I'm taking the family to Houston on the 26th for Astros vs Nationals. We are going to the Natural Science Museum and the Zoo. Are there any other safari-type things to do or see in Houston?

Is there any place where I could look at/handle a Model 70 Express or a Ruger African in 416 Ruger?

Any good places to eat downtown?

Thanks,

Al

I usually swing by Carter's Country and look around. I was up there about a month ago and things were pretty scarce as far as ammo and weapons.

For gun stores, about the best chance of finding something unusual or safari-related would be Collectors Firearms on Richmond Avenue. Tag has its store on the Katy Freeway (safari clothing and stuff made in Zim). Downtown dining sort of depends on what sort of cuisine are you interested in, steaks (Vic and Anthony's), mexican (Irma's, Guadalajara or Cyclone Anaya's), sushi (Azuma), seafood (Reef), Italian (Damian's), etc. All of these are downtown or in midtown.

Back in the day...I lived in Simonton, TX which at that time was the western extent of FM 1093 which was known as Westheimer once it entered the city. Westheimer parallels Richmond where Collector's Firearms resides (which is a must see). Carter's Country is OK too. On Saturday...I could take the wife and run up Westheimer and drop her off at the Galleria Mall, go to Collector's, run around Hwy 6 to Carter's Country, sometimes stop by and visit with my old buddy Jess Briley (now Briley MFG...huge maker of firearms accessories), and then go pick up the wife at the mall. There were 100's of good places to eat on that stretch of Westheimer. Favorites at the time were Old San Francisco Steakhouse, Landry's (seafood), and Lupe's Tortilla Factory (on 99 off of Westheimer).

My friend George Hartley at TGTS lives in Cinco Ranch now though and tells me a lot has changed. But...Collector's Firearms is still there and a must see.

The original Carrabas are in Houston. This was prior to Outback taking them National. I believe the original two restaurants are still run by the Carrabas brothers and they are nothing like the chain. One was on Kirby/Richmond near River Oaks and the other off Voss in the Memorial area.
Another nice Mexican restaurant is Las Alamedas off Voss and I 10. Great views of a nature type area.
It has been a few years since I have been down that way.

All good advice.

As far as places to eat, I'd suggest some of the following: Goode Company BBQ and Seafood (2 different places - both off of Kirby); Pappas Steakhouse and Pappas Burgers (again, two different places on Westheimer, but next door to each other); Rajin Cajin on Richmond (good red beans and rice, gumbo, boudin, etc., and crawfish are in season); Sylvia's Enchaladas (I think they have one on Woodway near in, and another out Westheimer); and there's a very good steakhouse near the ballpark downtown -- I'm having a brain-f--t and can't remember the name. _____ & _____. It's quite good, but pricey, as is Pappas Steakhouse.

Good luck and enjoy Houston.

You are welcome to handle my Mod 70 Safari Express in 375 H&H.

For High end stuff go out to Rosharon and see Dustin Mounts. He is Purdey and Sons' man on the ground in the USA.

As far as eats I'd find a Pho Siagon noodle house and have some Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup!