Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the training happens here. When the Johnson Space Center first opened with the Mercury
Missions in 1961, it helped put Houston on the map. Today it's one of the town's biggest
tourist attractions.
Interactive exhibits let you try your hand at picking up an object in space, landing a
space shuttle, and experincing 3Gs in a gyroscope. Be sure to enter and watch the short
theater films, because you exit past exhibits. For a more in-depth experience, reserve
ahead to lunch with an astronaut (noon Fridays, adult/child $50/20) or to take a Level 9
Tour (10:45am daily, tour $90) that gets you behind the behind-the-scenes at the center.
WATER SPORTS
Pinky's Kayak Rental
( 713-510-7968;
www.pinkyskayakrental.com
;
4106 NASA Pkwy; kayak rental 1hr $25)
Rent kayaks for ad-
jacent Taylor Lake or take a kayak tour. Pinky's also has jetski rental ($50 for a half hour),
and half-hour banana-shaped innertube rides (per person $25).
Windsong Charters
( 281-332-3108;
www.windsong-charters.com
; cruises from $150)
Private sunset sails, dinner cruises -
even boat & breakfast overnight packages are available aboard a 57ft, double masted sail-
ing vessel.
SAILING
Sleeping & Eating
More atmospheric eats and sleeps are to be found around Kemah. That said, there are
plenty of chain options on NASA Rd 1. The various Marriott sub-brands are among the
newer hotels.
Opus Bistro
( 281-334-5225;
http://opusbistro.net
; 1002 Aspen Rd, off FM 2094; 5-10pm)
stands out among the area's casual seafood shacks and slick commercial chains, offering
upscale dishes like shrimp-and-crab-topped snapper with a view of the marina.
Seabrook
There's blessedly little to do here in this laid-back community. Live like a local at one of
two fully furnished guest houses for rent from
Old Parsonage Guest House
( 713-206-1105;
www.seabrookaccommodation.com
;
1113 Hall St; 2br house $150-185)
. From there it's a short walk to the
couple of shops and restaurants in Old Seabrook (1st and 2nd Sts, off Hwy 146).
Tookie's
(
www.tookiesburgers.com
;
1202 Bayport Blvd; dishes $6-8;
11am-10pm)
is as casual as it gets inside,
