Road Scholar : Home
Signature City San Antonio

Program Number: 1981RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/12/2013 - 5/17/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013; 10/27/2013 - 11/1/2013; 11/10/2013 - 11/15/2013; 11/17/2013 - 11/22/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Price starting at: $799.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities; History & Culture
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Salt    

San Antonio today is a vibrant meeting of centuries of crossed paths — Native Americans, Colonial Spain, Germans, Old Mexico, the Canary Islands, the Wild West, the Deep South — and its big, gracious heart pays homage to them all. At the Alamo, hear of Col. William B. Travis’ last stand, barge the scenic River Walk’s urban twists and turns, and put an unexpectedly revealing eye on San Antonio’s past at the thriving arts community of La Villita.




Highlights

• Delve into the 26 ethnic groups that settled the Texas frontier, including Germanic influences in the King William District, and explore a Colonial Revival-style museum holding magnificent works by Gauguin, van Gogh, Hopper, O’Keefe and Pollock.
• Hear a master storyteller weave tales of Texas’ colorful characters and legends, from Texas Rangers and the snake that fought in the Civil War to Texas’ state flower, the bluebonnet.
• Learn how to make the perfect enchilada from a female chef who prepared tacos for a presidential inauguration dinner, and then sit down to a full Mexican feast.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day; some public transportation.




Date Specific Information

5-12-2013, 9-22-2013, 9-29-2013

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



10-20-2013

This program has been modified to reduce the amount of walking and provide more transportation by charter bus. The additional cost for this program includes three days of charter bus transportation. Participants should be able to climb a flight of stairs and walk 3-5 blocks on city streets or uneven surfaces.
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



10-27-2013, 11-10-2013

Consider taking this program back-to-back with “On the Road: San Antonio to Big Bend National Park” (#20562).



Coordinated by University of Texas at Austin.




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
Boutique hotel on the River Walk with outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Margie Strayer
Marjorie Strayer was born in San Antonio, and was raised on a ranch 25 miles west of town. Her ancestors arrived in America before the War of Independence and settled in Texas when it was part of Mexico. Her love of this area has kept her anchored in or near San Antonio, and she enjoys being a part of the team that showcases the gems of our city to visitors. When not working, Marjorie travels, reads, and does volunteer work. She recently returned from a Road Scholar Semester At Sea voyage, where she added seven new countries to the list of 45 previously visited.
 
Donna Ingham
Tale teller and author Donna Ingham takes the ancient art of storytelling and gives it a Texas twist. A Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Artist, she published four books and is currently working on two more. In addition to being a recipient of the John Henry Faulk award, she has the dubious distinction of having been named “Biggest Liar in Austin” six times without even being elected to public office. She has a Ph.D. in English and was a college professor in her former life.
 
Diana Barrios
Diana Barrios’ cooking-class techniques, spiced with warmth and wit, were honed during her years of weekly cooking segments on San Antonio morning television. Her local celebrity resulted in guest cooking appearances on National TV shows as "Good Morning, America" and the Food Network. Encouraged by her new friend, Emeril Lagasse, Diana collected family recipes for the "Los Barrios Family Cookbook" that is sold nationally and for which Emeril wrote the forward.
 
Frances Evans
Frances Evans is a professional storyteller with a specialty in Texas and family stories. An educator for 33 years in the North East school district in San Antonio, upon retiring she became a volunteer at the Institute of Texan Cultures in its Tex-Kit program. Collections of items — tools and accoutrements — used by people who forged the state of Texas, a folk medicine kit is among the kits Frances has spoken about to classrooms, clubs and other groups.
 
Tim Draves
Tim Draves teaches Texas History at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. He has been the editor of The Journal of the Life and Culture of San Antonio since 2005, where he promotes research and understanding of over 300 years of the town’s settlement. Tim serves on the Bexar County Historical Commission, and has won several Texas research and teaching awards.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Drury Plaza Hotel
  San Antonio, Texas 5 nights
 Drury Plaza Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Enjoy historical elegance and spectacular views along the famous River Walk. The Drury Plaza Hotel is the restored 1929 Alamo National Bank Building, located on the River Walk, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Using Art Deco ornamentation and the principles of the Beaux-Arts, the architects designed the twenty-four story skyscraper and incorporated the Texas Stars and southwest patterns. This architectural masterpiece has been a landmark in the San Antonio skyline since its construction. The basement still contains three of the original bank vaults. The outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, on the hotel's 24th floor, features city-wide views.
  Contact info: 105 South St. Mary's Street
San Antonio, TX 78205 USA
phone: 210-270-7799
web: www.druryhotels.com
  Room amenities: All rooms are suites featuring a microwave and refrigerator, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, Internet access and cable TV.
  Facility amenities: Amenities at the Drury Plaza include a full hot breakfast buffet with scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, juice, fruit, yogurt, cereals, coffee, and tea, complimentary Happy Hour daily, free long distance – one hour every night in every room, complimentary 24-hour business center, fitness room and Guest Pantry, on-site covered parking is available for an additional charge, free fountain soda and fresh popcorn each afternoon in the lobby, beautiful rooftop pool and Jacuzzi with citywide views, and guest laundry.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Best seasonal price available. Please telephone hotel representative directly (210) 220-2990 or e-mail donna.swanson@druryhotels.com for rates and availability.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Best seasonal price available. Please telephone hotel representative directly (210) 220-2990 or e-mail donna.swanson@druryhotels.com for rates and availability.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:30 PM at the hotel. You will be staying at Drury Plaza Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
11:00 AM at the hotel. You will be staying at Drury Plaza Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Road Scholar Health and Safety form; Release and Indemnification Agreement. Both must be completed and returned to the University of Texas at Austin at least six weeks prior to the program.
  Parking availability:
Additional charge for parking at the hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  San Antonio, Texas
  Nearest city or town:  San Antonio
  Nearest highway: I-35, I-37 & I-10
  Nearest airport:  San Antonio International
  From End of Program
  Location: San Antonio, Texas
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

San Antonio International

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$18/one way, $32/round trip per person. Cost is subject to change.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

up to 30 minutes depending on traffic 
   

Airport Express Shuttle from San Antonio International Airport to hotel $18/one way, $32/round trip per person - cost is subject to change. Airport Express website: saairportshuttle.com, telephone 210-281-9900, reservations are not required from the airport to hotel; reservations required from hotel to airport and can be made after your arrival in San Antonio.
 

San Antonio International Airport

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 210-222-2222
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25 one way; two or more ride for the price of one. Cost is subject to change.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

up to 30 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

Reservations can be made after your arrival in San Antonio.
 

San Antonio International

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 210-222-2222

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25 one way - two or more ride for the price of one. Cost is subject to change.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

up to 30 minutes depending on traffic 
   

Taxi service from San Antonio International Airport $25 one way - two or more ride for price of one. Cost is subject to change.
 

San Antonio International airport

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Airport Express Shuttle
phone: 210-281-9900
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$18/one way, $32/round trip per person - cost cannot be shared. Cost is subject to change.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

up to 30 minutes depending on traffic 
   

Airport Express Shuttle from San Antonio International Airport to hotel $18/one way, $32/round trip per person - cost cannot be shared. Cost is subject to change. Airport Express Shuttle website: saairportshuttle.com, telephone 210-281-9900, reservations are not required from the airport to hotel; reservations required from hotel to airport and can be made after your arrival in San Antonio.
 
Driving Directions
  From Austin/Dallas From the North (I-35 South Bound from Austin): Take I-37 South, exit Commerce Street, turn right onto Commerce Street. Hotel garage is on the left just past the St. Mary’s Street - Commerce Street intersection.
  From Houston From the East (I-10 West Bound from Houston): Take I-37 North, exit Commerce Street. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Hotel garage entrance is on the left just past the intersection of St. Mary’s Street – Commerce Street. is on the right.
  From IH-10-El Paso From the West (I-10 East Bound from El Paso): Take I-35 South, exit Frio Street. Turn left onto Martin Street. Turn right onto St. Mary’s Street. Turn right onto Commerce Street. Hotel garage is on the left on Commerce Street.
  From the south on I-35 From the South (I-35 North Bound from Laredo): Exit Durango Blvd., turn left onto St. Mary’s Street. This street splits and will become a one-way street, Navarro. Turn left onto Commerce Street. Hotel garage entrance in on the left just past the St. Mary’s – Commerce Street intersection.
Elevation Note: Elevation is 600 feet above sea level.

Equipment Requirements: Equipment is not required.
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: Arrival & Registration/Welcome & Orientation
(Sunday, May 12)
   
 Afternoon: Hotel check-in after 3:00PM. ORIENTATION begins in the hotel conference room at 4:30pm. Your arrival packet will contain an updated schedule of program activities, a list of fellow attendees, and your name badge. Start your San Antonio experience with an informative overview of the week to come. The site coordinator will provide contact names and phone numbers of program leaders; address responsibilities, questions, and concerns; review safety guidelines and emergency procedures; orient you to the hotel location on maps; and discuss the program schedule and what will be included in the field trips. Begin getting to know the program staff and your fellow participants with a get-acquainted session to introduce each member of the group. If you arrive late, be sure to pick up your packet at the hotel front desk. Breakfast each day is in the hotel with lunch and dinner at restaurants in the downtown and River Walk areas. This Road Scholar program offers the opportunity to study and explore America's most complete Spanish Colonial Spanish Mission complex featuring the Alamo, unlock San Antonio's colorful history, study the River Walk and its environs with historians, review the 26 ethnic groups that settled the Texas frontier, learn of famous and not so famous characters in Texas' storied past, enjoy a barge cruise on the San Antonio River, hear the origins of Texas music, prepare and enjoy the perfect enchilada and experience a traditional mariachi performance.
 Dinner: A nearby restaurant offers multiple entrée choices and continuing opportunities to become acquainted with your fellow participants and program staff.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: San Antonio Yesterday & Today/The River Walk & the Alamo
(Monday, May 13)
   
 Breakfast: Hotel provides full hot breakfast buffet each morning before the first activity.
 Morning: San Antonio Overview. Discover why San Antonio is undoubtedly one of America's unique cities. Its poignant and colorful history, ethnically varied people, and blending of cultural heritages set the city apart. While the River Walk and the Alamo define San Antonio symbolically, past political and cultural wars of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries resulted in six sovereign nations flying their flags over Texas. This created a mixture of inhabitants from Mexico, the Old South, the "Wild West," and Europe. Get the facts and figures on the city's demographics, economy, weather, geography, and ecology.
 Lunch: Sumptuous luncheon buffet at legendary hotel en route to afternoon expert-led walk.
 Afternoon: Afternoon expert-led walk of the River Walk and Alamo. The heart of downtown San Antonio is the River Walk; the most significant historical event the battle of the Alamo.
 Dinner: Happy Hour and catered dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Evening narrated barge cruise on the San Antonio River.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tex-Mex Cooking/San Fernando Cathedral/Spanish Colonial Missions/McNay Art Museum/Origins of Texas Music
(Tuesday, May 14)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: This morning's cultural field trip travels back in time to the Spanish colonial era of San Antonio in the 18th century at San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the U.S., completed in 1750, and an active parish of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Construction began on the cathedral shortly after Canary Island colonists, granted land and title by Spain's King Philip V, settled here in 1731. General Santa Ana raised the red flag of "no quarter" from the cathedral during the siege of the Alamo. On to our cooking adventure: "All you need to know to begin Tex-Mex cooking." Meet Diana Trevino Barrios, and learn how to prepare a delicious Mexican meal with picante style! After class taste for yourself the results of these recipes with a delicious lunch at the restaurant.
 Lunch: Lunch at Los Barrios. Savor enchiladas, tacos, guacamole, beans and rice and a mouthwatering dessert.
 Afternoon: Cultural field trip continues: discover Mission San Jose y San Miguel de Aguayo and the McNay Art Museum and additional historical sites before returning to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant features multiple entree choices.
 Evening: Evening presentation "Origins of Texas Music" - already familiar with the Texas Two-Step and the Cotton-eyed Joe? Ever done a boo-scooting boogie or a little line dancing? Know the difference between a jig, a real, and a do-si-do? Unravel the multi-ethnic musical threads that were woven into distinctively Texas music during the time period 1821-1860.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Tales of Texas Lore & Legend/Free Time
(Wednesday, May 15)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: All that's missing as our master storyteller weaves her tales of Texas lore and legend, is the campfire's shadows on a starry night in West Texas. Stories are handed down from Native Americans and the days of the Texas Rangers. Hear about the origin of Texas' state flower, the bluebonnet, and the snake that fought in the Civil War.
 Lunch: Box lunch.
 Afternoon: Afternoon unscheduled. Extra-curricular activity options well be provided by the coordinator, instructors and staff.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore the River Walk's many restaurants and assorted eclectic cuisines.
 Evening: Unscheduled evening to stroll the River Walk or enjoy jazz at Jim Cullen's Landing on the River Walk.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Texas Personalities/King William Historic District/Institute of Texan Cultures/Farewell Dinner
(Thursday, May 16)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: "Texas Personalities Under Six Flags" Dr. Allan Kownslar, a history professor at Trinity University, brings to life some of the famous and infamous characters in Texas' storied history.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant en route to the King William Historic District.
 Afternoon: This afternoon offers a guided walking tour of the King William Historic District. See mansions and cottages of varied architectural styles built by successful German families after the Civil War along the San Antonio River and adjacent farm lands that had originally belonged to the Alamo in mission days. On to the Institute of Texan Cultures, an educational center showcasing the 26 different ethnic and cultural groups groups that settled the Texas frontier. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located downtown on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, a short walk from the Alamo and the River Walk. The 182,000-square-foot complex features 65,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and displays that tell the stories of Texans. The remainder of the afternoon's guided tour features additional historical and cultural highlights of San Antonio.
 Dinner: Festive farewell dinner at River Walk restaurant. Choose from multiple entrees.
 Evening: Traditional Mariachi entertainment.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Early Texan Folk Medicine
(Friday, May 17)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast buffet at the hotel.
 Morning: Take a peek at the system of folk medicine that came to be used by the early Texans, who often were forced to find substitutes for remedies that had been available in their previous environs. They began to share "cures" with people from other cultures: Native Americans, Mexicans, Germans, Poles, Swedes and many others. Join us as we look inside the medicine cabinets of these early settlers. Program concludes no later than 11:00 a.m
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  San Antonio, Texas Botanical Gardens
San Antonio's Botanical Gardens house 33 acres of display gardens, fountains, and natural areas. The Halsell Conservatory, a 90,000-square-foot complex of below-ground houses that use the earth's insulation to limit plant exposure to the elements. Only the pyramidal glass roofs are visible from above ground. Sixteen feet below ground several ecosystems surround a courtyard and pond. Telephone 210-207-3255. For additional information, visit www.sabot.org
  Casa Navarro State Historic Site
Former home of eminent statesman, rancher, Jose Antonio Navarro. Site consists of three restored structures: his home, kitchen and office. Navarro was among the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Site contains authentic period furnishings, personal memorabilia.
  Convention and Visitors Bureau
The San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau operates a full-service visitor information center that provides an extensive inventory of helpful brochures and other promotional materials concerning events and sites in and around the city. For additional information, visit www.sanantoniovisit.com
  El Mercado-The Market
A two-block long festival market that includes El Mercado, a typical market from the interior of Mexico selling pinatas, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, cascarones and pottery.
  Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Dedicated to preserve, promote, and develop the arts and culture of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples. Six programs include music, dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, and visual arts. Telephone 210-271-3151.
  Guenther House
Historic house built by Carl Hilmar Guenther, founder of Pioneer Flour Mills, in 1859. Restored by the company as a museum, restaurant, and retail store. Telephone 210-227-1061. For additional information, visit www.guentherhouse.com
  IMAX Theatre-"Alamo...The Price of Freedom"
"Alamo...The Price of Freedom," is a 48-minute docudrama film that re-creates the 13-day seige and fall of the Alamo. Immense screen and magnetic stereo sound system places visitors in the middle of the action as the battle unfolds, as 189 defenders fought and died for the cause of Texas liberty. Telephone 210-247-4629. For additional information, visit www.IMAX-SA.com
  Majestic Theatre
Opened in 1929; closed in 1974; reopened in 1989 as a performing arts center, the Majestic is said to be one of the finest "atmospheric" theaters ever built. Completely restored, and entered on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater combines Baroque, Spanish Mission, and other motifs from Greek and Roman traditions to create a fantasy environment. For performance schedules, call 210-226-3333.
  SAS Shoe Factory
SAS Shoe Factory, 101 New Laredo Highway, telephone 877-782-7463 or 210-924-6507, www.sasshoes.com. Hours: Monday-Friday 9-6, Saturday 9-5. For additional information, visit www.sasshoes.com
  San Antonio Museum of Art
Since its opening in 1981, the museum has become home to an array of Greek and Roman antiquities, Asian art, Latin American art, European and American paintings, contemporary art, Oceanic art, decorative art, and near Eastern and Islamic art. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery that was built in 1884. Telephone 210-978-8100. For additional information, visit www.samuseum.org
  San Antonio Zoo
More than 3,500 animals of 750 species found in one of the premier zoos in North America. This zoo, established in 1914 is the first zoo outside of Africa to produce a white rhino calf.
  Southwest School of Art and Craft
A community-based professional-level art school, visitors can see contemporary art exhibitions and hear lectures by visiting artists. The adjacent, contemporary Navarro Campus features a large gallery for contemporary art. Great restaurant open for lunch. For additional information, visit www.swschool.org
  Spanish Governor's Palace
In 1772, San Antonio became the seat of Spanish government in Texas, headquartered at 10-room Spanish Governor's Palace on Military Plaza. It was to this adobe-walled structure that Moses Austin came in 1820 for permission to bring a colony of U.S. citizens into Spanish Texas. Telephone 210-224-0601.
  Steves Homestead
Located on the San Antonio River in the King William Historic District, was built in 1876 by Edward Steves, who immigrated to Texas in 1848 and later founded the Steves Lumber Company. Victorian-era mansion also features Carriage House with antique carriages on display, the Gardener's Quarters (now a visitor center) and beautiful landscaping. Telephone 210-225-5924.
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


The Alamo: An Ilustrated History


Author: George Nelson


The Alamo Remembered, Tejano Accounts & Perspectives


Author: Timothy M. Matovina


Crown Jewel of Texas, the Story of the San Antonio River


Author: Lewis Fisher


Gates of the Alamo (historically accurate novel)


Author: Stephen Harrigan


Gone to Texas, a History of the Lone Star State


Author: Randolph Campbell


HemisFair '68 and the Transformation of San Antonio


Author: Sterlin Holmesly


On the Border, an Environmental History of San Antonio


Author: Char Miller


Sacrificed at the Alamo, Tragedy and Triumph in the Texas Revolution


Author: Bruce Winders


San Antonio Missions National Historical Park


Author: Louis Torres


San Antonio: Outpost of Empires


Author: Lewis F. Fisher


San Antonio: The Story of an Enchanted City


Author: Frank W. Jennings


The Spanish Acequias of San Antonio


Author: Waynne Cox


Three Roads to the Alamo, the Lives and Fortunes of David Crockett, James Bowie, and William Barret Travis


Author: William C. Davis




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