Day 1
Explore Houston’s Museum District, the fourth largest museum district in the world. Located in the very heart of Houston, bordering tree-lined Montrose Boulevard, distinguished universities, and the famed Texas Medical Center, this 16-institution district is a world of leafy urban parks, sparkling fountains, and noble statuary… fine restaurants and fun faces… galleries and shops ranging from the eccentric to the exquisite. For more information, visit www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org .
Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
Being the fourth most attended museum in the U.S., this museum features exciting permanent exhibits including the Wortham IMAX Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center and the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals which houses the top gemological collection in the world. In addition, HMNS offers world-class traveling exhibits. Recently featured was BODY WORLDS 3 created by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, world renowned for his 1977 invention of Plastination the groundbreaking method of preserving the body after death for medical study. BODY WORLDS 3 presents more than 200 authentic human organs and whole body specimens that have undergone Plastination. www.hmns.org
Lunch at Hugo’s or any of the other many Museum District restaurants. Located in the heart of Houston’s Montrose area, Hugo's brings the exciting and earthy flavors of Mexico across the border. “Authentic Mexican cooking is a world-class cuisine that has remained virtually unchanged by the outside world,” says Executive Chef Hugo Ortega of his native cuisine. “The food is full of light, fresh tastes; deep, complex flavors; and earthy notes, all combined to create a cuisine like no other.”
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, is the largest art museum in the United States south of Chicago, west of Washington, D.C., and east of Los Angeles. The collection contains more than 51,000 artworks, which date from antiquity to the present and feature a wide variety of pieces including: Italian Renaissance paintings, French Impressionist works, photographs, American & European paintings, African and Pre-Columbian gold, sculpture and more than thirty changing exhibitions annually. The museum also features the Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens; the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden; and 18 acres of public gardens. For more information: http://mfah.org/main.asp?target=home
The Menil Collection & Rothko Chapel- Named after founders John and Dominique de Menil and housed in a modern landmark designed by architect Renzo Piano, The Menil Collection is part of a museum compound that also includes the Cy Twombly Gallery. The Menil Collection’s permanent displays include ancient and Byzantine treasures, modern and contemporary masterpieces and Surrealist wonders. www.menil.com
The Rothko Chapel is an intimate sanctuary created by American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko which holds 14 of his paintings. Open to the public of every belief, the Chapel serves as both an art museum and public forum hosting a range of educational programs, inter-religious dialogues and symposia on critical issues. www.rothkochapel.org
Miller Outdoor Theatre Located in the Museum District across from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this open-air theatre offers a variety of cultural performances, plays and concerts that are free to the pubic. For details and schedule information visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
Day 2
Johnson Space Center Houston-NASA
Space Center Houston (SCH) is a place where people can experience space - from its dramatic history and exciting present to its compelling future. Space Center Houston is the only place on Earth that gives guests an out-of-this-world journey through human adventures into space. Space Center Houston's unparalleled exhibits, attractions, special presentations and hands-on activities tell the story of NASA's manned space flight program. SCH is the only place in the world where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, land a shuttle, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA. At Space Center Houston, guests can understand the past, experience the present, and be a part of the future of the space Program. www.spacecenter.org
Kemah Boardwalk, developed in 1997 by Landry's Restaurants Inc., is an ideal 40-acre destination for family-oriented entertainment. With its carnival-like atmosphere, attractive design and beautifully well-maintained grounds, Kemah Boardwalk is an unrivaled tourism destination in Texas. Just one step inside the Kemah Boardwalk entrance welcomes visitors to a relaxing and enjoyable experience. As Kemah is located less than 20 miles from downtown Houston, it has long been a destination for generations of Houstonians seeking an easy getaway for boating, fishing, dining or shopping for crafts, collectibles and other unique items. With the recent addition of Kemah Boardwalk, visitors are finding much more to enhance their enjoyment and fun. Located on the south side of Clear Creek Channel, connecting Clear Lake with Galveston Bay, Kemah was founded in 1898 by John Henry Kipp, a veteran of the Magnolia Rangers, and James H. Bradford. Kemah, which was incorporated in 1965, means "wind in the face" and comes from the Karankawa Indians, who once inhabited the area. www.kemahboardwalk.com
Enjoy an unforgettable evening in Houston’s Theatre District which is located in the heart of downtown Houston and encompasses 17 city blocks and 12,948 seats. Houston is one of the few U.S. cities with permanent professional resident companies in ballet, opera, symphony and theater, and boasts the nation’s highest concentration of performing arts facilities in a downtown area outside of New York City. The longevity of Houston's performing arts organizations in the Theater District speaks volumes— the Houston Ballet, at 36 years, is the city's youngest resident professional company.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a must-see, state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Designed by Robert A. M. Stern, this $102 million shining star illuminates Houston's Theater District. The Hobby Center is home to the Theatre Under The Stars - TUTS, one of the largest producers of musical theatre in America. During its 34 seasons, TUTS has produced a total of 39 Premieres, including 11 World Premieres, one U.S. Premiere, three Southwest Premieres, and 24 Houston Premieres. For more information, visit www.tuts.com
For dinner, visit Michael Cordúa's newest creation featuring contemporary American cuisine located inside the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Artista offers a unique dining experience, magnificent views of the Houston downtown skyline, and a beautiful terrace overlooking Tranquility Park. www.cordua.com
Green Houston 
