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Houston, Texas
The root: Space City and the Gulf's big engine — one of the most diverse metros in America, and its kitchens prove it.
Eat: The Original Ninfa's — birthplace of the fajita; Pappasito's Cantina — beloved Tex-Mex with hand-shaken margaritas; Killen's Barbecue — Texas Monthly-anointed smokehouse.
Skip — don't: The downtown "steakhouse row" charging for the skyline view — Houston's greatness is in its strip-mall pho, taco trucks, and immigrant kitchens, not the expense-account towers.
Specialty: The great American melting pot, plated — Vietnamese-Cajun crawfish, Nigerian suya, and Gulf shrimp all within a few miles.
Shops & crafts: The Heights' antique and vintage stores; international grocery aisles in Chinatown and the Mahatma Gandhi District; NASA and Space Center souvenirs.
See: Space Center Houston and Johnson Space Center; the Museum District and the free Menil Collection; Buffalo Bayou's trails and skyline views.
Main Street: Main Street downtown runs from the old Rice Hotel past the light rail — glass towers rising over the bayou city's historic bones.
After dark: A show in the Theater District, or late-night tacos and live music in Montrose's dive bars.
When — events
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February/March)
Houston Art Car Parade (April).
Event dates are the typical annual timing; confirm with the town before traveling.