Houston TX is a big city with a lot to do. It’s also a great place to live. Whether it’s hole-in-the-wall hot spots or cutting-edge culinary prowess,the Bayou City has something for everyone.
It’s part of the Gulf coastal plain,so it has marshes,forests,swamps and prairies. It is very flat and prone to flooding.
Founded in 1836
Inhabited by cannibals,visited by explorers and missionaries,the capital of a fledgling nation,site of a battle that added millions of acres to the United States,and now a thriving metropolitan center and international trade hub–Houston has a long and varied history.
In the 1840s city leaders tried to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil through encouraging the growth of other industries. Houston is now known for its biomedical research and aeronautics,as well as the energy industry (oil,natural gas,and aviation).
The most visible remnants of early Houston are in the downtown area,especially along a stretch of Main Street that stretches from Commerce to Girard. The Allen Brothers laid out the town plat to center around Buffalo Bayou,and Gail Borden–publisher,surveyor,and originator of condensed milk–laid out streets 80′ wide,with the principal east-west street (Texas Avenue) 100′ wide. Houston’s infrastructure was also expanded by building railroads in the countryside. By the 1890s,city residents began tapping into a deep artesian water supply.
Fun Facts About Houston
Despite being the most populous city in Texas and Southern United States,Houston is often overlooked. Houston is a diverse,vibrant metropolis that has a lot to give both residents and tourists. It is also famous for its contributions in the field of space programs,oil mining,and diversity in culture.
The city is crisscrossed by bayous,rivers and other waterways. Its booming economy has made it one of the top US cities for business.
Its chefs have put it on the culinary map of America. The city has a unique food scene that features authentic dishes from all over the world.
It is home to the first traditional Indian temple (or mandir) in North America. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple of Houston was constructed in India,then shipped in pieces to the city like a 3D puzzle. The “Eighth Wonder of the World” also contains a cistern which was once filled with the remains of the Donnellan Family and now forms part of the Sky Lawn in the Water Works Park.
Climate
Houston has a tropical climate,with hot and humid weather throughout the year. Over 100 days each year,temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The humidity can be so high during this period that it feels oppressive or muggy,which is uncomfortable for many residents. Summer weather allows for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking,but it also causes stress in the city,including more emergency department visits,deaths,and heat-related illnesses.
Winter brings temperatures that dip into the 30s. Cold fronts moving southward can bring freezing rain or cold rain. Winter is the driest season for Houston.
Attractions
Houston has a wide range of attractions and events,making it a great place to visit. This city offers something for everyone,from delicious BBQ to watching a show in the Theater District.
For those that love science,the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-see attraction. It showcases everything from dinosaur bones to solar systems and is an entertaining way to learn.
The Houston Zoo is another fun activity for visitors to enjoy. The Houston Zoo is spread over 55 acres,and it’s a great place to see exotic wildlife up close. The guests can feed the giraffes,and observe marine life in the aquarium.
Discovery Green Park offers a variety of activities,such as free yoga classes and movie night. There is also a playground in the park and ample space to picnic under trees. Punchline Mondays is a great way to catch some of the city’s best comedians if you are visiting on a Monday.