Where to Go Around Rodeo

Hit up these spots for Texas-sized fun 

Houston is fixin' to be overrun with boots and chaps. The 2012 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo rides into town February 28, bringing 20 days of world-class performers, awesome rodeo action, great food and tons of excitement to Reliant Park. But not all of the western fun is at the Rodeo itself-here's how to "go Texan" all month-long in H-Town.

You'll find a big selection of country music at the Rodeo

Do the Texas Two-Step...

Looking for country music? You'll certainly find it at the Rodeo, with headline performers including Reba McEntire, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson and many more. Apart from the arena concerts, many more acts will perform at the The Hideout on the Rodeo grounds. But if you want to get down away from the crowds, head to one of these Houston country music destinations.

Brazos River Bottom Even city boys need a little two-steppin’ excitement every once in awhile. Right next door to Little Woodrow’s in Midtown, Brazos River Bottom (BRB to regulars) has remained a Houston staple since opening more than three decades ago. This is where Wranglers-loving gays come to show off their dancing skills.

Blanco's Located in the Upper Kirby neighborhood, Blanco's isn't large, but it's packed with character, and you'll find some of the area's best bands playing country tunes to appreciative audiences.

Armadillo Palace Part honky-tonk and part Texas history museum, Goode's Armadillo Palace gets the mood established right off the bat thanks to the towering armadillo sporting longhorns and breathing smoke right out front. Oh, and you'll love the venison chili.

Rebels Honky Tonk Inside Rebels you'll find Western-themed décor reminiscent of a saloon, with barrels and beer tubs and wood accents galore. For those in the mood to two-step, Rebels' large dance floor leaves plenty of room to keep guests from standing on top of one another. You'll definitely want to try your skills on the mechanical bull. On Sunday's this place gets a little more colorful for Rainbow Sundays, a big gay dance party featuring fabulous music.

Discover the culture

Nothing makes Texas culture and history shine quite like Rodeo. From the trail rides to the livestock show, there's always an event to remind folks just what it means to be in the Lone Star State. But if you've got a hankering for more exposure to cowboy culture, check out these attractions.

American Cowboy Museum Located on the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch, the American Cowboy Museum is dedicated to understanding the multicultural makeup of the American West. The museum examines how Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics and women all played a part in developing the culture and heritage of the region.

Cypress Trails Equestrian Center Ride like a cowboy at Cypress Trails. Located just 20 minutes north of Downtown Houston, Cypress Trails allows visitors to ride for an hour, or even a full day along the Cypress Creek, through some of the most picturesque parts of Harris County. Experienced stable staff will help match you and your level of riding ability to one of their many horses, from Spanish Mustangs to Appaloosas. http://www.visithoustontexas.com/listing-details?id=31936

George Ranch Historical Park George Ranch is a 23,000-acre working ranch located less than an hour from Houston. The family's original "home place" is at the core of the George Ranch Historical Park where, every day, the legends and legacies of those who shaped this place come to life. See crops being harvested and other demonstrations of ranch life, including cattle wrangling.

San Jacinto Monument See the birthplace of Texas at the San Jacinto Monument & Museum. This one-time battleground outside the city of La Porte is where Sam Houston and his band of Texians dealt a crushing defeat to the Mexican Army, securing Texas independence and giving rise to the Republic. The San Jacinto Museum of History, within the base of the San Jacinto Monument, holds one of the largest collections of Texas art, artifacts and history.

Look the part

Everyone wants to play the part of cowboy or cowgirl once in a while, right? Whether you're headed to Rodeo or just want to add that western chic look to your wardrobe, here's your shopping guide.

Cavender's Boot City Think of Cavender's as your one-stop-shop for the western look. From a huge selection of men's and women's boots, to cowboy hats and bejeweled belt buckles, this is the place to find it all. Plus, they have multiple locations around town, including one near Reliant Park, perfectly situated for Rodeo.

Texas Junk Co. Looking for the perfect pair of broken-in boots? How about a one-of-a-kind piece of Lone Star history? You'll discover a lot of interesting items at Texas Junk Co., but be prepared to rummage around for the perfect find. This place is hailed far and wide as a unique shopping destination.

Pinto Ranch At Pinto Ranch you will find authentic furnishings and Indian rugs, handcrafted tack, chaps and saddles, as well as beautifully designed boots, belts, buckles, and apparel.

Houston Visitors Center Have hat, will travel. The Houston Visitor's Center is a great place to find Texas souvenirs and a wide variety of clothing and accessories, from cowboy hats and belt buckles to rodeo jewelry and shirts. You'll also be able to pick up your favorite made-in-Texas BBQ sauces, collectibles and much more. And check out the works of young Texas artists on display through the month of March.

Tejas Custom Boots A pair of custom boots from Jose Gonzales and his team at Tejas are always a work of art. If you're looking to invest in the kind of boots you'll want to hang on to forever, this is the place.

Know your grub

Chili is the official state food of Texas and certainly barbecue comes in a close second. Whether you like your chili with beans or without, and your brisket and ribs dripping in sauce or dry, here are a few places to satisfy your Texas-sized cravings.

Goode Co. Bar-B-Q This urbanized, Texana-decorated barbecue joint is wildly popular, thanks to expertly smoked brisket and a variety of platters. The first Goode Co. Barbecue restaurant opened in 1977 and even though they've since added burgers and seafood to the lineup, barbecue remains the company's mainstay.

Gatlin's There's something quite inviting about this small Heights barbecue joint. Maybe it's the family atmosphere, with multiple members of the Gatlin family contributing in the kitchen.

James Coney Island Founded in 1923, this locally owned and operated fast-food chain serves up hot dogs and other quick-serve favorites, including some great Texas-style chili. Customers can choose to drive through, take out or dine in.

Pappas Bar-B-Q A favorite for slow-smoked, lean and juicy Texas barbeque with all the trimmings, at Pappas Bar-B-Q you can get good food and plenty of it. Dig in to brisket, ribs, sausage and much more, plus great Texas-style chili.

And don't forget, to skip the traffic, ride the MetroRail to Rodeo.

By AJ Mistretta