Houston

Much like the diversity of the city as a whole, Houston's hotel scene ranges from the ability to traverse through sleek, innovative designs of the future in the trendy arts offerings of establishments such as the Hotel ZaZa Houston, where themed suites cater for both business and leisure travellers from a prime Museum District location.

Elsewhere, there exists both comfortable and affordable stays in Northwest Houston, where budget, mid-range and even inn offerings are available to make your spending money go further, while there remains a dazzling variety of well facilitated and recognisable brand hotels in the Downtown area.

Often tagged as the style capital of the South, Houston wears its well aligned badge with pride in its complete array of both designer, vintage and chic wares from several distinct shopping malls and fashion districts throughout the city.

The Galleria represents one of the most popular shopping locations in Houston, incorporating a definitively international shopping experience in its provision of over 350-stores alongside an ice rink, with New York's Fifth Avenue shopping experience as a clear inspiration in the form of headline department stores such and brands ranging from Macy's to Versace.

The culinary scene in Houston ranks amongst the finest in the US.

Housing over 10,000 restaurants collectively harnessing the cooking practices of over 70 countries and regional American cuisine, it's not surprising that Houstonians regularly dine out more than the populous of any other American city. Tex-Mex and authentic local cuisine can be enjoyed in droves, although diners wishing to sample Asian, Italian or almost any form of fusion cuisine will also be pleasantly catered towards.

There are also a vast amount of steak houses for meat eaters to savour, including the B&B Butchers & Restaurant (1814 Washington Ave), where visitors can bask in skyline views of the city while enjoying a fine-dining steakhouse and deli experience.

When dining on a budget within the city, Pappas Bar-B-Q is a Texas barbacue staple and homegrown Houston joint which offers up sumptious combination platters at affordable prices.

Martin Luther King Jr Grande Parade

Mid-January

An two-hour long annual event attracting around 300,000 people from across America, the homage to celebrated civil rights leader Martin Luther King, the Martin Luther King Jr Grande Parade is the largest parade of its kind within the nation, with marching bands and floats culminating in a reflective service at Root Memorial Square Park.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

February/March

Annual rodeo's have been commonplace in Houston as far back as the pre-war era. Houston's Livestock Show and Rodeo attracts 2,000,000 visitors each year during its 20-day stint of festivities including rodeo competitions and live music aimed at promoting improved farming practices.

Free Press Summer Fest

June

Soothing melodies from some of the world's biggest music acts chimes through the picturesque banks of Buffalo Bayou's Eleanor Tinsley Park. The two-day festival has hosted many highly-acclaimed artists in past line-ups, many spanning a range of musical genres, including Vampire Weekend, Skrillex, and Jack White.

A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas

November/December

Houston's renowned Theatre District ignites at Christmas with The Alley Theatre's take on classic Christmas tales and characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, with a creative musical rendition through re-imagined scenes from much loved childhood fables.