For an upscale shopping and dining experience, try Highland Village. An air of privilege and leisure pervades Houston's Highland Village. Built nearly 50 years ago to serve the surrounding exclusive neighborhoods, today it is a jewel box of a shopping center. Tall palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze. Awnings shade pristine, stucco-clad buildings housing some of the most recognizable names in retail as well as one-of-a-kind establishments.

Shops including: Crate and Barrel Ann Taylor Anthropologie Pottery Barn Banana Republic Resoration Hardware White House/Black Market Z Gallerie Williams and Sonoma

Four blocks of stores. Palm tree line the stretch of Westheimer. Stores: Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel cover the home-and-hearth scene. Fashion vendors include Banana Republic, Anthropologie, etc. FREE PARKING

Upscale shopping area in two walkable blocks that includes many national chains and a local legend: Tootsies--trendy women's clothes; and a block away, Central Market--unusual Texas-based grocery chain with lots of prepared foods.