Mr. Mark Elder, State Farm Insurance Agent

Take in 20th-century and contemporary American art at The Contemporary Austin, showcasing two renowned and architecturally unique locations, where they bring multidisciplinary exhibitions, engaging programs, and enticing special events to the city's visual arts landscape. The Contemporary Austin aims to create a cultural center of gravity in Austin for a variety of experiences linked to contemporary art. They offer many engaging opportunities for artists, enjoyable hands-on programs for families, and many exhibitions and event opportunities.

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.

The breathtaking beauty and unusual construction of the Texas Capitol are the stuff of legends in the Lone Star State. View artifacts of Texas history, including the original flag from the Battle of San Jacinto, historical paintings, and some of the original Senator desks from 1888. Take a guided tour through the Capitol Building, which has 400 rooms and more than 900 windows. Then check out the Capitol Grounds, which spans 22 acres featuring historical buildings, 17 monuments, and beautifully landscaped lawns.

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.