Travelling to Houston, Texas - any advice welcome!

[albireo]

Dear all

I will be travelling to Houston TX end of the year for work.

It will be my second visit to the US (first time I was in Long Island + Manhattan) and it will be a pretty busy week, but I was hoping to escape a little if/when possible and make sure I get to know some of the highlights of the city.

I was hoping to have a film camera with me and some film - so of course my first question would be - assuming they have the new CT film scanners at George Bush airport (they do right?), is a hand check usually allowed in your experience?

Next it would be nice to know what to prioritise in my visit. Any recommendations on museums, exhibitions etc with a focus on photography, archeology, architecture and astronomy would be great.

I was of course planning to visit the Houston Space Center, but apart from that I haven't made any plans yet. I will be staying in downtown Houston.

I am planning on packing some very simple kit: either an SLR with a 40mm pancake and 5 rolls of Trix, or a Rolleicord with 5 rolls of HP5+. I might throw in a cable release and a Manfrotto mini tripod.

Any recommendations on things to see, and places to go for dinner or live music (would love to try local steak or BBQ places and I'm a big blues and jazz fan) greatly appreciated!

 

[jeffreyg]

There are very good museums and a private photography gallery but the name escapes me. The science museum is worth while and if you happen to be travelling with children the children’s museum is worth a visit. The zoo is first class. If you care for deli food Kenny and Ziggy’s is the place to go. It may sound strange but a trip to the Central Market supermarket is worth it. Since you plan on the Space Center stop at Bucees gas station and also consider the air museum near there. If the state fair happens to be on while you are there it can be worthwhile. There’s something for everyone so do some research and I’m sure others will add to the list.
Be sure to hand check film the last time I was there about a year ago my film got fogged although it could also have been from here in Miami as well.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

For a restaurant, try Faud's on Westheimer. I confess, I haven't been there in quite a while.

 

[pentaxuser]

Don't we need our expert, Sirius, on this question?

pentaxuser

 

[Peter Schrager]

Catherine Couturier Gallery is a good one..shows good work