It seems like just yesterday that the Patriots were in Houston for Super Bowl LI, but now that we're on to the 2017 season, it's time to make some plans for this preseason match up against the Texans. So if you're planning on heading to Houston to get your fill of football, Lifestyle wants make sure that you have one of the best weekends possible.
What to Bring
It's summer in Texas, so expect things to heat up. Fast. The temperature is expected to be in the mid-90s throughout the weekend, so be sure to stay cool. Be sure to keep an umbrella handy just in case you get caught in a random summer thunderstorm. Just because it's hot, doesn't mean you can escape the rain.
When it comes to game day, fans can expect the stadium to follow the NFL’s clear bag policy. Check out the **NFL’s official website** for more details.
Go to the Game
Season ticket holders and waitlist members can still find tickets on the NFL Ticket Exchange for Saturday's game. If you aren't a season ticket holder, you can head over to Ticketmaster, where you can find a few options for the game.
Watch
If you're in Houston but don't plan on heading to NRG Stadium, stop by Diablo Loco and hang with the **Patriots Fans of Houston**. While there may not be as much activity as there was six months ago, it'll be a great way to meet more Patriots fans from across the country. Mingle with local Patriots fans and enter a raffle for the chance to win a mini helmet signed by James White.
Things to Do
Houston has a number of things to do while you wait for game day. Though theSpace Centeris one of the city's biggest draws, there are plenty of other ways you can make the most of the trip. Take advantage of the summer weather by renting a bike at Buffalo Bayou and riding the local trails.
Also check out one of Houston's most popular neighborhoods, The Heights. It's known for its stores and restaurants, so there will be something for everyone. Just 15 minutes from downtown Houston, visitors can explore this quirky neighborhood filled with plenty of unique shops and brightly colored houses, then grab ice cream from Fat Cat Creamery, where they use local ingredients. Be sure to check out the **Doc Porter Museum of Telephone History**. It'll be quite a treat to see how far telephones have come.
Be sure to also check out Discovery Green in Downtown Houston where you can spend a relaxing day on the grass. You can also take some time to cool off in the Gateway Fountain or the Brown Foundation Promenade, a shaded walkway with 100 year old trees.
Eat
Houston is in the thick of its Restaurant Week, so there are plenty of deals and options to fill every cuisine you're craving. Plus, each restaurant will pay between $3 and $7 for each price point to the Houston Food Bank to help fund meals for those in need. The website cautions visitors to call ahead to check if the Restaurant Week specials are running. You can expect $22 for brunch, $20 for lunch and $35 or $45 for dinner.
One of the restaurants listed Alexander the Greatfeatures some Greek favorites like tzatziki and spanakopita. Plus if you plan on having Greek, you should probably have at least one dish with some lamb. If you're in the mood for steak, check out B&B Butchers and Restaurant. You'll get a two course steak lunch for $20 or a three course steak dinner of an appetizer, a main course as well as dessert for $45.
If you're not looking to participate in Restaurant Week, head over to **Corkscrew BBQ** for some good ol' Texas barbecue. They'll have all your favorite barbecue staples as well as a couple of twists like BBQ Tacos and Loaded Potatoes where you can add any form of meat.
For more information while planning your trip, visit:
Do you have advice for fans hitting the road for an upcoming away game? Share it with us at **lifestyle@patriots.com**.
