Give Thanks in Midtown

Thanksgiving is a time to count everything for which you are thankful, and in Midtown Houston, there are many reasons to celebrate. This is a time to sit down to a feast shared with friends and family, catch up on what’s happening, and watch some football while eating pumpkin pie.

A good way to start the day is the H-E-B Thanksgiving Parade that kicks off at 9 a.m. This 68-year-old Houston tradition began in 1949 with Santa arriving at Union Station and riding his sleigh all the way to the Downtown Foley’s store. Attending the parade has become a lasting memory for many Houston families.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Houston native Chandra Wilson, who started performing at age five with Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS). A graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, she also performed at Midtown Houston’s The Ensemble Theatre. Today, as an original cast member of TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” Wilson is best known for her award-winning performance as Dr. Miranda Bailey.

The route will start at the corner of Smith St. and Lamar St. and go north, then east on Walker St., run south on Milam St., go west on Pease St. for one block, north on Louisiana St., then west on Clay St. to end at Smith St. and Dallas St.. Road closures begin on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at noon, so make sure to plan ahead.

After the parade, if you get home and realize there’s something missing from your Thanksgiving menu, you can still find it at one of Midtown Houston’s major grocery stores. Randall’s at 2225 Louisiana St. will be open until 6 p.m., and the Fiesta Mart at 4200 San Jacinto St. will be open until 7 p.m., so there’s no need to run short of rolls or whipped cream.

If cooking the big meal is something you’d rather leave to the pros, consider Brennan’s of Houston at 3300 Smith St. Since opening in 1967, Brennan’s of Houston has been serving some of the finest cuisine with New Orleans-style hospitality. They open at 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, offering Texas Creole-roasted turkey with mushrooms and Andouille dressing––and so much more!

Later in the day, you might catch up with friends and raise a glass to give thanks at Axelrad Beer Garden at 1517 Alabama St., or Little Woodrow’s at 2306 Brazos St., where turtle-racing provides entertainment every Thursday. Get a jumpstart on the holiday with seasonal specials on Thanksgiving Eve at Howl at the Moon, 612 Hadley St., and come back for more on Black Friday.

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!