If you’ve been to Hermann Park in the last few years, then you know
that as mid-city oases go, it’s never been all that, well, splendid.
Yes, it offered green space and easy access to the Houston Zoo and
Miller Outdoor Theatre, but amenities in the park itself were few.
There was certainly little along the lines of the new Discovery Green
downtown.
As of the grand reopening in April, that’s all changed.
The latest renovations, started in 2007 in anticipation of the
Hermann Park Conservancy’s centennial celebration in 2014, include the
brand-new Lake Plaza and the revamped Hermann Park Railroad. The Lake
Plaza is a meeting place by McGovern Lake complete with public
restrooms, a gift shop, a Little Bigs cafe, the Tiffany & Co.
Foundation Bridge, a volunteer maintenance center, and the Mary Gibbs
and Jesse H. Jones Greenway.
The Plaza also provides entrance to a paddleboat lagoon and the new
train station, called Kinder Station in recognition of the children who
ride the small red trains.
The railroad itself has been expanded to cover two miles and
actually functions as more than a novelty tour of the park. With the
addition of three new stops, the train can actually take its passengers
to the Museum of Natural Science, the Medical Center on MacGregor and
the nearby METRORail stop. The rail car seats have even been expanded
for adult comfort.
Even so, the train ride is clearly meant to entertain with its sharp
whistle and charmingly rickety movements. Young children under the age
of five are the most frequent passengers, and they are rewarded for
their patronage with small whistles.
The Japanese Garden has also been improved, reshaped in the image of
more traditional Japanese gardens. The teahouse is now accented with a
bamboo-fenced tea garden, lanterns and stone wash basins; stone paths
have been installed; and the small, winding streams have been outfitted
with wooden bridges.
A possibly unintended consequence of the Japanese Garden’s
transformation is the residence of a multitude of turtles in each small
tributary and pond. They can be seen lying on top of each other on
rocks jutting out from the water in an attempt to get the most sun.
Squirrels are also frequent residents of the garden and will not only
accept food, but will approach humans to beg for it.
With five years to go before the centenary, this new park isn’t the
final product. On the way are such improvements as a pedestrian
underpass, a bridge over the bayou, the restoration of the park’s Grand
Gateway, and the continued reforestation of the park grounds.
Then again, this is Houston. Is more construction really much of a
surprise?
What’s Going On
Your guide to the summer’s hottest recreation
BY ABBY DOWNING-BEAVER
May 14 — “Enchanting Taiwan”
Houston Public Library, Central Branch, 500 McKinney, 832-393-1313,
www.houstonlibrary.org
“Enchanting Taiwan” features a selection of 20 exquisite photos that
show the superb natural beauty and rich culture of the island. There
are images of majestic Jade Mountain, traditional festivals, serene Sun
Moon Lake and indigenous customs, just to name a few. It will be on
display through June 30.
May 17 — Houston Symphony’s Maestro’s Wine Dinner
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-337-8526, www.houstonsymphony.org
Jones Hall will be hosting a five-course gourmet dinner catered by
Tony’s and accompanied by Italian wine pairings personally selected by
Maestro Hans Graf and John Rydman of Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer
Foods as part of a project of the Houston Symphony League. Starting at
6 p.m., it benefits the 2009 Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition and will
also feature a silent wine auction. To donate a favorite red, white or
rosé for the silent auction, call 713-337-8531.
May 30 — Texas Sawmill Festival
AV Bull Sallas Park, 21675 McClesky Rd., New Caney, 281-354-0051,
www.communitychamber.com.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., everyone is invited to go to New Caney for a
trip through time at the “Old Sawmill Town” to experience East
Montgomery County history. It will feature craft vendors, food
concessions, historical displays, old-timey pictures, live music on the
grandstand outdoors, carnival games, school choirs performing on the
inside stage, a rock wall, a petting zoo, wagon rides and tournament
competitions such as sack races, bucket relays and more. The festival
also features the bluesy former American Idol contestant
Sundance Head.
June 1-August 18 — Xploration Summer Camps
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, One Hermann Circle Dr.,
713-639-4629, hmns.org
No one wants to stare at a TV screen all summer. Enroll your child
in Xploration Summer Camps at the Houston Museum of Natural Science,
and she will have the chance to Build It Big; Design & Destroy;
become a Space Cadet; attend Jedi Academy and Master Spy Camp; get into
Kitchen Chemistry; and see why T. Rex Roars. Each camp provides a rich
learning experience in a fun environment, and there are dozens
available for exploration.
June 12 — Summer Sampler of Dance
Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr., Hermann Park, 281-373-3386,
www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
Starting at 8:30 p.m., visitors to Miller Outdoor Theatre can see a
dance performance including jazz, tap, lyric and modern, all in one
evening, by Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. Free admission.
June 13 — 2009 Best of Buffalo Bayou Pontoon Boat
Tours
Sabine Street Bridge North Boat Landing, 713-752-0314, www.buffalobayou.org
These 30-minute boat rides are a great way to spend the afternoon
with your family. Escape from the city and enjoy the cool breeze as you
glide along the bayou’s waters. Look for graceful herons, jumping fish
and even the occasional alligator sunning on the bayou’s banks. After
your cruise, enjoy a picnic lunch on the new Sabine-to-Bagby Promenade
grounds. There are no reservations, and each trip has a capacity of 20
people. The boat picks passengers up at the Sabine Street Bridge North
Boat Landing. The trips will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The price is $7
for adult passage and $5 for children’s passage, cash only. No children
under four will be admitted.
June 17-21 — 2009 Houston Summer Boat Show, Reliant
Park
Reliant Center, One Reliant Park, 713-526-6361, www.btamh.com
The latest brands in boats, yachts, jet skis and other marine-themed
vehicles will be showcased in all five halls of Reliant Center. The
five-day show, which is expected to attract more than 30,000 boating
enthusiasts, will present more than 200 exhibits with boats of all
makes and models for fishing, skiing/wakeboarding and pleasure
cruising. That’s in addition to exhibits filled with accessories,
fishing gear, clothing, art and more. And as always, most of the
exhibiting dealers will offer special Summer Show discounts. Show hours
for the 2009 Houston Summer Boat Show are Wednesday through Friday,
June 17 to 19, from 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 9
p.m.; and Sunday, June 21, from noon to 6 p.m. Admission to the 2009
Houston Summer Boat Show is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
Tickets can be purchased at the Reliant Center ticket office.
June 18-21 and 25-28, July 1-5 — The Curt Miller Magic
& Comedy Show
Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston,
409-683-4186, www.moodytickets.com
Magic buffs won’t want to miss The Curt Miller Magic & Comedy
Show. Curt’s Las Vegas-style show dazzles the audience with a mixture
of large-scale illusions and comedic flair. A surprising blend of
incredible magic and clean comedy, this show will leave you amazed and
laughing out loud as Curt makes participants disappear, levitate and
break up into pieces. Matinee shows at 1 p.m.; evening shows at 7
p.m.
June 26-27 — DockDogs
Jones Lawn at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney, 713-400-7336, www.discoverygreen.com
Presented for the second time in Houston, this Big Air Dogs
competition is a dynamic canine sport measuring leaps and bounds.
Televised on the Outdoor Channel, DockDogs competition consists of dogs
jumping into water from a designated dock, with the largest or highest
leap earning that canine a victory. Dogs and owners travel to Houston
to compete, and the competition will be open to local dogs, too.
June 26-28 — TRISTAR Collectors Show
George R. Brown Convention Center — Hall A, 1001 Avenida de
las Americas, 800-427-4697, www.tristarproductions.com/shows/HOU608/index.htm.
Meet some of your favorite hometown athletes such as Lance Berkman,
Cal Ripken Jr., Mario Williams and Eddie Murray, then try to get them
to sign an embarrassing body part. $10 per day for adults; $8 per day
for ages 6 to 12; free for ages five and under.
June 27 and July 1-5 — Houston CaribFest
713-689-0689, www.houstoncaribfest.com/home.htm
Numerous venues and Caribbean-themed parties and events combine to
spread a little island joy and happiness all over Houston.
July 4 — Chevy’s Freedom Over Texas. Houston’s Official
July 4th Celebration
Eleanor Tinsley Park, 713-247-3500, www.houstontx.gov/july4
This festival is one of the largest of its kind in the country and
is sure to attract thousands of visitors and fans. As Houston’s
“official” Fourth of July celebration, it will start at 4 p.m. and end
at 10 p.m.
July 4 — Kemah Boardwalk Fourth of July Fireworks
Spectacular
Enjoy the usual amenities and dining of Kemah Boardwalk, and then at
9:30 p.m. feast your eyes on a spectacular fireworks display launched
from a giant barge in Galveston Bay.
July 9 — Music of Star Trek & More Sci-Fi
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-224-7575, www.houstonsymphony.org
Play the first few notes of the original Star Trek theme and
fans immediately envision the starship USS Enterprise, zooming across
space. So evocative was the music for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star
Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise that its composers were
recognized with Emmys. In this concert, Associate Conductor Robert
Franz and the Houston Symphony take the audience from that original
television theme through music of the many films and series that have
followed. Also featured will be music from other sci-fi favorites,
including 2001: A Space Odyssey and Battlestar Galactica.
Attendees dressed as their favorite characters can participate in the
symphony’s costume contest. The fun starts at 7:30 p.m.
July 12 — Houston Symphony / Houston Chronicle Dollar
Concert
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-224-7575, www.houstonsymphony.org
Just what the title says: You get all the magnificence of the
Houston Symphony for 100 pennies. It starts at7:30 p.m.
July 15-26 — Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Circus
Reliant Stadium, One Reliant Park, 713-629-3700, www.ringling.com
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is The Greatest Show
on Earth®. Enjoy chills, thrills and excitement while laughing in a
family-oriented setting. Circus-goers will enjoy an
up-close-and-personal experience as they sit feet away from beautiful
white tigers, majestic Asian elephants and thrilling acrobats from
around the world.
July 16-19 and 23-26 — AGA-BOOM / Theater of Physical
Comedy
Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston,
409-683-4186, www.moodytickets.com
A show for all ages, AGA-BOOM combines the unbridled silliness of
slapstick with the theatrical expressionism and poetry of the very best
in European experimental theater circus comedy. Get ready to be taken
back to the excitement and amazement of childhood. Matinee shows at 1
p.m., evening shows at 7 p.m.
July 16-19 — Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows
Reliant Park, One Reliant Park, 1-800-884-2443, www.reliantdogshows.com
Visit one of the finest indoor dog shows in America, to be held in
Houston’s Reliant Center. Along with breed judging and obedience,
you’ll discover agility dogs racing over obstacle courses, flyball
teams hurdling to beat the clock and four-footed athletes catching
Frisbees and dancing to music. Then take in the Mari Jon Filla Student
Art Exhibit and buy dog goodies galore. Attend practical clinics on dog
health, grooming and training or attend a Meet the Breed seminar.
July 18 — Houston Symphony / Gamer MusiCON 09
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-224-7575, www.houstonsymphony.org
The Houston Symphony has expanded the visionary Video Games Live
concert to an all-day celebration of the cutting-edge video-game-music
industry. The world premiere of Gamer MusiCON 09 includes two
high-energy concerts featuring symphony performances of the industry’s
greatest video-game hits with exclusive game footage and synchronized
lighting. Throughout the day, a Game Crazy festival will offer playable
game demos throughout all three levels of Jones Hall, plus a Guitar
Hero contest for the chance to appear onstage during Video Games Live.
The festival also includes an interactive panel and Q&A session
with Blizzard Entertainment game composers, and an onstage costume
contest for attendees dressed as their favorite video game characters.
The doors open for lobby festivities at 2 p.m.; Blizzard Live will play
starting at 3 p.m.; and Video Games Live plays at 7:30 p.m.
July 24 — The Blue Planet Live
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-224-7575, www.houstonsymphony.org
When BBC/Discovery filmmakers dove into ocean depths still foreign
even to scientists to produce the celebrated documentary series The
Blue Planet, they chose George Fenton to create the musical score
to match the mysterious world they uncovered. Now Fenton has adapted
his Emmy-winning score into a sweeping symphonic experience. In its
Houston premiere, Assistant Conductor/American Conducting Fellow Brett
Mitchell leads the Houston Symphony in a live performance of Fenton’s
evocative music, while a specially edited theatrical presentation of
the series’ most dramatic sequences plays on a giant screen above the
Jones Hall stage. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
July 25-26 — Bridal Extravaganza 2009
George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas,
281-340-7777, www.bridalextravaganzashow.com
Thousands of wedding dresses will be on display at the largest
bridal/wedding show in the city. And if you’re unhappily single, it
might not hurt to come on in and walk among the 900 displays being
exhibited; there’s bound to be a few bridesmaids or groomsmen in the
same boat. The first day starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. The
second day starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
Admission is $10.
July 25 — The Music of ABBA
Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, 713-224-7575, www.houstonsymphony.org
When ABBA fans heard the tribute band Arrival singing “Dancing
Queen” on Swedish national radio, they thought they were listening to
the original group. Now Arrival performs at Jones Hall with original
ABBA drummer Roger Palm and the Houston Symphony. Hits like “Dancing
Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me”
come to life with groovy lighting, stage sets and exact duplicates of
ABBA’s fantastic costumes, which the members of Arrival have exclusive
rights to wear. Everything starts up at 7:30 p.m.
July 30, August 2 and 6-9 — Circo Comedia
Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston,
409-683-4186, www.moodytickets.com
Unpredictable thrills, side-splitting comedy and daredevil stunts
are the signature style of Circo Comedia, starring the fantastic duo
Jean Saucier and Patrick Cote from Montreal performing their
distinctive style of humor, acrobatic tricks, daring feats, magic and
eccentricity. Matinee shows at 1 p.m.; evening shows at 7 p.m.
July 31, August 1-2 and 4-9 — The Houston Shakespeare
Festival
Miller Outdoor Theatre, 100 Concert Dr., Hermann Park, 281-373-3386,
www.milleroutdoortheatre.com
This year the Shakespeare Festival will be featuring the plays
Twelfth Night, the original story of a girl passing herself off
as a boy and suffering romantic consequences, and Pericles, a
complicated play about the perils of love. Free.
August 13-16 — Kevin Johnson, “Tongue-in-Cheek So to
Speak”
Moody Gardens Convention Center, 7 Hope Blvd., Galveston,
409-683-4186, www.moodytickets.com
Kevin Johnson began studying ventriloquism at a young age. Because
his mouth never moves, it’s easy to believe in the magical characters
that seemingly explode to life on his hand. Most famous for his
performances on America’s Got Talent and Late Night with David
Letterman, his unique, clean comedy will appeal to all ages. Matinee
shows at 1 p.m., evening shows at 7 p.m.
August 14-15 — Bayou City Inspirational Film
Festival
Wortham Center, 500 Texas, 281-204-7219, www.bciff.com
An emphasis on “positive, educational and inspirational” films makes
this film festival unique. International and local projects, film
seminars and workshops, plus plenty of youth-oriented film-related
activities round out the three-day event. Festival-pass prices vary.
Admission to all film screenings will be free to the public. There will
also be a special “Young Filmmaker’s Showcase” spotlighting films made
by youth from around the world and other special youth events
throughout festival weekend.
ONGOING:
Galveston
Our favorite island city, despite serious damages taken from last
year’s rumble with Hurricane Ike, has always known how to ensure no one
gets bored during the summer. Explore the miles and miles of reopened
public beaches, like East Beach, and the fun-loving, crowd-filled
Stewart Beach; or take a pleasant ferry ride over to Crystal Beach
— pleasant if there’s no wait, of course. If saltwater isn’t your
deal, Schlitterbahn Galveston (2026 Lockheed, Galveston,
409-770-9283, www.schlitterbahn.com/gal) has
more than enough freshwater fun to last for weeks.
If you don’t want to touch water, period, there’s still plenty to
do. The Gulf Coast Volleyball Association is having its Open
Potion Memorial Madness Tournament on Stewart Beach on May 23
(832-928-4120, www.galveston.com). A little later on
East Beach, the American Institute of Architects holds its annual
AIA Sandcastle Competition (East Beach, 1923 Boddeker Dr.,
Galveston, 713-520-0155) on June 6. Texas Beach will be home to the
Texas Beach Ultimate Frisbee Fest on May 30, and come and see
more than 50 boats race from Galveston during Texas Youth Race
Week, July 11 to 16.
Moody Gardens/IMAX Theater, 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston,
800-582-4673, www.moodygardens.com
See an aquarium from the inside out in the Aquarium Pyramid, or
maybe check out cutting-edge film experiences like Ridefilm or the 4D
Special FX Theater. And, of course, there’s the usual fantastic museum
exhibits and rainforest displays the Gardens are known for.
Kemah Boardwalk, Bradford Ave. and Second St., Kemah,
www.kemahboardwalk.com
This one-of-a-kind Houston-area attraction features nearly a dozen
restaurants, an amusement park, and plenty of boardwalk strolling and
shopping. On August 1, the Salsa on the Boardwalk party kicks off.
Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford, www.houstonastros.com
Houston Dynamo, Robertson Stadium, Scott St. and Holman St.,
713-276-7500, houston.mlsnet.com
Houston Roller Derby, www.houstonrollerderby.com
611 Shepherd Dr.
Watch six teams of the toughest ladies around knock each other
around and off the track in some of the wildest athletic action our
city has to offer.
Houston Zoo, 1513 N. MacGregor, 713-533-6500, www.houstonzoo.org
Admission is free on July 4 and Memorial Day.
Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004 Rd., LaMarque, 409-986-9500,
www.gulfgreyhound.com
Follow your internal electric bunny to the world’s largest racing
operation of its kind. Don’t forget 50 Cent Thursdays — the
rapper won’t be racing, but after 6 p.m. hot dogs, beer, popcorn and
soda will be two for a buck, plus dollar margaritas.
Sam Houston Race Park, 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W.,
281-807-8700, www.shrp.com
The race track reopened in early May after taking a time out for
several months following Hurricane Ike. Come cheer on the return of the
racing horses and maybe get lucky when you place a few bets. Stop by
the Winner’s Circle Restaurant or grab a hotdog trackside. Even when
the horses aren’t running, they’re running — via simulcast racing
on dozens of television screens. And don’t forget the live concerts
throughout the summer.
SplashTown, 21300 IH 45 N, Spring, 281-355-3300, www.splashtownpark.com
Dozens of other rides and slides make our city’s largest water park
a must-do attraction every year.
Traders Village, 7979 N. Eldridge Rd., 281-890-5500, www.tradersvillage.com
Find a bargain on a neon Elvis sign, a Donovan LP, socks, a puppy
and some nachos, all within five minutes of each other. No two visits
to the city’s 100-plus-acre flea market are ever the same.
GOLF COURSES
Bay Forest Golf Club, 201 Bay Forest Dr., La Porte,
281-471-4653, www.bayforestgolf.com
Bayou Golf Club, 2800 Ted Dudley Dr., Texas City,
409-643-5850, www.texas-city-tx.org/GolfCourse.htm
The Battleground at Deer Park, 1600 Georgia Ave., Deer Park,
281-478-4653
Bear Creek Golf World, 16001 Clay Rd., 281-859-8188, www.bearcreekgolfworld.com
BlackHorse Golf Club, 12205 Fry Rd., 281-304-1747, www.blackhorsegolfclub.com
Eagle Pointe Golf Club, 12440 Eagle Pointe Dr., Mont Belvieu,
281-385-6666, www.eaglepointeonline.com
Hermann Park Golf Course, 2155 N. MacGregor, 713-526-0077,
www.hermannparkgc.com
Memorial Park Golf Course, 1001 E. Memorial Loop Dr.,
713-862-4033, www.houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/memorial
Redstone Golf Club, 5860 Wilson Rd., Humble, 281-459-7800,
www.redstonegolfclub.com
Tour 18 Houston, 3102, FM 1960 East, Humble, 281-540-1818,
www.tour18golf.com
Wildcat Golf Club, 12000 Almeda, 713-413-3400, www.wildcatgolfclub.com
The Wilderness at Lake Jackson Golf Club, 501 W Hwy. 332,
979-297-4653, www.thewildernessgc.com
PARKS
Check for all of your favorite parks at www.houstontx.gov/parks:
Buffalo Bayou Park, which includes Eleanor Tinsley Park,
carves a scenic, meandering trail parallel to Allen Parkway. The Waugh
Bridge Bat Observation is not to be missed.
Cullen Park, 19008 Saums Rd.
People looking for a decent bicycle trail in a city park frequent
Cullen Park, which is more than 10,500 acres.
Donovan Park, 700 Heights Blvd., 713-861-4002
The folks in the Heights put in a little sweat equity to create a
wonderland wooden playground with a themed castle.
Hermann Park, 6201 A Golf Course Dr., www.hermannpark.org
The city’s oldest park is home to Houston recreational staples such
as the Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science,
the Houston Zoo and more. Become one with the Japanese Zen garden; it’s
near the Sam Houston Monument.
Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr., 713-845-1000
Facilities of this well-known park, around since 1925, include a
pleasant jogging trail, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, a
premiere golf course and plenty of shady spots in the grass.
Sam Houston Park, 110 Bagby, 713-655-1912
This green space calmly juxtaposes some of the oldest structures,
such as the St. John Church from 1891, with the shadows of magnificent
skyscrapers downtown, some of which are not more than a few minutes’
walk away.
White Oak Bayou Park, Houston Avenue Bridge at White Oak
This bayou trail features numerous baseball parks and little league
tournaments, miles of paved walking or jogging trails, and fantastic
views of the surrounding city.
This article appears in May 21-27, 2009.