The Backyard is known for hosting electrifying performances by renowned artists of Texas. The Glenn at The Backyard doesn't let you down either! With its hip and sophisticated backdrop, this venue stages enchanting concerts, cultural events and other functions.

South Park Meadows is a place that promises to be the next residential hot-spot. Although at present this area of around 465 acres of land, is scattered with a plethora of stores and eateries that have already enabled this place to gain tourist popularity. Shops ranging from clothing to lifestyle, makes for a wonderful shopping experience. Joints such as TGI and Cine Mark, make sure that you have a good time. Immaculately mowed lawns, and mini playhouse for the kids around the street serves to be a pleasant change. If that's not enough, one can also come down to catch some awesome concerts and rock shows.

The Waterloo Park in the heart of downtown is a beautiful 10.74 acre city park. A lovely and delightful space of green in the midst of concrete, it's like an oasis-lending it's sanctity to the people of the city. The Waller Creek runs through the middle of the park and there are trails for those who love hikes and treks. Besides serving the city people with serene calm from busy city life, the park also doubles as a site for concerts, festivals, and other special events throughout the year.

The ground where the One Texas Center stands was the site of the beloved Armadillo World Headquarters. One of Austin's most popular music hall, the Armadillo was a popular hangout for all kinds of people. The list of famous musicians who've played here is illustrious; from AC/DC to Frank Zappa, they've all graced the stage. The Armadillo World Headquarters shut down in 1980 on the grounds of bankruptcy. The commemorative plaque is still a testimony. Music may die, but it'll be remembered forever.

The Austin Museum of Art offers two distinct art experiences. It serves as the museum's principle exhibition site and presents continually changing exhibitions and education programs that showcases a diverse array of twentieth-century and contemporary art. These include painting, sculpture, photography, prints, and video. To compliment these exhibitions, the Museum also presents a broad range of accessible, interdisciplinary, and hands-on public education programs for all, including gallery tours, performances, and lectures. In addition, the AMOA Museum store offers a wide range of art-inspired gifts too. As the Museum's original home, AMOA-Laguna Gloria also offers a unique experience of history, art, and nature.

A 35-foot bronze Lone Star sculpture greets visitors at the entrance of this epic museum. This place narrates the story of Texas, sharing its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The three floors of the impressive building present interactive exhibits, special effects shows and more. On the first floor, you will find a permanent exhibit called Encounters on the Land, which highlights the first meetings between Native Americans and European explorers. The second and third floors have exhibits that showcase the evolution of Texas from the time of its inception. The museum boasts a total of 17 media installations and over 700 artifacts, not to mention Austin's only IMAX Theater.

Lombardi exhibits and sells contemporary art made by Texans. A variety of styles and media are represented, including Southwestern, expressionist, and abstract paintings, mixed media and conceptual pieces, sculpture and installation art. The gallery is located inside a downtown warehouse-type space, the interior of which is pleasingly modern and minimalist. New exhibits are frequent. You can view works by local artists on the gallery's Web site.

Not only is this an art gallery, it is also a community-based organization, which seeks to promote and provide exposure to all forms of Latino artistic expression, including poetry, music and visual arts. The gallery markets and exhibits captivating paintings and prints, and also sponsors music performances, a literary workshop and several special exhibits, including "Through Children's Eyes," an annual exhibit of photo essays by East Austin children. Endowed by state and national arts commissions, private foundations and individual donations, the gallery holds frequent fund raisers for the arts community.

This wonderful day-use park at Mary Quinlan Park is located at the upper end of Lake Austin. Visitors enjoy the waterfront, as well as 5.8 acres of land in this secluded park. The lake is great for windsurfing, water skiing and fishing. Picnic facilities with barbecue grills add to the wonderful natural surroundings of this little getaway.

The simple architecture and native history highlight this former residence of Bettie Hamilton Woodburn, who resided in the house from 1909-1920. As the daughter of Andrew Jackson Hamilton, a provisional governor of Texas, she welcomed many notable Texans and world leaders into her home. Erected at 200 East 40th Street, the Woodburn House Bed & Breakfast has since been moved and reflects the American Arts and Crafts period. Tours by appointment only. Please call for available hours.