Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park is undergoing a transformative expansion. In 2019, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BPP) unveiled the Buffalo Bayou East 10-Year Master Plan, a project to extend the park into the East End and Fifth Ward neighborhoods. Supported by a $310 million investment, including $100 million from the Kinder Foundation, the plan aims to create a vibrant community hub and cultural destination through major infrastructure improvements and the addition of new parks, green spaces and amenities.  Bringing the Vision to Life  Click to expand Five years later, the vision for Buffalo Bayou East is becoming a reality. The new Japhet Creek Park opened to the public in September, featuring a new entry plaza, scenic trails and native plantings. Future development will add a pedestrian bridge connecting the park to Tony Marron Park on the south side and a new trail along the creek, enhancing public access to the waterfront.  Click to expand Another milestone is the completion of Lockwood on Buffalo Bayou, the area’s first affordable housing development, introduced this summer. This low-rise, multi-family building includes 80 apartments and sits along the south bank of Buffalo Bayou. Plans are underway to link Lockwood to Tony Marron Park via an improved hike-and-bike trail and Marron Park Way, a new road extending from Lockwood Drive to N. York Street. The building will also be adjacent to the future Lockwood Park.  Meanwhile, progress is underway on another key component of the master plan: Turkey Bend. According to a recent progress report from BBP, construction has begun on the former barge terminal along Navigation Boulevard. The site, featuring multiple warehouses and a historic wharf, is being transformed into a recreational destination for community events and gatherings.  Click to expand Plans for the redevelopment include converting a warehouse on Navigation Boulevard into a community retail space, which will also house the Houston Public Library’s Hispanic History Research Center. The historic wharf will be redesigned as a waterfront park with open gathering spaces and direct access to activities such as canoeing, kayaking and boat tours. A large outdoor plaza, called the Breezeway, will connect to the waterfront through a revitalized tunnel showcasing existing street art.  Future Development  Click to expand A cornerstone of the project is the revitalization and expansion of Tony Marron Park. The plan will nearly double the park’s size, growing it from 19 acres to 40. As a central connector for Buffalo Bayou East, the park will feature expansive lawns, civic spaces with soccer fields and public art, a play area tailored for various age groups, an interactive water playscape and a barbecue pavilion with a picnic grove.   Additional enhancements include an event shed and a maintenance facility to support BBP’s waterway cleanup operations and park management for Buffalo Bayou East. The park is slated to close in January 2025 for construction.  Discover more about Buffalo Bayou East. 

The holiday season is here, which means it's time to kick off your annual shopping spree! Whether you're shopping for lifelong locals or newcomers soaking up Houston's culture, this gift guide is packed with ideas that celebrate the Bayou City's rich traditions, flavors and style. Here's your curated list of uniquely Houston gifts.  For the Foodie  Click to expand When shopping for the foodie in your life, a gift card to one of Houston’s renowned restaurants is always a good idea. From Michelin-starred gems like Le Jardinier and Musaafer to James Beard-nominated favorites like Bludorn and Squable, the city’s award-winning culinary scene offers something for every palate.  For the home chef, consider gifting a cookbook from Houston’s culinary icons. James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd’s Cook Like a Local offers creative takes on Houston’s diverse flavors, while Sylvia Casares’s iconic The Enchilada Queen Cookbook is a must-have for Tex-Mex lovers.   For the meat lovers and grill masters, local favorites like Truth BBQ’s OG BBQ Sauce or Pondicheri’s flavorful Masala sauces make the perfect gift that’s sure to spice up their kitchen.  For the Experience Seeker  Click to expand Give the gift of adventure with a Houston CityPASS, a golden ticket to explore iconic attractions like Space Center Houston, the Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Zoo—all at a discount. Perfect for locals rediscovering their city or newcomers diving into its highlights.  For the outdoorsy types, a membership to the Houston Arboretum offers year-round access to serene trails and nature programs, while a Buffalo Bayou boat tour promises the best of H-Town's scenic views and fascinating history from the water.  For the thrill-seekers on your list, a gift card to Escape the Room is a perfect pick. This interactive experience challenges players to solve puzzles and unravel mysteries to "escape" before time runs out. For even more fun, consider a gift card to Palace Social, the ultimate entertainment hub featuring bowling lanes, a high-energy arcade, karaoke rooms and sports simulators.   You can’t forget about the sports fanatic on your list. Surprise them with tickets to see their favorite Houston team in action or take it to the next level with a behind-the-scenes stadium tour at Minute Maid Park or NRG Stadium for an insider’s look at where the magic happens.  For the Art Lover  Click to expand Houston’s impressive lineup of immersive art exhibits and installations is a dream come true for the art lover in your life. Treat them to tickets to Houston’s newest sensation, Meow Wolf: Radio Tave, where they can explore an interdimensional radio station full of mind-bending surprises.   For the creatives on your list, gift them a class at a local studio, like pottery making at ClayHouston or watercolor painting at the Honey Art Cafe. Many studios offer one-day workshops that are perfect for trying something new.  No mention of Houston’s art scene is complete without the Museum of Fine Arts. A membership to this iconic institution makes the ideal gift, granting unlimited access to breathtaking exhibits and exclusive events throughout the year. For those who enjoy the magic of live performances, tickets to a show at the Houston Ballet, the Houston Symphony or the Hobby Center make perfect stocking stuffers.  For the Homebody  Click to expand Houston offers plenty of ways to make staying in extra special for the homebody in your life. Start with a handcrafted quilt from Tea Time Quilting, perfect for cozying up on the couch. To make the gift even better, pair it with a book from one of Houston’s beloved independent bookstores like Blue Willow Bookshop or Murder by the Book.  For a touch of local flair, consider a Houston-inspired candle from Manready Mercantile or Love & Make to bring the city’s charm into their home. Self-care gifts like bath bombs, body scrubs or skincare products from local favorites such as Milk + Honey Spa or White Rock Soap Gallery make for indulgent treats that turn any day into a spa day.