Houston Texas

Houston Local Area Info

Houston is known for its high energy. This city that was once nothing more than a swamp on the Buffalo and White Oak bayous is now one of the largest cities in the United States. Although Houston is an international business center and has a huge petrochemical base, the city also has a heart and soul in its art and cultural experiences.

The Galleria area offers skyscrapers, elite shopping, and sports facilities such as the Compaq Center. But, where visitors will get a real taste of the eclectic side of Houston is in the exclusive designer shops that dot the streets. Don't miss the Galleria Mall, which offers over three hundred shops and restaurants. The mall has an ice skating rink on the bottom floor, where they place a three-story Christmas tree during the holiday season. Most of the restaurants and nightclubs in this area are posh and sophisticated. City Streets offers seven nightclubs under one roof.

If your taste is a little funkier, you would probably enjoy the Montrose area. It nestles up to the Museum District and even weaves in and out in spots. Various artists can be found along the streets, where they set up shop to draw impromptu caricatures and other original art. Even the shopping is eclectic. You'll find antique items, vintage clothing, and unique jewelry. Just for fun, get a psychic or tarot reading. There are a lot of dining options in this area. Boulevard Bistrot's offers the casualness of a European sidewalk cafe with delicious espresso. You never know what you might see in the Montrose area, so don't be shocked. It is an out of the ordinary slice of the city.

If you go just a few steps beyond the Montrose area, you'll find the Museum District. You'll still find many artists and artistic touches, but it becomes more classical and less unconventional. You'll find the Museum of Fine Art and the Contemporary Art Museum, which have some of the most famous artworks in the entire world. You might also want to take in the Houston Holocaust Museum, which is known around the world as the premier place to get information about the horrible events that led up to and during the Holocaust.

To discover the heart and soul of Houston , you have to understand her creative side and hideaways. Keep your eyes open and you'll find many opportunities to experience a different side of Houston.