Top Recommended Layover Activities:
1. The Mercury Room
1008 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002 · 713-225-6372
The harbinger of all things chic and hip in Houston, the Mercury Room has received rave reviews from the likes of "Playboy," which designated it one of the top nightspots in the country. While scantily clad pretty young things shake their moneymakers on the dance floor, moving and grooving to live acts or whatever the DJ feels like playing, others line up at the bar to get a doses of their favorite poisons. A sidewalk patio area is a great place to catch some fresh air and check out passersby.
2. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
5839 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77057-5616 · 713-780-7352
The 1920s Art-Deco interior sets this intimate steakhouse apart from all the pretenders, with a brass accents, dark wood trim work, and cozy leather chairs giving the place an almost supper club quality. Featured entrées include the 18-pounce NY Strip, fresh lobster, marinated veal chop, prime rib, and 6-ounce filet mignon, all of them served with fresh seasonal vegetables and cooked to taste. After dinner, it's not uncommon for the business types to make their way over to the smoker's lounge for a bit of scotch and a premium cigar or two. Reservations are strongly recommended.
3. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway, Houston, TX 77024-7774 · 713-681-8433
Covers 155 acres/63 hectares of natural forest inside Loop 610 and showcases more than 450 native plants. Guided tours and educational programs. ADMISSION: Free
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. San Jacinto Battleground
One Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571-9744 · 281-479-2431
State historical park marks the spot where Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836 by defeating Santa Ana and his army. Also a museum here located in the base of the San Jacinto Monument. Take an elevator to the top of the monument for a good view of the Houston Shipping Channel and surrounding area. ADMISSION: Park free; Monument $2.00-$3.00
2. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
2000 South Loop Rd West, At the Astrodome, Houston, TX 77054 · 713-791-9000
This show annually draws nearly two million people during the three-week run! Rodeo competition and top country music entertainers. Usually late February to early March each year. Tickets are available at the door or through Ticketmaster (713-629-3700).
3. Battleship TEXAS
3523 Hwy 134, La Porte, TX 77571 · 281-479-2431
The only combat vessel to have survived both World Wars. The fully restored battleship serves as a naval museum with exhibits about its wartime service. An educational and fun experience. ADMISSION: Adults $5.00, Children ages 6 to 18 $2.50, Children ages 5 and under-free, Seniors 65 and over $3.00.
In Houston, the CITYPASS tourist will be able visit several attractions around the city such as the Johnson Space Center, the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo, the George Ranch Historical Park, as well as various museums in the Museum District. Houston CityPass debuted on May 13, 2008. By using the CityPass people who travel to Houston will be able to save nearly half the cost of visiting the most popular city attractions. The pocket size booklet that is distributed as part of the program allows travelers to avoid most lines. The book also contains admission tickets, transportation information, attraction details, and discount and offer coupons. The program allows you to visit six attractions at the cost of $34.00 for adults and $24.00 for children.
1. The Mercury Room
1008 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002 · 713-225-6372
The harbinger of all things chic and hip in Houston, the Mercury Room has received rave reviews from the likes of "Playboy," which designated it one of the top nightspots in the country. While scantily clad pretty young things shake their moneymakers on the dance floor, moving and grooving to live acts or whatever the DJ feels like playing, others line up at the bar to get a doses of their favorite poisons. A sidewalk patio area is a great place to catch some fresh air and check out passersby.
2. Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
5839 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77057-5616 · 713-780-7352
The 1920s Art-Deco interior sets this intimate steakhouse apart from all the pretenders, with a brass accents, dark wood trim work, and cozy leather chairs giving the place an almost supper club quality. Featured entrées include the 18-pounce NY Strip, fresh lobster, marinated veal chop, prime rib, and 6-ounce filet mignon, all of them served with fresh seasonal vegetables and cooked to taste. After dinner, it's not uncommon for the business types to make their way over to the smoker's lounge for a bit of scotch and a premium cigar or two. Reservations are strongly recommended.
3. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway, Houston, TX 77024-7774 · 713-681-8433
Covers 155 acres/63 hectares of natural forest inside Loop 610 and showcases more than 450 native plants. Guided tours and educational programs. ADMISSION: Free
Top Weekend Getaways And Day Trip Excursions:
1. San Jacinto Battleground
One Monument Circle, La Porte, TX 77571-9744 · 281-479-2431
State historical park marks the spot where Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836 by defeating Santa Ana and his army. Also a museum here located in the base of the San Jacinto Monument. Take an elevator to the top of the monument for a good view of the Houston Shipping Channel and surrounding area. ADMISSION: Park free; Monument $2.00-$3.00
2. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
2000 South Loop Rd West, At the Astrodome, Houston, TX 77054 · 713-791-9000
This show annually draws nearly two million people during the three-week run! Rodeo competition and top country music entertainers. Usually late February to early March each year. Tickets are available at the door or through Ticketmaster (713-629-3700).
3. Battleship TEXAS
3523 Hwy 134, La Porte, TX 77571 · 281-479-2431
The only combat vessel to have survived both World Wars. The fully restored battleship serves as a naval museum with exhibits about its wartime service. An educational and fun experience. ADMISSION: Adults $5.00, Children ages 6 to 18 $2.50, Children ages 5 and under-free, Seniors 65 and over $3.00.
In Houston, the CITYPASS tourist will be able visit several attractions around the city such as the Johnson Space Center, the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo, the George Ranch Historical Park, as well as various museums in the Museum District. Houston CityPass debuted on May 13, 2008. By using the CityPass people who travel to Houston will be able to save nearly half the cost of visiting the most popular city attractions. The pocket size booklet that is distributed as part of the program allows travelers to avoid most lines. The book also contains admission tickets, transportation information, attraction details, and discount and offer coupons. The program allows you to visit six attractions at the cost of $34.00 for adults and $24.00 for children.