Hit the Road

Iconic Texas road trips to Big Bend, the Panhandle, the Rio Grande Valley, and the Hill Country. Plus: Hurricane Harvey’s lasting trauma, downtown’s resurgence, the tactile charms of physical media, and a local’s guide to Dallas.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

All Ears

Our Favorite Podcasts for a Long Road Trip

The top bingeworthy listens, from true crime to comedy.

06/13/2025 By Emma Balter, Uvie Bikomo, Sofia Gonzalez, and Meredith Nudo

Jamming

Our Favorite Albums for a Long Road Trip

Top music recommendations to belt out, windows down on cruise control.

06/11/2025 By Emma Balter, Uvie Bikomo, Sofia Gonzalez, and Meredith Nudo

Tinsel H-Town

Why Mo Means Even More to Houston than You Realize

The show made Palestinian Americans feel seen and heard, supported local film professionals, and gave important shout-outs to uniquely Houston businesses.

03/19/2025 By Meredith Nudo

On the Record

Physical Music Is More Popular Than Ever in Houston

Even in the digital age, independent record stores like Cactus Music and Vinal Edge are thriving thanks to music fans wanting to support their favorite artists.

02/28/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Eat & Drink

Keeping the Classics

How Two Local Houstonians Are Saving the City’s Dive Bars

Bobby Heugel and Peter Jahnke have rescued Catbirds and Blue Lagoon Club from almost-certain extinction.

06/10/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Watering Holes

These Dive Bars All Have Their Own Story to Tell

Trendy bars are on the rise everywhere, but Houston bar owners are doing what they can to preserve the old-school dives.

06/10/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez Photography by Anthony Rathbun

Togetherness

New Heights Restaurant Camaraderie Will Make You Feel Right at Home

Shawn Gawle, formerly of Goodnight Hospitality, serves refined but nostalgic American cuisine that’s meant to be shared.

03/26/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Bayougraphy

Meet the 26-Year-Old Executive Chef Behind Maximo’s New Menu

Adrian Torres is mixing his Mexican culture with modern cooking to bring the best dishes to Local Food Group’s newly revamped restaurant.

03/19/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Checking In

How It’s Going at Houston’s New Michelin-Starred Restaurants

The six restaurants have seen an increase in business with people coming from all over the state. But what’s next?

03/12/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Home & Real Estate

Vacation Homes

Dream Beach Houses Go Beyond the Cliché Nautical Decor

Ocean-inspired interiors can be fun and casual, but don’t forget about durability.

05/01/2025 By Diane Cowen

News & City Life

Urban Revival

Downtown Houston Is in Its Postpandemic Glow-Up Era

The area is bustling with new art initiatives, restaurants, bars, apartments, and more.

06/30/2025 By Uvie Bikomo

Yes Ma’am, No Ma’am

Things About the Houston Summers We Love and Hate

Our longest season means miserable temperatures but tons of beach trips.

06/20/2025 By Sofia Gonzalez

Reverberations

The Sound of Rain Continues to Echo for Harvey Survivors

The storm left hundreds of Houstonians with PTSD, and public mental health is worsening as more extreme weather events persist as the norm.

06/09/2025 By Meredith Nudo

Rebuilding

After Fire, SHAPE’s Heart Continues to Beat in Third Ward

The decades-old community center held much Black Houston history within its walls. Founder Deloyd Parker is determined to rebuild.

05/12/2025 By Uvie Bikomo

Bayougraphy

A Houston Couple’s Decades-Long Fight Against Environmental Racism

Juan and Ana Parras, founders of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (T.E.J.A.S.), have made climate justice a priority in our petrochemical-run city.

04/28/2025 By Uvie Bikomo

Snub

Abundance Suffers from a Houston-Size Scarcity

Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s new book lays out a compelling reason why it’s so hard to build in America, but treats existing Lone Star solutions like flyover country.

04/21/2025 By Evan Mintz