New Year’s resolutions do not always need to include health and fitness goals. If that’s your thing, go for it, but there are plenty of ways to change up your routine in 2021. We’ve decided to break down some general interests and ways you can explore those interests in Houston. From expanding your palate to becoming a tourist in your own town, along with enjoying the arts and outdoors there is a plethora of things to do in Space City.
Arts
Immerse yourself in the arts. Houston’s art scene continues to thrive both in person and virtually. First, always check what’s going on at Jones Hall. For example, Midori one of the most celebrated violinists of all time, is performing in January with the Houston Symphony for Beethoven’s beloved “Violin Concerto.” Seats at Jones Hall are limited due to Covid-19 restrictions but keep an eye out for a number of their upcoming events.
Comedy is certainly art form and laughter is the best medicine. Head to Improv Houston for upcoming shows starring some of the funniest names in comedy. In January alone, headliners include Whitney Cummings, Bruce Bruce and Chad Daniels. They are always adding to the list of entertainers, so there’s no excuse for catching a few shows 2021. We highly encourage doing things that bring you joy and we’re sure Improv Houston can deliver.
The Alley Theatre presents “Born With Teeth” which will run from Jan. 22 – Feb. 14. In this play, the great Kit Marlowe and the up-and-comer Will Shakespeare, meet in the back room of a pub to collaborate on a history play cycle, navigate the perils of art under a totalitarian regime, and flirt like young men with everything to lose. One of them may well be the death of the other.
As 2021 progresses, hopefully things start to open back up and when they do, be sure to check places like Revention Music Center for amazing concerts, the Houston Ballet and Hobby Center for upcoming performances.
Outdoors
Looking for a new hobby, perhaps it cycling? HTX Bike Social is a great way to cycle and meet new people. This group of cycling enthusiast doesn’t discriminate based on level, bike or ability. Whether you are a CAT 1 racer, MTB junky, daily commuter or like to cruise your bike a few times a week, there are plenty of rides to accommodate. The HTX Bike Social’s premier event is the second Friday of every month. The ride location starts may vary but the start time is always 7:20 p.m. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone compiled all of the outdoor activities available in and around Houston? Check out HTX Outdoors. Between hiking, camping, paddle boarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, climbing, backpacking, volleyball and more, this group of friends plans more than 20 events each month. Another option for sports and fellowship is the Houston Sports and Social Club. HSSC offers a variety of co-ed sports leagues and tournaments, including dodgeball, kickball and flag football along with social events and activities.
Perhaps a leisurely walk is more your speed. On Jan. 16, enjoy Buffalo Bayou at the Nature Walking Tour which highlights the landscape and ecology of 19th century Texas that created Houston. The tour will discuss the importance of prairies in rebuilding this astonishing and all but vanished ecosystem. Best of all, it’s free! Of course, you can enjoy the banks and trails that wrap around Buffalo Bayou any time.
Food
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, food tours are always a good idea. Houston is a culinary mecca as it’s the most diverse city in the country. Taste of Houston Food Tours offers three amazing tours in three very different and distinct areas of town, the Heights, Montrose and Downtown. The Fantastic Food Tours of Houston has the Art Tour of EaDo, Midtown Multinational Food Tour and Little Saigon Food Tour. Both tours showcase the best of architecture, cultural sites, anecdotes and of course, food.
For the wine enthusiast, we recommend heading to a Sonoma Wine Bar. With two locations in both Upper Kirby and the Heights, Sonoma is the perfect spot for an approachable wine list curated of small batch wines and family-owned wineries. Offering wines by the glass and rotating tasting flights, along with excellent happy hour specials, you’ll be a regular patron in no time. Montrose Cheese and Wine is also known for their fun events, like raclette tastings, and more. Make sure to check their website for upcoming events.
We also encourage everyone to step outside of their culinary comfort zones. With so many ethnicities and amazing restaurants in Houston, we’ve got it all. Check out our Outsider’s Guide to Houston’s Asiatown blog with restaurants and recommendations for unmissable eats. When it’s springtime, don’t forget, that means crawfish season. We’ve rounded up a list of the best crawfish spots in Houston for both Cajun and Vietmanese style crawfish. Afterall, New Year’s resolutions are supposed to last for the entire year.
