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Urban Cowboy

Unearth Houston's western heritage in an urban setting

Visitors may find that the cowboy culture in Houston isn't as prominent as in other Texas cities. But remember, Urban Cowboy was filmed here. Houston's long Western heritage is celebrated each March during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest in the world. So it's still possible to find a few cowboys and even experience the culture for yourself.

Armadillo Palace

THE DETAILS

Where to Stay: Big spenders should check out the Outlaw suite at Hotel ZaZa.  The 350-square-foot room is adorned with all of the elements to make even the wildest cowboy feel at home, including cowboy boots, cowhide covered chairs and, of course, spurs.  For a full list of hotel options, click here.

TIMELINE

10AM: Start with a trip to Pinto Ranch, to get your designer Western duds.

11AM: Don't miss Texas Junk Co., a favorite for Lone Star trinkets, with more than 900 pairs of cowboy boots. Note: the shop is only open Fridays and Saturdays, 11am-6pm, so plan accordingly. Or, swing by Wheeler Boot Company,which has been outfitting businessmen, oilmen, politicians and even a few pro athletes for more than 40 years.

12:30PM: For a true Texas steak, head out west to Taste of Texas. Make sure to visit the on-site butcher shop, where you can personally instruct the butcher to cut a rib-eye to your desired thickness.

2PM: A Western experience in Houston isn't complete without a visit to The Hat Store, which has specialized in the fine art of steaming and hand shaping hats since 1915. A favorite of everyone from President George H.W. Bush to Lyle Lovett, the Hat Store carries felt hats, straw hats, Western, outdoor, dress hats, fedoras, derbys and most any shape imaginable. For the full ensemble, from pearl snaps to boots, pay a visit to Cavender's.

4:30PM: Learn the boot scootin' boogie at Wild West with free two-stepping lessons at Wild West (Sundays only).

7PM: Head over to Goode Company BBQ, which has been serving expertly served brisket, sausage and their famous jalapeno cheese bread since 1977. If steak is more to your liking, check out these great steakhouses around the city.

The Hat Store

8PM: Meander next door to Armadillo Palacefor a taste of a real Texas honky-tonk, complete with plenty of live music in the evenings. For a little two-steppin', check out Blanco's or head back to Wild West. Firehouse Saloon offers live music most nights, and Rebel's Honky Tonk features a large dance floor for spinning your partner.

10PM: Top off your Urban Cowboy experience by testing out the mechanical bull at downtown's PBR (short for Professional Bull Riders).