Houston Public Library
by msbrandysue
I love to read and I love libraries. Therefore, wherever I go I love to see the city's library!
Houston's has a great story behind it!
[Taken from their website]
"As early as 1837, one year after the Battle of San Jacinto, the Philosophical Society of Texas was organized, and one of its goals was to build a library. There were other proposals to start libraries made by various groups during the early years, but finally, in 1854, the Houston Lyceum was organized, mainly through the work of a Mr. Andrew Daly.
A lyceum's primary purpose was to bring culture to a community. Houston's Lyceum was formed with the intent of holding lectures, having discussions among members, and of most importance to us, to create a library. The present Houston Public Library can trace its history back to the founding of the Houston Lyceum in 1854.
The members of the group went to a private homes to solicit funds and collect any books that the homeowner might wish to give them. Senator Sam Houston was one of the many who donated books to the Lyceum. Neither women nor children were members of the Lyceum. It was created solely for men.
The first home for the Lyceum's collection was in the then Harris County Court House building. The organization got off to a good start; during the first year the Lyceum collected 88 volumes and $17.50. In September of 1854 they bought their first bookcase. During these early years, the Lyceum was totally supported by dues, subscriptions, and donations.
Some of the early lectures that the Lyceum sponsored included "Meteorology and the Cause and Law of Storms." Debates argued topics ranging from, "Did the whole human family descend from the same parentage?" to "Are women capable of the same mental improvement as men?"
In 1887, women were allowed to join the Lyceum as full voting members, and in 1895, it was decided that anyone living in the City could borrow materials from the collection if they paid $3.00 per year.
An historical marker was placed outside the Julia Ideson Building in 1971 commemorating the Houston Lyceum and the Public Library. "
Right across the street from the library you will find the former library with the historical marker in front of the building.
Great Downtown Jazz!
by H-TownJourneyman about Sambuca
Having been to Sambuca many times in the past, but only once to actually dine at, I am writing this under the Nightlife category, although recently Sambuca has been moving toward marketing themselves as more of a restaurant than just a "jazz cafe". Located downtown, it is an upscale establishment with live jazz music every night of the week. The ambiance is very nice, dim lighting and nice decor with wonderful modern woodworking and furniture. They have expanded the dining area recently and therefore have made the bar area quite smaller, evidence to their marketing Sambuca as a restaurant. But it is still a great place to have a few drinks a listen to some soulful jazz music. They also have a humidor full of many fine cigars, and an extremely long wine list. The food menu is extensive, but quite pricey, another reason why I prefer just to come listen to the great tunes! The crowd is very mixed, but generally an upscale, trendy scene with people of all ages. In the downtown area, this is THE place for jazz! Upscale location, so nice eveningwear is typical. No jeans or sneakers.
My favorite restaurant is...
by Dmek69
My favorite restaurant is 'Hessni's'! It's Continental cuisine at its finest.
They pay great attention to detail and the chef's talents are remarkable. In a word, 'Mouth-watering'. The entree' I had was the New York strip steak (delicious)! Also, for desert, you must try their chocolate mousse cake! It has to be the best on the planet!
NASA Johnson Space Centre
by taryn21
Even though I'm not huge into space stuff, I found this quite interesting. You never really grasp how incredibly huge some of the rockets, space crafts are until you see them in person. And we saw the control room....and got to tour through a building where they were in the process of making something. Interesting!!
BBQ Cookoff Competition
by cealonzo
Not only is Houston the proud home of the largest livestock exposition and biggest rodeo in the world, but the Lone Star State also hosts a colossal, Texas-sized picnic to launch the three weeks of festivities!
While other rodeo contestants are gearing up to ride bucking bulls and horses, several hundred others are polishing their culinary tools and skills in preparation for some very heated competition -- the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.
For the three days of cooking and competition, the sweet aroma of barbecue can be smelled for miles, luring hundreds of thousands of hungry patrons from all across the state.
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A foggy morning commute in Houston, Texas (March)
This isn't rush hour....2 PM on a Sunday!
Boom Boom
Room With a View
