This is a sterling arts venue, but what really makes the Helm such a swell destination for an arts night out is walking around the building and suddenly seeing the land drop away toward the Colorado River below, and layers of rolling hills on the far shore. Before stepping inside, amble about the Hill at St. Stephen’s and marvel at how nature can improve one’s appreciation of the arts.

The center includes the Temple Family Theatre, a state-of-the-art 410-seat performance hall and proscenium stage, a 100-seat recital hall; and an open-air portico overlooking the Colorado River and the Texas Hill Country.