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.
THE DETAILS
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
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. View a full list of hotel options.
TIMELINE
10:00 AM: Start with a trip to Pinto Ranch, to get your designer Western duds.
REPUBLIC BOOT COMPANY
11:00 AM: Pay a visit to Republic Boot Company, where handcrafted cowboy boots are made right here in Houston. This local favorite offers an authentic look at true Texas craftsmanship, including custom hat shaping for the perfect fit. Or, swing by Lucchese, the legendary Western bootmaker that has been outfitting Texans and admirers alike for more than a century.
12:30 PM: 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.
Western Heritage
2:00 PM: Complete the look with a stop at Cavender's, a Texas staple known for outfitting cowboys and cowgirls alike with everything from pearl snaps to boots.
4:30 PM: Step back in time at Sam Houston Park, where historic homes and exhibits offer a glimpse into Texas’ early days and frontier roots.
Goode Co. BBQ
7:00 PM: Head over to Goode Company BBQ, which has been serving expertly smoked 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.
8:00 PM: Meander next door to Armadillo Palace for a taste of a real Texas honky-tonk, complete with live music in the evenings. For a little two-steppin', check out Stampede Houston or Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, where spacious dance floors and lively crowds keep the energy going well into the night.
George Ranch
THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: If you want to really immerse yourself in Western culture, consider staying at one of the region's destination ranches. Texas Ranch Life, a real working ranch with a large herd of longhorns, is set on the 1,800-acre Lonesome Pine Ranch. Texas Ranch Life provides a beautiful getaway with accommodations for up to 45 people and a myriad of activities.
