Sure, there are plenty of things to look forward to about TechEd 2014, such as endless networking opportunities. But we think it’s worth making a little extra time to explore the local scene while you’re there. This year’s conference in Houston, Texas is the perfect chance to find out if everything really is bigger in The Lone Star State. Here are some of our favorite attractions, restaurants and pubs in the nation’s fourth most populated city – cowboy boots optional.
Space Center. Visiting Houston without a stop by the Space Center is enough to make Niel deGrasse Tyson cry. And let’s be honest, we all want to make that man proud. When it first opened with the Mercury Missions in 1961, it helped make Houston a pretty big deal. The Space Center has since become one of the city’s main tourist attractions, luring geeks of all ages. You can finally fulfill all those childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut by taking a close look at the training process. You’ll also get to see how space tech has evolved over time, while simulations let you experience what it’s like to land on the moon.
Minute Maid Park. Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this stadium is worth a visit. The largest entrance to the park was once Houston’s Union Station, and a railway situated to the left-field serves as a hat tip to days past. The train rides along a track of the exterior wall whenever an Astros player hits a home run or when the team wins a game. So, you know, it doesn’t happen all that often.
Rice Village. If you need a little retail therapy or you’re in the mood for a people-watching walk, swing by this boutique-lined shopping district. Rice Village, located near Rice University, is home to more than 300 shops in a mere 16-block area. While you’ll find plenty of familiar, high-end chains, there are a number of eclectic – and affordable – options if you dare to venture off the main drag. This is the place to go to find those cowboy boots you’ll suddenly be yearning.
Houston Galleria. If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, check out the Galleria. This is where you’ll find everything from upscale shops like Cartier and Chanel to the more approachable Macy’s and Banana Republic. It’s the perfect place to visit if the airline lost your luggage or you suddenly scored a reservation to one of Houston’s hottest dining spots (though, denim is acceptable attire nearly everywhere in Texas). If arriving post-dinner burn off the calories at the Galleria’s year-round indoor ice rink.
Underbelly. You’ll likely need to secure a reservation for this one, as Chris Shepherd was just named Best Chef Southwest at the 2014 James Beard awards. Shepherd calls his restaurant a “story of Houston food,” and his menu tells it just like it is. The food brings together the diverse tastes of Houstonians and the restaurant itself is situated right in the middle of Restaurant Row, which means if you’re stuck without a seat and starving, you’ll have plenty of other options to explore.
Chuy’s. You can’t visit The Lone Star State without trying the regional Tex-Mex cuisine. Hike it over to one of Chuy’s Houston spots where you’ll find everything from enchiladas and quesadillas to green Chile fried chicken. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the popular Tex-Mex spot now has 51 locations all over the south. Of course, if it’s a liquid lunch you’re after, the fresh margaritas and Texas Martinis with jalapeno-stuffed olives are reason enough to pay a visit.
Goode. Co. Texas and barbecue are like peanut butter and jelly; you simply cannot have one without the other. And this affordable, cafeteria-style restaurant offers the best of both with its smoky meats and southern comforts. Be sure to bring a big appetite, as it’ll be tough not to fill up on Goode’s signature jalapeno cheese bread. Unless, of course, you’d rather leave the starch at the curb, in which case you can check out the restaurant’s gluten-free menu.
Anvil. Cocktail geeks will feel right at home in Anvil. Unlike other bars of its ilk, this one leaves the pretense at the door. You’ll find friendly bartenders who are happy to shake up your favorites, along with some serious beer on tap. The space itself is minimal and open, making it the ideal spot to unwind and do a little offsite networking.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company. If cocktails aren’t your thing, skip the swizzle sticks and shakers and head straight to this award winning brewery. That’s right, there’s more to Texas beer culture than Lone Star. You may not have enough time for one of the brewery’s popular weekday tours, but you can certainly snatch a low key lunch break.