How to Spend a Sunday in the Houston Heights

I’ve been making my way around Houston as travel remains uncertain months after the pandemic started and I’ve discovered so many lovely aspects of the city. One of my favorite areas has become the Heights neighborhood just because of how walkable it is. I use to walk everywhere when I lived in New York (because subways are dirty and cabs are expensive…) and really miss the extra exercise, fresh air, and enjoyment that walking brings. Houstonians are all about their cars! And for good reason too- the city is just too large and spread apart to be commuting on foot. However, the Heights is an adorable area that has tons of food, shopping, and trails so its just an overall perfect place to be outdoors. I spent a wonderful Sunday exploring the area and wanted to share my adventures with all of you!

Workout/Yoga

I’ve been going to Duo Pilates and Coffee’s Duo Days at Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company for the past few Sundays now and it is one of the best ways to start off the day. Tickets to the outdoor yoga pop up event are $10 on Eventbrite and comes with a ticket for free beer at the brewery (and it doesn’t need to be used that day!) as well as a Nothing Bundt Cake bundtlet. I know the Brewery is technically located in Sawyer Yards, but that neighbors the Heights so I’m including it just because it was a truly relaxing and fantastic experience. Other workout studios located in the Heights include: Cyclebar (your typical spin studio but the weights portion is done with a bar instead), Ride Indoor Cycling (my favorite Houston spin studio- they have the best music and the best instructors), and Define Body (there are several Define locations throughout Houston, but the Heights location is located on the second floor of the Heights Mercantile in a gorgeous sunny room).

Coffee

Coffee is a necessity for a Sunday morning! One of my personal favorites is located in Sawyer Yards area is Catalina Coffee- the coffee is very well brewed, but be prepared for a line that goes out their back door because they are very popular. Catalina also sells their own coffee beans (they will grind them for you if you ask) so you can bring their coffee home with you to enjoy on later days. I also enjoy A 2nd Cup because when you purchase a drink from them you’re also raising awareness for human trafficking issues in Houston. They have a huge warehouse space in the middle of the Heights and its great for studying and enjoying coffee with friends.

Brunch

There are a ton of brunch spots in the Heights, but one place I have been wanting to try for a while now is Postino’s. Known for their instagrammable bruschetta boards, Postino’s is a bright yellow wine bar and cafe located on Yale street. They have a $25 deal on weekday nights after 8pm for a bottle of wine and a brunschetta board (which includes 4 different options), but I prefer going for brunch where I can sit outside and enjoy the sunlight. Their food is delicious and so is their atmosphere! And for anyone wondering what I ordered as part of my board, here were my final picks: warm artichoke spread, burrata and bacon with tomatoes, fig and marscapone, and salmon and pesto spread. Other great brunch spots in the Heights include: Flower Child (the interiors are beautiful and the food is super healthy so what more can you really ask for from a brunch), Egghaus Gourmet (if you love egg sandwiches or LA’s trendy Eggslut, you’ll love this place), and Melange Creperie (brunch in a pink building located in the Heights Mercantile!).

Farmer’s Market

Every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 9-1pm, the Heights Mercantile hosts a farmer’s market that is filled with local goods and crafts. In time like these, it feels great to be able to support so many local vendors all in one location. Remember to bring your mask (it does get pretty crowded) and check out all the vendors!

Hike and Bike Trail

Although I haven’t explored huge portions of this trail yet, the White Oak Bayou Trail is a popular place to get your Sunday morning exercise. There are always a decent amount of people walking and biking so it feels completely safe and very enjoyable. Trail goes through the entire Heights neighborhood from south to north. The Heights Mercantile (where a lot of food and shopping is located) is located along the trail. It’s a great start to any Sunday!

Shopping

There are so many unique boutique stores as well as staple stores located around the Heights. One of my favorites to browse through is Favor the Kind, which sells an eclectic selection of gifts, candles, clothing, and accessories. It is expensive, but everything is made locally and there are a few very unique items in stock. Other stores that I always make a stop at include Aesop (yes their $40 exfoliating handsoap is 100% worth it) and Outdoor Voices (they have the best workout outfits!).

Dessert

No perfect day is ever complete without dessert! I love Cloud 10 Creamery for their delicious flavors (I’m eating peanut butter and jelly here) and creamy ice cream. But Fat Cat Creamery with their unique flavors is also popular and so is Jeni’s Ice Cream (which I had in Atlanta before and is the bomb). There are also amazing ice cream cookie sandwiches (with fresh made cookies) at Smoosh and freshly baked brownies and cakes at Red Dessert Dive. Both are next on my list!

It’s been odd not traveling as much as I use to, but I’m definitely enjoying checking out my own hometown!