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

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 Boulevard
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-5526
http://www.yelp.com/biz/art-car-museum-houston

Naturally Entertaining: Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou is one of Houston’s greatest treasures—both historically and now. Restoration efforts over the past decade have ensured that this resource area remains environmentally robust and recreationally rich. Attend some of the events at Buffalo Bayou and catch the excitement.

Walking and biking trails offer increasingly significant ecological diversity as volunteers replace invasive species with native flora. Playgrounds and dog parks support the riparian destination for family-friendly weekends. Boat rentals allow great choices for paddle trips.  Check out the revitalized wharfs and landings.

Nights on Blue Bayou feature various arts and exhibitions, including free outdoor music series at the Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade.  Buffalo Bayou is known for its Annual Regatta, and also for its yearly celebration of Asian culture with the Dragon Boat Festival and races.

Pontoon Boat Tours are returning after the loss of the Osprey to a fire at the Drennan Field Office. One of the most alluring trips is Waugh Bridge Bat Colony Boat Tour at dusk in season. Contrary to common myths, these flying mammals are tremendously beneficial to the community in terms of pollination and limiting mosquitoes and other pests.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Vine Street Studios
1113 Vine Street Suite 200
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 752-0314
www.buffalobayou.org

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

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

Houston Museum of Natural Science: A Place of Fun & Learning

Enjoy and learn about the beauty of the natural world at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Located in the Museum District directly across from the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflecting Pool, the Museum of Natural Science is for kid, adults and families. The main goal of the museum is to educate everyone about the natural sciences, be it through the exhibits of dinosaurs in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the beautiful specimens in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, or other amazing exhibits. Come to Energy Hall and learn about fossil fuels. Check out examples of African wildlife and go to the Farish Hall to learn even more about the wildlife of Texas. There’s so much to see and learn about, that you’ll just have to come back!

Houston Museum of Natural Science 
5555 Hermann Park Dr
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
http://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-museum-of-natural-science-houston

Pinot’s Palette: Unleash Your Inner Artist

Have you always wanted to make art, but didn’t know where to start? Pinot’s Palette in Midtown offers fun, social art classes that provide just the right atmosphere to help you lose any self-consciousness and start creating. The process begins when you choose a class – each session is based around recreating a specific piece of art – some famous, some not so famous. The pieces are pictured on the web schedule so you can choose a class according to your taste. Bring your own food and drink (yes, you may bring wine) and let talented professional artists facilitate your creation. The process is simple, fun, and easier than you might think, and you will end up with a piece of art you'll be proud to display. The space is also available for private classes and parties.

Pinot’s Palette
2406 Taft Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 523-4769

Pin It on Pinterest