CITY DESIGN TOUR: HOUSTON

Houston, we have a design tour! Famous for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this bustling city is also home to a vibrant arts scene and architectural gems. As America’s fourth largest city with the third largest skyline, Houston is a prime example that everything IS bigger in Texas. Before you head to Houston, check out our top picks!
 

Hotel ZaZa

Hotel ZaZa is a self-described “unexpected feast for the senses.” From the vibrant lobby to concept suites, guests are wowed by the attention to detail given to every inch of this design-forward hotel. Whether you prefer the extravagant “Rock Star” suite or the “Houston We Have a Problem” guest room with its life-size astronaut, each room provides luxury amenities and a unique theme.  hotelzaza.com

Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

With its impressive eight-story columns and Italian marble exterior, Jones Hall has been dazzling visitors since 1966. This historic theater was designed with the unique ability to customize its acoustics for different types of performances. The ceiling is comprised of 800 hexagonal segments that allow it to be easily raised and lowered. Among other accolades, the building won the American Institute of Architects’ Honor Award in 1967. Today, you can book a performance with the Houston Symphony or Society for the Performing Arts!
houstonfirsttheaters.com/Jones-Hall

Blacksmith

Since 2013, Blacksmith has been serving up specialty coffee and quality food in the creative community of Montrose. For breakfast, try their signature Vietnamese steak and eggs! Coffee lovers can also sign up for hands-on classes to learn about espresso, brewing and latte art. blacksmithhouston.com.br

 

Houston Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Contemporary Art

Boasting a collection of over 64,000 compositions, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest museums in the United States. Art enthusiasts can explore an impressive collection of exhibitions from across the globe. While you are in the Museum District, you can also take a short walk to the Contemporary Arts Museum. The highly recognizable steel building was designed by award-winning architect, Gunnar Birkerts, and is the home to an impressive inventory of modern and contemporary art. bmfah.org/bos/ballpark/ camh.org/bos/ballpark/

Caracol

Visit Caracol for an authentic taste of Mexico right in the heart of Houston’s Galleria area. Chef Hugo Ortega’s upscale menu of responsibly sourced seafood takes guests on a culinary tour of the Mexican coasts. With aquatic-themed art gracing the walls, the restaurant’s interior is a tribute to the country’s beauty and rich culture. Make a reservation or stop in during happy hour to try eclectic cocktails, ceviche and the oyster bar! caracol.net

La Carafe

Located in one of Houston’s oldest buildings, La Carafe keeps things simple and offers guests a choice of wine or beer. What the bar lacks in selection, it makes up for in charm and ambiance. The tiny, candle-lit interior makes La Carafe the perfect spot for a quiet night with good friends. Over time, simple structural changes have allowed the building to remain open for nearly 170 years! owlnet.r.edu.edu

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