53 Weekend Road Trips

We’ve got a road trip for every weekend of the year, and every occasion you can imagine. We know what you’re thinking: why 53? Aren’t there only 52 weekends per year? That’s where you’re wrong—at least in regard to glorious 2016, which both starts and ends with a weekend, bringing the tally to, yes, 53. And we’ve planned a road trip for every single one of them.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Lit Inspiration

From Libraries to Lit Fests

Want to indulge? The city offers more than enough libraries, festivals and literary events to choose from.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Arts & Drafts

Want to Write? These Classes and Workshops Will Help You Get Started

Find inspiration and instruction, whether in an online seminar or a hands-on workshop.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Books & Talks

Storied City: A Guide to Literary Houston

Who knew Houston was a literary mecca? We did.

01/05/2016 By Gwendolyn Zepeda and Nick Esquer

Get Lit

Houston's Surprising Connection to the Billion-Dollar Romance Novel Industry

Romance Writers of America is headquartered in Houston. Ready to have your love conquer all?

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Reading Galore

The Indie Bookselling Darlings of the City

Inside Houston's thriving independent bookstore scene.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Writing

How UH's Creative Writing Program Went to the Head of the Class

Here's to the risk takers.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Writers Galore

Live Readings and Lectures Fill Houston's Concert Halls

Live readings from authors and aspiring poets? The city is full of them.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Lit Inspiration

Houston-Set Novels: A Sampling

Looking for some books to put on your Need-To-Read list? Here's a place to get started.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Reading

Now Reading: Houston Edition

We asked Houston-based and -born authors: What's on your nightstand?

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer Photography by Audra Oden

Lit Inspiration

Happy Endings for a Starving Writer

One writer's journey through Houston's literary landscape

01/05/2016 By Gwendolyn Zepeda

Culture

Culture Club: The New Museum District

Where is Houston's new museum district? All over the city.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Eat & Drink

Raw Deals: Houston's 10 Best Oyster Bars

'Tis the season to indulge in oysters.

02/23/2021 By Katharine Shilcutt, Timothy Malcolm, and Rosemary Akpan

12 Westchase Restaurants to Try Right Now

From Persian to ramen to Tex-Mex, this incredibly international part of town has you covered.

01/12/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Sunday Funday

The Rise and Rise of Brunch

There's never been a better time for a weekend-morning repast in the Bayou City.

01/05/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Cocktails

A Toast to the Nifty Fifty

At Midtown bar Spare Key, there’s a drink—and a story—for every state.

01/05/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Breweries

A Six-Pack of Brand New Breweries to Try

Craft beer enthusiast? It's never been a better time to indulge.

01/05/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Editor’s Note

Editor's Note

Lost Highway

"A road trip is a way to get to know someone–for good or ill."

01/05/2016 By Catherine Matusow

Health & Wellness

H-Town Diary

Perpetually a Pukie, Thanks to CrossFit

Too much of a workout fad can do more harm than good.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

Home & Real Estate

Space City

East Meets Garden Oaks

Incorporating traditional Japanese architectural elements, one couple builds a house that stands out, but still fits in.

01/05/2016 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen Photography by Divya Pande

News & City Life

Ice House Interview

Lou Weaver: A Hero for HERO

A local man is fighting for everyone's rights, including his own.

01/05/2016 By Catherine Matusow

Radio

Prairie Home Will No Longer Have Its Companion

After more than 40 years, Garrison Keillor is bowing out.

01/05/2016 By Nick Esquer

History

The Forgotten Gravestones of Houston’s History

Restoring the city’s oldest African-American cemetery, one headstone at a time.

01/05/2016 By Brittanie Shey

Beauty

The Coaching King of Pageant Queens

Houston's pageant starmaker J.J. Smith on his secret weapon for winning that crown: The Interview.

01/05/2016 By Steven Devadanam

Bayougraphy

Skirting Rags to Fashion Line Riches

For designer Onyii Brown, it all started with a wrap skirt.

01/05/2016 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen

Ice House

Perfect Party: The Intriguing Eight

As the new year begins, we look to eight inspiring individuals for fresh ideas.

01/05/2016 By Catherine Matusow

Science

The Human Genome Gets Sliced and Diced at the Texas Med Center

Meanwhile at Baylor, the world's first "surgery" on the human genome.

01/05/2016 By Marianella Orlando

Weather

For the Chron’s Sci Guy, the Sun is Here to Stay

Loyal followers of Eric Berger's weather chats are in luck.

01/05/2016 By Steven Devadanam

Tattoos

Prison Break Tattoos: Perfect for Those in Uniform

An HPD sergeant dons a different hat to ink public officials.

01/05/2016 By Marianella Orlando

Traffic

The End of the Road for 290 Traffic?

Commuters may not have to cringe at the sight of US 290 anymore.

01/05/2016 By Jeff Balke

Intersections

Intersections: Canal & Navigation

Diving into the East End neighborhood that’s a hub for tamales, tree-shaded parks and viral t-shirts.

01/05/2016 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen

Travel & Outdoors

Best of Houstonia

On the Road Again: 53 Weekend Getaways for 2016

We’ve got a road trip for every weekend of the year, and every occasion you can imagine.

01/05/2016 By Layne Lynch, Marianella Orlando, Sarah Rufca Nielsen, and Brittanie Shey