Since Houston last played host to the Super Bowl more than a decade ago, the city has transformed into a mecca for international cuisine, cultural activities and green space. Today, visitors will find no shortage of things to do, including sampling an array of Houston’s diverse restaurant options or visiting any of the city’s museums, parks or shopping districts.

WHERE TO GET A DRINK

The Ginger Man The Rice Village pub located inside an old house serves dozens of beer, wine and cider varieties. 5607 Morningside Drive, Houston. 713-526-2770. www.thegingerman.com/houston Wakefield Crowbar Located in The Heights, this outdoor-indoor bar is good for large groups and has sand volleyball courts, pool tables, a dog-friendly patio and a room for private events. 954 Wakefield Drive, Houston. 713-686-8388. www.wakefieldcrowbar.com Conservatory The downtown district food and beer hall has 60 beers on tap and is extending its hours during Super Bowl weekend. 1010 Prairie St., Houston. 832-919-8382. www.conservatoryhtx.com Houston has no shortage of watering holes for visitors searching for a happy hour or nightcap.[/caption] Midtown Drinkery The bar and club is a hot spot for drinks and dancing on the weekends, but be wary of scant parking. 2416 Brazos St., Houston. 713-522-0118 Luke’s Ice House This sports bar in the Washington Avenue corridor has plenty of outdoor seating and televisions for those wanting to watch the game. 903 Durham Drive, Houston. 281-888-7028. www.lukesicehouse.com Lucky’s Downtown Located in EaDo, or east downtown, the casual neighborhood bar has $3 pints on weekends and is in walking distance of music, art and sporting venues. 801 Saint Emanuel St., Houston. 713-522-2010. www.luckyspub.com Anvil Bar & Refuge One of Houston’s most popular watering holes, the Montrose establishment is known for traditional and original cocktails as well as more refined bar snacks. 1424 Westheimer Road, Ste. B, Houston. 713-523-1622. www.anvilhouston.com

WHERE TO TAKE THE KIDS

Children’s Museum of Houston Easily identified by its multicolored facade, the museum has interactive exhibits for children ages 0-12 years old. 1500 Binz St., Houston. 713-522-1138. www.cmhouston.org Houston Zoo Elephants, large cats and sea lions are just some of the creatures on display at this top family destination in Hermann Park. 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-533-6500. www.houstonzoo.org Buffalo Bayou Park Located from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive, 160 acres of nature, artwork and trails can be found here. www.buffalobayou.org Houston Museum of Natural Science See exhibits, a planetarium or an indoor butterfly habitat at this popular Houston spot. 5555 Hermann Park Drive. 713-639-4629. www.hmns.org Museum of Fine Arts The museum’s collection covers pieces from around the world and includes photography, sculpture, antiquities and decorative arts. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston. 713-639-7300. www.mfah.org

WHERE TO GRAB A MEAL

El Tiempo Cantina This local favorite has expanded over the past two decades with several new locations, becoming a staple for Mexican food in Houston. With its potent margaritas and extensive menu, El Tiempo is sure to please anyone with a craving for Mexican food. 3130 Richmond Ave., Houston 713-807-1600 5602 Washington Ave., Houston 713-681-3645 1308 Montrose Blvd., Houston 713-807-8962 2814 Navigation Blvd., Houston 713-222-6800 www.eltiempocantina.com Moon Tower Inn For those in search of a more casual setting—or wanting to escape the downtown crowds—this EaDo brewpub offers outdoor seating and a variety of wild game hotdogs and half-pound burgers. Wild boar or elk hot dogs, anyone? 3004 Canal St., Houston. 832-969-1934. www.damngoodfoodcoldassbeer.com Moon Tower Inn offers wild game hotdogs and half-pound burgers on its menu.[/caption] Paulie’s From traditional favorites like fettuccine Alfredo to more unique dishes like the bucatini amatraciana—pasta with smoked bacon, garlic, cherry tomato, chili flake and pecorino—Paulie’s in Montrose offers housemade pasta options for every Italian food lover. 1834 Westheimer Road, Houston. 713-807-7271. www.pauliesrestaurant.com Goode Company BBQ One would be remiss to visit Houston and not sample at least one of the city’s barbecue options. Plates of brisket, sausage, pork ribs and honey-smoked ham await visitors at this well-known restaurant, along with barbecue sandwiches and baked potatoes. 5109 Kirby Drive, Houston. 713-522-2530. www.goodecompany.com Cedar Creek Bar & Grill Popular for its frozen drinks, burgers and plentiful outdoor seating reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, Cedar Creek is a well-known institution in The Heights. The business is also offering Super Bowl-related specials throughout the week for visitors and locals alike. 1034 W. 20th St., Houston. 713-808-9623. www.cedarcreekcafe.com Benjy’s Whether it’s brunch, dinner or happy hour, this upscale restaurant with two locations in Houston has a menu for every occasion. The crispy Brussels sprouts appetizer is one popular option, but the menu boasts other items, such as braised short ribs, salmon, crunchy chicken and pizza. 2424 Dunstan St., Houston 713-522-7602 5922 Washington Ave., Houston 713-868-1131 www.benjys.com Uchi One of the most renowned sushi restaurants in the Houston area, Uchi offers a daily specials menu along with a variety of other sushi sashimi options. A sake social hour lasts daily from 5-6:30 p.m. 904 Westheimer Road, Houston. 713-522-4808. www.uchirestaurants.com

WHERE TO SHOP

The Galleria With 400 stores and restaurants, The Galleria is the state’s largest shopping center . Since parking can be tricky, the mall is offering special shuttle options through Saturday. 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston. 713-966-3500. www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria Highland Village For those looking for an outdoor shopping experience to take in Houston’s warm winter weather, this hub may be an ideal destination. Highland Village offers shopping options for men, women and children, along with dining options that range from sushi to Mexican food. 713-850-3100. www.shophighlandvillage.com River Oaks Shopping Center One of Houston’s historic shopping centers, River Oaks Shopping Center offers a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options. Americas, Local Pour and California Pizza Kitchen are popular dining options, while the center is also home to the River Oaks Theatre, a historic Art Deco movie theater still used for its original purpose today. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston. www.riveroaksshoppingcenter.com 19th Street in The Heights Quirky and locally owned shops, antique stores and eateries await visitors on this street in Houston’s The Heights neighborhood. Guests can also take part in live music, sip ’n’ stroll and other events in the neighborhood as well. 19th Street between Shepherd and Yale. www.19thstreetheights.com River Oaks District One of the newest outdoor shopping centers in Houston, River Oaks District boasts itself as a luxury shopping and dining experience. Guests can find high-end stores at the center off Westheimer Road, including Harry Winston, Cartier, Dior and Hermes, along with award-winning dining options. An iPic Theater is also located in the center. 4444 Westheimer Road, Houston. 713-904-1310. www.riveroaksdistrict.com Rice Village This shopping district is located down the street from Rice University and features locally owned and national chain retailers and dining options. Kirby and University Boulevard, Houston. 713-302-8918. www.ricevillagedistrict.com

EVENTS DURING SUPER BOWL WEEK 2017

Super Bowl LIVE Jan. 28-Feb. 5 Discovery Green hosts this free nine-day festival boasting local live music performances, interactive games, exhibits and food. The event’s signature attraction, “Future Flight,” is a thrill ride that uses virtual reality to take participants on a simulated trip to Mars and back. Hours vary. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St., Houston. 713-400-7336. www.discoverygreen.com/superbowllive NFL Experience Driven by Genesis Jan. 28-Feb. 5 This pro football interactive theme park takes place during the nine days leading up to Super Bowl LI and includes interactive games, youth football clinics, merchandise from the NFL Shop and player autograph sessions. Hours vary. $25-$35. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston. 713-853-8000. www.housuperbowl.com Pro Football Hall of Fame Viewing Party Feb. 2 The NFL Players Association's Former Players of Houston will host a charity viewing party at the Grid Iron Glory Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit at The University Museum at Texas Southern University. Proceeds will go toward scholarships for TSU students and the Huddle Up Foundation of Houston. 6-9 p.m. $50. 3100 Cleburne St., Houston. 832-563-4247. www.huddleuphouston.com Houston Power Party Feb. 2 This inaugural event takes place inside the Houston Museum of Natural Science and gives attendees special access to one-of-a-kind exhibits, while featuring interactive areas, celebrity appearances, theatrical lighting and concert level sound. The party is hosted by Houston City Council Member Larry Green, the Santana Dotson Foundation and the Moran Norris Foundation. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. $100-$200. Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Herman Park Drive, Houston. www.houstonpowerparty.com Club Nomadic Feb. 2-4 Traveling entertainment venue Club Nomadic sets up shop in Houston for several days to host a series of live performances leading up to Super Bowl LI. The lineup includes:

• Feb. 2: The EA Sports Bowl with Sam Hunt and The Chainsmokers
• Feb. 3: Bruno Mars presented by Pepsico
• Feb. 4: DIRECTV NOW Super Saturday Night with Taylor Swift

9 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Club Nomadic, 2121 Edwards St., Houston. www.clubnomadic.com Taste of the NFL is one of dozens of Super Bowl-related events taking place through this weekend.[/caption] Bud Lite "Luv Ya Blue" Houston Oilers Reunion Luncheon Feb. 3 Steve Jackson, Houston native and former Houston Oilers player, is bringing his teammates back together to kick off Super Bowl weekend and raise funds for his local foundation, Project 24, which helps provide after-school programs to student athletes at Jackson's alma mater—Klein Forest High School. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Twin Peaks Restaurant, 4527 Lomitas Ave., Houston. 713-520-7730 The DraftKings Antonio Brown Celebrity Super Slam Feb. 3 This charity basketball game will feature a range of professional athletes and entertainers, such as Tracy McGrady, Snoop Dogg, D.J. Khaled, Jarvis Landry, Dee Gordon, Samari Rolle and Roy Williams. Event proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston. 6-9 p.m. $25. Joe K. Butler Sports Complex, 13755 Main St., Houston. 561-859-7552. www.genesismp.com Taste of the NFL-Party With a Purpose Feb. 4 Enjoy food and wine from more than 40 of the nation's top chefs while mingling with NFL legends, today's playmakers and celebrity guests. The Band Perry will  perform, and proceeds from the event will help prevent hunger in Houston and other cities across the country. 6 p.m. $700. The University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Road, Houston. 952-835-7621. www.tnfl.businesscatalyst.com For a comprehensive calendar of Super Bowl LI-related events, visit www.housuperbowl.com.