Houston’s GreenStreet area is gaining the reputation as one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. Explore these highlights, just steps from Valencia Group’s new Hotel Alessandra.
Houston, a city once primarily known as the home to NASA’s Space Center and a hub of the booming oil and gas industries, has grown into a diverse, dynamic, and flourishing city. Though Houston is the largest city in the southern United States, there are sections of its downtown area that are compact and filled to the brim with things to see and do. And Hurricane Harvey did nothing to quell that groundswell of new and trending shops, restaurants, and attractions. We’re particularly partial to the vibrant GreenStreet area, home to Valencia Group’s Hotel Alessandra, which opened in October 2017. The 21-story, minimalist designed luxury hotel features a breathtaking rooftop pool deck, distinctive minimalist design throughout, and a convenient Main Street METROrail location. But there’s also plenty to explore without getting on a train. Here’s our guide to some of the top spots to explore within walking distance of the new hotel.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Walking time: 10 minutes
With its open pub atmosphere and dozens of beers on tap, Flying Saucer is an ideal stop for any beer connoisseur. Know that you’ll be venturing into serious beer nerd territory – these guys have an encyclopedic knowledge of beers and their own blog, to boot.
Theater Under the Stars
Walking time: 16 minutes
The grassroots company that launched in the late 1960s in Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre has grown into Houston’s premier musical theater and arts education nonprofit. Offering a diverse year-round array of new productions, like Houston’s Got Bollywood, and old favorites, like Charlotte’s Web in April, Theatre Under the Stars is a sure bet for an entertaining evening out.
Prohibition Supper Club and Bar
Walking time: 12 minutes
If you’ve never experienced a high-class supper club, Prohibition is the place to cut your teeth. From Gilded Age decor and burlesque shows to gourmet three-course meals and expertly crafted cocktails, your evening’s entertainment is included from start to finish.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Cistern Tours
Walking time: 21 minutes
Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the 10-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou that winds through Houston’s downtown. But more than that, they offer a tour of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, Houston’s decommissioned (and eerie) subterranean drinking water reservoir. See ever-changing art installations while you learn about the history and architecture of the site.
Okra Charity Saloon
Walking time: 16 minutes
Okra is a community advocacy group dedicated to fostering food culture, responsible urban development, and advocating for local businesses. Okra’s Charity Saloon, with its stunning barrel vault ceilings, is a uniquely progressive bar where for every drink purchased, guests get a vote for one of four local charities. The charity with the most votes gets the next month’s proceeds. So, go ahead; drink with a clear conscious.
Minute Maid Park
Walking time: 16 minutes
The year 2000 brought the return of a Major League Baseball team playing on a natural grass surface at the newly built Minute Maid Park, which replaced the Astrodome. But the home of the Houston Astros has more than just baseball – during the off-season, you can find concerts, soccer matches, college football, and other events.
8th Wonder Brewery
Walking time: 16 minutes
The Astrodome may have been dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when its doors opened in 1965, but this trendy craft brewery on the east side of downtown is taking a run at the title. Offering brewery tours where you can sample their many ales, this wonder also boasts a taproom, a food truck, and WonderWorld, an outdoor beer garden, and fun zone.
The Grove
Walking time: 7 minutes
A see-and-be-seen modern dining hot spot with a second floor that’s more treehouse than overflow seating, The Grove offers a spectacular view of Houston’s Discovery Green. The menu features elevated renditions of some of Texas’ classic dishes, as well as innovative culinary creations.
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