Where I Go To Wander: Montrose

You notice the old bungalows sitting next to modern townhouses. Somebody's front porch has plants spilling over every railing. Strangers stop in the middle of walkways and carry on conversations, lasting ten minutes. A unique eye sore of an abandon business catches your eye. It stands out because although its abandoned it fits here.

I love that this neighborhood rewards curiosity.

I've found some of my favorite restaurants this way. These aren't TikTok finds, but because I happened to walk past a patio that looked like a vibe. If people are laughing, the drinks look good and the food smells amazing, I'm probably making a reservation.

On any given afternoon you'll see friends lingering over brunch long after they've finished eating. Someone's walking their dog with an iced Matcha in hand from La La Land. Couples exploring. I mean this is where the artsy folks dwell, so you may run into some strange things as well. Nobody is in a rush and I love that.

The older I get the more I realize every outing doesn't have to be productive or performative. I don't need to buy something every time I leave the house. I don't need to have a packed itinerary. Sometimes I just want to exist in a neighborhood that feels alive. Somewhere I can grab a bite, people watch. I love to people watch.

I should actually be paid to people watch. I enjoy ducking into a local shop, that's what I call a perfect afternoon.

If you're new to Houston, start in Montrose. And if you've lived here for years but have not really explored it, give yourself an afternoon with nowhere to be. Leave the schedule and expectations at home. Walk a little farther than you planned. Pop into the restaurant you've always driven past. Order another drink if the patio feels right.

Where I Go To Wander: Montrose

Every city has that one neighborhood that was made for wandering. As a Houston transplant I feel like the Montrose neighborhood is that place. Maybe it's because Montrose makes me feel like I'm back home. It gives Old City or South Street vibes in Philly. The very best thing about Montrose is it's walkability.

I can park my car, throw on a good playlist and just walk. Coming from Philadelphia walking has always been part of how I experienced my city. Houston, not so much. Most of the time you're driving everywhere and hopping from one parking lot to another. So when I discovered Montrose, it felt different. You can actually slow down here. It gives you room to discover and explore the city.