UH's lifestyle and entertainment magazine - by students, for students

This is Houston. Many new places are constantly opening. The old and faithful classics, however, also deserve a spot on your Spring bucket list. From new food experiences to popular spots, this list is a great starting point for a more tried and true, Houston experience.

POST Houston 

I first visited this location last Fall.

It is the former headquarters for the USPS, and inside remains a small area where you can learn more about it. I was blown away by the concept.

POST now houses a huge food court with nearly every cuisine imaginable. No fast-food chains though, so you will probably be trying something new there.

The roof is accessible, and there are beautiful, walkable gardens on top. If you go during a sunset, the view of the Downtown cityscape is truly beautiful and a great photo op.

The atmosphere is bustling. It gives you a very urban Houston experience. It also hosts many events such as farmers’ markets and workshops. It is a must-visit for any Houstonian. Keep in mind parking is tight, but there are lots nearby for free. 

The Museum District

One of the biggest appeals to Houston is the expansive Museum District–only minutes away from the university.

The science museum, the fine arts & contemporary arts museums, the zoo and the health museum all offer free admission days so there’s no excuse not to go. Some museums, for example, the Menil Collection are always free to go to and offer hours of entertainment and culture.

The Museum District is also home to Hermann Park and the Japanese Garden. Hermann Park is particularly great for biking, running and walking.

There is also the Miller Outdoor Theater, returning in late March, offering free admissions.

The district offers an unlimited amount of things to do and experience, and it’s a beautiful part of the city. It is a must-visit area.

Discovery Green

In the same vein as Hermann Park, Discovery Green is a great outdoor space for Houstonians. In addition to the nature element, it also offers a large variety of food and cultural events.

They host movie nights, exercise classes and many other events throughout the year. It houses an outdoor stage where live music and movies are played and a lawn for sitting. Outside of the theater area, food trucks and stands, gardens, fountains and a lake all coexist to create a unique ambiance.

Downtown parking aside, it makes for a beautiful, tried and true Houston experience! 

Rice Village

Located directly west of Rice University, this shopping center is unlike any of the others. It is outdoors and in a walkable area.

While they may not boast as many shopping options as the larger malls, Rice Village provides a smaller, cozier area for a shorter visit. The atmosphere is busy, but not “mall busy,” so you can take your time in the area. It’s great for visiting for a couple of hours.

The main attraction of the village is the restaurants. Tiger Noodle House is a personal favorite. It promises affordable Chinese food in a comfy atmosphere. Alongside Asian food, there are American, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican and French options as well.

Beyond the cuisines, the shopping is on the expensive side. The most affordable options are Crossroads Thrift Store and Bath and Body Works. Admittedly, it is a higher-end shopping plaza with options like Lululemon, Altar’d State and Sephora. Still, it is worth a visit or two.

It’s also very close to Hermann Park–the perfect opportunity to do both in a day.

Note: Street parking may be difficult during busy hours, but they do offer free, two-hour parking inside their garages.

[email protected]

About the Author

Related Posts

The holidays put so much stress on everyone. From trying to get the right ingredients to make...

November and December are the official holiday months–reserved for family, friends and...

As Thanksgiving approaches, many girlies come together to celebrate their gratitude for...