Bowling is America's most popular sport, according to the website 300 Houston, and every major city has many alleys where one can pass the time. The Houston area has 18 alleys, as of the summer of 2010. Alleys range from traditional watering holes to upscale, destination-worthy attractions. Whatever your tastes or budget, there's bound to be an alley you'll love in Houston.
Basics
You'll need a bowling ball and a pair of skid-free shoes to bowl. The ball usually is included in the cost of admission to an alley. The shoes can be rented for a nominal fee. Expert bowlers, however, often choose to bring their own ball and shoes.
Price
Prices for bowling vary considerably from establishment to establishment. As of summer 2010, bowling in Houston should run you between $5 and $15 per game. The higher-end places often include shoe rental and/or soft drinks with their admission. Shoes can be rented for $2 to $5.
Prices are most commonly listed per game, though renting a lane is also a popular option for those visiting with a group.
Amenities
While the more traditional alleys may offer a few lanes and a snack bar with soft drinks and snacks, the more competitive chain locations offer a number of amenities for their visitors like TVs that show popular sporting events, billiard tables and high-end restaurants and bars on the premises.
Additionally, happy hour, lunch-hour and off-peak specials are organized by most of the bowling alleys in Houston, along with events geared toward college students, children, sports enthusiasts and for those who work in the service industry. These places allow for meeting new people and making friends around a social activity.
Leagues
If you are becoming a serious bowler, you may want to consider joining a bowling league in Houston. Leagues are hosted nightly at a number of locations; you can join an already established one or start your own and rent a lane around which to meet. An established community of bowlers with leagues that cater to seniors, students and other specialty group has long existed in Houston.
Events
Bowling alleys are popular locations for special events and birthday parties. Most Houston alleys offer packages that include catering, private lanes and rooms. The packages are usually for two or three hours and include two lanes, or more, so that several teams can play at once. The type of food offered varies. Most locations offer pizza and soft drink-type fare, though high-end Houston alleys have started to offer more decadent fare like grilled salmon and wine alongside traditional comfort foods.
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