Rice University Loop

Need a shady place to exercise? The loop around Rice University is that place, and one of the most beautiful places to exercise in the loop to boot. Rice University is one of our go-to walking places in general because the campus is so lovely and they have a gem of a modern coffee shop for post-walk chatting. If however, you never set foot inside the campus, the tree lined track around the outside of the campus, known as Rice Loop, is representative of the possibilities of Texas beauty. The old growth oak trees, never let up, and line the entire trail, providing unrelenting shade and awe inspiring beauty.

This packed gravel trail is 2.9 miles long, and is comfortably wide enough for two single joggers/walkers to pass one another. If two people are walking next to one another it does make it difficult for joggers to pass. We always try to be courteous and keep to the right (driving rules), however, I noticed some joggers commit the faux pas of passing, unannounced, on the right, which makes everyone uncomfortable, but it's also an indicator that they find it difficult to pass on the left. Because it's not a wide trail, I would say this trail is more for the serious exerciser, not for groups looking to socialize shoulder to shoulder, small kids wandering slowly, bikes, etc. Health seeking individuals, looking to surround themselves with beauty and get lost in their workout, would be most comfortable on this trail. 

Guest parking may always be purchased at Rice (not sure the prices) - there are several access points around the campus. Not much free parking is available in the neighborhoods around the school because it's a really busy area (medical district/school/residential) and some of the residential portions are dedicated to the school or gated. Free parking may be found at Hermann Park, just adjacent to Rice Univ. and is connected to the Rice loop trail via a crosswalk at the intersection of Main St and Sunset Blvd. Free parking is sometimes worth the extra effort and this is one of those times. It'll just add a couple of minutes onto your route and round out the distance to an even 3 miles. Perfect.
 

Rice Loop - put it on the short list of shady exercise trails for the hot months in Houston's summer. Listen to some music on your electronic device and soak up the beauty that is Rice.

Happy Houston Trails

Tamara



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Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is one of Houston's better known parks and it is well worth a visit. The 124 acres of green belt straddles both sides of the bayou providing a venue for many activities and major events throughout the year. And yet on this sunny weekday morning it is surprisingly peaceful.

We parked in the small parking lot opposite Park Vista Drive at Eleanor Tinsley Park, well known as the venue for the city’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration. The park is bordered on the north by Memorial Drive and on the south by Allen Parkway, famously closed so frequently for festivals and events, most recently for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. We can still see traces of pink debris from Saturday’s walk.

The park extends from Bagby Street in the east to Shepherd Drive on the west side. Today we set out to the west and walk almost all the way round the park cutting the walk only slightly short by returning over Sabine Bridge making a distance of about 4.8 miles. For much of the walk the paths are in good shape varying from well trodden grassy trails to smooth concrete surfaces. However, there are extensive renovations taking place at present and we took many detours to avoid mud and rubble at various points along the way. Two more new pedestrian bridges are well on their way to completion and work on the path around Waugh Bridge is progressing. Where possible we opted for one of the lower paths closer to the bayou and only occasionally, especially on the north side, were we forced up to a noisier path running alongside the road.

At Montrose Bridge we stopped to enjoy the seven metal alphabet mesh kneeling figures by the Catalan sculptor Jaume Plensa (whose work we also enjoy on the Rice University campus). Shortly after the bridge is the “Dog Park”. This is a great place to visit on a Sunday when you will find a huge variety of well kept breeds. I have even seen one lady taking her pet pig for a stroll here.

Today the park is empty and we head on past the Dandelion Fountain up to Waugh Bridge, now famous for its maternal colony of Mexican Free tailed bats. Some 250,000+ bats live and breed here and a viewing platform and information plaques have been erected to enable better enjoyment of this growing tourist attraction. Come here any warm evening at dusk and you will witness streams of bats emerging to search for food. Glance up as you walk underneath the bridge and you may catch a glimpse of one of these amazing creatures. Experience the unique odor as you pass briskly by!

Further up on the right we pass Beth Yeshurun Cemetery where we recognize so many of Houston’s famous family names in this serene resting place. At Shepherd Drive we have to endure a fairly close encounter with Houston traffic as we cross to the north side of the Bayou. This will happily soon be unnecessary as the new pedestrian bridge is all there ready to be installed.

 

The path back along the north side seems to be more popular with cyclists as it is a smoother surface. We enjoy the many undulations (I can’t really call them hills!) on this route – an unusual occurrence in this flat city of ours. Walking back eastwards we catch some lovely views of the Houston skyline and of the bayou itself. On the left just before Sabine Bridge the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is busy as usual. Once over the bridge it is a short walk back past the children’s playground and the boat launch to the car. I drive away remembering our last kayaking trip down the bayou and marveling at how much this city has to offer.

Enjoy Houston

Elaine

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Keith-Weiss Park

Another favorite walking trail! This time in northern Houston/Aldine area. At around 500 acres, Keith-Weiss is a beautiful expansive park with exceptionally wide-concrete trails encircling several water retention ponds. The densely forested area surrounding the cleared pond areas have been preserved and you'll  find all trails start within the outer edges of the forest and end in or surround the vast pond areas. The park is so large and the encircling forest  so deep it gives a remote quality. No freeway noise may be heard; no residential area may be seen. A beautiful setting that not only attracts locals

Cardinal (left center)

looking to exercise but also attracts birds of all kinds. We saw egrets, herons, cardinals, blue jays, and heard a woodpecker although we couldn't quite spot him. We even saw a chicken running lose - probably escaped from a local back yard. I think she was a little out of her element. Cluck, cluck. 

Observation Deck (left)

Once you step out of your car and onto a concrete trail, you'll find yourself completely entertained by the flowing changes in scenery. Firstly, the tall trees, which provide amazing shade for parts of the path, finally give way to open area where the ponds can be seen from afar. Then, the path meanders around towards the ponds, where you finally come across an observation deck which is positioned strategically in the middle of the largest pond. More meandering pathway takes you over a bridge, through more woods, and around the pond to a curving boardwalk where you can catch some glimpses of the fish living in the pond. The whole experience is nothing less than beautiful.

Boardwalk

In addition to the approximate 2.5 miles of cement trails, there are also wide, fully maintained chipped bark trails, a rare treat for some runners I'm told.  Although we've not walked the bark trails or the other off-cement trails, according to Google maps these trails go on for several miles. A bit more exploration is needed to confirm the length and quality of all of those trails. 

The park itself is not an easy find. We needed to explore a bit to find the best entrances. To my knowledge, there are three understated parking areas in or at the edge of the park. Two paved lots are located on the west side off of Aldine Westfield Rd., and a smaller graveled lot is on the northeast corner of the park, opposite a residential area, along Orange Grove Dr. In addition to these entrances, Halls Bayou Hike and Bike Trail lets into the south side of the park via a nice bridge. A nice experience for cyclers and walkers alike who find themselves on this seldom used trail.

I can't say enough good things about the quality of the park. It's a walker's paradise. We'll be going back to see what types of birds show up in the Spring.

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The lone chicken wandering the park.

 

Houston Tunnels

In August, when the heat and humidity outside seem to be soaring out of control, we feel lucky to have the “climate controlled” option of walking in the Downtown Tunnels.  
Hidden from view (and a surprise to many visitors) a network of more than 7 miles of tunnels and skywalks connect much of the central downtown district and provide a huge variety of services to the 200,000+ business men and women who travel to work in the city center each day. 

Here you can find everything from eating places, hair salons, and retail stores to banks, doctors, opticians and much more. 


We parked in Smith parking garage on Dallas and Smith because the metered street parking did not become available until after 9:00 a.m.  With hindsight it would have been less expensive to use one of the more reasonably priced parking lots in the area.  On the plus side we were able to access the tunnels by the escalator inside the building. 
Color coded tunnel maps are available online, showing all the entrances, if you want to prepare your route in advance and you will find good signposting and the same maps at regular intervals throughout the tunnel system.  Despite this, you will often find small groups gathered round a wall map in serious debate about which direction to take.  We decided to use the maze strategy of keeping to the right all the way round.  

Once underground a whole new world opens up. The tunnels are of varying ages dating back to the 1930’s and construction continues today as new buildings are added to Houston’s growing skyline. Each section of tunnel is owned by the building above and often reflects the character of that building. 

A good example of this is the marble clad section beneath the Mellie Esperson building.  As well as a variety of colors and textures, there are many permanent and temporary exhibitions displayed along the walls and from time to time some arresting artwork or beautiful plant displays. Frequently the tunnel will open into a large food hall or an inviting seating area or you will catch a glimpse of the downtown skyline. 

On East McKinney the tunnel leads into the 2 storey shopping mall of “The Shops at Houston Center” and on into the new skywalk section offering views over to the George Brown Convention Center. 

Be sure to take the opportunity to pop up a stairway into the grand foyer of a large corporation or go all the way up to the viewing gallery of one of the tallest buildings – but that’s a blog for another day.

The visitor’s center in City Hall offer walking tours of the tunnels enriching the tunnel experience with historic information, building statistics and ghost stories.

 We had quite literally walked miles before opting to stop for a drink at one of the many coffee shops!  Restrooms are available in many areas but we have found that you have to ask for a key or a code from the nearest business or restaurant to the facility.  The tunnels are open weekdays during regular business hours – check on line for exact times.  

This is a comfortable, safe and very popular venue with morning walkers of all ages.  We would recommend that you plan to finish your walk by 11:00 a.m. when suddenly the morning quiet is shattered by hordes of hungry workers in search of lunch.  Although the tunnels stay open until 6:00 p.m. they become very quiet after lunchtime.

We covered much of the 8 main linked tunnels leaving only a part of N. Louisiana and Walker tunnels and the disconnected Harris County Tunnel for another day.  Whilst we enjoyed our cool August walk we were both happy to emerge into the real world and the hot summer sunshine.

Enjoy Houston
Elaine

Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail

This is the go to walking/jogging trail in Houston. If you live anywhere near Memorial Park and need to get your exercise in for the day, without wanting to think too much about it, then you'll most likely find yourself here at Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail. 

This is an almost 3-mile long loop that envelopes the Memorial Park Golf Course. Free parking is found right along the trail on East and West Memorial Loop Dr. The trail is mostly very wide, so even though there are often hundreds of people on the trail at one time, you generally don't feel squeezed out of your space or trampled on by fellow exercise enthusiasts. Also, for those who don't like to run on asphalt or concrete, you'll like it here because it's crushed granite and packed earth.

Something, undefined about this trail lends itself to focused exercise. When you're serious about getting in a proper work-out, you'll find that everyone else at the trail is too. To my liking, you won't find too many talkative groups or gossiping friends wandering the trail. What you will find are sweaty people of all shapes and sizes focusing on health, heart rate, stretching and breath catching. It's nice to see so much intent.

Found all along the trail, are a few -minimal- exercise stations, quite a few rest benches and nothing much else. However, toward the north side of the trail near the club house, tennis courts and driving range, you will find: public restrooms, a larger exercise station, and a 1/4 mile asphalt time track.

I'll confess, I haven't always thought of the Seymour Lieberman Trail as the most beautiful place to walk. I first, always envision that wide swath of dirt trail as hard work to get around. But, as I so often am, when visiting these trails for the purpose of writing about them, I'm proven incorrect in my thinking. The trail is surrounded by beauty, I was just always so focused on exercise when I was there, I never really noticed it until now. Although it doesn't provide much shade to the trail, the forest area is a true sight to behold, especially given that's it's so close to downtown Houston. Some pretty blooming plants can still be seen - even in the Houston heat. Also, another little spot of beauty I never noticed before, is the little stone bridge, built for passing over a man made water way - it looks like a natural, picturesque brook. Amazing, all I had to do was open my eyes!

Wild Petunia

Aside from the natural beauty that surrounds this trail, there is lots of history in the park too, most of which I will save for future blog posts about other areas in the park, but I do want to mention one of the important historical facts about the park and that is - it was set aside as a memorial to those who lost their lives in World War I. Now that I'm reminded of it, I'll certainly keep those who fought for us in my mind while I'm on the trail and in the park. Keeping healthy, and observing natural beauty are always good ways to honor those who go before us.

Happy Houston Trails

Tamara

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Herman Brown Park

It’s July, but thanks to a week of thunderstorms the temperature is low enough to tempt us outside for some very early exercise. Herman Brown Park is the perfect venue when you want to get away from it all but you don’t want to drive too far. Located just northeast of the I-10 and I-610 interchange the park is easily accessed from the I-90 at the Mercury Drive slip road.  

This large 750 acre densely forested park is bisected by Hunting Bayou and Greens Bayou and then further divided by the I-90 into a small sports area to the west and a much larger woodland and park area to the east.

We parked on the west side in the ample parking lot on Oates Road and started out round the Ball Park and track, enjoying the open grassland and the pockets of native plantings. We were conscious of traffic noise from the I-90 but as the road was not really busy it did not particularly disturb us. In fact, we felt instantly relaxed in these rural surroundings. Here we were, just a 20 minute drive from downtown, looking over a fence at a mare and her young foal and enjoying the fresh morning country air.


We followed the path under the I-90 into the much larger and quieter wooded section of the park. A network of paved paths lead round the park amenities: tennis courts, children’s play areas, restrooms and many small clearings with picnic tables. Although it gives the appearance of being isolated, the park is surrounded by residential areas so feels quite safe. Already a few people are out walking their dogs and the woods are alive with birdsong.


Trails and bike paths lead invitingly into the rest of the forest but today, most of these paths are under water due to the recent rains. Further reading has revealed that this forest provides valuable refuge for many migrating birds so it will be worth returning in the spring with binoculars and cameras.

Extreme heat and humidity make it difficult for wildflowers to flourish in this region in the summer so we were surprised to find a field of beautiful yellow star grass.  More color was provided by the orange trumpet vine climbing high into the trees and the purple of the beauty berry bush.

We enjoyed the quirky wavy lines of a bridge in the woods and on our return under the road bridge noticed how the concrete pillars had been formed to resemble tree trunks. Good art is not constrained to the city!

On our next visit we will bring a picnic and take time to explore further. But for now the temperature is rising fast and we hurry home for cold showers and the refuge of our air conditioning.

Enjoy Houston
Elaine


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Memorial City Mall

Again this week, we were forced indoors by the weather - this time the rain. Not to worry though, we turned our indoor walk into another adventure. We made our way out to Memorial City Mall, just off of Gessner Rd. and I-10. Prior to the visit -my first to this mall- I read on line about how walker-friendly it is, and we found that to be true. There's a sign-in sheet at the information kiosk, in the middle of the mall, for those who participate in the participating Medicare Advantage insurance plans. There are mileage markers found throughout - stop by the information kiosk for a walking map, which indicates where the markers are. They weren't that easy to find otherwise. The markers are found as a tile in the floor, next to the wall, about every half mile or so. The mall itself opens for business at 10:00AM, but other websites refer to the doors being open as early as 5:30am for walkers and employees. You should check this yourself by calling first if you're an early bird. We didn't show up 'til nine and there were probably 50 walkers there by then.

 Memorial City Mall is not the largest in size but it has bang for the buck. The mall itself seems very clean and modern, with an attention catching mix of shops, and five anchor stores. I actually look forward to going back there and shopping one day. There's a very nice play area for kids, a carousel, an ice rink, a huge food court, lots of natural light, and lots and lots of walkers. If ever you felt silly walking in a mall, there's no need for that here 'cause you'll fit right in.  

We started our walk near Target and just did our standard right turn thing. If you walk the entire mall, including the pedestrian bridge that leads to Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Westin Hotel, you will have walked approximately 2 miles. We did it twice for good measure.

Elaine had been to Memorial City before and insisted we visit this small park located just outside the mall - practically in the parking lot. I had my doubts. Once we were done with the inside walk we took the Macy's sky bridge (off of the Macy's second story parking structure) to see the Cobalt building fountains and then we walked across the parking lot to the very amazing Texas Heritage Park. Elaine was correct for insisting. This place too has bang for the buck (even though it's free). It's a beautifully maintained park, donated to the Memorial City Management District by a real estate developer named MetroNational. It's so worth a look! It is Texas heritage themed and has on display some super fun iron art, along with amazing Texas flora all throughout. This is one of those little places in Houston that few mention, but it's there, just waiting to be visited - making Houston the really great city it is.

We topped the whole thing off with a cup of coffee from a wonderful, quiet and modern little coffee/sandwich shop located just on the Westin end of the pedestrian bridge. I want them to stay in business of course, but loved the place so much I'm reluctant to give the name so we can keep it all to ourselves - Ingredient's Cafe was the place. 

I'm usually not too excited about walking indoors, but this walk changed my mind. It was worth every step.

Happy Houston (Indoor) Trails,

Tamara