Canino's Produce Market

Last week I had a chance to team with with Bayou City Outdoors (one of their free to the public events) for their monthly farmers market bicycle tour.
The day started off chilly in the Heights (which I have never visited but is a kickin' side of the city). Our first stop, which was by far my favorite was called Canino's Produce Market. It was this huge open air, three part market. The best was the back room where you could barter and name your price. Their prices were fantastic. I got a pineapple for $1.00, red peppers were .50 each. They had lots of exotic fruits and beans from central America, it was my dream market! Unfortunately we were on bike so I couldn't buy out the place :)

Then we rode to downtown Houston on part of the cities bike trails and visited two other smaller markets. Both were great, lots of organics, small businesses and good music.

The morning was really enjoyable. The group we road with was Bayou City Outdoors. It included everyone from avid bikers to mature adults on their cruisers with the big basket on the front. Everyone was very chatty and very welcoming.

Here is a link to a list of Houston's Farmers Markets.
HoustonsGreenScene.org

Tour De Houston

Since I haven't participate in anything in a while I decided to ride 40 miles in the 5th annual Tour De Houston Bike Ride. They had a 70 mile, 40 mile and 20 mile loop. Registration was $25.00, which included a t-shirt, ride first aid packet, local materials, and a lunch. Jed and I staged at 7:30 a.m. to join almost 5,000 bicyclists.

We started at city hall, rode through some neighborhoods that I have never seen before and probably will never safely see again. Then the city closed down the 8-loop for several miles so bikers would have a closed course. The 40 mile route passed through an upscale neighborhood and then headed back. At the finish line we grabbed an excellent lunch and sat on the city hall mall and watch a live band. The ride was really organized, in fact I was surprised how organized it was.

It was an excellent way to see the city.

TOUR DE HOUSTON LINK

Bolivar Peninsula & Ferry

Bolivar peninsula is located east of Galveston Island is is accessible from the island via car ferry. The D.O.T operates the ferry and the fee is free. You can either take your car on or walk on for the 18 minute commute to the peninsula.
The beaches are less busy than on the mainland, just drive a few miles a take a random right. The road will end as you drive onto the beach.
Its a nice break from the city.

http://www.crystalbeach.com/chamber.html

Refineries

When I first moved here, one of the first quotes I read was “If hell could be beautiful it would be Pasadena at night”. The daylight reveals their repulsiveness . Refinery burn-off

JPMorgan Chase Tower Observation Deck

The Chase observation deck provides an excellent aerial view of the city.

The building also hooks up the cities pedestrian tunnel system.

Observation Deck 60th floor (75 floors and 1000 ft total)
Location: 600 Travis Street
Observation Deck: Open Monday-Friday during business hours
Cost: Free
Built: 1981
Architect: I.M. Pei & Partners

Texas Sky

Business District - Late afternoon

League City
Theater District Downtown

City Fest - 2006

Info: http://www.cityfesthouston.org

Minute Maid Park

Shots from upper deck between third base and home.

HOME OF THE ASTROS...

www.astros.com

Houston Museum District

Houston's Childrens Museum

The Orange Show

This is by far one of those most bizarre things I have been to in a while. Its almost hard to explain – must see. Its set on a small urban lot in an older neighborhood and the whole display looks a bit out of place. It was built by Jefferson Davis McKissack between 1956-1979 and is a tribute to his favorite fruit – the orange. Well worth the buck to get in.

http://www.orangeshow.org/orange.html

Battleship Texas & San Jacinto Battleground

By far one of the coolest things I have seen since I have been down here. They are in the process of restoring the battleship. A good portion of the battleship can be toured, but frankly it’s not for really small children (lots of ladders) and climbing.
Location : LaPorte Texas

Information: Texas Parks and Wildlife

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/battleship_texas/

Public art and Garden Space

Painted Cow -Children's Museum
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Downtown Theater/Business District

Ever been downtown and wonder where everything is? The downtown district has a sunken streetscape. Miles of pedestrian tunnels lined with restaurants and specialty shops hideout under the towering skyline.

More infor at: http://www.houston-tunnels.com/

Storm System Drainage Plates

Kemah Boardwalk

Theather District

Children's Museum

Houston's Light Rail

The light rail that leads to nowhere. Right now it’s more of a tourist thing linking the downtown, medical, museum district, and Reliant Stadium areas. Buts it’s a start. I would love to see the city expand the rail to connect neighborhoods, airports and even the burbs.
Tickets $2.00/ all day pass

The Beercan House

Location: 222 Malone, Houston

Located in the heart of the city, this eclectic one-story house is almost hidden between two new towering condo buildings.

Preserved by The Orange Show Foundation
Read more at www.orangeshow.org