Things to Do on Columbus Day in Houston

Transplants from the Northeast will be glad to know that even though you won't see festivities on the order of what you'd see in Manhattan on Columbus Day, Houston is a great place to be on Columbus Day. Just being able to walk around without a sweater on October 12 is a treat in and of itself - here are the places you can go and things you can do sweater-free in Houston on Columbus Day.

Columbus Day Free at the Zoo

A great way to get an introduction to the impressive Houston Zoo. Be sure to get there early in order to beat the heat and beat the traffic. Zoo opens at 9:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm.

Houston Zoo

6200 Golf Course Drive

Houston, Texas 77030

713-533-6500

http://houstonzoo.org

The Kemah Boardwalk

The Kemah Boardwalk is open for business and is the place to be for fun, great seafood and views of Galveston Bay. The "Boo on the Boardwalk" will be celebrated the entire month of October replete with scary music, the Haunted House & the Dungeon of Doom and all the good fun that goes along with our spirited hosts on the boardwalk. Did I mention great seafood fresh from the Gulf?

The City of Kemah

1401 State Hwy. 146

Kemah, TX 77565

281-334-1611

http://www.kemah.net/EVENTS/

"Columbus Day Texas Harvest Dinner" at

Bistro Le Cep

I know Bistro Le Cep is not Italian, but wow. The Harvest Dinner will be a five course authentic French bistro dinner featuring Texas wines carefully selected to complement each course. Space is limited, be sure to call ahead - don't miss out! Dinner is scheduled for 7:00 pm, and the cost is $72.50 per person plus tax and gratuity. Messina Hof Winery is one of the featured wines - visit them online at www.messinhof.com .

11112 Westheimer Rd @ Wilcrest

Houston, Texas 77042

713-783-3985

http://www.bistro-lecep.com/index.htm

Sam's Jam II - Ride benefiting MD AndersonCancerCenter. Saturday, October 10^th.

Looking to get out of town in style on two wheels? The second annual Sam's Jam Ride is a police-escorted run from MD Anderson to west of the Brazos in Damon, Texas where fun, food, music and fun will be waiting. Registration at MD Anderson at 9:00 am CST, kickstands up at 10:30 am. Information at http://samsjam.eventbrite.com/

Riders for the Cure

http://ridersforthecure.org/

The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

1515 Holcombe Blvd

Houston, TX 77030

Texas Renaissance Festival

If it's 5:00 pm in New York, it's 4:00 pm in Houston, and just plain medieval at the Texas Renaissance Fair. If you really want to get way out of town and way back in time, you can visit them any Saturday and Sunday from October 10th (Columbus Day Weekend) through November 29^th.

Texas Renaissance Festival

21778 Fm 1774

Plantersville, TX 77363

Toll Free: 1-800-458-3435 Fax: 936-894-2391

www.texrenfest.com

Downtown Aquarium

In a pinch, Houston's 500,000 gallon Downtown Aquarium is a homerun - the aquarium is closed only one day of the year (Christmas Day), and offers a complete experience, including exhibits, a Ferris wheel and a restaurant with seating around a 200,000 gallon tank.

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby St @ Memorial Drive

Houston, TX

(713) 223-3474

Houston Downtown Aquarium