Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the oldest Hispanic parish in Austin, was originally located on Fifth and Guadalupe. Built in 1907, the church was forced to move to its present location in east Austin in the 1920s due to a city-enforced master plan of cultural segregation. The church burned down in the 1940s, and the present-day structure was completed in 1951. This congregation is especially known for its widespread celebration of the Feast of Guadalupe on December 12th, the patron saint not only of their church but for Latinos everywhere.

This church was built by Bishop George Herbert Kinsolving, who is buried in a crypt underneath the altar. Created as a mission for St. David's Episcopal Church (the oldest Episcopal church in Austin), All Saints originally served the members of Grace Hall, then a women's dormitory for the University of Texas. A more modern chapel area was added in the 1950s. Despite its close proximity to the UT campus, All Saints attract a varied congregation of singles and families alike, some driving from as far away as Buda to enjoy the warm, family atmosphere.

Caswell House was Built in 1899 and located in central Austin, not far from the Capitol and the Governor's Mansion, this was once the home of a prominent Austin family. With Victorian and Colonial revivalist architecture, it is known as one of the most beautiful local attractions. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s and has been recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark. The home belongs to the Austin Junior Forum now, and is available to rent for special events.

These modern facilities are also available for rent and are an excellent choice for conferences and educational forums. The staff can even assist with conference planning services. The center also offers classes designed for furthering education of professionals. If you are interested in fine arts, computer application training, or an ongoing seminar series, the Thompson Center can keep you up to speed on the issues.

Standing 27 stories high, the University of Texas Tower (the main administrative building) is a fixture in the Austin skyline. Standing very close to the height of the Capitol, the observation deck provides a beautiful view of the city. A testament to school spirit, the tower shines in burnt orange, and the bells peal to hail the University sports teams' victories. This stunning architectural beauty is a must-see when visiting the campus.

Built in 1853 by Abner Cook, the master builder of the Governor's Mansion, this Greek Revival-style home is made with Texas limestone. Originally built as the Washington Hill House, the two-storey structure is now a museum. Operated by the Colonial Dames of America, the museum is furnished with 19th-century reproductions of 18th-century French antiques. Historic documents dating from 1770-1900 are also housed here.

Located on the University of Texas campus, inside Sid Richardson Hall, is this unique library of archives, holding the largest collection of Texana. Several rotating and permanent exhibitions are showcased at the Center for American History, along with the Texas Music Collection. The collection features vintage posters from the Armadillo World Headquarters, a popular live music venue in the 1970s. Visitors also enjoy the Stevie Ray Vaughan Collection and the entire New York Times archive. Admission is free.

At Harry Ransom Center you will enjoy viewing the first ever photograph taken, alongside one of only 13 remaining Gutenberg Bibles created in 1456. Also showcased are rare compositions and manuscripts by Galileo, Beethoven, Hemingway and more. You will find a wonderful collection of theater arts pieces and a book library with over 800,000 priceless manuscripts. Take advantage of the free admission and experience many of the University's unique treasures.

With a collection of more than 17,000 works of art, this is one of the most visited museums in the city and also the largest University art-space in the country. It is located in the University of Texas campus and houses a large variety of Latin American art, American art and European work. With an atrium that extends 70 feet above the stone floors, this museum offers a unique, natural space. Temporary exhibits are constantly changing, with fresh work being showcased regularly. This research-based museum also offers lectures by artists, museum curators and art historians from across the country.

Eastwoods Park is a family-friendly nine-acre (3.64-hectare) outdoor space located just shy of the border of the UT Campus. It is easy to completely forget about its existence as it is hidden behind student accommodations and fraternity housing. What this park offers is a place for families to relax on a sunny afternoon with a playground for the kids. You will also find students taking advantage of the open space to read and play some sports. The park includes two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a splash pad, walking trails, picnic tables, and four barbecue pits for those of you who love to grill in the great outdoors. Everything is free to use, courtesy of the Austin Parks Foundation. -Tope Eletu-Odibo