Author's '100 things to do in Houston before you die' unveils city's hidden gems

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Whether you've lived here for years, or moved in recently, how often do you get out to explore what H-Town has to offer? Well according to one author, there's 100 things you need to experience in Houston before you die.

A.J. Mistretta is with the Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau. You could say he knows a thing or two about our great city. Actually, he knows a lot more. Many of them are laid out in his book, "100 things To Do In Houston Before You Die."

"A lot of folks live here, a lot of folks visit. But they don't always know what's happening in the city," Mistretta said.

It's important to visit places like NASA or the Museum District, but Mistretta encourages everyone to check out some of the hidden gems our city has to offer as well. One way to start is through a Segway tour.

Matthew Creede with Segway Tours of Houston told us, "When you go on a Segway tour with us, you traverse 7, 8 miles in and around the downtown Houston area. We take you into the parks and you get a feel for how this city began."

If you're a fan of art and beer, Mistretta says there's one place you need to check out.

He says, "The beer can house is one of these hidden gems that people can find over in the Washington Heights area."

This livable art project began in 1968 by its homeowner, John Milkovisch. An estimated 50,000 beer cans later, the structure still stands today.

"He spent years and years developing this," Mistretta told us. "And it's one of those homages to art that people can experience very close to downtown. A lot of locals don't even realize that it's there."

Once you've had your fill of suds and art, head downtown to Discovery Green to check out the listening vessels.

Mistretta said, "They're two concave, concrete structures that that are 70 feet apart from each other. If you're sitting in one, and have someone sitting in the other, they can hear exactly what you're saying even without raising your voice. That's because the sound waves are actually propelled between the two vessels."

Another place on Mistretta's list of 100 is Battleship Texas.

"It's one of those wonderful landmarks in the city because this one of the only ships that survives today that's served in both world wars," Mistretta explained.

Families love exploring the whole ship and experiencing its different points of views.

"It overlooks the San Jacinto monument in the battleground over there which is where Texas won its independence. So it's a wonderful spot to experience two pieces of history of Houston right in one spot," Mistretta said.