We all know our home city’s widely accepted and oft-repeated reputation: Houston is ugly as sin. But to accept this as fact doesn’t do justice to the pockets of beauty that dot the landscape. If you still think this too, perhaps you just need to take a closer look. For Houstonia’s Fall 2024 issue—a.k.a. the Vanities Issue—we combed through our so-called concrete jungle to uncover beautiful green spaces, perfectly preserved historic landmarks, popular photo op destinations, and a few other surprises along the way.