GEMRM

Hello All,
Some friends and I are making our "bucket list" trip here later this month.
We have the rooms, admission tickets, tour/class bookings.
We know about the shuttle, wearing comfortable clothes/shoes etc, the usual quilt show recommendations.

Having never been to Houston, or to this show, our questions now relate to more detailed stuff -
Since we're staying at one of the sponsoring hotels, where do we get breakfast other than the hotel diningroom?
What sort of lunch options exist at the show?
Are there any favorite places we should consider for suppers?
What about local quilt shops? Are there any?
Is there anything we should be adding to our "to-do list" while in the area? Keep in mind please that we do not have a vehicle.

Also, we've been told that since there are three of us, it would be cheaper to take a taxi from the airport (asking for a "fixed zone rate") vs taking the shuttle/super bus sort of transportation. Can anyone chime in here on this?

Any and all suggestions and advice welcome!

Thanks,
GEMRM

cashs_mom

I live in Houston and attend Festival every year, but I don't know a lot about the hotel situation. If you are at one of the large hotels downtown, they might have a breakfast buffet. You can probably find out thru their website. As I remember there is usually food available upstairs before the Festival opens. I don't know what the quality is though. If you don't have a car, I would suggest taking one of the quilt shop tours. There are no quilt shops downtown that I know of. There used to be one large fabric shop, but it may or may not be within walking distance of the hotel. I don't now anything about the taxi vs shuttle. I believe most of the large hotels have a free airport shuttle, but you would have to confirm this thru your hotel.

Also, remember there are discounts. I believe there is one for the Supershuttle.

tlrnhi

There is food sold upstairs in the convention center.
I don't know/remember names of restaurants in the area, but did see a couple on our walk from our hotel. We also ate in the hotel restaurant, shared a sandwich and each had soup/salad. To me, when traveling and wanting to have a budget, you have to think outside the box. Sharing meals, to me is the way to go. Order a large salad and an couple entrees and share between all of you. But, then again, it all depends on the size of your appetite.

I would contact the super shuttle for transportation back and forth, I think the taxi might be more, but you could also call the companies and see what they offer.

quiltingcandy

It makes sense to call the hotel and ask. When I was in Seattle for work I was getting ready to call for Super Shuttle to take me to the airport and found the hotel had its own airport shuttle for just $2.00. Also, if you have a microwave and fridge in your room it may be nice to take a short trip to a grocery store. My husband and I do that a lot. We get tired of eating out for a week and buy fruit to keep in the room and usually soup to heat up in the room.

If you go on-line for the hotel they usually post what is nearby.

I know it is a chain, but if you can find a Dickey's BBQ place - and if you like BBQ - they are quite good. The first time I went to one was when we were visiting a friend in Dallas, but they have them in Houston too. Once you get there the locals will help you find lots of places to eat.

Sandygirl

Start with your hotel amenities. Which hotel are you staying? The higher end ones usually have a nice restaurant on site. Hot breakfasts, etc. Plenty of restaurants in the area. The food at the convention center is decent. You will not starve. Don't expect your stay etc to be budget friendly. IMHO. traveling to a downtown area never is; enjoy your stay. Festival is HUGE! Can be overwhelming too. Pace yourself and take notes on the booth numbers that you want to revisit. I went to Festival once. Once was enough. But i am not that far from Paducah! Relatively speaking.

Sandy

ManiacQuilter2

I went to Quilt Market in '95 and '96. The convention center is HUGE so don't try to do the show in one day. Things may have changed since I went but I stayed with friends and brown bag my lunch. I am sure there are some nice quilt stores there. Have FUN!!

squires1042

When we eent last year we found that places to eat are very limited around the convention areas. We went to one and walked out much lighter money wise, just wanted a badic steak but everything wad ala carte and the lowest priced steak was $40. Most of the time we ate in the convention center.

koko

If you visit the info desk in the convention center which I think is on the 2nd or 3rd floor they can give you a map of the area that includes the nearby mall (a couple blocks away but easy walk through the lovely park) that has every kind of food plus some nice salad places, sandwiches etc. less expensive. Works well for lunch.

Taxi is probably the easiest way to get around to restaurants at night. Ask at your hotel for restaurant recommendations as There are lots to choose from depending on your tastes.
Have fun!

susanlh

I know there are very few restaurants near the convention center. I usually take peanut butter and jelly from home (in checked luggage) along with a couple of bagels, cups of soup and crackers, 2-3 apples for snacks. These things don't spoil in luggage and the hotel I stay at has a full kitchen. I also take advantage of the breakfast at the hotel. I rarely eat out while at the festival. Have fun and pace yourself. It can be very tiring. Depending also where you stay, the green line bus runs in a circle and is free. The festival buses do not go to all the hotels. I learned about the green line bus the hard way--after walking to and from the festival.

vcquan

I live in Houston. There is a neat grocery/restaurant/bar near the convention center called Phoenicia. It is within walking distance and open til 8 or 9 pm. Restaurants in the area are pricey. There is no quilt store Downtown but there is a fabric store.. High Fashion Home/Fabrics. I know of one quilt store tour to Quilt Emporium.... Beautiful shop! Good luck and hope you enjoy your stay in Houston!