Located in Texas, Houston is the ninth largest city in the United States. The city has a total area of 637 square miles (1,651 km2). The majority of the city is located in Harris County, with small portions in Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Houston is home to numerous sports teams and events, including the Astrodome, Toyota Center, and BBVA Compass Stadium. Houston also boasts a number of minor leagues and three professional women’s leagues.
The food scene is thriving in Houston, with many award-winning restaurants popping up around town. The New York Post has dubbed the Houston food scene “satisfying.” You can find everything from tantalizing Tex-Mex to down home barbecue at award-winning restaurants. From fine dining to casual bar & grills, Houston is sure to impress your friends and family. Whatever the occasion, you’ll find the perfect gift in Houston.
Space Montrose is a unique gift shop in downtown Houston, showcasing more than 200 local craftspeople. You’ll find locally made jewelry, candles, clothing, and art prints, and you’ll also find humorous greeting cards that feature Houston’s natural resources. And since Space Montrose is open every day of the week, you’ll never have to wait for your favorite handcrafted item to be delivered to your doorstep. Space Montrose features handmade goods, unique gifts, and even some handmade crafts from around the country.
If art and culture are your passions, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family happy in Houston. The Menil Art Museum features more than 15,000 works of art, and its beautiful campus is surrounded by parks and greenery. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the museum is open until 7 p.m. During the day, visitors can also visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science to learn more about various science and natural phenomena. If you’re looking for a day of family fun, Houston is the perfect destination.
The Health Museum in downtown Houston features fascinating exhibits on the human body. This museum is perfect for kids who enjoy science and art. The museum is open seven days a week and is free. And you can even take your kids on a special trip to the museum if you’d like to meet the artists and learn about their fascinating stories. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend, Cactus Music is a great choice. Its diverse collections include rare vinyl and cassette tapes.
The city’s growing aerospace industry helped spur Houston’s development in the mid-20th century. In 1961, NASA opened the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) and renamed it Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center to further the aerospace industry in Houston. The Astrodome, nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, opened as the first indoor domed sports stadium in 1965. It is now the fourth largest city in the United States.
The area around the city is serviced by four spoke tollways. The Katy Freeway provides access to the northwest Houston suburbs, while the Hardy Toll Road follows Interstate 45 north of Downtown up to Spring. The Westpark Tollway serves the western suburbs of Houston, and the Fort Bend Parkway links to Sienna Plantation. The Westpark Toll Road is operated by the Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority. As of January 2016, Chris Brown, the city controller, is serving his first term.