Go West Summit Pre-Familiarization Tour
“All Along the Coast” - Texas’ Gulf Coast Region
featuring
Houston and Galveston
Thursday, January 24 – Sunday, January 27, 2013
THURSDAY, 24 JANUARY
Arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in
Houston (Airport Code: IAH) & Check in to Host Hotel
ACCOMMODATIONS: TBD
Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lizette Fernandez, International Marketing Manager
Office: 713.437.5218 Mobile: 713.304.4816
[email protected]
11:00 Depart Hotel Lobby for NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Space center Houston, the official visitors center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is the only place on earth
where guests can embark on an out-of-this world journey through human adventures in space.
1601 NASA Parkway; Houston, Texas 77058; 281.244.2100; www.spacecenter.org
1:30
Depart the NASA Space Center to enjoy an afternoon on the Kemah Boardwalk
The delightful fishing village of Kemah sits right on Galveston Bay. Walk the planks and make a full day out of
shopping, eating and sightseeing.
215 Kipp Avenue; Kemah, Texas 77565; 281.334.8902; www.kemahboardwalk.com
3:30
Depart the Kemah Boardwalk and head to The Galleria
With its stunning architecture, exceptional store mix and distinctive style of entertainment, The Galleria has
established itself as the #1 shopping and tourist destination in Houston, with over 24 million annual visitors.
5085 Westheimer, Suite 4850; Houston, Texas 77056; 713.966.3530; www.simon.com
6:30
Depart The Galleria and enjoy dinner at Eddie V’s
Eddie V’s Restaurants, Inc. is setting the standard for fine dining, featuring award-winning concepts that focus
on the freshest, quality ingredients, exciting atmosphere and a staff that is dedicated to every detail.
2800 Kirby Drive, #A100; Houston, Texas 77098; 713.874.1800; www.eddiev.com
9:30
After dinner, enjoy Houston’s lively entertainment and head to Wild West
This country nightclub was built and is operated by Texans and features a solid oak dance floor just for your
boots! From dancin’ and glancin’ to flirting with the beer well girl (dressed in chaps), shooting pool, eating fresh
fajitas, playing blackjack, or getting your boots shined, a variety of activities makes your visit enjoyable and
entertaining in an atmosphere that is welcoming and energetic.
6101 Richmond Avenue; Houston, Texas 77057; 713.266.2282; www.wildwesthouston.com
FRIDAY, 25 JANUARY
Breakfast on your own
9:00
Start your day of exploring off by taking a downtown city tour
Tour the Downtown area by visiting the Chase Tower Observatory, Downtown Tunnels, Theater District and city
stadiums.
11:00 Before lunch, explore the world-class artwork at the Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, the MFAH is a dynamic cultural complex comprising two
gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, visitor’s center, library, café, movie theater, two art schools, two house
museums and two gift shops.
1001 Bissonnet; Houston, Texas 77005; 713.639.7300; www.mfah.org
1:00
Experience the Lower Westheimer Culinary Scene
Lower Westheimer has remained a culinary destination in Houston for years. Award-winning spots like Mark’s,
Indika, Hugo’s, Feast and Da Marco were among the first on the scene. Today, they continue to deliver some of
the most sought after cuisine Houston has to offer.
Continue touring the city and see the largest medical center in the world, The Medical Center; the nationally
prestigious Rice University; and the most photographed place in Houston, the Water Wall at The Galleria.
3:30
Head back downtown and visit the Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is a 500,000-gallon under-water adventure complex that includes a Ferris wheel, an
aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage, a white tiger exhibit and a restaurant.
410 Bagby Street; Houston, Texas 77002; 713.223.3474; www.aquariumrestaurants.com
6:30
Enjoy a hearty Texas steak for dinner at Taste of Texas
For a true Texas steak, head out west to Taste of Texas. Make sure to visit the on-site butcher shop, where you
can personally instruct the butcher to cut a rib-eye to your desired thickness.
10505 Katy Freeway; Houston, Texas 77024; 713.932.6901; www.tasteoftexas.com
9:30
After dinner, head to Hughes Hangar: Speakeasy Gastro Lounge (or Rebel’s Honky Tonk)
Hughes Hangar is a hidden gem that combines a timeless backdrop of comfort and elegance with an alluring
ambiance that represents a historical 1920’s speakeasy gastro lounge. With over 3,500 square feet inside and
3,000 square feet on the outside patio this high-class establishment offers food, entertainment and well-crafted
spirits.
2811 Washington Avenue; Houston, Texas 77007; 281.501.2028; www.hugheshangar.com
SATURDAY, 26 JANUARY
Breakfast on your own
10:00 Depart Houston for Galveston Island
Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Ms.
Office: 409.797.5123/Mobile: 409.939.7630
11:30 Arrive on Galveston Island and enjoy lunch at the San Luis Resort
Discover unparalleled luxury at The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center, a 3o-acre year-round
beachfront hotel and spa resort property on Galveston Island. The resort’s award-winning restaurants offer the
freshest ingredients all in an environment that you can relax and unwind in.
5222 Seawall Boulevard; Galveston, Texas 77551; 800.445.0090; www.sanluisresort.com
12:45 Arrive and Explore Moody Gardens
Looking for island fun? Work or play, this tropical destination is ideal for families and groups alike. Explore the
Aquarium Pyramid®, Discovery Museum or 3D, 4D and Ridefilm theaters. Enjoy the Colonel Paddlewheel
Boat or a little summer fun at beautiful Palm Beach.
One Hope Boulevard; Galveston, Texas 77554; 409.683.4200; www.moodygardens.com
5:00
Enjoy dinner at the family owned and operated Gaido’s
From the moment you enter Gaido’s, you feel a sense of place and time alive with history and family tradition.
Continuing this tradition of excellence since 1911, Gaido’s Restaurant has established itself as a landmark of
ultra-fresh seafood. Located along the famous Galveston Seawall, Gaido’s provides diners with sweeping,
panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
3828 Seawall Boulevard; Galveston, Texas 77550; 409.762.9625; www.gaidos.com
7:00
Check in to host hotel
ACCOMMODATIONS: TBD
SUNDAY, 27 JANUARY
7:30 Depart host hotel for breakfast – Location TBD
9:00
Take a narrated city tour via motorcoach with Jan Johnson
10:30 Explore Moody Mansion
Restored to its turn of the century splendor, the 28,000 square-foot, four-story structure was completed in
1895. Today, guests can visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The
Moody’s established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking,
ranching, insurance and hotels.
2618 Broadway; Galveston, Texas 77550; 409.762.7668; www.moodymansion.org
11:30 TBD
12:30 Enjoy lunch – location TBD
1:30
Depart Galveston for
Go West Summit