News and Trends from International Quilt Market

OCTOBER

 

 

The Original Irma’s in Downtown Houston

WHEN IN HOUSTON

 

As the fourth largest city in the world, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Houston. Take time to experience all the city has to offer after the Quilt Market doors close each night! Check out our breakdown of Downtown (and near-to-Downtown) Houston happenings below.

 

 

GETTING AROUND

Hop on board GreenLink, Houston’s free (and environmentally friendly) bus system that connects the convention corridor, hotels, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. GreenLink has two bus routes: the Green Route and the Orange Route, each with 18 convenient stops, including two in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Green Route runs Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., with buses arriving every 7-10 minutes. The Orange Route runs Thursday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-midnight; Saturday, 9 a.m.-midnight; and Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with buses arriving every 12 minutes.

 

Houston’s light rail system, MetroRail, runs along Main Street going south, and along Fulton in residential neighborhoods north of downtown. A single, one-way fare is $1.25 and can take you to any stop. Tickets can be purchased with cash, debit, or credit card at Metro Ticket Vending Machines along the line. With a valid ID, discounted fares are available to disabled or decorated veterans, seniors and Medicare cardholders, and students.

 

IN THE AREA

Looking to stay close to the Quilt Market? You don’t have to wander far from the George R. Brown to enjoy what Houston has to offer.

 

Directly across from the convention center sits Discovery Green, a 12-acre park. Discovery Green offers a little bit of everything: lakeside dining, art installations, picnic areas, expansive lawns, gardens, and more.

 

Discovery Green is also home to The Lake House restaurant, located on Kinder Lake and providing phenomenal views of the park and skyline, while featuring ample indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant is fast-casual with a menu offering burgers, salads, hot dogs, shakes, wine, and beer. The Grove is a modern culinary hotspot with a menu featuring rustic American cuisine: Gulf Coast seafood, steaks, and signature rotisserie dishes. The Grove’s Treehouse roof deck bar overlooks towering oak trees and serves signature cocktails and bar snacks.

 

A few streets away, the GreenStreet area includes four city blocks of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, as well as a central, open air space known as The Lawn. For seafood and steak, try McCormick & Schmik’s, known for its seasonally inspired dishes and inviting outdoor dining, or III Forks, known for its European-infused cuisine and over 1,500 bottle wine selection. Guadalajara del Centro is home to upscale, fine Tex-Mex with creative cuisine and a festive atmosphere, while Andalucia Tapas Restaurant and Bar offers authentic Spanish tapas, homemade sangria, and a live Flamenco show every Friday and Saturday. GreenStreet is also home to the House of Blues, offering live music, and Lucky Strike, a one-of-a-kind luxury entertainment bar and restaurant with private bowling lanes.

 

UNDERGROUND

There’s no shortage of things to see taking a stroll around Downtown Houston, but what about the world you can’t see right under your feet? One of Houston’s best-kept secrets is its six-mile long system of interconnected, underground tunnels, thriving 20 feet beneath the skyscrapers. The tunnels have two street access points: Wells Fargo Plaza and McKinney Garage on Main Street, with other entrances available within office buildings connected to the tunnel. The tunnels offer a long list of retail and restaurant options. With the tunnels linking a full 95 city blocks, there is plenty to experience below the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

VENTURING OUT

If you’re looking to travel beyond the convention district, but stay close to home base, you don’t have to wander too far to find some of the best.

 

Located in the East Village, Chapman & Kirby (named after the founders of Houston) has a food and craft cocktail menu created to celebrate the cultural depth and heritage of Houston, serving made-from-scratch food ranging from flatbreads to ceviche Acapulco.

 

For some of the finest sushi in Houston (their fresh fish is flown in from Japan’s famous Tsukji Market), make your way to Kukuri for Japanese cuisine prepared by Chef Shimao Ishkawa, who has spent some of his time in Michelin-starred establishments.

 

Stop in at the original Irma’s, a local restaurant Food Network deemed one of Houston’s Best. Along with the incredible food, the restaurant is a sight to see, filled with monuments to historical dining events from the establishment and world-recognized visitors.

 

Hubcap Grill is located in downtown Houston near Main Street and is known for its juicy burgers, exceptional french fries, and old fashioned root beer. Travel + Leisure Magazine said Hubcap Grill may be home to the best burger in America. Note: this establishment is cash only; an ATM is available on the premise.

 

On the corner of Travis and Prairie downtown sits Frank’s Pizza, known as THE place to go for delicious hand-tossed pizza (it’s affordable, too!). Frank’s pizza by the slice is bigger than the size of your head, but once you taste it, you won’t want to miss a bite. They serve whole pies, slices, lasagna, spicy wings, burgers, desserts, and more.

 

If you’re looking for a funky bar, Houston has you covered. Check out La Carafe (an allegedly haunted wine bar), Reserve 101 (Houston’s top whiskey bar), Warren’s Inn (a historic bar that’s been around for ages), or Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar (The Texas original Rock “n” Roll dueling piano bar), all providing unique atmospheres.

 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

2017

International Quilt Market/Houston

October 28-30

Classes begin October 27

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston, Texas, USA

 

International Quilt Festival/Houston

November 2-5

Preview Night November 1

Classes begin October 30

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston, Texas, USA

 

 

 

 

International Quilt Market/Portland

May 18-20

Oregon Convention Center

Portland, Oregon, USA

 

International Quilt Market/Houston

November 3-5 (NOTE LATER DATES)

Classes begin November 1

George R. Brown Convention Center

Houston, Texas, USA

 

 

NOTE: Quilt Market is a credentialed
trade show only, and not open to
the public.


For information on these or any other Quilts, Inc. shows, visit www.quilts.com

 

2018

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©Quintessential Quilt Media, 2017. All rights reserved.

 

7660 Woodway

Suite 550

Houston, Texas 77063

U.S.A.

 

Telephone (1) 713.781.6864

Fax (1) 713.781.8182

e-mail: shows@quilts.com

News and Trends from International Quilt Market