Moving from Chicago to Houston: What to do when visiting? (Kirby: homes, neighborhoods)

[MidwestFlat]

Hi everyone!

First, I must say that I love this forum. Very informative. Very funny, too.

My boyfriend and I are considering a move from Chicago to Houston. We're planning a weekend visit within the next 6 weeks. What should we do while in Houston to get a good feel for the area(s)?

I don't necessarily mean visiting museums or things of that nature, although that'd be nice, but more of where to drive (I get the traffic thing, I really do) and places to see or visit. We'll be looking for a home eventually but not right away. He'll be moving first while I complete graduate school.

Just a little background: we're in our early 30's, I'm black, he's biracial, looking for an area that's diverse (which shouldn't be a problem from what I've read here). We've narrowed in on the Houston area for the lower cost of living, large number of companies, and weather. We're both active and like martial arts, tennis, running, etc. In Chicago, we can be Netflix homebodies during the winter, but are out all the time in the summer....all 2 months of it!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[westres1]

Take a run thru Memorial park, shop/lunch at Rice Village and take a run around the Rice Univ.track, take in an outdoor play of symphany at the Miller Outdoor Theater.
Visit the Galeria and the Water wall behind it, stopping for ice cream from the outdoor vendors.
Have an old fashioned cocktail at the Anvil on Montrose and window shop at the vintage/antiques stores nearby.

[Thaskateguy]

Sun screen, and a good straw hat. 90 something today, and humid as you know what.

[crbcrbrgv]

I say park over by Spaghetti Warehouse and eat there. Obviously you wouldn't be going there for the food as it is basically the same stuff Olive Garden serves, but rather for the location and the ambiance. Spaghetti Warehouse is located by the bayou, you get a great view of the downtown skyline and you are close to the light rail. You can take the light rail to Hermann Park. This area is the most interesting part of Houston as it has museums, a zoo, paddle boats, a Japanese garden and obviously, a beautiful park. The Medical Center is just south of Hermann Park. The Medical Center is very large with a lot of interesting architecture. It's a great area to get lost in. As a Chicagoan, if I were single I would live in Midtown near the light rail.

[Oildog]

I lived in Chicago and would agree, Midtown or Upper Kirby/River Oaks are the closest your going to get. In Houston where you live is highly dependent on where you work.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by crbcrbrgv

Obviously you wouldn't be going there for the food as it is basically the same stuff Olive Garden serves, but rather for the location and the ambiance.

Think of it as an Olive Garden with character, which makes it just different enough from an Olive Garden.

[pach84]

To walk around and stroll, I would go to the Rice University/West University area.

To look at neighborhoods, I would check out Midtown, Montrose, Upper Kirby/River Oaks and the Heights. Heights may not have as many restaurants and shops as Oak Park, but some of the homes remind of that area.

The museum district and hermann park area are nice for cultural activities. I recommend the Menil museums.

Memorial park is better suited for working out. Many baseball diamonds, golf course/range, and a wooded 3 mile track. Our own little central park in the middle of the city.

I, too, have lived Chicago before. Miss the culture but the weather...not too much.

For shopping, Galleria has everything. But if you're in the mood for the Melrose feel, go to Montrose off of Westheimer.

[EEstudent]

The one thing that most Houstonians ask visitors is

"What type of Food you like to eat?"

The food variety in Houston is on par with Chicago.

Definately try things that you wouldn't find in Chi-town
such as:
Tex-Mex
Southern cooking
Seafood
Bayou and Lousiana dishes

etc.

[houston-nomad]

Definitely spend a nice afternoon walking around Hermann Park, and bonus points if you take metro rail to or from there, maybe with downtown as the other end of the trip. That's a great idea. Also spend an afternoon/evening enjoying a margarita on a patio in Montrose. Enjoy the vibe. Margaritas on the patio make life good in Houston.