Photographs
From the Museum’s Collection 50
Years after Apollo 11” features images
ranging from documentary to fanciful.
July 21-Sept. 2, “Ragnar Kjartansson:
The Visitors,” installation and video art.
Oct. 27-Jan. 20, “Beatriz González: A
Retrospective,” exhibition dedicated to
the work of the Colombian artist. 1001
Bissonnet, 713-639-7300; mfah.org. 10
a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Wed., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 12:15-7
p.m. Sunday. $17 adults, $14 seniors,
$10 youth (13-18), kids 12 and younger
free. Free general admission Thurs-
days. Inner Loop
MUSEUM OF THE GULF COAST
Specializes in Texas and Louisiana
Visitors wait to enter the Skylab 1-G Trainer in Space Center Houston.
Gulf Coast history, with a gallery of
Robert Rauschenberg’s artworks and a
Music Hall of Fame that includes arti-
facts of Janis Joplin’s youth and honors
regional artists. Through July 27,
fourth annual Community Art Show.
700 Procter, Port Arthur; 409-982-
7000; museumofthegulfcoast.org. 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. $8 adults, $6
senior, $4 college students, $3 kids. SE
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF FUNERAL HISTORY
America’s largest collection of au-
thentic funeral-service items. Exhibits
explore presidential funerals, the histo-
ry of embalming, 19th-century mourn-
ing and historical hearses. 415 Barren
Springs, 281-876-3063; nmfh.org. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. $10 adults, $9
seniors, $7 children ages 6-11. NW
ORANGE SHOW CENTER
FOR VISIONARY ART
Whimsical folk-art monument, a
maze of mosaics, statues and silliness.
2402 Munger, 713-926-6368;
orangeshow.org. Noon-5 p.m. Wed.-
Sun. between Memorial Day and Labor
Day. $5 adults, kids 12 and younger free.
Inner Loop
THE PRINTING MUSEUM
Antique printing presses, rare books
and newspapers. 1324 W. Clay, 713-
522-4652; printingmuseum.org. 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. and Sat. with guided
tours, Tues.-Thurs. group tours by
appointment only; $10 adults, $8 kids
(7-12), seniors, students and military,
free for kids 6 and younger. Inner
Loop
PROJECT ROW HOUSES
Historical preservation meets art
and community at a cluster of Third
Ward shotgun houses with rotating
installations by artists. 2521 Holman,
713-526-7662; projectrowhouses.org.
Noon-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Free. Inner
Loop
RIENZI
MFAH’s house museum for Europe-
an decorative arts, with docent-led
tours. 1406 Kirby, 713-639-7800; mfa-
h.org. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wed.-Sat., 1-4
p.m. Sun. Reserve tour spot online or
call; $10 adults, $8 seniors, $5 stu-
dents and youth (13-18). Inner Loop
SAN JACINTO MONUMENT
Monument and museum tells the
story of Texas’ independence from
Steve Gonzales / Staff photographer
Mexico and details heroes of the
battle and early days of Republic of
Texas. 1 Monument Circle, La Porte,
281-479-2421; sanjacinto-muse-
um.org. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free;
special exhibits, $2-$5; observation
floor $2-$4. Free for military. SE
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
Science and space learning cen-
ter. Special installations for Apollo
10 50-year anniversary. 1601 E. NASA
Pkwy, 281-244-2100; spacecente-
r.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10
a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $29.95 adults;
$27.95 seniors; $24.95 children; kids
3 and younger free. SE
STARK MUSEUM OF ART
Through June 2, “Paul Kane: In-
trepid Artist and Adventurer.” 712
Green Ave., Orange, 409-886-2787;
starkculturalvenues.org. 9 a.m.-5
p.m. Tues.-Sat. SE
STATION MUSEUM
OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Art reflecting the cultural diversity
of Houston. 1502 Alabama, 713-529-
6900; stationmuseum.com. 11
a.m.-6 p.m. Wed.-Sun. Free. Inner
Loop

8 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019


STAGE PERFORMANCES
SUMMER CONCERTS HEAT UP HOUSTON VENUES
OUTDOOR SHOWS
DISCOVERY GREEN
1500 McKinney, 713-400-7336; dis-
coverygreen.com. May 19, Buxton. June
16, Los Guerreros de la Musica. Inner
Loop
MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE
6000 Hermann Park Drive, 281-373-
3386; milleroutdoortheatre.com. Events
are free, but tickets are available at the
box office for covered seating. May
17-18, “La Bohème,” produced by Hous-
ton Grand Opera. May 23-26, Dancin’ in
the Street … Motown & More Revue,
sounds of classic Motown hits, featur-
ing an ensemble of soul singers, funky
dancers and the Bacement Soul Or-
chestra. June 1, Accordion Kings &
Queens, an evening of dancing and
roots music, featuring the best of Texas
accordion-music genres, including
conjunto, zydeco, cajun and polka. June
15, Aperio presents Philip Glass’ Aguas
da Amazonia, explores a vivid mixture
of orchestral and percussive textures.
June 19, A Gulf Coast Juneteenth, a
blues and creole music festival featur-
ing The Soul Rebels. June 21-22 and
June 28-29, Summer Symphony
Nights, classical music on the lawn.
June 24-25, Hear the Artists of Tomor-
row, young musicians perform works of
great composers. July 2, Orquesta
Akokán, a blazing ensemble of deeply
soulful mambo reminiscent of Benny
Moré, Pérez Prado and banda gigante of
the 1940s and ’50s. July 3, AFA Sum-
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 6 EXPLORE
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
mer Music Festival Orchestra, an excit-
ing performance of orchestral works
including Respighi’s Pines of Rome and
an AFA-commissioned arrangement of
Beacon Fires by Houston composer Rob
Smith. July 4, Star Spangled Salute,
Fourth of July celebration featuring
patriotic music and a fireworks display.
July 6, Family Funk Festival, a celebra-
tion of the greatest hits of the funk era.
Inner Loop
THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL
PAVILION
2005 Lake Robbins, 281-363-3300;
woodlandscenter.org. May 17, Dave
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Matthews Band. May 18, ZZ Top & Bad
Company. May 22, “La Bohème,” pro-
duced by Houston Grand Opera. May
30, How to Train Your Dragon in Con-
cert, Houston Symphony (film with
orchestra). June 1, Jimmy Buffett. June
7, Texas Music Festival Orchestra. June
8, An Evening with Frank Sinatra & Ella
Fitzgerald, presented by the Houston
Symphony. June 9, Kidz Bop. June 14,
Hootie & The Blowfish. June 15, Weird
Al Yankovic. June 21, Shinedown with
Badflower. June 23, Rockstar Energy
Drink Disrupt Festival, featuring The
Used, Thrice, Circa Survive, The Story
So Far, Sleeping with Sirens, Andy
Black, Four Year Strong, Memphis May
Fire, Trophy Eyes, Juliet Simms and
Hyro the Hero. June 28, Train & Goo
Goo Dolls. June 29, Thomas Rhett. July
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 9
 EXPLORE 6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
3, Star-Spangled Salute, presented by
the Houston Symphony. July 6, Sum-
mer Block Party featuring Jill Scott,
Boyz II Men, Faith Evans and Lucky
Daye. July 7, Santana with The Doobie
Bothers. July 12, Michael McDonald
and Chaka Khan. July 20, Korn and
Alice in Chains with Underoath. July
25, the United States Army Field Band
and Soldiers’ Chorus. July 27, Third
Eye Blind with Jimmy Eat World and
Ra Ra Riot. July 28, Beck & Cage the
Elephant with Spoon and special
guests. Aug. 1, Alice Cooper & Hal-
estorm with Motionless in White. Aug.
3, Hammer’s House Party, featuring
MC Hammer, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Doug E.
Fresh, Kid N Play, Rob Base and Tone
Loc. Aug. 22, Heart with Joan Jett and
Elle King. Aug. 23, Nelly, TLC & Flo
Rida. Aug. 25, Smashing Pumpkins
and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
with AFI. Aug. 29, Raiders of the Lost
Ark in Concert, Houston Symphony
(film with orchestra). Sept. 7, Chris
Young with Chris Janson & Locash.
Sept. 8, Knotfest Roadshow featuring
Slipknot with Volbeat, Gojira and
Behemoth. Sept. 11, A Symphony of
Heroes, presented by the Houston
Symphony. Sept. 21, Peter Frampton
with Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin
Evening. Sept. 22, Iron Maiden with
The Raven Age. Oct. 18, Hocus Pocus
Pops, Houston Symphony. Oct. 27,
Zac Brown Band with Lukas Nelson &
Promise of the Real. N
INDOOR SHOWS
HOUSE OF BLUES
1204 Caroline, 888-402-5837; hou-
seofblues.com/Houston. May 13,
Johnny Orlando. May 15, Dread Mar I.
May 16, Higher Brothers. May 17, Ayla
Nereo. May 18, Art Alexakis of Ever-
clear and More. May 21, Elhae. May 22,
BBMAK. May 23, The Prince Experi-
ence. May 23, Nick Waterhouse. May
24, Strangelove: The Depeche Mode
Experience. May 25, Ari Lennox. May
25, Brytiago & Darell. May 29, The
Glorious Sons. May 30, Jamey John-
son. May 31, Slushii. June 1, Jessie
James Decker. June 2, Mark Manson.
June 2, Rooney. June 7, Draco Rosa.
June 9, Fonseca. June 10, Americo.
June 12, Anberlin. June 13, Yacht Rock
Revue. June 14, J.I.D. June 18, Monsieur
10 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Perine. June 24, Nav. June 29, Ana
Barbara. July 5, Charly Bliss. July 10,
New Found Glory. July 11, Guaco, CHY-
NO, La Melodia Perfecta and Annybel.
July 12, Scott Stapp. July 17, Howard
Jones. July 19, Boney James. July 28,
August Burns Red. July 30, Iration.
Aug. 2, Carly Rae Jepsen. Aug. 10,
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Aug. 25,
The Mighty O.A.R. w/ American Au-
thors. Sept. 13, Joe Russo’s Almost
Dead. Sept. 23, Dodie. Nov. 2, Lukas
Graham. Inner Loop
REVENTION MUSIC CENTER
520 Texas, 713-230-1600; revention-
musiccenter.com. May 17, Lil Pump &
Lil Skies. May 18, Jose Luis Rodriguez
El Puma. May 19, Stray Kids. May 23,
Blackbear. May 24, David Gray. June
6, Juice WRLD. June 7, LANY. June 11,
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals.
June 14, Dance Mania! A Night with
Ruben Blades & The Jazz Houston Getty Images
Orchestra. June 16, Machine Gun Ariana Grande performs May 19 at Toyota Center.
Kelly. June 22, Pancho Barraza. June
29, Jon Bellion. July 12, Kirk Franklin.
July 13, PRETTYMUCH. July 31, $UICI- with Courtney Marie Andrews. May 17, fer Lopez. July 24, Queen + Adam Lam-
DEBOY$. Aug. 25, One Nation Under Eric Hutchinson & The Believers with bert. Aug. 31, Backstreet Boys. Sept. 6,
a Groove. Sept. 7, The Australian Pink texture: Yellow. May 18, Monte Mont- Maná. Sept. 8, John Mayer. Sept. 9,
Floyd Show. Sept. 26, Marina. Oct. 31, gomery with John Egan. May 19, Todd Kiss. Sept. 21, Carrie Underwood. Sept.
AJR. Nov. 9, Christian Nodal. Nov. Snider with Elizabeth Cook. May 21, 24, Phil Collins. Sept. 25, The Who.
14-15, Deadmau5. Inner Loop Pete Yorn. May 24, Jackopierce. May Inner Loop
25, Matthew Logan Vasquez with The
SMART FINANCIAL CENTRE Peterson Brothers and PR Newman. WAREHOUSE LIVE
18111 Lexington, Sugar Land, 281-207- May 31, The Nils Lofgren Band. June 1, 813 St. Emanuel, 713-225-5483; ware-
6278; smartfinancialcentre.net. May Vieux Farka Touré. June 8, Folk Family houselive.com. May 23, 88Glam. May
17, India.Arie. May 28, Lionel Richie. Revival. June 14, Josh Ritter & The Royal 24, Citizen and Knuckle Puck. May 25,
June 25, Brit Floyd. June 28, Rob City Band with Amanda Shires. June 21, Obituary and Agnostic Front. May 26,
Thomas with Abby Anderson. July 3, Son Volt with Old Salt Union. June 22, Kandi Burruss with special guests Ta-
Chicago. July 27, Monsta X. July 28, Parachute. June 23, Rickie Lee Jones. mar Braxton & Trina. May 30, Insane
Papa Roach with Asking Alexandria June 29, BoDeans. July 18, Cowboy Clown Posse. May 31, Stryper. June 8,
and Bad Wolves. Aug. 14, Lyle Lovett Mouth with Little Outfit. Aug. 15, Rod- NOME 9: Loaded Lux vs. Aye Verb. June
& His Large Band. Aug. 24, The B-52s ney Crowell. Nov. 21, Rufus Wainwright. 9, Jelly Roll. June 10, Jamila Woods.
with OMD and Berlin. Aug. 29, Rascal Dec. 13, John Waters. Inner Loop June 14, Slaughter. June 23, The Lady-
Flatts. Sept. 6, Mark Knopfler. Sept. gang. June 23, GhosteMane and
22, Alejandro Sanz. Oct. 10, Gloria THE GRAND 1894 OPERA HOUSE HO99O9. July 20, The Lone Star Pirate
Trevi with Karol G. Oct. 12, Marco 2020 Post Office, Galveston, 409- Festival. July 26, 54 Reasons. Aug. 2,
Antonio Solis. Dec. 7, Kansas. SW 765-1894; thegrand.com. May 12, Gene ONE (The Only Tribute to Metallica).
Watson and Johnny Rodriguez, hosted Aug. 17, Cinderella’s Tom Keifer. Aug.
STAFFORD CENTRE by Brad Maule from “General Hospital.” 23, The Tubes. Sept. 18, Squeeze. Sept.
10505 Cash, Stafford, 281-208- July 5, Robert Earl Keen and Tyler Chil- 21, SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque.
6900; staffordcentre.com. June 21, ders. Aug. 10, Jaston Williams. SE Oct. 25, Vince Neil, Hold on Hollywood
Stars of the Sixties, Herman’s Hermits and Johnny Solinger (of Skid Row). Oct.
starring Peter Noone. Sept. 19, Little TOYOTA CENTER 26, Black Flag. Inner Loop
River Band. SW 1510 Polk, 713-578-7200; houston-
toyotacenter.com. May 15, New Kids on WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL
THE HEIGHTS THEATER the Block. May 19, Ariana Grande. June 2915 N. Main, 713-237-0370; white-
339 W. 19th, 214-272-8346; the- 18, Hugh Jackman. June 21, Twenty One oakmusichall.com. Note: Outdoors
heightstheater.com. May 12, Deer Tick Pilots with Bear Hands. June 25, Jenni- shows are indicated with an asterisk.

May 17, Roger Creager. May 21, The
Drums, Tanukichan. May 23, Tech
N9ne. May 24, Kings Kaleidoscope.
May 24, Turnpike Troubadours*. May
29, Johnnyswim. June 1, The Lem-
onheads with Tommy Stinson. June 5,
Mitski, Dilly Dally. June 6, Betty Who.
June 8, Aly & AJ with Armors. June 13,
Gary Gulman. June 20, Whitey Morgan.
June 23, GTS Presents Summer Break-
out. June 28, Father John Misty & Ja-
son Isbell and the 400 Unit*. July 5,
Cuco, Triathalon. July 6, Sad Summer
Festival*. July 7, Young the Giant, Fitz
and the Tantrums*. July 13, The Head
and the Heart*. July 18, Built to Spill.
July 20, Del Castillo. July 22, Boys of
Summer. July 27, Houston’s Music and
Arts Festival featuring Blue October*.
July 28, Slightly Stoopid*. Aug. 3, Sub-
lime With Rome, Michael Franti &
Spearhead*. Aug. 4, Joey Bada$$ &
Flatbush Zombies*. Aug. 6, 311 with
Dirty Heads*. Aug. 8, The Growlers.
Aug. 9, moe. and Blues Traveler*. Aug.
17, Vampire Weekend*. Aug. 23, Shakey
Graves & Dr. Dog*. Sept. 11, The Nation-
al*. Sept. 20, Noah Kahan. Sept. 21,
Morrissey with Interpol*. Inner Loop
THEATER
4TH WALL THEATRE
1824 Spring, 832-767-4991; 4thwall-
theatreco.com. May 16-June 8, “Col-
lected Stories.” Oct. 11-Nov. 2, “The
Glass Menagerie.” Inner Loop
A.D. PLAYERS
5420 Westheimer, 713-526-2721;
adplayers.org. May 17-June 2, “The God
Committee.” June 28-July 28, “West
Side Story.” Sept. 11, “The Hiding
Place.” Nov. 27-Dec. 22, “Miracle on
34th Street.” W
ALLEY THEATRE
615 Texas, 713-220-5700; alleythea-
tre.org. Through June 2, “Constella-
tions,” delves into the universal truth of
finding and losing love and questions
the difference between choice and
destiny. May 31-June 30, “The Three
Musketeers.” July 19-Aug. 25, “Agatha
Christie’s Murder on the Orient Ex-
press.” Sept. 13-Oct. 13, “The Winter’s
Tale,” a sweeping story of wrath and
redemption and of lost and then found
love. Oct. 4-Nov. 3, “Vietgone,” now in
“Disney’s Aladdin” runs at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts June
26 through July 28.
America, a strange new land of cow-
boys, hippies and bikers, two Vietnam-
ese refugees just might find each other.
Nov. 15-Dec. 29, “A Christmas Carol.”
Nov. 26-Dec. 29, “Fully Committed,”
Sam works the reservation line at one
of New York’s hottest restaurants,
where the best food inspires the worst
behavior. Inner Loop
CATASTROPHIC THEATRE
Midtown Arts Theater Center Hous-
ton (MATCH), 3400 Main, 713-522-
2723; catastrophictheatre.com. June
28-Aug. 4, “Speeding Motorcycle,”
takes audiences deep into the as-
tounding, hilarious and heartbreaking
world of one of America’s most com-
pelling cult musicians. Inner Loop
CRIGHTON THEATRE
234 N. Main, Conroe, 936-441-7469;
crightontheatre.org and stage-
right.org. May 24-26, “Matilda the
Musical.” July 5-21, “Annie.” Aug. 16-18,
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat.” Sept. 6-22, “The Wild
Women of Winedale.” Oct. 18-Nov. 3,
“Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderel-
la.” Dec. 6-22, “The Best Christmas
Pageant Ever.” N
DIRT DOGS THEATRE CO.
MATCH, 3400 Main, 713-561-5113;
dirtdogstheatre.org. May 24-June 8, “A
Lie of the Mind,” explores the destinies
of two desperate families, linked by
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 6 EXPLORE
Deen van Meer
marriage but set apart by jealousies
and distrust after a severe incident of
spousal abuse leaves all their lives
altered. Inner Loop
ENSEMBLE THEATRE
3535 Main, 713-520-0055; ensem-
blehouston.com. Through June 2,
“Pipeline,” Nya, an inner-city public
high school teacher, is committed to
her students but desperate to give her
only son, Omari, opportunities they’ll
never have. June 27-July 28, “Joseph-
ine Tonight,” a musical biography of
showbiz legend Josephine Baker. Inner
Loop
HOBBY CENTER
FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
800 Bagby, 713-315-2525; thehobby-
center.org. May 12, “Miss Saigon.” June
26-July 14, “Disney’s Aladdin.” Aug.
6-11, “Rent.” Oct. 22-27, “Cats.” Nov.
12-24, “Dear Evan Hansen.” Inner Loop
MAIN STREET THEATER
2540 Times, 713-524-6706; main-
streettheater.com. Through May 26,
“Relatively Speaking,” Greg proposes
to Ginny as she is heading off for the
day to see her parents, or so she says.
July 20-Aug. 11, “Private Lives,” Elyot
and Amanda, once married and now
divorced, meet again while honey-
mooning with new spouses at the
same hotel and discover the old flame
still burns. Inner Loop
MILDRED’S UMBRELLA
1824 Spring, 832-463-0409; mildred-
sumbrella.com. July 18-20 and July
25-27, “Museum of Dysfunction XI,” a
festival of new shorts from emerging
and established writers. Inner Loop
PASADENA LITTLE THEATRE
4318 Allen-Genoa, Pasadena, 713-941-
1758; pasadenalittletheatre.org.
Through May 19, “How I Became a
Pirate,” Jeremy Jacobs joins Captain
Braid Beard’s band of comical pirates
and searches for the perfect spot to
bury their treasure. SE
REC ROOM ARTS
100 Jackson, 713-344-1291; recroo-
marts.org. July 17-Aug. 3, “Woyzeck,” a
radical new contemporary piece based
on Büchner’s 19th-century drama.
McGarvey and Hune team up to tell a
nonchronological story about one of
America’s biggest fears and obses-
sions: a mass shooting. Inner Loop
STAGES REPERTORY THEATRE
3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 101, 713-527-
0123; stagestheatre.com. Through June
16, “Murder for Two.” May 22-June 9,
“Sex With Strangers.” July 12-Sept. 8,
“The Doyle and Debbie Show.” Aug.
21-Oct. 13, “Sister’s Back to School
Catechism: The Holy Ghost and Other
Terrifying Tales.” Sept. 6-7, Miller Out-
door Theatre, “Life Could Be a Dream.”
Oct. 4-20, “Salt, Root and Roe.” Nov.
6-Dec. 15, “Miracle on 34th Street: A
Live Musical Radio Play.” Nov. 20-Dec.
15, “Panto Hansel and Gretel.” Inner
Loop
STAGEWORKS THEATRE
10760 Grant, 281-587-6100; stage-
workshouston.org. May 17-June 9, “Har-
vey,” the story of Elwood P. Dowd, a
polite and friendly man with a very
strange best friend — a 6-foot-3½-inch
invisible rabbit named Harvey. July
19-Aug. 11, “Mamma Mia!” NW
THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
Hobby Center for the Performing Arts,
800 Bagby, 713-558-2600; tuts.com.
May 28-June 9, “Jerome Robbins’
Broadway.” July 16-21, Miller Outdoor
Theatre, “Seussical.” Sept. 10-22, “A
Chorus Line.” Oct. 8-20, “Spring Awak-
ening.” Dec. 7-22, “Elf: The Musical.”
Inner Loop
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 11
 EXPLORE 6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CLASSICAL MUSIC
HOUSTON SYMPHONY
713-224-4240. houstonsympho-
ny.org. At Jones Hall unless otherwise
noted. May 16-17, “Bluebeard’s Castle.”
May 24-26, “The Best of Broadway.”
June 13-14, “Virtual Reality in Concert:
Music Illustrated.” July 5-6, “The Music
of Queen.” July 12-13, “The Music of
Selena.” July 18-20, “Harry Potter and
the Order of the Phoenix in Concert.”
Aug. 31-Sept. 1, “The Little Mermaid”
(film with live orchestra). Sept. 6-8,
“Renée Elise Goldsberry.” Sept. 14,
“Opening Night: Rachmaninoff Piano
Concerto No. 3.” Sept. 19, “Stravinsky’s
Firebird.” Sept. 27-29, “Gershwin’s
Piano Concerto & Porgy and Bess,”
Oct. 4-6, “Mendelssohn & Mahler.”
Oct. 11-13, “Rick Steves’ Europe: A Sym-
phonic Journey.” Oct. 12, “Wands &
Wizards: Music From Harry Potter &
More.” Oct. 25-27, “Wagner + Beetho-
ven 2.” Nov. 8-10, “Star Wars: The
Empire Strikes Back—in Concert.” Nov.
15-17, “Ax Plays Beethoven.” Nov. 22-
24, “Trifonov Plays Tchaikovsky.” Nov.
29-Dec. 1, “All-Strauss Thanksgiving.”
Dec. 5, 7-8, “Shaham Plays Brahms.”
Dec. 12, “Andrea Bocelli in Concert,”
Toyota Center. Dec. 13-15, “Very Merry
Pops.” Dec. 14, “ ’Twas the Night Before
Christmas.” Dec. 20-22, “Handel’s
Messiah.” Inner Loop
HOUSTON CECILIA
CHAMBER CHOIR
houstoncecilia.org. May. 16, “Sere-
nade to Music,” First Evangelical Lu-
theran Church, 1311 Holman. Oct. 20,
“Sunrise Mass,” All Saints Catholic
Church, 215 E. 10th. Dec. 5, “Lessons
and Carols,” Prince of Peace Catholic
Community, 19222 Tomball Parkway.
Inner Loop, NW
HOUSTON CHAMBER CHOIR
713-224-5566, houstonchamberchoi-
r.org. May. 18, “Leipzig After Bach,”
South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main.
Inner Loop
ARS LYRICA HOUSTON
713-622-7443, arslyricahouston.org.
At Hobby Center, Zilkha Hall, 800
Bagby. May 19, “From Brandenburg to
Esterházy,” featuring Ingrid Matthews,
Matthew Dirst, Paul Leenhouts, Kath-
ryn Montoya and Nathaniel Mayfield.
12 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Sept. 20, “Dancing at the Palais,” a full
Baroque orchestra of strings and winds
plus the New York Baroque Dance
Company. Nov. 23, “Handel in Love,”
featuring Joanna Latini, Richard Trey
Smagur and Kathryn Montoya. Dec. 31,
“Venetian Carnival,” featuring Alana
Youseffian, Colin St-Martin and Eliza-
beth Blumenstock. Inner Loop
CHAMBER MUSIC HOUSTON
713-348-5400, chambermusichous-
ton.org. At Shepherd School of Music.
Rice University. Sept. 17, “Dover-Escher
Octet,” Shostakovich, Enescu and
Mendelssohn. Oct. 17, “Jerusalem
String Quartet,” Haydn, Korngold and
Beethoven. Nov. 12, “Modigliani Quar-
tet,” Stravinsky, Mozart and Brahms.
Dec. 3, “Miró String Quartet with Masu-
mi Per Rostad,” Schubert, Beethoven
and Mozart. Inner Loop
DA CAMERA
713-524-5050, dacamera.com. Sept.
21, “Bon Appetit!” Wortham Theater
Center. Oct. 4, “John Scofield Quartet,”
Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater
Center. Oct. 21-22, “Italian Themes:
Quartetto di Cremona,” The Menil
Collection. Nov. 2, “Blue Note Records
80th Birthday Celebration,” Cullen
Theater, Wortham Theater Center. Nov.
9, “A Woman’s Life: The Diary of Virgin-
ia Woolf,” Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center.
Dec. 6, “Aucoin and Mozart Brentano
String Quartet; Hsin-Yun Huang, viola,”
Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center. Inner Loop
Faye Fox Green / Courtesy NHSO
Jennifer Johnson Cano stars in Da
Camera’s “A Woman’s Life.”
MERCURY HOUSTON
713-533-0080, mercuryhouston.org.
At Wortham Center, Cullen Theater .
Oct. 5, “Vivaldi’s L’estro Armonico.”
Nov. 16, “Mozart & Beethoven.” Dec. 7,
“Christmas Fiesta!” Inner Loop
Jessica Collado appears in Houston Ballet’s “The Merry Widow” May 31
through June 9 at the Wortham Center.
DANCE
HOUSTON BALLET
Wortham Center, 501 Texas, 713-522-
5538; houstonballet.org. Through May
26, “Coppélia,” choreographed by Ben
Stevenson OBE, after Arthur Saint-
Leon, music by Leo Delibes. May 31-
June 9, “The Merry Widow,” choreo-
graphed by Ronald Hynd, music by
Franz Lehár. June 14-23, “Marie,” cho-
reographed by Stanton Welch, musical
score by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged
by Ermanno Florio. Nov. 29-Dec. 29,
“The Nutcracker,” choreographed by
Stanton Welch, music by Pyotr Ilyich
Tchaikovsky. Inner Loop
INDO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
832-231-3086, iaahouston.com. Aug.
17, “Saptavarna-Seven Shades of Indi-
an Classical Dance,” showcases Indian
classical dance forms in an integrated
concert-length performance presented
jointly with the Indian Consulate in
celebration of India’s Independence
Day; Stafford Centre. SW
SOCIETY FOR THE
PERFORMING ARTS
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-227-
4772; spahouston.org. June 1, Complex-
ions Contemporary Ballet. Oct. 18,
Martha Graham Dance Company.
Inner Loop
Claire McAdams / Houston Ballet
OPERA
HOUSTON GRAND OPERA
713-228-6737, houstongrandop-
era.org. May 17-18, “La Bohème”: the
heartbreaking tale of a group of young
Parisian artists living life to the fullest
during the Bohemian revolution; Miller
Outdoor Theatre. Oct. 18-Nov. 1, “Rigo-
letto”: The antagonistic jester Rigoletto
is cursed after a joke goes too far in the
court of the villainous Duke; Brown
Theater, Wortham Theater Center. Oct.
25-Nov. 8, “Saul”: David slays Goliath
and follows the mental breakdown of
the envious King Saul; Wortham Cen-
ter. Dec. 5-22 “El Milagro del Recuer-
do”: set during Christmas in Michoa-
cán, Mexico, the opera explores tradi-
tions and family bonds while dealing
with life-changing decisions; Cullen
Theater, Wortham Theater Center.
Inner Loop
OPERA IN THE HEIGHTS
1703 Heights, 713-861-5303, operain-
theheights.org. Oct. 5-13, “Tosca”: a
loving couple who live for their art, a
ruthless man driven by power and one
of the most shocking conclusions in all
of opera. Dec. 7-15, “Amahl & the Night
Visitors”: a child with boundless won-
der, a mother desperate to provide and
a humble gift that brings about a mira-
cle. Inner Loop

BARS & BREWERIES
BEER, WINE OR COCKTAIL? GET YOUR DRINK ON HERE
BEER BARS
COTTONWOOD
This casual-cool joint in Garden Oaks
has an expansive outdoor area with a
bar that turns out serious cocktails
(heavy on the whiskey) along with
40-odd beers on tap or cask. The food
menu includes sharable plates such as
wings, boudin balls and chicken-fried
steak bites. Popular with families on
weekends; dogs allowed. Occasional
live music. For a slightly more urban
vibe, visit sister bar Liberty Station at
2101 Washington. 3422 N. Shepherd,
713-802-0410; cottonwoodhouston-
.com. N
FLYING SAUCER
DRAUGHT EMPORIUM
It’s worth a visit just to see this gas-
tropub’s lengthy tap wall — draft beers
that are listed along with dozens of
bottle varieties in the “fly paper” on
your table. Happy hour Monday
through Friday means all draft beer is a
buck off, and most draft beers are $3
on Monday “pint nite.” 705 Main, 713-
228-9472, and 15929 City Walk in Sug-
ar Land, 281-242-7468; beerknurd.com.
Inner Loop, SW
THE GINGER MAN
While other locations have failed to
see the success of the location in Rice
Village, this original Houston bar has a
The Hay Merchant in Montrose
steady stream of patrons popping in to
check out the 100 taps. The inside gets
packed quickly, but there’s plenty of
outdoor space. 5607 Morningside,
713-526-2770; thegingerman.com/
houston. Inner Loop
THE HAY MERCHANT
The folks behind this Montrose bar
are serious about beer. There are 80
taps (including five cask engines)
pouring out all manner of craft good-
ness at proper temperature in proper
glassware — eight of the taps pour
cocktails, too. Bonus: bar food by
NIGHTLIFE 6 EXPLORE
Julie Soefer
James Beard Award-winning chef Chris
Shepherd. 1100 Westheimer, 713-528-
9805; haymerchant.com. Inner Loop
HEIGHTS BIER GARTEN
Nearly 100 taps and an inviting food
menu can be found at this busy out-
door beer garden flanked by two sep-
arate bars. 1433 N. Shepherd, 713-862-
4940; heightsbiergarten.com. Inner
Loop
HOP SCHOLAR ALE HOUSE
More than 45 rotating taps (includ-
ing two cask) are the draw at this cozy,
low-key joint in Spring. Owner Todd
Hayden, who also is a veterinarian,
opened Hop Scholar after becoming
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 13
 EXPLORE 6 NIGHTLIFE
frustrated with the lack of craft-beer
bars in the area. 610 Rayford, Suite
642, Spring, 281-203-7406; hopscho-
lar.com. N
KING’S BIERHAUS
Owners of the popular King’s Bier-
garten (1329 E. Broadway) in Pearland
now have two sprawling indoor/out-
door locations for wursts and beer
served by an engaging staff clad in
dirndls and lederhosen. 2044 E. T.C.
Jester, 281-990-3042, and 828 FM
646, League City, 832-820-8264;
kingsbierhaus.com. Inner Loop, SE
LITTLE WOODROW’S
Head to the Midtown location on
Thursday night all summer if you’d like
to see the truly Texas tradition of turtle
racing. Or pop over to the EaDo loca-
tion to see a similar spectacle with
hermit crabs. At either location, you’ll
be greeted with dozens of taps, featur-
ing a wide variety of local beers as well
as other domestic and imported gems.
Strong patio game at both. 2306 Braz-
os, 713-522-1041, and 2019 Walker,
713-222-2224; littlewoodrows.com.
Inner Loop
MONGOOSE VERSUS COBRA
The chalkboard grid spanning one
wall in this hip Midtown haunt lists the
more than 40 beers on tap, including
options from Europe and at least a
dozen from Texas. The lofty space has
beer-hall-style wooden tables, plus bar
snacks such as an oversize pretzel and
a Ploughman’s “pail.” 1011 McGowen,
713-650-6872; mongooseversuscobra-
.com. Inner Loop
MOONTOWER INN
This Second Ward institution serves
up its famous hot dogs along with
more than 60 craft beers on tap. Stop
by on a Monday night for mug night,
where mugs are $10 and refills are $5.
3004 Canal. Inner Loop
NOBI PUBLIC HOUSE
In a Webster strip mall, this pub
combines craft beer with (what else?)
Vietnamese-inspired pub grub. Snifter,
pint or tulip glass? There are more
than 30 beers on draft (including a few
cask) and even more options in a bot-
tle or can. 241 E. NASA Parkway, Web-
ster, 832-932-5111; nobipub.com. SE
14 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Julie Soefer
The Miss Carousel cocktail at Miss
Carousel, a new EaDo bar
OKRA CHARITY SALOON
With every drink purchase at this
not-for-profit bar with an all-Hous-
ton beer list, patrons get a vote to
cast on one of the month’s spot-
light charities. At the end of the
month, the charity with the most
votes gets that month’s profits. 924
Congress, 713-237-8828;
friedokra.org. Inner Loop
PETROL STATION
This former gas station in the Oak
Forest/Garden Oaks area is popular
a spot for craft-beer aficionados.
Within the small space and patio,
customers — many regulars — get
their fill of more than two dozen
ever-changing beers on tap, many
small-batch rarities. Stellar burgers
soak up the booze. 985 Wakefield,
713-957-2875. NW
RODEO GOAT
This Dallas import in East Down-
town specializes in burgers, Texas
and American craft drafts and cock-
tails. A multilevel patio adds to its
allure. 2105 Dallas, 281-853-9480;
rodeogoat.com/houston. Inner
Loop
Karen Warren / Staff photographer
The Twice Shy at Present
Company in Montrose
COCKTAIL & WINE
BARS
13 CELSIUS
Housed in a former 1920s dry-clean-
ers building, this comfortable Midtown
wine bar offers a wide variety of unique
wines by the bottle, glass and half
glass. Also: artisan cheese and salumi
boards, and a pretty courtyard. 3000
Caroline, 713-529-8466; 13celsius.com.
Inner Loop
77 DEGREES
A flashy new patio lounge in Mid-
town set on four levels with a com-
manding view of downtown, 77 De-
grees recalls beachy vacation fun with
cabana-style seating and tropical-
minded cocktails. There’s a food menu,
too, but it seems entirely beside the
point. 2416 Brazos, 713-882-1221;
77-degrees.com/houston. Inner Loop
ANVIL BAR & REFUGE
Searching for some of the best cock-
tails in the country? Anvil expertly
mixes the old-school way, with fresh
ingredients and a dose of history. Just
know that perfection takes time. 1424
Westheimer, 713-523-1622;
anvilhouston.com. Inner Loop
BECKREW WINE HOUSE
Expect an extensive list of wines by
the glass and bottle; flights are cleverly
grouped — think “The Alsatians,” “Cali
Cabs,” “Sideways (Pinot Noir).” 2409
W. Alabama, 713-526-2242;
beckrew.com. Inner Loop
BETTER LUCK TOMORROW
The bar-restaurant hybrid in the
Heights from bartending guru Bobby
Heugel and James Beard Award-win-
ning chef Justin Yu was named one of
the best new restaurants in America by
Food & Wine. 544 Yale, 713-802-0845;
betterlucktomorrowhou.com. Inner
Loop
BOHEME
The wine list at this popular Mon-
trose spot isn’t vast, but it’s solid,
affordable and thoughtful (we like a
place with an albarino, vermentino and
gruner veltliner by the glass). Plus, it
has one of the city’s nicest patios and
refreshing frozen cocktails. 307 Fair-
view, 713-529-1099; barboheme.com.
Inner Loop
CAMERATA AT PAULIE’S
Savvy bartenders help navigate
customers through this hip wine bar’s
interesting vino list. The atmosphere in
the industrial-chic space next to casual
Italian cafe Paulie’s is laid back. 1830
Westheimer, 713-522-8466;
pauliesrestaurant.com/camerata.
Inner Loop
THE COTTONMOUTH CLUB
A legit cocktail bar inside a moody,
historical downtown structure offering
an East Village vibe set to an eclectic
late-’70s soundtrack. 108 Main; cotton-
mouthhouston.com. Inner Loop
JULEP
The art of the fine Southern cocktail
is taken to new heights in this Wash-
ington Avenue bar overseen by mixol-
ogist Alba Huerta. 1919 Washington,
713-869-4383; julephouston.com.
Inner Loop
MISS CAROUSEL
The team behind the popular Eight

Row Flint ice house has invested
heavily in EaDo with three new con-
cepts: Vinny’s, a pizza shop; Indi-
anola, a new American restaurant;
and this sophisticated bar with its
brainy cocktail menu. When’s the last
time you saw “Bitter Italian” as a
category? 1201 St. Emanuel, 832-582-
7330; agricolehospitality.com. Inner
Loop
NIGHT HERON
A hip-but-charming bar with in-
ventive food and patio across from
the Menil museum. Owned by the
restaurateurs behind Coltivare and
Eight Row Flint; try their spin on a
Salty Dog. 1601 W. Main, 713-527-
8010;
agricolehospitality.com/night-heron.
Inner Loop
THE PASTRY WAR
Named for a three-month skirmish
in 1838 between Mexico and France,
this downtown bar specializes in
mezcal, tequila and sotol. Fun décor,
well-crafted margaritas and delicious
tamales further the appeal. 310 Main,
713-226-7770; thepastrywar.com. Inner
Loop
POSTINO WINE CAFE
Popular Heights wine bar offers
signature bruschettas paired with
global wines priced between $27 and
$150 a bottle. Plenty of affordable
wines by the glass, too. Day drinker?
$5 glasses until 5 p.m. daily. 642 Yale,
346-223-1111; postinowinecafe.com.
Inner Loop
PRESENT COMPANY
Owner Shawn Bermudez has turned
his former Royal Oak bar into a two-
level party where Florida hues (beach
colors and floral prints) rule amid a
Palm Springs aesthetic (retro furnish-
ings, plant walls and palm trees).
Bright fun cocktails rule. 1318 West-
heimer, 281-974-4752;
presentcompanyhtx.com. Inner Loop
RESERVE 101
The downtown bar offers more than
100 whiskeys, and the bartenders are
well versed in the traits and histories
of every bottle. Located near Dis-
covery Green, House of Blues and
Toyota Center, it draws a diverse
crowd. 1201 Caroline, 713-655-7101;
reserve101.com. Inner Loop
THE RUSTIC
An enormous backyard bar and
live-music venue that feels distinctly
Texas with its chow (queso, deviled
eggs, tamales, burgers and tacos)
and hooch (bottle, can and draft
beers, frozen drinks and cocktails).
Live music nightly under the starry
skies. 1836 Polk, 832-321-7799;
therustic.com. Inner Loop
THE TASTING ROOM
Wine bar/restaurant concept that
stays busy for drinking, retail sales
and dining. 1101-18 Uptown Park,
713-993-9800, and 818 Town and
Country Blvd. at CityCentre, 281-822-
1500; tastingroomwines.com. W
TONGUE-CUT SPARROW
This 25-seat formal cocktail bar,
ARTIST BOAT ECO-ART KAYAK ADVENTURES
Join the Fun
Come Paddle with us.
Visit awe-inspiring places and experience
nature in a creative, new way. Artist Boat
Eco-Art Kayak Adventures are guided and
interpretive tours on Galveston Island.
Kayaks are provided, with paddling and
safety instruction by certified instructors
and guides. Families, groups, seniors
and beginners are welcome.
Book online: artistboat.org
Artist Boat is a leader in outdoor educational
experiences led by scientists and artists.
GALVESTON ISLAND, TEXAS | ARTISTBOAT.ORG | (409) 770-0722
NIGHTLIFE 6 EXPLORE
hidden in a clubby lair above the
Pastry War, might be the city’s most
intimate place for well-crafted clas-
sic cocktails. Reservations accepted.
310 Main, 713-321-8242;
tonguecutsparrow.com. Inner Loop
TRUCK YARD
Every day’s a carnival at this Dallas
import in EaDo. A huge, rambling
indoor/outdoor playground where
food trucks park and young things
work their way through a smart beer
menu as well as craft draft cocktails,
frozen cocktails and wine on tap. 2118
Lamar, 713-855-9666;
truckyardhouston.com. Inner Loop
VINO & VINYL
It takes restraint not to open a
bottle and stay all day at this wine
bar and shop. Besides boutique
wines and vinyl records spinning on
the turntables, there are also special
tastings, steak night and a revolving
local art display. 15977 City Walk,
Sugar Land, 281-277-0565; vino-
vinyl.com. SW
Inspiration and education
through unique coastal
experiences.
 EXPLORE 6 NIGHTLIFE
Crawford Bock is among the taps at Karbach Brewery.
BREWERIES
8TH WONDER BREWERY
Astrodome seats in the taproom,
downtown views from the patio and an
evolving lineup of beers — Weisstheim-
er, AstroTurf and Rocket Fuel, to name
a few — all pay homage to our home-
town. 2202 Dallas; 8thwonder-
brew.com. Inner Loop
B-52 BREWING CO.
Definitely add this Conroe brewery to
your weekend-trip plans. But be pre-
pared for some hard decisions, as the
beer list includes a host of IPAs, tart
saisons and an oatmeal-breakfast
stout. 12470 Milroy Lane, Conroe;
b52brewing.com. N
BRASH BREWING CO.
Ben Fullelove’s Petrol Station helped
define Houston’s craft-beer scene; now
he’s got his own high-octane brews on
tap at this heavy-metal watering hole.
EZ-7 pale ale and Cali Green IPA bring
on the hops. 510 W. Crosstimbers. N
BUFFALO BAYOU BREWING CO.
Buffbrew’s recent sixth anniversary
16 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Melissa Phillip / Staff photographer
party featured 36 beers, but old favor-
ites including Don’t Fear the RIPA and
More Cowbell continue to satisfy. 5301
Nolda; buffbrew.com. Inner Loop
EUREKA HEIGHTS BREW CO.
There’s never a dull moment at this
busy-body brewery, where beer enthu-
siasts pack the house for everything
from themed trivia to yoga. Buckle
Bunny cream ale was a hit with Greater
American Beer Festival judges in 2017,
earning a gold medal. 941 W. 18th;
eurekaheights.com. Inner Loop
GALVESTON ISLAND BREWING CO.
Tiki Wheat is a classic on the island,
and the outdoor vibe here is no slouch
either. Bring your dog — and your kids
for a chill afternoon. 8423 Stewart,
Galveston; galvestonislandbrewing-
.com. SE
HOLLER BREWING CO.
They’re always brewing something
new at this Sawyer Yards spot that
features rotating taps. This makes it
the perfect place to try a flight. Space
is tight though, so show up early. 2206
Edwards; hollerbeer.com. Inner Loop
Saint Arnold Brewing has a new beer garden and restaurant.
KARBACH BREWING CO.
The on-site restaurant is top-notch,
but beers such as Weekend Warrior
and the Hop Delusion series keep cus-
tomers coming back. This year, Kar-
bach began brewing the official beer of
the Astros, Crawford Bock. 2032 Kar-
bach; karbachbrewing.com. NW
LONE PINT BREWERY
A Saturday trip to this Magnolia
brewery, best known for Yellow Rose
IPA, will remind you of what we love
about Texas. 507 Commerce, Magno-
lia; lonepint.com. NW
NO LABEL BREWING CO.
The husband-and-wife owners, who
met at the University of Houston, show
off their Cougar pride with Brew of H
Pale Ale and other beers. Bonus: This
brewery has a playground for your kids.
5351 1st, Katy; nolabelbrew.com. W
SAINT ARNOLD BREWING CO.
Houston’s oldest craft brewery cele-
brates its 25th anniversary this year.
Join the party by toasting an Art Car
IPA or the new dry cider in Saint Ar-
nold’s art-filled restaurant or sprawling
outdoor beer garden, which opened
Michael Ciaglo / Staff photographer
last summer. 2000 Lyons; saintarnold-
.com. Inner Loop
SOUTHERN STAR BREWING CO.
You may know it for the Bombshell
Blonde Ale. But this veteran of the
local craft-beer scene also made a
splash by adding blood oranges to one
of its core beers. Blood Belt Pale Ale is
a refreshing treat. 3525 N. Frazier,
Conroe; southernstarbrewing.com. N
TRUE ANOMALY BREWING
This new spot, owned by four NASA
employees with a penchant for sour
beers, recently popped up in the city’s
East End, offering a sparkling tap room
and a growing list of beers to try. 2012
Dallas; trueanomalybrewing.com.
Inner Loop
WALKING STICK BREWING CO.
Another newcomer to the Houston
beer scene; the beer garden here is the
latest addition to a blocklong beer
oasis. Spend an afternoon sipping on
beers named after Colorado’s 14-ers
before wandering off to nearby Wake-
field Crow Bar and Great Heights Brew-
ing. 956 Judiway; walkingstickbrewing-
.com. N

TASTE OUR CRITIC’S TOP 10 LIST AND CITY’S FAVORITE CUISINES
E
ach fall, Chronicle critic Alison
Cook releases her list of the
Top 100 Houston restaurants.
Here are her top 10 spots.
1. XOCHI
Two-plus years in, chef Hugo Orte-
ga’s Oaxacan restaurant is a jewel in
the city’s crown. Elemental mole
sauces form the backbone of the
menu; to taste them all, scooping
with the house-ground corn tortillas,
is to grasp Xochi’s singular greatness
— and the power of the interior Mex-
ican cuisine that has helped shape
the Houston palate. There’s more, of
course: fresh handmade cheeses;
subtly textured masa snacks; a skill-
RESTAURANTS
ful bar specializing in agave spirits;
Ruben Ortega’s surprising desserts; a
piquant dried insect or two. Plus
stirring applications of those funda-
mental moles to meats, fowl, shell-
fish and vegetables. 1777 Walker
(inside the Marriott Marquis), 713-
400-3330; xochihouston.com.
Inner Loop
2. THEODORE REX
James Beard Award-winning chef
Justin Yu’s more casual retool of tiny
Oxheart rings with authority, ease
and a sly sense of fun. The brilliantly
showcased local ingredients remain:
in unthinkably deep, nuanced tomato
toast; or in a bowlful of thin canta-
Negro en Negro (Tejas Heritage
Farm black-footed chicken, mole
negro and creamy corn meloso)
at Xochi
loupe tiles, their clear broth sharpened
with serrano — all tangled up in a float-
ing nests of shredded banana pepper
and tart green roselle leaf. Friendly
service and interesting wines by the
glass and prices that mostly hover
between 10 and 20 bucks. 1302 Nance,
832-830-8592; trexhouston.com.
Inner Loop
3. KILLEN’S BARBECUE
Chef Ronnie Killen’s spruce barbecue
DINING 6 EXPLORE
Nick de la Torre / Contributor
joint has drawn epic lines since it
opened in 2013. The food at this
Pearland treasure has only gotten
better, with upgrades to the brisket
and ribs, and menu additions such as
Killen’s magnificent, colossal onion
rings or chicken-fried-steak specials.
Now comes a welcome full-service
dinner hour (you can book or walk in)
with a stylish black-linens-and-
white-butcher-paper look, Texas
beer, wines in good glassware and a
riot of fun new dishes that borrow
from Tex-Mex or Gulf Coastal themes
— think sumptuous brisket enchila-
das and dewy fried catfish. 3613 E.
Broadway, Pearland, 281-485-2272;
killensbarbecue.com. S
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 17
 EXPLORE 6 DINING
Tomato toast at Theodore Rex
4. COLTIVARE
With its open kitchen and inviting
kitchen garden, the rustic dining room
at this no-reservations Gulf Coast
Italian spot is thronged for a reason.
Chef Ryan Pera’s small plates, pastas
and pizzas are so vivid and immediate
they impart a sense of living fully in the
moment. Texas peaches might be used
in a scintillating duck salad or a buttery
crostata warm from the wood oven.
Tomatoes? Time for an herby pizza on
its distinctive focaccialike crust. Sea-
sonal cocktails from the bar thrill, too.
3320 White Oak, 713-637-4095; agrico-
lehospitality.com/coltivare. Inner Loop
5. BCN TASTE & TRADITION
The discipline and quiet assurance of
chef Luis Roger’s modern Catalan
kitchen keeps devoted fans. So do
spectacular ingredients, from crusty
bread to suckling Iberico-style pig
raised in Texas. Shellfish specials are
flown in from the Mediterranean, which
means gambas al ajillo will feature the
sweet, satiny red shrimp you’d find in a
Barcelona fish market. Urbane service
under Paco Calza, fine Spanish wines,
inventive gin-and-tonics and a serene
villa setting wrap up the sophisticated
package. 4210 Roseland, 832-834-341;
bcnhouston.com. Inner Loop
18 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Michael Ciaglo / Staff photographer
6. KATA ROBATA
Chef Manabu Horiuchi changed the
sushi game in Houston with his knife
skills and fresh product, and he still
leads the pack at this reliable Upper
Kirby restaurant. One of the city’s
great luxuries is an omakase, or chef’s
tasting, at Kata’s long counter. You
might encounter a special of thin-
sliced pen shell clam or thick, deep-
rose wedges of hay-smoked skipjack
tuna to eat with pinpoints of freshly
grated wasabi root. Best of all, you’re
in the hands of a generous spirit who
is a role model to a whole generation
of Houston chefs. 3600 Kirby, Suite H,
713-526-8858; katarobata.com. Inner
Loop
7. PONDICHERI
The ever-mutating menu — which
moves through breakfast to lunch,
happy hour to dinner — at Anita Jai-
singhani’s kaleidoscopic diner seldom
fails to show us something new about
Indian cuisine as it is seen through the
chef’s contemporary, ingredients-
conscious lens. The flavors are bold
and confident. The textures are artful-
ly varied. And there is something
interesting for absolutely everyone:
carnivores, vegetarians, vegans; lovers
of chile heat or subtler tones; sweets
freaks, cocktail hounds, teetotalers,
health nuts. 2800 Kirby, 713-522-
2022; pondicheri.com. Inner Loop
8. UB PRESERV
You can taste the adventure in chef
Chris Shepherd’s collaboration with
Nick Wong, an alumnus of Momofuku
Ssäm Bar. In the snug space that
once housed Poscol, this reincarna-
tion of the late Underbelly is looser
and more vivid. Share a bunch of
small plates that mix Asian, Mexican
and African ideas with local ingredi-
ents: wild little boudin-stuffed siu
mai or a crispy rice salad so clean,
feathery and herbal you’ll wonder
how they did it. Even the large plates
can thrill, including a Texas heritage
chicken stuffed with sausage-and-
mushroom sticky rice. 1609 West-
heimer, 346-406-5923; ubpreserv-
.com. Inner Loop
9. HIMALAYA
It would be enough that chef Kaiser
Lashkari and his wife, Azra, serve up
Pakistani and North Indian fare brim-
ming with verve and assurance. But
the ever-inventive Kaiser has em-
braced his adopted city and its culi-
nary totems with enthusiasm, turning
out a bonkers chicken and dump-
lings; an irresistible paratha-dilla of
flatbread folded around minced lamb
and unpressed paneer; tava gosht of
tenderloin tips marinated in northern
Pakistani frontier style; or a berserk
boeuf bourguignon. The room — and
the prices — are modest. The food is
not. 6652 U.S. 59 S., 713-532-2837;
himalayarestauranthouston.com. SW
10. MF SUSHI
Omakase at Chris Kinjo’s gorgeous
Museum District sushi bar is a thrill
from beginning (nigiri of goldeneye
snapper touched with a bit of shiso
olive oil and Japanese sea salt) to
end (briny Hokkaido uni snugged in a
toasty seaweed wrapper). Immac-
ulate fish and shellfish; precise cut
and drape; and spot-on sushi rice are
key to the experience. Scattered
among the classics are some lovely
surprises, such as a slice of glistening
flounder fin (engawa) or tiny pot of
snapper nuggets in fragrant dashi
broth. 401 Binz, Suite 100, 713-637-
4587. Inner Loop
STEAKHOUSES
B&B BUTCHERS & RESTAURANT
Housed in a historical building, this
upscale steakhouse offers top-of-
the-line USDA Prime, Texas and Japa-
nese Wagyu, A5 Kobe and dry-aged
beef in its own in-house butcher shop.
Sophisticated setting and service. Ask
for a table on the rooftop patio for
great views of downtown. 1814 Wash-
ington, 713-862-1814; bbbutchers.com.
Inner Loop
DEL FRISCO’S DOUBLE EAGLE
STEAKHOUSE
Inside the Galleria, this handsome
two-story restaurant is all about
details. The experience includes at-
tentive service, high-quality ingredi-
ents in the hands of a veteran kitchen
staff and a menu of comfort foods.
5061 Westheimer, 713-355-2600;
delfriscos.com. W
DORIS METROPOLITAN
This newcomer, which has roots in
the butcher-shop business in Israel,
serves carefully tended dry-aged
steaks. Everything around the beef is
so deftly and interestingly done that it
lifts the experience well beyond the
usual steakhouse feed. Must-orders
include tomato salad; Artichoke Flow-
er Salad; sweetbreads; Israeli salad
with tahini; veal cheek; Classified Cut;
and malabi dessert with rosewater.
2815 S. Shepherd, 713-485-0466.
dorismetropolitan.com. Inner Loop
GEORGIA JAMES
James Beard Award-winning chef
Chris Shepherd closed his ground-
breaking Underbelly and reopened it
as a cool steakhouse where beef
rules: 44 Farms’ long bone ribeye,
bone-in strip loin, porterhouse and
100-day wet-aged hanger steak. Don’t
pass up the caviar service or Shep-
herd’s “slab” take on the wedge sal-
ad. 1100 Westheimer, 832-241-5088;
georgiajamessteak.com. Inner Loop
KILLEN’S STEAKHOUSE
Chef Ronnie Killen’s Pearland
steakhouse is worth seeking out.
While the steaks are the stars, don’t
miss the dreamy, creamy spinach
and, for dessert, crème brûlée bread

Killen’s Steakhouse in Pearland has spawned a second location in The
Woodlands area.
pudding. The Woodlands location is
now open. 6425 W. Broadway, Pear-
land, 281-485-0844, and 1700 Re-
search Forest, Shenandoah, 281-323-
4004; killenssteakhouse.com. S, N
KILLEN’S STQ
The best of chef Ronnie Killen’s
know-how with steaks and smoke are
combined here. Think smoked Vidalia
onion soup, smoked tomato bisque
and beef short-rib tamales for starters
followed by wood-fired steaks and and
an amazing dry-aged pork chop. Save
room for bacon tres leches bread pud-
ding and smoked chocolate cake. 2231
Voss, 713-586-0223; killensstq.com. W
MASTRO’S
Restaurant mogul and Rockets own-
er Tilman Fertitta has brought Mas-
tro’s to his new Post Oak at Uptown
development. With a polished dining
room, garden terrace, private dining
enclaves and plush design, Mastro’s
was made to wow. The menu is heavy
on steakhouse classics such as shrimp
cocktail, Oysters Rockefeller, Alaskan
king crab legs, seafood towers, lobster
bisque and 16 different USDA Prime
steak cuts, as well as Japanese A5
Wagyu and Australian Wagyu toma-
hawk steaks. 1650 W. Loop S., 713-993-
2500; mastrosrestaurants.com. W
Kimberly Park
MORTON’S
Specializes in USDA prime-aged
steaks cooked with consistency and
served with sincere hospitality. 1001
McKinney, 713-659-3700; 5000 West-
heimer, 713-629-1946; 25 Waterway,
The Woodlands, 832-585-0794;
mortons.com. W, N
PAPPAS BROS. STEAKHOUSE
In dining rooms as plush and gleam-
ing as a vintage railway car, big men
partake of big dry-aged steaks, sea-
food and big-ticket wines that include
interesting premium choices by the
glass. 1200 McKinney, 713-658-1995;
5839 Westheimer, 713-780-7352;
pappasbros.com. Inner Loop, W
STEAK 48
This River Oaks District see-and-be-
seen spot is as much about the social
whirl as the menu of 28-day wet-aged
steaks, over-the-top seafood presenta-
tions, martinis and expensive wines. It
looks and smells like money. 4444
Westheimer, 713-322-7448;
steak48.com. Inner Loop
TASTE OF TEXAS
The best feature of this kid-friendly,
good-value steakhouse is that you can
personally instruct the butcher to cut a
rib-eye to your desired thickness. Good
breads, side dishes and grilled shrimp;
also a distinguished wine list. The
space with its museum-like collection
of Texicana was recently redesigned.
10505 Interstate 10 W., 713-932-6901;
tasteoftexas.com. W
VIC & ANTHONY’S
Texas-size steaks, sides that could
feed a family, and the best calamari on
the planet are served here. Seafood
towers, caviar, lobsters, chophouse
classics and Prime steaks and Wagyu
make this one of the most indulgent
steakhouses in town. 1510 Texas, 713-
228-1111; vicandanthonys.com. Inner
Loop
BARBECUE
BLOOD BROS. BBQ
This pop-up and festival favorite
with a cult following now has its first
restaurant serving Texas-style barbe-
cue and Asian-flavored dishes such as
smoked turkey banh mi, smoked bou-
din with Thai green chile and brisket
fried rice. Terrific housemade condi-
ments, and don’t miss the gumbo
special. 5425 Bellaire, 713-664-7776;
bloodbrosbbq.com. SW
BRETT’S BARBECUE SHOP
Pitmaster Brett Jackson has serious
barbecue credentials, and it shows in
his new Katy joint serving up Central
Texas-style brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs
and sausage. There’s also Frito pie
topped with chopped beef or pulled
pork; macaroni and cheese loaded with
chopped beef; piled-high sandwiches;
and specials such as brisket enchila-
das. 606 S. Mason, Katy, 281-392-
7666; brettsbbqshop.com. W
BROOKS’ PLACE BBQ
Pitmaster Trent Brooks cranks out
outstanding Central Texas-style brisket
while mixing in occasional specials
such as smoked oxtails and smoked
catfish at his little-trailer-that-could in
an Ace Hardware parking lot. Sides
include garlic potatoes, mac and
cheese and kicked-up baked beans. Of
note: Customers carrying firearms
receive a 10 percent discount. 18020
FM 529, Cypress, 832-893-1682;
brooksplacebbq.com. NW
DINING 6 EXPLORE
BURNS ORIGINAL BBQ
The classic East Texas-style barbe-
cue served at this Acres Homes
institution includes big, meaty pork
spareribs and a killer chopped beef
sandwich. The late Anthony Bourdain
stopped by to film the Houston-fo-
cused episode of his CNN show “No
Reservations.” 8307½ De Priest, 281-
999-5559. NW
CORKSCREW BBQ
Pitmaster Will Buckman’s classic
Central Texas-style, all-natural prime
brisket is among the best in the city.
Pork spareribs are huge and perfectly
cooked, and the smoked turkey is al-
ways a great choice. Really hungry? Try
the Whole Hog, a monster sandwich
topped with pulled pork, sliced sau-
sage and spareribs. Just know if you
arrive late, they may be out of what
you’re craving. 26608 Keith, Spring,
832-592-1184; corkscrewbbq.com. NE
FEGES BBQ
Husband-and-wife team Patrick and
Erin Feges have résumés with fine-
dining know-how, and that’s evident
from their first venture together, where
traditional barbecue (brisket, ribs,
sausage, boudin, pulled pork) marries
with modern sides (think yogurt/cilan-
tro cole slaw, elote corn salad and
Moroccan-spiced carrots). 3 Greenway
Plaza, 832-409-6118; fegesbbq.com.
Inner Loop
GATLIN’S BBQ
When Greg Gatlin opened his joint in
2010, he brought back a craftsman
approach to Houston barbecue with
all-wood-burning smokers. What start-
ed as a ramshackle house in the
Heights is now a contemporary loca-
tion in a shopping center near Oak
Forest. Don’t miss the sausage, old-
school dirty rice (pungent with liver
bits) and the peach cobbler. Check out
the specials, too. 3510 Ella, 713-869-
4227; gatlinsbbq.com. NW
GOODE CO. BBQ
Founded by late, legendary Houston
restaurateur Jim Goode, the Kirby loca-
tion is known for superb Czech-style
sausage as well as a hot jalapeño pork
sausage. Son Levi now presides over a
menu whose other highlights include
pork ribs and stellar sides. Use the
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 19
 EXPLORE 6 DINING
jalapeño cheese bread to sop up
Goode’s tangy barbecue sauce, and
don’t forget a slice of pecan pie. 5109
Kirby, 713-522-2530;
goodecompany.com. Other locations
at 8911 Interstate 10 W., 20102 U.S. 290
and 8865 Six Pines in The Woodlands.
Inner Loop, W, NW, N
HARLEM ROAD TEXAS BBQ
European-trained in classical dining,
chef Ara Malekian mastered the in-
tricacies of Texas barbecue and has his
own smoked-meat temple in Rich-
mond. Superlative beef ribs as well as
brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and
house-made sausage. 9823 Harlem,
Richmond, 832-278-2101;
harlemroadtexasbbq.com. SW
PINKERTON’S BARBECUE
Grant Pinkerton is making a splash in
the Heights with his emphatically
Central Texas style ’cue — colossal
beef ribs, almost 2 pounds per bone,
have a deliciously charred and crusty
bark seasoned with salt and coarse
ground pepper. Sides, including
smoked duck jambalaya and a crisp
coleslaw, are all made in-house. Des-
serts, too. Also on offer: craft cocktails
and a list of wines meant to be paired
with barbecue. 1504 Airline, 713-802-
2000; pinkertonsbarbecue.com. Inner
Loop
PIZZITOLA’S BAR-B-CUE
The rare, decades-old brick pits that
still produce the barbecue are in no
better hands than those of owner Jerry
Pizzitola and pitmasters Davy Reynosa
and Josh Scott. Original owners John
and Lela Davis were pioneers in the
Houston barbecue community, operat-
ing Shepherd Drive BBQ (as it was
originally called) as a black-owned
business during the 1950s Jim Crow
era. The thick, meaty pork ribs sea-
soned simply with salt, wood and
smoke are as good as ever. 1703 Shep-
herd, 713-227-2283; pizzitolas.com.
Inner Loop
RAY’S BBQ SHACK
Pitmaster Ray Busch continues a
long tradition of soulful barbecue in
Houston’s Third Ward with outstanding
brisket, ribs and “Lott’s Links” sausages
based on a recipe from an old-school,
now-shuttered nearby joint of the
20 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
J.C. Reid
Beef rib at Harlem Road Texas
BBQ in Richmond
same name. Be sure to order the stu-
pid-good fried corn on the cob or
smoked boudin and smoked macaroni
and cheese in these nice new digs
down the road from the original loca-
tion. 3929 Old Spanish Trail, 713-748-
4227; raysbbqshack.com. SE
ROEGELS BARBECUE
Pitmaster Russell Roegels is solid on
the basics: beef brisket, pork ribs and
sausage. But it’s his daily specials that
make his off-the-tourist-path restau-
rant worth the effort. Think smoky pork
chops, pork belly and lamb chops.
2223 S. Voss, 713-977-8725;
roegelsbarbecue.com. W
SOUTHERN Q BBQ
Smoked turkey legs are a specialty
on weekends — a throwback to a tradi-
tional East Texas-style barbecue dish.
Pitmaster Steve Garner has both the
rich, fragrant boudin and the spicy,
garlicky sausage links made to his
recipe by a local butcher. Wife Sherice
always offers a welcoming smile for
guests. A new restaurant on West
Richey spreads the Q gospel. 16540
Kuykendahl, 832-250-4851, and 411 W.
Richey, 281-919-1238;
southernqbbqcatering.com. N
TEJAS CHOCOLATE + BARBECUE
Scott Moore and partner Michelle
Holland were bit by the bean-to-bar
chocolate bug and began making
handmade, craft chocolate in their
kitchen in 2011; now they’ve got a full-
on chocolate-and-barbecue emporium
J.C. Reid
A smoked meat platter at Tejas
Chocolate + Barbecue
in Old Town Tomball that Texas
Monthly named the sixth-best barbe-
cue joint in the state. The brisket and
ribs are excellent, as are the signature
sandwiches (think brisket and blue
cheese). Side dishes, including the
carrot soufflé, and Wednesday’s
Smokehouse Burger special, are not to
be missed. 200 N. Elm, Tomball, 832-
761-0670; tejaschocolate.com. N
THE BRISKET HOUSE
Wayne Kammerl is distinguished for
the quality and consistency of his
Central Texas-style ’cue served during
both lunch and dinner — a rarity when
many of the best joints sell out of
meat and close up soon after lunch.
The trinity — brisket, pork ribs and
locally made sausage — is terrific.
5775 Woodway, 281-888-0331; 3217
Center, Deer Park, 281-884-8058;
3301 Cypress Creek Parkway, 832-
286-1487; thebriskethouse.com. W,
SE, NW
THE PIT ROOM
The three types of handmade sau-
sage at this Montrose joint may be the
best in Houston: all-beef sausage
loaded with mustard seeds and other
spices; pork sausage with chunks of
fresh jalapeño and melty cheese; and
dense, smoky and peppery venison
sausage. Thoughtful sides and condi-
ments, as well as tacos with flour
tortillas made in-house using fat col-
lected from brisket trimmings. 1201
Richmond, 281-888-1929;
thepitroombbq.com. Inner Loop
Karen Warren / Staff photographer
Diners move through the line at
Cleburne Cafeteria.
HOUSTON CLASSICS
BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON
A gracious staff and a well-run kitch-
en nearly guarantee a four-star experi-
ence. And dishes such as roasted oys-
ters, duck sausage, turtle soup and
barbecue crawfish shortcakes remind
diners that Houston and New Orleans
share much more than Interstate 10.
3300 Smith, 713-522-9711; brennan-
shouston.com. Inner Loop
CAFE ANNIE
Got a client or a colleague you want
to impress? James Beard Award-win-
ning chef Robert Del Grande’s dramat-
ic dining room and his upscale South-
west-inspired comfort fare — roasted
pheasant, braised rabbit, rack of lamb
— are just the ticket. The terrace over-
looks tony Uptown. 1800 Post Oak,
713-840-1111; cafeanniehouston.com. W
CHRISTIE’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS
Born in Galveston, this family-run
business has been a Houston favorite
for more than 100 years, thanks to
Oysters Thermidor, chargrilled Greek-
style snapper, Gulf shrimp entrees,
fried-seafood plates and Louisiana-
flavored fare such as Cajun seafood
pasta and po-boys. 6029 Westheimer,
713-978-6563; christies-restau-
rant.com. W
CLEBURNE CAFETERIA
Houston’s beloved, old-school cafe-
teria that was destroyed in a fire in

2016 is back, and its fans couldn’t be
happier. They’re lining up for fried
chicken and mashed potatoes, roast
beef, baked chicken and rice, liver and
onions, fried catfish, turkey and dress-
ing as well as sides and desserts ga-
lore, all made from scratch. 3606
Bissonnet, 713-667-2386; cleburne-
cafeteria.com. Inner Loop
FUNG’S KITCHEN
Open since 1990, this purveyor of
Hong Kong-style Cantonese fare is
known for its dim sum, Peking duck,
Dungeness crab preparations, hot pots
and pan-fried noodles. 7320 South-
west Fwy., 713-779-2288; eatatfung-
s.com. SW
GOODE CO. SEAFOOD
Gulf Coast seafood cooked with care
is the hallmark of this popular brand
from Houston’s Goode Co. Menu hits
include shell-roasted oysters, stuffed
fish, fried-seafood platters, mesquite-
grilled trout, shrimp, catfish and redfish
— and city’s favorite campachana. 10211
Interstate 10 W., 713-464-7933; 2621
Westpark, 713-523-7154; goodecompa-
ny.com. Inner Loop, W
HAI CANG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Among Asiatown’s fancy restaurants
with live-fish tanks, Hai Cang stands
out. You might luck out and get the
dewiest Pacific spot prawns, just flown
in and served with their gleaming scar-
let roe. You can count on the live lob-
ster or Dungeness crab dishes, too, and
you’ll want a gang to help you eat
them. 11768 Bellaire, 281-564-4288;
haicangrestaurant.net. SW
FRENCHY’S CHICKEN
This Houston-born fried-chicken
chain was founded in 1969 by New
Orleans native Percy “Frenchy” Creu-
zot. The delightfully spicy chicken,
jambalaya and collard greens can’t be
beat. Multiple Houston-area locations;
frenchyschicken.com.
IRMA’S ORIGINAL
Owner Irma Galvan’s original cus-
tomers were courthouse employees,
judges, attorneys and sheriff’s depart-
ment — all have remained loyal to her
homespun comida: enchiladas, chile
rellenos, carnitas, carne guisada and
tamales. As downtown grew, so did
Irma’s reputation, solidified by a James
Beard Foundation award as an Amer-
ica’s Classic restaurant. 22 N. Chenev-
ert, 713-222-0767; irmasoriginal.com.
Inner Loop
KENNY & ZIGGY’S
NEW YORK DELICATESSEN
Ziggy Gruber, born into the deli busi-
ness, operates one of the country’s
best Jewish delis. Expect classics such
as homemade knish, fried kreplach,
chopped liver, matzo ball soup, lox,
blintzes, overstuffed deli sandwiches
and hot plates including stuffed cab-
bage, meat loaf, goulash and Rouma-
nian skirt steak. 2327 Post Oak, 713-
871-8883; 5172 Buffalo Speedway,
832-767-1136; kennyandziggys.com.
Inner Loop, W
LANKFORD GROCERY
Hidden in the townhome canyons of
east Montrose, this homey little spot
serves up arguably some of the city’s
best burgers and tots. The kitchen also
produces some pretty good tacos and
chicken-fried steak. Texas-sized break-
fasts lure early-risers. 88 Dennis, 713-
522-9555. Inner Loop
RAINBOW LODGE
This elegantly rustic Heights-area
restaurant specializes in wild game and
seafood, wooing diners with ingredi-
ents that come from its back garden.
When the weather allows, dining on its
creekside patio is a pure joy. 2011 Ella,
713-861-8666; rainbow-lodge.com.
Inner Loop
THE BREAKFAST KLUB
There always seems to be a line
wrapped around the facade of this
iconic Midtown soul-food cafe. Folks
are happy to wait for a big plate of
wing-topped waffles or the silly-good
fried catfish and grits. 3711 Travis, 713-
528-8561; thebreakfastklub.com. Inner
Loop
TONY’S
Dining is theater at this Houston
institution warmly overseen by name-
sake Tony Vallone. If you’re not wowed
by the Italian food on the plate, you’re
sure to be dazzled by moneyed crowd
in the dining room. 3755 Richmond,
713-622-6778; tonyshouston.com.
Inner Loop
Isabel Protomartir
Bernie’s Burger Bus now has four
locations in the Houston area.
BURGERS
ALFRED’S BURGER HOUSE
Beautiful, stately burgers (kudos to
the blue cheese and bacon version) are
on offer at this small burger joint
where everything is made to order. 723
Telephone, 832-582-7324. Inner Loop
BERNIE’S BURGER BUS
Angus burgers with homemade
condiments, hand-cut fries and stupid-
good shakes (Salted Caramel Apple
Pie — would we lie?) shine at Bernie’s,
which recently opened a new location
in Missouri City. 5407 Bellaire, 713-349-
9400; 2643 Commercial Center, Katy,
281-394-9006; 2200 Yale, 713-867-
8600; 6324 Texas 6, Missouri City,
berniesburgerbus.com. W, Inner Loop,
SW
BUFFBURGER
This expanding, home-grown burger
brand offers a fresh spin on a fast-
casual burger with a commitment to
top-quality produce and local sourcing
(44 Farms beef, Houston Dairymaids
cheese, Slow Dough buns). 1014 Wirt,
281-501-9773; 1540 W. Alabama, 713-
821-2747; 10550 Westheimer, 281-3303;
buffburger.com. Inner Loop, W
BURGER CHAN
Billed as an umami-loaded experi-
ence, the build-your-own burger joint in
Greenway Plaza uses 44 Farms beef.
DINING 6 EXPLORE
BuffBurger
Classic burger and fries at
BuffBurger
The crispy patties (double burger is the
best way to go) on potato bun can be
slathered with house-made condi-
ments such as scallion aioli or sambal
mayo. 5 Greenway Plaza, concourse
level, 832-542-3528;
burgerchanhtx.com. Inner Loop
BURGER PALACE
Creative and deftly seasoned Kobe
beef burgers are the reward for folks
not put off by languid service. Promise,
it is worth the wait. 2800 Sage, 713-
877-9700; burgerpalacehouston.com.
W
THE BURGER JOINT
At the epicenter of Montrose cool,
this stamp-size restaurant with a Tex-
as-size patio is the perfect spot for a
lazy afternoon of beer and burgers.
Second location coming soon to the
Heights. 2703 Montrose, 281-974-
2889; burgerjointhtx.com. Inner Loop
CHRISTIAN’S TAILGATE
This locally owned chain of sports
bars hasn’t forgotten its roots: a glori-
ously juicy, three-napkin burger. ZZ
Top’s Billy Gibbons is a famous fan.
1012 Congress, 713-229-8449; 2820
White Oak, 713-863-1207; 5114 Kirby
and three other locations;
christianstailgate.com. Inner Loop, W
FM KITCHEN & BAR
The 4-ounce patties are near-perfect
specimens, making this Washington
Corridor neo-icehouse one of the city’s
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 21
 EXPLORE 6 DINING
best burger newcomers. Great patio.
House burger is only $3 during week-
day happy hour. 1112 Shepherd, 832-
804-6006; fmkitchenandbar.com.
Inner Loop
HUBCAP GRILL
Consistently one of the city’s best
burgers. The patties are shaped by
hand from fresh beef. The condiments
are neither skimpy nor overloaded.
The ambience is trailerlicious. 1111 Prai-
rie, 713-223-5885; 1133 W. 19th, 713-
862-0555; 1918 NASA Parkway, 281-
339-7116, Seabrook; 2021 Strand, Gal-
veston, 409-220-3551;
hubcapgrill.com. Inner Loop, SE, S
SAM’S BURGERS, FRIES & PIES
Owner Sam Crosser takes pride in
that everything from the never frozen
burgers to the mile-high pies that are
made in-house from scratch. 1017
Dairy Ashford, 281-496-4052;
samsbfp.com. W
THE SPOT
Top-it-yourself burgers are served in
a casual, family-friendly setting that
includes unfettered views of the Gulf
and Galveston’s bustling Seawall.
Good fried seafood, too. 3204 Sea-
wall, in Galveston, 409-621-5237;
islandfamous.com. SE
STANTON’S CITY BITES
This homey restaurant grew out of
the Fong family’s grocery store in the
shadows of downtown. Pair your
choice of burger from the joint’s varied
list with loaded waffle fries. 1420
Edwards, 713-227-4893;
stantonscitybites.com. Inner Loop
STOMP’S BURGER JOINT
Fresh, never frozen Angus beef is
the foundation for the burgers at this
very Texas burger spot 3107 Texas 146,
Bacliff, 281-339-0785; 12705 Broad-
way, Pearland, 832-220-3335;
stompsburgerjoint.com. SE, S
TOOKIE’S
For more than 30 years, this little
Bay Area joint has set the bar for
burgers. Try the Squealer (beef blend-
ed with bacon) with the giant house-
made onion rings for a memorable
meal. 406 Texas, Kemah, 281-942-
9334; tookiesburgers.com. SE
22 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
TWISTED TURBAN
Serving Tex-Indian Halal fare (think
paratha-wrapped tacos), the house
Turban Burger — a grilled beef burger
topped with slow-roasted brisket,
mango/cabbage slaw and spicy Tur-
ban sauce — is excellent. 2838 S. Texas
6, 281-372-8149; twistedturban.com. W
TEX-MEX & MEXICAN
CUCHARA
What’s not to love about this hip
Montrose restaurant? There’s the
kitchen that cooks with love and Mex-
ican authenticity, the colorful murals
that decorate the dining room and an
adults-only vibe after dark. Everything
is made in-house, including juices for
its delicious cocktails. 214 Fairview,
713-942-0000; cuchararestaurant-
.com. Inner Loop
SUPERICA
This new Heights Tex-Mex spot from
Atlanta restaurateur Ford Fry (who
grew up in Houston) specializes in
combo plates, fajitas al carbon, puffy
taco dinner, carne guisada and nachos.
Terrific frozen margs and red and green
table salsa. 1801 N. Shepherd, 713-955-
3215; superica.com/heights. Inner
Loop
LAST CONCERT CAFE
The Warehouse District favorite,
three decades under its current owner,
has gotten a much-needed freshening-
up thanks to new partners who were
determined to keep the vibe and not
change the menu where classic Tex-
Mex enchiladas rule. New cocktail list.
1403 Nance, 713-226-8563;
lastconcert.com. Inner Loop
EL PATIO
A classic that has served generations
of Houstonians crave-worthy Tex-Mex
and potent blue margaritas. Felix’s
famous chile con queso lives on here.
And the happy hour is a bargain that
can’t be beat. 6444 Westheimer, 713-
780-0410; elpatio.com. W
EL REAL
Housed in the restored Tower The-
ater, this temple of Tex-Mex serves
vintage fare such as puffy tacos,
Enchiladas at Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina
cheese enchiladas topped with chili
gravy, fajitas and combo plates. 1201
Westheimer, 713-524-1201;
elrealtexmex.com. Inner Loop
EL TIEMPO CANTINA
The expensive chow at El Tiempo is
outstanding — deliciously charred
fajitas, pillowy flour tacos, amazing
salsa. The margaritas are strong and
tasty, a rare combination. 5602 Wash-
ington, 713-681-3645; 322 Westheimer,
713-807-8101; 2814 Navigation, 713-222-
6800; and six other Houston-area
locations; eltiempocantina.com. Inner
Loop, SW, NW, SE
GOODE CO. KITCHEN & CANTINA
Inspired by its own Mexican heritage,
this new Goode concept (owner Levi
Goode calls it “unapologetically Tex-
Mex”) revels in the joys of fajitas, carni-
tas, crispy beef tacos, cheese enchila-
das, chicken flautas and tamale din-
ners. Campechana, Texas quail, Gulf
red snapper and redfish on the half
shell fill out the menu. 9005 Interstate
10 W., 713-766-3434 and 8865 Six
Pines, The Woodlands, 281-826-5150;
kitchenandcantina.com. W, N
IRMA’S SOUTHWEST
The restaurant opened by Irma Gal-
van’s son, Louis Galvan, and his busi-
ness partner Bruce Williams, has
Melissa Phillip /Staff photographer
moved into new digs across the street.
Same Mexican dishes, grilled seafood
and game favorites in plush new set-
ting with a big, inviting cocktail bar.
1475 Texas, 713-247-9651;
irmassouthwest.com. Inner Loop
MOLINA’S CANTINA
In the vast salsa sea of Tex-Mex
joints in Houston, Molina’s gets bonus
points for authenticity (don’t miss the
chili). You’ll be presented with two red
salsas, but insiders know to ask for the
green. 7901 Westheimer, 713-782-0861;
3801 Bellaire, 713-432-1626;
molinascantina.com. W, Inner Loop
ORIGINAL NINFA’S ON NAVIGATION
As the name implies, this is where it
all started. If you believe the legend,
Mama Ninfa was (is) the patron saint
of Tex-Mex. In her once tiny kitchen,
she helped popularize fajitas. A new
location in the Galleria neighborhood is
coming soon. 2704 Navigation, 713-
228-1175; ninfas.com. Inner Loop
PAPPASITO’S CANTINA
The Pappas family’s Tex-Mex stand-
by still rules. Besides the best queso in
town, try the high-quality fajitas or
well-made fish tacos. More than a
dozen Houston-area locations;
pappasitos.com. Inner Loop, W, SW,
SE, NE, NW, N, E

PICOS
Chef-owner Arnaldo Richards’ menu
draws from the seven distinct regions
of Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss sau-
téed calamari, cochinita pibil, enchila-
das moles and chiles nogada. The
margaritas are renowned. 3601 Kirby,
832-831-9940; picos.net. Inner Loop
SYLVIA’S ENCHILADA KITCHEN
Sylvia Casares’ refined plates fea-
ture fresh ingredients and surprisingly
complex flavors. Among her dozen
enchilada offerings: squash and corn,
crab and grilled pork with a fiery red
sauce. The Enchilada Queen also
offers cooking classes for tamales and
famous enchiladas. 6401 Woodway,
713-334-7295; 1140 Eldridge, 832-230-
3842; sylviasenchiladas.com. W
ASIAN
BANANA LEAF
A pretty dining room, attentive
service and exuberant Malaysian fare
mean there might be a line to get a
seat in this Chinatown restaurant.
9889 Bellaire, 713-771-8118. SW
BON GA GARDEN
Everything served in this Spring
Branch Korean restaurant — spicy
stews, seafood pancakes, bibimbap
— warms the soul. 9861 Long Point,
713-461-5265. NW
CRAWFISH & NOODLES
Houston has many Vietnamese/
Cajun mashups, and this is one of the
best. The crazy-popular restaurant
serves up steaming bags of crawfish
and crabs, as well as noodle dishes
and fried seafood. 11360 Bellaire,
281-988-8098;
crawfishandnoodles.com. SW
HUYNH
This is home-style Vietnamese
cooking at its finest, from stunning
chargrilled pork soft rolls, to vivid
duck salad, to flash-fried chicken
with crushed rice, cabbage pickle and
a frizzly fried egg. Major bang for the
buck. BYOB. 912 St. Emanuel, 713-
224-8964;
huynhrestauranthouston.com. Inner
Loop
IZAKAYA
Chef Jean-Philippe Gaston recently
placed a new emphasis on dumplings
and ramen that has made this Mid-
town Japanese-inspired pub hip all
over again. 318 Gray, 713-527-8988;
houstonizakaya.com. Inner Loop
KUU
This contemporary dining room is a
stage for chef Adison Lee, who marries
Gulf Coast seasonality with the spirit
of Japanese kaiseki. The menu is al-
ways evolving. 947 N. Gessner, 713-461-
1688; kuurestaurant.com. W
LES NOO’DLE
Pho is the star of this tiny noodle
parlor in Montrose from the owners of
Les Ba’get in the Heights. The pho
bowls are built on signature beef and
chicken broths, but a vegan base also
is available. Beef pho add-ins include
lean and fatty brisket, beef shank,
tendon and meatball. Small plates
(spring roll, street corn, smoked cau-
liflower) also entice. 1717 Montrose,
832-582-6122; lesnoodle.com. Inner
Loop
MALA SICHUAN BISTRO
This family-owned business is known
for its spicy dishes such as the Three
Pepper Beaten Duck. Lightweights,
beware: Dishes can run from fiery to
tongue-numbing. 1201 Westheimer,
832-767-0911; 9348 Bellaire, 713-995-
1889; 712 Main at Finn Hall. Inner
Loop, SW
NAM GIAO
Consistency is king at this Asiatown
kitchen specializing in the regional
cooking of Hue, the onetime dynastic
seat of Vietnam. It’s hard to go wrong
here, but do not miss the bánh bèo
chén, steamed rice-flour mini pan-
cakes, baby clam salad, the Happy
Crispy Rice Pancake or the bánh nâm.
No dish tops $10. 6938 Wilcrest, #C,
281-568-4888. SW
NOBU HOUSTON
Hollywood-glam restaurant has
made a happy home in Houston (at
the Galleria, naturally) serving impec-
cable hot and cold seafood dishes,
signature sushi, wagyu beef and chef
Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-famous miso-
marinated black cod. The sophisticat-
Vietnamese street corn at Les Noo’dle
ed space is perfect for cocktails, too.
5115 Westheimer, 832-987-2599;
noburestaurants.com/houston. W
PEPPER TWINS
The food here is country-style organ-
ic Chinese with strong Sichuan flavors.
Try the Dan Dan noodles, Pepper Twins
Fish, mapo tofu, salty pepper shrimp
and pineapple-and-shrimp fried rice.
The original at 315 Fairview in Montrose
has branched to locations in River
Oaks, Upper Kirby, CityCentre, Katy and
Pearland; txpeppertwins.com. Inner
Loop, S, W
RAMEN TATSU-YA
Austin foodie favorite has branched
to Houston with its signature pork
bone-broth noodle bowls with braised
pork belly, soft egg, brown butter corn
and bean sprouts. Flavor-bomb it with
red pepper paste, Thai chile or Japa-
nese citrus and jalapeño. Gyoza,
chashu rice bowl and curry rice bowl
also available. 1722 California, 346-
226-3253; ramen-tatsuya.com. Inner
Loop
ROKA AKOR
This flashy sushi and Japanese
steakhouse (think kobe and wagyu)
concept is River Oaks-fancy in menu,
vibe and high-flying design. Sushi
options are vast and gorgeously pre-
DINING 6 EXPLORE
Melissa Phillip /Staff photographer
sented along with Japanese hot and
cold dishes. 2929 Wesleyan, 713-
489-6717; rokaakor.com/houston.
Inner Loop
TOBIUO SUSHI & BAR
There’s a new sushi star — and it’s
in Katy. Chef Mike Lim is known for
his artfully crafted sashimi and nigiri
as well as seasonal dishes, crudo
and tartare preparations. His oma-
kase is one of the best in Houston.
23501 Cinco Ranch, Katy, 281-394-
7156; tobiuosushbar.com. W
UCHI
This Austin transplant from
James Beard Award-winning chef
Tyson Cole turns out inspired sushi,
sashimi and modern Japanese
plates that are as pretty as the
dining room. Though reservations
are suggested, the restaurant greets
walk-ins with a smile. 904 West-
heimer, 713-522-4808;
uchihouston.com. Inner Loop
VIENG THAI
There’s a reason chefs and wine
professionals dote on this unpreten-
tious restaurant on a scruffy stretch
of Long Point. The flavors are exhil-
arating, it’s BYOB, and the price is
right. 6929 Long Point, 713-688-
9910; viengthai.com. NW
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 23
 EXPLORE 6 DINING
KID FRIENDLY
THE BACKYARD GRILL
A tree dominates the dining room in
this restaurant that puts families first.
Backyard Grill regularly offers enter-
tainment such as clowns, costumed
heroes and arts and crafts. 9453 Jones,
281-897-9200; thebackyardgrill.com.
NW
BETSY’S AT EVELYN’S PARK
The proprietors of Adair’s Kitchen run
a sweet little concession in an adorable
Bellaire pocket park. Breakfast, lunch
and dinner options, with a kids menu
including grilled cheese, hamburger,
hot dog and strawberry smoothie.
4400 Bellaire, 713-660-6692;
betsysbellaire.com. Inner Loop
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
An upscale restaurant and bar, a
mini-amusement park and an aquari-
um with resident white tigers keep this
place hopping with families. Don’t miss
the train ride through the shark tunnel.
410 Bagby, 713-223-3474;
aquariumrestaurants.com. Inner Loop
LUPE TORTILLA
Heaping plates of Tex-Mex, candy-
colored margaritas and play areas for
the kids make this chain a favorite with
families. 318 Stafford, 281-496-7580;
1511 Shepherd, 713-231-9040; and 12
other Houston-area locations;
lupetortilla.com. NW, NE, SE, SW,
Inner Loop
MIA’S TABLE
A restaurant from Johnny Carrabba
with casual fare (burgers, sandwiches,
tacos and more) as well as plenty of
sweet treats. 3131 Argonne, 713-522-
6427; 18450 Interstate 45 S., Shenan-
doah, 832-767-8286; 19325 Interstate
45 S., Webster, 832-626-0545;
miastable.com. Inner Loop, N, SE
NATACHEE’S SUPPER ’N PUNCH
Midtown home-style cafe on the
light rail line serves its children’s meals
in lunch boxes. Too cute. 3622 Main,
713-524-7203; natachees.com. Inner
Loop
NIKO NIKO’S AT MARKET SQUARE
On pretty days, this kiosk in a down-
24 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
town park setting offering Greek gyros,
salads and dips is the perfect spot for
lunch or dinner. Misters keep everyone
cool. 301 Milam, 713-224-4976;
nikonikos.com. Inner Loop
LITTLE MATT’S
Bustling West U restaurant with a
menu of salads, burgers, a candy shop
and an arcade room. A wonderland for
kids and parents. 6203 Edloe, 713-592-
6200. Inner Loop
PINEWOOD CAFE
Salads, grilled cheese sandwiches
and craft beer are on the menu at this
terrace cafe overlooking McGovern
Lake in Hermann Park. Bonus: It’s a
stone’s throw from the Houston Zoo’s
entrance. 6104 Hermann Park, 713-
429-5238; hermannpark.org. Inner
Loop
PUNK’S SIMPLE SOUTHERN FOOD
Kids who like chicken tenders will
probably enjoy this cool parlor where
fried chicken, chicken sandwiches and
chicken-tender meals rule (along with
homey dishes such as meatloaf,
cheeseburgers and loaded tots).
There’s a grassy yard for kids to play.
5212 Morningside, 713-524-7865;
punkssimplsouthernfood.com. Inner
Loop
THE SHACK BURGER RESORT
The draws are burgers and backyard-
style patios with playgrounds. 16602
Cypress Rosehill, 281-256-1575. NW
ICE CREAM
AMORINO
A fancy, Paris-born gelato concept
that uses no artificial colors or flavors.
The fetching rose-shaped scoops on a
cone draw oohs and ahhs. 4444
Westheimer in River Oaks District,
346-319-2194; amorino.com. Inner
Loop
AMY’S ICE CREAMS
Part of the small Austin-based
chain, this chill (pardon the pun) shop
serves premium ice creams, frozen
yogurt and house-made ice cream
cakes. Available for kids’ birthday
parties. 3816 Farnham, 713-526-2697;
amysicecreams.com. Inner Loop
Betsy's cafe in Evelyn’s Park serves a turkey and Swiss sandwich.
ANOTHER TIME SODA FOUNTAIN
Feeling hungry? This charming, old-
school ice cream parlor serves a 1-
pound banana split, shakes, floats and
sundaes. 800 Third, Rosenberg, 281-
232-2999;
anothertimesodafountain.com. SW
THE CHOCOLATE BAR
The most decadent bowls of ice
cream can be found at these shops —
Brownie Supreme or Creamy Dreamy
Truffle, anyone? The only thing more
tempting are the towering cakes. 1835
W. Alabama, 713-520-8599; 2521 Uni-
versity, 713-520-8888;
facebook.com/ChocolateBarHTX.
Inner Loop
CLOUD 10 CREAMERY
Chef Chris Leung’s small-batch ice
creams and sorbets are seasonal and
might feature unusual ingredients such
as cheddar cheese, coriander or pome-
granate. A few staples remain on the
menu; don’t miss the toasted rice
flavor. 711 Heights Blvd., 713-485-5106;
3201 Louisiana, Suite 100, 713-485-
4770; cloud10creamery.com. Inner
Loop
DOLCE NEVE
Italian-style gelateria serving cold
comfort made from farm-fresh ingredi-
ents. More than 300 gelato flavors are
rotated in and out; about a dozen are
available daily. 4721 N. Main, Suite H,
Marie D. De Jesús / Staff photographer
832-767-2183; dolcenevegelato.com.
Inner Loop
FAT CAT CREAMERY
Sweet Heights shop serves house-
made ice cream. Staple flavors in-
cluding Milk Chocolate Stout and
Amaya Coffee & Cream mix with rotat-
ing specials such as pumpkin cheese-
cake. Love the soft-serve, too. 1901 N.
Shepherd, 713-869-1080; fatcatcrea-
mery.com. Inner Loop
FLAMINGO CHILL
There’s almost always a line at this
colorful raspas stand. In addition to
snow cones, consider trying a cinna-
mon-spiked horchata, a Latin version
of the smoothie. 6404 Airline, 713-692-
7927. N
HANK’S ICE CREAM PARLOR
This tiny spot’s pink-and-purple
walls are cluttered with memorabilia
documenting more than 30 years of
expanding Bayou City waistlines. Don’t
miss banana-pudding ice cream. 9291
S. Main, 713-665-5103. Inner Loop
HEY MIKEY’S
A mom-and-pop shop serving home-
made ice cream, dairy-free Italian ices,
snow balls, shakes and sundaes. Per-
fect stop after a day on the beach. 2120
Post Office, Galveston, 208-602-3286;
613 6th St., Texas City;
heymikeysicecream.com. SE

AMUSEMENT PARKS
BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY TO THESE FUN CENTERS
7 ACRE WOOD
Old-fashioned fun park with petting
zoo, mini-golf course, Lego room, west-
ern play town, playground, massive
sandbox, rope slide, horseshoes and
more. Activities including pony rides
and paint ball are in addition to daily
admission. 4401 N. Frazier, Conroe,
936-890-2326; 7acrewood.org. Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Sun. Cost: $6. N
BIG RIVERS WATERPARK &
ADVENTURES AND GATOR BAYOU
ADVENTURE PARK
Opening this month, this New Caney
duo boasts an extra-long lazy river,
powerful wave pool, on-the-water
obstacle course, zip line, fishing and
live alligators. 22846 Texas 242, New
Caney, 281-302-4020;
bigriverswaterpark.com. NE
BOOMERS
Attractions include miniature golf,
go-carts, rock walls, bumper boats,
batting cages and game room. 17190
Texas 249, 281-894-9791;
boomersparks.com/houston. All-day
passes start at $46.99; certain attrac-
tions including batting cages are an
additional fee. Hours vary. NW
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
Visitors can ride the Ferris wheel,
explore exhibits featuring alligators,
Kids laugh riding The Twister
at Typhoon Texas.
fish, sharks, snakes, stingrays and
white tigers and dine at the on-site
restaurant surrounded by a 150,000-
gallon aquarium. A new battery-
powered train takes you through the
shark tank for an up-close view of
8-foot sand tiger sharks, 16-foot
sawfish and brown sharks. 410 Bag-
by, 713-223-3474;
aquariumrestaurants.com. Aquarium
tickets start at $9.99; ride tickets
start at $3.99. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sun.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat.
Inner Loop
KIDS 6 EXPLORE
Michael Ciaglo / Staff photographer
FUNPLEX AMUSEMENT PARK
Indoor entertainment center offers
bowling, skating, go-carting, Ferris
wheel, bumper cars, a tower ride, in-
door bungee experience, arcade games
and the Playport — a two-story play
center where kids can jump, climb and
slide. 13700 Beechnut, 281-530-7777;
houstonfunplex.com. Entry is free;
rides and attractions can be accessed
through FunPlex FunCard. Hours vary.
W
GALVESTON ISLAND
HISTORIC PLEASURE PIER
Landry’s-owned waterfront attrac-
tion with rides that let visitors soar
above the Gulf, midway games, retail
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 25
 EXPLORE 6 KIDS
stores and food vendors. Expect a
roller coasters, plunge ride and other
heart-soaring adventures, plus tamer
fun for small children, including bump-
er cars. 2501 Seawall, Galveston, 409-
766-4950; pleasurepier.com. Entry to
the pier is $7-$10. Rides tickets are
sold individually (from $4). All-day
passes start at $19.99, or family pass-
es are available. Hours are seasonal.
SE
IFLY HOUSTON
INDOOR SKYDIVING
iFly facilities, in Memorial and The
Woodlands, create the sensation of a
free fall — a vertical wind tunnel pro-
duces 60 seconds of wall-to-wall air
so participants float. It’s the skydiving
rush without the risk. Virtual-reality
experiences are also available. The
“flight” is short, but first-timers un-
dergo training. Check website for age
restrictions; not recommended for
those with back, shoulder or neck
injuries. 9540 Interstate 10 W., 281-
942-4359, and 26860 N. Interstate 45,
281-942-4359; iflyworld.com. Prices
start at $69.95 for two flights for one
person; reservations recommended.
W, N
HOUSTON ZOO
From chimpanzees and gorillas to
elephants, lions and flamingos, the
zoo gives visitors the chance to dis-
cover countless animals from around
the world. Attractions include the
African Forest, children’s zoo, Bug
House, aquarium, nature play area,
splash pad and sea lion habitat. For
additional fees, visitors can ride the
wildlife carousel and feed select ani-
mals. 6200 Hermann Park, 713-533-
6535; houstonzoo.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-7
p.m. daily, last entry 6 p.m. Children 1
and younger free; $15 children 2-11; $19
adults; $12.50 seniors. Inner Loop
JUMPING WORLD HOUSTON
Indoor trampoline park with a foam
pit, dodgeball and basketball courts,
video arcade and dedicated toddler
jumping areas. 14147 U.S. 290, 713-
996-7811; 6904 U.S. 59 S., 713-239-
2690; 100 Interstate 45N., League City,
281-724-0760; 2222 Spencer Highway,
Pasadena, 832-767-4980;
jumpingworldusa.com. First hour of
jump time ranges from $6-12, addi-
26 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Children watch elephants Tucker, left, and Baylor, right, cool off in water at
the Houston Zoo.
tional hours are reduced. Hours vary.
NW, SW, SE
K1 SPEED
Indoor racing center features electric
go-carting for all ages and skill levels,
plus food. First-timers receive a man-
datory briefing session; must be 48
inches to drive. 14900 U.S. 290, 281-
674-8012; k1speed.com. Races start at
$22. Hours vary. NW
KEMAH BOARDWALK
The sprawling, bayfront boardwalk
development features restaurants
with a water view, rollercoasters and
rides, seaside amusements and
shows, a hotel and multiple shops. 215
Kipp, Kemah, 877-285-3624;
kemahboardwalk.com. All-day ride
passes begin at $18.99. Hours vary. SE
MOODY GARDENS
Housed in pyramids, the complex
has three major attractions — the
Rainforest Pyramid, home to tropical
plants, birds and animals, including
otters and monkeys; the Aquarium
Pyramid, a 1.5 million-gallon aquarium
featuring fish, sharks, seals and pen-
guins; and the Discovery Pyramid, with
science-oriented events, exhibits and
Melissa Phillip / Staff photographer
activities. Ropes course, zip line, 3D
movie theater and virtual-reality
experiences are part of the fun. 1
Hope Blvd., Galveston, 800-582-
4673; moodygardens.com. Pyramid
attraction adult tickets start at
$21.95; day passes available. SE
OLD MACDONALD’S FARM
A 15-acre outdoor park with pet-
ting-zoo barns, train rides, play-
grounds, pony rides, ball games and
a seasonal swimming pool. 3203 FM
1960 E., Humble, 281-446-4001;
oldmacdonaldshumble.com. Open at
10 a.m. daily; closing times vary. If
questionable weather, call to confirm
it’s open. Cost: $12/person. NE
SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON
ISLAND WATERPARK
Expansive water park with a chil-
dren’s water playground, looping
luge, slides, boogie board zone and
“tidal wave” river, among other at-
tractions. 2109 Lockheed, Galveston,
409-770-9283;
schlitterbahn.com/galveston. Hours
vary during the summer. One-day
tickets start at $50.99 for adults;
summer passes available. Private
cabanas available by reservation. SE
SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR
SPLASHTOWN
Newly branded and renovated, the
water park has a range of thrill rides —
including the 6-story-tall Wahoo Wave
slide, kid-friendly zones, a lazy river,
daily entertainment and special
events during the summer. 21300
Interstate 45 N., Spring, 281-355-
3300; wetnwildsplashtown.com.
Hours vary. Day passes start at $45.99
for adults. N
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
Visitors can gain insight into space
exploration through extensive educa-
tion programming, a museum of space
artifacts and exhibits, and tours of
Johnson Space Center. Special sum-
mer 2019 programming celebrates the
50th anniversary of the moon landing.
1601 NASA Parkway, 281-244-2100;
spacecenter.org. Ticket prices from
$24.95. Summer hours vary. SE
SPEEDY’S FAST TRACK
Indoor/outdoor family fun center
with Formula 1-style go-carts, arcade
games, laser tag and miniature golf.
11440 Hempstead, 713-957-8803;
houstonfasttrack.com. Hours: noon-11
p.m. Sun.-Thurs., noon-1 a.m. Fri.-Sat.
Priced per attraction. NW
TEXAS TREEVENTURES
At Rob Fleming Park, this new aerial
adventure course is adjacent to the
George Mitchell Nature Preserve. It’s a
series of more than 70 physical chal-
lenges and thrill-based elements
designed for youth and adults (age
and weight restrictions apply). 6464
Creekside Forest, The Woodlands,
281-210-2048; texastreeventures.com.
Tickets are $40 for ages 13 and older,
$35 for kids 12 and younger. N
TYPHOON TEXAS WATERPARK
Park features multiple attractions,
including a large wave pool, lazy river,
a Texas-themed group tube ride, rac-
ing slides, water-coasters and kids’
water-play area. Food concessions
and plenty of seating; cabanas avail-
able for rent. 555 Katy Fort Bend Road,
Katy, 832-426-7071;
typhoontexas.com. Summer hours:
Open 10:30 a.m.; closing times vary.
Day passes start at $38.99; season
passes available. W

NATURE CENTERS
ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER
2,500-acre urban preserve features a
boardwalk that winds through forest
and marshes, live-animal displays,
bison and prairie-viewing platforms,
butterfly gardens, 5 miles of hiking trails
and an 1800s farm site. A special gated
children’s discovery area offers educa-
tional exploring. 8500 Bay Area, Pasa-
dena, 281-474-2551; abnc.org. Hours: 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun.
Cost: $2-$4. SE
BAYTOWN NATURE CENTER
The 5,000-acre peninsula in Baytown
has picturesque birding trails, wildlife
blinds, butterfly gardens, bicycle paths
and playgrounds. Fishing piers on the
bay are available for use with a license.
6213 Bayway, Baytown, 281-424-9198;
baytownnaturecenter.org. Sunrise to
sunset daily. Cost: $1-$4. E
COCKRELL BUTTERFLY CENTER
AND RAINFOREST CONSERVATORY
Stepping into the impressive, three-
story glass structure housing the Hous-
ton Museum of Natural Science’s but-
terfly center, you’ll feel a drastic cli-
mate shift. The simulated rainforest
filled with lush plantlife and a waterfall
provides a habitat suitable to thou-
sands of live butterflies — if you’re
lucky one will land on your hand or
clothing. 5555 Hermann Park, 713-639-
4629; hmns.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mon.-Sun. Butterfly Center requires a
special admission ticket outside of
general museum admission. Inner
Loop
EDITH L. MOORE
NATURE SANCTUARY
The 17.5-acre wooded sanctuary
features a restored log cabin for educa-
tional programming. Winding creekside
trails are joined by shaded bridge
crossings and lookout points for the
chance to spot birds and wildlife. 440
Wilchester, 713-932-1639; houstonau-
dubon.org. Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
during summer. Free. W
HANA AND ARTHUR GINZBARG
NATURE DISCOVERY CENTER
The 4-acre Russ Pitman Park in
Bellaire is home to four types of habi-
tats, including prairie wetland and
woodland. Using guides, visitors can
spot a number of butterflies, amphibi-
ans, birds and even edible plants. Dis-
covery rooms with hands-on, inter-
active exhibits, live animals, books and
crafts help young visitors apply nature
lessons. 7112 Newcastle, 713-667-6550;
naturediscoverycenter.org. Park open 5
a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily; discovery rooms
open noon-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10
a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Free. Inner
Loop
HOUSTON ARBORETUM
AND NATURE CENTER
The 155-acre nonprofit urban sanctu-
ary anchors Memorial Park. Miles of
trails allow visitors to take advantage
of a ravine overlook, observation decks,
a sensory garden and a special plat-
form above Buffalo Bayou. The center
offers a variety of educational classes
and events for adults and families.
4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433; housto-
narboretum.org. 7 a.m.-dusk daily.
Inner Loop
KIDS 6 EXPLORE
HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK
Part of beautiful Sam Houston Na-
tional Forest, the wooded park fea-
tures camping, hiking, biking and bird-
watching as well as fishing, kayaking,
canoeing and swimming on Lake Ra-
ven. There are 21 miles of trails and a
nature center with exhibits and collec-
tions. 565 Park Road 40 W., Huntsville,
936-295-5644;
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville.
Open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Admission:
$7, children 12 and younger free. N
KLEB WOODS NATURE CENTER
133 acres of natural wetlands, gar-
dens and granite trails to explore all
types of wildlife. Nature center has
books for kids and offers classes and
educational materials. 20303 Draper,
Tomball, 281-357-5324; pct3.com/
Parks/All-Parks/kleb-park. Open 8
a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free. NW
JESSE H. JONES PARK
AND NATURE CENTER
The 300-acre park with 100-year-old
cypress trees boasts miles of trails,
boardwalks, sandy beaches and
 EXPLORE 6 KIDS
A group of children are led on a tour at the Houston Arboretum & Nature
Center.
ponds. 20634 Kenswick, Humble,
281-446-8588; hcp4.net/Community/
Parks/Jones. Open 8 a.m.-dusk daily.
Free. NE
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
Spanning nearly 5,000 acres, the
forested park has 20 miles of hiking
and biking trails, in addition to eques-
trian trails and creek and pond entry
points. The nature center has displays
of wetland and forest habitats and live
wildlife. Educational programs range
from guided hikes to owl-pellet dis-
section. Several campsites are avail-
able, including lakeside A-frame cabins
for rent. 25840 FM 1485, New Caney,
832-395-7690; houstontx.gov/parks/
parksites/lakehoustonpark.html. 7
a.m.-6 p.m. Sun., Mon, Wed. and
Thurs., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Closed
Tues. Admission: $3, free for children 12
and younger. NE
MERCER BOTANIC GARDENS
Mercer’s 300-plus acres of native
and cultivated plants — the largest
collection in the region — was devas-
tated by Hurricane Harvey, and por-
tions are still being rebuilt. Horticultur-
ists on staff are knowledge about the
bamboo, herbs, gingers, tropicals and
other plantlife that surround walking
trails, ponds and an arboretum. Two
playgrounds on site. 22306 Aldine
Westfield, Humble, 713-274-4166; the-
28 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Craig Moseley / Contributor
mercersociety.org. Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Free. NE
RAINFOREST PYRAMID
AT MOODY GARDENS
The interactive rainforest replica at
Moody Gardens contains hundreds of
species of exotic plants and animals
from across the globe, including mon-
keys and parrots. 1 Hope Blvd., Galves-
ton, 800-582-4673; moodygarden-
s.com. Adults $24.95, children $18.95.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. SE
RICE UNIVERSITY’S LYNN R.
LOWREY ARBORETUM
The “outdoor classroom,” home to
native trees and plants of the Gulf
Coast and Mexico, serves as a learning
tool for Rice University students and is
open to the public. 6100 Main, 713-
348-5736; arboretum.rice.edu. Open
dawn to dusk. Inner Loop
SHELDON LAKE STATE PARK AND
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING
CENTER
Known for its fishing and wildlife
observation, the learning center offers
trails that traverse naturalized ponds
home to alligators, wildscape demon-
strations, guided tours and educational
programs. 14140 Garrett, 281-456-
2800; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/
sheldon-lake. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
daily. Free. NE
Railroad-themed Donovan Park on Heights Boulevard is a popular spot for
parents to bring children to play.
PLAYGROUNDS
ALEXANDER DEUSSEN PARK
The 309-acre park on Lake Houston
features a covered playground in addi-
tion to picnic areas, a duck pond and
bike path. 12303 Sonnier; hcp1.net. NE
ARTHUR STOREY PARK
This playground with swings is situ-
ated along Brays Bayou. The park also
has a gazebo, observation ponds, a
picnic area, tai chi court and trails.
7400 W. Sam Houston Parkway S;
pct3.com. W
BALDWIN PARK
The nearly 5-acre plot in the heart of
Midtown has a playset with a slide,
chess tables, picnic tables, a jogging
trail and a fountain. 1701 Elgin; hous-
tontx.gov. Inner Loop
BENDWOOD PARK
Large park featuring playgrounds,
basketball courts, a walking trail and
picnic areas. 12700 Kimberley; hous-
tonparksboard.org. W
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
With the downtown skyline as a
backdrop, the Barbara Fish Daniel
Nature Play Area features climbing
nets, a playhouse, a boulder play ele-
ment, picnic pavilion, climbing logs and
Craig Moseley / Contributor
a slide. Near Lee and Joe Jamail Skate-
park, 103 Sabine; buffalobayou.org.
Inner Loop
CENTENNIAL PARK
Features a multipurpose field, splash
pad, merry-go-round and fitness sta-
tions. 3219 McLean, Pearland; pear-
landtx.gov. S
COLONIAL PARK
The 3.16-acre West University Place
park features a sand volleyball court,
tennis courts, partially covered play-
ground equipment, a pavilion and short
jogging track. 4130 Byron; westutx.gov.
Inner Loop
CULLEN PARK
Nearly 10,000-acre park with play-
grounds, splash pad, picnic facilities,
the Alkek Velodrome and trails. 19008
Saums; houstontx.gov. W
DISCOVERY GREEN
Set between two water-spray fea-
tures, Discovery Green’s small play-
ground has suspended play zones,
bridges and a climbing hill for toddlers.
1500 McKinney; discoverygreen.com.
Inner Loop
DONOVAN PARK
The Heights park has swings, slides
and an all-wooden play structure, a
castle and a train. 700 Heights; hous-

tonheights.org. Inner Loop
EVELYN’S PARK
The Bellaire park’s small, nature-
centric play area has integrated climb-
ing, sand and water features, plus a
huge lawn for running. Also a draw:
The large bronze sculpture and table
depicting characters from “Alice in
Wonderland” and an on-site cafe.
4400 Bellaire; evelynspark.org. Inner
Loop
EXPLORATION PARK
A xylophone bridge, giant Tinker
Toy-inspired foam building blocks and
a climbing sphere are just part of the
fun at the interactive park. 15020 Cinco
Park Road, Katy; willowforkdrainage-
district.com. W
FIRE TRUCK PARK
A bright-red firetruck play feature,
with crawl-through tires and slides, is
the focal point of this Southside park.
For older kids, there’s rock climbing,
swings and other play equipment. 3743
Garnet; ci.southside-place.tx.us. Inner
Loop
HEDWIG PARK
Next to Spring Branch Memorial
Library, the park features mature trees,
covered shelters with picnic tables and
plenty of playsets, climbing toys and
swing sets. 930½ Corbindale; thec-
ityofhedwigvillage.com. W
HERMANN PARK
Kid-friendly amenities such as the
Hermann Park Railroad and the handi-
cap-accessible Buddy Carruth Play-
ground for All Children add to the al-
lure of the 445-acre park. There’s also
public art on which climbing is allowed,
a sprayground and the Houston Zoo
just a stone’s throw away. 6001 Fannin;
hermannpark.org. Inner Loop
JUDSON PARK
A .73-acre park with playground
equipment, picnic deck, walking path
and tennis court. 4201 Judson; west-
utx.gov. Inner Loop
LEVY PARK
The 6-acre Upper Kirby green space
features a massive playground, splash
pad, rotating food trucks, dog park for
small dogs, lawn games and plenty of
Youngsters make a splash at Discovery Green.
shaded areas. To help make a day of it,
there are board games and magazines
on loan, free WiFi, device-charging
stations, a free craft- and art-making
area, community garden and clean
family restrooms. 3801 Eastside; levy-
parkhouston.org. Inner Loop
MATZKE PARK
19.4 acres featuring a wheelchair-
accessible, multifaceted play structure,
picnic pavilions, gazebo, cricket field,
an exercise trail and a butterfly and
sensory garden. 13110 Jones; hcp4.net.
NW
MCCLENDON PARK
Encompassing 22.8 acres, park of-
fers playgrounds, a splash pad and
rock-climbing wall, in addition to a
disc-golf course, sand volleyball court,
butterfly garden and nature trail. 3770
Summit Valley; pct3.com. W
MEMORIAL PARK
The partially shaded Vale-Asche
Foundation Playground inside Memori-
al Park was designed for kids of all
abilities. There are balance challenges,
slides and suspended play structures.
Inside Loop 610 at Woodway; memori-
alparkconservancy.org. Inner Loop
METROPOLITAN
MULTI-SERVICE CENTER
With a foam ground covering, the
shaded park has climbing challenges,
bridges, musicmaking elements and
an adjacent walking trail for parents.
1475 W. Gray; houstontx.gov. Inner
Loop
MIDTOWN PARK
The park has a climbing sphere,
giant stone frog on whose belly you
can sit, sound tubes, misters, swings
and interactive pipe play structures.
Parking at 2811 Travis; midtownhous-
ton.com. Inner Loop
NORTHSHORE PARK
The Woodlands-area waterside park
has play equipment for younger and
older children, a swing set, barbecue
pits, volleyball courts, pavilions and
bathrooms. 2505 Lake Woodlands;
thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. N
RUSS PITMAN PARK
Located in Bellaire within the Nature
Discovery Center, the playground
offers drums, a sand pit, a rock wall
and traditional playground equipment.
7112 Newcastle, Bellaire; naturedisco-
verycenter.org. SW
KIDS 6 EXPLORE
Thomas Nguyen / Contributor
TERRY HERSHEY PARK
The park runs parallel to a stretch of
Buffalo Bayou and offers playgrounds,
hike-and-bike trails and exercise sta-
tions. 15200 Memorial; pct3.com. W
TRAVIS ELEMENTARY SPARK PARK
With the ability to climb under “fos-
sils,” the large dinosaur-bone play
structure is the big draw at this Spark
Park in Woodland Heights. There’s
also traditional playground equipment
and a rock-climbing wall. 3311 Beau-
champ; sparkpark.org. Inner Loop
WIER PARK
The well-shaded park in West Uni-
versity Place has an artificial grass
ground covering, several swings, play
structures for older kids and a special
toddler play area. 3012 Nottingham;
westutx.gov. Inner Loop
WILSON MONTESSORI
SPARK PARK
The Spark Park is home to a tradi-
tional play structure, musicmaking
stations, elements to inspire make-
believe, including a palace, sand pits,
colorful tile walls to balance upon and
climbing logs. 2100 Yupon; spark-
park.org. Inner Loop
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 29
 EXPLORE 6 OUTDOORS
EVEN IN SUMMER, THESE AL FRESCO SPOTS DELIGHT
CITY PARKS
ALEXANDER DEUSSEN PARK
Scenic park overlooking Lake Hous-
ton with jogging trails, playgrounds,
picnic areas, duck pond and boat ramp.
12303 Sonnier; hcp1.net. Summer
hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. NE
BAYOU PARKLAND
80-acre forest along Brays Bayou is
home to native plants and wildlife.
Offers trails, wetlands, prairie mead-
ows and a pavilion for shaded pic-
nicking. Near 6520 Almeda, 713-524-
5876; hermannpark.org/place/2.
Inner Loop
30 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
GET OUTSIDE
BEAR CREEK PIONEERS PARK
More than 2,000 acres with equestri-
an, walking and biking trails and a
wildlife habitat that cattle and bison
call home. There are also playgrounds,
three golf courses, a horseshoe field
and multiple sports fields. A covered
rodeo arena is used by groups that
include FFA and 4H. 3535 War Memori-
al; 281-496-2177; www.pct3.com/parks.
7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. W
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
160 acres, from Shepherd Drive to
Sabine Street, includes hike-and-bike
trails, a dog park, public art, bridges
and green space, all with a skyline
view. Other activities includes kayak
Maha Gul, Randa Habazi, Lama
Younes, Leila Hlayhel and Zaina
Taha at Buffalo Bayou Park
and bike rental, a playground and tours
of an underground cistern. Stay till
sunset and view the mass exodus of
Texas’ second-largest urban bat colony
from the Waugh Drive Bridge. buffalo-
bayou.org. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Inner Loop
CENTENNIAL PARK
Features a multipurpose field,
splash-pad area, playground, fitness
stations and a new trail. 3219 McLean,
Pearland; 281-412-8900; pearlandtx-
.gov. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. S
Marie D. De Jesús / Staff photographer
CULLEN PARK
In addition to a 7.38-mile looping,
asphalt trail for walking, running or
biking among the park’s wildflowers
and wetlands, the park offers covered
picnic areas, sports fields, an archery
range and a splash-pad. 19008 Saums,
Katy; houstontx.gov. Dawn-dusk daily.
W
DISCOVERY GREEN
The 12-acre urban park anchors the
eastern end of downtown. Besides
rotating public art, a splash-pad, play-
ground, lake kayaking and on-site cafe,
its programming roster includes fitness
classes, live concerts, movies and a
monthly flea market. 1500 McKinney;

discoverygreen.com. 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
daily. Inner Loop
EAST END PARK
Nature preserve features woodlands,
meadows, wetlands and riverine areas
with 3.5 miles of developed trails in
addition to natural trails popular with
bird-watchers. East end of Kingwood
Drive, 281-358-5192; kingwoodservi-
ceassociation.org. Dawn-dusk. NE
EVELYN’S PARK
The 5-acre park features slides and a
log climb and play structures for kids,
walking paths, green space for picnics
and on-site cafe Betsy’s. Programming
includes fitness classes and farmers
markets. No dogs allowed. 4400 Bel-
laire, 281-946-9372; evelynspark.com.
5 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 5 a.m.-mid-
night Fri.-Sat. Inner Loop
GEORGE BUSH PARK
7,800-acre park and natural area
stretches from Texas 6 to Cinco Ranch.
Along with hike, bike and equestrian
trails, there’s a wetland habitat, mod-
el-airplane field, shooting center,
sports fields and dog park. 16756 West-
heimer Parkway; 281-496-2177. 7
a.m.-10 p.m. daily. W
GERALD D. HINES
WATERWALL PARK
64-foot water wall with an expanse
of grass. Popular spot for photo
shoots. 2800 Post Oak, 713-850-8841;
uptown-houston.com. 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
daily. W
HERMANN PARK
Multiple picnic areas, an on-site
eatery, Japanese gardens, pedal boats,
walking trails and public art, including
vibrant murals painted on tunnels
through which the popular kiddie train
passes. McGovern Centennial Gardens
features several themed garden areas,
including a Family Garden where chil-
dren can lend a hand and taste the
edible plants. 1700 Hermann; 713-524-
5876, hermannpark.org. 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Mon.-Sun. Inner Loop
INDEPENDENCE PARK
Lighted basketball and tennis courts,
a soccer field and picnic areas. The
park is undergoing improvements,
including updated playgrounds and a
new pavilion. 3919 Liberty, Pearland;
281-412-8900; pearlandtx.gov. 6
a.m.-10 p.m. daily. S
JENKINS PARK
Playground, skate park, picnic areas,
baseball fields, a disc golf course and
walking trails. 4334 Crosby Cedar
Bayou, Baytown; 281-420-6597; bay-
town.org. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. E
LEVY PARK
Well-maintained urban park features
a large playground and sprayground,
on-site games and art-making, free
WiFi, charging stations and family
bathrooms. Offers a community gar-
den, dog park, rotating food trucks and
large green spaces for lounging. 3801
Eastside; 713-522-7275; levyparkhous-
ton.org. Inner Loop
MARKET SQUARE PARK
Historical district features a dog run,
lawns, benches and B-Cycle stations.
The park hosts events, including bingo
and movie night. Dining options in-
clude the on-site Niko Niko’s restaurant
and other restaurants within close
proximity. 301 Milam; marketsquare-
park.com. 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Inner
Loop
MARY JO PECKHAM PARK
32-acre park near old-town Katy
features a stocked lake for fishing,
asphalt jogging trail, barbecue pavilion
and picnic area, two 18-hole mini golf
courses, a playground for kids and a
community center with an indoor
swimming pool. 5597 Gardenia; 281-
496-2711; pct3.com/Parks/All-Parks/
peckham-park. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. W
MEMORIAL PARK
A sanctuary for urbanites, the park
features 30 miles of running and walk-
ing trails, including mountain-biking
trails, a bike and skating loop, and
multiple picnic areas. Recreational
offerings include sports fields, tennis
and croquet courts, running center, golf
course, pool and a gym. Food trucks
on-site. 7575 N. Picnic Lane, 713-863-
8403; memorialparkconservancy.org. 6
a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Inner Loop
MIDTOWN PARK
The 6-acre park features a great
lawn, pavilion, native landscaping,
interactive water feature, playground,
art, game courts, market areas and a
dog park. Park at 2811 Travis ($1/hour
weekdays, $5 weekends). midtown-
houston.com. Inner Loop
MONTIE BEACH PARK
The playground features a beach-
themed sprayground with a water-
spouting whale. There is also a hike-
and-bike trail, tennis courts, sports
fields and a community center. 915
Northwood; 713-864-6820, houston-
parksboard.org. Open daily. Inner Loop
SAM HOUSTON PARK
Historical houses set against modern
skyline. Tours from The Heritage Soci-
ety available by reservation; smart-
phone tours also available. 1000 Bag-
by; 713-655-1912. Dawn-dusk Mon.-Sun.
Inner Loop
SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK
Hike-and-bike trail head with monu-
ments to President George H.W. Bush
and Secretary of State James A. Baker.
Features public art, a promenade,
gazebo and boat launches. 400 Texas;
buffalobayou.org. Inner Loop
SHELDON LAKE STATE PARK
Wetlands, lake and ponds for fishing
and wildlife-watching, plus educa-
tional exhibits and nature trails. 14140
Garrett; 281-456-2800; tpwd.texas-
.gov. Sunrise-sunset; learning center 8
a.m.-5 p.m. daily NE
SPOTTS PARK
16.24 acres with basketball and vol-
OUTDOORS 6 EXPLORE
Mase, 3, left,
chases a kite
his dad, Evan
Meeks, flies
at Hermann
Park.
Jon Shapley /
Staff
photographer
leyball courts, playground, walking
trails, picnic area and checker and
chess tables. Popular with fitness
groups and bootcamps. 401 S. Heights;
713-845-1000. Dawn-dusk daily. Inner
Loop
STEVENSON PARK
Playgrounds, splash pads, walking
trail, gazebos and a community pool.
1100 S. Friendswood, 281-996-3220;
www.ci.friendswood.tx.us. Dawn-dusk
daily. SE
SYLVAN BEACH PARK
Plenty of tree-shaded picnic tables,
beach access, a playground and a large
fishing pier. 400 Bay Shore, La Porte,
281-470-7275; hcp2.com. E
SYLVAN RODRIGUEZ PARK
Walking trail, picnic pavilion, rocket-
themed playground and a spiral laby-
rinth. 1201 Clear Lake City; 832-395-
7000; houstontx.gov. Dawn-dusk. SE
T.C. JESTER PARK
A neighborhood park featuring 21-
hole disc golf course, biking and run-
ning trails, sports fields and play-
ground. Pool is open Tuesday-Sunday
from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Free
lot parking. 4201 T.C. Jester, 832-395-
7000; houstontx.gov. Dawn-dusk. NW
TELGE PARK
More than 111 acres with nature trails
woven into the heavily wooded
grounds. Girl and Boy Scout troops
often utilize the quaint playground as a
meeting space; joggers and dog-walk-
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 31
 EXPLORE 6 OUTDOORS
ers may spot deer playing near the
creek. 12400 Pleasant Grove, Cypress,
281-496-2177; pct3.com. 7 a.m.-dusk
daily. NW
TERRY HERSHEY PARK
500-acre park has paved asphalt
paths, dirt trails, water fountains (for
dogs, too), runner showers, bathrooms,
exercise equipment, mile markers,
benches, picnic space, playground, a
boat/canoe launch, wetland habitat
and a wildflower garden. 15200 Memo-
rial, 281-496-2177; pct3.com. 7 a.m.-10
p.m. daily. W
TOM BASS REGIONAL PARK
Jogging, volleyball, hiking, dog park,
model-airplane field and golf, plus
fishing for bass, catfish and rainbow
trout. Hours vary depending on area of
park. 15108 Cullen; hcp1.net/Parks/
TomBass. S
WALTER HALL PARK
Playgrounds, piers, gazebos, base-
ball field and sand volleyball court.
807 Texas 3 N., League City, 409-934-
8100; galvestoncountytx.gov. 7:30
a.m.-10 p.m. daily. SE
DOG PARKS
ALEXANDER DEUSSEN DOG PARK
5 acres for big dogs and 2 acres for
small dogs, plus a water feature, water
fountains, shade trees and pup show-
ers. 12303 Sonnier; hcp1.net. Summer
hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. NE
BEAR BRANCH DOG PARK
A 2-acre park with sections for small
and large dogs and plenty of benches
and shade in each. 5200 Research
Forest, The Woodlands; thewoodland-
stownship-tx.gov. Dawn-dusk daily. N
BEVERLY KAUFMAN DOG PARK
Includes separate areas and trails for
large and small dogs, a pond, showers,
trails and picnic areas. 9114 Katy Hock-
ley, Katy, 281-496-2177; pct3.com. 7
a.m.-dusk. W
BIBI AND MINI-ME BUSH DOG PARK
Named for George and Barbara
Bush’s beloved pets, the 6-acre park
has walking trails, benches, concrete
wash stations and separate areas for
32 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
small and large dogs. Located in Pundt
Park, 4129 Spring Creek, Spring; 281-
353-8100; hcp4.net. 8 a.m.-dusk daily.
N
CATTAIL DOG PARK
Separate small and large dog areas,
water spigots and shaded areas. 9323
Cochran’s Crossing, The Woodlands;
thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov. Dawn
to dusk. N
CITY OF KATY DOG PARK
14-acre, off-leash park with a dog
agility course, 1⁄3-mile path, expansive
play area, wading pool, dog showers
and drinking fountains. 5414 Franz;
cityofkaty.com. Dawn-dusk daily. W
CONGRESSMAN BILL ARCHER
BARK PARK
Dog agility courses, bone-shaped
dog ponds, dog trails and dog showers
make for a day of fun. 3201 Texas 6 N.;
pct3.com. 7 a.m.-dusk daily. W
DEPUTY DARREN GOFORTH
DOG PARK
The large dog run is part of a park
with a picnic area, lake, fishing and
nature trails. 9402 Barker Cypress,
Cypress, 281-496-2177; pct3.com. 7
a.m.-dusk. NW
DANNY JACKSON
FAMILY DOG PARK
Small and large dog areas with a
granite walking trail, dog-washing
station and swimming ponds. 4828½
Loop Central Drive, 281-496-2177;
pct3.com. 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Inner
Loop
EADOG PARK
In EaDo, the small, gated dog park
allows urban canines to play in the
setting of the downtown skyline. 2300
Polk. Inner Loop
ERVAN CHEW PARK
Off-leash 9,000-square-foot desig-
nated dog area. 4502 Dunlavy; hous-
tontx.gov/parks/dogparks.html. Inner
Loop
GENE GREEN BELTWAY 8 PARK
Enclosed dog park divided into areas
for small and large dogs; features
water features and a dog-wash station.
6500 E. Sam Houston Pkwy N.;
Millie Bush Dog Park, located within George Bush Park, features ponds,
doggie showers and walking paths.
hcp1.net. Dusk-dawn daily. NE
INDEPENDENCE DOG PARK
Separate, fenced-in areas for large
and small dogs, agility courses and
water fountains. 3919 Liberty, Pear-
land, 281-412-8900; pearlandtx.gov. 6
a.m.-10 p.m. daily. S
JOHNNY STEELE DOG PARK
Located on 2 acres in Buffalo Bayou
Park, the grassy play area features
ponds. There are dog-washing sta-
tions, doggie drinking spigots and
shaded benches. 2929 Allen Parkway,
713-752-0314; buffalobayou.org. 7
a.m.-8 p.m. Inner Loop
LENTS FAMILY PARK WEST
The dog park is separated into areas
for small and large dogs. Dawn to
dusk. 18103 Cypress Trace; lentsfami-
lypark.com. N
MAXEY BARK PARK
AND RUN PARK
Off-leash, 13-acre park with fenced-
in areas for large and small dogs,
doggie drinking fountains and a doggie
shower. 601 Maxey; houstontx.gov/
parks/dogparks.html. E
MEYER DOG PARK
Dogs can enjoy walking trails and
both gravel and grass play areas at the
large dog park within the 180-acre
Meyer Park. 7700 Cypresswood,
Spring, 281-353-8100; hcp4.net. N
Staff file photo
MILLIE BUSH DOG PARK
Multiple ponds for large and small
dogs make for happy swimmers at this
well-maintained dog park within George
Bush Park. There are also shaded
benches, faux fire hydrants for playing
and a dog-washing station. 16101 West-
heimer Parkway, 281-496-2177;
pct3.com. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. W
OFFICER LUCY DOG PARK
Named for a former Bellaire K-9 de-
tective, Officer Lucy Dog Park is inside
Lafayette Park and offers water features
and runs for small and large dogs. 4337
Lafayette, Bellaire; bellairetx.gov. 5 a.m.
to 9:30 p.m. SW
PAWM SPRINGS DOG PARK
Tropical-oasis-themed park within
Sugar Land Memorial Park with an
agility course, pavilion, swimming pond
and palm-tree water-spray feature.
15300 University, Sugar Land; 281-275-
2825; sugarlandtx.gov. 7:30 a.m.-dusk,
Tuesday; Dawn-dusk Wednesday-Sun-
day. SW
PETSAFE DOG PARK
Opened this year, the dog park has
fenced-in areas for large and small
dogs, canopies for shade, fountains and
a dog-washing station. 5160 Burke
Road, Pasadena, 713-475-7048; www.ci-
.pasadena.tx.us. Dawn-dusk daily. E
WEST WEBSTER PARK
The 5,000-square-foot dog park in

Fourth Ward features a dog-washing
area and drinking fountains. 1502 W.
Webster; houstontx.gov/parks/dog-
parks.html. Inner Loop
BIRDING
ANAHUAC NATIONAL
WILDLIFE REFUGE
The 34,000-acre refuge on East
Galveston Bay envelops grasslands,
marshes, ponds, oak trees and legions
of birds. Species such as snowy egrets,
tri-colored herons, white ibises and
roseate spoonbills reside all year. Mi-
gratory songbirds such as yellow war-
blers and Baltimore orioles abound in
spring. 4017 FM 563, Anahuac, 409-
267-3337; fws.gov/refuge/anahuac.
Sunrise to sunset daily.
ATTWATER PRAIRIE CHICKEN
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The coastal prairie habitat has a
visitor center, refuge trails and special
events relating to the ground-dwelling
grouse. Tours the first Saturday of the
month. 6.5 miles northeast of Eagle
Lake off FM 3013, 979-234-3021;
fws.gov/refuge/Attwater_Prairie_Chick-
en. Sunrise to sunset daily. Free.
BENTSEN-RIO GRANDE VALLEY
STATE PARK
The 706-acre park’s tropical land-
scape is a birder’s paradise, hosting
resident tropical species seen nowhere
else in North America except South
Texas. Birds include plain chachalacas,
ringed kingfishers and green jays, and
rarities such as blue buntings and
roadside hawks. Park amenities in-
clude a hawk tower, butterfly gardens,
bird feeders, enclosed bird blinds, a
bird wall, trails, water features and
binocular rental. 2800 S. Bentsen
Palm, Mission, 956-584-9156;
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bentsen-
rio-grande-valley. Adults $5, free for
children younger than 12. Open 7
a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
The park’s scenic mountains, verdant
deserts and river plains hold a treasure
trove of birds. Spectacular summer
birds include Scott’s orioles, vermillion
flycatchers and varied buntings. Hum-
mingbirds include blue-throated, ru-
A pair of gull-billed ternswheel over several black skimmers on the San
Bernard Wildlife Refuge.
fous and Lucifer. A prized bird is the
Colima warbler, a Mexican species that
nests nowhere in North America except
in the park’s Chisos Mountains and in
the Fort Davis mountains farther north.
70 miles south of Marathon; nps.gov/
bibe. $30 per vehicle per seven days;
annual pass $50. Open daily, 24 hours.
BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE
The preserve is a seven-county net-
work of 112,250 acres supporting for-
ests, creeks and rivers. You’ll find a
diverse mix of birds, including breeding
migratory songbirds such as hooded
warblers and yellow-throated vireos.
Highly sought birds are resident brown-
headed nuthatches, Bachman’s spar-
rows and endangered red-cockaded
woodpeckers. 6102 FM 420, Kountze,
409-951-6800; nps.gov/bith. Free.
Dawn to dusk daily.
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
This 5,000-acre park along the Braz-
os River bristles with birds among
woodlands, lakes and prairies. Myriad
migratory birds include Northern par-
ulas and painted buntings. Ring-neck-
ed ducks, buffleheads and hooded
mergansers arrive for the winter. Resi-
dent birds include teal, egrets, herons,
hawks, woodpeckers and songbirds.
Bald eagles nesting nearby soar over-
head. 21901 FM 762, Needville, 979-
553-5101; tpwd.texas.gov/
state-parks/brazos-bend. Open daily;
gates lock at 10 p.m. $7 adults; 12 and
younger free.
Shannon Tompkins / Staff
GULF COAST BIRD OBSERVATORY
Explore over 2 miles of birding trails,
each named for bird species — Cuckoo
Loop, Vireo, Wren and Flycatcher —
with bird-feeding stations. 299 W.
Texas 332, Lake Jackson, 979-480-
0999; gcbo.org. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Mon.-Fri.
HAGERMAN WILDLIFE REFUGE
The 11,320-acre national refuge at
Lake Texoma teems with winter flocks
of snow geese, Ross’s geese and Cana-
da geese along with scores of winter
ducks, such as American wigeons,
gadwalls and Northern pintails. Resi-
dent birds include mallards, wild tur-
keys and brown thrashers. 6465 Ref-
uge, in Sherman, 903-786-2826;
fws.gov/refuge/hagerman. Open daily
sunrise to sunset. Free.
HOUSTON AUDUBON RAPTOR
AND EDUCATION CENTER
AT SIMS BAYOU
The 1-acre urban sanctuary has
ponds and seasonal trails for spotting
hawks, owls and other species. 3997
River, 713-640-2407; houstonaudubo-
n.org. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed., Thurs., Sat.
$5/person.
LOST MAPLES
STATE NATURAL AREA
The 2,174-acre park along the Sabinal
River embraces beautiful stands of
Uvalde bigtooth maple trees plus a
wide variety of birds. Species such as
wild turkeys, zone-tailed hawks, can-
OUTDOORS 6 EXPLORE
yon wrens, curved-billed thrashers and
lesser goldfinches live within the en-
chanting woodlands, grasslands and
rugged cliffs. 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool,
830-966-3413; tpwd.texas.gov/state-
parks/lost-maples. Open daily. Adults
$6, children younger than 12 free.
MCHALE PARK
An observation deck is perfect for
searching for birds such as the Amer-
ican white pelican, herons and egrets.
400 Todville and Waterfront, Sea-
brook, 281-291-5713; seabrooktx.gov/
Facilities/Facility/Details/9. Dawn to
dusk daily.
PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK
Situated on the Pedernales River, the
5,211-acre park’s forested terrain pro-
vides a snapshot of Hill Country birds,
including Western scrub jays and ru-
fous-crowned sparrows. Summer
species include Northern bobwhite,
black-chinned hummingbird and spot-
ted towhee. The golden-checked war-
bler migrates from Mexico to nest
solely in the Hill Country. 2585 Park
Road 6026, Johnson City, 830-868-
7304; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/
pedernales-falls. Adults $6, children
younger than 12 free. Open daily, 24
hours.
ROCKPORT-FULTON
The coastal community’s Rockport
Beach Park offers close observations
of egrets, terns, gulls, plovers, sand-
pipers and a blanket of nesting black
skimmers. Nearby Aransas National
Wildlife Refuge is the winter home for
highly endangered whooping cranes.
Central coast, 30 miles north of Corpus
Christi; rockport-fulton.org/birding
SAN BERNARD WILDLIFE REFUGE
More than 400 species of migratory
and resident birds can be spotted.
6801 County Road 306, Brazoria Coun-
ty, 979-964-3639; fws.gov/refuge/
San_Bernard. Dawn to dusk daily.
WILLOW WATERHOLE PARK
This 290-acre Houston greenway
features gazebos, picnicking and bird-
watching. The park occasionally hosts
a naturalist-led bird survey where
visitors can spot 30-50 species of
birds. 5300 Dryad; willowwaterhole.org
. Dawn to dusk daily. Free.
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 33
 EXPLORE 6 OUTDOORS
HIKE & BIKE TRAILS
100-ACRE WOOD PRESERVE
Approximately 2 miles of forested
mountain-bike trails where riders will
see pocket prairies and wetlands. It
connects with the 9-mile Cypress
Creek Mountain Bike trail system.
14236 W. Cypress Forest. NW
BRAYS BAYOU
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
Currently stretching from Calhoun
Road to Brays Bayou Park, this 17.9-
mile trail slices through the heart of
Houston. An expansion will connect
the trail with other paths in future
years for a longer ride. 5120 Calhoun.
Inner Loop
BUFFALO BAYOU PARK
Features hike-and-bike trails that link
Buffalo Bayou Park with Sesquicenten-
nial Park and beyond. Includes plenty
of lighting and landscaping. Inner
Loop
CARPENTERS BAYOU
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
1.6-mile trail along Carpenters Bayou.
14705 Woodforest. E
COLUMBIA TAP RAIL TO TRAIL
4 miles with trail end points of Dixie
near Texas 288 and St. Charles at
Walker. Inner Loop
CULLEN PARK
Approxitely 8 miles of trails for walk-
ing, running or biking. The trail passes a
historical cemetery and wetlands.
19008 Saums. W
DIXIE FARM ROAD PARK
Hike-and-bike trail features native
trees and is a favorite of bird-watchers.
Blackhawk and Dixie Farm Road. SE
GEORGE BUSH PARK
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
Multiple hike-and-bike trails encom-
pass about 10 miles in the Energy Corri-
dor with nature-preserve views. 16756
Westheimer Parkway. W
GEORGE MITCHELL
NATURE PRESERVE
Flintridge trailhead has 3 miles of
single-tract, natural-surface bike trails
34 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
with a wider 2-mile trail loop. 5171 Flin-
tridge, The Woodlands. N
HALLS BAYOU
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
When all phases are completed, the
trail will cover 7.3 miles of linear paved
trail. There is a boardwalk covering
wetlands, four exercise stations and a
picnic area. Little York at Halls Bayou. N
HARRISBURG HIKE & BIKE TRAILS
2 miles for bikes, skating, walking
and wheelchairs; runs from Drennan to
Marsden and Avenue H to Hidalgo
Park. Inner Loop
HEIGHTS HIKE & BIKE TRAIL
The trail, built in part over the Mis-
souri Kansas Texas railroad, weaves
through Heights neighborhoods and
follows the path of White Oak Bayou.
UH Downtown’s Naylor Street Garage
is one entry point. Inner Loop
KEITH-WEISS PARK
2-mile walking and biking trail
around the park’s ponds and wooded
areas. 12300 Aldine-Westfield. N
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
Educational park with camping facil-
ities and 4,786 acres of wooded park-
land with 20 miles of hike-and-bike
trails, kayaking on creeks and 13 miles
of equestrian trails. 25840 FM 1485,
New Caney, NW
MARY’S CREEK TRAIL
Paved walking and biking trail with
variety of trees with edible fruit. Mclean
Road to Magnolia Road, Pearland. S
MEMORIAL PARK
Known as the Memorial Loop, the
crushed-granite walking and running
trail is 2.93 miles. Mountain-bike trails
are color-coded with maps at the trail-
head signs. Many bikers extend their
journey on other paths through the
park. 7575 N. Picnic Lane. Inner Loop
RICE UNIVERSITY LOOP TRAIL
2.9 miles of gravel trail, mostly shad-
ed by oak trees, surrounding Rice Uni-
versity campus. 6100 Main. Inner Loop
SHADOW CREEK RANCH
NATURE TRAIL
Paved trails with bike racks and
Buffalo Bayou Park is an urban destination for many cyclists, featuring
great lighting and landscaping.
educational signage. 1801 Kingsley,
Pearland. S
SOUTHBELT
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
3.75-mile hike-and-bike trail fea-
tures a foot bridge and takes visitors
around a basin. 10777 Blackhawk. SE
TERRY HERSHEY PARK
HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL
Multiple trails along Buffalo Bayou
for walking, running and biking span
about 11 miles. 15200 Memorial. W
WHITE OAK BAYOU GREENWAY
Walk, run or bike along the 2-mile
trail that connects several parks along
the bayou. 2300 Taylor. Inner Loop
CAMPING
BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE
112,250 acres of land and water with
40 miles of hiking trails in the thick
pine forest offers hunting, kayaking
and canoeing. Backcountry camping
along Neches River and Village Creek;
no developed campgrounds. 6102 FM
420, Kountze, 409-951-6800; nps.gov/
bith. Free. NE
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
The park is popular for its birdwatch-
ing and has diverse ecosystems, in-
cluding coastal prairie and wetlands.
Staff file photo
It’s home to alligators, deer and bob-
cats. In addition to campsites, there
are screened shelters, a cabin and
group facilities. Also: primitive eques-
trian campsites. 21901 FM 762, Need-
ville, 979-553-5101; tpwd.texas.gov/
state-parks/brazos-bend. Cost: From
$12 nightly, plus park entrance fee. SW
CRYSTAL BEACH
AND BOLIVAR PENINSULA
27 miles of beach for camping and
making bonfires. Rettilon Road off
Texas 87; crystalbeach.com. Camping
is free, but all vehicles require $10
parking sticker. SE
FORT ANAHUAC PARK
40-acre park in Chambers County
has a fishing pier, birding towers,
camping areas, picnic tables, covered
pavilions and boat ramps for access to
Trinity Bay. 1704 S. Main, Anahuac,
409-267-2409; co.chambers.tx.us/
page/parks.fort_anahuac_park. E
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
The park on Galveston’s West End
offers public beach access and beach
and bay campsites. 14901 FM 3005,
409-737-1222. Cost: $15-$25 nightly,
plus daily entrance fee. SE
HUNTSVILLE STATE PARK
160 campsites, hiking, biking,
picnicking, horseback riding,
fishing and swimming. 565 Park Road
40 W., Huntsville, 936-295-5644;

Visitors can enjoy the surf at Sea Rim State Park, which offers camping,
boardwalks for strolling, canoe and kayak rentals and other recreation.
tpwd.texas.gov. Adults $5, campsite
cost $15-$25 daily. N
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
Cabins, A-frames and campsites
available for rent. The park offers a
dining hall, kayaking, equestrian trails,
20 miles of hike and bike trails, and
pond entry points. 25840 FM 1485, New
Caney, 832-395-7690; houstontx.gov.
Walk-in campsites from $7/night and
cabins from $26.50/night, plus park
entrance fee. NW
MY FAVORITE CAMPGROUND
The privately owned, 70-acre ranch
offers lakeside camp sites, in addition to
fishing, canoeing, paddle boating, hiking
and other family-friendly enjoyment.
675 FM 2693 E., New Waverly, 936-827-
9729; myfavoritecampground.com.
Cost: from $30/night. N
QUINTANA BEACH COUNTY PARK
Visitors come to the beachfront park
for its lighted fishing pier, surfing and
swimming, volleyball court and camping
cabins. 330 5th St., Quintana, 979-233-
1461; Brazoriacountytx.gov. Cost: from
$105/night; two-night minimum. E
SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL FOREST
The forest offers hiking, boating, water
activities and three developed camp-
grounds. Some campsites offer hot
showers and restrooms. 394 FM 1375,
New Waverly, 936-344-6205; fs.us-
da.gov. N
Beaumont Enterprise file photo
SEA RIM STATE PARK
The shoreline park offers primitive
campsites, campsites with electricity,
boardwalks for strolling, canoe and
kayak rentals and other recreation. The
marshland habitat is home to alliga-
tors. Cost: From $10/night, plus park
entrance fee. 19335 S. Gulfway Drive,
Sabine Pass, 409-971-2559; tpwd.tex-
as.gov/state-parks/sea-rim. E
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE PARK
Campsites, cabins, 6 miles of hiking
and biking trails and fishing. Park Road
38, San Felipe, 979-885-3613;
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/stephen-f-
austin. Cabins: $65/night; campsites
and screened shelters: $25/night, plus
daily entrance fee. W
FISHING
AMERICAN LEGION PARK
Nearly 10 acres of surface water,
with oxygenated freshwater fishing on
two floating piers. 4015 Lexington,
Missouri City, 281-403-8500;
missouricitytx.gov. SW
BANE PARK LAKE
18-acre park with a lake stocked
annually with rainbow trout. Bluegill,
channel catfish and largemouth bass
are also available. 9600 W. Little
York, 281-353-8100; hcp4.net. 9
a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Hours vary on
weekends. NW
CARVER PARK
A 23-acre park featuring a large
fishing pond and picnic tables. 6415
Park, Texas City; 409-948-3111, texas-
city-tx.org. SE
CLEAR LAKE PARK
The 59-acre park has a boat launch
and excellent fishing from a pier, in-
cluding for trout and redfish. 5001 E.
NASA Parkway, Seabrook; hcp2.com.
SE
DOUBLE LAKE RECREATION AREA
23-acre campground has a fishing
pier (bass, bream and catfish), boat
ramp and multiple hiking and biking
trails. Boat and canoe rentals avail-
able. 301 FM 2025, Coldspring, 936-
653-3448; recreation.gov. Fishing fees
apply. N
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER PARK
Offers a nature trail and fishing
areas. 13400 Aqueduct; hcp1.net. 7
a.m.-8 p.m. daily. SE
GALVESTON ISLAND STATE PARK
The park allows public beach access
as well as beach and surf fishing of
flounder, redfish, black drum, croaker,
spotted seatrout and sandtrout. 14901
FM 3005, Galveston, 409-737-1222;
tpwd.texas.gov. $5 entry for ages 13
and up. Open daily. SE
GALVESTON NORTH JETTY
The jetty on Bolivar Peninsula ex-
tends 5 miles into the Gulf of Mexico
and is a popular fishing and crabbing
spot. From Texas 87, turn on 17th
Street, Port Bolivar. SE
KITTY HOLLOW PARK
Fishing pier and bank access. 9555
Texas 6 S., Missouri City, 281-403-
8500; fortbendcountytx.gov. 7 a.m.-8
p.m. daily. SW
LAKE CONROE PARK
The 13-acre park has piers for fishing
from the lake, where largemouth bass,
channel catfish, bluegill, and white
and hybrid striped bass are common.
$2 entry for ages 6 and up. 14968 Hwy
105 West, Montgomery; mctx.org. N
MARY JO PECKHAM PARK
FISHING LAKE
At the covered fishing pier, visitors
OUTDOORS 6 EXPLORE
can catch bass, catfish and rainbow
trout. 5597 Gardenia, Katy, 281-496-
2177; pct3.com. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. W
PLEASURE ISLAND
18.5-mile island offers sailing, boat-
ing, fishing and crabbing. Between
Sabine Neches Waterway and Sabine
Lake in Port Arthur. Several spots for
fishing, including from the lighted
piers at Walter Umphrey State Park
on the southern end. 520 Pleasure
Pier, Port Arthur, 409-982-4675;
pleasureislandtx.com. SE
SEAWOLF PARK
On Galveston's Pelican Island, this
park offers tourist attractions in-
cluding the USS Cavalla, a World War
II submarine — and a popular fishing
pier. 100 Seawolf Park, Galveston,
409-797-5114; galvestontx.gov.
Fishing is 24 hours a day. $6-$9.
SE
SHELDON LAKE STATE PARK
Year-round fishing and a boat
ramp. The learning center has two
ponds designated for children that
offer free catch-and-release fishing.
14140 Garrett; tpwd.texas.gov. Sunrise
to sunset daily. SE
61ST STREET FISHING PIER
Fishing all day and night at a pier
that offers bait, rod rentals and a
snack bar. 6101 Seawall, 409-744-
8365; 61stpier.com. All day. Daily
March-Dec. $1-$12/day. SE
SYLVAN BEACH PARK
31-acre park features a beach, boat
ramp, fishing pier, bait shop and
swimming. 636 N. Bayshore, La
Porte, 281-471-5705; ci.la-porte.tx.us.
7 a.m.-10 p.m., daily. SE
TEXAS CITY DIKE
Boat ramps, fishing piers and fish-
cleaning tables. Texas City Dike, in
Texas City, texas-city-tx.org. Open 24
hours daily. $5 per vehicle on sum-
mer weekends, free on summer
weekdays. SE
TOM BASS REGIONAL PARK
The park features a pavilion, picnic
area, trails and fishing on Clear Creek.
15108 Cullen; hcp1.net. 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
daily. S
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 35
 EXPLORE 6 SPORTS
WHERE TO SWIM, TEE OFF, SERVE UP AND SKATE AWAY
POOLS
ALIEF COMMUNITY PARK
25-meter, six-lane outdoor pool and
wading pool with locker rooms and
bathrooms. 11903 Bellaire Blvd., 281-
564-8130. SW
AGNES MOFFITT POOL
50-meter pool with bathrooms for
changing and a kiddie pool and play-
ground. 10645 Hammerly, 713-468-
5666. W
BELLAIRE TOWN SQUARE
FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER
The leisure pool features several
36 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
DIP INTO SPORTS
slides, high and low diving boards, and
water guns. New swimmers can enjoy
the shallow play areas. The complex
has a separate lap pool and small ja-
cuzzi pool covered by a sun shade. Entry
requires the purchase of a day pass or
an aquatic membership. Bellaire resi-
dents, $8/day. Nonresidents, $16/day.
7001 Fifth, Bellaire, 713-662-8249. SW
BEVERLY HILLS PARK
The outdoor pool features a recently
renovated kiddie pool, changing rooms
and bathrooms. 10201 Kingspoint,
713-948-9065. SE
CLINTON PARK
The public park and community
Kids immerse themselves in a swim
class at Foster Family YMCA.
center has an outdoor pool, playground
and nine-hole disc golf course. 200
Mississippi, 713-673-0955. E
DEZAVALA PARK
The outdoor community pool with a
slide is adjacent to a playground. 907
76th, 713-923-5163. E
EASTWOOD PARK
The pool features a concession
stand. The adjacent community center
and park has an above-ground skate
park, a playground and a ball field.
Staff file photo
5020 Harrisburg, 713-928-4801. E
EMANCIPATION PARK
AQUATIC CENTER
The large, recently renovated out-
door pool features a slide, shaded
areas and updated changing rooms.
The adjacent community center has
several amenities including a spray-
ground, playground, tennis and basket-
ball courts, and a gym. 3018 Emancipa-
tion, 832-395-7400. Inner Loop
EVERGREEN/ELAINE WOOD
THERAPY POOL COMPLEX
The recreational pool features a slide
and a separate, saltwater therapy pool.
Entry requires the purchase of a day

pass or an aquatic membership. $5/day
for Bellaire residents, $10/day for non-
residents. 7008 Fifth, Bellaire, 713-662-
8280. SW
ERVAN CHEW PARK
The Montrose park does not have a
pool, but the sprayground and plays-
capes are popular with families. 4502
Dunlavy, 832-395-7000. Inner Loop
FINNIGAN PARK POOL
The public park features a pool with a
slide, restrooms, picnic area and a
playground. 4900 Providence, 713-678-
7385. E
INDEPENDENCE HEIGHTS PARK
Community pool with two water-
slides at the deep end, free play in the
shallow end and bathrooms for chang-
ing. 603 E. 35th, 713-862-1284. N
DENVER HARBOR POOL
The community pool offers bath-
rooms and a playground. 6402 Market,
832-395-7640. E
JUDSON ROBINSON SR. POOL
Six-lane pool with waterslides and a
kiddie pool. 1422 Ledwicke, 713-672-
8958. E
LOVE POOL
25-yard, six-lane pool in the Heights
with waterslides and a separate kiddie
pool. 1000 W. 12th, 713-867-0490.
Inner Loop
MACGREGOR PARK
The 80-acre public park features a
swimming complex and several recre-
ational activities, including an 18-hole
disc golf course. 5225 Calhoun, 713-747-
8650. Inner Loop
MARY JO PECKHAM AQUATIC
& FITNESS CENTER
The free, indoor short-course pool
housed in a natatorium offers daily
family swim time only during certain
hours. 5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy, 281-
391-4482. W
MAPLEWOOD SOUTH/
NORTH COMMUNITY POOL
The family-friendly pool has a spray-
ground, a diving area, two lap pools and
a kiddie pool. Summer membership fee
is $190/family for neighborhood resi-
Dava Guillory swims with her baby, Sage, at the Bob and Elyse Lanier
Aquatic Center at Moody Park.
dents and $380/family nonresidents.
10425 Rampart, 713-721-1207. SW
MEMORIAL PARK
FITNESS CENTER
The park’s free, outdoor pool offers
lockers and showers and is open
during summer months from 1-8 p.m.
Tues.-Sun. 6402 Arnot, 713-802-1662.
Inner Loop
METROPOLITAN MULTI-SERVICE
CENTER POOL
The indoor heated pool offers adap-
tive aquatics for those with disabili-
ties. 1475 W. Gray, 832-395-7333.
Inner Loop
MOODY PARK POOL
Six lanes with a deep end, two
waterslides and a kiddie pool. 3201
Fulton, 713-238-2215. Inner Loop
OAK FOREST POOL
Community pool with a waterslide
at the deep end, free play in the shal-
low end and bathrooms for changing.
1400 Du Barry, 713-684-1819. NW
PEARLAND RECREATION
CENTER & NATATORIUM
Modern 107,000-square-foot facility
with a 50-meter competition pool,
zero-depth entry activity pool and
Brett Coomer / Staff photographer
three diving boards. $3-$8/day. 4141
Bailey, Pearland, 281-412-8990. S
SAGEMONT PARK
The public park offers a beach-entry
pool with bathrooms for changing and
a playground. 11507 Hughes, 281-922-
2343. SE
STUDE PARK
The park features an outdoor pool,
playground and sprayground. 1031
Stude, 713-862-5762. Inner Loop
T.C. JESTER POOL
50-meter pool with deep-end slide,
a shaded sprayground, changing facil-
ities and pavilion. 4205 T.C. Jester,
713-686-6800. NW
TIDWELL PARK
The outdoor pool and community
center features a shaded playscape.
9720 Spaulding, 713-636-8221. NE
THE QUILLIAN CENTER
The center offers two swimming
pools, diving boards and slides. The
Noah’s Ark Pool is designated specifi-
cally for smaller children, with a crawl-
through and water spraying from the
frog and whale, the slides and the
tipping coconut tree. $8/day. 10570
Westpark, 713-781-9195. SW
SPORTS 6 EXPLORE
TELLEPSEN FAMILY
DOWNTOWN YMCA
The complex features an indoor
pool, as well as a gym, showers,
sauna and child care. Swim lessons
are available for a fee, and entry
requires a monthly membership. A
free one-day, one-time guest pass is
available online for all Houston
YMCA locations at ymcahouston.org,
where you can learn about other
YMCA pool locations. 808 Pease,
713-659-8501. Inner Loop
TUFFLY POOL
The community park has an out-
door pool with two waterslides and a
kiddie pool. 3200 Russell, 713-674-
3367. Inner Loop
SHARPSTOWN POOL
The newly renovated pool features
a kiddie pool, a slide, shaded areas
and a basketball net for informal
in-water games. 6600 Harbor Town,
832-395-7605. SW
SUGAR LAND CITY POOL
The recreational pool features two
diving boards. 2019 pricing is not yet
available but is traditionally $1-$2/
day for nonresidents and less than
$1/day for Sugar Land residents. 225
Seventh, Sugar Land, 281-275-2897.
SW
SUNNYSIDE PARK
The outdoor pool is adjacent to a
playground, basketball pavilion and a
community center. 3502 Bellfort,
832-395-7586. S
WINDSOR VILLAGE
SWIMMING POOL
The large outdoor swimming pool
is near a playground and sports court.
14441 Croquet, 713.726.7113. SW
GOLF
AUGUSTA PINES GOLF CLUB
Semi-private, 18-hole course fea-
turing a practice facility with chipping
greens and sand bunkers, 30 acres of
lakes and finishing holes with back-
to-back island greens. 18 Augusta
Pines, Spring, 281-290-1910; golfau-
gustapines.com. Cost: $69 Mon.-
Thu., $85 Fri.-Sun. and holidays. N
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 37
 EXPLORE 6 SPORTS
Memorial Park Golf Course has a practice putting green.
THE BATTLEGROUND
AT DEER PARK
Wooded par-72 course ranging from
4,800-6,950 yards with a view of the
San Jacinto Monument. 1600 Georgia,
Deer Park, 281-478-4653; battle-
groundgolfcourse.com. Cost: $39.95
Mon.-Fri. and $49.95 weekends and
holidays. E
BAYOU GOLF CLUB
A popular 200-acre course on Moses
Bayou with 12 holes bordering water
and 22 sand traps and a family pitch
and putt course. 2800 Ted Dudley,
Texas City, 409-739-9622; bayougc-
.com. Cost: Mon.-Fri. $33, weekends
and holidays $39. SE
BLACKHORSE GOLF CLUB
Offers two 18-hole courses of cham-
pionship golf designed by renowned
instructor Jim Hardy and PGA and
Champions Tour pro Peter Jacobsen.
12205 Fry, 281-304-1747; blackhorse-
golfclub.com. Cost: $85 Mon.-Thurs.,
$99 Fri., Sun. and holidays, $109 Sat.
NW
BLUEJACK NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Designed by Tiger Woods, this mem-
bers-only PGA-level course has 35
acres of finishing greens and a perfor-
mance center. 4430 S. FM 1486, Mont-
gomery, 281-475-2165; bluejacknation-
38 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Marie D. De Jesús / Staff photographer
al.com. Cost: membership only. NW
CLEAR CREEK GOLF CLUB
18-hole, Scottish links course offering
water on seven of its holes and greens
lined by trees. 3902 Fellows, 713-738-
8000; clearcreekgolfclub.com. $29.99
Mon.-Thurs., $32 Fri., $32-$52 Sat.-
Sun. S
CYPRESSWOOD GOLF CLUB
A 36-hole public facility with two
championship-level wooded courses.
21602 Cypresswood, 281-821-6300;
cypresswood.com. Tradition Course:
$59 Mon.-Fri., $73 Fri. and Sun., $79
Sat. and holidays. Cypress Course: $39
Mon.-Thurs., $49 Fri.-Sun. and holi-
days. NE
GOLF CLUB OF HOUSTON
Semi-private club offers 36 holes
(the Member course and the Tourna-
ment course) and combines pictur-
esque vistas with challenges for play-
ers of all levels. 5860 Wilson, Humble,
281-459-7820; golfclubofhouston.com.
Pricing varies. NE
HERMANN PARK GOLF COURSE
Open since 1922, this course is nes-
tled in Hermann Park and lined with
oak trees. Par-70 course range is 4,720-
6,000 yards. 2155 N. MacGregor, 713-
526-0077; hermannparkgc.com. Cost:
The seventh hole at the Hermann Park Golf Course has a water hazard.
$20.50 Mon.-Thu. $30.50 Fri.-Sun.
Inner Loop
HERON LAKES GOLF COURSE
A par-65 course, great for begin-
ners. 7910 N. Sam Houston Parkway,
281-807-0207; heronlakesgolfcourse-
.com. Cost: Mon.-Fri. $26.11, with cart,
$36.36 Sat.-Sun. NW
HIGH MEADOW RANCH GOLF CLUB
An 18-hole public course designed
by David Ogrin and Tim Nugent fea-
turing three six-hole loops. 37300
Golf Club Trail, Magnolia, 281-356-
7700; highmeadowranchgolf.com.
Cost: $62 Mon.-Thu., $72 Fri., $82
Sat.-Sun. NW
HOUSTON NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
An 18-hole course featuring land-
scaped hills and a lighted driving
range. 16500 Houston National Blvd.,
281-304-1400; houstonnationalgolf-
.com. Cost: $49 Mon.-Fri., $59 Sat.-
Sun. Twilight discounts available. NW
JERSEY MEADOW GOLF COURSE
A par-71 course with several dog-
legs, tree-lined fairways and water
offers a challenge for golfers of all
abilities. 8502 Rio Grande, Jersey
Village, 713-896-0900; jerseymea-
dow.com. Rates vary. Member and
twilight discounts available. NW
Staff file photo
LONGWOOD GOLF COURSE
27-hole course’s well-bunkered fair-
ways are nestled in a residential set-
ting. 13300 Longwood Trace, Cypress,
281-373-4100; longwoodgc.com. Rates
vary. NW
MEADOWBROOK FARMS
GOLF CLUB
A semi-private, par-72 Greg Norman-
designed course, it has multiple tees
(5,000-7,100 yards) with white sand
and generous greens. 23230 Mead-
owbrook Farms Club, Katy, 281-693-
4653; meadowbrookfarmsgolfclub-
.com. Cost: $65 Mon.-Thu., $89 Fri.-
Sun. W
MELROSE PARK GOLF COURSE
18-hole, par-3 golf course with a
lighted driving range, practice putting
range and chipping green. 401 E. Cani-
no, 281-931-4666; houstontx.gov/
municipalgolf/melrose.html. Cost:
Mon.-Thu. $10, weekend $12. Inner
Loop
MEMORIAL PARK GOLF COURSE
A highly regarded, 18-hole municipal
course, the 600-acre course in the
heart of the city is great for walking
and offers a challenge for players of all
skill levels. 1001 E. Memorial Loop,
866-256-6688; houstonmunicipal-
golf.org/course/memorial-park-golf-

course. Cost: $30 weekdays, $38 week-
ends. Inner Loop
PEARLAND GOLF CLUB
A five-tee course along the banks of
Clear Creek in Pearland. 3123 Flower Field
Lane, 713-773-9603; pearlandgolfclub-
.com. Rates vary. S
QUAIL VALLEY
Two 18-hole, par-71 public courses in
Missouri City. The El Dorado has rolling
terrain with creeks and lakes and four
sets of tees. La Quinta is a classic course
with generous fairways. 2880 La Quinta,
Missouri City, 281-403-5910; golfquailval-
ley.com. Cost: El Dorado is $54 with cart
Mon.-Thu.; $68 with cart Fri.-Sun.; La
Quinta course is $44 with cart Mon.-Thu.;
$57 with cart Fri.-Sun. SW
SHARPSTOWN PARK GOLF COURSE
The 18-hole, par-70 course has four
sets of tees on 6,660 yards and two
putting greens. 6600 Harbor Town, 832-
395-7601; houstontx.gov. Cost: $18 Mon.-
Thu. walking, $26 Fri.-Sun. and holidays.
Carts available for additional fees. SW
TOPGOLF
Indoor/outdoor facility with climate-
controlled hitting bays where players hit
microchipped balls into an outfield. Of-
fers league competitions, lessons and
private events. 1030 Memorial Brook ,
281-406-3176 and 560 Spring Park Cen-
ter, 832-200-0106; topgolf.com. Starting
at $25 per hour. W, N
TOUR 18
This public course reproduced 18 holes
from renowned courses around the
world, including Augusta National’s
three-hole “Amen Corner.” 3102 FM 1960
E., Humble, 281-540-1818; tour18golf.com.
Cost: $69.95 Mon.-Thu., $79.95 Fri.,
$95.95 Sat.-Sun. All rates include cart.
NE
WILDCAT GOLF CLUB
Two public, links-style courses with
elevation up to 100 feet. 12000 Almeda,
713-413-3400; wildcatgolfclub.com. $63
Mon.-Thurs., $82 Fri.-Sun. SW
THE WILDERNESS
18-hole course with picturesque wet-
lands setting. 501 Hwy. 332, Lake Jack-
son, 979-297-4653; thewildernessgc-
.com. $59 Mon.-Thurs. $69 Fri-Sun. S
Jeff Bourns, ranked top five in adaptive tennis last year, hits a ball back
as he practices at the Bay Area Racquet Club.
TENNIS
BAY AREA RACQUET CLUB
Ten lighted courts for members
and an hourly rate for nonmembers.
Adult leagues and youth lessons and
camps available. 17901 Kings Park,
281-488-7026; bayarearacquetclub-
.com. Membership from $69 a
month. $15 per hour for nonmembers.
SE
CHANCELLORS FAMILY CENTER
Indoor and outdoor tennis courts
plus racquetball courts for all ages
and skill levels. Junior tennis and
community programs available for
nonmembers. 6535 Dumfries, 713-
772-9955; chancellors.org. Member-
ship from $97 a month, plus court
fees. SW
CITY OF HOUSTON
TENNIS COURTS
Community municipal courts are
free to the public on a first-come,
first-served basis. Various locations,
832-395-7561; houstontx.gov/parks/
tennis.html.
CLUB WESTSIDE
Indoor and outdoor courts avail-
able for members. 1200 Wilcrest,
713-783-1620. Membership from $175
a month, plus initiation fees. SW
Staff file photo
Princess Gbadamosi goes for a shot
at the Lee LeClear Tennis Center.
COPPERFIELD
RACQUET & HEALTH CLUB
Membership club offers training
and game time for recreational and
competitive players on 12 lighted
courts. 15700 Longenbaugh, 281-
463-2582; copperfieldclub.com.
Membership from $105 per month,
with discounts for youth, plus initia-
tion fees. NW
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
Indoor and outdoor courts are
open to the general public, but a
monthly or summer membership
must be purchased. Membership
from $79 a month, plus joining fees.
SW
GIAMMALVA RACQUET CLUB
Membership club offers lessons
for nonmembers of all ages. The
training facility is run by Sammy
Giammalva, a former world top-28
tennis player who offers training for
beginners through advanced tennis
players. 16400 Sir William, in Spring,
281-370-5801; giammalva.com. Call
for membership rates. NW
HOMER FORD TENNIS CENTER
A city of Houston facility with 16
courts, regular tournaments and
lessons by center staff. 5225 Cal-
SPORTS 6 EXPLORE
Staff file photo
houn, 713-842-3460; houstontx.gov/
parks/tennis.html. From $2.50 for 90
minutes of play. SE
HOUSTON YOUTH TENNIS
Free, year-round program offering
basic tennis instruction to youth,
ages 4 to 18, at parks across the city.
houstonyouthtennis.org.
LEE LECLEAR TENNIS CENTER
A city of Houston facility with 26
courts offering regular tournaments
and lessons by center staff. 9506 S.
Gessner, 713-272-3697; hous-
tontx.gov/parks/tennis.html. From
$3.50 for 90 minutes of play. SW
MEMORIAL PARK TENNIS CENTER
The city operates the facility with
Memorial Park with 18 courts, regular
tournaments and lessons by center
staff. 1500 Memorial Loop, 832-395-
7556; houstontx.gov/parks/ten-
nis.html. From $3.50 for 90 minutes
of play. Inner Loop
WESTHEIMER INDOOR
TENNIS AND FITNESS
Nine-court, fully indoor tennis club
with a 3,500-square-foot fitness
facility for members. 3035 Crossview,
713-784-4010; westheimerindoor.net.
Membership from $165 a month, plus
initiation fees, with discounts for
juniors. SW
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 39
 EXPLORE 6 SPORTS

SKATING

AERODROME
ICE SKATING COMPLEX
The complex offers public ice skating
— evening sessions are set to pop
music — in addition to figure skating
and hockey lessons and birthday par-
ties. The Ice Box sells refreshments.
8220 Willow Place N., 281-847-5283;
aerodromes.com. Public skating
hours vary. $10 entry, plus $5 skate
rental. N

ALVIN SKATE-N-PARTY
A throwback South Houston roller
rink with brightly covered carpeted
walls, a refreshment bar and disco
lighting. 1701 W. Texas 6, Alvin, 281-756-
0507; alvinskateparty.com. Hours: 5-8
p.m. Tues. and Thurs., 12:30-7:30 p.m.,
8-11 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 12:30-5 p.m. Sun.
$5-$6 entry, plus $3 skate rental. S
BEAR CREEK ROLLER RINK
A spinning disco ball, black-lit floor
and a dance-floor atmosphere makes
for a lively roller-skating experience.
5210 Texas 6 N., 281-463-6020; bear-
creekskate.com. Hours: 6-9:30 p.m.
Tues., 6-11 p.m. Fri., noon-11 p.m. Sat.,
1-6 p.m. $4-$9 entry, plus $3 rental. N
DAIRY ASHFORD ROLLER RINK
A West Houston institution since
1974. The roller rink has plenty of seat-
ing for spectators, a concession stand
and arcade games, and — on certain
days — friendly races for all skill levels.
Both in-line skates and traditional
skates available. 1820 S. Dairy Ashford,
281-493-5651; skatedairyashford.com.
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tues., 5-11 p.m. Thurs.,
noon-10 p.m Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun. Some
sessions open only to adults; check
website. Open daily in the summer.
$4-$8 entry, plus $3 rental. W
DISCOVERY GREEN
The downtown park offers outdoor
seasonal ice skating and roller skating.
In the winter, recycled water from
Kinder Lake creates a 7,716-square-foot
ice-skating surface. In the spring, the
lake is covered for roller skating. Both
often feature a DJ. 1500 McKinney,
713-400-7336; discoverygreen.com.
Hours and pricing varies seasonally.
Skate rentals on-site. Inner Loop
Kids love tooling around at Lockwood Skating Palace in Fifth Ward.
HOUSTON JUST ROLLING
The family-run facility is lit by a disco
ball and offers open roller skating and
lessons for all ages and abilities. Con-
cessions on-site. 7505 S. Sam Houston
Parkway E. #B, 713-991-0284; houston-
justrolling.com. 7-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.,
7-11 p.m. Fri., 1-5 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. Sat.,
3-7 p.m. Sun. Some sessions open only
to adults. $8-$10, plus rentals. SW
ICE SKATE MEMORIAL CITY
Customers can skate after shopping
at Memorial City Mall. Year-round
public skating sessions often feature a
“snowfall.” Youth hockey programming
available. 303 Memorial City, 713-463-
9296; iceskatememorialcity.com.
Hours vary. $14 includes skate rentals.
SW
ICE AT THE GALLERIA
The year-round ice-skating rink in the
heart of the Galleria often attracts
onlooking shoppers from the mall’s
upper levels. Public skating, lessons,
figure skating, hockey, birthday parties,
camps and group events available.
5085 Westheimer, 713-621-1500; iceat-
thegalleria.com. Hours vary. $10-
$12.50, plus $3-$4.50 skate rental. W
Staff file photo
LEE AND JOE JAMAIL SKATEPARK
Offers separate in-ground skating
areas for beginner and expert skaters.
Boasts large cradles and bowls for
tricks, plus community programming
that includes free skateboarding les-
sons and aerosol painting workshops.
Helmets required. 103 Sabine, 713-222-
5500; houstontx.gov. Inner Loop
LOCKWOOD SKATING PALACE
Classic wooden roller rink offering
public skating set to R&B music. 3323
E. Lockwood, 713-673-2232; lockwood-
skatingpalace.com. $8 includes rent-
als. NE
MASON ROAD SKATE CENTER
Offers open roller skating, parties
and lessons. 535 Applewhite, Katy,
281-392-9555; masonroadskatecenter-
.com. Hours vary. $4-$10, plus $2 rent-
als. W
PEARWOOD SKATE CENTER
An old-school roller rink with a disco
ball, brightly-colored murals and a
snack bar. Offers roller derby lessons
and beginner lessons. 1230 E. Broad-
way, Pearland, 281-482-4060; pear-
woodskate.com. Hours vary. $8-$9. S
Steve Gonzales / Staff photographer
Skaters on the ice at The Galleria
SKATE WORLD
Roller rink offers weekend and
evening skating as well as private
events and lessons. 410 Pasadena,
Deer Park, 281-479-2816; skateworld-
s.com. Hours vary. $3-$9, plus $2
rentals. E
SKATE CHAMPIONS
Public roller skating, skating clas-
ses and parties. 5504 Fellowship,
Spring, 281-370-0750; skatecham-
pions.com. Hours vary. $2-$8, plus
$4 rental. N
SUGAR LAND ICE
AND SPORTS CENTER
Ice-skating facility offering public
skating, lessons, hockey program-
ming and youth broomball, which is
played wearing sneakers on ice.
16225 Lexington, Sugar Land, 281-
265-7465; sugarlandice.com. $12-14,
includes rentals. SW
THE SKATE MACHINE
Open skating and birthday parties.
13831 Longview. 713-451-4185; theska-
temachine.com. 7:30-11 p.m. Fri.,
1:30-11 p.m. Sat.,1:30-5 p.m. Sun.
$6-$8, includes skate rental. SW

40 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019


PADDLE, SAIL AND BOAT THROUGHOUT THE AREA
PADDLING
ARMAND BAYOU PADDLING TRAIL
Not for the faint of heart, the trail
follows Armand Bayou upstream
through the Armand Bayou Nature
Center to Horsepen Bayou — home to
large alligators. The route offers plenty
of bird spotting, too. Clear Lake Park
Road at NASA Parkway, Seabrook;
tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/pad-
dlingtrails/coastal/armand_bayou. SE
ARTIST BOAT GUIDED
PADDLING TOURS
Staff of certified instructors takes
participants to scenic spots in Hous-
ON THE WATER
ton, Galveston and Lake Jackson via
kayak, identifying native species,
teaching painting techniques, assisting
with developing paddling skills and
explaining scenic surroundings. 409-
770-0722; artistboat.org. $75 per per-
son for three-hour and four-hour ad-
ventures, $50 for two-hour adventures
that do not include art-making. SE
BAYOU CITY ADVENTURES
Offers guided group and private
kayak tours along Buffalo Bayou and
Greens Bayou, including a downtown
skyline tour, a River Oaks tour, and a
route that passes a bald eagle’s nest.
Group tours are $60 per person for a
3.5 hour adventure. Bayou City Ad-
A man canoes down Buffalo Bayou
through Eleanor Tinsley Park.
ventures also operates paddle craft
rentals at Buffalo Bayou Park, Dis-
covery Green and Sugar Land Memorial
Park. 713-538-7433; bayoucityadventu-
res.org. Inner Loop
BUFFALO BAYOU PADDLING TRAIL
26-mile trail spanning from Texas 6
to Allen’s Landing offers several seg-
ments of varying length, including one
from Sabine Promenade to Allen’s
Landing Park, approximately a one-
hour float time. Ten entry points, in-
cluding Briar Bend Park and Hogg Bird
RECREATION 6 EXPLORE
Mark Mulligan / Staff photographer
Sanctuary. tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/
boat/paddlingtrails/coastal/buffa-
lo_bayou. Inner Loop
CLEAR CREEK PADDLE TRAIL
Trail runs 6.5 miles from Lynn Gripon
Park at Countryside to Heritage Park,
and offers three landing points. Rent
your kayak or canoe from any number
of outfitters in the area, such as Pinky’s
Kayak Rental. leaguecity.com and
pinkyskayakrental.com. SE
GREATER HOUSTON ROWING CLUB
Provides facilities, equipment and
training for all levels of rowing ability.
One-day learn-to-row classes are $150.
Club members can participate in week-
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 41
 EXPLORE 6 RECREATION

ly rows. 15910 Creek Bend, Sugar Land; swan boats $20-$25 for first hour, $5
greaterhoustonrowingclub.com. SW per additional hour. N

HOUSTON ASSOCIATION SOUTHWEST PADDLESPORTS

OF SEA KAYAKERS
A wide variety of paddle training
courses and group excursions on lakes,
bayous and in open water. Routes in-
clude Armand Bayou, Bocce Beach and
Trinity River. Coastal kayak surfing trips
also available. 713-444-3315; hask.org. W
HOUSTON CANOE CLUB
Enthusiasts of whitewater, flat water,
touring, racing and stand-up paddling.
The volunteer-run group organizes about
50 floats a year on local streams, bay-
ous, lakes and rivers, as well as in the
Gulf shores of Texas and beyond. Meet-
ings held second Wednesday of each
month at 7 p.m. Bayland Community
Center, 6400 Bissonnet; houstoncanoe-
club.org. SW
DISCOVERY GREEN
Leisure paddling around Kinder Lake
at Discovery Green downtown. 1500
McKinney, 713-400-7336; discovery-
green.com/kinder-lake. Hours are sea-
sonal. $5 per person. Inner Loop
LAKE HOUSTON ROWING
Offers affordable learn-to-row classes
to residents of Atascocita, Huffman,
Humble and Kingwood. 10602 FM 1960
E., Huffman, 201-803-7454. Call for
program schedule and pricing. NE
NORTH LAKE CONROE PADDLING CO.
Kayak rentals for individuals and
groups. NLCPC has its own lakefront
property for easy put-ins. Private group
kayak excursions take place on Lake
Conroe, Lake Livingston, Spring Creek,
San Jacinto River, Buffalo Bayou and
other bodies of water. Rentals include
individual kayaks (starting at $29.99 for
two hours) and loaded fishing kayaks
($49.99 for three hours). 936-203-2697;
northlakeconroepaddlingco.com. N
RIVA ROW BOATHOUSE
Kayak or paddle a swan-shaped boat
along The Woodlands Waterway. 2101
Riva Row, The Woodlands, 281-210-
3965; thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/
rivarowboathouse. Summer hours: 9
a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.-Tues. Single and
tandem kayaks $15-$20 for first hour, $5
per additional hour. Paddle boats and
Offers rentals of kayaks, canoes,
stand-up paddleboards and gear, as
well as group kayak tours and kayak
lessons. Sit-on-tops include seat
backs. Fishing kayaks have rod holders
(anchors and trolley are available).
26322 Interstate 45 N., The Wood-
lands, 281-292-5600; paddlesport-
s.com. Cost varies. N
SUGAR LAND MEMORIAL PARK
Seasonal leisure kayaking on the
park’s lake. 15300 University Blvd.,
Sugar Land, 281-275-2885; sugar-
landtx.gov. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.-Sun. $10
per person for 30 minutes of paddling.
SW
TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE
PADDLING
Offers several on-water excursions
throughout Texas, including Paddle
with a Park Ranger at Goose Island
State Park, Birding By Kayak in Galves-
ton, family paddling workshops, and
free Kayaking 101 classes at Mustang
Island State Park. Pricing varies.
tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/paddling. SE
TRAIL EXPEDITIONS
Expert-led kayak tours on Buffalo
Bayou, Armand Bayou, in Beaumont
and elsewhere in Texas. 713-364-6298;
trailexpeditions.com/store/kayak-
tours.html. $85 for three-hour tour.
Inner Loop
SAILING
BAY AREA SAILING SCHOOL AND
SACKETTS SAILING CENTER
Rent a sailboat or learn basic keel
boat, coastal cruising, bareboat char-
tering and coastal navigation in a two-
day learn-to-sail class that includes a
free charter. 1500 Marina Bay Drive,
Pier 3, Kemah, 281-334-4179; bayarea-
sailing.com. Cost: from $293. SE
CLEAR LAKE SAILING CLUB
Holds series races on dinghies as
well as day sails at Clear Lake Park.
5001 E. NASA Parkway, Seabrook;
clearlakesailingclub.org. Cost: from
$90. SE
The Sam Houston boat tour offers a free 90-minute cruise along the
Houston Ship Channel, giving a view of the area’s refineries.
HOUSTON YACHT CLUB
The private club hosts racing and
social events for its members. It also
offers junior sailing classes. 3620
Miramar, Shoreacres, 281-471-1255;
houstonyachtclub.com. SE
LAKE CONROE
SAILING ASSOCIATION
The group sails Lake Conroe in
fleets and hosts free sailing classes.
7021 Kingston Cover Lane, Willis;
lakeconroesailing.com. N
LAKEWOOD YACHT CLUB
Private, member-owned club hosts
regattas and offers youth sailing
classes and competitions for its
members. 2322 Lakewood Yacht Club
Drive, Seabrook, 281-474-2511; lake-
woodyachtclub.com. SE
NORTH SHORE SAILING CLUB
AT ALL POINTS OF SAIL
SAILING SCHOOL
Kayak trips and tours offered as
well as youth sailing classes from
May to September. Cost: from $360
for four-day classes. 2515-A NASA
Parkway, Suite 2, Seabrook, 281-291-
8303; northshoresailing.org. SE
Staff file photo
LET’S GO SAILING
School teaches everything from the
basics to advanced sailing. 2600
NASA Parkway, Suite 202, Seabrook,
281-532-1518; lets-go-sailing.net. SE
SAILTIME HOUSTON
Offers a full range of classes and
certification courses. Memberships
allow participants to enjoy boating
excursions in Clear Lake and Galves-
ton Bay without requiring boat owner-
ship. 1500 Marina Bay Drive, Pier 4,
Building 114, Kemah, 713-819-7327;
sailtime.com/Houston. Cost: from
$99. SE
SAM HOUSTON BOAT TOUR
The Port of Houston offers a free
90-minute boat tour on The M/V
Sam Houston around the Houston
Ship Channel. The family-friendly
activity offers views of the city and
education about Houston’s maritime
history. 7300 Clinton, 713-670-2631;
porthouston.com/sam-houston-
boat-tour. Online reservations re-
quired. 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Tues.,
Wed., and Sat., 10 a.m. Thurs., 10 a.m.,
2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Fri. Closed Sun.-
Mon. Free. E

42 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019

 RECREATION 6 EXPLORE

Lakewood Yacht Club File photo

Lakewood Yacht Club hosts regattas on Clear Lake. Rent or charter a boat and cast a fishing line in Galveston.

SEABROOK SAILING CLUB
One of Galveston Bay’s oldest sailing
clubs has fleets for all ages. Offers
windsurfing classes for all ages and
youth sailing classes open to the com-
munity. 1010 Todville, Seabrook; sea-
brooksailingclub.org. Cost: $25. SE
SOUTH COAST SAILING
ADVENTURES
Company offers both charters and a
sailing school, with classes ranging
from introductory and basic keel boat
certification to bareboat chartering.
502 Texas, Kemah, 281-334-4606;
southcoastsailing.com. Cost: classes
from $159. SE
WINDWARD SEAVENTURE
Sailing school in Kemah offers a full
range of classes. 100 Admiralty Way,
Kemah, 281-467-2279; windward-
seaventure.com. Cost: from $150. SE
CHARTERS
AND BOAT RENTALS
AAA WATERSPORTS
Boat tours on Lake Houston in addi-
tion to personal watercraft and party-
boat rentals. 107 Finch Lane, Huffman,
832-498-5161; aaawatersports.com.
Cost: Watercraft from $75/hour. Party-
boat rental from $350/half day. Boat
tours from $35/person. NE
AQUA SAFARI CHARTERS
Offers public fishing-boat trips in
addition to private offshore, deep-sea
and jetty-fishing charters for groups up
to 18. 1927 Wharf Road, Galveston,
409-795-7480; aquasafaricharter-
s.com. Cost: public fishing trip from
$50 a person. Half-day private bay
charters from $625 for six passengers.
SE
CARIBBEAN BREEZE
Offers rentals of pontoon boats and
center-console boats in Galveston.
409-740-0400; galvestonboatrental-
s.com. Cost: half-day from $280. SE
GET HOOKED FISHING CHARTERS
Year-round fishing charter service
features licensed guides and a variety
of excursions, from jetty trips to shark
hunting, spearheading and overnight
tuna fishing. 715 N. Holiday, Galveston,
409-698-7112; gethookedfishingchar-
ter.com. Cost: half-day from $450. SE
LET’S GO SAILING
Offers sailing charters, private fire-
works charters and sunset sails. 2600
NASA Parkway, Suite 202, Seabrook,
281-532-1518; lets-go-sailing.net. Cost:
half-day from $190. SE
NAUTI-DAYZ BOAT RENTALS
Personal watercraft, pontoon boat,
ski boat and party-boat rentals on
Lake Conroe. 17100 Texas 105, Mont-
gomery, 832-523-4008; nautidayz-
.com. Cost: $75-$100 per hour. N
SACKETTS SAILING CENTER
Sailboats and yachts for rent, with
or without a captain. 1500 Marina Bay
Drive, Pier 3, Kemah, 281-334-4179;
bayareasailing.com. Cost: half-day
from $159. SE
SAILAWAY CLEAR LAKE CHARTERS
Private catamaran charters in Ke-
mah and Galveston Bay. 1300 Marina
Bay, Piers 39-40, Seabrook, 832-392-
8312; sailawaycat.com. Cost: half-day
from $495. SE
SAIL GALVESTON BAY CHARTERS
Offers day charters, sunset sails
and overnight sails. 1500 Marina Bay
Drive, Kemah, Pier 22, 713-829-2164;
sailgalvestonbay.com. Cost: half-day
from $375. SE
SAILTIME HOUSTON
Captained charters and sunset sails in
Clear Lake and Galveston Bay. 1500
Marina Bay Drive, Pier 4, Building 114,
Kemah, 713-819-7327; sailtime.com/
Houston. Cost: half-day from $450. SE
SOUTH COAST SAILING ADVENTURES
Private Galveston Bay chartered cruis-
es and sails. 507 Bradford, Kemah, 281-
334-4606; southcoastsailing.com. Cost:
from $245 for two hours. SE
WILLIAMS PARTY BOATS
Offers Galveston Bay jetty-fishing trips
and deep-sea Gulf trips. 1700 Harborside,
Pier 19, Galveston, 409-762-8808; char-
terfishinggalveston.com. Cost: half-day
public fishing trips from $15-25/person.
Overnight fishing trips from $250/per-
son. SE
WINDWARD SEAVENTURE
Bareboat rentals, chartered sails and
dinner cruises. 100 Admiralty Way, Ke-
mah, 281-467-2279; windwardseaventu-
re.com. From $250 for two hours. SE

EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 43

 EXPLORE 6 SHOPPING
SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP
WHERE TO FIND RETAIL THERAPY AROUND THE CITY
SHOPPING DISTRICTS
BAYBROOK MALL
Offers everything from an Apple
store to favorites such as H&M, Zara,
REI, Sur La Table and Francesca’s. The
mall also has football-field-size lawn
and a handful of restaurant and enter-
tainment tenants, including Dave &
Buster’s, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine and
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. The Bay
Area Farmers Market takes place every
Sunday. 1132 Baybrook Mall, Friend-
swood, 281-488-4627; baybrookmall-
.com. SE
44 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
CITYCENTRE
The upscale, family-friendly devel-
opment with European-style, open-air
plazas and green spaces is home to
boutiques, restaurants, upmarket
apartments and Hotel Sorella. Among
the retail options: Anthropologie, Ken-
dra Scott, Lululemon, Free People,
H&M, J.Crew, King Ranch and Made-
well. Restaurants include International
Smoke, Eddie V’s, Seasons 52, Hop-
doddy Burger Bar, Sweet Paris Crêperie
& Café and the watch-and-dine Studio
Movie Grill. 800 Town and Country,
713-463-4692; citycentrehouston.com.
W firstcolonymall.com. SW
Shoppers walk through the
Galleria.
FIRST COLONY MALL
Wide variety of retailers, in-
cluding Dillard’s, Kendra Scott,
Drybar, Coach, Abercrombie &
Fitch, Banana Republic, Lulule-
mon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Ap-
ple and Williams Sonoma. Kids
play area and lawn with family-
friendly seasonal events, including
movie screenings. 16535 U.S. 59
S., Sugar Land, 281-265-6123;
Brett Coomer / Staff photographer
HIGHLAND VILLAGE
A shopping and dining area that
packs a lot into a couple of blocks,
including popular stores such as Apple,
Warby Parker, Splendid, Design Within
Reach, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams,
Lucchese, Restoration Hardware, Lulu-
lemon, Crate and Barrel, Kiehl’s and
BHLDN. Sprinkles Cupcakes extends
the offerings to ice cream, cookies and
a 24-hour cupcake ATM. Other restau-
rants with a view of the bustle: Sweet
Paris Crêperie & Café, RA Sushi and
Escalante’s. 4055 Westheimer, 713-
850-3100; shophighlandvillage.com.
Inner Loop

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN KATY
Katy’s old town center is an an-
tiques-lovers paradise; park anywhere
on Second Street and stroll for trea-
sures. Allot plenty of time for KT An-
tiques, a 12,000-square-foot mall with
dozens of vendors. Dovetail Antiques is
a solid bet for furniture, jewelry and
vintage coins. For vintage movie post-
ers, hit The Limited Edition. Second
Street between Avenue D and East
Avenue. W
HISTORIC HEIGHTS 19TH STREET
Despite the area’s influx of devel-
opment, the Heights’ main commercial
thoroughfare retains a yesteryear
charm. There are antiques emporiums,
such as AG Antiques, thrift and vintage
boutiques (Retropolis rules for cloth-
ing), plus art galleries, eclectic gift
shops and restaurants. Also on the
blocks: hip, two-story Manready Mer-
cantile with a make-your-own candle
bar and artisan Tea Sip, where a “tea
sommelier” will suggest a blend. There
is an art market on the first Saturday of
every month. Along 19th Street be-
tween Yale and Shepherd; 19thstreeth-
eights.com. Inner Loop
HOUSTON PREMIUM OUTLETS
Name-brand offerings at the sprawl-
ing outlet mall with 145 retailers in-
clude Theory, Tory Burch, 7 For All
Mankind, Kate Spade New York, Le
Creuset and David Yurman. Expect
discounted women’s, men’s and chil-
dren’s apparel, shoes, gifts and acces-
sories from other stores ranging from
J.Crew to Saks Off 5th. Fast-casual
restaurants have outdoor courtyards,
and there’s a children’s play area.
29300 Hempstead, Cypress, 281-304-
5820; premiumoutlets.com/outlet/
houston. NW
KATY MILLS
A large indoor outlet mall with more
than 1 million square feet of retail and
dining space. Retailers include H&M,
Michael Kors, Neiman Marcus Last
Call, Nike and Saks Off 5th, among
others. The mall is connected to a Bass
Pro Shops outpost and includes Rain-
forest Cafe. Plenty to keep kids busy,
too: Jump Street indoor trampoline
park, Tilt Studio with laser tag and mini
golf, and a carousel and train in the
food court. 5000 Katy Mills Circle,
Katy, 281-644-5015; simon.com/mall/
katy-mills. W
MARKET STREET
— THE WOODLANDS
The high-end outdoor shopping
complex in The Woodlands offers
stores such as Sugarfina, Tiffany & Co.,
Suit Supply, Bonobos, Kate Spade New
York, Hemline, Cos Bar, Orvis, Made-
well and Tumi, plus the Hyatt Centric
hotel and multiple eateries, including
True Food Kitchen and Jasper’s Gour-
met Backyard Cuisine. 9595 Six Pines
Drive, 281-419-4774; marketstreet-
thewoodlands.com. N
MEMORIAL CITY MALL
Anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s and
JCPenney, the mall has 1.7 million
square feet of retail space and more
than 150 retailers and restaurants —
think Zara, Apple, Forever 21, American
Girl, Sephora and Vera Bradley. Memo-
rial City also has an ice-skating rink, a
movie theater with plush reclining
seats and kids’ play areas. 303 Memo-
rial City Way, 713-464-8640; memori-
alcity.com/the-mall. W
OLD TOWN SPRING
It’s easy to while away the hours in
this quaint former railroad town with
tree-lined streets and more than 150
places to shop, eat homemade fixin’s
and ogle history — think antiques, art,
gourmet goodies (sauces, seasonings,
jellies, herbal teas) and unique gifts.
oldtownspring.com. N
PEARLAND TOWN CENTER
Outdoor shopping center is home to
retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods,
Macy’s, Forever 21, Charming Charlie,
Dillard’s, GameStop and James Avery.
Work up an appetite? Dining options
include Krispy Kreme and Zoës Kitch-
en. 11200 Broadway, Pearland, 713-340-
0712; pearlandtowncenter.com. S
RICE VILLAGE
Ten city blocks of shops, restaurants
and pubs near Rice University. In the
mix are Mecox, Warby Parker, Urban
Outfitters, Sephora, Bluemercury and
MAC Cosmetics, but the small, in-
dependent stores offer wonderful
surprises. Drop by J. Landa jewelry
boutique, Dao Chloe Dao (its name-
sake owner won “Project Runway”)
Syretta Avent Walks into Tea Sip on 19th Street in the Heights.
and La Taste, to name a few. Dining
options include Hopdoddy Burger Bar,
Shake Shack and Prego for Italian fare.
Most, but not all, of the shops are
located north of University between
Kirby and Morningside; ricevillage-
district.com. Inner Loop
RIVER OAKS DISTRICT
The exclusive enclave has a wealth
of top-tier designer boutiques — Dior,
Hermès, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier,
Harry Winston, Etro, Stella McCartney
and Chopard among them. Beauty
offerings include NARS, Jo Malone,
L’Occitane and locally owned
Switch2Pure. Even the iPic movie
theater, with an on-site cocktail bar
and restaurant, and Equinox gym skew
high-end. Restaurants abound, in-
cluding East Hampton Sandwich Co.,
Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Le Colonial and
Steak 48. 4444 Westheimer, 713-904-
1310; riveroaksdistrict.com. Inner Loop
RIVER OAKS SHOPPING CENTER
The first structures in this palm
tree-lined shopping district along a
tony stretch of West Gray were built in
the 1930s (the historic theater here is
one of the city’s few indie options).
Among the shops and restaurants:
Casa de Novia Bridal Couture, Saint
Cloud, J. McLaughlin and Sur La Table,
and on the dining side, Italian main-
SHOPPING 6 EXPLORE
Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographer
stay La Griglia, Perry’s Steakhouse
& Grille (with a piano player and
bustling lounge) and Brasserie 19,
a see-and-be-seen where cham-
pagne flows nightly. West Gray be-
tween Woodhead and Shepherd;
riveroaksshoppingcenter.com.
Inner Loop
SUGAR LAND TOWN SQUARE
Built around Sugar Land City Hall
and its bustling plaza centerpiece,
this 1.4-million-square-foot devel-
opment comprises 32 acres of tree-
lined shopping and dining. Its mix of
retailers includes Z Gallerie, Sur La
Table, La Réve Bridal Couture and
Luggage & Leather. Restaurants
range from Agu Ramen and Esca-
lante’s to The Rouxpour and Perry’s
Steakhouse & Grille. The square also
is the backdrop for community
events. 15958 City Walk, Sugar Land,
281-242-2000; sugarlandtownsqua-
re.com. SW
TANGER OUTLETS
Home to a variety of name-brand
and designer stores, including Coach,
Michael Kors, Levi’s and Tommy
Hilfiger. Specialty stores include the
Disney store, Under Armour and
Samsonite Factory Outlet. 5885
Interstate 45 S., Texas City, 281-534-
4200; tangeroutlet.com/houston. SE
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 45
 EXPLORE 6 SHOPPING
Gucci is one of the many high-end retailers in the super-sized Galleria mall.
THE GALLERIA
More than 30 million visitors from
around the globe experience this
massive shopping mall every year.
The Galleria touts more than 400
stores, from luxury brands such as
Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci,
Celine, Neiman Marcus, The Webster
and Tiffany & Co. to the hip and trendy
Topshop and Zara. The retail mecca
spans a whopping 2.4 million square
feet, boasting a full-size ice rink,
dozens of dining options, two high-rise
hotels and a children’s play area.
5085 Westheimer, 713-966-3500;
shophoustongalleria.com. W
THE WOODLANDS MALL
The two-story mall houses more
than 150 stores and restaurants,
including its anchor stores, JCPenney,
Dillard’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom and
Forever 21. Dining options include
Fleming’s and Brio. Food court and
children’s play area. 1201 Lake
Woodlands Drive, 281-363-3409;
thewoodlandsmall.com. N
TOWN AND COUNTRY VILLAGE
The open-air shopping district ad-
46 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
jacent to CityCentre is a series of en-
claves with stores such as Athleta,
Ulta, French Cuff Boutique, Williams
Sonoma and Pottery Barn. Need a
break? Hit Snooze for breakfast, Nori
for sushi or Pronto for Italian. 12850
Memorial; townandcountryvillage.com.
W dealers offering jewelry, china, an-
UPTOWN PARK
Houses a handful of higher-end
retailers, including M Penner, Lucho,
Elizabeth Anthony, Longoria Collection
and High Gloss. Uptown Park’s range
of dining options include Flower Child,
Crave Cupcakes, Uptown Sushi and
The Tasting Room Wine Cafe. 1101 Up-
town Park; uptownparkhouston.com.
W La Porte, 281-478-4044; antiques-
VINTAGE PARK
Contemporary complex with shops,
a spa, restaurants and a movie
theater, as well as music and events.
Styled in the fashion of an Italian
shopping promenade, notable bou-
tiques include T. Carolyn, Lulla Blue
Boutique, Anthing Bling and B. de
Vine. 110 Vintage Park, 281-655-8000;
vintageparkhouston.com. NW
ANTIQUES CENTERS
AG ANTIQUES
Still family-owned and in the same
location since the 1930s, the Heights
antiques collective has more than 40
tiques, collectibles and more. 313 W.
19th, 713-862-1009; agantiques.com.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 11
a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Inner Loop
ANTIQUES, DECOR & MORE
Antiques, vintage fine china, col-
lectibles, linens, Western pieces,
painted furniture and jewelry from 20
vendors. 8380 Spencer Highway,
decorandmore.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6
p.m. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Thurs.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun. E
THE ANTIQUE GALLERY HOUSTON
One of the largest antiques stores
in the metroplex, the gallery offers
furnishings of all style and prove-
nance, jewelry, art, rugs, books and
collectibles from more than 225
vendors spread out over 85,000
Gucci
square feet. 21127 Spring Towne,
Spring, 281-350-4557; antiquegalle-
ryhouston.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mon.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun. N
ANTIQUES & INTERIORS
AT THE PAVILION
Upscale antiques store featuring
dealers of fine china, silver, rugs, Art
Deco accessories, global antiquities,
art and more. 2311 Westheimer, 713-
520-9755; facebook.com/Antique-
sandInteriorsAtThePavilion. Hours: 10
a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Sun. Inner Loop
AUGUST ANTIQUES
Features finds sourced from New
England as well as rare books, reli-
gious artifacts, vintage signs, pottery,
collectibles and lighting. 803
Heights, 713-880-3353; augustanti-
ques.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tues.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun. Inner
Loop
HEIGHTS ANTIQUES ON YALE
More than two dozen dealers,
designers and decorators offer an-
tiques, vintage furnishings, costume

The Blue Bird Circle is a charitable resale shop that boasts unusual finds.
jewelry and decorative objects. 2110
Yale, 713-861-3335; heightsantiques-
.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.;
noon-6 p.m. Sun. Inner Loop
HEIGHTS STATION ANTIQUES
Housed in an 1890s carriage barn,
the shop offers furniture, sports and
rock memorabilia as well as furniture,
glassware, oddities and collectibles. 121
Heights, 713-868-3175; heightsstatio-
nantiques.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m-5 p.m. Sat., 1-5 p.m.
Sun. Inner Loop
KT ANTIQUES
12,000-square-foot space with more
than 50 vendors selling furniture, décor,
collectible toys, coins and an impres-
sive array of lucite purses and Bakelite
jewelry. 5614 2nd, Katy, 281-391-2299;
ktantiques.net. Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. W
MARKET PLACE
ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES
Two large buildings with several
specialty and furniture dealers, in-
cluding those with selections of jew-
elry, records, coins, antique dolls, doll-
Staff file photo
houses and accessories. 10940 and
10910 Interstate 10 W., 713-464-8023;
market-place-antiques.com. Hours: 10
a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.-Sun. W
MEMORIAL ANTIQUES
& INTERIORS
Three showrooms that blend current
furniture and accessories with Europe-
an antiques, midcentury-modern furni-
ture, artwork, fixtures and more. Locat-
ed in The Houston Design Center. 7026
Old Katy Road, 713-827-8087; mai-
houston.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mon.-Sat., by appointment Sun. W
METRO RETRO
The large warehouse is a treasure
trove of midcentury-modern furniture
and Art Deco finds. 405 Preston, Pasa-
dena, 713-473-0000; metroretrofurni-
ture.com. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-
Fri., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., by appointment
Sun. SE
REEVES ART + DESIGN
The Montrose institution, a destina-
tion for interior designers, specializes in
midcentury-modern furniture and art.
2415 Taft, 713-523-5577; reevesanti-
AG Antiques has been at the same Heights location since the 1930s.
queshouston.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-5
p.m. Mon.-Sat. Inner Loop
SPRING ANTIQUE MALL
Collectibles, antique furnishings,
jewelry and antique and retro furniture
from a few dozen vendors. 1609 Spring
Cypress Suite D, Spring, 281-355-1110;
springantiquemall.com. Hours: 10
a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sat., 1-6 p.m. Sun. N
TANGLEWOOD ANTIQUES
Small collective offering European
and American antiques and collectibles,
jewelry and home accessories. 6504
Del Monte, 713-952-2400. Hours: 10
a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 1-5 p.m. Sun. W
THE ANTIQUARIUM
A purveyor of antique maps, prints,
photographs and historical docu-
ments, much of it tied to Texas history,
with an extremely knowledgeable staff.
3021 Kirby, 713-622-7531; theantiquari-
um.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-
Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. Inner Loop
THE BLUE BIRD CIRCLE
Charitable resale shop with well-
SHOPPING 6 EXPLORE
Jon Shapley / Staff photographer
priced furniture, fine china, lamps and
unusual finds. 615 W. Alabama, 713-
528-0470; thebluebirdcircle.com.
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10
a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Inner Loop
THE GUILD SHOP
Inventory is updated daily at the
volunteer-run charity shop beloved
for its large selection of antiques,
artwork, jewelry, tabletop collections,
outdoor accessories and oddities —
famous customers include Martha
Stewart and Laura Bush. 2009 Dun-
lavy, 713-528-5095; theguildshop.org.
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.,
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Inner Loop
THOMPSON’S ANTIQUE
CENTER OF TEXAS
More than 100 dealers fill 17 aisles
and 108,000 square feet in what
used to be Northwest Mall. Inventory
includes vintage furniture, clothing,
jewelry, retro fixtures, antique rugs,
records and cowboy boots. 9950
Hempstead, 713-688-4211; antique-
centeroftexas.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6
p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun.
NW
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 47
 EXPLORE 6 CALENDAR
EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
PUT THESE HOUSTON-AREA HAPPENINGS ON YOUR CALENDAR
MAY
COMICPALOOZA
An annual multigenre, comic book,
science fiction, anime, gaming and
pop-culture convention at George R.
Brown Convention Center; comic-
palooza.com. Through May 12. Inner
Loop
HOUSTON GREEK FESTIVAL
Held on the grounds of St. Basil the
Great Cathedral, this event includes
traditional music and dance, an out-
door marketplace and authentic cui-
sine. 713-588-0411; houstongreek-
fest.com. May 16-19. SW
48 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
PASADENA STRAWBERRY
FESTIVAL
Home to the world’s largest
strawberry shortcake. 281-991-
9500; strawberryfest.org. May 17-19.
SE
JUNE
SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN FEST
Local restaurants, food trucks and
concessionaires serve up crispy fried
chicken with all the fixings. Live
music and shopping, too. Peggy
Park, 4101 Almeda; southernfried-
chickenfest.com. Tickets $20-$75.
1-7 p.m. June 1. Inner Loop
Celebrate July Fourth at Freedom
Over Texas fest.
HOUSTON TATTOO ARTS
CONVENTION
The exhibition boasts hundreds of
professional tattoo artists, reality TV
celebrity appearances, tattoo memora-
bilia, a curiosity-themed carnival of
sideshow performers and live tattoo-
ing. NRG Park. worldtattooevents.com/
houston-tattoo-arts-convention. June
7-9. Inner Loop
FIREWORKS FRIDAYS
AT KEMAH BOARDWALK
“Cinema in the Sky” fireworks at the
Staff file photo
Kemah Boardwalk. Discounts on
rides, treats and happy hour after the
Friday fireworks show. Fireworks start
at 9:30 p.m. every Friday in June and
July at Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp,
Kemah. Free. kemahboardwalk.com.
SE
WINE & FOOD WEEK
The Woodlands’ annual Wine &
Food Week will feature tastings, live
chef demonstrations and music
performances, plus more than 60
participating restaurants and 500
featured wines. Several locations in
The Woodlands. Tickets: $20-$75.
713-557-5732. wineandfoodweek-
.com. June 3-9. N

A group of cosplayers dress up to attend Anime Matsuri at George R.
Brown Convention Center.
WORLD OCEAN’S DAY
Organizations will come together to
provide activities to help visitors un-
derstand the human connection to the
ocean and the 2018 focus on “Plastic
Pollution Prevention.” Stewart Beach,
201 Seawall, Galveston. 409-770-0722;
artistboat.org/world-oceans-day-
festival. June 8. SE
CZECH KOLACHE-KLOBASE
FESTIVAL
East Bernard’s Riverside Hall
will host polka dancing, arts and
crafts, sausage and barbecue
chicken, kiddie games, dancers and a
cakewalk. 979-335-7907; kkfest.com.
June 8. SW
ANIME MATSURI
Convention featuring more than 1.8
million square feet of anime, panels,
workshops, special guests, celebrities,
vendors, artist showcase, concerts,
Japanese fashion show, cosplay con-
tests, gaming and a Japanese car
show. George R. Brown Convention
Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas;
animematsuri.com. Tickets $35-$220.
June 13-16. Inner Loop
Yi-Chin Lee / Staff photographer
INTERNATIONAL GEM
& JEWELRY SHOW
Event features one-of-a-kind jewelry
creations, exotic gems, beads, pearls,
fine jewelry, estate collections and
many vendors. NRG Center; nrgpark-
.com. June 14-16. Inner Loop
A GULF COAST JUNETEENTH
Free event includes blues, gospel
and jazz performers at Miller Outdoor
Theatre in Hermann Park. 281-373-
3386; milleroutdoortheatre.com. June
19. Inner Loop
HOUSTON LGBT PRIDE
CELEBRATION: SUMMER OF ’69
A celebration of the LGBTQ commu-
nity, held in downtown Houston. pride-
houston.org. June 22. Inner Loop
TEXAS HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Home and garden needs, experts,
products and ideas all under one roof.
NRG Center; nrgpark.com. June 22-23.
Inner Loop
OUTDOOR EXPO CLEVELAND
Free family event includes gun, fish-
ing, craft vendors, “how-to” seminars,
Pride Houston celebrates the LGBTQ community, with this year’s theme
harkening back 50 years ago — to the Summer of ’69.
super kids zone (half-acre), food and
more. Stancil Expo Center, 211 Peach,
Cleveland. Free. expocleve.com, 281-
592-8786. June 29. NE
JULY
FREEDOM OVER TEXAS FESTIVAL
Houston’s official Fourth of July cele-
bration along Buffalo Bayou with live
entertainment, family activities and a
choreographed fireworks display. hous-
tontx.gov/july4. July 4. Inner Loop
STAR SPANGLED SALUTE
Fourth of July celebration at Miller
Outdoor Theatre, featuring patriotic
music by the Houston Symphony and a
fireworks display. 281-373-3386; mille-
routdoortheatre.com. July 4. Inner
Loop
GALVESTON INDEPENDENCE DAY
PARADE AND FIREWORKS SHOW
Parade features a procession of
floats, decorated military vehicles and
performers, followed by a fireworks
display over the Gulf. The parade will
kick off at 7 p.m. with a procession on
Seawall Boulevard starting at 59th
CALENDAR 6 EXPLORE
Staff file photo
Street and ending at 22nd Street. 888-
425-4753; galveston.com. July 4. SE
KEMAH’S FOURTH OF JULY
CELEBRATION
Fourth of July fireworks, live music,
rides and family fun at the Kemah
Boardwalk, 215 Kipp, Kemah; kemah-
boardwalk.com. Free. July 4. SE
VEGFEST HOUSTON
Vegan community festival with veg-
an vendors and exhibitors, kids activ-
ities and giveaways. Minute Maid Park,
501 Crawford; vegansocietyofpeace
.org/vegfesthouston. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
July 13. Inner Loop
WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS
Breed judging, obedience and obsta-
cle course races at the NRG Center.
houstondogshows.com. July 17-21.
Inner Loop
AUGUST
ABILITIES EXPO
Exhibits provide a go-to source for
people with disabilities, their families,
seniors, veterans and health care pro-
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 49
 EXPLORE 6 CALENDAR
The World Series of Dog Shows is July 27-21 at NRG Center.
fessionals. NRG Center; abilities.com.
Aug. 2-4. Inner Loop
HOUSTON SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL
A tribute to the Bard, with free per-
formances of “Julius Caesar” and “As
You Like It” at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
713-743-2929; houstonfestivalscom-
pany.com. Aug. 2-11. Inner Loop
HUNTERS EXTRAVAGANZA
Event features the latest deer hunt-
ing equipment, accessories, clothing
and other gear. NRG Park; nrgpark-
.com. Aug. 2-4. Inner Loop
BELLAIRE COIN
& COLLECTIBLE SHOW
Event showcases products like
coins, currency, stamps, postcards,
gold, silver, platinum bullion and other
collectibles. Arabia Shrine Center,
10510 Harwin; bellairecoinclub.com.
Aug. 3-4. SW
AIA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
Galveston’s East Beach opens to
teams and sponsors at 6:30 a.m. for
this fundraising competition. For
50 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Courtesy photo
audiences, the beach opens at 9
a.m. Bring a picnic, watch the con-
struction and see the Golden Buck-
et Awards. aiahouston.org. Aug. 24.
SE
BREWMASTERS CRAFT
BEER FESTIVAL
A three-day event in Galveston
that includes brews, tequila and
barbecue tastings. brewmasters-
beerfest.com. Aug. 30-Sept. 1. SE
SEPTEMBER
HOUSTON ANTIQUES,
ART AND DESIGN SHOW
Includes 100 exhibitors from
across the U.S., Canada and Europe,
representing all design movements
of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries
and introducing vintage 20th centu-
ry modern. George R. Brown Con-
vention Center; houstonantique-
sartdesign.com. Sept. 20-22. Inner
Loop
BEER FEST
WITH A GERMAN TWIST
Festival features German beers
Have good, olde fun at the Texas Renaissance Festival in October.
and food, a Stein Hoisting competition,
polka music and games. The Water
Works, 105 Sabine; oktoberfesthous-
ton.com. Sept. 27-28. Inner Loop
GALVESTON ISLAND
SHRIMP FESTIVAL
Festivities include a shrimp gumbo
cook-off, live music, vendors, crafts,
Shrimp Scamper 5K, Lil’ Shrimps Pa-
rade and a kids’ area. Historic Strand
District; galvestonislandshrimpfesti-
val.com. Sept. 27-28. SE
NIGERIAN CULTURAL
PARADE & FESTIVAL
Dancing, music, Nigerian cuisine and
a parade are all part of the fun at this
event. Root Memorial Square, 1400
Clay; nigeriaculturalparade.com. 9
a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 28. Inner Loop
OCTOBER
ORIGINAL GREEK FESTIVAL
A happy affair with delicious food,
games, dancing and more. Annuncia-
tion Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511
Yoakum, 713-526-5377; greekfesti-
val.org. Oct. 3-9. Inner Loop
Courtesy photo
TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
A local classic with live entertain-
ment, works by artists and crafts peo-
ple, food, drinks, hand-powered rides,
games and more than 100 interactive
characters. 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mis-
sion. texrenfest.com. Oct. 5-Dec. 1. NW
HOUSTON EXOTIC AUTO FEST
A showcase of private exotic auto-
mobiles, select dealerships and pre-
mier non-automotive luxury brands.
Hara’s Hacienda, Magnolia; houstonex-
oticautofestival.com. Oct. 6. NW
HOUSTON ITALIAN FESTIVAL
Event features Italian food, wine
sampling, beer tasting, live music,
dancing and games; St. Thomas Uni-
versity, 713-524-4222; houstonitalian-
festival.com. Oct. 10-13. Inner Loop
THE CONROE CATFISH FESTIVAL
Family-friendly event includes live
music with local, regional and national
performers, food vendors serving Cajun
favorites, arts and crafts, a carnival,
educational exhibits, the Catfish Pag-
eant and a KidZone area. South Main
Street, Conroe, 936-539-6009; con-

Wings Over Houston showcases vintage aircrafts and aerial performances
by The Blue Angels at Ellington Field.
roecajuncatfishfestival.com. Tickets
$10-$75. Oct. 11-13. N
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
Weekend festival highlights more
than 300 artists, music, food trucks,
beverages, entertainment and a chil-
dren’s zone. Memorial Park, 6501 Me-
morial; artcolonyassociation.org. Oct.
12-13. Inner Loop
LA MARQUE BAYOU FEST
Music and family event that hosts a
children’s fishing tournament, arts and
crafts, kids’ activities, barbecue cook-
off and music provided by the Kevin
Fowler and Mark Chesnutt. Highland
Bayou Park, 1991 Getty, La Marque,
409-935-1408; tclmchamber.com.
Oct. 19. SE
WINGS OVER HOUSTON
Airshow showcases vintage World
War II aircraft, along with the thrills of
modern aviation. Ellington Field, 713-
266-4492; wingsoverhouston.com.
Oct. 19-20. SE
TEXIAN MARKET DAYS
Battle re-enactments, live entertain-
Staff file photo
ment, historic home tours, games,
vintage vehicles, food and craft ven-
dors. George Ranch Historical Park,
Richmond; texianmarketdays.com.
Oct. 26. SW
GALVESTON ISLAND OKTOBERFEST
Live entertainment, authentic Ger-
man food and libations, Cake Wheel,
fine arts, family and expanded chil-
dren’s activities. First Lutheran Church,
Galveston; galvestonoktoberfest.com.
Oct. 25-26. SE
INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL
Event features quilt vendors, fabric,
supplies and crafts, along with classes
and lectures for all experience levels.
George R. Brown Convention Center;
quilts.com. Oct. 31-Nov. 3. Inner Loop
NOVEMBER
HOUSTON BALLET
NUTCRACKER MARKET
Fundraising market with 300 mer-
chants selling decorations, food, cloth-
ing and jewelry launches holiday sea-
son. NRG Center, 713-535-3231; hous-
tonballet.org. Nov. 14-17. Inner Loop
Thousands of top stichers are drawn to the International Quilt Festival,
held annually at George R. Brown Convention Center.
TEXAS CHAMPIONSHIP
NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOW
More than 100 Native Americans
from across the country compete in
two days of traditional singing and
dancing. Food, storytelling and educa-
tional exhibits, plus authentic Native
American arts and crafts. Traders Vil-
lage, 7979 N. Eldridge Parkway, 281-
890-5500; tradersvillage.com. NW
MOODY GARDENS
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
A mile-long trail with more than 1
million lights and 100 lighted scenes, a
skating rink, live entertainment and
concessions with hot chocolate and
festive food. moodygardens.com. Nov.
16-Jan. 11. SE
HOUSTON H-E-B
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Event features a parade with floats,
flying balloons, marching bands, artis-
tic entries and live entertainment.
houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade.
Nov. 28. Inner Loop
ZOO LIGHTS
TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights at
CALENDAR 6 EXPLORE
Steve Gonzales / Staff photographer
the Houston Zoo, transforming the
zoo with more than 300,000 LED
lights illuminating 50 animal-themed
displays. 6200 Hermann Park, 713-
533-6550; houstonzoo.org. Nov.-Jan.
Inner Loop
DICKENS ON THE STRAND
Downtown Galveston’s street
festival based on 19th-century Victo-
rian London features parades, enter-
tainment on five stages, strolling
carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers,
jugglers and a host of other enter-
tainers. 409-765-3404; galvestonhis-
tory.org. Dec. 6-8. SE
DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS BOAT LANE PARADE
Annual holiday parade with hun-
dreds of decorated boats along the
Kemah Boardwalk. kemahboard-
walk.com. Dec. 14. SE
NEW YEAR’S EVE
FAMILY CELEBRATION
Family fun and fireworks on the
Kemah Boardwalk. kemahboard-
walk.com. Dec. 31. SE
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 51
 EXPLORE 6 GETAWAY
WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER FUN THE ISLAND IS HOPPING
With more than 7 million visitors a year,
Galveston Island is brimming with
things to do, historic homes to tour,
foods to try and ways to unwind. It’s a
fun place for natives to relax and new-
comers to explore the Gulf Coast.
WHAT TO DO
ECO-ART KAYAK ADVENTURE
During this scenic kayak tour, an
Artist Boat guide takes participants
through coastal marshes. The staff
provides kayaks, paddles, life jackets
and art supplies; guests bring a lunch,
water and a hat. Opt for the three-hour
tour to channel your inner artist as you
52 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
GALVESTON
create a water color painting of the
scenery from your kayak. Kayak sites
include Galveston Island State Park
and Drum Bay. Beginners welcome.
$50 per person for two-hours tours (no
art) and $75 per person for three- and
four-hour tours with art lessons. 409-
770-0722; artistboat.org
RENT A BIKE
Now you can cruise around the is-
land on an E-Bike, which are bikes that
have a small motor to help you pedal.
At Zipp E-Bike, rentals are $25 for an
hour, $35 for two hours, $55 for half
days and $85 for a full day. There’s
also an E-Bike island tour for $75. Zipp
E-Bikes is located across at 2311 Me-
Artist Boat tours take participants
through coastal marshes.
chanic Street, across from the Tremont
House hotel. 409-539-3323;
zippebikes.com
GO FISH
Galveston Island State Park’s fishing
classes are a great way to learn the
basics of fishing. Equipment and bait
are provided, or bring your own. For
ages five and older; adults must ac-
company children. Bring sun protection
and water. Classes are held 9 a.m.-
noon on select Saturdays. No license
necessary. 409-737-1222; tpwd.tex-
Galveston CVB
as.gov/calendar/galveston-island/go-
fish.
FAMILY FUN AT STEWART BEACH
If you’re looking to spend a day at
the beach with family, Stewart Beach
is the perfect place. Every Saturday
during the summer, visitors can learn
from the pros how to create stunning
sand castles. You can rent umbrellas,
play beach volleyball and let the kids
have fun on their own playground.
Admission is $12-$15. 201 Seawall Blvd.,
409-797-5189; galveston.com/stew-
artbeach.
ENJOY THE GREEN SPACES
Hendley Green is the newest public

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark offers slides and more.
green space and highlights Galveston’s
history of the Strand-Mechanic Historic
District. A grove of 30 oak trees flank
the park, which has tables and umbrel-
las. 2100 Strand; galveston.com/hen-
dley-green. There’s also Saengerfest
Park, 2302 Strand, which is known for
its large, playable chess set, wooden
benches. The park also hosts free
concerts and movies;
galveston.com/saengerfestpark.
SCHLITTERBAHN GALVESTON
ISLAND WATERPARK
Cool off at this 26-acre water ad-
venture park, which includes a zip line,
a “Transportainment” system featuring
water coasters, a wave pool, slides and
a kids’ play area. There’s the Torrent
tidal wave river. Look out for the 81-
foot MASSIV Monster Blaster, the
world’s tallest water coaster. Online
ticket prices are $52.99 for adults and
$40.99 for children and seniors. 2026
Lockheed, 409-770-9283;
schlitterbahn.com/galveston
Galveston CVB
DOLPHIN WATCHING
The BayWatch Dolphin Tour offers
an up-close look at the lovable
mammals. It’s a 45-minute boat
excursion, leaving from and returning
to Pier 21 near the Strand District.
The boat is covered. $10; $5 for ages
12 and younger. Infants and pets ride
free. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with
boats leaving every hour daily. 832-
859-4557; galvestonbaywatch.com
MOODY GARDENS
Moody Gardens offers
family-friendly shows and exhibits,
including Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob
SquarePants. Wearing 3D glasses,
kids can join friends from the
popular animated cartoon for a
submarine adventure to Bikini
Bottom. Aquarium Pyramid is a
journey into the oceans of the world
via a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium
with creatures ranging from
tuxedo-clad penguins to seals,
stingrays and sharks. Tickets are
Galveston’s Pleasure Pier lights up the night.
$12.95-$25.95. 1 Hope Blvd.,
409-744-4673; moodygardens.org
PLEASURE PIER
Test your skills at midway games,
dine by the water and enjoy
amusement park rides along the
seawall. Rides include an LED-lit,
100-foot-tall Ferris wheel and the
Iron Shark roller coaster. The pier is
home to the state’s first Bubba
Gump Shrimp Co. All-day ride
passes are $19.99-$26.99, a walk-on
pass is $7-$10. 2501 Seawall Blvd.;
pleasurepier.com
THE BRYAN MUSEUM
The museum showcases one of
the world’s largest collections of
historical artifacts, documents and
artwork relating to the American
West, including 70,000 rare items
spanning more than 12,000 years.
$14; $12 for seniors, $5 for ages 6-12.
1315 21st, 409-632-7685;
thebryanmuseum.org
GETAWAY 6 EXPLORE
Brett Coomer / Staff photographer
LODGING
THE TREMONT HOUSE
A luxury option in the heart of the
Strand Historic District. Its architecture
pours on the charm, from the lobby
with its 1870s Toujouse Bar to the
guest rooms, with high ceilings, sweet
accents and grand beds. Just before
sunset, head to the hotel’s rooftop for
cocktails and one of the city’s best
views. A shuttle can take you to sister
property Hotel Galvez for a day at the
beach, or to the cruise terminal Week-
day rooms start at $139. 2300 Ship’s
Mechanic Row, 409-763-0300;
thetremonthouse.com
SAN LUIS HOTEL, SPA AND RESORT
A 32-acre beach-lovers’ resort with
dining options ranging from Blake’s
Bistro, Cup & Cone, Grotto and The
Steakhouse inside the hotel to the
nearby Landry’s Seafood. Every guest
room has a balcony view of the Gulf,
EXPLORE SUMMER 2019 | 53
 EXPLORE 6 GETAWAY
Villas at the San Luis Hotel have a private pool.
and the pool, with rentable cabanas,
has a swim-up bar. The resort also has
a cluster of high-end villas — the
adults-only oasis has its own private
pool and a residential setting complete
with private check-in. Book 21 days in
advance and save up to 15 percent.
Rooms from $229. 5222 Seawall Blvd.,
409-744-1500; sanluisresort.com
HOTEL GALVEZ & SPA
One of the island’s most majestic
buildings, the Galvez has long been a
playground for the wealthy (think
Frank Sinatra and Howard Hughes).
While this 224-room Wyndham hotel,
which opened in 1911, is a nod to
Galveston’s past, it also celebrates
modern luxuries, from a world-class
fitness center to a relaxing spa and
pool with swim-up bar. Don’t miss a
cocktail in the lobby or the
destination-worthy Sunday
champagne brunch. Weekday rooms
start at $149. 2024 Seawall Blvd.,
409-765-7721; hotelgalvez.com
54 | EXPLORE SUMMER 2019
Galveston CVB
DINING
GAIDO’S
Gaido’s has been on the island
for more than 100 years, serving a
variety of Gulf Coast seafood along
with homemade sauces, salad
dressings and desserts. The pecan
pie is legendary. 3828 Seawall
Blvd., 409-761-5500; gaidos.com.
NUMBER 13
At Pelican Rest Marina, this
steak and seafood restaurant’s
large windows showcase the view
of Offats Bayou and the Moody
Gardens pyramids. The menu
includes a selection of caviar and
28-day dry-aged steaks. 7809
Broadway, 409-572-2650;
number13steak.com
MOSQUITO CAFE
Charming cafe with a friendly
waitstaff. The menu showcases
Pecan pie is a must-order at Gaido’s.
salads, grilled sandwiches and roast-
ed, sauteed and steamed dishes.
Love the Thai noodles. 628 14th,
409-763-1010; mosquitocafe.com
BLVD. SEAFOOD
The open-kitchen concept from the
owners of popular Yaga’s Café offers
locally sourced seafood. Dishes in-
clude campechana, shrimp and grits,
blackberry pork chops, fresh salads
and more. 28th Street and Seawall,
409-762-2583; blvdseafood.com
THE PROLETARIAT GALLERY &
PUBLIC HOUSE
Art and cocktails collide in this
trendy bar and collaborative exhibi-
tion space. Open 4 p.m.-midnight
daily. 2221 Market, 409-356-9092;
proletariatgallery.com
VARGAS CUT CATCH
Vargas Cut and Catch is the latest
venture by restauranteur Paco Vargas
and his family. In the heart of Galves-
Galveston CVB
ton’s historic downtown district,
the contemporary steakhouse
serves prime beef and fresh sea-
food. 2102 Postoffice, 409-762-
2101; vargascutandcatch.com
SHOPPING
THE STYLE CO.
Kathryn Zimmerman’s boutique
is packed with affordable clothing
and accessories. You’ll find an
assortment of breezy dresses and
tops. 2113 Postoffice, 409-750-
8442.
TANGERINE BOUTIQUE
Midland native Kim Cherry-
homes brings California chic to
the island. Her shop offers design-
ers such as Chan Luu, Rachel Pally
and Corey Lynn Calter. Pick from
an assortment of denim, dresses,
bags and jewelry. 2218 Postoffice,
409-763-7113; tangerine-boutique
.myshopify.com
 A WINNER SM

For every friend you sign up for B Connected,

you AND your friend will receive a MAX BET
FREE SPIN on a $1 progressive* slot machine
for a chance to win $3.6 Million!
You can bring in up to 5 new friends in May!

*Progressive jackpot value changes over time. Please see eligible games for the most current value.
Free spin is valued up to $10 in Slot Dollars. © 2019 Califon Productions, Inc. "Wheel of Fortune" is a registered
trademark of Calfon Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. © 2019 BOYD GAMING CORPORATION®
TOO GOOD TO PASS UP | DeltaDowns.com

G A M B L I N G P RO B L E M ? C A L L 1 - 8 7 7 - 7 7 0 - S TO P ( 7 8 6 7 )