The Karankawas: the Indians of the Houston area
by XenoHumph
Before Europeans came to what is now the Houston area (the first explorator of the region being the spaniard Cabeza de la Vaca in 1528), indians called Karankawas roamed the Gulf Coast area. The last Karankawas were killed in 1858. Karankawas were nomadic hunter-gatherers, living mainly on fish.
More on Karankawas can be found in the Handbook of Texas Online
This picture was taken from a website on the Karankawas of Padre Island
A map of Karankawas territory can be found at http://www.TexasIndians.com
Authentic descriptions of Karankawas by early European explorators can be found here
Houston's Galleria Area
by jjp76 about The Galleria
I know this is a touristy area, but it also has some of the city's best shopping and restaurants. Sometimes considered Houston's other downtown, the Galleria Area is about 6 miles west of the real downtown.
In and around the Galleria, you will find most of the high-end shopping including Tiffany, Versace, Fendi, Hermes, etc. and countless other retailers. You will also find notable restaurants such as Cafe Annie, Tony's, Americas, and Grotto.
While in the Galleria area, you must also visit the Williams Tower (formerly the Transco Tower) and the neighboring Waterwall. The Williams Tower is the tallest building in the country outside of a central business district, and is a great example of retro modern architecture. High-end and designer items.
Great Tex-Mex!
by rsleisk about Doneraki Restaurant and Cantina
Erakio, an Indian from the small Mexican town of Anahuac, created Tacos al Carbon using his own method of preparing marinated strips of beef and pork on a rotating up-right spit, known as 'El Trompo' or 'The Top.' Erakio?s tacos and other original creations became so famous that people began to call him Don Erakio, a way of showing respect.
Continuing the culinary tradition of its namesake, Doneraki Restaurant serves delicious grilled dishes like the Tacos Al Carbon del Trompo and Carne Asada, as well as filling house combos like the Doneraki Tipico (Taco al Carbon, Enchilada, Fajitadilla, Flauta, rice and beans). The Enchiladas, Mexican beer!
Great Seafood, With a Gulf Coast Feel!
by H-TownJourneyman about Goode Company Seafood
Goode Company Seafood is another restaurant in the local Goode Company chain of restaurants. There are actually 2 locations, but I have only been to the one on Westpark. The restaurant building itself is quite interesting, as part of it is an old Amtrak train car, sitting on tracks (hopefully the brakes are locked, but I have never asked!). Inside you will find decor that reminds you of a local seafood kitchen found in a small town along the Gulf Coast. Lots of old pictures of fisherman on the walls, as well as fishing tackle and nets, even some fish (They are dead, and have been taken to the taxidermist). The part of the restaurant housed in the train has the bar, as well as tables. You'll find patrons dining at both. The other half of the restaurant is strictly tables. The food here is top notch Gulf seafood. Appetizers such as shrimp cocktails and shucked oysters make great starters. They also have excellent gumbo to begin with, or make a meal out of. The Poboy sandwiches here are also really good. Main entrees include a long list of various fish dinners, crab, shrimp, oysters, etouffee, and even steak. The Pecan pie will be sure to finish off your hunger quite nicely! Catfish filet. Some of the best fried Catfish in town!
Touching the moon...
by Djinn76
Yipeee, I'm touching the moon ;-) An example amongst the different attractions of the center is this tiny moon part visitor can touch...
I haven't learned anything new but well, now I can say I've been in contact with the moon ;-)
Texan BBQ fare at Goode's BBQ, Houston TX
Newly renovated
The front of the tower
Toyota Center
