Touted as one of the most interesting and unusual spaces in Houston, the Aurora Picture Show is a nonprofit micro-cinema housed in a converted 1924 wooden church building.  Fans of short artist-made films and videos should seek out this off-the-beaten-path gem in Houston's Sunset Heights, one of the world's finest micro-cinemas.  To date, Aurora has hosted more than 120 visiting artists and presented more than 3,000 films and videos. 

Guests staying at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa have free access to the renowned fitness club. Houston residents pay an initiation fee ranging from $9,000 to $20,000 to become members of the fitness club at the Houstonian—there is no charge for hotel guests.  Also, when you make your reservation at the Houstonian, make sure to request room 271, which was President George H.W. Bush's official residence from 1981-1992.

If you plan on dining at The Breakfast Klub, it's best to make plans to eat on a weekday, as there are lines wrapped around the building every Saturday.  Although, if you decide to brave the crowds on a Saturday, make sure to hit the Midtown Farmers Market in the parking lot of T'afia next door.

Houston is home to one of the oldest recording studios in the U.S., SugarHill Studios. Blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins first recorded here in 1948, and the Big Bopper recorded Chantilly Lace in the '50s. The Rolling Stones, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Selena, Janis Joplin, Asleep at the Wheel, Smashmouth, Clay Walker, Destiny's Child and Beyonce have all recorded music at SugarHill.

For a wild experience, have your portrait painted at the Houston Zoo by an elephant or an orangutan for a mere $500.

Explore shotgun-style homes that have been converted into art spaces in Houston’s historic Third Ward, inspired by the work of African-American artist Dr. John Biggers who celebrated the social significance of the shotgun house community in his paintings.  Four artists from Project Row Houses have recently been selected to show their work in the Whitney Biennial. 

Visitors who have arrived in Houston without an essential pair of cowboy boots should visit Tejas Boots on Westheimer to have a custom pair designed.  Tejas Boots has designed boots for presidents, governors and athletes. Former Houston Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon had 32 pairs made for his size 22 feet.

Plan your visit to Houston during the first weekend of the month to attend the Yale Street Arts Market in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood the first Saturday of each month.  21st Street (off Yale St.) becomes a pedestrian friendly art festival with local artists showcasing and displaying their works, in addition to great shopping and food.

Visitors to Houston who haven't witnessed the annual Art Car Parade should plan a trip to see this parade of vehicular art.  What began in 1988 with 40 decorated vehicles and a handful of onlookers is now the world's oldest and largest Art Car Parade.  The event features over 250 art cars and  more than 200,000 spectators, making Houston ground zero for this international phenomenon.  Scores of lowriders, classic cars, costumed rollerskaters, musicians on floats, art bicyclists, hot-rodders and hard-to-classify rolling contraptions join in and shine in the spotlight.  If you can't make the trip to Houston in May during the parade, the Art Car Museum on Heights Blvd. is a must-see.

Drive southwest out of downtown to Bellaire, and you'll find the 400,000-square foot Hong Kong City Mall, the anchor of Houston's new Asiantown, packed with Asian markets, tea houses, noodle houses, karoake bars, bakeries and clothing shops.  If you'd prefer to explore this international district as part of a group, contact the Chinese Community Center for information on their Asian Heritage Tours to such destinations as a tea ceremony, a temple and, of course, the Hong Kong City Mall.

Visit the Live Oak Friends Meetinghouse, a Quaker meeting house in The Heights, on Friday evenings at sunset to view the James Turrell Sky Space.  The roof will remain open until the sky is completely dark.  When the roof closes, "Night Piece," a second light installation by James Turrell will be shown.  Sky Space is shown only during good weather, but Night Piece will be shown regardless of weather conditions.

Drop by the Saint Arnold Brewery northwest of downtown any Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. and see for yourself how they make their beer. For $5, attendees receive a logo-encrusted tasting glass, a guided tour of the facility, a history of American brewing and details on the process that turns grain into beer. Attendees (of legal age) also can sample a few delicious Saint Arnold beers.

For a shopping experience unique to Houston, head directly to Harwin Drive in southwest Houston. Simply called Harwin by locals, shoppers will find sterling silver jewelry, faux designer fashions and handbags and perfume at prices you absolutely won't find at the mall. Known for its great deals and less for its appearance, shops along Harwin are simple, cluttered spaces, owned by people from around the world who don't mind a little haggling. The Bargain Mile is also home to furniture, rugs, silk plants and accessories imported from around the globe.

Love sports?  Request room 1008 at the Alden-Houston Hotel and watch the Houston Astros play at Minute Maid Park while relaxing on your pillowtop mattress.