The Marriott Marquis in downtown Houston opened just in time for the Super Bowl, debuting a Texas-shaped lazy river on its rooftop deck. The surrounding area has been significantly gussied up for the game with new hotels, restaurants, green spaces and public art.
5 things to do in Houston if you’re headed to the Super Bowl
1. Float in a Texas-shaped lazy river and pool. The brand-new Marriott Marquis, a $370 million project, is the official NFL headquarters hotel this weekend, attracting high-profile guests and visitors from the nearby stadium. With a slew of brand new upscale restaurants on the lobby level and a rooftop bar adjacent to a Texas-shaped lazy river that dazzles when lit up at night, there are plenty of photo opps at the new property.
2. Take a picture in front of the Beer Can House. This bud's for you: Local legend John Milkovisch covered his entire home with flattened beer cans in the 1960s. The idea might be kitschy, but the structure is stunning. An estimated 50,000 cans glisten in the sunlight at the Beer Can House, where garlands of sliced-off lids add extra adornment on the porch, blowing in the breeze like wind chimes.
3. Swing in the world's first Topgolf simulator. A Topgolf-branded private suite debuted a few days ago at the Four Seasons, which recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation downtown. The first of its kind, the "virtual fairway" allows novices and pros alike to stand on a faux green and practice their long drive and short swing. Adding to the VIP experience, cocktails and food can be ordered from the nearby lobby lounge.
4. Eat steak in a former choir loft. A historic Montrose church has been re-conceived by James Beard award winner Chris Shepherd, who last week opened his first steak concept One Fifth. The best seats in the house are upstairs in the vaulted-ceiling former choir loft. Meats are sourced from Houston-area ranches - the impressive list includes what most devotees consider the most premium cut of beef: Wagyu. Because in Texas, eating steak is a religious experience.
5. Have custom cowboy boots made. Rocky Carroll has made boots for the past seven U.S. presidents, Queen Elizabeth, Dolly Parton, Pope John Paul II and even Oprah. Step into his unassuming, no-frills storefront to take in his elaborate designs on exotic skin boots like gator, ostrich and eel. He'll make any design you desire. The super-comfortable, perfect bespoke fit (which he creates by tracing your foot on paper) is worth the cost - a pair would be the ultimate Lone Star State souvenir.