Houston is a vibrant city with many attractions within a short walk, drive, or light-rail ride of the conference hotel. Follow this link to see a list of restaurants recommended by the concierge.

Meet other accompanying persons on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, Thursday and Friday, in Willow Room, 4th floor of the conference hotel, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. Free coffee will be offered.

Local attractions

The conference organizers draw your attention to other recommended excursions. To facilitate self-organization in order to share cab fares or simply enjoy the company of a larger group, a digital bulletin board is provided here.

• Houston Museum District is easily reached by walking two blocks, and then taking the light rail towards Fanin South to the Museum District stop. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Natural Science are not to be missed.
• Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens was the home of art collector and philanthropist Ima Hogg. Now it is open to the public and houses an important collection of American decorative arts from the colonial period to late 19th century, maintained by the Museum of Fine Arts. The gardens, nestled in a bend of the Buffalo Bayou, provide a beautiful setting for a short walk. Bayou Bend can be reached from conference hotel in less than 10 minutes by car or cab.
• Rice University Campus can be reached by taking the light rail south to the Hermann Park/Rice University stop.
• The Houston Theater District is a short light rail ride and walk away, or reachable by car or cab. Houston boasts a full selection of dramatic and musical theater, symphony, ballet, and opera that will not disappoint you.
• Shopping in Rice Village or the Galleria is best reached by car or bus.
• In Houston, you are never more than a block or two from a great restaurant. There are many comprehensive guides to all the possibilities (see here for example). Here we list some restaurants near the conference hotel.
• Explore the history and architecture of the 19th and early 20th century along the Texas Gulf Coast. Galveston was the second richest city in the United States and the leading cotton port in the world until the devastating hurricane of 1900. Now it is a tourist destination combining seaside attractions with restored historical landmarks. Galveston is one hour away from Houston by driving interstate I-45 South.