Howdy, Tigers!
My name is Thomas Marshall III, Class of 2020. Born and raised in South Carolina, I left the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Upstate and went straight to Texas for graduate school. As a nonprofit education policy nerd, I appreciate all the rich history and culture Houston offers. Let me take you around the Bayou City.
Greenery in the City
Houston has a misconception of being a Southern concrete jungle, but the city has tons of green space. Take a stroll or ride your bike through the beautiful Buffalo Bayou Park. It’s a great way to see city views and some natural scenery!
All the Museums
Houston is home to several museums that will give you a new perspective on the communities that make the city great. Natural science, African American history and space travel are just a small fraction of what you’ll experience through our museums.
Pro Tip: Get a Houston City Pass and experience all the museums for a low price!
DID YOU KNOW? Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This training base for NASA astronauts is also the site of Mission Control, where a Houston-based team supports the work of women and men in space. Since 2021, Clemson alumna Vanessa Wyche ’85, M ’87 has served as the director of Johnson Space Center. Try one of their popular “tram tours.”
Minute Maid Park
If it’s spring or summer — or even fall with the way the Houston Astros are playing — catch a baseball game at Minute Maid Park. This is truly a beautiful baseball stadium that features a ton of local Houston food vendors.
The Food Mecca of the South
Speaking of food, you cannot go wrong with the variety of food here in Houston. From Vietnamese and Tex-Mex to famous Texas barbecue, you can taste every food from every culture.
Pro Tip: Most visitors opt for barbecue, but for an unforgettable dinner, make reservations at Le Colonial for a French-Vietnamese fusion dream!
Rodeo Season
If you’re around the city during early spring, you may get to experience the world’s biggest livestock show and rodeo. Even if you don’t have a pair of cowboy boots, you’ll fit in easily when the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs invites you in.
