Houston area/Any ideas?

[CPM]

We are traveling to Houston for the Super Bowl!
We had to book Friday through Tuesday, so we are there a few days. can anyone give me some ideas about what to do? I got excited because there was a Six Flags but I guess it's closed this time of year.
We are staying in the Pearland area, it was the only hotel I could find. I hope the area is okay. We will have a car. Is it worth it to travel to San Antonio for a day? Thanks for any and all ideas! GO PATRIOTS!!!!

BTW, what's the weather like in Hosuton?

 

[Rajah]

Pearland area is a fairly nice area. Much better than closer to the Superbowl, actually.

San Antonio is at least 4 hours away from Houston, more like 5 from Pearland. You *can* do a day trip over there, but I never have liked to because of how long of a day it would make. The few times we go to San Antonio, it's typically for a weekend. If you don't mind the looooong drive, San Antonio is great.

 

[Lisa F]

Hi there!

I lived in houston for a few years (a couple of years in Houston, then we built a house in pearland. It sure seems like pearland has built up a LOT since we left, I don't think there was a single hotel there when we left 4 years ago!) so hopefully I can give you some ideas.

First of all, I would check out the galleria mall. That thing is wild. I wouldn't expect to buy anything there unless you regularly shop in places like Tiffany & Co but it's still pretty wild. If you like to ice skate, there is a skating rink there.

I wouldn't be too disappointed about six flags being closed. The last time I went there, it was a real dump. Gum and dirt everywhere, the rides had no theme at all, just long lines. We paid $5 to get in (special event for Enron employees) and felt that we had overpaid.

If you get a chance, try out Goode Company BBQ. I think they have a few locations but the "main" one is on Kirby Drive (I think it's drive, the Kirby part is right!). They have the BEST bbq! It looks like it's in a barn and you can smell the smoking meats from blocks away. It's also located in pretty close proximity to the complex previously known as the "astrodome" so it should be pretty convenient.

Houston also has some pretty decent museums, if you are into that kind of thing. Their natural history museum is pretty neat (I went to a christmas party there once!) and I used to freqent the museum of fine arts.

Of course, you don't want to miss NASA ("houston, we have a problem!"). They have a pretty good sized visitor's center there and it's on the same side of town as Pearland is. We always brought visitors there.

San Antonio is great for a visit too, but it probably is a bit far for a day trip. They have a sea world, but it's seasonal like six flags is. Riverwalk there is also really neat. The drive there is really boring because there is literally NOTHING between the major texas cities.

As far as the weather, it's hot and humid. This time of year it's probably about like southern florida. We never had any trouble acclimating to weather in Orlando when we lived in houston!

Hope that helps some.

Lisa

 

[CPM]

Thanks Tammi
I feel better about Pearland now. You never know when you are booking these things. The pictures of the hotel look nice.
I'm not into that long of a drive. What about any other surrounding cities? Anything really special you suggest right in Houston?

 

[marypopfan]

There is a really huge outlet mall called Katy Mills. It also has a Bass Pro shop and a Rainforest Cafe.

 

[Rajah]

Actually, technically, NASA doesn't have a visitor's center any more. It's now a completely separate place called Space Center Houston, which costs a bit to get into (personally, I think it's a little over-priced, but it's still neat to visit if you're into the space program). There are tours that will take you on NASA property, but you can't just go on NASA property on your own any more.

I'm not sure if the Goode Company BBQ are still around. I know there used to be one in Pearland, and it's now a different BBQ company (or the 3rd or 4th one) and not that great.

I personally love the Museums and think Houston has one of the best Natural History museums outside of the Smithsonian.

Galveston isn't that great in my opinion, but it's a big hit for some people and would be closer to Pearland than Katy Mills Mall, and there's a new Rainforest Cafe in Galveston that also has a river raft ride that is pretty fun.

 

[Planogirl]

You might just want to take a drive into Galveston depending on where your interests lie. The beach is disappointing but there are some attractions there that might interest you including the tall ship Elissa, the LONG ferry ride, Moody Gardens, tour homes and so on. The Kemah/Seabrook area can be fun too if the weather is nice. By the way, don't let the highways turn you off. Houston does not have the prettiest freeways and construction is normal at any time.

You might want to check into events too. Houston is heavily into festivals and other events which is something I really miss. The time of year might be bad for that though.

Here is a link that might help. Super Bowl Visitor's Guide

 

[Kirby]

Kemah's Boardwalk is nice. It's been awhile since we were there (1999) but the kid's really enjoyed it.

Moody Gardens is nice too. The aquarium and the indoor garden area are my favorites.

I second what Rajah said about the Museum of Natural History.

 

[4greatboys]

Welcome to Pearland!!! My hometown for the past ** years, lol.
I think a trip to San Antonio would be doable. It only takes us 3 or 3.5 hours to get there. Sea World is cool and Fiesta Texas is fun too but Im not sure of the winter hours. I think you would enjoy the Riverwalk.
The weather here is great right now. About in the 40's a night and warmer in the day time--high 50's. I think a day trip to Galveston would be fun. They have a Rainforest cafe there with a raft ride and would be neat to go to the Strand.
The Kemah boardwalk has some great resturants and neat little train ride and ferris wheel.

 

[Lisa F]

I know goode co is still around because I know someone who was there last week (at least the one on kirby, but i think there is one in katy as well). When we were in pearland there was never one there, so I can't speak to when they might have been there. There are other bbq places around, but goode co is the best we found. I'm sure nasa was set up that way when we were there too, I didn't mean you could just stroll on nasa property and look around . DH is a space nut and we have always lived near a NASA... he was stationed at Langley (where NASA langley is) and then we lived in Houston and now we are living near Goddard in greenbelt, MD.

 

[TigerBear]

Oh, tell me Goode Company on Kirby still lives!! The place is always so crowded I can't imagine it ever going away. The BBQ is great - even if the setting leaves alot to be desired. Even my non-American boyfriend was impressed!

I agree with all of the recommendations above. My favorites in the area are The Museum of Natural History (especially the IMAX theater and butterfly exhibit), Kemah Boardwalk, and The Galleria. The aquarium at Moody Gardens is good - they also have a 3D IMAX. The new Aquarium restaurant in downtown Houston is also fun - if only for the unsettling feeling of riding a ferris wheel in Downtown! I also like Rice Village - for shopping and dining (especially the tappas bar and the Indian restuarant).

San Antonio is great - but I would plan on spending the night. Sea World and the Riverwalk are awesome. (BTW, you are missing absolutely nothing by Astroworld not being open).

Pearland is considered the 'burbs - atleast by those of us living in the city. IMHO, there is little to do there - but the commute to the stadium should be fairly painless.

If you have small children, I hear the Children's Museum is supposed to be one of the best in the country.

Have fun in Houston! I actually like it much more than I expected too!

 

[CPM]

Thanks so much for the great ideas!!! I knew I came to the right spot.
4 great boys, I'm book marking you! LOL If Im stuck, I might just email you.
I hope it warms up a bit, I don't even think I own a coat! <G>

 

[4greatboys]

CMP--I would be be more than happy to help you out. Its not really coat weather here in the day time. Im usually out in short sleeves or if its a bit more chilly then I do wear long sleeves. Depending on how chilly its going to get you might be able to ge away with a sweat shirt at night.
Who all is included in your party?? Maybe we could have a little mini meet at one of our local resturants. You guys are coming here at a good time. Our little town has had a big groth explotion and we have many resturants here now compared to the McDonalds and Whataburger we used just have

 

[CPM]

Deena (4greatboys)
Check your PM.
Glad I went back to this thread!

 

[4greatboys]

Got it Cheryl--sent you one back

 

[joyjoy]

I live in League City, a little farther south of Pearland and a little closer to Galveston. You people planning on a Pearland get-together oughta go to Gringo's. Not fancy, but a great Mexican restaurant.

I think Kemah is a good idea for an afternoon, and Galveston is good for a day. Shopping on the Strand is kinda fun. Having moved here from San Antonio, I think it's very much worth the drive. It's not 5 hours... it takes me about 3.5 and I'm 20 miles south of Houston. Space Center Houston is quite cool - I always take visitors there and they love it and I never get tired of it. There are discount coupons available at Kroger, I think.

Houston's Museum District is great. Not just the Children's Museum and the Museum of Natural History, but the Fine Arts Museum is quite good, also. They are all right there near Hermann Park and the Zoo, so there ya go. If you want nightlife, a big portion of Main Street in Downtown has been spruced up and lookin' good (Light rail trains in operation now) with outdoor cafes and shops. Westheimer (Galleria area) will also give you many club/restaurant options.

Plus, we had the MOST gorgeous day today. 72°, cloudless blue sky and a slight breeze.

Welcome to Houston!

melanie