East Downtown Houston

Connect with your artistic side in these cool Houston destinations.

How to use this guide.

We understand that what’s perfect for a business traveler is not always perfect for a family vacation. So we’ve identified each location and activity with an emoji to give you a quick visual and help you make easier decisions. Your trip should be about exploring, not researching.

We’ve also provided indicative pricing from $ to $$$$.

• See this symbol and you’re headed to a place drenched in cool. It’s probably new on the scene, on a few of the top “must visit” lists, and great for a photo op.
• See this symbol and you’re promised a family-friendly place where you would be comfortable taking children of all ages. They may have a kid’s menu, kid’s pricing, and an understanding of people of all ages.
• See this symbol and you’re all set for dinner with the boss, a workgroup, or an expense account.
• See this symbol and you’re in for a local treat. It will be very Houstonian but not necessarily traditional. These are some of our personal favorites in the city.

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Mid Main Gallery

The Mid Main Gallery in Houston, Texas is an intimate place to view the work of an ever-changing array of local artwork from established and emerging local artists.

In conjunction with First Thursday block party organized by Mid Main Lofts, the Mid Main Gallery hosts exhibits where the public can view the art and meet the artist.

More information about First Thursdays can be found here.

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Texas Art Asylum

Looking for something quirky to do? Part thrift store, craft store, antique store, and salvage yard, the Texas Art Asylum is meant to inspire creative reuse! Room after room of art materials, 20th century electronics and vintage materials. Most unmarked items are sold by the pound.

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Project Row Houses

Project Row Houses (PRH) is part art colony and part historic preservation project in Houston’s Third Ward. Founded by artist and activist Rick Lowe, the non-profit seeks to create an environment of hope and opportunity for residents through its holistic approach to urban revitalization.

The complex is made up of 22 historic shotgun style homes that were built in the late 19th century and have been restored to their original charm. Some houses provide space for local artists to showcase their work, while others provide affordable housing for the local community. Thirty years strong, PRH curates revolving art exhibitions and holds a monthly outdoor market.

A highlight of any visit to PRH includes a quick stop at Crumbville, TX – a bakery offering cookies and cookie-stuffed cupcakes. Expect a warm welcome from owner & baker, Ella Russell, whose cozy bakery earned a spot on Yelp’s list forTop 100 Places to Eat in the US 2023. (Lodgeur recommends the Mayniac Munch red velvet cookies with chunks of chocolate chip pecan cookie dough and Oreos.)

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Foelber Pottery

Results of the beginner’s pottery class at Foelber.

Foelber Pottery in Houston is a family-owned business that specializes in handmade pottery and ceramics. Founded by master craftsman, John Foelber, the company has been producing beautiful pieces of art since 1979. Foelber Pottery also offers pottery classes for beginner and advanced potters.

This isn’t a pottery painting studio, but a real ceramics studio where you can learn to throw pots and have them fired in the on-site kiln. You’re welcome to BYOB during the classes.

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Honey Art Cafe

Honey Art Cafe offers public and private art classes, in a cozy cafe. The class calendar can be found here and covers workshops like urban sketching, hand lettering, bullet journaling, anime (drawing and watercolor), drawing 101 and watercolor 101. If the class schedule doesn’t work for you, buy a DIY art kit and settle in with a boba tea and an art project.

Smither Park

Smither Park features mosaic-covered sculptures created by a community of over 300 artists. Tons of materials were upcycled for the sculptures. The park was developed by builder-artist  Dan Phillips and art patron Stephanie Smither, to honor Stephanie’s late husband, John H. Smither. The park has free street parking, a large covered pavilion for group events, and an auditorium shaped like an anglerfish.