Shopping
Texas is a state where you either go large or go home, and
Houston's shopping is no exception. Here the malls and credit card
bills are super-sized - so be careful when embarking on a shopping
spree!
Houston's most famous shopping zone is undoubtedly the Galleria,
the fifth largest retail complex in the USA. It hosts high end
stores and all the big names in fashion along so-called
Millionaire's Mile, with 320 shops in total plus high quality
entertainment and restaurant options in a glitzy, gleaming mall
where it is quite normal to wear sunglasses. If this is all too
intense for you, stop by the Galleria's predecessor Highland
Village which has all the glitz of the quality stores without the
elitist attitude.
At Uptown Park visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a European
village as they stroll from store to store. In Kirby District you
can find The Village, a 16-block shopping zone with plenty of
boutiques, galleries and spas aimed at the more affluent shopper.
Finally, Houston's oldest department store, Foley's, has recently
become Macy's but is still a pleasant and worthwhile place to
shop.
On weekends don't miss Trader's Village, an enormous flea market
with everything from jewellery, and clothing to tools and old Texas
number plates. A great place to find a really unique memento of
your visit to Houston.
An ideal souvenir of your Houston visit is some Western gear - look
no further than Pinto Ranch which stocks belt buckles, boots,
saddles and even ten gallon hats.