Balancing Books

Austin Opera invites you to fall in love with an art form as adventurous and spirited as Austin itself. Discover the transformational power of live music and experience epic opera, locally grown with blockbuster productions of opera’s most beloved stories.

Explore the "jewel in the heart of Austin," also known as the Zilker Botanical Garden. The garden was established in 1995 and sprawls through 31 acres of downtown Austin, offering a sweet escape from city streets and greeting more than 400,000 visitors annually. Themes among the gardens are as varied as nature itself. There's a Japanese garden and koi pond, a rose garden, an herb garden, a butterfly trail and garden, and a cactus garden among the selections to tour. Another unique feature is the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, which recreates the habitat of local dinosaurs. Visitors can tour the gardens for free and take home a Texas succulent or majestic orchid among the many offerings.

Gray Line Tours in Austin has been a trusted provider of traveler experiences and sightseeing tours. Their team of tour experts shows you the wonders and adventures you just can’t miss. During your tour, you will discover how the German migration of the 1840s and 1850s influenced the development of this picturesque area. You will hear about the role of the Texas cowboy and the great cattle drives from South Texas to mid-western markets. You'll also learn about the legacies of both LBJ—America’s 36th President—and Lady Bird, his beloved wife. They will then stop and take in the storied musical history of Luckenbach, made world-famous by artists and colorful characters, including Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gary P Nunn, and Hondo Crouch.