City Walks Houston

Sun, Oct 12 · 4:00 PM CDT

City Walk Building with Stone, 6.0 miles

5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX, US

Today's walk is through the Rice-Medical Center area, as stone-free a geologic province as you could hope to find. However the architecture makes up for that with limestone, travertine, sandstone, granite, and many more at Rice's Lovett Hall and in other less ornate university buildings. Amid the glass, brick, and concrete of the Med Center we find fine Art Deco buildings from an earlier time. Throughout this part of town stonework accents decorate buildings and homes in ways meant to stand the test of time. As always this October, keep an eye out for gargoyles.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The heat in Texas is always a concern so let someone know if you are having a hard time. For more information about hiking check out this very useful hiking website: HATS and More site

Our organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness needed to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

COVID PRECAUTIONS:
Bring and wear a mask when not hiking and follow the best practices to prevent the transmission of COVID.

Gathering Place:
In front of the
Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77006
Contemporary Arts Museum

Parking: Lots of parking options with the many art museum garages (paid) and various free parking spots around the immediate neighborhood. Come a bit early to find parking.

Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.

The Walk:
The trail is almost entirely paved so we have to be mindful of other traffic. In places the sidewalks may be in poor repair so it is important to pay attention to your surroundings when we need to walk in the street.

Weather Forecast:
Hermann area Weather

Hike map is in the photos.

Optional After Hike:
Bodegas Taco Shop with lots of outdoor seating
1200 Binz on Caroline St.
Bodega's on the Boulevard

Mon, Oct 13 · 9:00 AM CDT

Walk the Downtown Houston Tunnels ~5.0 miles

105b Sabine St, Houston, TX, US

For those new to Houston, The downtown are has the longest network of pedestrian tunnels in the country. Probably in the world. They connect office towers, government buildings, shopping centers, parks, hotels, and entertainment venues together. This environment includes everything the urban natives needs to live and thrive allowing the downtown denizens to move about oblivious to the notorious "Houmidity" and occasional torrential rains.

Let's explore them.

The Hike
Following a short walk from the Cistern to downtown, we will enter the tunnel system. The normal hustle of downtown should be muted today because of the Columbus Day holiday. But you will still see many of the denizens of this urban space within their native underground habitat.

Highlights:
Wortham Center sculptures by William Paley
Artwork of the Marriott in the Humble Building (if available)
Texas Commerce Bank Lobby (in the art deco Gulf Building)
Julia Ideson Library building (if open)

Gathering Point:
Water Works Plaza
105b Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
Google Maps Link
Call or text Tom at 832-439-5797 if you need help.

Bathrooms:
At the start and various places within the tunnels.

The Trail:
Paved and mostly indoors. About a mile or so outside.

Weather:
Click Here
Hike map in the photos.

After Hike Event:
Phoenicia
1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010
Google Maps Link
Free parking in the garage. Entrance in the 1400 block of McKinney St.
About The Park:
https://www.downtownhouston.org/district/downtown-tunnels/

Sun, Oct 19 · 4:00 PM CDT

City Walk Gargoyles of Houston, 6.0 Miles

Autry Park, 3711 Autry Park Drive, Houston, TX, US

Architectural flourishes or home security systems? Your guess is as good as mine. Today's walk reminds of us of how many gargoyles are out there even when it is not nearly Halloween. Look for seasonal decorations as well as we go through the Montrose.

More about Gargoyles

Parking will be tight, consider carpooling with friends, There is parking at the Kroger on Gray st. nearby with a shuttle.....

Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The heat in Texas is always a concern so let someone know if you are having a hard time. For more information about hiking check out this very useful hiking website: https://www.hatsandmore.org/

Our organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness needed to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

COVID PRECAUTIONS:
Bring and wear a mask when not hiking and follow the best practices to prevent the transmission of COVID.

Gathering Place and Parking:
Parking is in Autry Park parking lot on the south side of the bayou, next to the intersection of Shepherd and Allen Parkway. Google map link to Autry Park.
Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.

The Walk:
The walk is mostly paved and is a mix of sun and shade.

Weather Forecast:
Downtown weather forecast

Hike map is in the photos.

Optional After Hike Event:

Cafe Express
1422 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019, United States

Directions to Cafe Express

https://www.cafe-express.com/

Fri, Oct 31 · 7:00 PM CDT

City Walk/HATS 3rd Halloween Social, 0.0 miles

Platypus Brewing, 1902 Washington Ave Suite E, Houston, TX, US

Welcome to the Fourth Annual Halloween City Walks social! Note: This is NOT a walk, this is a party. So dress up and come out to Platypus Brewing for food, beer, and cheer! This social gathering is a chance to hang out with old friends and connect with new people. Have not been on a walk with us? No problem. Come and meet some folks. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required. For those willing to participate there will be a best Halloween costume contest with a prize (by popular vote). Also for the tables provided to us by Platypus, we will have conversation starters.

Platypus Brewing graciously accommodated our large group. They are willing to help us, so lets help them. They have a new fall menu and beers on tap, so come hungry and thirsty.

Platypus Brewing has a full service kitchen and bar so feel free to come with an appetite and thirsty. Take a look http://www.platpusbrewing.com/

Platypus brewing is located at: 1902 Washington Ave Suite E, Houston, TX 77007

Check the weather before coming. We are getting into the pleasant October weather but it's always safe to double check prior to coming.