10 Things Not to Miss in Houston, Galveston Island, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Beaumont

top 10 things not to miss in

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1 Houston’s newest must-see venue is now open. Located downtown in the iconic building formerly known as the Barbara Jordan Post Office, POST Houston features a multi-story food hall, large concert venue, and expansive 5-acre rooftop park that offers some of the best skyline views.

2 Breathing new life into the former space occupied by Hotel Alessandra, The Laura Hotel provides guests with luxury, ambience, and a convenient central downtown Houston location. Filled with natural light throughout its 21-stories, the hotel features an expansive pool, sleek lobby bar, and carefully curated calendar of onsite events that provide the perfect setting for your next gathering or getaway.

3 BBQ-loving fans should definitely make a point to visit J-Bar-M Barbecue, a hidden gem in EaDo. Led by Texas pitmaster Willow Villarreal, this hotspot often sells out of its mouthwatering selections daily and features live music every Sunday.

4 Renovations were recently completed on the Grand Galveston, also known as the Queen of the Gulf, reinforcing its position as one of the preeminent destinations in south Texas for leisure and business travel, weddings, meetings, events and exhibitions. Along with a historic legacy, the property features first-class resort amenities, spa facilities, a heated saline pool, entertainment and outstanding cuisine.

5 There’s no shortage of opportunities for seafood satisfaction on Galveston Island. One of the favorites to enjoy is what we locally call a “Boat to Table” day. This day can take many forms – and you don’t need a boat or a fishing pole to indulge! Visit a local seafood market and cook a meal at home or dine at one of Galveston’s MANY seafood restaurants.

6 Before the 1900 storm, Galveston was the second richest city per capita in the United States and was even dubbed the “Wall Street of the South” due to its flourishing banking industry and the retail success of The Strand. Perhaps the island’s most profound historic claim is being the birthplace of the Juneteenth holiday.

7 When you’re in the mood for all things sugary sweet, there’s nowhere better to be than Sugar Land. Relish your favorite kind of dessert, from local bakeries to big-name ice cream shops. Sink your teeth into a slice of lemon mascarpone, carrot, red velvet, or cheesecake as you sip a latte and lounge at Decadent Coffee and Dessert Bar, where all the desserts are made daily, and the delectable brownies, cookies, cake pops, cupcakes, and macarons at The Sweet Boutique Bakery offer even more sugary sweets.

8 Enjoy a fist-pumping night of live music at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in the Woodlands, consistently ranked as one of the “Top 10 Outdoor Amphitheaters in the World,” according to Pollstar magazine. The long list of past performers here includes Jimmy Buffett, Dave Matthews Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Jack Johnson, Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Kenny Chesney.

9 With access to 28 of Texas’s Coastal Birding Trails within a few miles of the city, Beaumont is set on two migratory flyways. Over 250 species can be seen year-round and even more during the spring and fall migration seasons. Grab your binoculars and head to Cattail Marsh and Big Thicket National Reserve to keep your eyes on the skies.

10 Laissez les bon temps rouler, y’all. As the official Mardi Gras Capital of Texas, Beaumont takes their role as festival host very seriously with four-full days of festivities every February. Expect parades, concerts, carnivals, fare food, and surprises.

Sources: Visit Houston, Visit Galveston, Visit Sugar Land, Visit The Woodlands, Beaumont Convention & Visitor Bureau

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