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

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

Burke Baker Planetarium: To The Stars

Have an interstellar experience at the Burke Baker Planetarium, located in the Museum of Natural Science. High-resolution video technology projects images of planets, stars, meteors, solar systems and galaxies on the domed surface of the theatre. Their computerized SkySkan DigitalSky Starfield projector is the most advanced in the world, providing stunning simulations of stars, planets, comets and nebulous objects. It lets you play astronaut with jaw dropping three-dimensional simulated flights through space. A state-of-the-art digital stereo sound system enhances the Dome Theatre experience with a variety of music and sound effects. Films like Stars of the Pharaohs take you back 6,000 years to ancient Egypt to see how astronomers aligned their temples and pyramids with the stars.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students.

Burke Baker Planetarium
1 Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
http://www.yelp.com/biz/burke-baker-planetarium-houston

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

1940 Air Terminal Museum: Houston Past

Housed in the historic art deco former Houston Municipal Airport, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum showcases the rich heritage of civil aviation, including the nation’s airlines, general aviation and business aviation. The story of Houston's place in aviation history is also included in the exhibits. Interesting exhibits showcase the airlines that once flew in and out of the terminal, with flight attendant outfits, pilot uniforms, photos and videos. Special events include Wings and Wheels on the third Saturday of each month where you can get up close to real airplanes like Piper Cubs and talk to pilots. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

1940 Air Terminal Museum
8325 Travelair Road
Houston, TX 77061
(713) 454-1940
http://www.yelp.com/biz/1940-air-terminal-museum-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

Boheme: International Flavor

Boheme is a café and wine bar that brings international flavor to Houston's 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 Street
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 529-1099
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bar-boheme-houston

Pin It on Pinterest