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City Cast Houston

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Katy used to be just a small, quiet suburb west of Houston. Today, it’s a sprawling city filled with more than 24,000 people, as well as exciting restaurants, coffee shops, and tons of places to shop. I spent most of my childhood there until high school, but the Katy of the past is a distant memory. Here are some spots you should check out:

 opened in 1999: My elementary school went on a field trip to the Rainforest Cafe. (Yes, we were lucky students!) The mall remains a shopping attraction for the city, with Abercrombie & Fitch, Aldo, Bath & Body Works, Adidas, and Cole Haan outlets. Oh, and yes, 

A newer, bougier alternative for shopping is 

; think of it as the suburban alternative to City Centre. I also love that it’s home to Houston restaurant favorites 

I’m a movie lover and always looking for a place to kick back and watch a film. My favorite: 

. The seats are comfy, and the food options are tasty. Keep an eye out for their theme nights. 

 has been around forever, and is another classic place to catch a movie. Other options: 

check out Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

 for go-karts, arcades, laser tag and more. In the summer, splash around at 

 by Katy Mills Mall. And grab a beer from 

Katy used to be just a small, quiet suburb west of Houston. Today, it’s a sprawling city filled with more than 24,000 people, as well as exciting restaurants, coffee shops, and tons of places to shop. I grew up there, but the Katy of my childhood is a distant memory. Here are some spots you should check out:

The Best Places To Visit In Katy 

Neighborhood Guides

I have a soft spot for Spring Branch because I went to school there from kindergarten to senior year. This neighborhood, located in west Houston, is known for its diverse residents and delicious restaurants. Spring Branch resident Becky

wrote in with suggestions below for those looking to visit the neighborhood.

amazing cold brew and house-made British baked goods.

 It’s also decorated with geology stuff, which is soooo Houston.

works to support veterans and their families

. In the past, American Legion Hall raised funds to take 18 World War II vets to New Orleans for two days of fun, including being honored at the World War II Museum there with a full police escort. You also don’t want to 

If you’re looking for a place to see live music, 

 which also has a vintage arcade, bingo, karaoke, and open mic nights. Mark 

your calendar for their pre-Halloween party

Which is your favorite Tex-Mex? They’re all within about a half a mile of each other on Gessner. A lot of the old-timers swear by 

has the nicest servers and great tortilla soup. 

 has the rare Tex-Mex drive-through. There’s definitely something for everyone.

This neighborhood, located in west Houston, is known for its diverse residents and delicious restaurants. Spring Branch resident Becky wrote in with suggestions below for those looking to visit the neighborhood.

Spring Branch Hotspots You Need To Visit 

Discovery Green is a favorite among Houstonians, and given its proximity to all the action, it’s not hard to see why. Here are some options for what to pair with your next visit to the park.

Named after the Portuguese style of grilled beef popular in South America, the 

 near the park is a sight for hungry eyes — perfect for a last-minute craving. After you frolic around the park, grab a cocktail and dinner on the patio at 

 is a great option if you have a large group.

 installation at the park. Go play your favorite arcade game or challenge someone to a skeeball match at 

. You can also rent an alternative form of transportation from 

As I mentioned above, the Astros are on a roll. Discovery Green is just a six minute walk from

Get to Know Discovery Green

The Galleria is one of the most iconic destinations in Houston. The ice-skating rink inside is also beloved by many Houstonians. Nearly 700,000 people visit the rink annually. Earlier this month, the rink re-opened after undergoing a $1 million dollar renovation. Let’s learn more.

When The Galleria opened in 1970, Houstonians were able to skate on 

the first ever indoor rink inside a U.S. mall

. It quickly became a popular destination for birthday parties and other celebrations. Growing up, I used the ice rink as my spot to meet-up with friends or family because it’s located right in the center of the mall. The ice rink is also known for its popular tree lighting ceremony held every Christmas, where a 55-foot Christmas tree is filled with thousands of lights.

 since it opened to the public. After decades of use, the rink’s surface became uneven. A new system was installed to create a thinner, better-quality sheet of ice. As part of the renovation, the rink will also get a new ice resurfacing machine, new flooring outside the rink, and upgraded restrooms and changing areas.

Now it’s time for you to take a spin on the new ice! The rink is open Monday - Sunday, at varied hours. I recommend going on a weeknight or when it first opens up on the weekends, because it can get packed. Right now, 

 for ten weeks for only $200 as part of their reopening special.

Do you like to skate at the Galleria? Do you have a memory to share? 

The Galleria is one of the most iconic destinations in Houston. The ice-skating rink inside is also beloved by many Houstonians. More than 700,000 people visit the rink annually. Earlier this month, the rink re-opened after undergoing a $1 million dollar renovation. Let’s learn more.

What's New At The Galleria Ice Rink?

After years of fundraising and planning, 

 opened to the public in September 2020. The garden, which used to be the site of a 130-acre golf course, is now home to a wide variety of plants, fun events, and awe-inspiring nature to get lost in. Justin Lacey of the Houston Botanic Garden helps us get to know this special oasis near Hobby Airport.

 of approximately 1,000 taxa includes tropical, subtropical, and arid plants from every continent except Antarctica. You can be enveloped by banana leaves one minute, and then walk among colorful boulders and drought-tolerant agaves in a dramatic desert landscape just a few steps away. In a nod to the city's culinary reputation, you can find 

 central to cuisines and cultural traditions of Houston's diverse populace.

Deepen your understanding of the natural world

At the Garden you can do more than simply look at nature. Its comprehensive 

 include classes on home gardening, arts and crafts workshops, and activities focused on physical and mental health. Rotating exhibitions complement the Garden's plant life and draw attention to conservation and other environmental issues in our changing world.

Get your hands dirty and make a difference

Volunteers from all walks of life -- serving individually or in groups -- 

 of the organization. Those with green thumbs can work in the Garden, while others greet visitors, assist with programs, or do administrative tasks. Simply 

, so you can visit often as the Garden changes seasonally and support the continued development of this new community asset.

Have you visited the Houston Botanic Garden before? Do you have a memory to share? 

After years of fundraising and planning, The Houston Botanic Garden opened to the public in September 2020. The garden, which used to be the site of a 130-acre golf course, is now home to a wide variety of plants, fun events, and awe-inspiring nature to get lost in. Justin Lacey of the Houston Botanic Garden helps us get to know this special oasis near Hobby Airport.

Why You Should Visit Houston Botanic Garden

Newsletter reader Lauren gives us a behind-the-scenes look into East End, known for its hip coffee shops, eateries and arts scene. Let’s go!

What was once a warehouse at 3401 Harrisburg Blvd is now a multi-use complex housing a mix of excellent small businesses, including 

, a pint-sized grocery store with outsized inventory.

Dedicated and protected bike lanes make the East End one of the easiest neighborhoods to get around safely by bike, whether traversing Polk Street as part of an organized group ride or headed to the 

. There's something for everyone throughout the East End.

Home to a longstanding coffee plant and Greenway Roasters, it's no surprise that there are many excellent coffee shops in the neighborhood to get a caffeine fix in different ways. Coffee and a board game are on tap at 

 at the Ironworks offers delicious tacos and tortas, and 

Get To Know East End

 cares for more than 2,800 acres of greenspace and supports park projects large and small. The non-profit organization connects 150 miles of trails and parks along nine major waterways. From White Oak Bayou to the San Jacinto River, there are endless places to explore across the city. The Houston Parks Board completed their own neighborhood guide to help us get to know them better. Let’s take a look!

Bayou Greenways is a public-private partnership between Houston Parks Board, the City of Houston, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Starting at the City of Houston’s Milby Park, you can walk or cycle southwest to access the Sims Bayou Greenway trail. This trail provides connections to the beloved Houston Botanic Garden and the City of Houston’s historic Glenbrook Park. Interested in the full 3-mile trip? View HPB’s 

 for the full details and to explore more of Houston. While Houston is best known for White Oak Bayou, Sims Bayou, and Brays Bayou, create your own trip through HPB’s 

 along any of the nine greenways to experience all the greenspaces and #ParksByYou.

Houston Parks Board offers meaningful engagement opportunities that make sure all Houstonians feel at home in their greenspaces. One example is its work with 

 in Acres Homes and Third Ward. This collaborative initiative offers unique educational opportunities and outdoor activities that encourage healthier and more active lifestyles.

, an educational mobile gaming platform that uses augmented reality to get Houstonians active and outdoors. Houston Parks Board hosts pop-up missions at locations all over the city to help you and your family explore the outdoors in a safe and socially distant way.

In addition to park advocacy and development, the Houston Parks Board Conservation and Maintenance Team preserves, creates, and enhances the region’s habitats through conservation best practices and stewardship. If you’re looking to volunteer alongside them,

 a volunteer group that meets once a month to complete conservation projects.

Houston Parks Board cares for more than 2,800 acres of greenspace and supports park projects large and small. The non-profit organization connects 150 miles of trails and parks along nine major waterways. From White Oak Bayou to the San Jacinto River, there are endless places to explore across the city. The Houston Parks Board completed their own neighborhood guide to help us get to know them better. Let’s take a look!

This Organization Cares for Houston Parks 

On our podcast, Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing 

shared some of her favorite spots in Third Ward

, a historically Black neighborhood known for its dynamic history and culture. Let’s take a look!

 on Stuart Street after hosting pop-ups across the city. The cozy and calming space showcases Black authors from many genres. Next door, you can get your comic book fix at 

In 1872, Reverend Jack Yates, Richard Allen, Richard Brock, and Reverend Elias Dibble 

 ten acres, bought by freed slaves, where they could celebrate Juneteenth. Decades later, the park stands as a beautiful testament to Black history. On any given day, you’ll find residents swimming at the pool, playing basketball on the court, or laughing on the playground.You may even spot Mayor

 Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee danc

 at Texas Southern University highlights Black art. Curator and director Alvia Wardlaw is native to Third Ward, but her work echoes across the country. Don't miss works by Dr. John Biggers, the muralist who established the university's art department in 1949.

Stop by the art mecca of Third Ward, which stretches over five city blocks and is home to 39 different structures, showcasing artwork created by the community. Inside the community gallery, view work from artists 

who were affected by the fire at Winter Street Studios

On our podcast, Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing shared some of her favorite spots in Third Ward, a historically Black neighborhood known for its dynamic history and culture. Let’s take a look!

Where To Explore in Houston's Third Ward 

Where To Explore In Houston's Third Ward 

Summer is a time to explore. If you’re looking for a perfect escape, 

 offers hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, about 50 miles north of Houston. Let’s take a look at this oasis.

For those who love getting lost in nature on a hike, then you’ll enjoy 

. As you hike, you can admire a variety of plants, wildlife, rivers, creeks, lakes, and streams. The most popular seasons to hike this trail are the winter and spring because of the weather, but hiking is still possible in the summer months. Start your hike in the early morning, so you can finish before noon and make sure to stay hydrated.

 If you’re looking to stay at Cagle or Double Lake, make sure to reserve ahead of time.

Cagle, which is along the shoreline of Lake Conroe, has bike trails, hiking, places to picnic, and a new campground area. It’s also great for fishing and water sports.

Double Lake is near Coldspring, Texas and includes a swimming area, beach, and well-equipped camping units with a table, fireplace, tent pad, and other items. Some camping units also have water, sewer, and electrical hookups. For the bike enthusiasts, try their 21-mile mountain bike trail.

Stubblefield is available on a first-come, first-served basis. At Stubblefield, you can camp, hike, canoe, fish, bird-watch, or picnic.

Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe both have endless water activities for you to enjoy: fishing to your heart’s content, boating, or a water sports activity.

If you plan to hunt deer or small game inside the forest, then make sure to buy the appropriate wildlife management area hunting permit. Hunters must also wear orange.

If this got you itching to explore outdoors, here are more of 

 around Houston. [City Cast Houston 🎧]

So, do you like to hike at Sam Houston National Forest? How is biking there? I wanna know.

Share your forest adventures 

Summer is a time to explore. If you’re looking for a perfect escape, Sam Houston National Forest offers hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting, about 50 miles north of Houston. Let’s take a look at this oasis.

Explore Sam Houston National Forest 

How To Explore Sam Houston National Forest

 has become a must-see destination in the city. The old Barbara Jordan post office building, renovated and reopened in 2021, now offers a diverse range of cuisines, events, a concert hall, and a stunning view of Houston’s downtown skyline. Let’s get into it!

POST Houston’s food court is not your typical mall food court. You’ll find a range of cuisines that represent the diversity of Houston so well, it’ll take you multiple trips to taste it all. Stop by 

, a West African restaurant that has gained national recognition. Grab a bite at 

, which offers globally influenced Japanese street food and is run by award-winning chef Paul Qui. I’m always savoring the empanadas at 

. When all is said and done, grab dessert at 

You can’t make a trip to POST without going up to the roof to look at the skyline. This five-acre roof isn’t just a place for a nice selfie, but also where you can relax and 

 Grab a beer or cocktail at their mobile bar on the weekends. Jam to their live DJ or buy tickets for a concert series. Check out their free yoga and zumba classes offered monthly. You can also schedule a tour of their one-acre urban food farm.

! I went for the first time in May and absolutely loved the venue. Inside, the venue is a lot larger than it looks from the outside and can hold up to 5,000 people. Some upcoming shows include: Yellowcard, Young The Giant, K-Pop We Stand, and Brent Faiyaz.

So, what’s your favorite part of POST Houston? 

Share your favorite POST Houston memory 

In its short time open, POST Houston has become a must-see destination in the city. The old Barbara Jordan post office building, renovated and reopened in 2021, now offers a diverse range of cuisines, events, a concert hall, and a stunning view of Houston’s downtown skyline. Let’s get into it!