The -ist List: Summer in the city

Aaaah, August. Melting concrete. Steaming bayous. It’s hot as Houston. But the days are getting shorter and before you know it, the kiddies will be back in school, we’ll be “falling back” and the nuclear temperatures will turn to chilly. Don’t drag your turtlenecks and overcoats out yet, we still have five weeks 'til Labor Day. To help you make the most of the dwindling days, your friendly Houstonist came up with a short list of to-do’s to close out summer.

Heeey Boo Boo! What’s summer without a picnic? With hundreds of parks in the city you should have no problem finding a cozy shade tree for you and your “Lovey”. Beat the heat by waiting until early evening. The sun sets after 8 p.m., so even a six o’clock rendevous lasts a couple hours. Stock the basket with plenty of fruit to help keep you cool, too. It may be hot, but don’t forget the blanket.

Much ado: Add some culture to the summer. Shakespeare invades Miller Outdoor Theater. Regular showings of “The Tempest” and “Titus Andronicus” last until August 12th, followed by a weekend of jazz the 18th and 19th and “Carmen” August 25th and 26th. As an added bonus, it’s FREE. So go-eth forth and be-eth thee culture-ed.

Boys (and Girls) of Summer: Hello? Did you forget the obvious? Yes, the Astros. The ’05 National League Champs are still shooting for another pennant. Try a “Businessman’s Special” for an afternoon of beer and peanuts. Visit the Toyota Center and catch the Comets. The ladies of the WNBA are looking to wrap up a ninth trip to the playoffs in ten years.

Theater Under the Stars: Although once thought to be extinct, drive-in theaters are making a comeback. Within a short drive (relatively) you could be reliving the days of T-Birds and Pink Ladies. We don’t recommend stuffing your friends in the trunk to avoid admission, and with a double feature for less than one at the local 30-plex, there’s no need. We recommend The Showboat.

Go Wild: You can wear the lampshade on your head if you like, but we’re talking about the great outdoors. State parks abound in Texas. Depending on which direction you drive will determine your wildlife encounters. And no summer is complete without a weekend with the animals. For those of us who prefer the finer things, try Go Xplor. The Houston-based recreation company guides groups around the state for camping, hiking and kayaking. Equipment is provided, as are gourmet meals prepared by the company’s chefs. Sure beats a burnt hotdog and cold beans.

Honorable mentions:
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Zoo
Houston Ship Channel Tour
Galveston Beach

Photo: flickr user hazler 06