Power Shopping
When your shopping agenda resembles the play list of a Super Bowl quarterback, Houston offers many choices. Some shoppers prefer the sleek, atrium-roofed shelter of The Galleria — home to Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, two Macy’s, Nordstrom, and more than 375 shops and designer boutiques. Others prefer Memorial City Mall with its mix of stores from big-name department stores like Dillard’s, Macy’s, JC Penney, and Sears to favorites such as Coach, L’Occitaine, Z Gallerie, and White House/Black Market. There’s also a movie theater, ice rink, and a play area for children.
Soak Up the Skyline
After the sun sets, maybe after dinner, reflect on your day on a roof deck offering a long list of libations. Inside an unmarked red door near the corner of Bremond and Brazos in Midtown next to El Patio restaurant, walk past the downstairs bar and go up to the rooftop lounge of The Red Door, where candlelight mixes with city lights for a relaxing if not romantic end to your day.
Go Green — and Gourmet!
Enjoy a balance of gourmet dining and green practices at The Grove restaurant at Discovery Green, the new park near downtown’s George R. Brown Convention Center. The ultra-modern, yet earthy restaurant features two levels of park and skyline views, plus phenomenal fare, such as duck meatballs, grilled Ahi tuna, and pear bread pudding. Creative cocktails and stellar wines add to the savory experience. The restaurant employs composting, recycling, green housekeeping products, and biodegradable packaging.
Sail Your Own Ship
Along its 35 miles of shoreline, Clear Lake — a protected inlet of Galveston Bay southeast of the city — attracts boaters to its 19 marinas and more than 7,000 docking slips. Take a lesson with At The Helm, which offers half- or full-day excursions aboard 22- to 70-foot sailboats. Or fly like the wind at Clear Lake Parasail in Nassau Bay. It also rents sailboats, ski boats, jet skis, and more.
Play Your Way
Outdoors enthusiasts converge on Memorial Park, featuring one of the best public 18-hole golf courses in the state (with a driving range and putting greens). A 5K walking/jogging trail — popular with all ages and dogs of all sizes — surrounds the tree-lined course. Cyclists and in-line skaters enjoy the paved Picnic Loop, and mountain bikers can turn onto the adjacent trail of off-road terrain. The park also includes a tennis center and a pool.
See Art on Your Own Terms
The unpretentious, yet astounding Menil Collection offers a casual, comfortable setting — and admission is free! The gracefully linear building sits on an expansive lawn and houses a collection ranging from ancient carvings to Byzantine icon paintings to 20th century art, especially Surrealist works. No laborious wall text will tell you how to experience the art. The Menil simply posts basic credits, allowing you to develop your own impression. Atriums provide natural light and a refreshingly organic experience.
