Art Car Parade
Cars are turned into works of art to benefit the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. In the past, one car was decorated with Barbie dolls, and another looked like an armadillo. Allen Parkway, May 10. For information, visit www.orangeshow.org/artcar.html. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
The former River Oaks home of Houston notable Ima Hogg houses the American decorative arts collection for The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. 1 Westcott St., 713/639-7750, www.mfah.org/bayoubend. Bayou City Farmers Market
“Vendors sell everything from coffee, herbs, honey, and baked goods to vegetables, eggs, fruits, candles, and even home-baked treats for dogs,” says Barden. “Don’t leave without the Fresh Orange & Serrano Marmalade and the Fudgy Pudgy Pie.” 3000 Richmond Ave., 713/880-5540, www.urbanharvest.org. Buffalo Bayou Park
“The bayou snakes throughout the entire city,” says Thrash. “It is synonymous with Houston.” Go canoeing or kayaking, or experience the adjacent hiking and biking trails. Between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive, 713/752-0314, www.buffalobayou.org. Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum
“My single favorite building in Houston,” says Barden. “François de Menil designed the award-winning Byzantine Chapel Museum, transposing the ancient relics to a contemporary site and restoring spiritual significance to the frescoes.” 4011 Yupon, 713/521-3990, www.menil.org/byzantine.html. Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston
“While the CAMH does not have a permanent collection, it brings Houston extraordinary shows and installations of the most cutting-edge art,” says Thrash. 5216 Montrose Blvd., 713/284-8250, www.camh.org. Holocaust Museum Houston
Among the highlights is a permanent exhibition that shares the experiences of Holocaust survivors living in the Houston area. 5401 Caroline St., 713/942-8000, www.hmh.org. Houston Ballet
Considered one of the country’s top ballet companies. Upcoming performances include Three Classics, Five Tangos and La Sylphide/A Doll’s House. Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave., 713/227-2787, www.houstonballet.org. Houston Grand Opera
“The Houston Grand Opera is internationally known for excellence and innovation on stage,” says Barden. “The New York Times calls it the ‘jewel in the cultural crown.’ It’s a daring company that has premiered many imaginative works.” Wortham Theater Center, 501 Texas Ave., 713/228-6737, www.houstongrandopera.org. Memorial Park
Nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park. Powers says: “Memorial Park is in the heart of the city; it’s where you find people out running and playing with their dogs.” 713/863-8403, www.memorialparkconservancy.org. The Menil Collection
“Outstanding,” says Powers of the Renzo Piano–designed museum. Don’t miss the Cy Twombly Gallery. “I nearly fainted the first time I went, and now I go at least twice a month just to take it all in again,” says Powers. 1511 Sul Ross, 713/525-9400, www.menil.org. Midtown Farmers Market
“Chef Monica Pope of T’afia spearheads this great farmers market every weekend,” says Powers. 3701 Travis St., 713/524-6922, www.tafia.com/mfm.html. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Featuring strong collections of decorative arts, French Impressionist works, and post-1945 European and American paintings and sculpture, the museum also has more than 30 changing exhibitions each year. 1001 Bissonnet St., 713/639-7300, www.mfah.org. The Rothko Chapel
Described as “a place where religion, art, and architecture intermingle,” the chapel, celebrating all beliefs, was founded by John and Dominique de Menil. Artist Mark Rothko created 14 paintings for the space. 1409 Sul Ross, 713/524-9839, www.rothkochapel.org. Smooth Skin Bar
“The best place for facials,” says Herring. “Lead aesthetician Linda Robles uses the latest skin products.” 2932 Ferndale St., 713/520-0150, www.smoothskinbar.com. Space Center Houston
Explore the epicenter of our country’s space program, home of Mission Control and the training base for U.S. astronauts. 1601 NASA Pkwy., 281/244-2100, www.spacecenter.org. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church
“This Gothic church cost $47 million to build,” says Barden. “There are free tours every Sunday afternoon. Before visiting, check to see if there are any organ and choral concerts on the church calendar.” 717 Sage Rd., 713/621-3040, www.stmartinsepiscopal.org. Trellis: The Spa at The Houstonian
The place for pampering. “Get a massage from Walter,” says Thrash. 111 North Post Oak Ln., 713/685-6790, www.trellisspa.com. |
