For the last four years, I’ve been keeping a Texas Bucket List on my phone. You know, we all have one – a list of things you want to see and do either alone (lol!) or with our families. My list was specific to Texas since I knew we wouldn’t live here forever. As a Canadian, living in warm Texas has always felt like a bit of a honeymoon and I wanted to take full advantage of it.

With our move back to Canada this summer, I decided it was time to get busy! Luckily, we’ve done a fair amount of exploring during the last few summers and have already crossed a few things off the list.

A few weekends ago, when my daughter’s friend from Colorado was visiting, we decided to check out the Houston Water Wall. Isn’t it funny that it takes an out of town visitor to get us out of our comfortable “bubble” and into downtown Houston? We were planning on having lunch and doing some shopping at the Galleria anyway, and it is right next door.

Sweet friends at the Houston Water Wall

It is really something to see…and hear. I can’t believe it took me this long to get my butt down there!

The sound and the mist kind of made me feel like I was in Niagara Falls! This urban waterfall has an interesting history – it started out privately owned, but is now run by a non-profit government corporation. Did you know scenes from several movies (Sidekicks and The Preacher’s Mistress) have been shot in front of the Water Wall? And, former Houston Oiler quarterback Dan Pastorini held a private wedding ceremony here back in the 80’s.

The wall uses 78,500 gallons of water. But, you’ll be pleased to know, it is all recycled internally every three hours.

Concave shaped waterfall on the front side

A few things to remember when visiting the Water Wall…your feet might get wet (sandals or flip flops are a good option), the temperature near the Water Wall drops a few degrees because of the shade and the mist – which might feel REALLY good on hot and humid summer days in Houston.

Proscenium arch in front of the wall

Remember to bring your camera and a picnic lunch. The archways in front of the wall are a beautiful architectural structure and make for a nice back drop for photos.

The Williams Tower at Water Wall Park

The nearby Williams Tower is impressive – I don’t think my youngest had ever seen a building so tall! And, the lawn between the Wall and the Tower is a great place to sit and relax. It’s also a great place to do cartwheels…if you feel like it!

Cartwheels on the lawn

What a great day with the girls!

Here’s how my Texas Bucket List is looking now:

DONE

• Minute Maid Park
• NRG Stadium/Texans game (saw JJ Watt)
• Toyota Centre – Rockets game, Lady Gaga and Maroon 5 concerts
• Galveston
• Visit a Buccee’s and eat jerky
• Space Center Houston
• The Orange Show and Beer Can House
• Brazos Bend State Park – saw the alligators
• San Antonio – River Walk and the Alamo and Sea World
• Austin – University of Texas campus, state capital
• Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs
• Dallas – AT&T Stadium/Dallas Cowboy game
• Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker
• Frederickburgh – winery tour
• San Marcos – shopped at the outlets
• Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels
• Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham, TX
• Magnolia Market at the Silos from HGTV
• Houston Water Wall

STILL TO DO:

• See a show at Miller outdoor theatre
• attend a A&M football game (likely not gonna happen since football season is over!)
• see a race at Gulf Greyhound Park
• see a horse race at Sam Houston Raceway
• go to a shooting range
• tour Saint Arnold Brewery
• visit the Sugar and Cloth Color Wall
• Waco Water slide
• Bernie’s Backyard Food Truck Park

There are just SO many cool things to do in Texas, and I’m running out of time. Hopefully you guys can help me over the next three months with some suggestions of what I absolutely must do before I leave. I would love to hear from you!