Around Houston Blog

Celebrate Texas Independence Day

History buffs rejoice! It’s time to celebrate Texas Independence Day, the day when 59 delegates met in 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico. Of course, there’s more to the story. After this decision, the Texian Army engaged and defeated General Santa Anna’s army in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Experience the history for yourself by planning your next day trip outside of Houston. Deer Park’s proximity to the San Jacinto Monument makes it an ideal stop…

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History Buffs: Plan Your Daytrip Outside of Houston

There’s more to this region than world-class museums. Experience history when you get up-close and personal on guided tours, special events and more this summer. Check out the unique historic experiences below you’re not likely to find anywhere else. Huntsville Sam Houston Memorial Museum Dedicated to preserving the memory of the great Stateman, General Sam Houston, the museum complex is located on 15 acres of his original homestead. Open daily, this museum is a combination of historic…

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Escape the April Showers at these Museums

Spring means sunnier weather … most of the time. If you get caught in an April shower this month, we’re here to help you beat the blues with some museums and indoor activities that are just as fun. Bookmark this page or save some ideas for the next time the weather catches you by surprise! Trains Explore locomotive history in Galveston with one of the largest restored railroad collections in the country. The Galveston Railroad Museum features numerous railroad memorabilia and exhibits, including…

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Experience Historic Conroe Texas

A day trip traveling north from Houston takes you down memory lane to the historic city that is Conroe, Texas. Conroe was established after the Civil War when a retired Illinois Cavalry captain came to Texas, hoping to make his mark in the lumber industry. His mark created an enduring legacy. In 1881, Isaac Conroe positioned his sawmill at the junction of the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads in Montgomery County. This strategic crossroads paired with an ample supply of…

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Spend a Day with History in Beaumont

From the earliest pioneers to the famous Spindletop oil boom that put the state of Texas on the map for oil, Beaumont, Texas is where history is made. Discover the innovation and heritage at the museums and historic sites throughout the city. Whether you’re looking to experience life how it was in the past or venture off the beaten path, here are the top spots to discover the enchanting history in Beaumont. Fire Museum of Texas As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. And that’s true…

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Off the Grid: Historic Homes to Visit Around Houston

Imagine a time before the internet, electricity and running water. Sometimes it’s hard to picture what life was like long ago. You can see first hand what it was like to survive back in the day with an inside look at historic homes around the Houston area. See things like architecture style, vintage appliances, furniture and personal items you rarely ever see anymore. Load up the family and head out for a mini history lesson near you. The Marguerite Rogers House Museum The beautiful architecture…

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The Center for Fun in the Brazosport Area

Just an hour from downtown Houston and minutes from the Gulf of Mexico, The Center for the Arts & Sciences is full of exhibits and fun activities for the whole family. The easy-to-find attraction is near Highway 288, a popular route to both Surfside Beach and Quintana Beach. Inside The Center, visitors will discover a natural science museum, a full-dome planetarium, an art studio and gallery, as well as two performing arts theaters. The Center is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays all…

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The Story of the Butler Longhorn Museum

Only minutes from Space Center Houston, Butler Longhorn Museum and Heritage Park offers a look at Texas and the American West through its history, art, and science. The museum sits on a ten-acre waterfront park in the Historic District with shaded picnic sites, a fishing pond, playground and a walking path. The museum features a vintage movie theater with popcorn and refreshments, gift shop, art gallery and research center. The facilities are available for school groups, weddings, meetings and…

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The History Behind The Trees: The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Founded in 1974, The Woodlands was created to give residents and those visiting an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tall, lush forests that run throughout The Woodlands create just that, a relaxing experience. From the outside, it may seem like that’s all The Woodlands consists of: trees and more trees. Considering the master-planned community is fairly young, it can be easy to underestimate the development, amenities and even the history lying beyond the trees. The Cynthia…

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Beaumont, Texas: Birthplace of Spindletop

Located 90 miles East of Houston on I-10 is Beaumont, Texas – also known as the birthplace of Spindletop. In January 1901, the bustling lumber town of Beaumont leaped to international fame when the Lucas Gusher spewed oil on Spindletop Hill, located just south of town. The narrative of how this event transformed Beaumont is told at many area museums such as the Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum and the Texas Energy Museum. Here we highlight the museums you should visit to learn more about…

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