Beginner's Guide to Houston

Founders of Houston

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Two New York real estate promoters – brothers John Kirby Allen and Augustus Chapman Allen were seeking suitable land and the location to build “a great center of government and commerce”. In August 1835 the brothers purchased just over 6,642 acres (27 square kilometres) of land for $9,428. The brothers had planned for the new city to be named after Sam Houston – most commonly known as the hero of San Jacinto and political figurehead. Houston originally served as a member of the United States Army and in 1812 became acquainted with Andrew Jackson (who was later to become president) and Houston became the congressman of Tennessee from 1823 to 1828) and later the governor from 1828 – 1829.

When Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 he was made Major General for the Army of Texas and he successfully led his troops to fight the Mexicans over Santa Ana and just one year early accomplished a similar feat with the victory of beating the Mexicans at the Alamo.

Capitol of Texas

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When Houston was first founded in 1836 there was a direct line fight between the city and nearby Austin over who would claim the title of state capitol. For a brief period Houston was a temporary stand in as capitol from 1837 to 1839 but it was Austin who became the capitol of Texas which still stands today.

Despite losing this honor, Houston still remains a major city for the country and is at present number 4 in the biggest places throughout the United States to live and work. Houston has a large population due to its outstanding oil industry and being one of the largest ports in the world to transport goods around the globe. In the metropolitan area alone, it is estimated that more than 5.3 million people in this portion of the city – split other 10 counties and a further 2 million people living in other parts of Houston.

Trading in Houston

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In 1901 oil was discovered in Beaumont, Texas and it was decided that a profitable industry could be made from selling the oil supply to other countries. As Houston during this time was still a city on the grow, the find resulted in then president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt approving one million dollars to create the first ship channel for Texas so products such as oil and farming produce could be transported to other locations around the globe quickly and easily and a result of this gesture to the region, Houston has become one of the biggest port locations throughout the entire United States.

Due to the mass oil production that has continued until this day, this resulted in Houston being catapulted up the list of cities with the largest population. It is located 4th place and is only now behind New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. There was more good fortune awaiting Houston a few years later because the first Japanese – American residents that moved to Houston in 1902 founded rice and corn and the very first university was built in 1912 – was accurately named the Rice University. Just two years later, President Woodrow Wilson opened the first official port for the area in 1914.

Great Fire of Houston

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Around half a decade before the locals within Houston stumbled onto oil in 1901 and rice/corn in 1912, the locals relied on lumber to stabilise the area’s economy until this time when it was replaced. Iron and Cotton industries were another popular choice for the economy and many goods from these products were also transported to other countries but this was soon halted for good. A great fire on 10th March 1859 completely destroyed these local business and even though most of the cities had to be re-built, this is not stop the locals pitching in and re-building what they had started before the disaster.

Even though this setback overall resulted in losing most of its industries and homes in Houston, it did have its benefits because throughout 1859, a number of fires were breaking out during the year and this was rectified in the first fire fighting team to tackle any blazes that broke out in the area and lessening any damage like the Great Fire caused. Just one year later, the fire team was so successful that three voluntary fire fighting teams soon followed to help with any fires in the region and with the constantly growing population, it was needed.

The Civil War

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As 1860 soon approached most of the Houstonians at this time supported John C. Breckenridge – an independent democrat candidate but he lost the election and as the Civil War began, citizens faithful to the Confederacy and others loyal to the union resulted in a barrage of huge arguments and this caused major problems for the region. The Chamber of Commerce soon stepped in to try and rectify the conflict but this did not fare well and Galveston was blockaded on 4th October 1862 which in turn did not help the Houston’s economy.

On January 1st 1863 – the confederate forces led under John B. Magruder successfully managed to recapture the city but the unionists won the war. For all the residents of Galveston, Houston and the rest of Texas, it was far from over. As a punishment, Texas was given four years under military rule which along with all the confederate states throughout the country was to be adhered to.

Houston - Week Long Itinerary Introduction

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The benefit of visiting a city the size of Houston, you can guarantee that there will be plenty of activities to keep you busy during the yearly vacation and apart from places to visit; there are many great restaurants as well.

If you want to stay in an awarding winning bed and breakfast during your vacation then the Robins Nest Bed and Breakfast is the place to visit. It was voted the best bed and breakfast on Lake Travis in 2005 and the best bed and breakfast for 2006. Located in the secluded spot of Hill County you can enjoy activities from swimming, fishing or shopping in the local area. The accommodation is advertised as “a haven from your day to day life” and you will receive a unique environment with a warm welcome.

The general lay out of the bed and breakfast is very welcoming and you will find rich leather chairs that are big and comfy, antiques being showcased and you have a choice of nine guest rooms which overlook the lakes whilst taking advantage of a nice sea breeze. After waking up after a restful night then join all other guests and the owner in the kitchen for some wonderful homemade cooking. You can sit and read the paper, have a chat with others or enjoy a coffee and breakfast on the front porch.

Rooms start from just $119 per night and you can really relax here whilst on vacation and you won’t have to travel far for something great to do. If you want to make a reservation then you can contact the Robins Nest on (512) 266 – 3413.

Day One

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• There are many places throughout Houston where you can learn about the history that has affected the world over the centuries and if you really want to learn something then a visit to the Houston Holocaust Museum will be for you. There is a variety of permanent exhibits that are available to see and this includes the Bearing Witness attraction, you will get to see authentic film footage, artefacts, photographs and documents to show how life was in pre-war Europe or there is the Survivors Journey exhibition which details life of the many survivors shortly after the liberation from the Germans, there are many artefacts and photographs that show in details the changes that occurred in 1945. The museum is open from Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, a tour takes on average 2 and a half hours and whilst admission to the museum is free, donations are welcomed.

• This is one activity where you can stay within the confines of the Robins Nest Bed and Breakfast. If you are a fan of Cluedo or you just want some fun then the resort regularly holds a murder mystery night for the guests staying in the main season. It will give you the opportunity to meet other people whilst enjoying yourself and for $75 plus tax this will include a wide range of activities but this does also included a sit down dinner or buffet and prizes will be awarded at the end of evening.

Day Two

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• Rated number one and a popular choice for adults with young children is the Children’s Museum of Houston. There are a wide number of great exhibits where you can have fun but learn something without knowing it. The How Does it Work? Exhibit offers you the chance to answer your own questions with a large range of hands-on activities, the Think Tank is a popular choice where you will see a large amount of games that involve riddles or complex puzzles and you can guarantee this will test your mind to its limits. If you would prefer then there is the Allen Family Courtyard which offers children the chance for interactive play and enhances kids to use their imagination when playing here. After all that learning then you could stop off at the Café where you can enjoy a number of hot or cold meals or a number of tasty beverages. There are many other activities to enjoy and for the cost of admission being just $5 per person, this is outstanding value for money for a day’s entertainment or on Thursday’s you can take advantage of the free family night where you can enjoy everything for nothing between 5pm and 8pm. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday through to Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.

If you want an elegant dining experience where you can enjoy a relaxing meal yet have traditional American cooking then The Remington found near Galleria will prove a good choice. The restaurant is simply decorated with bright red walls and several large windows which allows a good flow of natural light and creating a romantic atmosphere. Appetizers include options such as the Southwestern Caesar salad or for an entrée you could choose from mesquite baked salmon, black pepper scallops just to name a couple.

The restaurant is open from 6.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10pm on a daily basis and if you would not rather enjoy a meal within the dining area then why not book a table on the balcony where you can eat al fresco?

Day Three

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• No trip is complete without paying a visit to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Here you can witness many beautiful animals and plants within their natural habitat and whilst it proves to be an enjoyable day out for you nature lovers, it is also quite educational as many schools within the area and out of state choose this as an appropriate trip. There are many types of mammals and reptiles within the nature center that you can meet and greet mammals included the Southern Flying Squirrel, Raccoon, Nine-banded Armadillo, Coyote or the Cotton Rat. If you however prefer reptiles then you can see a large amount of creatures that vary from snakes to toads and spiders. A visit to the center is an exciting day out for everyone and is open seven days a week from 8.30am to 6pm. On the sight you will also find a gift shop where you can buy mementos of your trip and even though admission to the center is completely free, donations are appreciated.

Tony’s Restaurant is one eatery that comes highly recommended and poses the slogan “Houston’s Premiere Dining Destination”, located on Richmond Avenue you will enjoy a uniquely but professionally designed restaurant with its very colorful yet intimate environment.

Tony’s is not just a place for great food, why not explore the Wine Cellar, the Wine Library or learn about the history of the art collection on show. The great Wine Collection is something that cannot be missed because there is a wine to complement every meal and there is a wide range of vintages and varieties, you will be able to choose from over 700 types of wine and while most are sourced from France, Italy and California – they have come from all over the globe.

You will find the cuisine is even better with a wide range of starters and most importantly the entrees. The cuisine is of high quality and like with the wine consists of meals that are common throughout the world, unlike many restaurants that cater for just one particular style, these range from American, Italian to more Japanese based meals which are tasty and prepared professionally. Prices are excellent value for money with appetizers ranging from just $9 to around $17 and for the entrée you can expect to spend around $22 - $45 but you will be treated to generous portions and a lot of the meals may even be able to fill two people!!

Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity and if you wish to book a table for a larger party then you can contact the owners on (713) 622-6778.

Day Four

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• If you want to see one of the most historical places in Houston and enjoy a relaxing family picnic is the Sabine Pass Battleground State Park. It is an excellent place to visit all year round and is set along 57.5 acre park and you will find four World War 2 bunkers that were used to guard the Pass in 1863 where it is a great place to camp or take part in a fishing trip. If you prefer then you can stand at the waters of the Pass and gaze across to Louisiana and the Sabine Pass Lighthouse. It is an enjoyable day out for people of all ages and you can just sit back and relax whilst catching some rays or taking in some of the local history.

The Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen on Richmond Avenue is part of a popular restaurant chain which is always busy and you can enjoy a variety of Cajun and Creole style seafood meals which has been created to a high standard and locals or visitors tend to visit this restaurant over and over again. The fish and other meals are used from the freshest ingredients, it is an ideal place if you are trying to lose some weight because all the fish on the menu is most commonly grilled or steamed. There are many choices you can make which ranges from catfish, shrimp, crab and even six different breeds of oysters to choose from.

The Seafood Kitchen is open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 10pm and on Friday and Saturday between 11am and 11pm. It is an ideal place to visit for families and with the fully licensed bar, you can enjoy a wide selection of wines and beers whilst enjoying a satisfying meal. Reservations are recommended and whether you want to make a booking for 5 or 50 people then you will be catered for as this is an ideal group gathering diner. You can contact the restaurant to book a table/s on (713) 527-9137.

Day Five

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• One area of Houston that is one of the most beautiful places to visit is the Sam Houston Park and it remains one of the area’s premier open green spaces. When you visit the area, it is like a living breathing museum to the past, it is spread across 19 acres of beautiful park land and apart from beautiful views, there are 8 structures built years ago and these date back to around 1823 up to 1905. There is a lot to be learned in the area and you can see the traditional style architecture of each property when it was popular in its era, you can see how people once lived and how life was for the first settlers that arrived In Houston.

One of the best family locations that offers great food and an excellent atmosphere is Mama’s Café on Westheimer Road, Houston. The restaurant has been part of a family run business for 27 years and you will find very nostalgic decoration with checkered curtains and table cloths which is similar to the style of a 30’s gas station. You will also find a wide range of antiques that have been collected with the Texas area along with a cosy fireplace that can create ultimate relaxation all year round. It is guarantee by Mama that the food will be delicious and the service will surpass your expectations.

There is a wide choice of cuisine for adults and there is also a separate children’s menu, you could choose from a choice of salads and soups or burgers and sandwiches but if you would prefer then you can enjoy a selection of cuisine with a traditional south-western or Mediterranean feel with prices ranging from around $6 to $9 you are getting excellent value for money.

Real Estate - Houston

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Houston - Hotels and Accommodation

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Houston Short Itinerary

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Restaurants and Activities, Houston

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Beginner's Guide to Houston

Founders of Houston

Capitol of Texas

Trading in Houston

Great Fire of Houston

The Civil War

Houston - Week Long Itinerary Introduction

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Real Estate - Houston

Houston Real Estate Overview

Houston Market

Houston Communities

Houston - Hotels and Accommodation

Houston Hotels and Accommodation Overview

North Houston

Southeast Houston - NASA Johnson Space Center

Downtown Houston

Houston Short Itinerary

Houston 3 Day Itinerary Overview

Day One

Day Two

Restaurants and Activities, Houston

Restaurants and Activities, Houston Overview

Activities

Restaurants