World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Houston  - Further Distractions
Further Distractions

American Funeral Service Museum
The American Funeral Service Museum, a rather unique attraction, houses memorabilia from the funerals of celebrity figures, such as John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley. A recent addition is the original equipment for the John F Kennedy Eternal Flame, which was used between 1967 and 1998. The collection also includes a funeral sleigh, a Packard mourning bus, a 1941 hearse/ambulance and embalming artefacts.

415 Barren Springs Drive
Tel: (281) 876 3063.
E-mail: info@nmfh.org
Website: www.nmfh.org
Transport: Metrobus 86 FM 1960.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1600, Sat and Sun 1200-1600.
Admission: US$5 (concessions available).

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Visitors who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can enjoy the native plants and wildlife at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. The centre has eight kilometres (five miles) of nature trails covering various habitats, such as forest and prairie, which cater for the different requirements of the animals living there. The arboretum, located next to Memorial Park, offers free guided nature walks at 1400 and 1500 every Saturday and Sunday.

4501 Woodway Drive
Tel: (713) 681 8433.
Website: www.neosoft.com/~arbor
Transport: Metrobus 17 Tanglewood.
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1800 (grounds); Tues-Sun 1000-1600 (Discovery Room).
Admission: Free.

Astrodome

The world's first air-conditioned domed stadium for baseball and football, the Astrodome opened in 1965 as home to the Houston Astros, then known as the Colt 45s. The dimensions of the stadium are so large that an 18-storey building would fit inside. The Astrodome also prompted the invention of plastic Astroturf after the grass died during the first season of play. Now it is on the list of Houston's must-sees, as well as home to events such as the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

8400 Kirby Drive
Tel: (713) 799 9544.
Website: www.astros.com/dome.htm
Transport: Metrobus 15 Hiram Clarke or 18 Kirby.
Opening hours: Daily tours at 1100, 1300 and 1500. Closed early 2001; visitors should telephone first.
Admission: US$4.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events
Food and Drink