HOU is for you!

Smell that? Coppertone 35, chlorine hair, oh and beach trips that your car will never fully recover from. Sweet Summer is right around the corner. If you're anything like me; your current google search history is full of destination potential. Will our families ever truly appreciate the amount of sweat equity we put into planning the perfect itinerary? The answer is no; But I see you mama, crunching numbers, reading reviews. After all, we've been prisoners to our vehicles for far too long, shuttling tiny humans from one activity to another and serving up endless snacks. Truth be told, if anyone deserves this time off, it's us! I want to squeeze every last drop out of summer. I always try to find places that we can get to quickly! Who wants to spend the majority of their vacation getting to and from said vacation (and the way back is always the worst).

Orlando is typically always a possibility, from the house of mouse and endless other entertainment options it's a safe bet for sure. Does safe sound exciting? You sort of know what the trip will entail. Plus, it takes 3.5 hours of drive time, to get from SWFL to Orlando. What if I told you that in 2hrs and 25min, literally the time it takes for your kid to watch one of these movies on Disney Plus, you could be in an entirely different state, making special memories and doing cool NEW, exciting things that you've never done before! Check it out, United has straight flights from RSW into HOU for $188.

A few weeks ago, VISIT HOUSTON was kind enough to host me for an unforgettable crash course of the city! It had been decades since I had traveled solo and surprisingly, I felt completely safe the entire time! When I landed, I was whisked away via very handsome Uber driver, to a spectacular contender for accommodation. I highly recommend you check out La Colombe d'Or hotel, Named after the famed hotel in France (home to Picasso’s favorite watering hole). This place is absolutely amazing, I’m talking layers of hospitality and niches of luxury. It has history, culture and amenities galore and it’s no surprise that Forbes named it “Best high-end hotel in Houston”.

Located in the established and friendly Montrose neighborhood, the area is walkable and full of coffee shops, boutiques, food options and museums. You’re first greeted with “The Mansion”, One of the last mansions on Montrose Avenue. The historic Fondren Mansion was built in 1923 as a private residence for the founder of the Exxon oil company.

In 1979, it was transformed into Houston’s hospitality experience and for four decades, played host to a who’s-who of politicians, celebrities, globetrotting guests and Houstonians. This historic landmark’s refreshed 1920’s style flourishes with old-world sophistication and modern notes, downstairs you’ll find a gorgeous restaurant and event space, a parlor/ lounge and a beautiful bar, at the top of the grand staircase you’ll find Five unique suites, featuring original, restored flooring and woodwork.

In 2021 they fused history and modern esthetic by building a tower behind the mansion. 18 sleek hotel suites on the lower level and "The Residences" above. The ultimate in contemporary comfort. Suites feature a pretty sweet setup. With a lavish bedroom retreat and bathroom sanctuary.

The tower has a state-of-the-art fitness facility, rooftop pool with dramatic views of downtown, a social lounge with big-screen TV’s, a library, workspace, sunset terraces, table games and outdoor dining space. If that wasn’t enough, located behind the tower you’ll find the bungalows! 9 spacious, whimsical apartment-style suites around a charming courtyard. It’s deep and dramatic, timeless, charming, romantic and cultured. When you arrive, you know you’re somewhere special. It feels exclusive, they escort you to your room and are offended when you open doors yourself. An entire experience, completely unique, truly memorable and family friendly.

After freshening up a bit Visit Houston scooped me up for dinner at Clark's Oyster Bar. They have three locations one in Austin, Aspen and Houston. Clark's Houston opened in Fall 2023 and is the largest of the three. Located in a former auto shop, it has an elevated yet relaxed neighborhood vibe. They have all the things, shucked oysters, crudo, lobster roll, daily fish specials, caviar, chowder as well as a much-loved burger and shoestring fries. The restaurant specializes in martinis and signature cocktails and flaunts an impressive champagne and wine list. Inside, a subtle nautical design with blue and turquoise tones, white walls and a marble-topped bar. Outside the covered patio is perfect for taking in golden hour and people watching, paired with oyster slurping of course. We had octopus and oysters to start, followed by clam chowder and the red snapper. Everything was super fresh, cooked perfectly.

Over the next couple days, I was in my "fast forward" era, trying to see and do it all. Fun food halls, funky art installations and this super cool Houston tradition of sorts, The Art Car Parade! This is unlike any other parade you've ever witnessed and an absolute must! I had a blast and highly recommend planning a trip around this annual event. It's so many things! Yummy eats, cold drinks, vendors, pop ups and the parade of course. I adore how Houston embarrasses art in all forms. Traditional museums can feel stuffy, so to warm things up a bit, for the past 37 years the city has been bringing art outside and painting the streets if you will, with cool cars that have been completely customized and themed out by their inspired owners. Everything from school groups, clubs, families and more. It truly showcases the spirit of the city, proudly displaying what a creative, loving and supportive community they have there.

Need some retail therapy? Hou's got you boo. The Galleria Mall is the largest shopping mall in the state, it's a really big deal and if boutique shopping is more your speed, there are plenty of opportunities to shop small with specialty shops sprinkled all over the city. I was told that Houston would be the ugliest city I'd ever fell in love with but to be honest, I was blown away by its beauty! You have to check out Mcgovern Centennial Gardens and if you're heading to Hou with kids, next door to the gardens is Hermann Park! It's massive with a zoo, brand new themed out playground and surrounded by museums! An adorable train, with multiple stops to hop on and off, connects you comfortably to everything!

P.S. a super special spot to grab dinner is Postscript! She's stunning and totally for the girls. Tasty and tastefully themed out! Feminine vibes galore. Inside, Pink everything, sparkly drinks, Pink grand piano in the middle of the dining room, gorgeous oyster shell bar, flowers and chandeliers, all the things. Oh, and even a button to push for champagne. Outside, you can't miss it with giant butterflies adorning the building. She's not just a pretty face, the food was just as fierce. My sous vide prepared steak was absolute perfection.

I did so much in such a little bit of time but if you asked me what my favorite part of the trip was, I would say the people! Friendly, fun, warm and genuine. So, cut the commute out of your next vacation and head to Houston! If you want it, Houston has it, from art and museums to funky festivals, a huge foodie scene, family friendly activities, endless date night potential, culture and so much more. It's all here, in HOU, waiting for you!