Uptown
With its trademark stainless steel arches and colorful, lush plantings, coupled with shady live oaks, the Uptown Houston District is Houston’s shining star for shoppers. With more than 5 million square feet of retail space, Uptown Houston offers discriminating shoppers more than 1,000 retail stores. Names like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Chanel and Cartier lend a unique sophistication that makes Uptown one of the world’s greatest urban centers.
The Galleria offers more than 375 stores to meet the needs of almost any shopping quest. And, its indoor ice rink draws spectators and seasoned skaters, especially during the holiday season when the addition of a towering 55-foot Christmas tree dazzles with 100,000 twinkling lights.
Uptown’s Pinto Ranch answers the call for designer Western attire and accessories. Buckles from the finest of silversmiths teamed with Lucchese’s unmatched quality in bootmaking are housed in one convenient location on Uptown’s grand Post Oak Boulevard.
With 12 major retail centers, it’s hard to decide where to begin. Don’t miss the beautiful European-style Uptown Park, a destination in itself. Intertwined throughout a graceful piazza, stores like Lucho with its Italian fabrics and hand-stitched design offer unmatched European class. McCormick and Schmick’s seafood specialties and Arturo’s homemade Italian medleys open their doors to rescue hungry shoppers.
The Westin Galleria and Westin Oaks (The Galleria’s AAA four-diamond hotel) await when your weary feet are ready to call it a day. Check into one of the 487 amenity-filled rooms or treat yourself to the Presidential Suite, which features more than 3,000 square feet of luxury complete with multiple master bedrooms, a lounge, parlor, and plenty of room for Texas Hospitality.
Uptown’s fashionable evening scene includes the Buddha Bar on Sage Road, Bar Annie at Cafe Annie, Post Oak Grill, The Belvedere at Uptown Park and Ringside at Sullivan’s on Westheimer.
For a break from the full-tilt shopping, dining and nightlife, make your way to the Water Wall at Post Oak Boulevard and Hidalgo. Watch in amazement as 11 million gallons of water rush down the 64-foot water feature each minute. And bring the camera—it’s the most photographed site in Houston.
Green Houston 
