Our My Top 5 feature showcases Houstonians who are shaping the culture in the city and impacting people’s lives. This week, in honor of the 25th annual Theater District Open House, we hear from wig designer of The Alley Theatre, Amy Solomon, who shares some of her favorite haunts in Houston. The free festival that kicks off the 2018-19 season with performances, artful adventures, backstage tours and more, will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018, from noon to 5pm.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Amy Solomon
- Hitting the Houston Roller Derby – I love going to Revention Music Center to watch the amazing women of the Houston Roller Derby. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Houston. Unquestionably, these ladies come ready to compete, but there is a passion and joy in the way the game is played that spreads to the fans. I love to go for a date night, but my kids also enjoy going to cheer for their favorite team.
- Shopping at Specialty Grocery Stores in Houston – I enjoy trying to cook new dishes since I’m constantly pinning new ideas on Pinterest. One amazing thing about Houston is the variety of specialty grocery stores available to shop for my ingredients. I adore Penzeys for the freshest spices and herbs all year round. Stopping at 99 Ranch Market is an outing in itself; they have a dizzying selection and opportunities to try something new every time I go.
- Concerts at Toyota Center – Recently I found myself at the Toyota Center for a concert. What a great venue it is for this type of event. It is large enough to accommodate a crowd, and the stage was set up for everyone to have a good seat. On top of that, there are many places to park nearby, which made it easy to get to and depart.
- Visiting the Houston Zoo – My family has grown up at the Houston Zoo. I took my kids when they were little and spent endless hours wandering the beautifully landscaped grounds and watching the animals in their detailed habitats. Now my kids tell me about all the improvements and added exhibits when they go on school field trips. For me, one of the best nights of the year is when the Zoo offers Feast with the Beasts. Sampling dishes from an array of restaurants and seeing the animals active in the cooler hours of the evening is fantastic. My suggestion is to wear comfortable shoes and pace yourself, but don’t miss it.
- Dessert at Proud Pie – I have to concede that my guilty pleasure is eating out. Houston has a myriad of choices and my favorites are the small restaurants and businesses who are owned and operated by local people. To this end, I admit that I’m always ready to go to Proud Pie. It’s my family’s go-to for a yummy dessert. The butter crusts and homemade fillings are consistently fresh and top notch. I love the Chocolate Silk and Michigan State Fair Cherry crumble pie. Find this gem and enjoy…you’ll thank me.
About Amy Solomon
Amy Solomon is a native New Yorker who always wanted to work in the theatre industry. Her diverse career as both a wig designer and makeup artist has taken her around the world, including New York City, Scotland, and Finland. She has worked in theatre, film, television, opera, and ballet, including locally at The Alley Theatre, Houston Grand Opera, and Houston Ballet, as well as in New York City at the Lincoln Center and many Broadway Theatres. Over the years, Amy has had the thrilling opportunity to create wigs for many wonderful actors including Julie Andrews, Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Buscemi, Sutton Foster, Brook Shields and Steven Van Zandt. These days, Amy finds her joy in her family, and in creating wigs for the talented actors at The Alley Theatre. Check out The Alley Theatre and more at this year’s 25th annual Theater District Open House. The free festival that kicks off the 2018-19 season with performances, artful adventures, backstage tours and more, will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018, from noon to 5pm.
