"Delicious Brunch or Vintage Cocktails at Down House Open daily from 9 a.m.until late in the evening, Down House is known for its brunch, extensive drink and cocktail menu, and otherwise great food and atmosphere. On Tuesdays, all classic cocktails are $3 off, and on Mondays, all wines by the bottle are half price. For brunch, it's hard to go wrong, but the pork hash and biscuits and gravy are favorites."

"The Menil Collection—so named because the worksonce belonged to philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil—is perhaps the most famous museum in Houston. The main collection alone features works by titans like Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Odilon Redon, and Pablo Picasso. Also of note: the Cy Twombly Gallery, the Dan Flavin installation, and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel. There are also a variety of parks and outdoor sculptures located around the museum. The main building is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Oh, and if you get hungry, Bistro Menil is a fantastic spot to grab a bite."

"The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation For an authentic Houston experience, head to the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation, where the food is always top-notch and the longtime servers are revered as rock stars. With chef Alex Padilla at the helm, you can expect everything from handmade tamales and grilled octopus salad to mole grilled salmon and oven-roasted chicken enchiladas. Don’t miss the tacos al carbon with a margarita on the side—both are legendary with locals.Grab a patio seat and see who you see—it's not unusual to notice a celebrity or two.Houston has a booming Tex-Mex scene, and Ninfa’s can show you why in a single bite."

"Have a Picnic at Menil Park This shaded park near the University of St. Thomas is right next to The Menil Collection. The park is very shaded and nestled between streets lined with classic 1920s bungalow houses. This place really captures Houston !"

"Taste Houston's Culinary Story at Underbelly Underbelly, still under the same management and led by the same chef, is now called Southern Smoke. Chef Chris Shepherd has described Houston as, "the most secretive and dynamic culinary destination in the country," and he incorporates that belief in to each and every dish that he creates at Underbelly. Receiving inspiration from Houston's century-long history in both agriculture and as a port city, Chris shares his passion for flavors and fresh, seasonal ingredients, with the world."

"Don't Miss Rice Village Just next to Rice University, there is a shopping district called Rice Village, or just "The Village," which covers about a 16-block area and includes more than 300 shops, bars, and restaurants. You'll find a mix of national chains like Urban Outfitters and Half-Price Books, along with lots of local boutiques. Don't miss Rice Village!"

"Grillades, Grits, and Gumbo Helmed by Chef Danny Trace, a New Orleans native whose resume includes stints at Commander's Palace and Cafe Adelaide, Brennan's is the kind of place you go to for well-executed classics: Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp and Grits, Gulf Fish Pontchartrain. But should you happen to venture into less predictable territory, you'll be just as pleased. Still, every meal should end with bananas foster prepared tableside."

"El Big Bad Margarita Bar and Kitchen Like tequila? Then you’re going to love El Big Bad Margarita Bar and Kitchen. This “gastro-cantina” located in downtown Houston’s Market Square is a must-try spot thanks to its infused tequilas, fresh juice margaritas, and Mexican eats. The drink menu includes a pineappleandhibiscus margarita (tequila infused with pineapple and hibiscus, plus lemon, lime juice, and agave), the Champ #3 (cranberry- and churro-infused tequilas, agave, and fresh lemon and lime), and El Mule (ginger beer, fresh lime, and choice of infused tequila). On the food side, expect nachos, Gulf shrimp tacos, and stacked enchiladas. There’s also a booming happy hour and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m."