Sio Resource Group

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.

Take a walk on the wild side at the Austin Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with over 350 animals representing Texas native wildlife. As you walk through the zoo, check out all the new things you can learn about all the different mammals, birds, primates, reptiles, amphibians, and domestic animals.

Enjoy the vino on a romantic date at the 65-acre Fall Creek Vineyards, where the micro climate of the Texas Hill Country produces robust wine grapes. Tours and tastings available daily.