5 Places To Visit On Your Next Trip To Houston

Houston is known for its innovations in space exploration, its country music roots, and its friendly locals. What some people may not know, however, is that it has a varied and diverse cultural, food, and arts scene. In no particular order, here is a list of destinations to check out in the place known as "Space City."

Starting things off at #1, The Heritage Society is a non-profit organization with a mission to tell the stories of the diverse histories of Houston and Texas. It does this through collections, exhibits, and educational programs, as well as through film, video, and other media content.

The organization was founded in 1954 with the goal of rescuing the 1847 Kellum-Noble House from demolition. Since then, the group has restored several other historic buildings and moved them from their respective locations to Sam Houston Park. These structures, along with the Museum Gallery, serve as historic reference points and exhibition spaces, and house thousands of artifacts that document life in Houston from as early as the 1800s.

Up next, at #2 on our list, Axelrad is a beer garden that was conceived as a gathering place for the community. Offering brews, wine, cocktails, pizza, and a grove of hammocks, this establishment aims to be a place for all visitors and locals to enjoy.

The bar's name pays homage to its history as a 100-year-old building that was originally a grocery store built by David and Gertrude Axelrad. The garden features a mix of native, regional, and heirloom plants, and showcases a variety of video art pieces, film screenings, music, events, festivals, and more.

Coming in at #3 is Central Houston. Home to more than 400 restaurants and bars, this area is a hub for local arts and culture. The theater district spans 17 blocks in the downtown core, where seven major resident companies perform in four main venues: Alley Theatre, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston Symphony, and Wortham Theater Center.

Outdoor recreation areas have emerged as some of Downtown's main attractions. Some popular green spaces include Market Square Park, Discovery Green, and Buffalo Bayou Park. The fully accessible METRO transportation system allows visitors to explore the area easily. There is also an array of other free, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options available for local residents, workers, and visitors.

Moving on to #4, Boomtown is a small-batch coffee company that believes java is worth far more than just its caffeine content, emphasizing brewing craftsmanship and unique tastes. The cafe's menu includes numerous hot and cold custom concoctions, sodas, teas, and light bites.

The company's first location on 19th St. has been part of the Heights neighborhood since 2012. Since the beginning, it was designed as a place where visitors can sit at the bar and converse with the baristas, unwind on the couch, study, or enjoy the dog-friendly patio with family and friends.

Concluding our list at #5, The Pavilion is a multidisciplinary facility that is operated by The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands. Since its inception in 1974, this non-profit organization has showcased a wide array of educational programming and entertainment.

The Pavilion aims to give everyone a chance to experience the arts, and therefore offers a variety of free programming throughout the year to both Houston locals and visitors. In addition to providing this access, the center seeks to give young artists the opportunity to hone their talents and perform in front of audiences, as well as to introduce new audiences to classical traditions.