AC Thomas

Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, where you can enjoy five miles of nature trails winding through native prairie, savanna, wetland, woodland, riparian habitats, and have ample opportunities for exciting wildlife sightings. Explore The Nature Center building, which features a Nature Shop filled with items for nature lovers of all ages, an interactive Discovery Room, Educational Exhibits, hands-on activities, live ambassador animals, biofacts, and a weekly botany display.

Visit the Chapel of St. Basil, based at the University of St. Thomas. Designed by renowned architect Phillip Johnson, the chapel includes three functioning bells, a custom-built organ, and an overall style reminiscent of historic European churches. The chapel hosts Mass every day. It seats about 225 people and is lit from the inside by natural light from the dome, a skylight over the altar, and the statue of Our Lady on the east wall and from the asymmetrical glass cross on the west wall.

Treasure the Athenian and Spartan Golden Age at the Annual Houston Greek Festival on the grounds of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral every October, where you will happily discover authentic Greek food, wine, dancing, fun, and deeply informative for the entire family. After a fulfilling sample of the best Greek cuisine, you'll visit the Athenian Playground, take a massively inspiring tour of the Cathedral, replete with impressive hand-painted icons, tons of crafts, and gifts that will inspire a rich appreciation of the abounding cultural impact all people make on Houston.