Houston Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List: Houston

With so much going on in our lives right now - working a bajillion hours while trying to find a house - it's unlikely we'll be getting out of the country anytime soon. Fortunately, Houston offers so much in the way of concerts, fine art productions, green spaces, museums, restaurants, and weekend markets that we don't have to go far to find entertainment galore!

See our Spring & Summer
​Bucket List Below

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See butterflies at Cockrell Butterfly Center

See Butterflies and More at Cockrell Butterfly Center.

A branch of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to hundreds of species of exotic butterflies and insects. We have not visited the Butterfly Center yet, but as a butterfly fan, I'm excited to check it out. 

Have Beverages at a Bar in the Oldest Commercial Building in Houston.

Housed in the oldest commercial building in Houston, La Carafe is well-known as a cozy wine bar with a jazzy jukebox. The building itself, what's left of the Old Market Square, was built in 1847. As lovers of all things old, we're looking forward to checking out this quaint old two-story building while enjoying a nice cabernet or merlot. 

Enjoy Dinner and a Show at Prohibition Theatre.

We've not yet celebrated Marvin's promotion, so we're planning a night out with dinner and a show at Prohibition Theatre. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays, with a three-course, prix fixe meal. 

Watch Dancing in the Streets at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Every year we've lived in Houston, we've said that we really need to get down to the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park to watch one of their free outdoor performances. And each year, we have failed to do so. But this is the year! The first performance we plan to watch is Dancing in the Streets, a Motown and More Revue. An avid motown fan, Marvin is especially looking forward to this.

Attend Three Musketeers at Alley Theatre

The timeless classic The Three Musketeers is brought to life at Alley Theatre this year. A drama nerd from way back, I can't wait to see their performance!

View Photography and Architecture in Montrose.

Having already browsed the artworks at the Menil Collection several times, I want to visit some of the other locations surrounding Menil. The Houston Center for Photography, Rothko Chapel, and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel are a stone's throw from one another and will be a nice walk while viewing fine art photography and unique architecture. Though both the Rothko Chapel and the Byzantine Chapel are currently closed to the public, the buildings themselves should offer picturesque outdoor architecture photos. Perhaps while I'm there, I'll dine at The Pit Room, a popular Texas BBQ hotspot.

​For information about the Menil Collection and more of our favorite things to do in Houston, check out The Ultimate Houston Travel Guide.

See Furries and Fuzzies at the Houston Zoo.

Make Some New Furry Friends.

A sprawling 55 acres, The Houston Zoo, located in Hermann Park, is home to over 900 species and thousands of animals, including rhinos, turtles, monkeys, zebras, tigers, snakes, otters, red pandas, and much more. I will never be too old to visit a good zoo!

Honor the Victims of the Holocaust.

Houston's Holocaust Museum is the fourth largest in the United States. Though it's often difficult to look at the photos and see the displays of such a dark time of history, I think it's important to be reminded of the dangers of complacency and the de-humanizing of any group of humans.

Savor the Sounds of Bob Schneider at McGonigel's Mucky Duck.

Since 1990, Mucky Duck has thrilled visitors with delicious dinners and great live music. In June, we'll make the drive over to the Upper Kirby area of Houston to watch Bob Schneider, one of Austin's favorite musicians.

Re-Visit My Childhood with Aladdin.

Growing up in the 90's, one of my favorite movies was Disney's Aladdin, and I can't wait to re-visit eight-year-old me as we watch Aladdin at Broadway at the Hobby Center.

Embrace My Inner Child with Seussical the Musical.

The second time we'll visit the Miller Outdoor Theatre this summer will be to watch Seussical by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS). I've always loved Dr. Seuss, and I can't wait to see the whimsy and magic of this performance, narrated by The Cat in the Hat. 

Taste Gelato at Fellini Gelato.

Delight in GElato at Fellini Caffe.

One of our favorite brunch spots in Houston is Sal y Pimienta. Offering a brunch buffet with South American flavors, this City Centre staple never lets us down. But this time, after brunch, we'll wander around City Centre and stop by Fellini Caffe for coffee and their famous gelato.

To see some of our favorite Houston restaurants, read A Foodie's Guide to Houston.

* Tip: Sal y Pimienta often offers a Groupon for their brunch buffet. If you aren't already signed up for Groupon, you can do so here.

Get Our Weird on at Beer Can House.

One of the quirkier places in Houston is Beer Can House, designed in the 60's by Houstonian John Milkovisch. This is another place we keep saying we want to see, and this is the summer we'll do it!

Roam Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out why we didn't visit Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens during the 18 months we lived half a mile from it, but we never did. Part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Bayou Bend was once the home of Ima Hogg and covers 14 acres. It is open year-round and features silver, Americana, and paintings and other art.

Eleanor Tinsley Park with Gorgeous Downtown Houston Views

Eat a Picnic Lunch at Bear Creek Pioneers Park.

From Eleanor Tinsley Park to Discovery Green, and from sprawling George Bush Park to tiny Tranquility Park, Houston is full of places to enjoy the outdoors. One park we have not yet visited is Bear Creek Pioneers Park, known for its walking trails and the possibility of seeing deer and birds. One Sunday this summer, we'll pack a picnic lunch and relax in the outdoors.

Discover Unique Art at Art Car Museum.

Another funky Houston staple is Art Car Museum. Founded in 1998, it is dedicated to art cars and other eclectic artworks by artists who would most likely not be recognized in other venues. We're looking forward to seeing the displays by local, national, and international artists.

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What are your summer plans? Leave a comment below!

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