Our My Top 5 feature showcases Houstonians who are shaping the culture in the city and impacting people’s lives. In turn, they share their own favorite things to do in Houston when they’re not hard at work. This week, we’re very pleased to feature Shelbi Nicole, a Houston-based artist best known for her various murals around town.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
By Shelbi Nicole
- Rice Gallery – This university located gallery is my favorite place to visit on the weekends in Houston. Namely, because of the large-scale site-specific art installations they host. I frequent this place, as each installation is temporary and switched out about every few months. Each commissioned artist transforms the Rice Gallery space into a unique experience that is unlike anything I’ve seen in any gallery setting around Houston.
- Osaka Houston – I love Japanese cuisine and could eat it every day of my life, easily. I’ve tried tons of Japanese restaurants in Houston, but always end up coming back to Osaka. I like the convenient Montrose location and that they serve you “on the house” appetizers and desserts. But most of all, their sushi options. I’m getting hungry just talking about it.
- Retropolis – I can spend hours looking through all the vintage goodies at Retropolis off of 19th Street in the Heights. I dig this store and love to visit their location with my sis. We go absolutely crazy in here. I’ve even scored some killer vintage concert tees, which I cherish, to add to my outrageously large t-shirt collection. This is definitely my kind of shop.
- Biking on the Bayou – I discover the most when I’m on my bike in Houston. There is so much to see and you can’t see it all when you’re driving, so I try to explore the city cycling as often as I can. I love taking the trail from White Oak Dr, starting out with a smoothie from JuiceLand, and heading down the bayou into Downtown. It’s one of the few ways I know how to unwind. Plus, you get great views of our city and get to see some cool street art along the way. My kind of fun.
- Cactus Music – Cactus Music is my go-to old-school record store here in Houston. They actually still sell CD’s, vinyl, and have tons of in-store performances. I love discovering new bands and live music, which is exactly how I discovered Cactus Music. Their in-store performances are free and the reason I’ve met many of my musician friends I’d never discovered otherwise.
About Shelbi Nicole
Shelbi Nicole is a Houston-based artist that maintains a studio space in the Heights area of town. She received an award from Mayor Annise Parker in 2015, along with 14 other selected artists, recognizing her contribution to the citywide public art project called Mini Murals Houston. She has also been commissioned to paint numerous murals for businesses around the city, including a large music-themed mural in Houston’s famous Downtown concert venue, Revention Music Center. In 2014, she was named one of “Houston’s Top 10 Painter’s” by the Houston Press and is also an ambassador for The City of Houston’s Greater Houston Partnership campaign, #HoustonNoLimits.
