Explore the elegant side of Austin at the Neill-Cochran House, considered one of the city's three most important historic residences, where you'll discover several rooms decorated with 1780-1925 furniture. Tour the historic home and hear several stories about the many occupants over the years, including the Texas School for the Blind and its occupation by federal troops during Reconstruction. The home is open for daily tours and is a living history lesson on how Austin went from a sleepy outpost to the state capital to the home of one of the largest universities in the country.
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.
Get ready to join the granddaddy of all local music venues, the Continental Club, where they have enjoyed a coast-to-coast reputation as the premiere club for live music in Austin. This historic live music destination opened its doors as a swanky private supper club, but in the decades since, it's become a mecca for roots, rockabilly, country, swing, rock, and blues music every night of the week. The classic neon sign flashing above the entrance is a landmark on South Congress, and vintage cars and hot rods often line South Congress Avenue in front of the dimly lit club.
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.