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Houston EventsIn addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks, Houston is a destination hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide with your visit.

Spring Opens with Outdoor Events

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The rodeo opens the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at NRG Stadium in March if your trip falls at this time of year. The River Oaks Garden Club sponsors the Azalea Trail through River Oaks in March, when many houses and gardens are open to the public. For golf lovers, the Houston Open is played in late March at the Redstone Golf Club in Humble. Add it to your list of things to do if you vacation here during the Open.

Courtesy of Houston Art Car Parade
During Houston Art Car Parade Weekend in April, a parade showcases cars and other wheeled objects turned polychromatic works of art.

A Fall Festival Takes You Back in Time

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A 16th-century English village is re-created 50 miles northwest of Houston in Todd Mission, between Plantersville and Magnolia, for the Texas Renaissance Festival . You won't have to look for restaurants because the festival serves up amazing food and hosts merchants, craft booths, entertainers, street characters, royalty, jousting, games and skills of the period on weekends from early October to late November. From late October to early November the George R. Brown Convention Center hosts the 4-day International Quilt Festival .

Holiday Cheer Houston Style

If you travel here around the holidays, head downtown for the Thanksgiving Day Parade , a tradition since 1950.

In mid-December, the Houston Chamber Choir presents traditional Christmas carols along with newer holiday favorites at Christmas at the Villa , held at the Chapel of the Villa da Matel.

See all the AAA recommended events for this destination.

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Houston, TX

Top AAA Diamond Hotels

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Hilton Americas-Houston

1600 Lamar St. Houston, TX 77010

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Travel Information

City Population

1,953,631

Elevation

39 ft.

Sales Tax

Municipalities may impose additional rates of up to 2 percent on the statewide 6.25 percent sales tax. Sales tax in the city of Houston is 8.25 percent; rates vary in the suburbs. The hotel occupancy tax in Houston is 17 percent.

Emergency

911

Police (non-emergency)

(713) 884-3131

Fire (non-emergency)

(713) 834-3131

Time and Temperature

(713) 222-8463

Hospitals

Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center, (281) 890-4285; Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center, (713) 704-4000; Houston Northwest Medical Center, (281) 440-1000; Houston Methodist Hospital, (713) 790-3311; Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, (832) 355-1000; West Houston Medical Center, (281) 558-3444.

Visitor Information

701 Avenida de las Americas Suite 200 Houston, TX 77010. Phone:(713)437-5200 or (800)446-8786

Air Travel

Houston has two airports for visitors with airline flights.

Rental Cars

Hertz, 2120 Louisiana St., offers discounts to AAA members; phone (713) 652-0436 or (800) 654-3080.

Rail Service

The Amtrak rail station is at 902 Washington Ave.; for train schedule and ticket information phone (713) 224-1577 or (800) 872-7245. METRORail light rail service connects downtown, the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and NRG Stadium and costs $1.25 for one-way service and $2.50 for round-trip service; ages 0-5 ride free.

Buses

The Greyhound Lines Inc. bus station is at 2121 S. Main St.; phone (713) 759-6565 or (800) 231-2222.

Taxis

You can hire a taxi at cab stands near the major hotels in the downtown area or phone for one. One of the larger companies is Yellow Cab, (713) 236-1111. The standard fare is $4.75 for the first mile and $2.20 for each mile thereafter. A surcharge of up to $2.80 is added for trips between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Public Transportation

Air-conditioned buses crisscross the city and suburbs. Limited and local fares are $1.25. Passengers must have exact change. Park-and-ride bus fares range from $2 to $4.50 and vary according to location. For details phone METRO Transit Authorities, (713) 635-4000.

Boats

Houston is a leading world seaport, and the Port of Houston accommodates passenger ships.

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