Serena & Blake
Things To Do
Houston Rodeo
Our wedding is conveniently right when the Houston Rodeo is happening! Ever since we started our relationship, an annual tradition of ours has been attending the Houston Rodeo. We highly recommend you attend to experience a true Texas tradition and make sure you watch the mutton bustin'!
Galveston Island
If you want a day trip you should definitely drive to see Galveston. Spend time at the warm beach, walk around Evia for beautiful houses, and explore The Strand to see historic buildings. La King's Confectionery at The Strand is one of Blake's favorite spots on the planet; stop by to see an old world Soda Parlor / Candy Shop and watch them make salt water taffy live.
Favorite Walking Areas
One of our favorite weekend activities is going on a walk. Some of our favorite spots include: Rice University (park next to Rice Village Diamonds for free parking) for the unique university architecture, River Oaks neighborhood for the beautiful homes, Memorial Park for greenery inside the city, and Hedwig Village neighborhood for one of the most green and picturesque neighborhoods.
Favorite Breakfast Spots
If you want a cute French bakery with excellent breakfast food, head Downtown to Mademoiselle Louise. If you want live music and the best patio atmosphere in Houston, go to Toulouse in River Oaks Shopping Center. If you want to try a Houston staple, you MUST have a kolache. Try Christy's Donuts for a hole-in-the-wall retro shop or Kolache Shoppe for a great chain.
Favorite Lunch Spots
For the best sandwich you'll ever eat, go to Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen in Uptown. Houston has the best Tex-Mex, and you can never go wrong with Lupe Tortilla (Blake recommends the beef fajitas), Escalante's, or Los Tios. If you want great fast food, try Burger Joint or Taco Stand (owned by the same company - if you go to the Heights location they are side by side). For BBQ, go to Truth or Pinkerton's, but make sure you beat the lunch rush or you'll be waiting in a line.
Favorite Dinner Spots
If you are craving nice Italian, head to La Griglia for a beautiful restaurant and even better food. Cafe Ginger is a staple in our household for asian cuisine (our recommendation is the Sesame Chicken). Want to see why steakhouses are better in Texas? Try Turner's on Post Oak or Taste of Texas. If you want more of a casual spot, try Niko Niko's for some great Greek food.
Favorite Bars & Cocktail Lounges
If you want to go to an outside bar for good day-time vibes, Kirby Ice House or Bayou Heights Bier Garten (BHBG) are great options. We both also love King's BierHaus which has excellent pretzels. If you want to tour a brewery, head to Saint Arnold Brewing Company for great beer and a free tour. Blake's recommendation for a sports bar to play darts is Flight Club Houston. For cocktail options later at night, our favorite spot is Julep.