Williams Waterwall: Urban Waterfall

Right in the middle of the sprawl of the Houston Galleria, Williams Waterwall is a relaxing little park where you can find some serenity in the middle of holiday shopping or have a romantic stroll with your significant other. The Waterwall is a 30 year old Houston landmark, a stunning manmade waterfall fronted by a Roman-style proscenium. This beautiful, amphitheater-like space has become one of Houston’s favorite spots for proposals, wedding and prom photos, and other photo ops. The Waterwall is surrounded by a lovely little park crisscrossed with live oak-lined pathways that give the place a sense of isolation and calm in a very busy area.

Williams Waterwall
2800 Post Oak Boulevard
Houston TX 77056
(713) 966-7799

Murder by the Book: Mysteries and More

As the name implies, Murder by the Book, a comfy neighborhood book store, has the mystery genre as its main focus. The shop has an extensive mystery section and is host to frequent book signing events from some of the genre’s biggest names. However, if you’re looking for fantasy, nonfiction, or romance, Murder by the Book has still got you covered. This is an old fashioned full service book store, something that is becoming increasingly rare in this age of megastores and online shopping. Unlike larger, more impersonal retailers, Murder by the Book is staffed by friendly folk who will grow to know your tastes are always there to give you personalized advice. There is a real community surrounding the store, bolstered by twice-monthly book discussion groups and an ongoing Mystery Author Luncheon Series at the Briar Club.

Murder By The Book
2342 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-8597

The Hobby Center: The Place for Performance

The Hobby Center for Performing Arts is the center of Houston theatre. Located downtown, the Center is fairly new, opened in 2002 and quickly became the place to go for travelling Broadway shows. The architecture, which includes large windows overlooking the Houston skyline, Everything from classic shows like “Man of La Mancha” to newer productions like “Book of Mormon” make their way to the 2,600-seat Sarofim Hall, a great venue for musical productions. There’s also Zikha Hall, which serves as a showcase for local performers. The 500-seat hall plays hosts to the Psophonia Dance Company, the Maggini String Orchestra, and other local groups. Check out all of the upcoming productions and performances on the online calendar. Other than evening performances, The Hobby Center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Hobby Center
800 Bagby
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 315-2525
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hobby-center-for-performing-arts-houston

The Menil Collection: A Houston Crown Jewel

The Menil Collection is a must for Houston residents and visitors. It contains the collection of John and Dominique de Menil, who began collecting art in the 1940s, eventually amassing a vast treasure trove of paintings, sculpture, photographs, tribal decorative objects, and drawings. The collection encompasses everything from 20th century modern art, to antiquities, to tribal art pieces from around the world. The museum seeks to create a contemplative setting in which to view art, so there are no formal tours or tour guides in the museum. Open 11a.m. until 7p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

The Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 525-9400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-menil-collection-houston

Houston Center for Photography: Snap

Houston Center for Photography is a must for anyone interested in viewing the world through the lens of an artist’s camera. Their exhibitions have included the work of renowned photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as emerging photographers. A changing array of exhibits is featured at the museum, which is just a hop-skip from the Menil Collection, a must for any lover of art. Past exhibitions included PictureThis!, featuring works from a collaboration with Texas Children’s Cancer Center in which HCP instructors work with young patients and their families, allowing them a photographic perspective on their surroundings. Upcoming shows include the 31st Annual Juried Membership Exhibition.

Open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

Houston Center for Photography
1441 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-4755
http://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-center-for-photography-houston

Station Museum of Contemporary Art: Around the Art World

The Station Museum of Contemporary Art is a small venue showcasing local, national and international artists, with a particular focus on the cultural diversity of Houston's varied neighborhoods. Past international exhibitions have included artists from Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, South Africa, Congo, Czech Republic, Austria, Palestine, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and Russia. Solo exhibitions by Texas artists showcased the work of Mel Chin, James Drake, Dick Wray, Jesse Lott and George Smith. The museum also hosts film screenings, concerts, lectures, and fundraisers for social causes. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.

Station Museum of Contemporary Art
1502 Alabama
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 529-6900
http://www.yelp.com/biz/station-museum-of-contemporary-art-houston

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Uniquely American Art

The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is proof that American art and craftsmanship are second to none. Located in the former home and grounds of local scion Ima Hogg, take a guided tour and you get to see many of the rooms on both floors, especially the main rooms used to entertain. You’ll also see some of the rarest artifacts in the collection, especially many objects native to the Texas region. You’ll also learn about Mrs. Hogg and how her singular devotion has resulted in one of the best collections of uniquely American art and antiques. You can also give yourself a self-guided tour of the home and the beautiful surrounding grounds. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
1 Westcott Street
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 639-7750
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens-houston

Art Car Museum: Creativity on Wheels

Automobiles are functional, but style is important. The Art Car Museum builds on that style, as artists use many materials to not just decorate, but turn the automobile into a real work of art. Located across from Spotts Park, the Art Car Museum might be one of the most unique museums that you will ever see. You’ll have a good time just walking around and seeing how an artist’s vision can transform a station wagon or classic car into something so much more. But that’s not all – you’ll also see interesting paintings, sculptures that use re-purposed materials and featured artist that use all sorts of media. The Art Car Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-5526
http://www.yelp.com/biz/art-car-museum-houston

 

Aurora Picture Show: The Place For Independent Cinema

If you want to see what new and classic cinema artists are up to, come to the Aurora Picture Show. Located near the campus of Rice University, the Aurora is known throughout the area as the place to go to see innovative films. And screenings are usually only shown once! Check the calendar for neat events like the Al Fresco showings, where films are shown under the stars, and the annual Media Archeology Festival. Make sure that you check the calendar online for all the events and showings. Kids can come to the Aurora in the summer to learn about filmmaking at the annual summer camps for youth. While most showings are in the Rice/Kirby area, the Aurora also hosts screenings throughout the area.

Aurora Picture Show
2442 Bartlett Street
Houston, TX 77098
(713) 868-2101
http://www.yelp.com/biz/aurora-picture-show-houston

Boheme: International Flavor

Boheme is a café and wine bar that brings international flavor to Midtown. Housed in a classic old building, Boheme is surrounded by a garden adorned with artifacts from the owner’s travels around the world. There are also nice touches like a wine bottle chandelier and interesting art on the walls. Happy hour starts at noon and runs until 7 p.m. during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekends. You’ll find lots of nice snacks and pizzas to share and burgers to dig into. All that and a full bar makes the Boheme a great place to meet up with friends!

Boheme
307 Fairview St
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1099
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-boheme-houston

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