Houston TX is a big city with a lot to do. It’s also a great place to live. The Bayou City offers something for everyone,whether it is hole-in the-wall hotspots or cutting edge culinary prowess.
As it’s a part of the Gulf coast plain,there are marshes,forest,swamps and Prairies. It is very flat and prone to flooding.
Established in 1836
Inhabited by cannibals,visited by explorers and missionaries,the capital of a fledgling nation,site of a battle that added millions of acres to the United States,and now a thriving metropolitan center and international trade hub–Houston has a long and varied history.
In the 1840s city leaders tried to reduce the economy’s dependence on oil through encouraging the growth of other industries. Today,Houston is known worldwide for its energy industry (oil and natural gas),biomedical research,and aeronautics.
The most visible remnants of early Houston are in the downtown area,especially along a stretch of Main Street that stretches from Commerce to Girard. The Allen Brothers laid out the town plat to center around Buffalo Bayou,and Gail Borden–publisher,surveyor,and originator of condensed milk–laid out streets 80′ wide,with the principal east-west street (Texas Avenue) 100′ wide. Houston’s infrastructure was also expanded by building railroads in the countryside. By the 1890s,city residents began tapping into a deep artesian water supply.
Houston Fun Facts
Houston,despite being the largest city in Texas and Southern United States is often overlooked. Houston is a diverse,vibrant metropolis that has a lot to give both residents and tourists. It is also known for its contributions to the fields of oil mining,space programs,and cultural diversity.
Bayous,rivers and waterways are a part of the city. Its booming economy has made it one of the top US cities for business.
Its chefs have put it on the culinary map of America. The city has a unique food scene that features authentic dishes from all over the world.
It is home to the first traditional Indian temple (or mandir) in North America. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston was built in India and shipped to the city in pieces like a giant 3D jigsaw puzzle. It is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” It also has a cistern that was filled with the remains of seven members of the Donnellan family and is now part of the Sky Lawn at the Water Works Park.
Climate Change
Houston has a tropical climate,with hot and humid weather throughout the year. Over 100 days each year,temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this time,the humidity is so high that it can feel muggy or oppressive,causing discomfort for many residents. The summer weather is a prime opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling,but is also when the city experiences the most heat-related stressors,such as higher emergency department visits and deaths.
The winter brings cool weather to the city,with temperatures dipping down into the 30s. Cold fronts moving southward can bring freezing rain or cold rain. Winter is the driest season for Houston.
Attractions
Houston has a wide range of attractions and events,making it a great place to visit. From eating delicious BBQ to catching a show at the Theater District,this city has something for everyone.
Houston Museum of Natural Science,a popular attraction for those who love science. It showcases everything from dinosaur bones to solar systems and is an entertaining way to learn.
The Houston Zoo is another fun activity for visitors to enjoy. It spans over 55 acres and is a great way to see exotic animals up close. The guests can feed the giraffes,and observe marine life in the aquarium.
Discovery Green Park offers a variety of activities,such as free yoga classes and movie night. There is also a playground in the park and ample space to picnic under trees. Punchline Mondays is a great way to catch some of the city’s best comedians if you are visiting on a Monday.