SPONSORED POST – Dallas has its cowboy hats. Austin has hipsters. San Antonio remembers the Alamo. But what about Houston?

Named for famed general and statesman Sam Houston (who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution), it doesn’t get talked about enough as one of the country’s biggest cities, but Houston has the fourth highest population of any city and the fifth largest metro area. It’s a huge, sprawling city that is the perfect place to catch Seattle in one of the league’s best stadiums. And with two flights daily in and out of George Bush International, Alaska makes it easy to get there!

First though, some history of the team. The Houston Oilers were a founding member of the American Football League in 1960. For the next 36 years, they wore iconic uniforms and featured stars like Earl Campbell, Warren Moon, Mike Munchak and Bruce Matthews. That all changed in 1996 when they moved to Tennessee to become the Titans. Two years later, a new franchise was awarded, NRG Stadium (then Reliant) was built, and the Houston Texans were born. Since then, they have struggled to find a consistent winner, which might make it a perfect place to see Seattle get a win.

“Houston, we have a problem!”

They are the most famous (and horrible) words in space travel. But it’s a good reminder that you can visit the Space Center on your trip. I recommend the tram tour, but while you’re there, you can go inside a replica space shuttle, see the evolution of space suits, and even see what it takes to travel to Mars.

You’ll also want to make time to check out the Kewah Boardwalk. That has everything from food and drinks to amusement park rides. It has something for everyone.

Alright, let’s talk food. No trip to Texas is complete without eating some BBQ and Houston has more than its fair share of favorites. For old school, family-owned ‘cue, try Gatlin’s BBQ (3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A). They specialize in ribs (my favorite!) but also have a dirty rice you’ll want to try. For more of a Tex-Mex style, head to JQ’s (7622 Lumber Jack Dr.). It’s a once-a-week pop up restaurant but the combo of BBQ with tacos is worth seeking it out.

For more formal dining, it can get complicated in a hurry. Houston is such a huge and diverse city that it makes for a great and varied culinary tour. A few to recommend include Malaysian street food at Phat Eatery (23119 Colonial Pkwy suite b-2), Oaxacan food at Xochi (1777 Walker St Ste A) and all around excellence at Squable (632 W 19th St). I promise, you won’t leave Houston hungry!

Houston can also be a jumping off point for some of those other cities in Texas. It’s only an hour to the coast in Galveston, and less than three hours to Austin, San Antonio or Dallas. Of those options, I’ve spent the most time in Austin and it is worth your time. Try Labarbecue or Mickelthwaite Meats, get breakfast at Gourdough’s Donuts, and hit up Rainey Street for some evening entertainment.

Stadium: NRG Stadium (it is right next to the Astrodome, which isn’t in use but is still worth seeing on your way to the game)
Stadium Food: Brisket sandwiches
Seattle haunt: Little Woodrow’s – Eado

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