I’ve always had a bit of a love/hate thing with Houston. It’s more like the “It’s Complicated” Facebook Relationship status – if they still even have that option. It’s just so… big. Like seven-lane-highways-everywhere big.

Quick Note Before We Dive In:
This post blends a few different Houston visits—but is written with my latest trip top of mind. It includes some work, some play, all full of good eats and memorable moments. Consider this your curated highlight reel: where to stay (hint: Montrose), what to eat, and how to Rodeo!

Now, let’s begin 🙂

When they upgrade your car at Enterprise, you know it’s going to be a good trip 😏 Despite the sprawl and traffic, Houston slowly wins you over.

Don’t get me started on IAH, though. If you’re flying United, prepare to tack on a mini road trip just to get downtown 😆(unless you’re a Southwest girlie flying into Hobby—you win, kind of). Here’s the thing: the more I’ve visited, the more I’ve come to appreciate just how much culture, food, and unexpected contrast this city has to offer. In one afternoon, you can go from sipping your latte at a vibey Montrose coffee shop to standing in a stadium surrounded by cowboy hats, with a view of a neon-lit Ferris wheel on your way out. This trip? Exactly that.

Where else can you do that but Houston? Okay, probably a few other Texas cities (peep my Dallas post)—but let’s pretend it’s a Houston exclusive. Just between us 🥲

Montrose Mornings: Coffee & Whole Foods Rituals

This time, I stayed in a vibey little Airbnb in Montrose—the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you feel like you actually live there, not just visiting for work. I woke up slow(ish), strolled over to Blacksmith for coffee (a lil’ gem, truly), and attempted to juggle a work call en route 🙃 A chaotic art I had mastered (Send me a message if you need tipz!)

My office was right there—so Montrose made sense. Convenience + authentic vibes for the win.

Now, let’s be real—Houston doesn’t exactly get voted most walkable, but this little Montrose area leaves you feeling it’s indeed possible.

And of course, a Whole Foods stop is always part of the flow (girls gotta eat!). There’s something deeply comforting about having a snack stash—dark chocolate, a few protein bars, maybe a kombucha or sparkling water. I like being prepared, especially when the day’s going to be a mix of meetings, plans, and let’s be honest… no idea when you’ll have a moment to yourself.

Making bags for a local charity event—low-key wholesome and actually kind of fun. A break from spreadsheets to create for a good cause—highly recommend.

Montrose vs. Galleria: A Vibe Check

There’s no official debate—but if we’re talking style, energy, and where I’d actually want to be, Montrose wins.

I’ve stayed in the Galleria area before. It’s giving: high-rises, corporate, and big mall energy. Inspiring? Not so much. Montrose, on the other hand, feels like an actual neighborhood. Think: tree-lined streets, local spots with character, and an energy that’s way more boutique-y than business-y.

I’ve also tried The Whitehall Houston—not bad, but the coffee shop didn’t wow me. (And we both know that matters on this blog.) That said, a Velvet Taco moment delivered to your hotel room? A certified win. Elote & Chips. Crispy Tots & Sunny Egg. 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

Also worth mentioning: da Gama Canteen. Probably found via Eater. I was so intrigued by the Portuguese-Indian mashup that I Ubered over just to bring it back to the room. Worth it? Def.

El Tiempo & Niko Niko’s: Tex-Mex x Kebabs

Lunch at El Tiempo is always a yes when I’m in town—and clearly, I’m not alone. The fajitas & the queso? Big yes. 😭 Add in the bustling, big-Texas energy, and it’s easy to see why this spot stays at the top of so many Houston rec lists. Just be warned: you will need a nap after. Or a digestif. Or maybe just a moment. Super solid for dinner as well – diner’s choice!

Another longtime staple I finally tried? Niko Niko’s. Casual Greek—fast, flavorful, and exactly what I needed. I still remember this meal so clearly—it was one of my first trips post-pandemic, really being out and about again. I had actual tears in my eyes, face hovering over the takeout boxes, in full bliss. Because I was feeling connected, & I was doing my thing again. (Which, if you read this blog, you know: it’s getting delicious food and taking it back to my room like the cozy little extroverted introvert I am.)

Whether you’re popping in for a solo date or getting catering for a crew, it HITS the spot.

Rodeo Nights & Boyz II Men (Plus an Allergy Plot Twist)

One night, we rallied for the Houston Rodeo—which for some meant dusting off the boots (jealous, again! Poor planning – I need to buy cowboy boots once and for all), braving the crowds, and yes… finally trying one of those giant smoked turkey legs. You know the ones. The kind that show up in the state fair ads.

And listen, I wanted to be into it. I was like — gimme all the protein, yes! But in practice? Dry. Overly smoky(for me). Kind of awkward to hold – like top heavy and could easily be dropped if not careful. More “Instagram moment” than anything. Glad I tried it. Would I pay $20 again? Probably not.

This was actually my first Houston Rodeo (2023 edition – finally invited !!!), and I’d been jealous of anyone who’d ever gone before. Thankfully, my company had a few extra tickets, so we turned it into a team-building outing—and honestly, what a time.

Boyz II Men performed that night, which meant an entire arena singing along in full nostalgia mode. Even though I only knew “End of the Road,” one could pretend to sing along to the other songs😅.

What I didn’t expect? The allergies. Apparently, being around that many horses, goats, and general farm vibes had my sinuses in complete rebellion. Why did my immune system have to betray me in the middle of my Texas cultural staple moment? Hoping my colleagues didn’t think I was actually crying – I spent half the night sneezing which was kind of awkward, but still, totally worth the experience!

As for the rides? We skipped ’em. No regrets. Someone casually mentioned how quickly those carnival setups get built and taken down, and… yes, I now think twice about fairground physics. 😳

To NASA… and Beyond

On one of my earlier trips, I planned for our team to do the NASA Johnson Space Center tour together—and honestly? It was a cooler as I had hoped. Fascinating, humbling, and kind of surreal to witness just how far we’ve come in space exploration (and what it actually takes to launch a mission). Whether you’re with coworkers, family, or just roaming solo, it’s a refreshing shift from the usual work trip vibes.

I even left with a “Failure is not an option” sticker for my laptop—classic. Turns out, it’s one of NASA’s most iconic lines, made famous during the Apollo 13 mission. Still not sure if it’s empowering or a little stressful… but I wanted to tap into that energy and see!

It’s a bit of a drive from downtown, but if you’ve got half a day and even a passing curiosity about space, I highly recommend carving out the time.

Final Thoughts

From work trips to Montrose, turkey legs to takeout with tears—Houston has kept surprising me.

Houston’s a lot—but in the best way. And while it wasn’t instant chemistry, it became a place I eased into and appreciated more with each visit—challenging me and expanding my capacity.

So, I must say to end this post (and be a little cringe):
Turns out… Houston, we don’t have a problem. (Nvm!)

If you’re someone who’s craving a deeper experience in a place—not just where to go, but how you want to feel while you’re there—I offer 1:1 travel visioning sessions to help you plan the kind of trip that shifts something in you. Full info here.