Houston, my home for over 15 years now (off and on). It’s one of those cities that you’ll never see everything but you can dang well try! Let me show you one of my hometowns.
Houston Hot Spots
Karbach Brewery
2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092
On a nice Houston afternoon, you can’t get much better than sitting out a local brewery having a drink with friends, family, or your best furry friends. This Houston brewery not only has great taps, they also have lots of community events such as movie nights and local small business markets. I come here annually for their Christmas events while supporting local dog shelters, food trucks, and other local businesses. If indoor is more your thing, they also have a restaurant you can dine inside.
Foodie Guide
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
7939 Louetta Road, Spring, Texas 77379
Ice cream is a necessary cool-down treat during Texas summers! The strawberry ice cream at Bruster’s is so tasty, my favorite! But what makes it even more special is their doggie sundae for your furry friends. This location in Spring, Texas even has lots of picnic tables and shade to enjoy your ice cold treats while outdoors.
The Burger Joint
2002 N Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77008
There’s nothing like a GREAT burger, but when it comes with queso fries and churro milkshakes the world feels like it’s tilted on a different axis! With two locations in Houston, it can be a challenge to find a seat on their large covered patio during dinner hours. This order-at-the-counter spot is commonly awarded the title of one of the best burgers in Houston – from Zagat to Texas Monthly to The Houston Chronicle. I can almost promise you that you’ll love it!
Le Macaron French Pastries
10611 Fry Rd Suite B2-100, Cypress, TX 77433
During a lazy weekend I found myself in search of those bright, little cookies and found my way to Le Macaron. This cute bakery in the Bridgeland area has tons of tasty treats along with fun flavors of their namesake macarons. I loved each of my choices but did find the staff a bit loud and rude as I tried to enjoy my latte and a good book.
Mo’s Irish Pub
138 Vintage Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77070 and other locations
Mo’s is one of those places you can visit time and time again but for completely different reasons. I love going here to watch a great game while chomping on some super tasty nachos, getting together with friends, and we even had our staff Christmas party here. Their dog-friendly patio and surprisingly good breakfast menu also make for a great start to your day!
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Guide to the Arts
Miller Outdoor Theater
6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 7703
Miller Outdoor Theatre may be one of the greatest gifts to the citizens of Houston! This outdoor venue offers a variety of events, often including free performances from the Houston Grand Opera, Theatre Under the Stars, and the Houston Symphony. There are seats available, or bring a picnic and your lawn chairs for an always free viewing from the huge green hill. I’ve seen many shows here and have loved each and every one of them. You do share free parking with the Houston Zoo, so it can get a bit hectic, just plan accordingly and come early.
Just make sure you put an alarm on your phone and log into the website (linked above) 48 hours before the show to reserve your FREE tickets (up to 4 per person). If you forget, they allow walk-ups 10 minutes before showtime to fill in any empty seats left from the no show ticket holders.
Pet-Friendly Houston Spots
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
7939 Louetta Road, Spring, Texas 77379
Ice cream is a necessary cool-down treat during Texas summers! The strawberry ice cream at Bruster’s is so tasty, my favorite! But what makes it even more special is their doggie sundae for your furry friends. This location in Spring, Texas even has lots of picnic tables and shade to enjoy your ice cold treats while outdoors.
Karbach Brewery
2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092
On a nice Houston afternoon, you can’t get much better than sitting out at a local brewery having a drink with friends, family, or your best furry friends. This Houston brewery not only has great taps, they also have lots of community events such as movie nights and local small business markets. I come here annually for their Christmas event and Pictures with Santa while supporting local dog shelters, food trucks, and other local pet-friendly businesses. I bring a blanket or pillow for Ellie, water, and snacks.
Plus Size Shopping Guide
As a plus-size person, finding size-inclusive clothing can take time and patience. If you’re a local plus-size girlie or just stopping by the city, let me show you some of the more local places I’ve found success!
Suburban Girl
16726 Huffmeister Rd D200, Cypress, TX 77429
I love a good size-inclusive, local boutique where everyone can find something! In the Northwest Houston area of Cypress, you can find this plus-size friendly women’s clothing and accessory store. They have clothing that can be both casual or professional wear, which helps stretch your dollar, because boutique prices are quite high. When I wore this new red top to last week’s staff meeting, I got tons of compliments, and I really appreciated the quality of the garment. Just another way my Monthly Travel Goals have helped me find some neat places in this city!
Houston Hikes
One of my favorite things to do in Houston is hike (walk) at some of the wonderful parks. Our outdoor seasons are a bit opposite here in Houston because of the heat! I find myself outdoors more from September – June, as July and August can be dangerously hot, especially for my rescue pup, Ellie. Most years our winters are mild enough to continue being outdoors, as long as it’s not raining. Below you’ll find our vlogs from some of my favorite pet-friendly hikes in the Houston area.
Buffalo Bayou – Eleanor Tinsley Park
18-3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
If you want to get outdoors but really feel as if you’re in the city of Houston, Texas then Buffalo Bayou is the spot to explore on foot with miles of trails. Buffalo Bayou, the river running through the main downtown area of Houston, stretches for over 50 miles with a watershed of 500 square miles. Within the area are tons of trails, including those at designated Eleanor Tinsley Park. The trails are often busy during weekends and before/after work hours but very dog-friendly. There’s also art installations along many of the trails and the very interesting Houston Police Officers’ Memorial. Click on the title for more information about the different trails and things to see.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Houston has seen unprecedented heat in the last few years. Even in the “winter” months, humans and pets will need to stay hydrated as water sources are limited in this area.
Note: Parking can be a challenge during busy times and weekends. So, allow time for parking if meeting friends. In addition, the park hosts many large events like the July 4th Freedom Over Texas Celebration that include massive road closures (including parking lots), so be sure to check their event schedule before heading over.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024
Some of the best-kept nature trails in the city are at the Houston Arboretum. This dog-friendly spot is full of natural tree cover and has two different turtle ponds. It’s great for bird watchers and bat enthusiasts too. I enjoy coming here with Ellie (my dog), my hiking group, or just myself (I feel very safe here). At times you can hear a train pass by or the rush of Galleria traffic off of 610 but most of the noise comes from insects and birds living their best lives alongside so many other Houstonians.
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
440 Wilchester Blvd., Houston, TX 77079
I love a city with balance. Literally across the street from one of the busiest shopping and dining spaces in Houston (City Centre), right off Sam Houston Tollway, is a nature preserve protected by the Houston Audubon Society. I got to explore the trails with a local hiking group, Fat Girls Hiking, and we had so much fun. The organization works hard to maintain these really nice, easy trails and it really does feel like you’ve escaped the city for a few minutes. Edith bequeathed her 17.5 acres and log cabin to Houston Audubon. Though I’m sad they don’t allow dogs, I’m glad that nature continues to thrive in this small part of such a huge city.
Annual Events Not to Be Missed
A Christmas Story Market and Movie
Karbach Brewery – 2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092
“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid!” One of the most iconic Christmas movie lines and the taste of my favorite holiday brew from Karbach’s Brewery. It’s just not Christmas if I haven’t driven down to this local spot around I-10 and 610 for their market and movie night. I’ve gone solo and I’ve gone with family, both times great! I always bring Ellie so we can get her pictures with Santa, do some shopping, and then relax with one of our favorite holiday classics.
For about $20-30 you get one of their event mugs and 3 drink tokens. They have some pints as well, but you have to get their early to grab one!
Having the Happiest of Holidays in H-Town
A Christmas Story Market and Movie
Karbach Brewery – 2032 Karbach Street, Houston, TX 77092
“You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out, Kid!” One of the most iconic Christmas movie lines and the taste of my favorite holiday brew from Karbach’s Brewery. It’s just not Christmas if I haven’t driven down to this local spot around I-10 and 610 for their market and movie night. I’ve gone solo and I’ve gone with family, both times great! I always bring Ellie so we can get her pictures with Santa, do some shopping, and then relax with one of our favorite holiday classics.
Holiday Lights at City Hall
901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Leave it to the mayor’s office to create beautiful displays around City Hall during the holidays. Stroll among the sidewalks with TONS of twinkle lights in the trees or grab some photos in front of the giant Christmas tree or other sponsored lights, like the pictured Reliant Energy ornament. Usually this busy downtown area calms down at night and you can find free parking right along the streets in this area so you can enjoy a few fun moments to wander and capture a few holiday photos.
Just be aware of your surroundings as some people sleep on the benches surrounding the reflection pond. Since it’s a time of year where giving is central, consider bringing some snacks, gift cards, or toiletries for those you might meet that could use a holiday blessing or two.
Houston Travel Guide
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