And We're Back...
Hello everyone! We're not as rested as we'd like to be but excited to be back nonetheless. This past weekend we attended the US Men's Claycourt Championships here in Houston at the Westside Tennis Club. (Well, the Westside Tennis and Fitness Center now.)
Unfortunately, this was the last year for the tourney here in Houston. Westside is moving towards the "Fitness" part of the name and will be offering yoga, pilates...you name it. Here is a picture from the Gallery Furniture Stadium at Westside. It is such a great, little stadium. Megan took this picture on Saturday during the Peya-Phau/Knowles-Nestor doubles match. To see the draw sheet of the tournament go here.
Are there any other big tennis fans out there?
posted by Candice and Megan @ 5:30 PM
Hello
I must have come across your blog looking for things to do in Houston... I'm headed there for the first time May 2-10 to check out a traveling RN job. I already booked my fancy-shmancy hotel-- La Combe d Or Hotel ;) but my conference is only two days and i'm taking the other 6 to just spend some time in Houston.... never been. How about some local's insight on what to do???
Sorry guys, I find tennis is bad for the neck! (Especially if you are a spectator.)
South Shields Daily Photo
Hi J-Mal! Thanks for stopping by. I have never heard of that hotel before, but it looks great and it's in a great area with plenty to do.
The Museum District is in the Montrose area and any of the museums (specifically: Fine Arts, Contemporary, Holocaust, and Science) are definitely worth a visit. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts has the French Impressionist Exhibit from the MET going on until May 6th. I highly recommend that...and right across the street is the Contemporary Arts Museum with a really cool gift shop. The Black Laborador (Restaurant/Pub) is in the Montrose Area, and it is enjoyable.
Also, if you can make it to a showing at the Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park...near the Houston Zoo...it is incredible. The shows are FREE and you can take some sort of dinner...pack a picnic/get take-out...and sit on the hill and watch a great show.
If you like shopping, Westheimer, The Galleria, or Harwin are fun spots. (The Galleria is a must regardless :-) I'm not a "Let's-spend-$200-for-a-pair-of-jeans" type of girl, but the atmosphere at The Galleria is a unique experience. Last I checked, it is the 4th largest mall in the U.S. A fun bookstore in the Montrose area (on Shepherd) is called 1/4 Priced Books and that is worth a stop.
Oh! Magic Island on the Southwest Freeway...very close to 1/4 Priced Books is perfect for an entertaining evening. You will get a nice dinner, and live stage and close-up magic shows. A little pricey, but fun nonetheless.
Another thing to do if transportation permits is to spend a day at NASA and an evening for dinner at the Kemah Boardwalk. A quaint, non-tourist sort of restaurant in Clear Lake is Villa Capri...which is fantastic if you like Italian.
Galveston Island, just about an hour's drive south, can also be fun. You can tour certain old landmark homes/mansions...shop on The Strand...and see Moody Gardens.
If you need any help with directions or any clarification...shoot me an email and I will be glad to help you!
Some final words of wisdom from a native Houstonian:
-Brace yourself for the pollution, traffic, and the heat.
-Definitely bring your appetite...there are plenty of places to eat.
We hope you enjoy your stay here in Houston!
Cross your fingers! Men's Claycourt's may not totally leave Houston. I heard that River Oaks was in the running to be the new location.
PS - If J-Mal is into sports, Astros baseball is a must see.
Candice and Megan
We appreciate your work down here in Australia. Having lived in Houston for quite a few years and now having returned home it is great to be able to revisit places, for example Westside Tennis, shops and restaurants (Pho). Keep up the good work!
I can't think of anything except how nice and warm it looks down there. Great photos! -Heidi
Great blog! Candice and Megan, you guys are too cute. Keep up the great work and the great pics of Houston! Houston is a great city with lots of great things going for it!