“The buzz has been steadily building about this area for years, bringing more restaurants, more retail and more to do,” said realtor Becky Davis.

Once a best kept secret, Houstonia Magazine named Oak Forest one of the 25 Hottest Neighborhoods in Houston in 2013. Many young families and professionals have since staked their claim here alongside longtime residents, bringing a new twist to tradition.

SEE

The Live Oak Friends Meeting house (1318 West 26th St.) is home to a James Turrell Skyspace, which is open to the public every Friday night and the first Sunday of each month thirty minutes before sunset.  If the weather cooperates, the roof will be open and you can watch the light paint the walls and slide from the sky. Wabash Feed & Garden Store (4537 N Shepherd Dr.) is a place to shop, sure, but it is also a perfect spot to visit the country without leaving the city limits. The ducks, geese, pigs, and rabbits are just part of the charm, as the outdoor gardens and garden accessories might make you a believer in your own green thumb. The Watonga Drive Bridge Bat Colony on the White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail is home to approximately 100,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. Visitors can view them on the bayou bank or on provided benches. Make sure the sunset temperature is above 50 degrees before you make the trip, as the bats will stay put during colder weather.

DO

There is no street in the GOOF that has more going on than Wakefield. Make a night of it and hit the Crowbar (954 Wakefield Dr.) for some volleyball, then either Greater Heights Brewing Company (938 Wakefield Dr.) or Walking Stick Brewing Company (957 Wakefield Dr.) to sample their wares. Your knees may not cooperate but you should still swing by the Watonga Skatepark, known as EZ-7 to those in the know, just to watch local skaters do their thing. The White Oak Bayou Trail offers bikers easy, and scenic, access to the trails downtown. And T.C. Jester Park (4201 T C Jester Blvd.) has a Disc golf course that is almost always in use. If you want a low key place to practice your golf swing, 5050 Acorn Golf (5050 Acorn St.) is just the ticket. Those looking for the high score will enjoy the newly renovated Del Mar Lanes (3020 Mangum Rd.)

DINE

Neighborhood gem Ploughman’s Deli & Café (965 Pinemont Dr. #100) was named the top deli in Texas by the Food Network in 2019. But don’t take their word for it. Come sample the Futurama-influenced pastrami sandwich Pastramarama or their Ruben for yourself – and wash it down with a craft beer. Nearby, Artisana Bread (965 Pinemont Dr. #800) takes pride in doing things the old fashioned way, and the proof is in their Pain de mie and other homemade breads. You can’t miss Govinda’s Vegetarian Cuisine (1320 W 34th St.) which is located next to the Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Garden Oaks. Food is served buffet style and it is hard to stop at just one helping of the Saag Paneer (Spinach with Indian cheese). Wednesday, Friday and Sunday are all vegan days. Plonk! Beer & Wine Bistro (1214 W 43rd St. #100) was one of the first upscale restaurants in the area and it is still going strong with steaks, pizzas and to die for baked brie. A newer arrival is Millie’s Kitchen and Cocktails (3542 Oak Forest Dr.) – “where life meets leisure” and where you can enjoy a host of fresh seafood options. The Tex-Mex Garage on 34th St. is a new concept from the Cyclone Anaya’s family, while just down the street Aladdin Mediterranean Grill serves up shawarma, kebabs, gyros, and BB's Tex-Orleans (1737 W 34th St.) does the gumbo and po-boys. Options for the sweet tooth include sweetFrog yogurt (1214 W 43rd St., Ste. 1200) and Becca Cakes (1207 W 34th St. #200).

SHOP

The Farm Stand at Petrol Station (948 Wakefield Dr.) is just what it sounds like – a Saturday market for small farmers to sell their bounty and craftspeople to offer their wares. You might get to love on a baby goat and you’ll definitely get to devour one of Mickey Morales’ delicious breakfast tacos. A larger venue is Eleanora’s Market held every Saturday and Sunday at Cavatore Italian Restaurant, 2120 Ella Blvd. More than 30 vendors sell produce, baked goods, art, textiles and more in the parking lot. Threadfare Children's Boutique (1207 W 34th St Suite 100) has the corner on all things kid, but they also carry some stylish threads for moms too. The Reclaimed Wood Shop (2102 W 34th St.) can sell you the reclaimed beams and barn wood, but they also do beautiful custom work. And Darlene’s Flower & Gift Shop (10570 Northwest Fwy.) has been open since 1982 because of their loyal customer base and their curated clothing and accessories.