The Museum District - Houston, TX

Though the museums in the area have been around for several years, the actual district was not established until 1997. The district includes 19 museums within a 1.5-mile radius. The Museum District Association works to preserve and improve artistic, scientific and educational innovations. In nearby Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theater holds concerts and plays year round. Every summer, it hosts the Summer Concert series which includes The Motown Review where local talent perform songs from current and former Motown recording artists such as Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Theatrical performances and movie screenings are held here as well, and all the events are open to the public, free of charge. Each museum hosts its own monthly exhibits and events.

A high profile area such as this must have some of the best eateries in town and it does. Depending on what day of the week you visit, there may even be some food trucks parked around town. Choose from Chinese or Thai cuisine or fast food. No matter what time of day or your preference, there will be something to satisfy your taste buds. Choose from popular chains, or choose from one of the local gems.

Open six days a week, Lucille's has been a Houston hot spot for years. Serving authentic Southern dishes, patrons line up to get a taste of the South week after week. Indulge in the famous chicken biscuits for starters. Then, follow up with creamy shrimp and grits for your entree. Choose a bottle of Merlot or Chardonnay from the extensive wine menu to accompany your meal. Lucille's will not disappoint. Located on La Branch, Lucille's serves brunch on Sundays.

For something more relaxed, try Bodegas Taco Shop on Binz Avenue. Try the Fajitas la Bodega, and add beef or chicken. Or try the famous tacos with chicken or shrimp. Affordable and tasty could be used to describe this award-winning place. This is somewhere that the whole family will enjoy.

The Reggae Hut Cafe has great food and a nice environment, as well. Locals flock to nearby bars and clubs for entertainment at night. Grand Prize Bar happens to be a favorite amongst many. Open daily until 2 a.m., enjoy a cocktail in this easygoing bar. The chalkboard behind the bar has over 100 drinks on it and the bar has a really cool patio. For live music and a great steak night, visit Bar 5015. Overall, the relaxed atmosphere makes this a must-see.

Uber and Lyft service this area, and cabs generally have to be arranged. Bike lanes can be found on some blocks, but most cyclists share the sidewalks with those on foot. Metro bus routes take passengers to downtown, midtown and the Galleria area for a few dollars, although a day pass is often a cheaper option than buying multiple tickets on the same day. The light rail also services the area, right across from Hermann Park, which travels through downtown, midtown, the Medical Center and NRG. Most people choose to drive, so free parking fills up pretty quickly, but paying lots can be found throughout. Rates depend on the day of the week and what is going in the area. Highway 59, the closest major highway, ensures easy access to 288 and I-10.

Out of the many parks in Houston, Hermann Park is probably the most visited. This park has so many activities. The zoo is connected to the park. A golf course sits right on the outskirts of the park, across from Miller Outdoor Theater. The Buddy Carruth playground can be found right near the running trails. The park is handicap accessible and there is a waterfall during the summer months. The Hermann Park train operates daily and tickets can be purchased in the Conservancy gift shop. The pedal boats are available during the spring and summer months. Patrons can take the pedal boat through the lake area, located right in the middle of the park and feed the ducks. Several trails and picnic areas can be found throughout the park and parking is available around the park for free. There are designated dog areas and several running trails. The park is exercise-centric with activities such as boot camp and tai-chi happening in various parts of the park. Though some activities do have a fee, visiting the park for recreational use is free. This park does not host annual events although, Miller Outdoor Theater does.

Because of its close proximity to museums, the cost of living in the Museum District exceeds the city's average cost of living. Apartments start at $1,100 and can exceed $3,000. The median rent is $1,400 for a one bedroom. Restaurants and activity expenses remain constant and average. Traveling to downtown and other parts of the city only costs a few bucks. Gas runs around 9 percent less than the national average. The average cost of a beer runs around $4.

Convenient and trendy describe the shopping in the Museum District. Residents enjoy being closely located to grocery shopping and tourists do not have to look far for a cute boutique or store to shop. Chain stores can be found a few blocks away, providing groceries and other common household needs. The nearest farmers market on West University near Rice University opens on Tuesdays.

For some sleek and cool eyeware, visit Spectacles on Montrose. Choose from a pair of sunglasses from designers like Andy Wolf and Tom Ford. You can even get a pair of prescription eyeglasses. Monthly specials help keep costs down as distinctive eyewear can become quite costly. Of course, many of the museums also offer gift shops, and are a great place to find the perfect gift while supporting the arts.