Unless you’re Jack Bauer, there just isn’t enough time in the day.
The Heights compound this sentiment. With all the bars, restaurants, studios and abstractions, you’d be lucky to make a dent in all there is to do in the Heights in 24 hours. But if a day is all you got, here’s your guide from sun up to sun down on a Saturday. [Featured image: @madisonfriedhoff]
Sweat It Out (8:30 a.m)
Start your day with a sun salutation. Black Swan Yoga offers a variety of different Bikram (steamy hot yoga) classes including beginner, flow, and power — each with its own form and intention. Each class is an hour and runs on donation. Once you’ve sweated out all your toxins, be sure replenish with a natural juice from Juiceland in the lobby.
Binge At Brunch (11:00 a.m.)
You’ve saluted the sun, now it’s time to toast it with brunch at Benjy’s. Their menu is distinguished by starters, salads, savory and sweet dishes that are so-called “shareable”, though you probably won’t want to. Start your buzz with one of their brunch cocktails or one of the four flavors of mimosas offered. The cat is out of the bag with Benjy’s brunch, so be sure to book a reservation beforehand to avoid the line.
Check Out Your New Ride (1:00 p.m.)
Houston is full of quirks. The Art Car Museum is first on that list and parked in the center of the Heights. Ride down to the museum to check out their collection of baroque, eccentric, and zany motor vehicles.
Saunter Through 19th Street (2:15 p.m.)
There’s no better way to discover the feel of a city than to walk around in it. While Houston itself may favor vehicular transportation, 19th Street in the Heights allows you to wander the old fashioned way. As per what to do? I’ll leave that to you. 19th street abounds with opportunity for you to scour the many vintage clothing shops, boutiques, galleries and record stores on this Heights’ mainstay.
Snack Down (4:00 p.m.)
Treat yourself to a little midday snack at Hugs and Donuts. Here you got your simple, run-in-the-mill donuts; you got Something Extra Donuts — which include such creations as a Fruity Pebble Crunch Cake Donut and a Daily Seasonal Cake Donut (like caramel Nutella crunch, for example). And then you got your Adventurous Donuts. These puppies feature such works as a Tres Leches Cake Donut Fritter and a Biscoff Cookie Butter Yeast Donut. Just eat the donuts, do-nut ask why.
Stroll Don’t Scroll (4:30 p.m.)
Now that you got some (more) carbs in you, discover the rest that is to be seen on 19th. Stroll off to the Marmion Park to get a taste of nature and a travel pic in front of their lovely gazebo. If you’re feeling tired, sit down for a fresh brewed coffee from Boomtown Coffee — you’ll need your energy for later!
Let’s Start Drinking (6:00 p.m.)
If the sun still shines, find a spot across the street on the patio at Wicklow Heights to drink in the fresh Texas air. You would also do yourself a favor by heading to either Cedar Creek or the Onion Creek for drinks in or outside, and maybe an appetizer. Queso anyone?
1st Dinner (7:00 p.m.)
You should probably get some food before you get too far ahead of yourself. When you’re in Houston, there are two types of food you absolutely must try: barbeque and Tex-Mex. Turn down North Main Street and take a table at either Pinkerton’s Barbeque for a slab of meat or Teotihuacan Mexican Café for quesadillas and margaritas.
Rock Out (8:30 p.m.)
If you’re planning on taking a trip to the Heights you must check out what’s lined up at White Oak Music Hall. The venue features live music almost every night in either their upstairs room, downstairs room, and/or on the grassy knolls of their lawn. Here, when the music hits the spot, there is no better way to spend a night.
What Happened In The World Of Sports? (11:30 p.m.)
Houston is a sports town, plain and simple. Even if you don’t care nor follow any of the teams, you can’t help but get a kick from the energy and passion of Houston’s loyal fans. See for yourself at McIntyre’s outdoor patio where patrons watch, celebrate, and commiserate over the wins, losses, and knockouts of the night. McIntyre’s offers a solid list of beer, plenty of cocktails, and, of course, shots X 3.
Cap Off Your Night (1:30 a.m.)
Change the scene by diving into Big Star Bar. A fully-loaded neighborhood dive where you can lounge on the patio, dance, shoot pool, or tune up your favorite song on the jukebox.
2nd Dinner (2:30 a.m.)
It’s not over until the fat lady sings. Minimize the chances of a hangover tomorrow morning by having your Uber driver swing by Cantina Barba for a slew of fresh tacos. If you filled up on Tex-Mex at the Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe, well they got burgers, too. Just eat something or you’ll regret it tomorrow!
Have more than 24 hours in the Heights? Find more to do here: Facebook