Houston, TX - View from the sky lobby
Courtesy chasetower.com
A family man with a chronic case of wanderlust, Adam Porter cruises the highways and byways of the USA looking for the best and “best kept secret” RV getaways.

America’s 4th largest city, Houston, Texas is industrious, sprawling and very much alive. A stone’s throw from the birthplace of the Lone Star Republic, the wheels of Houston’s economy may be greased with oil money, but the hearts and minds of its people are focused on a proud heritage of freedom and innovation that began with drawing a line in the sand and was followed by digging for buried treasure and reaching for the stars. A visit to Houston immerses you in engaging and inspiring science, culture, art and industry. But it’s still Texas. So, the folks here have an equal reverence for their BBQ joints, taquerias and Armadillo Palaces. Speaking of…

At Goode's Armadillo Palace

  • Armadillo Palace (www.goodecompany.com) – The consummate Texas roadhouse. Toe-tappin’ live music, authentic Lone Star comfort food, including some of the best pecan pie you will ever eat. And, of course, wonderfully tacky Texas souvenirs. 5015 Kirby Drive. 713.526.9700.
  • Goode Company BBQ (www.goodecompany.com) – Back in 1977, founder, Jim Goode, was enjoying some Texas BBQ and struck up a conversation with the restaurant’s owner. Before he finished lunch, Jim made a deal to buy the joint and, a few days later, a Texas culinary institution was born. 5015 Kirby Drive. 713.529.1212.
  • JP Morgan Chase Tower (www.chasetower.com) – Seventy-five-story I.M. Pei-designed skyscraper. Shoot up the express elevator 60 floors to the observation deck at Sky Lobby for the best view of the city. Then back down to access Houston’s air-conditioned underground tunnel system. 600 Travis Street.
  • Menil Collection (www.menil.org) – Surrealism, frescos, drawing and sculpture displayed in a series of interior galleries and outdoor courtyards stretching several blocks. Pick up a tour map at the main Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross Street. 713.525.9400.
    Museum of Fine Arts Houston
  • Museum of Natural Science (www.hmns.org) –Geology, anthropology, chemistry and earth science displays. The Cullen Hall of Gems & Minerals and the butterfly exhibit are highlights. 5555 Hermann Park Drive. 713.639.4629.
  • Museum of Fine Arts (www.mfah.org) – An impressive collection of impressionist, modern and ceramic art. Take the tunnel from one building to the next for an incredible light show. 1001 Bissonnet Street. 713.639.7300.
  • Ninfa’s on Navigation (www.ninfas.com) – The locals’ favorite for a Tex-Mex lunch. Tacos al carbon with a lip-smacking green sauce. Ask for a table in the back. 2704 Navigation Blvd. 713.228.1175.
  • San Jacinto Monument (www.tpwd.state.tx.us) – A towering monument and museum celebrating Texas’ successful war for independence. The battle lasted all of 20 minutes but changed the course of history forever. Ascend the tower. Tour the museum and leave with a little piece of Texas pride. 3523 Battleground Road, LaPorte TX 77571. Call 281.479.2431.
    Battleship Texas
  • The Battleship Texas (www.tpwd.state.tx.us) – The only surviving US Naval ship to serve in both World Wars. Commissioned in 1914, she was retrofitted with updated communications and anti-aircraft tech for WW2. “Man” the guns and climb to the top of the lookout towers. But watch your step! 3523 Independence Parkway, LaPorte, TX 77571. Call 281.479.2431.
  • Space Center Houston (www.spacecenter.org) – Out of this world “edu-tainment” connects visitors with the final frontier. See the shuttle, tour NASA and discover the space program through 250 different exhibits, shows and programs. 1601 NASA Parkway. 281.244.2105.
  • Water Wall – The ultimate Houston photo op. Incredible during the day, magical lit up at night. Located at 2800 S. Post Oak Boulevard. Park at the Galleria mall and walk a few blocks. Then head back to the mall for some shopping, dining or ice-skating.
    Houston's Water Wall

GETTING TO HOUSTON

Houston is located in southeast Texas at the intersection of Interstates 10 (W&E) and 45 (N&S). Two concentric beltways surround the metro area, I-610 and the Texas 8 Beltway (Sam Houston Tollway).

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

If you plan to visit the Space Center, Aquarium and local museums, save some cash with the City Pass. Pre-order passes at www.citypass.com.

Traffic on the highways pendulums between glacial and 3-wide NASCAR during morning and afternoon drive times. Travel during late morning or early afternoon if you can.

RV PARKS NEAR HOUSTON

Lake View RV Resort (www.lakeviewrvresort.com)

Camping at Lakeview RV

Top-notch amenities include a swimming pool, fishing lake, hot tub, game room and business center. Lakefront sites. Concrete pads. Clean restrooms. Inviting pool and patio area. Gated.

  • Full hookups – water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi & Cable TV
  • Pull thru sites and room for big rigs
  • Family & pet friendly, no tents

Located at 11991 South Main St. Houston, TX. GPS: 29.652262, -95.451015. Reserve online or call 800.385.9122.

Traders Village Houston RV Park (http://tradersvillage.com/houston/rv-park)

Camping at Traders Village

Hidden just off the freeway behind a huge flea market. Quiet during the week. Noisy on weekends. Concrete pads. Flea market and carnival rides on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 6 PM.

  • Full hookups – water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi, no cable TV
  • Pull thru sites and room for big rigs
  • Family & pet friendly, tents okay

Located at 7979 N. Eldridge Rd., Houston, TX. GPS: 29.89114, -95.60641. For reservations call 281.890.5500.

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