Houston is not for beginners.

It’s a sprawling city of endless concrete and flatness. Much of the hate (I’ve) hurled at Houston centers on its ugliness, the unbearable heat, and car dependency that makes errands feel like an inconvenience, or at most, a death sentence. However, for every person who deems it as unattractive, there's another who'll tell you about the incredible diversity and the world-class food scene that exists.

It’s true: Houston's real beauty, natural or cultural, lies in its hidden gems, the places and spaces that reward those who dig a little deeper.

Edith L. Moore Sanctuary is an 18-acre wooded preserve tucked along Rommel Creek and now maintained by the Houston Audubon Society. Casually situated in a neighborhood near a church, it's easy to miss if you don't know it's there. Stepping into this sanctuary feels like entering a tiny, pocket-sized National Park without the grueling drive or winding roads. Instead of a visitor center, you're greeted by a charming log cabin that Edith and her husband built themselves.

Walk past it and suddenly you're immersed in something that feels quite pristine for a city known more for its highways than its habitats. It doesn't take much distance to feel that specific kind of calm that only untouched nature can give you.

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A little micro dose of nature? Yes please. 📍 Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary #thingstodoinhouston #explorehouston #houstontx #naturesanctuary

Then there's Hines Lake at Memorial Park's Clay Family Eastern Glades.

Sure, it leans more toward urban park territory (maybe less so than Hermann Park) but it’s at least within the loop. The $2.20 parking fee (for 3 hours) is a small price for what awaits: 40 acres of restored habitat featuring over 150 native species and 550 new native trees that the Memorial Park Conservancy has carefully cultivated. I once read somewhere online that spending time next to a body of water "resets your brain to factory settings," and (as a water sign) I have to agree.

There's something about being around water that acts as a mood regulator, a natural bandaid for the overstimulation that Houston serves up all the time.

@onthehousehtx

Sometimes it’s nice to pretend Houston is pretty. There are definitely pockets of nature within the city if you’re willing and wanting to ... See more

These aren't the only moments when Houston reveals its softer side. Summer drives down the highway occasionally reward you with wild Black-eyed Susans dotting the roadside. Hermann Park offers its familiar features. The rooftop SkyFarm at POST provides an unexpected green oasis in downtown above the concrete.

Sometimes it’s like finding treasure in plain sight.

Houston's beauty isn't the kind that announces itself. It's subtle, tucked away, waiting for those willing to look beyond the surface complaints about weather and traffic. In a city that can sometimes feel like it's actively working against you, these natural spaces remind you why some of us choose to stay, dig deeper, and find the extraordinary hiding within the ordinary.

This week’s coffee is on us! That means 5 random readers will get $10 gift cards to Koffeteria. All you have to do is open this issue (If you’re reading this you just did. Nice!) to enter the giveaway.

Winners will be randomly selected and emailed tomorrow morning.

Want to sponsor a future issue and treat readers to a local coffee spot on you? Hit reply.

LATELY IN HOUSTON

“Love him or hate him, Patrick Bateman isn't going away.” From Broadway flop to cult following, the kooky and strange American Psycho The Musical is now playing at Hobby Center until September 14th. Its 90’s VHS rental themed lobby and editorial magazine playbook transports you to a time of American excess, celebrity culture, and consumerism. Oh hold up, that’s… right now.

Meet us at The Board Room. No, we’re not taking minutes in a corporate meeting room. The Board Room is the latest charcuterie and wine spot located in CityCentre. Their goal is to “reimagine charcuterie with a level of craftsmanship and presentation not currently seen in Houston.” We’ll be the judge of that.

Underground (literally) community spaces. Recently, Texas Monthly features Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in their series “Coordinates” that celebrates lesser-known spots worth visiting in the state. What was originally a reservoir built to hold 15 million gallons of water now is a space that offers tours, art installations, light shows, and music performances. We love a good pivot.

Who lived in Houston before it was Houston? Houston Chronicle gives us a brief history of the region’s Indigenous peoples: the Karankawa and the Atakapa. Both are coastal peoples who led ecological ways in their times. Now Houston is home to about 70,000 Indigenous people across different groups. We’re curious: Do you know someone who’s actually decended from the original tribes here? Hit reply.

SEPTEMBER LOOKING AHEAD

• 9/2-9/14: American Psycho The Musical at Hobby Center

• 9/5-9/6: Solar Flare Music Festival at Axelrad

• 9/6-9/7: Japan Festival at Hermann Park

• 9/9: Princess Diaries at The River Oaks Theatre

• 9/11: Shooting Stars featuring ChopnBlock Chef Ope Amos at Perseid

• 9/12: Brew at the Zoo 

• 9/12: Sunset Bingo at Levy Park

• 9/12: Studio Ghibli 40th Anniversary Tribute Art Show at Insomnia Gallery

• 9/13: Somos Uno Celebration at Karbach Brewing

• 9/14: Beer Can House Block Party

• 9/16: Bluefin Tuna carving experience at Azumi

• 9/19: Sip and Stroll at Winter Street Studios at Sawyer Yards

• 9/20: In My Book Era Market with Divine Market

• 9/20: Houston Record Swap at Axelrad

• 9/21: Girls Gone Mild at Rooftop Cinema Club 

• 9/23: ABBA Tribute at Marriott Marquis

• 9/24: Loteria Party at ARTECHOUSE

WEEKEND EVENTS

Thursday, 9/4

6pm-11pm, Nightlife | Adultiverse: Y2k Edition at Meow Wolf. “Throwback bangers from the TRL days.” $36.

7:30pm-9:30pm, Nightlife | Line dancing lessons at Neon Boots. Free.

8:00pm-10:00pm, Film | Watch Dirty Dancing under the stars at POST. Free.

Friday, 9/5

6pm-8pm, Opening Reception | Celebrate the opening of Bio Morphe at Moody Center. “Our fall 2025 exhibition focuses on the topic of biomorphism—artistic styles that use occurring patterns or shapes inspired by nature— as seen through the lens of seven international artists.” Free. RSVP.

6:30pm, Concert | Simple Plan at 713 Music Hall.

7pm, Live Music | Isaiah. J. Thompson Quartet produced by Dacamera Houston at Miller Outdoor Theatre. “A compelling composer and a powerhouse performer…one of the leading pianists of his generation.” Free.

Saturday, 9/6

9:30am-12:30pm, Crafts | Intro to Mosaic Making with the Orange Show. “These introductory-level workshops are facilitated by veteran Smither Park artists who instruct in the basics of mosaic design, encouraging you to experiment with colors and shapes to create your own unique piece of art to take home.” $50.  

11am-2pm, DJ + Coffee | Cafecito at Third place. “Join us for a daytime café party like no other. Lunch menu by Chef Tristen Epps.” Free.

2pm-4pm, Crafts | Make CD Cover Art at CAMH. “Inspired by R&B singer Tommy Tonight, artist Tomashi Jackson’s alter-ego styled after 1990’s Black boy band idols, collage cover art for a one-of-a-kind CD.” Free.

6pm-9pm, Museum Afters | Night at MFAH: A World in Vivid Color. $40. Free for members and entry comes with complimentary drink.

7pm-8:30pm, Workshop | Kokedama Workshop at Eden. “In this hands-on workshop led by our expert horticulturalist Damaris, you'll learn the ancient Japanese technique of crafting your own Kokedama ("moss ball"), by wrapping plants in a moss ball, creating a beautiful and eco-friendly botanical display.” $60+.

Sunday, 9/7

9am, Live Music and Poetry | Concert for Peace with Jaipur Literature Festival Houston at Rothko Chapel. $15-$25.

1pm, Listening Club | Don’t miss the next Inside the Groove series featuring Erykah Badu’s Baduizm at McGovern Centennial Gardens.

1pm-7pm, Festival | Black on the Block debut! “Experience the ultimate celebration of Black culture featuring 100+ Black-owned businesses, a mouthwatering food court, music from Houston's hottest DJs, a special performance by Kirko Bangz, drinks, giveaways, special guests, and more! It's more than a festival, it's a movement.” $15+.

8pm, Nightlife | Wine and Sage Night at Sneaks. “Sip on wine, and settle into a night of soulful music and good energy.” $5.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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