One of the simple pleasures of summer life is being able to spend it in a verdant spot like Noel Heritage Plaza. In the summer the park hosts free evening concerts, and adjacent is the Ector County Library.

This ranching headquarters was originally built in 1917. Jim Parker bought the house in 1934, and it has since been a historical gem of Odessa. The Cotswold style house opened to the public in 1996, featuring exhibitions that reflect the ranching and county history. The museum annually showcases the legacy of local ranching families with interviews, photos, and artifacts. Admission is free of charge, though donations are greatly appreciated.

Home to many charity golf events, Hogan Park prides itself as the best destination for golf in West Texas. This city staple was constructed in 1959, has 36 holes of challenging courses, which include the Roadrunner and the traditional Quail Course. After a long day of golf, grab a bite to eat and some refreshments at the Bar and Grill. Hogan Park also caters to wedding and banquet events as well as the PGA Tour.

Floyd Gwinn Park opened in 1945 as the first aquatic park in Odessa. Today this 40-acre park features two playgrounds, plus all the facilities to support your favorite sport. Floyd Gwinn has it all, from baseball and soccer, to basketball, tennis, and volleyball. You can also enjoy a swim in the community pool on a hot day. The park is also home to the Floyd Gwinn Gymnasium, which gives the community a facility to practice and participate in activities.

Big Bend includes mountain, desert, and river environments, offering each visitor majestic beauty all around. Explore Big Bend from the Chisos Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert, to Santa Elena Canyon and the Rio Grande River. Ranger led programs are also available, providing more information on the native peoples that lived in the area and the natural changes that Big Bend has undergone over time. Whether you hike, climb, float, or drive, make sure to stay hydrated as you explore the 801,000 acres of Big Bend.

One of the most scenic areas in Texas lies in the Northeastern Chihuahuan Desert. Here in the Davis Mountains you can observe the "sky-island," a range that rises above the desert. The conservatory is also home to wild animals like the black bear, mountain lion, Golden Eagle, and Montezuma Quail. This preserve is also important to the West Texas ranching legacy, as well as maintaining the dark skies for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory. Conveniently located less than a three hour drive away from the Permian Basin, the Nature Conservatory of the Davis Mountains is a must-see.

Whether you are an alumni, current, or prospective student, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a campus worth visiting. The campus features a replica of Stonehenge, the Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery, and a nationally accredited business school. Home of the falcons, UTPB is also proud of its reputation and involvement in research to better the economy of the Permian Basin.

The Folger Gallery is dedicated to bringing fine art to art collectors. You can shop online or venture into the store to find your favorite art pieces. From impressionism to realism, the gallery also stocks sculptures and prints. Other unique items include Ceramic Celtic Crosses and porcelain collectibles. Stop in to view these original art works, that are directly from the artist, and bring one home today.

This six story atrium will leave you wondering if you are in the tropics of Western Texas. The Claydesta Atrium is filled with plants, streams, waterfalls, fish and birds. This beautiful building is the perfect spot for any special occasion, as many weddings are held in this scenic indoor area. In addition, the atrium also has a skylight to add that final touch to your special day.

For once, an art exhibit for children that urges them to "Please Touch." The Fredda Turner Durham Children's Museum at the Museum of the Southwest is a small, but child-friendly space, designed to encourage children to explore through art. This multi-sensory environment has various interactive galleries, like the sound wall and the career center. Also, the Museum Art School is apart of the Children's Museum and holds exciting classes for kids PK-6th grade.