Houston
Houston City Overview
The first thing that strikes a visitor to Houston is the sheer size of the city and metropolitan area. Houston is a city that was built horizontally more than vertically. The city encompasses 634 square miles, and if that doesn’t sound like a lot, consider this … the cities of New York, Boston, Seattle, and Miami could all fit within the confines of Houston, with ample room to spare.
We’ve always enjoyed Houston because of its proximity to the Gulf Coast and all the cultural influences in the city. There’s an active sports culture, and plenty of attractions and diversions for those who don’t have sports on the top of their list. With colleges like Rice University present, there’s a youthful energy here and a lively nightlife scene to match.
A good place to start in Houston is the Sky Lobby of the JP Morgan Chase Tower, Houston’s tallest building. From the 60th floor observation deck, you’ll see just how expansive the area is, along with a view of the Gulf of Mexico in the distance.
Traveling to Houson is relatively easy. Most airports offer non stop service to the city, as it’s a major center for transportation, energy, and government.
A long weekend trip to Houson is just about perfect, factoring in travel times and any excursions to outlying Gulf Coast areas.
The Neighborhood – Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, is located in the Union Station complex in the northwest section of downtown Houston. Since 2000, the ballpark has been a large part of Houston’s skyline and identity.
Downtown Houston is active, bustling, and safe. Theater and arts complexes abound, along with a commercial core, government, and retail. The immediate Minute Maid Park area is centered on Union Station, the hub of Houston’s long association with the railroad industry. There are numerous entertainment options both in the downtown core and adjacent to the ballpark.
The Ballpark
Minute Maid Park opened in 2000, replacing the world famous Houston Astrodome. The ballpark is full of quirks, some interesting and some head scratching. Center field is cavernous, with an uphill slope leading to the outfield wall. On the other hand, left field is a home run hitters paradise, only 315 feet from home plate.
All in all, the ballpark is modern, clean, and enjoyable. A full scale locomotive runs along a track above the left field wall, and a retractable roof covers the ballpark in the event of inclement weather.
Ballpark Tours
Tours of Minute Maid Park and Union Station are offered year around, Mondays through Saturdays at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. It’s a popular tour for Houston visitors, but tickets are readily available on a walk up basis.
Historic Baseball Sites
Houston was granted entry into the National League in 1960, with the 1962 season being the first year of play. Houston civic leaders constructed what amounted to be a temporary stadium in 1960 and 1961, Colt Stadium. For its first three years of existence, the franchise was known as the Houston Colt 45′s.
Colt Stadium was an open air, single decked stadium that was often described by players and fans as the hottest place on earth. Even at night, temperatures were often unbearable. Coupled with Houston humidities and swarms of mosquitoes, watching a game often became an uncomfortable venture.
In 1965, just across the parking lot from Colt Stadium, the Houston Astrodome was built. The franchise changed its monikor to the Astros and the team moved into the new domed stadium, abandoning Colt Stadium. It sat unused for the next five years, serving as a storage area. It was later dismantled and shipped to Mexico, serving as a baseball stadium for a Mexican team. The stadium still survives in Tampico, Mexico as part of a recreation complex. The former site of Colt Stadium is now the north parking lot of the Astrodome and Reliant Stadium, home of the Houston Texans football team.
The Houston Astrodome was the home of the Astros from 1965 to 1999. As baseball’s first domed stadium, it has a special place in history. At one time, the Astrodome was known as the 8th Wonder of the World, as it gave fame to the artificial grass known as astroturf.
The Astrodome is still standing next to Reliant Stadium, hosting the occasional convention and other public events. While Reliant Stadium offers tours, the Astrodome, which is under the same ownership, does not.
Houston Astros Tickets
Attendance is usually very good at Astros games, peaking when the club won the National League pennant in 2005. It’s a good idea to secure tickets in advance, but it is rare when you can’t buy tickets on a walk up day-of-game basis.
Public Transportation
Most visitors rent a car, as Houston is so huge and sprawling. Yet, if you’re confining your visit to the ballpark and downtown area, you can effectively use MetroRail and taxicabs. MetroRail runs between downtown Houston and adjacent neighborhoods, while cabs have a flat $6 fare to go anywhere downtown, including the ballpark.
Bars, Restaurants, and Taverns
We recommend you explore the downtown area and the Rice Village neighborhood. Rice Village in particular is filled with independent stores, restaurants, pubs, and nightlife. It’s adjacent to Rice University, and it’s where our first two choices for Houston beer bars are located.
The Ginger Man: In the heart of the Rice Village neighborhood, The Ginger Man has one of the two best draft beer selections in Houston along with Flying Saucer. There’s an attractive beer garden and a popular happy hour. 5607 Morningside, Houston. Phone: 713-526-2770.
Two Rows Restaurant and Brewery: This small Texas brewpub chain has a well loved location here in Houston. This and The Ginger Man make a perfect 1-2 beer combination in Rice Village. Enjoy them both during an afternoon or evening. 2400 University St., Houston. Phone: 713-529-2739.
Front Porch Pub: This Houston beer scene staple has 42 taps, most of which are interesting and not readily available selections, like Anchor Liberty Ale. 217 Gray, Houston. Phone: 713-571-9571.
Flying Saucer Draft Emporium: With locations throughout the south, this sports bar and draft beer palace packs them in for good food and more tap handles than we’ve seen just about anywhere. If the beer is available in Houston, Flying Saucer probably has it on draft. Located downtown. 705 Main St., Houston. Phone: 713-228-7468.
Little Woodrow’s: Little Woodrow’s is a Houston and Austin based chain with a sports bar theme and emphasis on beer selection. There are over 100 beers available, 30 of which are on tap. We like the Rice Village location with the huge outdoor deck just perfect for socializing with the eye appealing crowd. 5611 Morningside Dr., Houston. Phone: 713-521-2337.
Saint Arnold Brewing: Without a doubt, this is our favorite Saturday afternoon Houston activity. Saint Arnold Brewing, a local microbrewery, offers tours at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, with a beer tasting following the tour. You’ll find the beers on tap at most of the great beer bars listed above, but there’s nothing like actually touring the brewery. Cost is $5 and you’ll get a souvenier glass. We especially like the Texas Wheat and Winter Stout. 2522 Fairway Park Dr., Houston. Phone: 713-686-9494.
