While running along Montrose Ave this morning, discovering the sidewalks (and subsequent ankle-twisting cracks) of a neighborhood we have often admired, but of recent become a resident, we got an upclose look at many of the establishment we have visited many a time, yet on foot were allowed to explore a bit more.

In the effort of being visionaries, we've decided to name this strip of road SoMo (or South Montrose, for you slow pokes.) Yes, we know this is technically the Museum District, but please humor our acronym. You heard it here first, folks!

SoMo is an often over looked area, overshadowed by it's big brother, NoMo (promise, last made-up acronym), and Artsy Sister, Museum District. We been to many of the bars, restaurants, museums, and shops on various occasions, but never really took in the whole area on foot.

The more and more urbanized Houston becomes, the more areas like this thrive on pedestrian traffic, and fair weather joggers, like us. Below are a few of our favorite spots along this SoMo stretch. Hopefully they'll soon be yours, too.

>> Chelsea Street Market
Heading south, crossing over the elevated bridge that brings Montrose into the Museum District, don't look down. If you do, be prepared to see cars racing beneath your feet as the US 59 North and Southbound lanes bob, weave, and feed into 288 South, 527 Spur, and I45. Not easy for the queasy. On your left sits Chelsea Street Market, a conglomeration of businesses, shops, and recently, ever-changing restaurants, all that surround a central courtyard. In late 2005, O'Rourke's Steakhouse (4611 Montrose Blvd.), which has for years been the face of Chelsea Street Market, viewable to the 59 traffic, reopened as Exhibit Steakhouse. Apparently, even more recently being recreated as Danton's Gulfcoast Seafood (as evident by the temporary sign hanging from the front). Other eateries include the European Cafe, DNR; a place for yummy wraps, sandwiches, and salads in a deli setting, on the corner of Chelsea and Montrose. And they cater!

Chelsea Street Market is probably most known for housing Main Street Theater (4617 Montrose Blvd.), a family-friendly theater company, which is actually the second location of the Theater. (The other is Rice Village). Houstonist can remember way back in the day (at the old theater) seeing Into the Woods for the first time, which, ironically enough, is now playing at the Chelsea Street location through July 29th. [for tickets and show times visit the website]

Follow the jump below to read about Ernie's on Banks, Bell Park, ICCC, the Jung Center, and the Contemporary Arts Museum.

>> Ernie's on Banks
Across the street from Chelsea Street Market, tucked behind the original Sierra Club-turned-The Lounge-turned-newly-opened FAME, an all 80's dance club, sits one of the best places in Houston to catch your favorite sports team. choke in the playoffs. A neighborhood sports bar, Ernie's on Banks is perfect for pool, darts, and some of the best jukeboxing this side of 59. Distinguishable by the large 2nd floor patio that overlooks nearby Bell Park, you can't beat Ernie's and a cold Lone Star on a hot Houston day. [Monday–Friday 4:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m, Saturday & Sunday 5 p.m.–2:00 a.m.] photo: Bill Olive for the Chronicle

>> Bell Park
A quaint little spot that sits beneath a canopy of trees, Bell Park (4800 Montrose) is the perfect spot for a lazy stroll (or in our case, a lazy morning runner out of breath). The park is spotted with wooden benches, a central fountain, and bridge that extend across a small pond.

>> Italian Cultural & Community Center
Just a stone's throw from Bell Park, is a place we grew up visiting with our old Sicilian aunts, learning how to bake foccia, speak Italian, and drink vino! The ICCC's purpose is to "unify the local Italian-American community in order to promote the Italian culture and heritage, to sponsor social and cultural events and activities for the entire greater Houston community, and to perform works of charity" — a.k.a. wine tastings, Italian lessons, meatball lunches, and the Italian Festival! Home to all things Italiano in Houston, the ICCC is also great place to get your bocce ball on. "C'e na luna mezza'o mare, Mammamiam'ho maritari!" [1101 Milford | check out the website for upcoming events]

>> The Jung Center
Heading further south on Montrose, the Mecom Fountain becomes visible, signifying you are entering the heart of the Museum District. One of the first museums to welcome you is the serene Jung Center, (5200 Montrose) a place for intellectual study and psychological development. Founded in 1958, the Jung Center offers various courses, programs, and conferences every year that address critical social and spiritual issues, as well as offering personal growth and development. And what Jung Center would be complete without: Yoga! The Jung Center offers Hatha Yoga classes on Wednesday from 6-7:15pm. [Gallery Hours: Mon-Thur 9am - 7pm, Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm | excludes special programs]

>> Contemporary Arts Museum
Rounding out the journey down SoMo, the Contemporary Arts Museum (5216 Montrose Blvd) or "the CAM" as the art crowd has tagged it, is dedicated to presenting the art of our time to the public. A non-collecting museum, its mission is to "provide a forum for art with an emphasis on the visual arts of the present and recent past; to document new directions in art through changing exhibitions and publications; to engage the public in a lively dialogue with today’s art; and to encourage a greater understanding of contemporary art through education programs." Currently on display at the CAMH are two of the most fascinating exhibits we've seen all year: Black Light White Noise: Sound and Light in Contemporary Art , and last week's exhibit opening of Xaviera Simmons' Electric Relaxation: Digital Good Time (How to Break Your Own Heart), an exhibit that blankets the entire basement of the CAMH in old vinyl records the Simmons grew up listening to. Did we mention our favorite part? Admission is always free. [Tuesday - Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. , Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.]

Houston is full of hidden gems like SoMo — we hope you'll take the time to explore this and other areas that you'll enjoy just as much.