The fall volume of our My Top 5 series kicks off a few weeks early, asking Houston’s creative leaders, organizers and champions to share how they enjoy life in and around Houston during their time off, and even sometimes on the job.
This week, we’re very excite to showcase Claudia de Vasco—a native Houstonian with a lifelong career in performing arts and creative endeavors—who returned home to become Miller Outdoor Theatre‘s managing director, beginning with the 2024 season.
Miller Outdoor Theatre’s 2025 season continues with always free weekend—and more—performances through Saturday night, October 4, 2025.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Claudia de Vasco
1. Chilaquiles! – My current hyper fixation: Chilaquiles. Whether I’m making them at home or trying to find the best around town, they’ve become a staple for me. As a second-gen Mexican American and Tejana, I’ve always had a love for Mexican breakfasts, and Chilaquiles are what I crave. My current favorites are at Cucharita in Montrose (the smaller beautifully designed offshoot of Cuchara), Flora in Buffalo Bayou Park—when I’m in the mood for a beautiful view—and the small but legendary La Guadalupana Bakery off of Dunlavy, which never disappoints.
2. Sesh Coworking – When I need to work out of the office, or find a good meeting spot I like Sesh Coworking‘s space in Midtown—great vibe, day pass options, and lots of coffee—and Brass Tacks in EaDo. If you go to all these spots you might start noticing a pattern—I love places with lots of…
3. Plants! – Now firmly in my señora era, I’ve picked up plant-keeping as a hobby since moving back to Houston, and I found a few favorite spots to support the habit. The Flora Culture in Midtown has a great collection of plants, pots, and workshops. For my birthday this year I booked a flower arranging workshop from The Ranch Houston, a “company that leverages flower farming, yoga and art to build joy for traditionally marginalized and underserved communities.” I’m looking forward to visiting their farm in South Houston, and taking some of their workshops.
4. Shopping & Treasure Hunting – My home and personal style is eclectic, artsy, global, which keeps me on the hunt for unique finds. I’ve got a running list of my favorite Houston thrift shops and gift shops for when I need a gift, unique accessories, or wall decor. For pre-loved and antique home goods I frequent Charity Guild Shop and AG Antiques in the Heights. Surroundings, a small shop near Rice Village is filled with unique imported goods and jewelry, and I’ve found a bunch of random things, including Rodeo wear—like vintage bandana rings and ties—at Jubilee in the Heights. Pro-tip, exploring the shops in Rice Village and Montrose gives you the opportunity to stop at Refresqueria at Rice Village for elotes.
5. Houston Museum District – On the weekends (and many evenings) you’ll usually find me and my family in the Museum District, which includes Hermann Park. Most folks don’t realize that the Houston Museum District includes 21 museums and cultural organizations, many of them with free entry or programming. As a board member of the district, I’ve learned just how much there is to explore. For cultural programming in a beautiful and reflective space, I love Asia Society Texas Center. For exhibits and fun events, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) is always a favorite. My kids especially love crawling through the giant intestine at The Health Museum. We love riding the train at Hermann Park, and exploring the Commons playground and carousel.
About Claudia de Vasco
Claudia de Vasco is a native Houstonian who returned home after two decades working across the U.S. and abroad in the arts, culture, and creative industries. Now serving as Managing Director of Miller Outdoor Theatre, she’s brough a passion for the arts and transforming communities to one of the city’s most beloved institutions.
Her journey has taken her from Los Angeles to Chile to San Antonio, weaving through theater, TV, civic service, and arts leadership. Along the way, she’s worked as an actor, director, artistic director, and Hollywood coach—driven by the belief that the arts are a powerful tool for connection and transformation. Now back home in the city where she grew up—after once performing on the Miller stage while at KHSPVA,
Claudia is deeply invested in Houston’s cultural future, serving on the boards of the Houston Museum District and Texans for the Arts. In both 2022 and 2024 she was named one of the 100 Influential Texans to know by American Business Journals in both San Antonio and Houston. She’s also a mother of two, and like many Houstonians, she spends weekends riding bikes through Hermann Park or catching a show on the hill with her family.
Don’t Miss Out on Tomorrow’s Fun!
Subscribe to our free Weekend Guide newsletter and receive a round-up of great things to do every weekend in Houston, hitting your inbox on Thursday.
Don’t want to miss anything? Opt in for our Daily Updates to discover new things happening in Houston and receive special updates and offers, every weekday.
