Monica Pope
Monica Pope
Owner/Chef, T'afia and Beaver's
Houston really is a small town for me with a handful of cafes/restaurants, good friends, art, culture, people doing their thing, great people.
ZZ Top
ZZ Top
Musicians
Most cities have a music scene. In Texas and especially in Houston, you’ll find fresh, new talent from pretty much every genre of music. That’s special.
Mark Horn
Mark Horn
Salon Owner
SoLuTioN for Hair
What surprises me most about Houston is the diversity. I grew up here and it was just a big cow town. Now there are so many cultures in Houston. The cow still lives here she just wears different clothes.
Chandra Wilson
Chandra Wilson
Actor
You have to see downtown Houston for the skyline, you have to see the famous Astrodome, you have to visit the Galleria and go skating, and you have to take the full ride around the 610 loop.
What surprises me about Houston is that even though it’s such a big city, it maintains its intimate town feel.
Houston is special because it is the perfect mixture of different cultures, the arts, big city influence, neighborhood intimacy, good old fashioned ranch living and a lot of Texas pride.
People will most likely find me sitting in my mother’s living room looking at TV.
Blue October
Blue October
Musicians
Ryan Delahoussaye, Jeremy Furstenfeld and Justin Furstenfeld
What was it like growing up in Houston?
Ryan: I really liked Houston growing up. There were parks, restaurants, theaters, etc. The people I knew were great.
Jeremy: It was nice. Had great friends, family and neighbors. They all taught me a lot.
Justin: Cool. I had everything I needed in the arts.
President George Bush
President George Bush
First Lady Barbara Bush
There is no other city in the world where the hearts are bigger and where everyone knows how to be a good neighbor. Houston is and always will be where we call home.
Jim Nantz
Jim Nantz
CBS Sports Commentator
When I first moved to Houston in the 1970's there was vibrancy to the city. It's still there! Houston is a forward thinking, progressive, architecturally-advanced and ethnically diverse city. It has a great vibe. My family always thought Houston was the "IT" city. And we still do.
Why do I love Houston? Where do I begin? Obviously a big tug for me is coming back to visit my family. But I also love attending events at The University of Houston. UH is a huge part of my life.
Brian Ching
Brian Ching
Forward Houston Dynamo
2006 Major League Soccer MVP
I didn't really have much time to think about what Houston would be like before I moved here. I found out the team was moving from San Jose on Dec. 15 and flew to Houston from my vacation in Hawaii on the 29th. I had only two days to find a place to live, as I had to be in camp with the National team until March. Based on that, I didn't exactly know what to expect.
The people of Houston surprised me the most. Everyone we met was welcoming and had such a friendly attitude.
Levi Goode
Levi Goode
VP - Goode Company Restaurants
What surprises me about Houston? The continued growth and development of the city. Wow, it doesn't look like it's slowing down anytime soon either!
I am always amazed when visiting with other Houstonians whom I've never met and realizing we have mutual friends—typically no more than two degrees of separation. Even though Houston is the 4th largest city in America, you still get that small town feel with the friendliness and city pride of the folks that live here.
Nancy Levicki
Nancy Levicki
President/Co-Founder
Dress for Success Houston
If someone visits from out of town, they can't miss a visit to NASA, all the sculptures downtown, our incredible museums. If they have children, they shouldn't miss a trip to Hermann Park to feed the ducks, go to the zoo and top off the visit with a ride on the train!
What surprises me about Houston? How there is always room for something new whether it is a restaurant, museum, magazine or a charity.
Hands down, it is the people that make Houston special. Houston is a city of generosity, openness, acceptance and warmth.
KJ Choi
KJ Choi
PGA Tour Professional Golfer
Houston is an exciting city, with lots to do and many different cultures. Houston is one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities, but still preserves a lot of the natural environment it abundantly has. You can get a taste of city life and enjoy the clean nature at the same time.
My perfect day in Houston...Golf in The Woodlands in the morning when it's cool, shop at The Galleria in the afternoon, and enjoy the great restaurant scene in the evening.
Larry Kellner
Larry Kellner
Chairman and CEO
Continental Airlines
In addition to being an important business center and a great place to raise a family, Houston has a thriving art scene and theater district, great shopping, superb school systems and educational opportunities and many top restaurants. We fly all over the world, but we only come home to one city, and that’s Houston, Texas.
What makes Houston special is the people who live here. Warm, friendly, and incredibly giving, the Houston community is the real heart of this city.
Clay Walker
Clay Walker
Entertainer
Living in Houston the last 15 years, I’ve come to just love the people. I’m a hometown boy now.
There are some great places to visit when you go there. The Houston Zoo is one of the best zoos in America. The Theater District is awesome. There is some really cool architecture. One of the places I find really cool is the Museum of Natural Science—we became lifetime members this year. They have an IMAX theater, incredible dinosaurs and a lot of different things to learn for adults and kids. They have a safari exhibit—I haven’t seen one that good anywhere.
Bela Karolyi
Bela Karolyi
World-Renowned Gymnastics Coach
I have a lot of friends who live in other parts of the World. If they are planning a trip to the U.S., I always tell them Houston is a place you have to live in to really understand why it's so special. This place has a rare combination of amazing southern hospitality combined with a fast-paced life in a huge landscape.
Rod Ryan
Rod Ryan
Morning DJ, 94.5 The Buzz
I had never even been to Texas four years ago before I moved to Houston. I kind of thought what a lot of the country does...Oil pumps everywhere and big white cowboy hats. I had no idea this city was so sophisticated. The building that is going on EVERYWHERE is amazing. It's nice to be in a place that’s growing and moving in the right direction.
Hilary Duff
Hilary Duff
Entertainer
Growing up in Houston was amazing! I love the bluebonnets along the highway. I remember the rainstorms and thunderstorms. I loved spending my summers in the swimming pools. To this day, I think that Houston has the best food anywhere in the world!
I tell people who have never been to Houston that it is a great city to visit for a day to shop and eat and meet nice people. Houston is a special city which attracts tourists from all over the world.
Dan Workman
Dan Workman
Owner, SugarHill Studios
Houston is a port city that is almost 50 miles inland from the coast—a city of contradictions that consistently proves the impossible to be possible. Our strong economy grew from the primordial soup of oil money and has evolved into a diverse family tree whose fruits include world class medical services, technology research and stunning performing and visual arts.
Mireille Hassenboehler
Mireille Hassenboehler
Principal Dancer
Houston Ballet
If someone visits during rodeo time, that is a must. Year round, I think Houston has an amazing theater district (ballet, opera, symphony, theater) and wonderful museums.
What makes Houston special? The people - the young, the old, the beautiful and the bizarre, the natives and the transplants. You gotta love the mix and the can-do spirit that drives everyone here. It's infectious.
If I'm not on the stage of the Wortham Theater, than I will certainly be around good food, which Houston is known for having plenty.
Oscar de la Rosa
Oscar de la Rosa
Lead Singer, La Mafia
Latin Grammy Winner
Houston is one of the most culturally diverse cities I know. I have traveled a lot with La Mafia and it is difficult to find a city with so many people from all over the world living side by side in such an accepting manner.
I have visited a lot of cities on our tours, and I can't say that I have found someplace I would rather live. Houston is clean, spacious and very, very friendly.
Leven Rambin
Leven Rambin
Actress
I have absolutely great memories of growing up in Houston. I lived in Memorial and felt such a sense of community through my friends and neighborhood, St. Francis Episcopal Day School and all my teachers (like 2nd parents!) and pastor, Jim Jackson at Chapelwood Methodist Church.
When I come home to Houston, I always visit The Galleria, Houston Country Club, Ruggles and La Madeleine for that tomato soup and caeser salad! I go around Memorial Park at least once every day when I am home.
Hannah Storm
Hannah Storm
ESPN Sportscenter Anchor
Houstonians are friendly and always put a big premium on having fun! That’s why there are so many amazing restaurants, killer stores, fun clubs and sports galore. Beyond all that you’ll find a city rich in history and very much committed to the future.
Philippe Schmit
Philippe Schmit
Chef
I was mainly surprised at how green and spread out Houston is and how sophisticated the people can be, which broke a lot of preconceptions I had about Texans - especially after living in New York like I did. I was also surprised to see how people in Houston love to eat out.
My favorite places to eat would definitely be Reef and Catalan for dinner, Farrago for brunch (more for the scene than for the food) and the Tasting Room for a glass of wine. For shopping, my favorite stores are Saks Fifth Avenue, it’s my second home, and I love Lucho if I need to show off while I’m out on t
Lauren Freeman
Lauren Freeman
Anchor
KPRC-TV
Houston is a great city with amazing people. Texas is home to me and Houston is the perfect mix of city life with the charm of a small town. I grew up in a tiny town near Amarillo (Childress) so I appreciate friendly, warm people. Houston is full of them!
I feel so lucky to be covering the news in Houston. I love KPRC and I have a wonderful co-anchor Owen Conflenti who helps me work and often laugh despite the fact it's 3:30 in the morning and we're at work! My job has taken me all over the country and now I couldn't be happier that it's brought me back home to Texas.
Janette Cosley
Janette Cosley
Executive Director
The Ensemble Theatre
I love Houston! I enjoy spending time in the places that you dont find everywhere else, like the Water Wall in the Galleria area, the Japanese Gardens of Hermann Park and the Health Museum. Of course, everyone who knows me knows that I am a butterfly person, and I try to visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center as regularly as possible.
Houston is a special place because the world is literally represented in the citizenry of Houston and their creations. The breadth of arts, food, business, and even language in Houston demonstrates Houstonians’ respect for culture and the value we place
Bruce Molzan
Bruce Molzan
Owner/Chef
Ruggles Grill
What surprises me about Houston? The cultural diversity, the incredible restaurants and the friendly smiles. The fact that there are people from all over the world makes it a pretty interesting place to live.
Emily Armenta
Emily Armenta
Jewelry Designer President
Armenta
Houston is a great big city and a small town. It has lots of wonderful places to enjoy art, music, fashion and great cuisine while still maintaining a small town attitude. Houstonians are wonderfully warm people that are quick to embrace and welcome everyone to our home. Prepare to lose yourself in Houston, you will be surprised.
What surprises me about Houston? It is the example of the American Dream. Anyone with a dream and the right desire and work ethic can succeed. Houston is a place of opportunity due to its amazing people and its many industries from finance, health care, energy and
Andrew Huang
Andrew Huang
President
Houston Downtown Alliance
If someone visits from out of town, they can't miss Minute Maid Park and the Theater District. Minute Maid Park is arguably one of the best ballparks in the country and our Theater District is home to some of the best cultural and performing arts companies you will find anywhere in
the world.
For as large a city as Houston is, it has an amazing small town feel. Its easy to meet new people and network. I love the neighborhood feel Houston has and the diversity of the people who make things happen.
Catherine Anspon
Catherine Anspon
Fine Arts Editor
PaperCity
Can't miss Houston places: Our amazing museums!
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston with two buildings and an encyclopedic collection including exceptional photography holdings and important modern and contemporary Latin American art. I also love the Asian Contemporary from the Chaney Family Collection up now.
The Menil Collection - ancient to contemporary, a haven for surrealism, plus a serene campus, and its exquisite Renzo Piano-designed building.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (cutting edge!) and the Art Car Museum (has to be experienced; make sure you converse with one of the curat
AJ Foyt
AJ Foyt
Auto Racing Legend
Houston is where I was born and raised. It's where my kids were born and raised. It's home. I have traveled all over the country;to Europe, Australia and Asia;but I love coming home to Houston. It's where I belong and where my heart is.
My most memorable experience in Houston would have to be driving a copy of the GT car that I won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with. In the early '70s, I drove it over 200 mph on the 610 freeway. There weren't nearly as many cars on the road back then.
Chloe Dao
Chloe Dao
LOT 8 boutique owner
Project Runway winner
I love Rice Village. It feels like a little New York. I love that you can park and just walk around. The Rice Village has great mom and pop shops like LOT 8 and Hemline, and big stores like Banana Republic, Pier 1, and Sephora. After shopping, I love that I can grab a quick bite at Jason Deli's or a have nice sit-down meal Mi Luna. After having a great meal. I can walk it off at the walking/running trail or still do more shopping. At night, the Rice Village comes alive with tons of outdoor bars like Bronx Bar and Brian O' Neill's.
Houston is the unknown fashion frontier. Houstonians
Yolanda Adams
Yolanda Adams
Entertainer
Grammy Winner
There are many words that describe Houston, but all encompassing would be the most adequate. There are great museums—our cultural arts centers are bar none. Our sports arenas are awesome, and we love great restaurants. Whether single or family oriented, we have appropriate activities for all.
Growing up in Houston was exciting and fun for me and my family. We had so many places to go and so much to do.
Joel and Victoria Osteen
Joel and Victoria Osteen
Pastors, Lakewood Church
Houston people are the best. This is the friendliest big city in the world. We love Houston’s attitude. Houston takes on projects that other cities have never tried—nothing seems impossible. Our city keeps growing and moving forward boldly into the future.
Mark Bradford
Mark Bradford
Art Car Artist
Houston is an exciting, dynamic and culturally diverse town. I think the diversity is the key to it all for me. People are open to accepting art that is outside the norm, the conventional, the usual.
Haylie Duff
Haylie Duff
Entertainer
Houston is a place where the people are real. Growing up, there was a real sense of family, and the neighborhood had a cool feeling of cohesiveness.
I love the food and the people. I think that Houston is a special American city, and everyone should come for a visit.
Armando Palacios
Armando Palacios
Owner
Armandos
When my family visits Houston, I take them to Armandos, the Menil Collection, New World Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. Each are enriching and inspiring. I value places that are educational and meaningful.
Houstonians are overwhelmingly friendly and warm. People here welcome travelers and treat transplants like they are old friends. Houston is full of opportunities and gives everyone a chance.
Joyce and Uchenna Agu
Joyce and Uchenna Agu
Season 7 Winners
CBS' The Amazing Race
We're amazed and constantly inspired by the amount of attention that Houstonians place on philanthrophy. Helping others and having that giving spirit is a motivating force in our lives as well. We'll never run out of wonderful things to say about Houston!
Houston's best kept secret is downtown's live theater. There's an incredible variety of top quality live theater and entertainment venues right there in downtown's center. You can find everything from sports events at the Toyota Center to first-rate broadway plays at the Hobby Center.
Mari Carmen Ramirez
Mari Carmen Ramirez
Curator of Latin American Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
I truly believe that Houston is the prototype of the city of the 21st century. It boasts truly groundbreaking institutions—the Medical Center and NASA, in particular—which were the result of visionary initiatives of thirty years ago. Today, it is a vibrant, fast-growing city that exudes entrepreneurship, creativity, and a forward-looking perspective.
Clint and Lisa Hartman Black
Clint and Lisa Hartman Black
Singers
Houston is the greatest! We have world-class theater, art galleries, every form of entertainment and wonderful restaurants, too.
Carl Lewis
Carl Lewis
Athlete/Entertainer
But if I were to pick just one reason why Houston is so special I would have to say it’s the economic opportunity and cultural diversity.
Penny Glazier
Penny Glazier
Partner
Strip House
My perfect day in Houston begins with breakfast at the Four Seasons with my husband Peter, then browsing around the antique stores with him, forever looking for unique items for our house. We have found many interesting treasures that we are now enjoying at our home in the Hamptons. Next we like to find a great bar-b-que place to have lunch, then an afternoon meeting at Strip House with my publicist Karen Henry of the PR Boutique and the executive chef John Schenk. After, we have dinner at Strip House and get to say hello to many of our customers.
Houston's best kept secret is the Downto
Connor Walsh
Connor Walsh
Principal Dancer, Houston Ballet
What makes Houston special? Well, you have to say the people. Without them, the city wouldn't be what it is today. Between the diverse group of people and the communities that they create, there are few cities that can compare.
John Lithgow
John Lithgow
Actor
Houston Ballet guest artist
The thing I have been the most impressed with in Houston is the Houston Ballet. They have been working me so hard that I haven't had the opportunity to see much else! I did have a wonderful dinner at Mark's and got a chance to see the very wonderful Menil Collection.
Teresa Byrne-Dodge
Teresa Byrne-Dodge
Editor/Publisher
My Table: Houston's Dining Magazine
More than any other city, Houston applauds entrepreneurship. It doesn't matter what your pedigree is or where your degree is from. If you have a good idea and work hard, Houston gives you a chance at success.
Must see places include Sunday afternoon at the Houston Polo Club, the gem collection at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, browsing Hong Kong City Mall on Bellaire, The Menil Collection, Fourth of July at Miller Outdoor Theatre, cocktails on the balcony of the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts before the curtain goes up.
Denton A. Cooley, MD
Denton A. Cooley, MD
President and Surgeon-In-Chief
Texas Heart Institute
As a native Houstonian, I enjoy all of the public places Houston has to offer including Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo and Memorial Park. There are so many local facilities that are easily accessible.
Everyone is so vested in the progress of Houston. The philanthropic mentality in this city is incredible.
The Port of Houston is a huge commercial asset, all of the petroleum production and refineries are the heart and soul of Houston. Of course the Texas Medical Center plays an important role in making Houston special. It offers wonderful services to the citizens in Houston and the world.
Mark Cox
Mark Cox
Owner/Executive Chef
Mark's American Cuisine
Houston is the greatest restaurant city in the country. Houston diners eat out more times a week than diners in any other city, and for good reasons. Our restaurants are offering more availability and greater quality of food items on their menus. I find it a treat to have so many new restaurants opening as well as the established favorites.
Some of my personal favorites are Mai’s (Vietnamese/Chinese), Nit Noi (Thai) and Kaneyama (Japanese) for sushi. Carrabba’s Italian Restaurant on Woodway and Voss is a favorite of mine, and especially my wife, who is Italian. We never mi
Jeff Gremillion
Jeff Gremillion
Editor
Houston magazine
I love my house and my neighborhood in Montrose. Although I'm crazy about Houston's contemporary architecture and interior design, my renovated gold-brick bungalow with a porch and a big ol' oak tree out front is where I love to start and end the day. It's amazing that, smack in the center of one of the world's great cities, I live in a cozy 80-year-old house with a leafy yard and nice neighbors and backyard BBQs and mischievous squirrels and the whole nine. It's a blessing.
Hidden gem: El Pueblito's big patio on Richmond. Again with the Tex-Mex and the margaritas. The tropical foliage is s
Anthony Freud
Anthony Freud
General Director
Houston Grand Opera
Houston is a city which defies preconceptions and stereotypes. When I first moved here I felt totally at home from day one. I suppose this is mainly because of the irrestistable warmth and friendliness of my fellow Houstonians. I have been consistently inspired by the city's energy, entrepreneurism, ambition and especially its lacks of cynicism. It is a city that makes you believe that if you inspire people, anything will happen.
Franco Valobra
Franco Valobra
Owner
Valobra Jewelry and Antiques
If someone visits from out of town, they can't miss the rodeo, the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Johnson Space Center/Space Center Houston.
What makes Houston special? The friendly and welcoming demeanor of the Houstonians, its energetic business environment and its very active and generous charity scene.
Kim Stoilis
Kim Stoilis
Executive Director
Art Colony Association
If someone visits from out of town, they must visit The Menil Collection, Orange Show, Flower Man's House, Art Car Museum and Beer Can House - all twice!
Houstonians make Houston special. Houston can be harsh geographically and hot, but the supportive and collaborative nature of its arts, education, sports and civic communities make it absolutely sparkle.
People are most likely to find me at the Art Colony Association World Headquarters, plotting to take over the planet, one world-class art festival at a time!
Bill Stubbs
Bill Stubbs
Designer, Author and TV Host
Houston is modern, urban and has great arts, great theater and fantastic food!
What makes Houston special? The “can do” attitude. If you have a new idea, this is the place to make it happen.
A typical day for me starts out with breakfast at the Avalon Diner. Then it's off to the Museum of Fine Arts to see the new exhibition followed by an early dinner at La Griglia and an art film at the
River Oaks Theatre or a Broadway show at the Hobby Center.
Brian Greene
Brian Greene
President/CEO
Houston Food Bank
Houston is a big city with a warm heart and a helping hand. Houstonians are extremely generous and helpful, and really respond when they become aware of need. And as we all saw a couple of years ago after Katrina and Rita, you can’t beat Houston when it comes to responding in the face of a crisis.
Mike Barajas
Mike Barajas
Anchor, KRIV-TV
You can have it all in Houston. Oil capital of the country, Space City, Bayou City, H-Town my favorite thing to call Houston is to call it my home town.
Shara Fryer
Shara Fryer
Chairman
World Affairs Council Houston
Houston is a city of infinite possibilities, fueled by an incredible work ethic, sense of community, and warm hospitality. It might also be the most philanthropic city on the planet.
Hans Schmitt
Hans Schmitt
General Manager
Hotel Derek
The diversity of Houston is truly amazing. What other city can boast everything from our world-class golf courses to world-renowned Medical Center? There is just so much to see and do in Houston!
Carlos Lee
Carlos Lee
Outfielder, Houston Astros
Houston is a city that you can do anything in. We have great restaurants and great shopping. This is an exciting town with plenty to do year-round.
Carlito
Carlito
WWE Entertainer
Houston's best kept secret is that it is a lot more hip than people think. People picture cowboys and western bars and we have all that but it is also as hip as anyplace else even as hip as Miami.
John Palmer
John Palmer
Artist
I've had the luxury of traveling to countries all over the world. I enjoy nothing more than returning home to Houston and being rejuvenated by the community that supports me and allows me to do what I love.
Toby
Toby
Red Panda
Houston Zoo
I was expecting to see cowboys and horses when I got here. While that’s a part of Houston’s heritage for sure, there’s so much more. There are world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.
Reverend Butter
Reverend Butter
Ice Sculptor
DLG Ice Factory
I was born and raised in this great city and I have the honor to call it home. There is no other city like it and when you fall in love with it, it loves you back.
George Foreman
George Foreman
Boxer, Olympic Gold Medalist, Entertainer
Houston's home. Just like a homing pigeon, no matter how far I go, nature always pulls me back.
The city's best kept secret is that it's the home of great food. My favorite places to eat are Pappadeaux, Ruth's Chris and, of course, Vic & Anthony's.
David Brown
David Brown
Director
Spacetaker.org
If someone visits from out of town, they can't miss The Menil Collection, Midtown Farmers Market and Williams Smoke House in Acres Home.
What makes Houston special? The people. We have such a diverse city. We can explore and meet new people every day.
Gary Kubiak
Gary Kubiak
Head Coach, Houston Texans
My wife made sure that our children were born in Houston so they could call themselves Houstonians. Houston has always been home to me and my family and it was a great opportunity to be a head coach in my home town.
Dr. Bernard Harris
Dr. Bernard Harris
Former NASA Astronaut
Houston was my launching pad to the stars! It is a wonderful city that I have called home for over 20 years.
Brock Wagner
Brock Wagner
Brewery Owner
Saint Arnold Brewery
Houston is a melting pot where people get along better than any other city I have ever been. The city's diversity is its energy source. It is all about how you contribute to the community. As such, people are very willing to pitch in and help to make Houston a great city.
Beyonce Knowles
Beyonce Knowles
Entertainer
When I describe Houston to friends who have never been here, I first have to tell them, no, it's not like the country films you see on TV! I like to describe Houston as a great place to raise a family. You get nice southern people with a city atmosphere. You can buy a great home in a price range to fit your income. The great thing is, whether you or your children are into arts, sports, music, business, etc., there is a place for you to grow into and learn all of those things right here in Houston.
I love Houston. Some of the best moments of my life took place there. This will always be ho
Lyle Lovett
Lyle Lovett
Musician
There’s no limit to what goes on in Houston and there’s no limit to the possibilities you can find in Houston.
