Travel Your Style

TRAVEL Your Style B Y L A U R A F U R R MERICAS

A d u l t s - O n l y G e t a w a y F a m i l y - F o c u s e d F u n

R e f i n e d R u s t i c R e t r e a t

IN T E X A S T E RR IT O RY, spring and summer mean long, slow evenings and even longer, freer weekends for blue bonnet-filled adventures, quality time with the kiddos, or a chance to reconnect. Whatever your travel tendencies or phase of life might be, there’s a getaway in these parts with your name on it. Let our five itineraries be your guide, and go while the getting is oh-so-good.

Adults-Only Getaway Send the kids to summer camp, and indulge in the finer things in the heart of downtown. Your Style

EAT Make time on your sched to sample what Houston is best known for: its food! There’s an endless list of restaurants to try in our food-focused city, with downtown—the perfect locale for travelers who only have a few days to get a taste—offering a compact selection of some of Houston’s finest. For an array of bold flavors under one roof, pick and choose from Korean barbecue to farm-to-table goodness at Finn Hall’s food stalls. See what all the hype is about as you sink your teeth into a classic burger and crinkle-cut fries at Shake Shack at the Jones on Main in the JP Morgan Chase & Co Building. Or, for a refined affair, splurge on the five-course internationally inspired tasting menu at Chef Jose Hernandez’s Lucienne. Just be sure to save room for a hand-crafted night cap at Bardot a few steps away.

P e t e ’ s D u e li n g P i a n o B a r

D O Belt out a tune at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar in GreenStreet. Or if listening is more your jam, take in big names and local acts at the House of Blues across the way. Keep the fun going (almost) all night long at Lucky Strike, where bowling alley meets dance club from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Louie Coffee will be there to provide your caffeine and pastry pick-me-up come morning time. Hotel Alessandra

STAY Emerald velour couches, sumptuous soaking tubs, in-room martini service, and a signature spa—Hotel Alessandra and its eponymous Spa by Alessandra politely scream luxury. Spend a sophisticated weekend of romance with your special someone here, or treat yourself to that overdue staycation.

School’s out, and wholesome fun is in session at CITYCENTRE.

FamilyFocused Fun

E AT It doesn’t have to be all chicken tenders and cheeseburgers (though there are great options for those, too) when the fam takes a stopover at CITYCENTRE. Let the little ones run free on the lawn before enjoying kid- and parentapproved bites at bellagreen—think quinoa mac and cheese for them and paleo spaghetti squash Bolognese for you. Break from tired takeout and watch as ooey-gooey pizza pies melt before your eyes in Grimaldi’s coal-brick oven, or nudge the kids outside their comfort zones with teriyaki and barbecue chicken at Yard House while Mom and Dad savor the massive food and beer menus. Afterward, spoil the kids with warm cookies from Tiff’s Treats or cold ice creams from Fellini Gelato.

T h e M o r a n C I T Y C E N T R E

Bowl & Barrel

D O Work as a unit to unlock clues (and the door) in 60-minute, adrenaline-packed challenges at The Escape Game. Or engage in some head-to-head competition while noshing on elevated American fare at Bowl & Barrel. For a more low-key excursion, sit back, relax, and enjoy the latest flick with in-theater dining at Studio Movie Grill.

S TAY Recently revamped, The Moran CITYCENTRE blends form and function. Mom and Dad will take note of well-appointed accommodations, complete with hardwood floors, roomy bathrooms, and plush bedding; while kiddos will likely head straight to the terrace-top pool. Guests young and old can also enjoy cycling, spa time, rock climbing, and even more swimming for a nominal fee at Life Time Athletic next door.

D O Stock up on downhome Texas attire at King Ranch Saddle Shop, one of the area’s favorite purveyors of leather goods, boots, and home décor. For a little less of a rough-and-tough look, head to Onward Reserve for activewear, accessories, and Texas A&M University–emblazoned gear. And, ladies, don’t let the name at Grass Stains fool you. The locally owned boutique with a bit of a Texas tomboy twist is known for its chic wears you wouldn’t dare damage. After an afternoon of shopping, don your new garb for a visit to the sleek bar at Star Cinema Grill before taking in a film. Grass Stains

Refined Rustic Retreat Escape the hustle and bustle without leaving creature comforts behind at Century Square. Your Style

C a v a l r y C o u r t

Mo’s Irish Pub

E AT Brunch with the best of them in Century Square. Sip mimosas al fresco while eating sweet and savory crêpes at Sweet Paris, load up with the fried chicken and egg sandwich at Mess Waffles, or indluge in Southern charmers like Cornbread Battered French Toast at PORTER's. To catch the game and grab some grub, Mo’s Irish Pub provides, while mixologists at 1791 Whiskey Bar churn out exquisite cocktails from their worldly selection of whiskeys across the way at The George.

S TAY Retro outfittings replete with woodlined walls, rocking chairs, and a cabana-filled deck leading out to a resort-style pool at Cavalry Court will make you question ever spending the night in a camping tent again. The rustic-chic setting is home to live music, friendly cornhole games, and conversations around the firepits while guests can enjoy full food and drink service from the Canteen Bar and Grill.

DAY TRIPS

Zammitti’s Italian Ristorante

Kings Harbor

Eat Snack and sip your workday away at Zammitti’s Italian Ristorante. It’s hard to say what the best part of the eatery’s lengthy weekday happy hour is: the prices or the lakefront views. For the cherry on top, grab a frozen yogurt or flavored lemonade afterward at The Berry Bar.

See Sunsets on Lake Houston are a sight to be seen in their own right. Time your skygazing to coincide with one of Kings Harbor’s signature events— think live music performances and family-friendly movie screenings— and you’re set for an ideal spring or summer evening.

Do Spruce up your spring and summer wardrobes at Kingwood's favorite boutiques. Pretty Little Things boasts some of the best handpicked finds in the Bayou City, while Dapper Darlings is known for its curated collection of uber-cool and way-too-cute kids clothes.

Pretty Little Things

Memorial Green

Eat Enjoy home cooking away from home at family-owned Jonathan’s the Rub. For an outing that’s more focused on the libations, grab a group of friends to split a bottle and board at Vine Wine Room, or learn more about the craft at the wine bar’s monthly winemakers dinner.

See Planning a total rehaul, in the market for that one piece to tie a room together, or does browsing through beautiful items simply bring you joy? LAM Bespoke is the destination you’ve been dreaming of.

Do Allow yourself some R&R. Start with a signature mani-pedi at Isle Pedi Spa, where floral scents, therapeutic treatments, and relaxing massages add to the total package. Then head to CERON Hair Studio for the Bestin-Houston Blowout to perfect the pampering process.

THE HEART OF HOUSTON’S CITYCENTRE

The Moran doesn’t stand in the CITYCENTRE, it lives there. Surrounded by shopping, dining, entertainment and events, you can feel the pulse. Luxuriate in contemporary style in our guestrooms and public spaces, delight your palette with our craft cocktails, fine wine and light fare complete with live music, or host perfectly-tailored meetings and events with e
ortless flow. Whether you are in Houston for business or leisure, visiting or local, The Moran CITYCENTRE isn’t just a place you stay, it’s a place you feel—here you are welcome, cared for, and part of our community.