BY ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN
OK, SO YOU WEREN’T BORN AND RAISED IN HOUSTON, BUT YOU’VE BEEN HERE LONG ENOUGH TO CALL THE CITY HOME. AND WHILE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW THE PLACE WELL ENOUGH TO GIVE TOURS, YOU MAY NOT FULLY REALIZE ALL THE THINGS THAT MAKE IT AWESOME. FORTUNATELY, NOW YOU DO.
VISIT THE TURRELL SKYSPACE
GO BATTY ON WAUGH DRIVE It’s one of Houston’s peculiar secrets that a bat colony inhabits the Waugh Drive bridge over Buffalo Bayou. Watch millions of bats swarm under the bridge and exit in a steady flow for their nightly insect feast. During summer, show up 30 minutes before dusk. Bring a blanket and grab a spot on the hill next to the bridge for optimal bat viewing.
RANDALL MURROW
A modern marvel, the dramatic pyramid-like “Twilight Epiphany” outdoor Skyspace at Rice University designed by acclaimed artist James Turrell is a must-see. The open ceiling sunset light show is a brilliant wash of orange, pink, purple and glowing blue achieved by ingenious ceiling lighting interplaying with nature’s light. Reservations are required for sunset, but sunrise is also an option. Want more Turrell? Try MFAH’s permanent Turrell tunnel installation or the Skyspace at the Live Oak Friends Meeting House.
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bayou city m ag a z i n e June/July 2014
