Houston Shopping Tips by msbrandysue Top 5 Page for this destination

Old Town Spring: Small Specialty Shopping-Something Different

The old town of Spring, Texas is still alive with the old houses turned into quaint shops and specialty stores. The prices are quite high but it's especially fun around Christmas time to see the place decorated and hopping with busy shoppers. I like to go on quiet weekends to visit the local businesses and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Old Town Spring offers restaurants, eateries, wine tastings, and more. So you can visit even if your pocket book is not very deep. The last two times I've spent three dollars total on a quick drink.

The streets are very packed so be careful. I would highly recommend the parking on the left of the shops. Take the right fork on the road and turn right at the first intersection. You'll see it on the right. That's the only place to park during their wine, crawfish, and Christmas festivals. During those times you might be charged to something like $3-5 to park but on off weekends I've never had to pay for parking. You can also try parking on the street if you're good at parrallel parking.

I enjoy the shop owners more than I do the merchandise. They are usually very friendly and helpful. It makes it hard to walk out empty handed though...

Old Town Spring also has two bathroom facilities. One up by the front of the area and another towards the parking area. They are not port-a-potties!! I hate those things...

What to buy: They have really cute items such as Texas memoriabilia, women's clothing, and figurines.

What to pay: Prices are more expensive than the mall but I don't go to spend a bunch of money. It's more the window shopping and experience

Address: Main and Gentry Streets have the best shops

Directions: Old Town Spring is just east of I-45 on Spring Cypress

Phone: 1-800-OLD-TOWN

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.oldtownspring.com

Half Price Books: Cheap Books

Half Price Books is a chain of used books. Some people buy here and some people sell their books here. I love this place. The books are in good quality or they don't buy them from others.

You know how so many people hunt for diamonds or gold or buried treasure in the ocean? Well, I hunt for books! I can spend hours in here on the floor looking for buried treasures of my own and no one will bug you...other than other customers trying to find those treasures before you.

I like the later hours too....
Store Hours
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m

Also, this company does a lot of literacy outreach with adult and children literacy work. They also give out free boxes of books to teachers at the beginning of the school year. I like when I'm contributing to a generous company....

There are a bunch in the area so check the website for one closer to where you are!

What to buy: Books...

Be sure to check the clearance area before purchasing other items as you might find what you're looking for cheaper.

They also have a good selection of VHS, audiobooks, and DVDs.

What to pay: Half the printed cost on the book or lower if on clearance

Address: 4685 FM 1960 Rd. W

Directions: In the strip center of Steubner Airline and FM 1960 by the $1 movie theatre
There are other stores toward downtown if you're over that way...

Phone: 281-583-9992

Theme: Books

Website: http://www.halfpricebooks.com

The Galleria: Upscale Around the Galleria The Galleria Review

So AROUND the Galleria are a bunch of wonderful shops as well. Here you'll find Ethan Allan and other very nice stores that are not directly connected to the Galleria. It can be a VERY crowded area though, especially during the holidays so beware. Traffic is a b*****!!!

What to buy: My favorite store is here: LAKESHORE!!!! (It's a teaching store) :p

What to pay: Expect to pay more than you would at a normal mall.

Address: 5075 Westheimer Road

Directions: Galleria Area

Phone: (713) 622-0663

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.galleriahouston.com/

The Galleria: Yes, it's...... The Galleria Review

The galleria holds most of the upscale shops of Houston such as Tiffanys and Co. and Saks. Neimans is still there as is Macy's and other nice places. It is also connected to some of the more expensive restaurants and hotels in the area. It compares to downtown in sights and sounds.

What to buy: Whatever you can afford

What to pay: More than you would in most places....

Address: 5075 Westheimer Road

Directions: Galleria Area

Phone: (713) 622-0663

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.galleriahouston.com/

Houston Premium Outlets: For the North Side.....

In March of 2008 Houston built their first premium outlet center on 290 towards Fairfield. Right now it's still building clientele and big names. However, the Coach outlet draws a lot of people as does Nike, Reebox, and Addidas. Since there is a neighborhood nearby I don't know much about expanding like the San Marcos outlets did but I could see this getting bigger and bigger.

What to buy: Most of the shops are clothing and kitchenware.

What to pay: Cheaper than department stores and surrounding malls. Most discounts are 40%.

Address: 29300 Hempstead Road

Directions: Northwest Houston....Off of 290

Phone: (281) 304-5820

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=77

Bass Pro Shop: For The Outdoorsman Katy Mills / Other Malls Review

This is the biggest sports store I've ever seen. It has any and everything for the person who LOVES the outdoors! If and when I ever go camping I will be stocking up here!

While you shop send the kids to the center of the store for the aquarium and fake rock climbing. All the store clerks are very kind and love to entertain the children.

What to buy: Any outdoor materials from boating needs, lawn care, fishing, hiking, any outdoor shoes, any sports, etc.

What to pay: Normal prices.....

Address: 5000 Katy Mills Circle - Suite 415

Directions: Around the Katy Mills Mall (Great place to drop the girls off if you're wanting some private guy shopping time) ;)

Phone: (281) 644-2200

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Shop_10151_-1_10001