Just Passing Through

BY JULIE OSTERMAN

WHETHER YOU TRANSFERRED HERE FOR A SHORT-TERM JOB ASSIGNMENT OR ARE WORKING A STINT ON YOUR HIGHER EDUCATION, YOUR TIME HERE IS FLEETING. ALTHOUGH YOUR STAY IS SHORT, LET US HELP YOU MAKE IT SWEET WITH THESE GREAT THINGS TO DO AND SEE THAT’LL GIVE YOU A TRUE TASTE OF THE BAYOU CITY.

JOIN THE KLUB

Indulge in waffles and wings at The Breakfast Klub. The catfish and grits, gourmet coffee and funky vibe also draw big crowds, especially on Saturday morning. Waiting in line is a rite of passage. And it’s worth it—for both the Southern comfort food and the people watching.

LUNCH AT BOXWOODS

Do lunch al fresco at Tiny Boxwoods. Wait a few months for one of Houston’s five best weather days and enjoy the garden feel on the patio. Study the menu on the wall and decide on your order while you wait so you don’t annoy experienced Boxwood regulars behind you in line. Still can’t decide? The grilled cheese and pesto with mint lemonade is a must. Save room for the to-die-for chocolate chip cookie.

U TTERFLY CENTER B L COCKRE L

BLANKET BINGO

A Z Z A

HOTEL

R ENNAN ’S B

WING IT

Step inside the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and you’ll be swept away like the delicate creatures in a summer breeze. The three-story glass structure is built around a 50-foot waterfall and simulates a tropical rainforest. Grab a species chart so you know what’s what. Also enjoy the stunning exotic plants and non-winged residents like Charro, the iguana. Embrace the humidity—it’s probably actually hotter outside.

ORANGE YOU GLAD…

…there’s a cool place like the Orange Show in Houston? Where found objects and eccentricity reign supreme, the 3,000-square-foot monument in the East End is an architectural maze created by the late Houston postman Jeff McKissack. Plan to stay awhile and visit the adjacent Smither Park, a whimsical folk art refuge. Plan another day to explore the obscure Beer Can House (another Orange Show property) in Rice Military.

PLAY A NUMBERS GAME

Mark your spot at Market Square Park’s Blanket Bingo and find out why bingo’s back, baby. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs (don’t forget your mosquito spray) and settle in for an evening of eyes-down fun, music and prizes every third Thursday. The park also hosts free concerts and movies under the stars.

CHECK IN AT THE ZAZA

Book a staycation at Hotel ZaZa. The luxury art hotel in the heart of Houston is ideal for an in-town getaway with an out-of-town feel. Book a blissful spa treatment or have a Moët moment in a poolside cabana. Stay in one of the amazing themed rooms. You’ll feel like a million bucks in plush suites called Rock Star, Tycoon, Black Label, Houston We Have a Problem and more.

CATCH AN INDIE AT SUNDANCE

Situated in Bayou Place, the eight-screen Sundance Theater is one of six helmed by indie advocate Robert Redford. Arrive early and stroll through the art gallery. Grab a beverage and snack at the bar and carry it right to your reserved seat. Be sure to get your parking validated.

GO DOWN UNDER

Explore downtown’s underground tunnel system. Several miles of shops, eateries and a kajillion Starbucks await, all in air-conditioned comfort. The Bob Lanier Public Works building is the westernmost building with access. Once inside, stroll around and try not to get lost (cell service can be spotty). Or take a walking tour with Houston Urban Adventures, where a local guide shows you the art, architecture and history.

GO BANANAS AT BRENNAN’S

Get a taste of the good life with brunch on the courtyard (weather permitting) at the historic Brennan’s. On Sundays, guests relax to the soothing sounds of a traveling jazz band. It’s hard to go wrong with this stellar menu, but regulars swear by the shrimp and grits, catfish pecan, eggs Sardou, shrimp remoulade and turtle soup. Be sure to have the Bananas Foster prepared tableside and have the grace to look sheepish as you grab a handful of pralines on your way out the door.

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME

Visit the city’s historical districts and discover the splendor of yesteryear. The masterplanned Broadacres, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features marvelous examples of early 20th-century architecture. Other must-see ’hoods include Courtlandt Place, Old Sixth Ward and The Heights. Preservation Houston offers monthly walking tours to historic spots, including Woodland Heights (July 13) and Broadacres (Sept. 14).