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Holiday Treasure Hunting

by Angie Bertinot    November 15, 2021

If you’re looking for an offbeat or unconventional gift, look no further! Downtown is the perfect place to find an unexpected holiday treasure for the friend or loved one who has just about everything.

McCoy’s Fine Cigars | 900 Capitol 
A Downtown staple since 1993, you’ll find a variety of cigars and accessories such as Arturo Fuente, Oliva, Montecristo and much more. What we love most about McCoy’s, though, are the people. Sit down and chill in one of their comfy leather chairs, chat up a local, or get the latest sports stats.

HOT TIP: For a nominal cost, you can snag a discarded cigar box, which makes an unexpected gift itself. Use one to present the perfect present
or keep it for yourself to hide your favorite keepsakes. We bought three and are going back for more!

R. Rose Clothier | 919 Milam 
This menswear gem tucked away in an office skyscraper has everything necessary to go from the boardroom to a weekend getaway. Bob Rose (owner) is quite the colorful character and has an amazing collection of sports memorabilia and stories.

The Tipping Point | 214 Travis 
Locally owned and operated, this lifestyle store has been carefully curating its products since 2007. You’ll find an eclectic mix of reused and vintage gems such as T-shirts, letterman jackets, high tops and albums. Be sure to follow their social media, as they’re always hosting cool pop-ups.

HOT TIP: While you’re there grab a specialty coffee. Or a tattoo. Yup, a tattoo. You’ll find the by-appointment-only studio It Always Hurts right there in the back of the store. Vito Torres is the artist-in-residence, and he also invites guest tattoo artists. They are typically booked two to three months in advance so contact them via IG @italwayshurtstattoo for their next availability.

What's Cooking?
Celebrate Houston’s diverse foodie scene with a cookbook by one of our amazing Downtown chefs. We recommend Hugo Ortega’s (Xochi, 1777 Walker) Street Food of Mexico, Chris Shepherd’s (Georgia James Tavern, 737 Preston) Cook Like A Local or Recipes From A Home Cook by Christina Ha (The Blind Goat at Bravery Chef Hall, 409 Travis).

Houston Welcome Center | 1001 Avendia De Las Americas
Looking for a Houston-centric tchotchke? Look no further than the George R. Brown Convention Center. Whether it’s an Htown hoodie, a boot-shaped shot glass or the definitive Texas condiment, they’ve got you covered.