Houston
Space City
General Information
Other Name: Magnolia City, District: Texas, State: South West, United States of America
Area: 601.7 square miles
Languages Spoken: English
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: - to - and -
International Access: -Description
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States of America and the largest city within the state of Texas.Houston is ranked as a gamma world city, and the area is a leading center for building oilfield equipment.Houston has an active visual and performing arts scene in the Theater District and is one of few U.S. cities that offer year-round resident companies in all major performing arts.Houston is a multicultural city with a large and growing international community.Houston received the official nickname of "Space City" in 1967 because it is the location of NASA`s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Other nicknames often used by locals include "Bayou City," "Magnolia City," "Clutch City," and "H-Town.Houston is a vibrant international city that heartily enjoys its tradition of being a place of firsts. General Sam Houston, the city’s heroic namesake, was the first president of the Republic of Texas. Houston, the city, was the first word spoken from the surface of the moon and the first to build an air-conditioned sports stadium.From the everyday to the esoteric, Houston attractions are sure to satisfy almost any curiosity. The Houston Space Center, Downtown Aquarium, Houston Zoo and surrounding parks offer family-friendly activities, and the Houston Museum District is sure to please even the most discerning art patron. Sports fans will marvel at the modernity of Minute Maid Park and Reliant Park, as well as the recently constructed Toyota Center. For those seeking attractions off the beaten path, Houston sights such as the Orange Show Monument and the National Museum of Funeral History will undoubtedly appease a desire for the unusual. Any way you slice it, Houston has something for everyone.Location
-Climate
Humid subtropical
Antiquarium Antique Print Gallery is full of beautiful and unusual paintings dating from the 1500s to the early 1900s. A wide array of botanical creations is featured in this collection of natural history art. Selections encompass hand-painted, engraved birds by Englishman, James Bolton, ornamental garden flowers, Audubon''s awe inspiring birds and numerous antique keepsakes. Experts in custom matting and framing, they offer unique selections that include picture moldings that replicate past eras and decorative hand-crafted 22-carat gold frames.
Bayou Bend is the former home of Ima Hogg, a famous philanthropist. Visitors can wander through 14 acres of woodlands and formal gardens, or check out the house that contains 4,800 various works of art. This art represents the American style from colonial to mid-nineteenth century. The house is a lovely lifestyle museum of that century. One warning though, children under 10 can wander the gardens but are not allowed in the house.
Children''s Museum of Houston opened in 1984 and is devoted to teaching through interactive play. Nine separate galleries cover history, cultures, fine and performing arts, technology, science, and geography. Adults are welcome to take a break in the Teacher and Family Resource Center where extra teaching materials are available to boost those creative juices. Lots of fun, educational toys are available in the gift shop, and snacks are available to satisfy your hunger.
In his midnight millennium speech, Pope John Paul said the most defining elements of the 20th century were the rise and fall of two oppressive ideologies that victimized millions of people, Communism and Nazism. This museum is a tribute to the victims of the Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Through changing exhibits, films and lectures, it seeks to inform future generations of the racism of the holocaust and the horrifying results of hatred. In addition to exhibits, there is a library, theater and document archives.
Houston Museum of Natural Science is an interesting showplace offering a wide variety of exhibits that are worthy of a full day''s outing. The three-level live butterfly exhibit fascinates the young, as does the Challenger Learning Center with its great introduction to space science. Definitely spend some time exploring the dinosaur exhibits. Of equal appeal to the adults in the crowd is the Wiess Energy Hall, as well as the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. If you need a break, enjoy an IMAX film or sit in on one of Burke Baker Planetarium shows.
Situated in the lovely Hermann Park , Houston Zoo is home to more than 4500 animals from over 800 species. Experience a true wildlife adventure as you check out the lions, Komodo dragons, flamingos, tigers, gorillas, bears, and bats, just to name a few! There is a wonderful Natural Encounter area where you can get up close and personal with otters and meerkats; and be sure to take a spin on the Wildlife Carousel, featuring hand-carved and-decorated animals that showcase many endangered species.
If you are looking for live action and wild, exciting adventure, then Laser Quest is the place to be. The amazing laser games make you feel as if you are playing adult hide and seek. Capture the escaped prisoner, capture the flag, cops and robbers, and and enjoy this space adventure. Your imagination is the key. You will be given sophisticated and futuristic laser tag equipment and be turned loose in a specially designed, multi-level maze with ramps, catwalks, swirling fog and sound effects. Choose the specifics of your game after you arrive.
The selection of exhibits at Museum of Fine Arts cover both modern and ancient art and represents the talent of artists from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. You will find Fredric Remington''s fine western art mingling with medieval pieces and the work of early European masters. Paintings are abundant, but the lovely sculpture garden is also worth viewing. Both the Glassell School of Art and the Hirsch Library for Art History call this museum home.
Ever since the Apollo flights, Houston has been synonymous with space travel. Space Center Houston of NASA''s Johnson Space Center, allows visitors to study and understand the making of space history. Enter into the five-story plaza which features a full-size shuttle mock-up, complete with a flight deck. By far, the most popular highlight for adults is the tram tour that takes you to various buildings throughout the Space Center.
This awesome air show is one of the top three shows in the U.S. An assortment of elite military aircraft is showcased during the events. Aerobatic teams perform spectacular stunt flying, and the jump teams will amaze you with their pinpoint accuracy. The two-day event takes place annually in October. Flight times are subject to the weather and may change.
Situated near the Galleria, this city landmark is a cool and refreshing oasis that attracts visitors and locals in droves. Designed by local architects in 1985, the amazing wall of water drops thousands of gallons 64 feet every minute. You can stop and linger and enjoy the moment, or marvel at the stunning creation from afar as you drive through the area. It is a soothing experience for working folk in the area who need a quick break.