I fell in love with the Astros while working as a features reporter at the Houston Chronicle, when I would frequently find myself at Minute Maid Park for assignments that ranged from getting fan feedback on uniform changes to interviewing the team’s train conductor, who dutifully blows the whistle and moves the train for big events such as home runs during the game.
A Houston Astros baseball game is the perfect outing for summer. Contributed by Kristin Finan
My 10-year-old son, well, he’s loved the Astros since birth – so much so that his first word was “ball.” At least, that’s what I’m told. I wasn’t there.
Although my son was adopted at age 3, we’ve maintained a close relationship with his birth mom, and rooting for the Astros — much to the chagrin of my St. Louis Cardinals-loving husband — has proven to be a central part of our bond. But while we’ve exchanged jerseys on holidays and Facetimed each other during the World Series, we’d never attended a game together. Until this month.
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We made it to Minute Maid Park in time to snag the Alex Bregman bobblehead that was being given away as a promotion that night. We ate Dippin’ Dots out of tiny plastic Astros helmets. We did the wave. But while the night was filled with magical moments, the best part was seeing the light in our son’s eyes as he took it all in, surrounded by the people who love him the most.
The Four Seasons Hotel Houston is ideally located downtown. Contributed by Four Seasons Houston
Although it was a whirlwind 24-hour visit, squeezed in between work obligations and swim team practices, the magical moments didn’t stop there, thanks to our stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, which is located a brief 10-minute walk from Minute Maid Park, Discovery Green and other major downtown Houston attractions.
As a travel writer, my family has had the privilege of staying at some pretty amazing places, and ever since the kids were little, I’ve had a tradition of entering our hotel room first and videoing the kids’ reactions as they take in a new destination. These video clips provide a sort of living scrapbook of our travel memories, and it’s beautiful and a little bittersweet to watch the kids go from rosy-cheeked toddlers to teens and tweens in what feels like the blink of an eye.
Welcome amenity at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Contributed by Kristin Finan
As I positioned my camera at my family as they cracked open the hotel door, I laughed as their jaws dropped in pure shock at the size and beauty of our suite, the Four Seasons Hotel Houston instantly becoming a new favorite. Staying at the hotel, even for a night, offered an opportunity to understand what so many of the hotel’s loyalists already know – the service is impeccable, the quality is unmatched, and once you stay, you never want to leave. Also, the toilet paper in the lobby restroom is black, which pretty much blew all of our minds.
Staying at the property, which recently completed a multi-year, multi-million dollar transformation, it was easy to understand why it regularly ranks among the best hotels in the country. Other highlights of our visit included stealing away to the on-site restaurant and whiskey lounge, Bayou & Bottle, for a cocktail and queso with my husband while our teenager babysat upstairs; watching the kids indulge in a leisurely and lingering room-service breakfast that included gluten-free M&M pancakes and avocado toast; and splashing the morning away in the sparkling pool.
The Four Seasons Hotel Houston has a variety of room sizes. Contributed by Four Seasons Hotel Houston
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Oh, and of course, I can’t forget the golf. Eager to continue on the sports theme of our visit, we booked a slot at the hotel’s Top Golf Swing Suites, which offer a virtual fairway that’s like being ensconced in your own private miniature golf course. Ideal for small and medium groups, the suites offer a variety of interactive and immersive games and include food and beverage service from Bayou & Bottle restaurant.
The Four Seasons Hotel Houston offers private Top Golf suites. Contributed by Four Seasons Hotel Houston
It was a truly refreshing 24-hour getaway filled with unforgettable new memories, and when the time came, we didn’t want to leave.
Thankfully, we’re already planning another visit to see our favorite team with some of our favorite people and stay at our new favorite hotel.
Go, ‘Stros.
