Hot Town, Cool City

When Houstonist was growing up in the suburbs, we knew people who never bothered to go into Houston unless they were sick or needed to get on an airplane. So when we grew up and moved to town, we were surprised to find a similar attitude — of course, people who lived in Houston had been to Houston, but had they really seen Houston? In many cases, we found out they had never taken the time to learn about the city behind the freeways and strip malls.

That's why we think Hot Town, Cool City is such a great project. It's a two-pronged look at the city: first, a Web site that launched earlier this year where people can post info on their favorite places and experiences in the city, and second, a film being put together by Maureen McNamara. The Web site is great — the usual suspects show up (DiverseWorks, the Menil, Brazos Book Store, the River Oaks Theatre, the Breakfast Klub, Hermann Park) and so do some spots that are a little farther off the beaten path, but well worth the love: the Live Oak Friends Meeting House, Guy's Meat Market, Glass Bros. Watermelon Stand, the New World Museum. Take a look, learn something you didn't know, and contribute your own favorite place.