I miss traveling so much. I think everyone has the same sentiments who used to travel all the time before the pandemic. It was my priority to visit at least 3 different countries a year. Some people do even more, and I admire that and hope to become that. To make it happen, I SOLD MY CAR. I am committed to making experiencing different spaces and cultures a priority. It feeds my creativity and wellbeing. We are the creative designers of our own lives. This is how I want my life to look. Going to Houston for the weekend affirmed this to me.
I loved Houston. The open space, the long drives, the hospitality. Everything. I am so used to NYC sometimes where we are all so damn compressed and just lacking compassion for each other. A woman rolled down her windows to apologize for rushing me to cross the street because she was trying to turn, meanwhile in NYC… ya’ll already know.
*See the end of the post for a quick list of 8 Houston, TX must-sees to add to your itinerary.
First 24 Hours
I flew JetBlue and landed midday, which was nice so that I could squeeze in something to do in the day time: the downtown aquarium! I have never been to an aquarium, so I was clearly excited to see some fishies and turtles. I had no idea I would see snakes and tigers too though. Aquarium/zoo hybrid? I’m here for it. I stayed there for a while, bouncing around, looking at fish, playing with a tiger. Childish, romantic, and satisfying. I loved it.
Next, I went to dinner at Thirteen, a James Harden restaurant. There’s a hookah lounge side, a dining room, and a nightclub in the basement. She gives you the full 360 experience. 10/10, loved the food, the drinks were delicious, and everyone who attended to me was extremely hospitable. It was an upscale feeling at a decent price.
After dinner, I realized that the night was indeed still young. Warning: lounges/restaurants here are strict about their dress code, especially for men. I bar hopped looking for the right vibe. Landed at a place playing mostly Latin music. I wanted a bar that was playing reggae and hip hop, but in that Midtown area that I stayed in, I couldn’t find it.
Next 24 Hours
In the morning, I went to have breakfast at Dish Society. THIS PLACE Y’ALL. ADORABLE. Great lattes, great energy, and great food. I didn’t want to change my eating habits in Houston, and they had great options that were gluten free, on the “cleaner” side, and overall their menu had great variety. I tried the Southwest Scramble, Buttermilk Pancake, Brisket and Eggs, Cold Brew, Latte, and yes everything was a 10/10.
After breakfast, I stopped by The Galleria because I were convinced I would find a pair of New Balance there and I was indeed wrong. That mall is HUGE though. Luxury store galore. Maybe next year I’ll take a tip back and pick something up? Idk, just putting that out there for the universe to manifest for me.
Next I went to the Museum of Fine Arts. Museums aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I love them. This one is outrageously big. So everything IS bigger in Texas? I didn’t even get through the entire museum because I was starving by the end of it. Overall, amazing art, demonstrating of different cultures and influences, trippy in some parts, and thoughtful in others: 10/10. The museum also has a cute cafe with delicious pasties and good coffee/lattes/tea.
After the museum, it was time for dinner. I stopped at bellagreen for a gluten free meal. I’m experimenting with a gluten free diet because ya gorl is always bloated. Juicy burger, gluten free bread, crispy fries, tender chicken, and again great hospitality.
Then, it was time for Giveon. The highlight of the trip, the star of the show, and what I was looking forward to the most. I definitely fucked up and got there too late, but I still 20000000% enjoyed. The band was vibrational. I seriously felt it in my chest. His voice is even better in person. His skin is even more plush in person. Live music is such a beautiful experience.
That night, I got wine and snacks. Laughed about love, experiences, traveling, and lived in my appreciation of being able to have such experiences.
Next morning I went back to Dish Society, stayed for a few hours before my flight, and head back to NY. Honestly, this trip was too short. Yet, it was full of love, laughter, and pure enjoyment. The second I got back, I realized that the COVID rates in NYC were blowing up. Traveling may need to be postponed for a little bit, but 48 hours anywhere but here is enough to give me perspective on all that is possible.
Houston Itinerary Points
- Dish Society- Cafe/Brunch/Breakfast
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Blacksmith- Coffee Shop
- bellagreen- Gluten free restaurant
- The Coffee House at West End
- Post Houston – Foodhall & Shopping
- FAO – Adult Arcade
- Thirteen – Upscale Restaurant/Lounge
[…] can then you should. Maybe try Houston? I loved it there and had so many joyous thoughts through my itinerary. The point is to remove yourself from your regular environment and ask yourself if you believe in […]