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San Antonio: Heart of the City, Heart of the Hill Country

Program Number: 14419RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/30/2012 - 10/5/2012; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013; 11/3/2013 - 11/8/2013; 11/17/2013 - 11/22/2013; 2/23/2014 - 2/28/2014; 3/9/2014 - 3/14/2014; 3/23/2014 - 3/28/2014;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Price starting at: $798.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Bold colors, brave battles, big fandangos and bigger appetites — San Antonio stands a breed apart from other American cities. As gateway to the borderlands and crossroads of culture, it showcases the best of North and South, old and new. Experience San Antonio as the embodiment of the strike-it-rich spirit of Texas, a city embracing contemporary culture while paying homage to its storied past.




Highlights

• Stroll along the landscaped walkways of the River Walk and surrounding communities with an expert leader for an absorbing overview of historic home design and that of the city’s other architectural treasures.
• In the majestic Hill Country, just a short ride from the heart of the city, explore Fredericksburg to learn of its rich culture.
• Recall the era of LBJ as you go behind the scenes at his ranch and Texas White House.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to 1.5 miles, some uneven terrain, flights of stairs without railing, getting on and off trolley car, motor coach unassisted.




Date Specific Information

9-22-2013, 10-6-2013, 10-20-2013, 11-17-2013, 2-23-2014, 3-9-2014, 3-23-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio.




San Antonio

Explored in 1691 and 1709 by Spanish expeditions that named the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, the city of San Antonio today incorporates its colorful past into its present, offering the bustling River Walk, botanical gardens of native Texas flora, and the Missions National Historic Park, which includes the famous Alamo.
Accommodations
Historic hotel in the heart of downtown.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Hector Cardenas
After a 34-year career as a paramedic and firefighter for the San Antonio Fire Department, Hector Cardenas retired and began a second career sharing his love of his native city as a group leader. The Vietnam War veteran has also long been a community activist, focusing on issues from urban housing to public parks. Hector continues to help San Antonio by serving on the boards of several community groups and commissions.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   The Crockett Hotel
  San Antonio, TX 5 nights
 The Crockett Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is centrally located in the heart of downtown, just 18 steps from the Alamo. The hotel stands where Davy Crockett once did and was carefully renovated to preserve its original grandeur in 1982, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Structures.
  Contact info: 320 Bonham
San Antonio, TX 78205 USA
phone: 210-225-6500
web: www.crocketthotel.com
  Room amenities: In room movies, wireless Internet access, coffee makers, hair dryers and irons are featured in the guest rooms. Rooms have been redecorated in soothing shades of sage and include plantation shutters line the windows and custom made bedspreads. Refrigerators are provided upon request for a one-time charge.
  Facility amenities: The classic San Antonio Crockett hotel, an historic, boutique hotel offers 138 guestrooms. Crockett guests enjoy an outdoor pool and restfully landscaped fountain. Free wireless Internet access and a computer is available in the lobby for a fee if you did not travel with a laptop or smartphone. An added measure of security is provided by the Crockett’s electronic guest room and elevator key system, which requires the use of the appropriate key card for access to any guest room floor in the hotel. Accommodations are located on the second through sixth floors of the hotel. Guests of the classic Crockett Hotel are treated to an enhanced continental breakfast, served daily in the Landmark Dining area in the lobby. Breads, bagels and pastry are offered along with fresh scrambled eggs, a variety of cereals, yogurts, fresh fruit, fruit juices, coffee and tea. Enjoy the San Antonio morning paper or watch the morning news on the television while enjoying your breakfast to start the day. Enjoy access to the fitness center at The Menger Hotel.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for best price. Mention Barshop JCC Road Scholar at time of call.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for best price. Mention Barshop JCC Road Scholar at time of call.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Check into hotel after 3PM. You will be staying at The Crockett Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after morning class at approximately 10AM. Check out by 12 NOON. You will be staying at The Crockett Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Participants must sign a liability waiver to participate in this program.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available at the hotel for a discounted rate of $18 per day + tax; in/out privilages & security. Mention JCC Road Scholar at arrival to receive this discounted rate. Other parking is in the area for $8-$18 per day, without in/out privilages.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  San Antonio, TX
  Nearest city or town:  San Antonio
  Nearest highway: IH 10 or IH 37
  Nearest airport:  San Antonio Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: San Antonio, TX
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $27 from airport to hotel (after gratuity), 1-4 people per cab.
Prices are subject to change.
   

Transportation from the airport to the hotel and back is the responsibility of the participant. If you choose to take a taxi to the airport on the last day of the program, it is suggested you arrange a “ride share” with other participants as up to 4 may share a cab. Please note the “Late Hour” fee for rides between the hours of 9PM – 5AM and the “Airport Departure” fee, each are $1.00.

 

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
VIA Transportation
phone: 210-362-2020

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$1.40
Prices are subject to change.
   

Bus route #5 runs from the airport to downtown for a fare of $1.40 per person, visit www.viainfo.net for more information. VIA Metropolitan Transit began providing public transportation service in the San Antonio area in March 1978. They are funded by a one-half cent sales tax levied in San Antonio and seven other incorporated municipalities. In addition, VIA receives one-eighth cent sales tax levied in San Antonio by the Advanced Transportation District.

 

SAT; San Antonio International

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
SA Trans Airport Express
phone: 210-281-9900

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$32 round trip between airport and downtown hotels or $18 one way.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Service between airport and downtown hotels 7AM - 1:30AM, service to airport begins at 4AM. 
   

SA Trans Airport Express features 12 and 24 passenger luxury vehicles with individual seating for extra comfort. Shuttle tickets are sold at baggage claim, Terminal 1 and 2. Please note that like any other similar service, you are subject to a ride along as passengers are dropped off at their locations. This WILL lengthen the time of your travel. www.saairportshuttle.com
 
Driving Directions
  Airport Travel northeast on Airport Blvd Slight right to stay on Airport Blvd Take the US-281 S ramp Continue straight, Take the ramp on the left onto US-281 S Continue on I-37 S Take exit 141B toward Houston St/The Alamo Merge onto Elm St Turn right at E Houston St Turn left at Bonham St
  Downtown Amtrak Station Travel north on Hoefgen Ave Take the 3rd left onto E Commerce St Take the 3rd right onto Bowie St Turn left at E Crockett St Take the 1st right onto Bonham Destination will be on the right
  Houston Travel on I 10 west to downtown San Antonio Exit #574, Johnson City, to I-37 Exit #141, Commerce Street Right on Bowie Left on Crockett Right on Bonham St
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-in/Registration/Orientation
(Sunday, September 30)
   
 Afternoon: Check in hotel at the hotel begins at 3PM and relax until registration.
 Dinner: Enjoy a catered dinner of fresh salad and lasagne at the hotel.
 Evening: Your week will begin with an “Orientation and Introduction” session at the Crockett Hotel. At that time, you will pick up your packet which contains the week’s itinerary, list of Road Scholar participants, your name tag, maps of San Antonio and Fredericksburg and brochures. The tour guides will initiate a “Getting to Know You” session and will discuss the role of Road Scholar, the coordinator, the tour guides, volunteers and vendors regarding the week’s programs. This will be followed by dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: The Crockett Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Visit the Alamo and take a private barge cruise through the Riverwalk.
(Monday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Monday morning begins with an 18 step walk to the Alamo. An educational adventure awaits you on these hallowed grounds. Tread softly in the shrine where David Crockett and other heroes died to create the Republic of Texas. Hear the Alamo story told under the six flags of Texas. See the Alamo video and Long Barracks Museum. The Alamo represents nearly three hundred years of human activity. On your visit to the grounds, the Alamo Education department will give a presentation on the battle of the Alamo, reminding us of the sacrifices of a few that were made for many. Afterwards, a tour of the elegant historic Menger Hotel reveals stories of the many famous people who have stayed there. Discover the close connection of this hotel and Teddy Roosevelt.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Buckhorn Saloon, established in 1891, a true Texas treat in the middle of downtown. Belly up to the bar in this old-fashioned saloon-turned-café. This is where it all started...where Teddy Roosevelt recruited Rough Riders and Pancho Villa is rumored to have planned the Mexican Revolution. Many of the original furnishings still grace today's Buckhorn Saloon, including the back bar which was hand-crafted of marble and cherry wood.
 Afternoon: Dr. Gilberto Hinojosa from the University of the Incarnate Word, will present “Destination Texas”. Learn about Texas history and participate in a question and answer session with the professor.
 Dinner: Later in the afternoon, the tour will take you to the Riverwalk, where you will board a private barge for a personal tour of the river. Sit in comfort as you listen to entertaining narratives of the rich history of the San Antonio River and the historic Riverwalk area. The barge conveniently unloads steps from the Zuni Grill, where dinner is served. Inspired by the flavors of the American Southwest, Zuni’s menu offers something for everyone.
   
Accommodations: The Crockett Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tour the missions and the San Antonio Museum of Art.
(Tuesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: To continue on our journey of the Spanish influence on Texas culture, we will tour two of San Antonio's five missions. Arrive via private charter bus and step back in time at our Queen of the Missions, Mission San Jose. Built by Indian labor at the direction of Spanish artisans, view the meld of the New and Old World cultures. See the splendid church and the working gristmill in the guided tour. A video, "Gente de Razon" - "People of Reason", gives overview of mission life.
 Lunch: Lunch at the unforgettable Mi Tierra restaurant in "El Mercado" (Mexican Market). Here in the romantic center of the Mexican culture, discover a land of treasures, bright, bold and beautiful. Market Square... authentically Mexico and enriched with a fascinating legacy of public markets. Choose from the entire lunch menu at Mi Tierra; rice, beans, tacos, enchiladas, salads and more! Mariachi music while you dine is sure to impress!
 Afternoon: After lunch, stay for shopping and possible seasonal entertainment in the market or tour San Fernando Cathedral. Built by Spanish citizens from the Canary Islands, it is the oldest active parish church in the United States. San Fernando Cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. It is a special place that occupies a unique position in this city and for the many visitors who come by the thousands every year. From its founding on March 9, 1731 by a group of 15 families who came from the Canary Islands at the invitation of King Phillip V of Spain, this church was planned to be at the center of the life of this city. Over 5,000 participate at weekend Masses each week of the year. Over 900 baptisms, 100 weddings, 100 funerals, and countless other services are performed each year. Symphonies, concerts, and television specials are but a few of the special events held in the cathedral regularly.
 Dinner: Later in the afternoon, visit the San Antonio Museum of Art. SAMA is dedicated solely to furthering its mission to promote a deeper understanding of human cultures, values and traditions by displaying and interpreting art works from all cultures and periods. At the conclusion of this docent guided tour, board the private charter bus to the Boardwalk Bistro for dinner, a locally owned and operated restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine in a friendly, informal ambience.
   
Accommodations: The Crockett Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Take a chartered bus to the LBJ Ranch and hear live Texas music during a home cooked, southern buffet dinner.
(Wednesday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Board the private charter and enjoy a drive to the famous Texas Hill Country. We start our day by visiting the LBJ ranch in Stonewall TX. The LBJ Ranch is the location of President Lyndon Johnson's birthplace, first school, ranch house, and final resting place. Few presidential sites give a better reflection of a president than this ranch which is a virtual portrait of a larger-than-life historical figure. The video, "LBJ's Texas" sets the mood before our tour. See if the white Continental is truly parked out back! From there we will venture on bus to Fredericksburg, Texas where you will enjoy lunch on your own on Main Street.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own so that you may explore the local fare.
 Afternoon: After lunch, anyone with an interest in World War II will have the opportunity to visit one of the finest war museums in the United States. The National Museum of the Pacific War is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. For those of you who would like to investigate the unique and quaint shops and wineries along the Main Street of Fredericksburg, you are on your own until late afternoon.
 Dinner: For dinner, a meal and music will be enjoyed at the Waring General Store. Established in 1903, the "General Store" offers quite a unique setting. Don Strange purchased the general store in 1987 and "Steak Nite" was developed in 1997. There are plenty of dishes for everyone and every taste.
   
Accommodations: The Crockett Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Explore the Institute of Texas Cultures and a 1859 flour mill.
(Thursday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Board the trolley and enjoy a guided tour of the Institute of Texas Cultures, the state's center for multicultural education which focuses on ethnic and cultural history. More than 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Institute showcases the artifacts of more than twenty three major ethnic groups that formed the State of Texas.
 Lunch: Lunch at historic Guenther House Restaurant on the site of the original 1859 flour mill on the banks of the San Antonio River.
 Afternoon: Travel by trolley to the King William Historic District. By the latter half of the 19th century, the King William Historic District had grown into a fashionable neighborhood popular with another large cultural demographic, the German immigrants. Here you will tour the Victorian home of Edward Steves, a notable German merchant.
 Dinner: Bon Voyage Dinner.
   
Accommodations: The Crockett Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: You will be visited by a "Cowboy" on your final day of the program.
(Friday, October 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: To end your week, a “Cowboy” or "Cowgirl" from the Institute of Texan Cultures brings a collection of artifacts to the hotel. This is your opportunity to learn what the “Texas Cowboy” is all about - Yee-Haw! You will be sure to leave San Antonio with a newfound knowledge, appreciation and love for the city and maybe even a Texan accent!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  San Antonio, TX San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
See this site for more information of what to do in Downtown. The location of the hotel leaves you free to explore the RiverCenter Mall, The Wax Museum and to walk to various other destinations. For additional information, visit www.sanantoniovisit.com
  VIA Transit
Route #7, the Sightseer Special, travels to and from the Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, Downtown and more. For additional information, visit www.viainfo.net
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


San Antonio: Portrait of the Fiesta City


Author: Susanna Nawrocki


Description: The book is a thorough introduction to San Antonio, detailing the city's history, architecture, military tradition, and cultural events. The authors outline the history of what is perhaps San Antonio's best-known landmark, the Alamo. They also highlight more recently developed points of interest in San Antonio, focusing on the River Walk, the development that turned the San Antonio River into a graceful, romantic, and historic centrepiece for the city. They recommend several of the city's many Botanical Gardens, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Brackenridge Park, and HemisFair Plaza. And they present San Antonio's varied menu of cultural opportunities, from a day spent at the rodeo or Sea World to an evening at the Grand Opry House or the San Antonio Symphony. Finally, the authors summarise the city's most popular fiestas and festivals. Throughout, Mark Langford's color photographs celebrate the diversity and spirit of San Antonio.



Place Names of San Antonio plus Bexar and Surrounding Counties


Author: David Green


Description: This second, much-enlarged edition of Dr. David Green's pioneering book on place names now identifies, often for the first time, more than 700 familiar and less familiar names in eight counties in South Texas. There are dozens of new illustrations of namesakes. Chapters on San Antonio reveal origins in numerous categories streets, parks, schools, libraries and learning centers, landmarks, military bases, suburbs. Another chronicles the blizzard of names on the streets and buildings of the South Texas Medical Center. Origins of many Spanish names are included, as are those of a few names less officially designated, such as Pace Picante Sauce and the Quarry Market. This is a book with answers that will be referred to again and again.





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