Hi! I'm Sandra Lord, owner of Discover Houston Tours. Join me on a tour and
find out why Texas
means friendly.
I'm a Yankee from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who got here as fast as I
could. Since 1988, I have designed and conducted 3,775 tours for more than
50,742
people from around the world.
On my tours, you'll experience history, art, architecture, shopping, dining,
and more, all flavored with Houston's unique multicultural spirit.
I'm also known as the "Tunnel Lady," because I introduced the
Downtown Houston Tunnel System to the world.
In the Tunnel, the weather is
always clear and cool and there are over 100 places to eat. The
Tunnel is open during business hours on weekdays. It is closed at
night, on weekends, and national holidays.
Want to know more about me?
I'm a Certified Professional Guide, writer, researcher, trainer, and avocational
historian. I have written, edited, and performed research
for over 100 articles and books, most recently concentrating my efforts on
downtown Houston and walking in the greater Houston area.
Education
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I am a graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, spent
my junior year abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, and have lived in France, England, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia,
New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, Montana, Alaska, and California.
Tour Research, Design & Training
In July 1988, fascinated by Houston’s history and drawing on
my experience designing public tours for the University of Pittsburgh and The Franklin Mint,
I began offering guided walking tours for individuals, children’s groups, seniors’ groups, Leisure Learning Unlimited, and other organizations. Since then,
I have researched and designed hundreds of itineraries for walking and step-on
tours and conducted training and educational programs for individuals interested
in learning more about Houston.
Tour Guide Skills
In 1999, I successfully completed a Tour Guide Certification Program sponsored by Houston Community College-Central and the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau. In 2000,
I
co-founded the
Professional Tour Guide Association of Houston,
which meets monthly to determine the educational and experiential requirements
necessary for the designation "Certified Professional Guide" in Houston.
Writing & Editing
A writer and editor for more than 40 years,
I participated in "A Survey of Historical Sources on Houston and the Gulf Coast Region" at the University of Houston’s Institute for Public History in 1990. In 1992,
I published the Taste of the Tunnel Map & Restaurant Guide.
Between 1993 and 1994, I served as a member of the City of Houston’s Tunnel Task
Force and drafted its initial report to the Mayor. I have also donated my time and writing skills to the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, the Watercolor Art Society and other non-profit organizations.
Community Involvement
I am a founding member of the Friends of the Texas Room and
the Houston History Association.