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’s very flat,which makes it prone to flooding.
Founded 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 sought to decrease the economy’s reliance on oil by encouraging growth in other industries. Today,Houston is known worldwide for its energy industry (oil and natural gas),biomedical research,and aeronautics.
Most of the early Houston remains can be seen in the downtown area. This is especially true along Main Street,which stretches between Commerce and Girard. The Allen Brothers designed the town plan to be centered around Buffalo Bayou. Gail Borden,a publisher,surveyor and inventor of condensed-milk,laid out streets that were 80′ wide. Texas Avenue,the main east-west street,was 100′ wide. Houston also grew its infrastructure by building railroads into the countryside. By the 1890s,city residents began tapping into a deep artesian water supply.
Fun Facts About Houston
Houston,despite being the largest city in Texas and Southern United States is often overlooked. However,it is a vibrant,diverse metropolis with a lot to offer for residents and visitors alike. It is also famous for its contributions in the field of space programs,oil mining,and diversity in culture.
Bayous,rivers and waterways are a part of the city. Its booming economy has made it one of the top US cities for business.
The chefs of the city have made it a culinary destination in America. The city has a unique food scene that features authentic dishes from all over the world.
The first Indian temple in North America is located here. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Houston was built in India and shipped to the city in pieces like a giant 3D jigsaw puzzle. The “Eighth Wonder of the World” also contains a cistern which was once filled with the remains of the Donnellan Family and now forms part of the Sky Lawn in the Water Works Park.
Climate
Houston enjoys a tropical climate with hot,humid weather all year round. Over 100 days each year,temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The humidity can be so high during this period that it feels oppressive or muggy,which is uncomfortable 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 is home to a huge selection of attractions and events that make it an amazing 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.
Houston Zoo offers visitors another great activity. 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.
There are plenty of fun activities for people to do at Discovery Green Park,including free yoga classes and movie nights. 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.