Houstonist Top 10ist: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

The people have grumbled. Here you are,
The Top 10 Least Satisfying Driving Experiences in Houston:

1. I-10 between downtown and the westside
2. Meeting of 59 North and 288
3. 610 past the Galleria
4. 59 South
5. Westheimer past the Galleria
6. 45 through downtown
7. Shepherd Drive from I-10 to 59
8. Richmond west of the Galleria
9. Hwy. 6 between Bellaire and 529
10. 290 in and out of downtown

*Interesting Fact: Note how many of the least satisfying drives are also most satisfying drives, according to the Top 10ist we assembled last week. We Houstonians are a pretty complicated bunch - hot one minute, cold the next. What we can assume in our analysis of this Top 10ist is that it is possible for a driving experience in Houston to go from awesome to terrible in a matter of hours. Shepherd at midnight is very unlike Shepherd at 5PM. Luckily, Top 10ist can help you navigate these shifting tides of joy and misery as you drive your way through Houston.

And here's your map of the Top 10 sucky drives in Houston. Unlike the other map we provided you with (that is - the MOST satisfying drives in Houston), this would not be a map you would want to follow. In fact, you want so much to NOT follow this map, that indeed you should print it out and tape it to your dash (right below last week's map) so that you don't fall into the satisfaction sandpits we live with in Houston. Your thoughts and passion were great. Keep it up next week, with your new Top 10ist prompt:

Houstonist Top 10ist #3: What are the Top 10 outdoor experiences in Houston?
Tell us where, when, and with whom you experience your outdoor ecstasy. Don't experience outdoor ecstasy? All the more reason to tune in next week when your nature-lovin neighbors help you out with some hot tips.

And yes, it's hot. And getting hotter. But is it really impossible to enjoy a summer experience in Houston without AC? Some may say yes. But you know what? We're all in the same frickin boat, and there are still a lot of hours to spend in Houston before the weather cools. Let's enjoy them, shall we? Here's an example:

A weekday eve, between 6 and 9PM, westward facing on the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Yes, it's still 90 degrees at 6PM, but the experience of actually feeling the temperature drop degree by degree can be a philosophical experience. With a picnic basket at your side, and a blankie beneath your hide, you can recline against the warm grass and watch the sun set beyond the zoo. The color shifts of the sky are reflected against the glassy buildings to the east, and the mosquitoes aren't out yet. Street lights become brighter than the sun, and Hermann Park's gradient of greens seem to glow in the dusk. To extend the pleasure, pack a bikini (or trunks) and a beer and go a few hours early. A loved one's company makes it even better.

So Houston, tell us!
What are the Top 10 outdoor experiences in Houston?

Oh, and from now on, you can follow the jump and link to archived Top 10ist lists. Try it now!