Our My Top 5 series showcases Houstonians who are creating the city’s culture and community and asks them to share their own local favorites. This week we’re delighted to feature Eric Larson, Houston Symphony double bassist and Texas Music Festival faculty member. You can catch him at the University of Houston Moores School throughout the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival (TMF) for the Houston-based classical music residency’s 30th Anniversary Season between Saturday, June 1 through Saturday, June 29, 2019. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
My Top 5 Things to Do in Houston
by Eric Larson
- Montrose – I live in the Montrose neighborhood and love the location since it is walkable to great restaurants, nightlife, museums, shops, and parks. Whether it’s a trip to the historic Cistern or a picnic, on the weekends my wife, Melissa, our Shetland sheepdog, Waylon, and I love exploring Buffalo Bayou Park. If you haven’t been, Buffalo Bayou Park is an amazing escape in the heart of the city.
- Historical Houston – I love history and have enjoyed learning about Houston’s unique past. My home is full of old pictures and antique maps of Houston. I enjoy visiting Story Sloane’s Sloane Gallery on Dairy Ashford to see all the incredible collection of pictures from Houston’s past. Many of Houston’s old homes and buildings are no longer with us, which is why I also love touring the historically preserved buildings at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park in Downtown.
- Local music venues – As a musician, I love listening to live music at some of Houston’s fantastic local venues. Two of my favorite spots are The Heights Theater and Anderson Fair. The Heights Theater is located on bustling 19th Street in the Heights and opened in 2016 as an intimate concert space that features eclectic and diverse artists ranging from Rufus Wainwright and Patty Griffin to Lee Ann Womack and Sarah Jarosz. Anderson Fair opened in 1969 and is unlike any other venue to hear music in town. This space has been a gathering spot for singer-songwriters from all over the world −and especially Texas. I love that the experience at Anderson Fair is simply the singer, their guitar, and their own music.
- Galveston getaways – One of the great perks of living in Houston is that we are only 45 minutes from the beach. My wife and I love spending time in Galveston and get to the island as often as we can. A perfect day is first stopping for a hearty breakfast at ShyKatZ Deli & Bakery −their from-scratch menu is extensive and there is something for everyone. After exploring shops on The Strand and stocking up on spices at Maceo’s, we will pick up sandwiches at Eatcetera (the Thai beef and smoked chicken sandwiches are a must have), and head to relax on the beach. A day enjoying the sand and surf is not complete without some fresh Gulf seafood at Blvd Seafood on the Seawall for dinner.
- Dining out in Houston – When I’m not playing music, I’m looking for the next best place to get a bite to eat. Houston’s food scene continues to grow and thrive as the city keeps expanding. H-Town has become one of the most diverse cultural and culinary places in the world. My current food obsessions are the burger at Nancy’s Hustle, the tea smoked duck at Wanna Bao, the Valpolicella Risotto at Vinoteca Poscol, and the sliced brisket at the recently opened Truth BBQ.
About Eric Larson
Double bassist (and self-proclaimed foodie) Eric Larson became a member of the Houston Symphony in 1999, making the upcoming 2019-20 season his 20th in the HSO bass section. You can catch him at the University of Houston Moores School throughout the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival (TMF) for the Houston-based classical music residency’s 30th Anniversary Season between Saturday, June 1 through Saturday, June 29, 2019. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
