Last Chance To See 600 sq mi: Hidden
Missed Connections: Gefilte Fish...and "Chain Connections"
H-Town Rock
Rock Talk, Vol. IX
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!
Houstonist Top 10ist #2: Least Satisfying Driving Experiences in Houston (coming!)
Houstonist Top 10ist #1: Most Satisfying Driving Experiences in Houston
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Quick question - 290 does not go into Downtown at all... it ends/begins at 610... I am assuming you meant driving 290 at all? It's not much worse than driving I-10 west of 610 towards Katy but yes, it is horrendous once you past Beltway 8!
Oh - forgot to add my outdoor moment - don't know if this counts but here goes:
The patio at Brasil's, watching the traffic and hearing the sounds (squealing bus brakes, music blaring frm car speakers, screeching tires, fire truck sirens), watching the people, enjoying a cool lambic.
Cybertoad - your favorite outdoor experience is just the kind of answer we envisioned. Thanks!
Sunny spring or fall afternoon drinking lone star at the West Alabama Ice House with a few friends. It makes for for great people watching with the mix of slightly oddball regulars, bikers, and the nice-day yuppieish patrons.
it's interesting to see how the 10 most satisfying driving experiences were scattered around town, but the 10 worst seemed to all be on the west side, or the loop around downtown. And, having lived in Almeda for a couple of years while in college, I'd pick driving 288 (inside the beltway) over the Southwest, Katy, or Northwest Freeways any day of the week.
West Alabama ice house, biking on the memorial park trails, the back yard of Han's bier haus, back patio of el pubelito, open stadium games at minute maid park, spending time by the park at the menil
What about North and South boulevards in Broadacres? The houses are amazing, and you can't help but love walking down the medians, between the rows of oak trees, most any day.
THE ONE-TIME ULTIMATE OUTDOOR HOUSTON EXPERIENCE HAS TO BE WHEN JEAN-MICHEL JARRE STAGED "RENDEZVOUS HOUSTON" USING THE DOWNTOWN SKYLINE AS THE STAGE
BACK IN 1986. MADE WOODSTOCK LOOK LIKE THE COUNTY FAIR. WE HIKED DOWN TO THE BAYOU FROM MONTROSE & AFTER THE SHOW CLOSED UP LA CARAFE - NO TRAFFIC PROBLEMS FOR US. WE TOOK SOME GREAT PICTURES,TOO.
FOR ONGOING EXPERIENCES- A 20 + MILE BIKE TRIP THROUGH TOWN WITH A BEER STOP AT AN ICE HOUSE NEAR THE "TRAIL'S END".
OR AN EVENING CONCERT AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATER CAN'T BE MATCHED - NOWHERE BUT HOUSTON.
Bicycle Pub Crawling around town through The Heights, River Oaks, Midtown & Oak Forest on a cool Saturday evening in November.
I'd have to say my favorite outdoor experience is a walk in Hermann Park. One of the things Houston's urban areas lack are places where people gather or walk in large numbers (like Times Square), but in Hermann park there are always people around. I think it's Houston's true gathering place. It's a great place for people watching, or duck watching or just hanging out in the summer sun. And people seem to be so friendly. I have had strnagers talk to me every time I've been in the park.
Another cool fact, if you sit by the reflecting pool at sunset, you'll start to see bats come out just before dark, possibly from Waug Bridge. I guess they know where to go to get the mosquitos!
lounging in the Menil park on a sunny afternoon
Running or walking the trail around Rice University after 10:00 pm.
I'm not sure if you want to count this as part of Houston...Kemah Boardwalk is my favorite outdoor experience. You can sit around the fountain, sip a drink, listen to the live music and watch the kids (and sometimes the adults too!!) play in the water. You can walk along the boardwalk and watch the various boats head out to the bay while the folks on board wave like they are old friends of yours. You can ride the rides or just people watch. Once the sun goes down you can see the stars and watch the lights from the boardwalk restaurants and amusements reflect on the water. Let's not forget the guy juggling and doing other tricks with fire! Everyone is smiling and laughing and having a great time.
...rolling through the bike trails in Memorial.
Favorite Outdoor Experience in Houston - is how I thaw out when I leave my ice-cold air-conditioned building and walk out into the warm, Texas sun. What an experience~
Terry Hershey Park and its bayou trail at dusk. Bunnies come out and snack, and jasmine wafts like crazy.
May I nominate brunch on the patio at Empire Cafe?