Arts, Housing & Community & Cultural Identity Organization. Sidney used to work here and made many friends and memories! Visit the historic row houses that have been converted into public art galleries.
Kooky and weird folk art experience in the middle of a residential neighborhood. A local man's collection of oddities and sculptures
Free Admission art museum campus, including the main Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Cy Twombly Gallery & Menil Drawing Institute. This is one of our favorite museums in the city. See the art or just spend an afternoon on the grass and have a picnic!
Check out a really cool museum where Eric used to go to school! While you're here, visit the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace - another art experience by the Quaker artist James Turrell, the same artist that created the Meeting House where our ceremony is taking place!
A house decked out on every surface with beer cans! A longtime local folk-art landmark. Free Admission
Take a walking tour of Houston's historic Freedmen's town. Tour row houses from the 1800s and brick lined streets. The Gregory School is nearby - once a school for the children of freedmen's town, now an archive library preserving the Houston's Black written and photographic history.
Historical school turned archival library & museum to the history of Houston's formerly enslaved citizens.
Just like the church where our ceremony will be, this art work is meant to be viewed at sunset. Roam around the Rice Campus where Eric and Sidney spent a lot of time in the early years of their relationship
Wedding Ceremony Location. This building is a Quaker Meeting House - unique among meeting houses for the skyspace located in the main hall. By skyspace, I mean, a square shaped hole in the roof that is truly open to the sky. The skyspace has a cover that is retracted every friday evening at sunset. We feel particularly connected to this building. Sidney has followed and admired the work the artist James Turrell for many years, and Eric's early architectural influence and spiritual path have been shaped by Shaker Village - a similar place located near his hometown in Kentucky.
Wedding Reception Location. The ballroom first opened in 1939 and was the hottest ticket in Houston for some of the most famous acts from the Big Band Jazz, Motown, Funk & Soul eras. The ballroom was renovated recently and now has a market cafe and book store. The Ballroom is part of the Project Row houses campus and Sidney's old stomping grounds.
Hotel Block
Are you ready for Maximum Texas??? . The rodeo is essentially 3 parts: Carnival and Expo Hall, Rodeo & Concert. You can buy a ticket for just the carnival and expo grounds or a ticket that gets you into all events. You can roam the carnival & expo hall, go on rides, play games, eat bbq all day and night. But at around 2:30pm the rodeo begins in the NRG stadium. You have to catch the very last rodeo event, "Mutton-Busting" where little kids try to hang onto the backs of sprinting sheep! Once the rodeo events are over, the concert portion begins in the stadium.
Main airport for United and International flights
Airport for Southwest, Spirit & other regional flights
A nice, reasonably priced hotel in a good location relative to the wedding event locations
Sidney likes to tease Eric for his appreciation of restaurants that are a little run down. But Eric maintains that restaurants don't just stick around for 40-50 years by accident. This place is a family run joint serving Italian deli classics. Eric's favorite is the Italian Roast Beef with Cheese with a side of jus for dipping.
Eric & Sidney's favorite place for Texas, specifically Hill Country Style, BBQ. This place has become quite a sensation and the line can be intimidating, but if you can get a plate here, the sides and meats are all spectacular.
Excellent restaurant for fine mexican dining. We love this place. One of our favorites in the city. They may have changed, but last we checked, they do not allow children, just FYI
Excellent pizza, drinks and dessert. All around charming place.
There's a lot of Tex Mex in Houston. This is where you should start. You can't get Tex Mex like this at home.
Houston's oldest operating bar. Cash only as they still use an antique cash register.
Eric's neighborhood bar once upon a time. Enjoy a cold lonestar and tacos from Tacos Tierra Caliente - the taco truck parked across the street. Cash only
Many regard this as one of the best spots for tacos in Houston. Despite the restaurant being a truck, no one has ever seen this truck in a different spot. It is loyally parked all days across from the West Alabama Ice House. When the weather is nice, there are few things more perfect than cold beer and carne asada at the ice house.
Tastes of West African cuisine. Pretty new, but easily becoming one of Houston's most loved restaurants
Houston, we have a problem? Tour the historic control rooms, have lunch with an astronaut and many other quintessential space experiences at NASA HQ
You will be blown away if you make the trek south to Stafford and visit this massive Hindu temple. Check the website to see the public visiting hours. It's really a breathtaking place.
Every evening at sundown, thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats that roost under the Waugh Drive bridge fly all once to roam the night.
Where you're from you might call it a river. Houston is the Bayou city. Buffalo Bayou park is an immaculately landscaped trail park with walk & bike trails. Rent a bike at Sabine Street, tour the Cistern, admire the skyline. This is one of Houston's best outdoor areas. Admire it before it gets too hot!
Once a cistern for Houston's freshwater supply, the cavernous space is now open to the public for tours. The room is filled dozens of columns and the still water at the bottom creates the illusion that the room is many stories tall. The tour is not one to miss.
Houston's Central Park with ornamental gardens, large playgrounds, a miniature train, Zoo & outdoor theater
Beautiful arboretum with walking trails - located in the middle of Memorial Park. It's where Eric & Sidney got engaged!
The Heights neigborhood is one of houston's prettiest and most scenic neighborhoods. The hike and bike trail runs through the neighborhood and connects up with the White Oak Bayou trail. Great for a safe and scenic run, walk or bike excursion.
A great, local spot for lovely decor, housegoods, stationary. There are 2-3 other small stores and a cafe in the same building
HUGE vintage store with jewelry, furniture and home goods.
A fun, local treasure trove of high quality apparel, games, gifts, beauty products, books. If you want to find a lovely souvenir, this is a great place to start.
Black-owned independent book store founded and rooted right in Third Ward.
HUGE apparel thrift store. Hit up The Leopard Lounge for costume, flashy and couture finds.
Unique vintage store with a wide selection of vintage cowboy boots and other quirky items.
If you start to feel like you're catching feelings for Texas, you can jump in with both feet and get boots, hats, spurs, and belts at Cavenders.
Cool independent bookstore in Montrose!
Boutique store with independent designer clothing, books, and home decor. Grab a bite to eat at Cafe Brasil while you're here.
Local, family owned boutique selling fragrances, incense, stationary, and other beautifully designed goods.
If you've got deep pockets and like flashy sneakers and streetwear, come check ou this retail store that Eric designed while working at his old firm.
The famous immersive art experience has recently opened a location in Houston.
One of Sidney's first art internships was here! The Lawndale does rotating group shows of local and visiting artists. Come here to see more the up & coming art, than the famous art you'll see at the MFAH
Free Admission Museum. Sidney worked here for several years. Where hasn't she worked in Houston??!
The whole reason Eric came to Houston was to complete his studies at Rice University. The campus is open for you to roam - The portico at Lovett Hall is an iconic spot to see the beautiful original quad and landscaping.
Come see art at the much renowned Blaffer Museum at the University of Houston. When Eric & Sidney met, she was studying photography at U of H
Another reasonably priced hotel in a good location. There are plenty of good restaurants in the area as well.
Meet us here for the Welcome Party. UTV is a dios de los muertos themed bar and one of Sid and I's favorites in the Rice Village area. We went here a lot when Eric was studying at Rice, but it's stayed one of our all-time favorite local places.
If you've heard anything about the food scene in Houston, you may have heard about it as the center of Viet-Cajun food. This is one of the iconic homes of the unique food fusion.
Our favorite asian bakery. Tasty red bean buns, melon pan, and creme rolls. They do sell out of many things - so if you can't go early, there are other bakeries in the area, like 85c & Paris Baguette
Our favorite spot for Jamaican food. Sidney loves the garlic shrimp & Eric loves the Jerk Chicken and Stewed Goat. Also get the homemade ginger beer
The absolute best donuts & kolache chain in Houston.
The absolute best donuts & kolache chain in Houston.
Houston's local legend chicken spot. Enjoyed by the likes of Beyoncé when she comes home to Houston
The absolute best donuts & kolache chain in Houston.
Houston's first craft brewery. Take a tour of the brewery and check out the semi-outdoor beer garden and skyline view.
Storied local music joint hosting frequent honky-tonk, country and rock music show. Grab your partner and dosey-do!
Cocktail bar with an overload of ambience. Eric has always loved the roof joists - it's like being inside a whale!
Charming local institution serving Mexican pastries & breakfast plates. Try the cafe de olla - cinnamon infused coffee!
Chill brunch spot in the Museum District that features an all-vegan menu of southern breakfast classics.
This local donut shop is family owned named after our good friend Billy & went viral a few years back. Their donuts and kolaches are really hard to beat. And who doesn't want to support family-owned business!
The Rice Box does their variation on Chinese takeout classics like General Tso's and Orange Chicken. Plus all the stores are really cool, with their cyberpunk, futuristic vibe and the tvs are always playing a rotation of bladerunner, back to the future, Akira and more..
The Rice Box does their variation on Chinese takeout classics like General Tso's and Orange Chicken. Plus all the stores are really cool, with their cyberpunk, futuristic vibe and the tvs are always playing a rotation of bladerunner, back to the future, Akira and more.
Low Key from the street, Lei Low does some amazingly tasty, elaborate and strong Tiki drinks. One signature drink uses half a fresh banana & a shark shaped novelty glass to create a dolphin smoking a cinnamon stick cigar while being eaten by a shark.
Excellent New American Bistro
Malaysian Restaurant in Chinatown. We can't tag EVERYTHING in Chinatown, but if you come out this way, there is plenty to eat and shop
In the running for best barbecue in town. If you're going do a courtesy, ask Eric's friend Doug Niemann if he wants to tag along...
Charming as hell dive bar in the museum district. Pool table, photo booth, drinks are cheap and vibes are emaculate.
There are hundreds of good taco spots in Houston. Tacos A Go Go opens early and closes late meaning you can almost always get your taco fix.
There are hundreds of good taco spots in Houston. Tacos A Go Go opens early and closes late meaning you can almost always get your taco fix.
There are hundreds of good taco spots in Houston. Tacos A Go Go opens early and closes late meaning you can almost always get your taco fix.
No frills Divey bar specializing in whiskey. A patio for smokers, grimey bathrooms, pinball machines and walls adorned with risqué felt paintings. Montrose is FULL of new luxury cocktail bars. Poison Girl is hanging on to the old montrose spirit that's a bit grittier. Bar hopping on foot isn't really a thing in Houston, but this is one of the few areas where you can go out, eat, drink and explore.
Cool coffee shop in a renovated industrial space with a pretty big pop-up market inside that features rotating small businesses.
An absolutely zaney bar. There's a ferris wheel, food trucks, karaoke, and live music. This area is referred to as EaDo and is another area with LOTS of nightlife and restaurants.
To us, Brasil feels like the center of Montrose. Somehow we always end up at Brasil. Open early - closes late, good food and drinks, and a nice covered patio.
Sidney and I had our first date at a Local Foods! With several locations, their menu is a palatable sampler of many of the defining flavors of Houston. They have many vegetarian options as well.
Freaky, funky, neon-lit cocktail bar with "secret" rooms. This bar is a really unique experience.
Do you really need to hype up a classic, 24 hour diner?
It might be pricy, but the roof deck has a lazy river pool in the shape of Texas. The restaurant, Xochi is also highly regarded.
Part international grocery store. Come here for amazing mediterranean food and fresh pita.
The original location of this, now, very popular upscale bakery and cafe. During brunch hours, this place is packed, but there is no shortage of nice places to eat in Montrose. Just try Brasil across the street, Empire Cafe down the block or la Guadalupana a couple blocks further if you need other options
Transplanted from Austin, Juiceland just is the best fresh smoothie and juice chain in the world. There's really no gimmick here, the juices are just full of fresh, whole fruits and veggies, not sweeteners. It may seem odd that a juice place is on our must visit - but considering Houston's food scene is very indulgent, this is great when you need to clean up your act a bit.
Crazy good vegan restaurant. The fried mushrooms are amazing.
For it's central location and price, this is the best banh mi money can buy
Houston is notorious for how much it changes. This area, Midtown has been transformed completely over the last 10 years, but Mai's was there before it all. You can get great phó even late into the night. They close at 3am on weekends!
This is another longstanding Montrose goodie. There's nothing too fancy on the menu - pretty standard cafe fare, except for some reason, it's just really good. They have a large outdoor seating area for when the weather is nice.
Rice Village has changed A LOT in the last decade, but D'Amico's has not. Sidney and Eric have had several dates and valentine's days at D'Amico's. Try the crawfish ravioli!
The Rice Box does their variation on Chinese takeout classics like General Tso's and Orange Chicken. Plus all the stores are really cool, with their cyberpunk, futuristic vibe and the tvs are always playing a rotation of bladerunner, back to the future, Akira and more.
This is where Eric & Sidney had their first date!
Blending Pan-Asian Cuisines & Texas style BBQ. Some seek purist experiences, like trying to find the best, most authentic texas brisket - Don't be led astray. The blending is as authentically Texas as it gets. If you don't have many meal opportunities but want a wide ranging survey of Houston's food culture, you can't mess it up here
Blending Pan-Asian Cuisines & Texas style BBQ. Some seek purist experiences, like trying to find the best, most authentic texas brisket - Don't be led astray. The blending is as authentically Texas as it gets. If you don't have many meal opportunities but want a wide ranging survey of Houston's food culture, you can't mess it up here
There are two bars on the Rice Campus: Willy's Pub - where the young and vibrant drink. And Valhalla, where grad students go to blow off steam. Valhalla is in the basement, underneath Keck Hall. It is across from Anderson Hall, the architecture school where Eric spent far wasted far too much of his youth. The walls are bedecked with neckties that are ceremoniously cut off when they retire. If you're visiting the Rice campus for the the museums, skyspace or architecture maybe pop into Valhalla for $3 beers & eavesdrop on students complaining about their theses.
If you're visiting the Rice University Campus, the Brochstein Pavilion right in the center is a nice spot to get a coffee, refresh, use the restroom and enjoy the calm, collegiate and scenic atmosphere that makes Rice so charming.
Local, black-owned, Southern Cuisine that will take you back to some foundational, core food experience no matter who you are or where you're from. They just do good, refined home-style cooking.
Different from the Arboretum, the Houston Botanic Garden is only a few years old and features many beautiful ornamental gardens and artistic lighting and sculpture
Memorial Park is an enormous outdoor feature that is contiguous with the Arboretum. The Land Bridge across Memorial Drive was just recently completed as well as the eastern glades nature areas that are supposed to be very nice.
We've never been here because it just opened to the public in Dec. 2025 - but this is the first Ismaili Cultural Center in the United States and looks like an pretty incredible piece of architecture. Check the web for details on what programs and exhibitions might be available during your visit.
Many of y'all may already know, Buc-ee's is an institution, a museum for gasoline and consumerism. We don't know what comes over us but Sidney and I lose all sense when we go to a Buc-ee's. If your only chance to try Texas brisket happens to be at Buc-ee's, buddy, you can do a lot worse. We even seen buc-ee's merch all the time in Chicago. Everybody loves Buc-ee's.
Many of y'all may already know, Buc-ee's is an institution, a museum for gasoline and consumerism. We don't know what comes over us but Sidney and I lose all sense when we go to a Buc-ee's. If your only chance to try Texas brisket happens to be at Buc-ee's, buddy, you can do a lot worse. We even seen buc-ee's merch all the time in Chicago. Everybody loves Buc-ee's.
WARNING THIS IS A "BABY BUC-EE'S" (LESS MERCH) Many of y'all may already know, Buc-ee's is an institution, a museum for gasoline and consumerism. We don't know what comes over us but Sidney and I lose all sense when we go to a Buc-ee's. If your only chance to try Texas brisket happens to be at Buc-ee's, buddy, you can do a lot worse. We even seen buc-ee's merch all the time in Chicago. Everybody loves Buc-ee's.