Road Scholar : Home
Signature City Austin: A Capital Adventure

Program Number: 13184RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/10/2013 - 2/15/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013; 2/16/2014 - 2/21/2014;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Austin, Texas
Price starting at: $798.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities; Music Appreciation
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Do more than “get your cowboy on” in the Lone Star State’s capital of Austin. Delve into a pulsing hotspot that boasts a big-city skyline, some of America’s top high-tech firms, trail-blazing politicians, buffalo-hunting origins dating to the 1830s, and world-class art and culture. Learn why eclectic Austinites’ slogan is “Keep Austin Weird,” and pull up a stool to Mexican and Texas barbecue fare.




Highlights

• Go backstage at the “Austin City Limits” studio — the longest-running TV show in music history — and behind the scenes at the LBJ Presidential Library.
• Explore the Texas-sized capitol building and a university art museum holding 17,000 works.
• Hear a university professor open an entertaining window into the city’s thriving music scene, a former Texas State senator discuss the fascinating life of trailblazing Texas congresswoman Barbara Jordan, and delight in live music of a two-time Grammy Award winner.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day.




Date Specific Information

10-20-2013

The Texas Book Festival will be held on the weekend after this program ends. Stay in Austin a few days to enjoy the terrific festival and hear your favorite authors speak! See www.texasbookfestival.org for more information.



2-16-2014

After a fun-filled week in Austin, consider an exploration of San Antonio through Signature City San Antonio, from February 23-28, 2014. Nonstop transportation by bus from Austin to San Antonio is available for less than $20. Discover why San Antonio is one of America`s most visited cities after your week in Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World. Double the fun an learning when you register for both programs!



Coordinated by University of Texas at Austin.




Austin

Surrounded by limestone hills and built on the banks of the Colorado, Austin is a university town thriving in arts and culture. It prides itself on being eclectic, but also historic, relaxed and culturally diverse. This capital city has a vibrant music scene, which includes Austin City Limits and an active downtown music and dining scene.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel in heart of city.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Bob Tissing
Bob Tissing has been an archivist at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library for 37 years. He has given numerous talks about the Presidential Library System, the White House telephone recordings and conversations, and in-depth talks about the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum. He has also given many behind-the-scenes explorations of the archives to various groups from around the world. He was a charter member of the Academy of Certified Archivists, as well as a member of the Society of American Archivists, and the Society of Southwest Archivists, where he was elected secretary, vice president, and president. Bob loves to play tennis and travels all over the world.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Radisson Hotel
  Austin, Texas 5 nights
 Radisson Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Radisson Hotel offers Texas hospitality in a unique lakeside setting located on Lady Bird Lake and the Hike and Bike Trail, a 10.1-mile trail that runs along the historic Colorado River through the heart of downtown Austin. The hotel occupies a dynamic site in the city's business district, convenient to the entertainment and music districts and historic 6th Street where you will find popular restaurants, night clubs and Live Music! It's just a short walk or bus ride to the Capitol, LBJ Library and Museum, The University of Texas, Bullock Texas State History Museum and more. The Radisson's T.G.I. Friday's Patio Deck is the best place to view the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats, which come out most nights at dusk during the spring and summer seasons.
  Contact info: 111 Cesar Chavez Street
Austin, TX 78701 USA
phone: 512-478-9611
web: www.radissonaustin.com
  Room amenities: High-speed Internet access for an additional charge, cable television, hair dryer, iron and ironing board.
  Facility amenities: Room service, laundry and dry-cleaning service, executive business center, safety-deposit boxes, exercise facility, gift shop, on-site Starbucks Coffee store, outdoor pool, ATM in lobby.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Rates vary by availability. Participants must contact the hotel directly for additional nights reservations at (512) 478-9611.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Rates vary by availability. Participants must contact the hotel directly for additional nights reservations at (512) 478-9611.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:30PM at the hotel. You will be staying at Radisson Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Ends after breakfast at the hotel. Check out by 12 PM. You will be staying at Radisson Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Road Scholar Health and Safety Form; Release & Indemnification Agreement. Both must be completed and returned to the Program Provider at least six weeks prior to the program.
  Parking availability:
There is an additional charge for parking at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Austin, Texas
  Nearest city or town:  Austin, Texas
  Nearest highway: 183, I-35, Hwy 1/Mopac
  Nearest airport:  Austin Bergstrom International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Austin, Texas
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Austin

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super Shuttle
phone: 800-258-3826

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call 800-258-3826 or www.supershuttle.com for current fares
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30-40 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

In Austin from airport to hotel, Super Shuttle service, approximate cost $14 per person, one way. Super Shuttle telephone 800-258-3826. Reservations are not required. On arrival proceed to the Super Shuttle Kiosk in the baggage claim area. Prices are subject to change.
 

Austin

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super Shuttle
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Call 800-258-3826 or www.supershuttle.com for current fares
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30-40 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

In Austin from hotel to airport, Super Shuttle service, approximate cost $14 per person, one way. Super Shuttle telephone 800-258-3826. Reservations are required. Prices are subject to change.
 

Austin

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 512-459-9999

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30, prices are subject to change.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30-40 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
 

Austin

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Yellow Cab
phone: 512-459-9999

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30, price subject to change.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30-40 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
 
Driving Directions
  From the East or West - Highway 71 Take I-35 North to the 1st Street (Cesar Chavez) exit. Head west on Cesar Chavez. The entrance to the Radisson will be on the left just before you reach Congress Avenue.
  From the North or South on I-35 Take I-35 to the 1st Street (Cesar Chavez) exit. Head west on Cesar Chavez. The entrance to the Radisson will be on the left just before Congress Avenue.
  From the South or North on Mopac (Loop 1) Take the 1st Street (Cesar Chavez) exit and proceed east, once through the Congress Avenue light, take a right into the Radisson.
Elevation Note: Austin's elevation is 550 feet.
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: Welcome/Orientation and Dinner
(Sunday, February 10)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available from 3:00pm. REGISTRATION & ORIENTATION: 4:30pm in Skyline conference room on the 2nd floor. Pick up your Road Scholar arrival packet containing your name tag, up-to-date schedule, list of participants, maps, and other important information we will review. The on-site coordinator will greet you with a warm Texas welcome, introduce everyone, and provide key staff contact names and emergency phone numbers. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. If you arrive late, pick up your packet at the hotel front desk. Breakfast each day is in the hotel with lunch and dinner at Austin area restaurants. This Road Scholar program provides opportunities to learn how history, culture, art and music all converge at the Lone Star State's capital, Austin. Challenge the myth of the stereotypical Texan, hear of controversial politics from Ma and Pa Ferguson to LBJ and learn why Austin is called "The Live Music Capital of the World." At Austin museums review the life of our 36th President, tour the largest university art collection in the country, survey Texas history and top off the week with a Texas BBQ. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to weather and other local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible.
 Dinner: A nearby restaurant offers multiple entrée choices and continuing opportunities to become acquainted with your fellow participants and program staff.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Discover Austin: Texan Stereotypes, Live Music Performance, Guided Tour of City Hall, Backstage tour of Austin City Limits Studio
(Monday, February 11)

Note: Activity Notes: Walking up to two miles a day with rest stops. Standing in museums for 1-2 hours and use of public transportation.
   
 Breakfast: Full hot breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: “Texas Stereotypes”- Find out all about Texas through this informative overview. You’ll learn about regional differences in geography, people, food, music, and get a new perspective about the traditions of the Lone Star State. PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a live music performance from a Grammy award winning piano player. Enjoy the boogie-woogie keyboard stylings of Floyd Domino, who has recorded and performed with Asleep at the Wheel, Merle Haggard, George Strait and Kelly Willis. Domino shares anecdotes about life as a performer on the road, with a humorous edge.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP:Guided Tour of City Hall: The new Austin City Hall and Public Plaza is located at the edge of the dynamic Warehouse district on the shores of Downtown Austin’s Town Lake. The project is dominated by landscape and incorporates limestone, copper, glass, water and shade to create the city’s living room. The building is filled with an amazing collection of art, submitted and selected each year by citizens. Learn about the city’s energy conservation efforts by viewing the rooftop surfaces on the tops of the parking garage and each level of the building that use native and adaptive plants to conserve water and reduce energy costs. FIELD TRIP: Backstage Tour of Austin City Limits Studio: Tour the Moody Theater, home of the longest-running television show in music history, the Austin City Limits (ACL). The show features a wide variety of musical styles and genres, and has run on PBS stations for almost 30 years. In 2011, ACL moved to its current venue, a state-of-the-art production facility with seating capacity of 2700. Guides will take you inside the studio and beyone and show you how both large and small shows are produced. You’ll marvel at the collection of custom posters, made for each show, lovingly preserved throughout the building. Take a trip back in time as you enjoy the vast collection of candid photographs of your favorite musicians, dating from the 1960s to the present.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.
 Evening: Free evening to explore downtown Austin.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Discover Texas Politics: Texas State History Museum; Texas State Capitol; Texas Political Tradition & Texas Rhythm, Texas Rhyme
(Tuesday, February 12)

Note: Walking up to two miles a day with rest stops. Standing in museums for 1-2 hours and use of public transportation.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: “The Texas Political Traditions”- Explore the colorful history of Texas’ political past and present with a university professor whose Texas history textbooks are used in public schools throughout the state. From the founders of the Republic of Texas, through the scandal-plagued years of the early 20th century to the politicians of our time, get the full story about those who were elected to office in Texas, for better or worse. FIELD TRIP: Immerse yourself in the “Story of Texas” through a visit to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Take a guided tour of one of the city’s most popular attractions. With a docent, tour the three-story museum, moving through the themes of land, identity and opportunity, with some time on your own to explore the artifacts and multi-media exhibits that reflect the state’s history and culture.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: With a guide, tour the largest state capitol in the country. Admire the Renaissance Revival architecture and granite masonry as you hear more about Texas history and the politics that shaped the state’s identity. Learn how Texans used inmate labor and massive land trades to finance construction of the magnificent building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After your tour, you will have some free time to discover other sites in downtown Austin, including the historic Driskill Hotel, as you return to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.
 Evening: PRESENTATION: “Texas Rhythm, Texas Rhyme”- An informative look into the city’s music scene, led by a university professor. Learn why Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: A Time with Barbara Jordan presentation; UT Campus; Nettie Benson Latin American Studies Collection; LBJ Presidential Library and Archives
(Wednesday, February 13)

Note: Walking up to two miles a day with rest stops. Standing in museums for 1-2 hours and use of public transportation.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: “A Time with Barbara Jordan" by Max Sherman, editor of book, Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder by Barbara Jordan. Sherman, the former Dean of the LBJ School of Public Affairs and a former state senator recognized as one of the best legislators in Texas, shares his passionate interest in former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. Through thoughtful analysis of her great speeches and her public works, Sherman will enlighten you about the impact made by Jordan, a Texas trailblazer and one of the most eloquent politicians of the 20th century. FIELD TRIP: Explore the University of Texas’ vast collection of materials in the field of Latin American Studies. Get an inside look at the largest university collection in the United States of books, periodicals, manuscripts, photographs, maps and other media related to Latin American countries and their peoples. Marvel at colorful, detailed hand-drawn maps from the 16th century, along with correspondence from early Spanish rulers to Mexican officials. Examine documentation of early Spanish colonization efforts and some of the earliest publications from the New World, some containing music and liturgical texts.
 Lunch: Lunch at Thompson Conference Center on UT Campus.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum located on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Enjoy a behind-the scenes, private tour of archives and presidential papers from the Johnson administration. With an archivist, learn the history of presidential museums and libraries in the United States, as well as the origins of the LBJ museum, the first to be located on a university campus. Listen to recordings made during Johnson’s administration that reveal much about his personality and style and illustrate why he was able to rise to power and accomplish what he did during his career.
 Dinner: Dinner unscheduled.
 Evening: Evening unscheduled to explore the city or attend live music performances on your own.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Texas State Cemetery; Blanton Art Museum; Umlauf Sculpture Garden; Mt. Bonnell
(Thursday, February 14)

Note: Walking up to two miles a day with rest stops. Standing in museums for 1-2 hours and use of public transportation. Viewing top of Mount Bonnell requires climbing 4-5 flights of outdoor stairs. Alternate views are available from non-summit locations near the bus.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Continue your exploration of Texas and its history with a visit to the Texas State Cemetery, the final resting place of Governors, Senators, Legislators, Congressmen, Judges and other legendary Texans who have made the state what it is today. Enjoy a guided tour through the recently renovated cemetery grounds to hear stories about historical figures, Commanches, sports figures and others who have influenced the Texas mystique. FIELD TRIP: Art enthusiasts will delight in a visit to the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. The Blanton is one of the foremost university art museums in the country. The Blanton's permanent collection of more than 17,000 works is recognized for its European paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, and an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Enjoy the peaceful grounds of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, a natural oasis dedicated to the work of 20th century American sculptor Charles Umlauf. With a docent, tour the gardens and museum, located next to Austin’s Zilker Park. Continue your exploration of what keeps Austin weird as you drive down South Congress Avenue, home to eclectic shops, food trailers and nightclubs. EXCURSION: Complete your week of discovery by ascending to the city’s highest point, Mount Bonnell. Enjoy the view from the majestic vista atop the area’s highest hill, overlooking the Colorado River, downtown and the hill country to the west of town.
 Dinner: Say goodbye to Austin and the other participants during a festive farewell dinner.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Breakfast/Depatures
(Friday, February 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast and departures.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Austin, Texas Austin City Limits
Austin City Limits continues to be the best show in town. The longest-running PBS series showcases American music and Texas music in particular. Located on The University of Texas at Austin campus. Call the ACL hotline at (512) 475-9077 for full details.
  Blanton Museum
Museum's permanent collection includes more than 17,000 works that span the history of Eastern civilization - from ancient art to the more recent contemporary works. Known as one of the foremost university art museum's in the nation, is recognized for its Old Masters prints, modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, and encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings. For additional information, visit www.blantonmuseum.org
  LBJ Library and Museum
Museum chronicles the life of our 36th President. Archives/museum relating to LBJ and office of the presidency in general; colorful highlights of political campaigns. Exhibits include gifts from foreign heads of state, a moon rock, replica of the Oval Office and changing exhibits. Open 9-5 daily except Christmas. No charge for admission. The LBJ Library is on the University of Texas at Austin campus. For additional information, visit www.lbjlib.utexas.edu
  Ransom Center
One of the world's finest cultural archives, center houses a rare Gutenberg Bible, printed in 1455. Other exhibits include 30 million literary manuscripts, one million rare books, five million photographs, and more than 100,000 works of art. Recently renovated, the facility showcases changing exhibits from the permanent holdings. On The University of Texas campus. No admission fee. For additional information, visit www.hrc.utexas.edu
  State Capitol Building
The Capitol, a massive statehouse constructed of Texas pink granite, dominates the 46 acre, park-like area. Capitol Visitors Center is housed in the renovated General Land Office building constructed around 1857, the oldest state office building. Exhibits include a pictorial history of the Capitol's renovations and a 23-minute informational video, plus the history of the Texas General Land Office. For additional information, visit www/tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/capitol/texascap
  Texas Memorial Museum
Historical, archaeological and geological collections. Includes the fossil remains of the largest flying creature ever found, a Pterosaur, with a wingspan of more than 40 feet that lived in Texas 65 million years ago. Other exhibition items range from gems and minerals to fossils and meteorites. No admission fee. For additional information, visit www.utexas.edu/tmm
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


Gone to Texas, a History of the Lone Star State


Author: Randolph Campbell


Imperial Texas: An Interpretive Essay in Cultural Geography


Author: D.W. Meinig


Hood, Bonnet, and Little Brown Jug


Author: Norman Brown


Miriam: The Southern Belle Who Became the Fist Woman Governor of Texas


Author: May Nell Paulissen and Carl McQueary


W. Lee O'Daniel and Texas Politics, 1938-1942


Author: Seth S. McKay


Border Radio: Quacks, Yodelers, Pitchmen, Psychics, and Other Amazing Broadcasters of the American Airways


Author: Gene Fowler and Bill Crawford


Charlatan: America's Most Dangerous Huckster, the Man Who Pursued Him, and the Age of Flimflam


Author: Pope Brock


The Years of Lyndon Johnson: The Path to Power


Author: Robert A. Caro


Lone Star Rising: Lyndon B. Johnson and His Times, 1980-1960


Author: Robert Dalleck


Flawed Giant: Lyndon B. Johnson and His Times: 1960-1973


Author: Robert Dallect


Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History


Author: Samuel C. Gwynne




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