Destination: Summer Lovin’ in Houston, Galveston, Beaumont and The Woodlands

Houston

The fun never stops in Houston, and neither does development! New restaurants, bars, and attractions open up year-round in H-Town. Here’s what new:

Described as the “ultimate dining experience like no other,” The Blue Onyx Bistro combines seafood, steak and sushi in a sophisticated atmosphere. The bar area offers plenty of space with televisions to watch any sporting game. The dining room area is big, but cozy, with a striking wine cellar on display. Blue Onyx Bistro is great for work lunches, post-work drinks and large groups.

Another new restaurant, The Cottonmouth Club, feels like a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Houston. The exposed brick and wood floors draw guests in, and the ambiance is complemented by the daring cocktail menu. Drinks include the Be Mice Elf, which is described as a cold-brew negroni, the You Look at Me Once, You Look At Me Twice, a very cold, off-dry absinthe frappe and the At Least There’s Pretty Lights which is a French 75 with strawberry and rosé.

Galveston

Time to bust out your bathing suit and sunscreen – it’s beach season! And no beach is more fun and relaxing than Galveston Island.

With 32 miles of gorgeous beaches, fabulous restaurants, resort hotels, shopping, antique stores, art galleries, entertainment and one of the biggest and well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country, Galveston Island is a laidback, tropical getaway without the costly price tag of most beach destinations.

Be sure to check out Seawall Urban Park on your stay. Thanks to a recent renovation project that added 15 blocks of sand, this beach park has become a favorite destination of locals and tourists. Looking for activity? The beach includes several outfitters providing paddleboard and personal watercraft rentals, and surfing lessons and more.

Beaumont

Visitors travel great distances to enjoy Beaumont’s outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, birding, paddling and even holding live alligators. Located on the border of Louisiana (but absolutely Texan), Beaumont enjoys brisket and crawfish.

After almost two years of anticipation, the Holiday Inn Beaumont East Medical Center is open! This $12 million renovation features top-of-the-line facilities and amenities, including new meeting spaces and a spacious boardroom for bookings. The Neches Room seats 150 dinner-style, 150 classroom and 200 theater. The Sabine Room seats 120 dinner, 120 classroom and 175 theater. The Pecos Room is ideal for small meetings, seating 30 dinner, 40 classroom and 100 theater.

The Woodlands

With 28,000 acres of stunning views and loads of activities, The Woodlands features something for everyone.

The Woodlands is known for its picturesque scenery and delicious food, which is why two of the most popular things to do in The Woodlands are culinary tours and hiking. Explore the many nature and hiking trails, enjoy a boat ride down The Waterway, or head to a concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. This enormous amphitheater was voted number two in the world and has fantastic shows year-round.

Sources: Visit Houston, Galveston.com, Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit The Woodlands
Author Lisa Hope is a writer and editor based in Gainesville, Fla.
Photo credit: 
©iStock.com/seanpavone

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