Whether you affectionately refer to Houston as “H- Town,” “Magnolia City,” or The Energy Capital of the World,” this sprawling metropolis is vibrant in every season. Ahh, but summer boasts it all — a more easygoing spirit in the air, less wearing of shoes, and more precious hours to spread your wings and explore seasonal events and Houston’s fun fixtures. Here’s an array of possibilities. So, grab your friends, fill your water bottles, and head out to enjoy the 93.6 days of summer. (We’ve also spotlighted a few of Houston’s world-class attractions open year-round.)
1. Vintage Market Days
Looking for the perfect teapot to complement a set of antique teacups? How about an old-fashioned rocking chair for a favorite grandchild? Vintage Market Days is an upscale marketplace overflowing with original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, and more. It’s a three-day event, so if you plan to stay a while, bring your (non-vintage) walking shoes (June 2-4).
2. Wine & Food Week
“Wine Around the World” kicks off Wine & Food Week. You won’t need a passport or a suitcase, but your tastebuds will travel in style as they sample wines from Australia, Bulgaria, California, Greece, and Italy. Whether your wine knowledge pegs you as an oenophile (connoisseur) or a newbie, a day spent tasting wines and learning about their origins (and how to pair them with your favorite culinary creations) is a palate-enriching experience. Not to mention, it’ll be just plain fun. Check the website for other events, including “Rosé Way: A Sweet Soiree” and a “Ladies of the Vine Tasting, Panel & Luncheon. (Events take place June 7-11.)
3. The Legend of The Lantern Festival
The very essence of “family-friendly,” “The Legend of the Lantern” Festival features a collaboration of Houston’s Express Children’s Theater and Dance of Asian America. The plot of this tale? A fairy tries to confound and endanger an ancient Chinese village. (Spoiler alert: all’s well that ends well). Featuring 40 amazing dancers (June 7).
4. Star Spangled Salute, Produced by the Houston Symphony
Pull out all the stops for America’s 223 birthday with an inviting picnicking opportunity: bring your basket and a blanket as the perfect accompaniment to a medley of patriotic favorites. The holiday celebration is topped off with a grand finale of fireworks. The Star Spangled Salute is a Houston tradition (July 4).
5. Fort Bend County Christmas in July Market
So, it’s true: Christmas does arrive in the heat of summer, at least for those plan-ahead early birds. Many a smart shopper picks up gifts throughout the year. (What a great way to avoid the holiday rush, right?) An upscale indoor marketplace, The Fort Bend County Christmas in July Market brings holiday spirit your way with jewelry, artworks, women’s and children’s clothing, home décor, and more (July 29).
6. Houston Blues & Jazz Festival
With four shows over two weekends at four different venues, the Houston Blues and Jazz Festival is the place to kick back, savor the last days of the season, and celebrate the soulful sounds of local, regional, and national performers (September 17-25).
7. Space Center Houston
Here’s a certainty: nobody of any age should miss an excursion to Space Center Houston, a leading science and space exploration learning center, the official visitor center of NASA, Johnson Space Center, and a Smithsonian affiliate. With more than 400 artifacts, both permanent and traveling exhibits, and theaters, there’s always something new buzzing here to highlight Americans’ human space-flight achievements. A duo of classic attractions: a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration and a tour of astronaut training facilities.
8. Lake Conroe
About an hour’s drive from Houston, Lake Conroe is dubbed “Houston’s aquatic playground.” Take friends and family members of all ages to try their hands at boating, paddleboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing. (And spending a few hours in a lounge chair with a frosty glass of lemonade is another attractive possibility.) Birders and hikers will find many lovely ways to while away an afternoon. Research continues to emphasize that time spent in nature is restorative for body, soul, and spirit. Here in the Lake Conroe area, there are 22,000 acres in which to clear your head.
Sheila’s Angels can help seniors in the Houston area during these hot summer months. Contact us at (281) 480-4846 for more information!