FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Houston: Mission Control

Jul 1, 2010
2010 / July 2010

HoustonStart off with “the biggest city in the biggest state in the Lower 48,” and superlatives abound in the sprawling metropolis that is Houston, Texas: “energy capital of the world,” America’s No. 1 port in international commerce, an emerging leader in alternative energy, home of the world’s largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions. And its name was the first word spoken from the moon: “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.”

Nicknamed the “Bayou City” for its 10 winding waterways, Houston has made the lists for Best Places for Business and Careers, Best Cities for College Graduates, Best Cities to Buy a Home and Best Cities of 2008. One of the last American cities to slip into recession and one of the first to emerge in January 2010, Houston is super-sized and super-ambitious.

Now expanded to 600 square miles, the original settlement measured only 6.6 acres in 1836 when two entrepreneurial brothers bought the site and named it for General Sam Houston. Initially a link to the nearby port at Galveston, Houston eventually developed its own manmade deepwater harbor. Fed by numerous railway lines, the city quickly emerged as a commercial and railroad hub for the export of cotton.

And then there was oil. The 1901 discovery at Spindletop spurred development of the petroleum industry. In addition to drilling, Houston built petrochemical refineries and manufacturing plants to supply pipes and oilfield equipment. Industry contributes to air pollution levels, but high oil and gas prices nourish the city’s economy. Six supermajor energy firms operate from here: ConocoPhillips, Marathon, Halliburton and El Paso Energy, as well as the U.S. headquarters for BP and Shell.

With the mid-20th century establishment of the Texas Medical Center, Houston became a leader in biomedical research. Almost 74,000 people work in its 49 not-for-profit institutions specializing in every aspect of healthcare: cancer, cardiology, organ transplantation, terminal illness, mental health, dentistry, wellness and prevention. More heart surgeries are performed at the Texas Medical Center than anywhere else in the world.

An additional major economic factor, the aerospace industry has grown up around NASA’s Space Center Houston, which opened in 1964. Home of Mission Control, it leads space race discoveries, training astronauts and developing space shuttles and space stations.

In the 1950s, the availability of air conditioning provided impetus for many companies to relocate to Houston, resulting in an economic boom that shifted the city’s economy toward the energy sector. Since the 1990s recession, Houston has made efforts to diversify its economy, reducing dependence on petroleum and focusing on aerospace and healthcare/biotechnology. Only New York City is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters within the city limits.

Manning all these activities is a highly literate, international population. More than 360,000 students study at the city’s more than 60 colleges, universities, medical schools and degree-granting institutions. At least 90 languages are spoken by the 2.2 million residents of the multicultural metropolis, which has the country’s highest percentage of Hispanic and Mexican Americans and a significant number of immigrants from Nigeria, China, Vietnam, India and Pakistan.

Electing Annise Parker in 2010, Houston became the largest American city led by an openly gay mayor. Politically diverse, with the balance of power swaying between wealthy Republicans and middle-class Democrats, the city is often a contested area in the conservative state’s elections.

The only major American city with no zoning restrictions, Houston’s independent spirit is expressed in patchwork neighborhoods which radiate from Downtown, the historic center which is seeing a migration back to its central core. Recently developed parks such as Discovery Green and Market Square enhance the Downtown atmosphere. Easily managed on foot, the center lies above a seven-mile Tunnel System that provides air-conditioned access to 77 businesses during the summer’s hot, humid weather.

Just steps from Downtown, a bustling Theater District presents year-round ballet, symphony, opera and theater. Several distinguished museums are located around leafy Hermann Park. To the west, colorful, artsy Montrose borders on the upscale mansions of River Oaks, the neighborhood of former President George Bush. Further west is a shoppers’ paradise centering around the indoor Galleria mall.

Automobiles dominate transportation in the oil-rich city: 71.7 percent of Houstonians drive to work on a system of freeways and expressways radiating out toward two concentric beltways. In 1978, the city voted a one-cent sales tax to convert broken-down buses into a comprehensive transit system of buses, trolleys and a 7.5-mile Metrorail with 16 stops running north-south from Downtown through the medical center to the stadium.


Diversions

Cultural life is so rich that the most difficult challenge of amusing yourself is choosing among all the myriad things to do. The city’s official website lists attractions from arts and theater to dining and special discount offers (“100 Ways to Save”). Also on the website, “What To Do Along the Rail” suggests dining and entertainment options at each stop of the Metrorail.

Resident ballet, opera, theater and symphony companies perform year ’round in the Theater District. Richly endowed by local fortunes, the Museum of Fine Arts (1001 Bissonnet St., tel 713 639 7300) pairs with the famous private Menil Collection and its renowned Rothko Chapel (1515 and 1409 Sul Ross tel 713 535 3180) showing the highest-quality exhibits. Sports fans can catch the Astros, Texans, Rockets, Dynamo and other teams in action.

The port offers free cruises of the harbor on its public tour boat leaving from Sam Houston Pavilion (7300 Clinton Drive, Gate 8, tel 713 670 2400). Activities at Space Center Houston (1601 NASA Parkway, Clear Lake, tel 281 244 2100) include interactive visits to the space station and the moon. Out near the Bush airport, artifacts from Elvis, JFK, John Wayne and Nixon are displayed in the National Museum of Funeral History (415 Bevan Springs Road, tel 281 876 3063).

Washington Avenue is the hot area for nightlife. Bordering Downtown, the street is essentially two miles of restaurants and bars. Max’s Wine Dive (4720 Washington Ave., tel 713 880 8737) has comfortable leather chairs and serves Champagne with Southern-fried chicken. Young professionals mingle, dance and devour sirloin sliders at Washington Avenue Drinkery (4115 Washington Ave., tel 713 426 3617). Through the eye-catching whiskey-barrel-shaped door of Taps House of Beer (5121 Washington Ave.) you’ll find 93 brews on tap.


Info To Go

The Houston Airport System includes two city terminals. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), the eighth-busiest U.S. airport, lies 22 miles north of town. More convenient, seven miles south, is William P. Hobby (HOU). SupperShuttle shared rides, courtesy vans and Metro buses serve the airports. Taxis from IAH (about $50) take 30 minutes. Non-stop Metro Airport Direct buses ($30) make the 30-minute run every 30 minutes. Taxis from HOU ($30–40) take about 15 minutes. Visit www.visithoustontexas.com.


Lodging

La Colombe d’Or
The former mansion, in walking distance of the Galleria, is the five-room “world’s smallest luxury hotel.” Adjacent villas feature balconies, kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs. 3410 Montrose Blvd., tel 713 520 1770, $$$$

Hotel Granduca
A luxury boutique hotel located in the Uptown/Galleria area, Hotel Granduca boasts 123 guestrooms, including a three-bedroom suite. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., tel 713 418 1000, $$$$

Hotel ICON
Once the home of the city’s first investment bank, the comfortable Downtown hotel exudes updated Victorian charm, steps away from Metrorail access. 220 Main St., tel 713 224 4266, $$$


Dining

Brennan’s
The popular, 43-year-old Texan Creole eatery is back in business after restoring its historic building, devastated by fire in 2008’s Hurricane Ike. 3300 Smith St., tel 713 522 9711, $$$

Ocean’s
This period home with shaded gardens offers an urban retreat serving modern Mexican cuisine. Killer cocktails and ceviche made to order daily. 819 W. Alabama, tel 713 520 7744, $$$

Reef
Inventive James Beard Award Nominee Chef Bryan Caswell prepares seafood with Gulf Coast, Mediterranean and Asian influences. 2600 Travis, tel 713 526 8282, $$$

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok

More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.

Extraordinary Egypt

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY INTO THE ANCIENT WORLD OF THE PHARAOHS

Daily
Feb 12, 2025

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March

Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.

Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025

Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox

On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Feb 12, 2025

6 Destinations and Hotels for Solo Women Travelers

Solo travel is more popular than ever. Women interested in this trend may have concerns about safety, crowds and types of experiences available. Consider these destinations and hotels if you want to travel solo in 2025.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Take the Ultimate Romantic Trip with Newport Harbor Island Resort’s New Offer

Take a Valentine’s Day or romantic trip back to the days of gilded mansions and cobblestone streets at Newport Harbor Island Resort in Newport, Rhode Island. This ocean-facing property has a special Valentine’s Day offer for couples.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

eFlyer Lead
Feb 12, 2025

Hyatt to Acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts in Multibillion Dollar Deal

Hyatt recently announced an agreement to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts, a leading owner and operator of inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, for approximately $2.6 billion.