What's good in Houston?
March 30, 2023 6:17 PM Subscribe
I'd like to spent a week in Houston soon, possibly in May. What's worth checking out, given my interests?
Things I'm into:
electronic / experimental music (both dance-oriented and non-dance-oriented)
vinyl records (containing electronic / experimental music)
synthesizers
art (anything Dada or later – especially installation art and weird shit)
good food (I love trying new dishes and cuisines – turn me on to something new!) – I'm not into "fine dining", though
good drink (classic-style cocktails; craft beer)
walkable neighborhoods full of funky shops and such to explore
grand or otherwise interesting old buildings you can visit
big beautiful cemeteries
underground / DIY / counterculture scenes
hiking, mushroom hunting, the general dopeness of nature
anything else you think I shouldn't miss!
Things I'm into:
electronic / experimental music (both dance-oriented and non-dance-oriented)
vinyl records (containing electronic / experimental music)
synthesizers
art (anything Dada or later – especially installation art and weird shit)
good food (I love trying new dishes and cuisines – turn me on to something new!) – I'm not into "fine dining", though
good drink (classic-style cocktails; craft beer)
walkable neighborhoods full of funky shops and such to explore
grand or otherwise interesting old buildings you can visit
big beautiful cemeteries
underground / DIY / counterculture scenes
hiking, mushroom hunting, the general dopeness of nature
anything else you think I shouldn't miss!
The Contemporary Art Museum has rotating exhibits rather than a permanent collection so check out what they’ll have while you’re there.
Although Houston isn’t known for it the way Austin is, bbq is a must-do for me when I go there. I like Goode Company which may be a bit basic but it’a also the taste of my childhood.
posted by jeoc at 3:15 AM on March 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Although Houston isn’t known for it the way Austin is, bbq is a must-do for me when I go there. I like Goode Company which may be a bit basic but it’a also the taste of my childhood.
posted by jeoc at 3:15 AM on March 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Two things that I can't personally vouch for, but are on my list: Seismique, a crazy immersive art museum, and The Art Car Museum. I second The Orange Show, which is adjacent to a lovely little park; and Brazos Bend, which is indeed full of alligators but a bit of a drive.
For DIY type things, try Art Asylum, Magpies and Peacocks, TRX Labs.
More normie activities that are still nice include the Houston Arboretum (nice walking trails, relatively quiet) and the Buffalo Bayou Cistern is very cool, they do regular tours and art installations, but the latter are a little harder to get tickets for.
posted by ailouros08 at 6:31 AM on March 31, 2023
For DIY type things, try Art Asylum, Magpies and Peacocks, TRX Labs.
More normie activities that are still nice include the Houston Arboretum (nice walking trails, relatively quiet) and the Buffalo Bayou Cistern is very cool, they do regular tours and art installations, but the latter are a little harder to get tickets for.
posted by ailouros08 at 6:31 AM on March 31, 2023
Skyspace at Rice University is well worth a visit.
posted by Furnace of Doubt at 7:47 AM on March 31, 2023
posted by Furnace of Doubt at 7:47 AM on March 31, 2023
Many local breweries have popped up in recent years. St Arnold's is the largest and oldest, they have a nice beer garden with inside/covered/outside seating. And they do tours. I haven't been but Eureka Heights is supposed to be fun to visit, I like their beer. If you search google maps you'll probably find one a sticks throw away from where you are.
Houston is very good for international dining, in particular Indian and Vietnamese. But many other varieties also. You won't have any trouble finding something to eat.
posted by beowulf573 at 7:48 AM on March 31, 2023
Houston is very good for international dining, in particular Indian and Vietnamese. But many other varieties also. You won't have any trouble finding something to eat.
posted by beowulf573 at 7:48 AM on March 31, 2023
The Menil punches above its weight in a lot of ways, but especially in their excellent Surrealist collection. The wunderkammer is a joy. Don't miss it if you're into dada.
posted by minervous at 9:45 AM on March 31, 2023
posted by minervous at 9:45 AM on March 31, 2023
If you happen to be in Houston on April 15th, be sure to check out the Art Car Parade. There are a huge number of highly creative vehicles. Thousands of locals and visitors line the route, starting early, to get an eye-full.
posted by Midnight Skulker at 10:53 AM on March 31, 2023
posted by Midnight Skulker at 10:53 AM on March 31, 2023
The Rothko Chapel is one of my favorite art experiences I've ever had. It scratches an itch that's like an uncanny valley of natural and artificial.
posted by knile at 7:27 PM on March 31, 2023
posted by knile at 7:27 PM on March 31, 2023
when I went to Ima Hogg's house there were armadillos in her garden
posted by brujita at 4:24 PM on April 1, 2023
posted by brujita at 4:24 PM on April 1, 2023
Can you still do tours of NASA? Because I did a tour of NASA.
posted by Paul Slade at 12:46 PM on April 2, 2023
posted by Paul Slade at 12:46 PM on April 2, 2023
This thread is closed to new comments.
Info from May 2021, map
Art
Rothko Chapel: timed tickets
Menil Collection: timed tickets
Dan Flavin installation at Richmond Hall
Cy Twombly Gallery
Houston Botanic Garden: timed tickets
Smither Park: dawn until dusk
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Houston Space Center: 10am-5pm, book tram tour on app
Great Viet food scene in Houston. A couple restos
Kim Son: 11am-9:30pm - nice, beloved buffet including soups and chè dessert bar
Crawfish and Noodles: 12-10pm
Ice cream and craft beer
Aqua S: 12pm-10pm - weird soft serve
Matcha Cafe Maiko: 12-10pm - gold leaf soft serve
Bae: 1-9pm - soft serve
Urban South: 12-9pm - fruity sours
New Magnolia: 12-9pm - some sours?
Grand Prize Bar: 3pm-2am - dive with Skee-Ball
posted by eyeball at 10:23 PM on March 30, 2023 [5 favorites]