Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058-1111*281-474-2551
Wildlife refuge and nature preserve sits on 2500 acres / 1000 hectares and is one of only four Texas State Coastal Preserves. Located on the Central Flyway, a North American migratory bird route, the natural area offers miles of walking trails, tours, wildlife exhibits and some of the region's orginal ecosystems.
Ashton Villa
2328 Broadway, Galveston, TX 77012-3810
A restored 1859 Italianate mansion, reflects the wealth of that era with its carved moldings, intricate mantle-work and lavish furnishings.
Listed as one of the nation's 100 outstanding buildings by the American Institute of Architects, boasts a mantel that was a first-prize winner at the 1876 World's Fair as well as an elegant, curved grand staircase.
Forbidden Gardens
23500 Franz Rd, Houston, TX 77084*281-347-8000
Three-acre site showcases a recreation of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Visitors are taken through miniature replicas of the Forbidden City, the First Emperor's Tomb (Emperor Qin Shihuang) and the Calming of the Heart Lodge. On display are replicas of the weapons used by Emperor Qin's army. Guided tours available.
Houston Heights
North of I-10 between I-45 and NW Loop 6, Houston, TX 77008*713-861-4002
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the picturesque Heights Boulevard is lined with quaint Victorian homes, parks and churches. This part of Houston was established at the turn of the 20th century.
