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Romantic Weekend

The ultimate romantic weekend in Houston

On a quest for some quality time with your significant other? Houston offers romance, aplenty. Candle-lit dinners, cozy cafes and spicy spas—the lucky in love are well-served in the nation’s fourth-largest city.

The Water Wall, a 64-foot curved, black obsidian wall is an extraordinary sight

The Details

Where to stay: Hotel Granduca, Four Seasons, Hilton Americas, The St. Regis Houston, Hotel Icon or pick another hotel.

Getting around: Traveling from Bush Intercontinental or Houston Hobby Airport, take Super Shuttle or a Metro bus to Downtown or a cab anywhere you need to go. In the city: Take a cab or use the MetroRail to travel between downtown, the Museum District and other neighborhoods. For more information about how to navigate the city, click here.

Friday

Noon: Housed in a 100-year-old log cabin on lush grounds just minutes from Downtown, Rainbow Lodge is considered one of the most romantic spots to dine in Houston. The decades-old spot is charming and intimate, with cozy fireplaces and a meandering deck that looks out on a nearby creek. But the food is the main attraction, simple yet delicious prepared—from the cast iron-seared red snapper to braised buffalo short ribs.

2PM: Venture outside for a scenic stroll through one of Houston’s parks and greenspaces. Near the Galleria, the Williams Waterwall remains a popular picnic destination for couples. Have your picture snapped in front of the formidable fountain or bring a blanket, for a mid-afternoon nap under shady Oak trees. If you have time, the nearby Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is worth a visit. There, five miles of hiking paths wind through the western edge of Memorial Park.       

5PM: Heat things up in the kitchen at one of Houston’s many cooking classes. Join other lovebirds at Central Market, Sur la Table and Well Done Cooking School for sushi making, tapas 101 and Tuscan-themed lessons. For more information on local cooking classes, click here.

10PM: All that cooking is bound to make the two of you thirsty. Break out the bubbly at River Oaks’ Cha Champagne & Wine Bar, where rooftop views up the evening’s romance quotient. (Bonus: Cha is also just around the corner from H-Town’s most infamous makeout bar, Marfreless.) For vino and small plates, hit the dimly-lit, Midtown-set 13 Celsius, where you can sip beneath the stars or lounge atop an interior loveseat.

Saturday

9AM: Say ahhhh, during a tension-relieving, muscle-relaxing visit to Fiori Day Spa. The Tuscan-inspired retreat, located near The Galleria, is known for its underground thermal mineral pool, eucalyptus-infused steam bath and courtyard pool. Break away from stress with dual, good-enough-to-eat services like the citrus and cinnamon body wrap or the mimosa champagne body wrap, offered in the VIP suite.

11:30AM: Venture a few blocks east to The Galleria and dig into dim sum at Gigi’s Asian Bistro & Dumpling Bar. The interior is distinct, marked by suspended cherry blossom branches, rich tapestries and soft lighting. Afterwards, indulge in some retail therapy—more than 375 stores fill the three-level Galleria complex— and maybe even pick-up a hot new, outfit to wear for date night.

1:30PM: Before heading back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner, satisfy your culture craving in Houston’s picturesque Museum District. Even though you won’t have time to hit all 18 institutions, it’s still worth a visit. Find glittering gems and jewels on show at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, new works at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and more than 63,000 pieces at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

7PM: Romance abounds at Midtown’s iconic Brennan’s of Houston. The Texas Creole spot, which was destroyed in a two-alarm fire during Hurricane Ike, has since been restored and reopened—much to the delight of loyal couples near and far. Pairs can also find linger-worthy meals at Mark's, Mockingbird Bistro and Patrenella’s among Houston’s many dining gems.

9PM: For a calm and collected evening, go for post-show drinks at La Carafe or take a stroll through Discovery Green Park. Night just starting? Dance the night away at Sambuca, squeeze in an indie flick at Bayou Place’s Sundance Cinemas or join party people for live music at the Continental Club.

Sunday

9AM: Start the day right with an ease-into-the-day breakfast in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. Named one of America's Most Beautiful Neighorhoods in a 2011 Travel + Leisure round-up, the area offers endless appeal in the form of quaint cafes, boutique shopping and top-notch restaurants. Boheme, Empire Café and Hugo’s are all solid options for breakfast and brunch.
 
10AM: Venture to Lower Westheimer’s Revolution E bike store to rent electric bikes. (The store also offers tours, if you and your beloved would prefer a guided adventure.) Spend the morning exploring the shady, tree-lined Montrose neighborhood, checking out all of the bungalows, cottages and mansions that  line the historic ’hood. If you have time, pop into Lower Westheimer shops like Domy Books, Mortar and Couture Blowout.

1PM: Wrap up the weekend’s visit with coffee (or a glass of vino, if you're so inclined). At Agora, cozy seating and a newly-remodeled patio provide cozy respites for cappuccino-sipping couples. 

By Natalie Bogan Morgan