Houston is a city that I haven't spent a lot of time in, the last trip I had planned there before moving to Texas was canceled due to Hurricane Harvey. So I took my motorcycle and headed north towards Austin trying to outrun the rain. But on a recent trip to cover the Mecum Auto Auctions, I decided to explore more of the city and planned a trip to take in more of what the city had to offer.
Below is my quick guide of where to stay, what to eat, and what to do for a weekend in Houston.
Where to stay:
Hotel Alessandra:
I had been booked into the Hotel Alessandra, that was recently rated one of Texas Monthly's best hotels in Texas. The luxury property in the heart of downtown is part of the Valencia Hotel Group which has several properties in Texas. The room was large and well-appointed with an oversized soaking tub tucked away behind a folding room divider the decore is eclectic with a mix of old-world luxury and modern styling cues. The bar, rooftop pool, full day spa, and fitness center are all top-notch, but its central location and complimentary Maserati Quatrioporte car service should put it at the top of your list.
Where to eat:
Roka Akor:
For fine dining Roka Akor a Japanese Sushi and Robatayaki Steak house, the menu is a contemporary take on classic Japanese dishes as well as exciting Euro-Japanese fusion recipes that offer diners some truly unique. As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in Japan, I am always interested in seeing US restaurants versions of classic Japanese cuisine. I suggest the Omakase if you are looking for a memorable experience. For more check out my complete review on Roka Akor here.
Lucienne Restaurant:
Opening at 6:30 in the morning Lucienne is perfect for breakfast and is located on the second floor of the Hotel Alessandra. The French-inspired breakfast menu offers a lot of great choices, like Croque Madame Crepes, Creme Brulee French Toast, an excellent French Omelet. They also offer lunch, dinner, a full bar, and a private dining room.
Grub Burger Bar:
Famous for their shakes, burgers, and full bar, Grub Burger Bar is a great place for a fun laid back dining experience. Not in the mood for a burger? They have a full menu of salads, bowls, and fish to choose from. The Chips and Chorizo Queso are a meal on their own, the California Chicken Sandwich is also a winner, but if you do go for a burger I recommend the You're My Boy Blue burger. With three locations in Houston, there is likely a Grub not far from wherever you are.
What to do:
Houston Police Museum:
Located on the first floor of the Houston Police Department headquarters, the museum includes vintage squad cars, motorcycles, Thompson Machine Guns, and several exhibits from the department's history. Admission is free, but you do have to go through security.
8th Wonder Brewery | Distillery:
Tucked way in East Downtown, 8th Wonder is a great place to grab a drink, depending on the time of year they have several seasonal brews to choose from. I enjoyed one of their year-round beers dubbed "Rocket Fuel" a rich dark Porter infused with Vietnamese Coffee. In the taproom for $15, you get three beer tokens and a souvenir glass. If you want to save three dollars you don't have to get the glass.
Houston Museum District:
If you are a museum buff like me, you will love the Houston Museum District, with nineteen separate museums including the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Czech Center Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of African American Culture, The Houston Zoo,
and The Museum of Fine Arts. Many of the museums offer free admissions on select days, for the full list of museums, special events, and free admissions days CLICK HERE.
Space Center Houston:
Space Center Houston is one of the area's top attractions. , the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate. The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, interactive displays, and films. Adult tickets are $29.95 with discounts for children and seniors.
Art Car Museum:
The Art Car Museum is a private institution dedicated to contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum for local, national and international artists with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts, and artists that are rarely, if ever, acknowledged by other cultural institutions. The museum’s goal is to encourage the public’s awareness of the cultural, political, economic and personal dimensions of art. Admission is free.
Sporting Clays and Trap & Skeet Shooting:
Located just 30 minutes east of downtown American Shooting Centers offers several shooting activities and classes on their 563-acre shooting park. They offer everything from beginners courses to letting experienced shooters just head out to the range. If you have any questions the team at the pro shop is very helpful.
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