RIVER OAKS

A drive through the shady lanes of River Oaks gives you a real taste of the American dream. Built from the 1920s onwards around Houston's very select country club, this neighborhood has remained the city's most upscale. Since 1980 and the oil crisis, doctors and lawyers have joined the ranks of oil entrepreneurs. All live in their own real estate bubble, where houses are never less than 300^m2. To get there, take Westheimer Road, the neighborhood's southern border. At 34 miles long, it's the longest street in Texas, and Houstonians don't hesitate to call it the longest street in the USA! And don't miss the River Oaks Plant House (www.riveroaksplanthouse.com) at 3401, a store that shapes plants into animal forms. The whole stretch is decorated with them, and River Oaks residents are crazy about them! Then take Claremont, Chevy Chase, Willowick and Inwood road, which boasts some of the most imposing houses. Don't worry if the local patrol looks at you doubtfully. This neighborhood militia is there to chase away trespassers, but just smile and all will be well. To the east of the neighborhood, at the corner of West Gray and Shepherd, you'll find Houston's oldest shopping center, River Oaks Shopping Center. To the west, at 4000 Westheimer Road, just before Galleria, you'll also find Highland Village, a popular shopping center for wealthy Houstonians.