Houston TX advice please

[Barry Izbak]

Any of you NSCers been to Houston Texas?

I am thinking of going at the end of August and staying downtown, but some of the reviews I have read say downtown is dead, some contradict this.

I have just been round Borders and Waterstones and there are no guide books. The net is ok, but I'm looking for someone who has been there.

Your help is appreciated

 

[JBizzleBeard]

Afraid I never stayed long enough in Houston to be able to pass on any info to ya, BUT Austin is a lovely place with the best live music and great, friendly atmosphere especially down 6th Street. Love the place. Hope Houston goes well for ya though, i'm sure its sound as a pound!

 

[Superseagull]

Houston is not a city I would go to out of choice. There is very little character to it with everything looking like it was built in the last 30 years (which I suppose it has!). I go there for business quite a bit, but stay out of town as thats where our offices are. Traffic is awful with zero public transport so without a car your stuffed. At this time of year you'll sweat your nuts off in the humidity. I'd maybe spend a day or two there out of interest as a tourist and see NASA space centre, otherwise there are better places in Texas to spend your time and money.

 

[Barry Izbak]

Thanks guys.

Could this possibly explain why there is simply no such thing as a Houston guide book?

 

[clippedgull]

This link may help if you are looking for a book.

Amazon.co.uk: Houston - Texas: Books

I did an overnighter in Houston and the Johnson Space Centre is well worth a visit if you are even remotely interested in NASA/Space

 

[Barry Izbak]

Yeah, thanks I found that too, but I was hoping to pick one up in town this afternoon, so I could judge whether to book the trip. Also I wanted something more up to date than these books seem to be at Amazon

 

[johnhammond]

I was there last summer and the town is pretty dull (we seemed to be driving for hours through the suburbs into and out of the city)/scary (large parts need to be avoided!). Downtown was interesting, but only for so long! I'd recommend staying on the coast at Galveston (or nearby) if you want to be in the area - close enough to visit the town/NASA, but a more pleasant area (and the sea breeze can be a bit of a lifesaver in the summer!).

Austin is indeed nicer (but not on a Sunday, zzzzzz...).

 

[Barry Izbak]

I should have mentioned that the only reason for going is the three games the Cardinals have with the Astros, so I need to be near enough the ballpark.
It sounds like downtown Houston is about as dull as Phoenix or St Louis itself.

Sensible head says "don't bother" but......

 

[clippedgull]

try this, Summer 2008 Visitor Guide in PDF

http://www.visithoustontexas.com/EnglishHVG.pdf

also Visit Houston Texas - Tourism, Houston Events, Special Offers, Info & More! - Greater Houston CVB is the Official Tourist Web Site.

 

[Barry Izbak]

or how about this? Surely its a joke, but then look at the price!!!

Amazon.co.uk: 147 Fun Things to Do in Houston: Karen W. Foulk: Books

 

[clippedgull]

or how about this? Surely its a joke, but then look at the price!!!

Amazon.co.uk: 147 Fun Things to Do in Houston: Karen W. Foulk: Books

Bit pricey!!

 

[goldstone]

I lived there for a year, albeit in 1979, but have visited a few times since (always on business), the last time being last year.

Flat, ugly, dull, hot, humid.

Avoid downtown if you're staying for a few days.

If you have to go, the best place to stay in my opinion would be in the Galleria area (Westheimer / Post Oak / Loop 610) to the west of downtown. Plenty of good shops, nice restaurants and entertainment.

 

[Jam The Man]

Fort Worth near Dallas is rather tasty for Steaks and VERY friendly birds...