Hanging out in Houston
Houston is so big you could fit New York, San Francisco and Boston inside of it! It's even bigger than the entire state of Maryland. Many people think the city was founded by General Sam Houston, but it was actually founded by Augustus Chapman Allan and John Kirby. They named it after the general. There's plenty to do in this huge Texas city, for art-buffs and sports fans alike.
NRG Stadium
If you're looking to cheer for a rodeo clown or a bucking bronco, drive your Houston rental car to this multi-purpose stadium. Events held here range from National Football League games, concerts, exhibits, special functions, trade shows and more. The roof is retractable and takes 10 minutes to open fully. The Houston Texans NFL team call this stadium home. The Texans became a team in 2002 and is still considered the newest team in the league. Other popular sporting events at the stadium include Cheer America Championships, Cheer Bowl & Freedom Dance Nationals and the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston National Gymnastics Invitational. The facility is host to a plethora of diverse consumer events throughout the year as well, like the High Caliber Gun & Knife Show the H-Town Sneaker Summit, Nzuri Natural Health and Beauty Festival, The Houston International Boat, Sport & Travel Show and more. There is almost always something exciting going on at this Houston stadium. Check the calendar to see what events are happening when you plan to visit.
Alley Theatre
This theater's 68th season was 2013-2014. Shows here range from new plays and musical theaters from America and beyond and are performed on the 310-seat Neuhaus Stage or 824-seat Hubbard Stage. There are 11 productions each season and the facilities host classes and programs for all ages as well as an internship program for those looking to learn about the live theater industry. Drive your Houston rental car to this theater at 615 Texas Avenue and you can even take a backstage tour. Groups of 10-20 people tour through both stages, the dressing rooms and the Alley Theatre Center for Theatre Production. The Center is where the scenery, props, costumes and other elements of your favorite Alley productions are created. The tour costs $5 and is 90 minutes long. Whether you're a theater techie or really enjoy being an audience member, you're sure to find something incredible to see at this historic Houston staple.
Houston Zoo
Animal lovers love the Houston Zoo's over 6,000 animals. The zoo features multiple ecosystems to provide safe habitats for the many diverse residents and works to promote conservation and awareness. Visit and you'll see amphibians, birds, reptiles, mammals and even aquatic animals. Here you'll see poisonous, neon spotted tree frogs and huge African spoonbills that look like they came out of the "Alice and Wonderland" books. You can also check out the Asian elephants that eat up to 700 pounds of food a day, and stop by the zoo's Kipp Aquarium where you can spot a nocturnal red lionfish.