Quirky Houston: Top 10 Places You Never Knew About
If you’ve just moved to Houston, you’re probably thinking, “What IS there to DO in this place? Go ice skating at the Galleria? Think about oil? Hide from the heat?” If you’ve lived in Houston your whole life, you sadly may be thinking the same thing. But the Bayou City, my friends, is quirkier than it seems. If you know where to look, fun, strange, and CHEAP pastimes abound. So clear off a Saturday and go wandering—with this list in tow.
The President Heads
WHERE: Behind the Target off of Sawyer, by I-10.
From Washington Road, turn north on to Sawyer. Cross the railroad tracks, and turn left as if you’re entering the shopping center for Target. On your left you’ll see warehouses. Turn left into the last driveway—you should be able to glimpse giant busts of Roosevelt and other notable presidents from the road.
WHAT: A parking lot full of 15 foot high busts of the presidents. Just hanging out. And a two story tall statue of the Beatles. And a GIGANTIC plaster telephone.
WHY: This is the best kept secret in Houston (shhh! Don’t tell!). Artist David Addicks is famous for his oversized plaster statues (most notably, the Sam Houston statue on I-45), which he makes out of this tucked-away studio. I believe the statues are waiting to be moved to some kind of park, but for now you can find them in this surreal-y bland parking lot. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Bring your cameras!
PRICE: FREE!
The Gem room at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
WHERE: HMNS is in Hermann Park. Best entrance for me—take Bissonet/Binz to Caroline, and turn right. Caroline takes you straight into the park, past the museum. Once inside, go up the stairs and to the right. The Gem room is INSIDE the larger gem exhibit.
WHAT: Soothing music (think Pachebel’s Canon). A dark room, lit only by the light shining out of a dozen dazzling pieces of jewelry. Sapphire pendants. Emerald earrings. Amethyst necklaces that seem to float in the air. A broach worn by Catherine the Great.
WHY: Seriously, this is a great place to lose yourself, or maybe a great place to make a wedding proposal. Either way, it’s worth a trip.
PRICE: Admission is $15, but for that you get the whole museum. Also, Tuesdays after 2pm it’s free.
The Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. statues in Hermann Park
WHERE: Hermann Park, across from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, near the Chinese Gazebo
WHAT: Bronze statues of the great leaders.
WHY: Because you can take a picture holding Gandhi’s hand, or high-fiving MLK. Why not? Actually, this little visited part of the park has a few treasures—a beautiful-smelling rose garden, an even better smelling spice garden, and busts of many heroes of Central and South Americas history, if that’s your thing. Also, the Chinese gazebo is quite nice.
EXTRA: Actually, there are a LOT of nice things in Hermann Park—it’s worth walking around. One of the other best is the JAPANESE GARDEN—on the other side of the reflecting pool. Definitely unique.
PRICE: FREE!
Goode Co. BBQ—and The Swinging Door
WHERE: Goode Co—Kirby, just south of 59.
The Swinging Door--3818 FM359 Richmond, Texas 77469
281.342.4758
WHAT: BBQ, beans, and beer. What you came to Texas for!
WHY: So, everyone knows Goode Co—so for that reason it’s a must-see on the Houston tour. But The Swinging Door—that, my friends, is WORTH the 40 minute trip out to the “boonies”. I honestly have never in my life eaten such delicious meat. And green beans. And potato salad. Not kidding. Grab some friends and make a night of it.
PRICE: 1 meat and 2 veggies, $11.95. Sandwiches, $5.95. Cheap!
Beer Can House
WHERE: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX 77007
WHAT: A house completely covered in various parts of beer cans. I bet you didn’t know that pull tops make excellent aluminum curtains.
WHY: 1) To contemplate the number of ways you can use a beer can (fence, siding, curtains, decoration…) 2) To contemplate the number of beers that must have been drunk to make this happen. And oh, how it sparkles in the sun!
PRICE: $1 Admission, Open Sat and Sun noon-5pm. Or just go walk by…it’s purty from the outside, too.
The Chapel at the University of St. Thomas
WHERE: University of St. Thomas campus, Montrose area. The Chapel is just off of West Alabama and Yoakum
WHAT: A huge chapel shaped like a large white teepee with a flap pulled back; all in white, black and gray; simple interior; bas reliefs; all natural lighting.
WHY: I know this is a Jewish website, but really, the draw here is the architecture. Forget the Rothko Chapel—walking into the St, Thomas Chapel feels like you’re sneaking behind a giant curtain into a cool, dim cave. And then you can feel all ecumenical!
PRICE: FREE!
Bayou Bend
WHERE: 1 Westcott St., Houston, TX 77007
WHAT: The impressive mansion and gardens of Ima Hogg (yes, that’s her real name!). House tour, garden tour; seasonal events.
WHY: If you can, go in March, when the azaleas are in bloom. Ms. Hogg was famous for her azalea gardens, which burst into various shades of pink only for a few weeks a year. If you can’t, go any bright, sunny day: you get to walk across a skinny wood bridge swinging high above the bayou, wander through luscious gardens with fountains and woodsy paths, and, if you like art history, the house tour is a nice little introduction to American art and artifacts.
PRICE: $3 to tour the grounds, $10 for admission to the house.
La Carafe
WHERE: 813 Congress St, Houston TX 77002
WHAT: An old, small wine bar lit by candlelight!
WHY: Because you’ve always wanted to sip wine in a boho Parisian bar. Actually, this place is better than that, because it’s not pretentious in any way—it’s intimate, quirky, and comfortable, with gigantic overflowing candles to light the place. Perfect for a slow glass of wine and good conversation. It’s believed to be the oldest bar in Houston; the building is from 1847.
PRICE: Cheap. Bring cash.
Hong Kong City Mall
WHERE: 11201 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX
WHAT: An huge Asian food store and Vietnamese mall.
WHY: To feel like you’ve just stepped off the plane in Saigon; to go into another world. Take a right down the long mall hallway and find the dried foods store; there you can sample anything from dried fruit to dried fish to dried meat, in any variety of spices. Load up on rice noodles and bbq duck in the food market. Sample the cool treat of your choice: tapioca tea, fruit ice, Japanese yogurt. Buy some cheap sandals or purses or smiling buddhas!
PRICE: Cheap. Did I say cheap?
