Houston, Texas, also referred to as Space City, H-Town, Bayou City. Home of the Astros and Texans, the nation's largest art car show parade and many proud residents, Houston never ceases to amaze. While I haven't been able to experience everything the city has to offer, the ones I have are definitely noteworthy.

1. The Houston Zoo

Check out Groupon to discover great rates for day trips at a zoo filled with exotic birds, beautiful giraffes and lazy llamas! The late afternoon is a wonderful time to go avoiding most of the crowd, but still getting some summertime sun.

2. Free concerts at Miller Outdoor Theater

During the summer months, the theater hosts varieties of performances such as the Houston Symphony for free. Load up your friends and family, pack a picnic and prepare for a relaxing and fun night on the lawn.

3. Holocaust Museum Houston

Admission is free for students with valid ID, as well as other discounts that are available to others. The museum offers an enriching look into the history of the Holocaust, offering a memorial serving as a reminder of all those live's that were lost.

4. Walks around the Bayou

There are many trails that lead through and around the Bayou that are perfect for walking, running, biking and rollerblading. Bridges offer panoramic views of the city skyline and are perfect for afternoon strolls.

5. CityCentre

There enough boutiques, home goods stores and restaurants to provide days of entertainment alone in itself. After your day of shopping, enjoy a dinner and movie simultaneously at Studio Movie Grill (SMG Houston).

6. Houston Wall Mural

Located on the corner of White Oak Drive and Harvard, next to Gelazzi.

Head downtown to the Minute Maid Field, home of the Houston Astros, for a fun filled afternoon or evening of America's greatest pastime, baseball.

8. The Heights

Nineteenth Street in The Heights offers a quirky strip of restaurants and shops that are lovely to stroll through on weekend mornings. Grab some coffee and your wallet, and you're all set.