We have arranged a variety of optional tours to enhance your visit to Texas. Don’t forget your cameras.  We hope we have found something for everyone.  We have tried to integrate the tours into the program so they won’t conflict with other reunion activities.  These are optional events and require pre-registration.

All buses for tours will load outside the main entrance. All tours have limited seating, so it is best to sign up for the tours you want when you register rather than wait till you arrive at the reunion.

Celebrating San Antonio - 4 hrs, $32 per person

Within the beautifully landscaped grounds is the Long Barracks Museum, once the mission’s “convento”, which chronicles the colorful history of the Cradle of Texas Liberty and San Antonio.

Next, we will visit what is considered by many to be the most beautiful neighborhood in all of Texas, the King William Historic District. With its tree-lined avenues you will recall a more gracious era. Prosperous German merchants made their fortunes in San Antonio in the late 1800's and built the grand homes in this area.

Just at the end of King William Street is the Guenther House. Built by the German immigrant who operated the first flourmill on the San Antonio River, the house is still part of the Pioneer Flour Mill and continues to be run by the Guenther family. It contains glimpses of San Antonio's past and wonderful memorabilia from the Pioneer Mill.

San Fernando Cathedral has always been at the center of San Antonio. 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.

Our last stop will be the border-style El Mercado or Mexican Market. Serving as a hub of Commerce years ago, it has retained much of its charm of the past, with its quaint shops offering local crafts, art, clothing and food. There are also two indoor markets filled to the brim with vendors.

A Taste of San Antonio City Tour - 4 hrs, $30 per person

The itinerary for this tour is the same tour as the above (Celebrating San Antonio) without the trip to San Fernando Cathedral and with additional time added at the El Mercado or Mexican Market for you to have lunch on your own.

Caverns and Curios – 4 1/2 hrs, $60 per person

This tour showcases the Texas Hill Country history, both the history of the land and the history of the people. We begin with the Natural Bridge Caverns, named for the 60 foot natural limestone arch that spans the entrance. This cave is by far one of the most spectacular in the area. Trails through the Caverns cover more than a mile and the temperature is 70 degrees year round. On the tour you will be amazed by the natural formations. The sound of constantly dripping water is a reminder the cave is still alive and growing.

Our next stop is Gruene, Texas, a turn-of-the-century cotton farming community, located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. This quaint little town is an assortment of restaurants, antique stores, specialty shops and even their own wine tasting venue. And don’t forget to visit the proclaimed oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall. Guests will have time to investigate the many and varied treasures which can be found.

This tour is not recommended for the claustrophobic or anyone who is unsteady on their feet.

Texas Wine Country - 7 hrs, $62 per person

We depart downtown San Antonio for a scenic tour of Texas Hill Country Wineries. Many immigrants to this part of Texas came from Germany, bringing with them their winemaking skills. There are wonderful pockets throughout the hill country where these traditions continue.

Texas Hills Vineyard, our first stop, is located in the gentle hills of the picturesque Pedernales River Valley in the Texas Hill Country near Johnson City. A perfect location for growing grapes, the intense Texas sun by day and the cooler hill country nights gives their grapes an intense flavor. This modern winery specializes in Italian Style wines. They are the only producer of Pinot Grigio in Texas. Their spacious cellar is built above ground and made with two feet thick walls of sandstone.

We will spend a little time in the quaint town of Fredericksburg, with a time for lunch and shopping on your own. Fredericksburg is a community settled by a small group of German settlers in 1846. Many of the structures in this charming town retain traditional German styles in its native limestone buildings and century old gingerbread houses. Shopping begins in a wonderful collection of 100 charming specialty stores, including antique shops and gift boutiques where shoppers can find handcrafted items by Hill Country artisans. Many of these stores date back to the mid 19th Century. Without a doubt, shopping in Fredericksburg is truly a delightful adventure!

Our second stop is Grape Creek Vineyards. Located on spring fed South Grape Creek, the gently rolling hills are planted with 16 acres of Vinifera grapes and an orchard that contains peaches and other fruits. Specializing in handcrafted wines made from French, Italian and German grapes, many of the wines are fermented and/or aged in French and American Oak barrels in their underground cellar.

Spanish Mission Trails - 4 hrs, $32 per person

One of the country's few National Parks within an urban setting, the missions tell the early story of San Antonio and European expansion in the New World. We will begin with the most famous of the Missions, Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo. Established in 1718, the Alamo played a pivotal role in history. The shrine displays exhibits from the battle and guests will enjoy the beautifully landscape grounds.

Next we will explore the largest and most restored of the Missions, Mission San Jose. Known as the "Queen of the Missions", Mission San Jose was established in 1720. It is the showpiece of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. We will tour the Indians' quarters that were located within the walls as well as the Spanish soldiers' quarters. We will see the granary that was the storage area and the remains of an old mill. San Jose's church is one of the most beautiful in the country with its elaborate carvings on the chapel facade. Guests will also have the opportunity to view the film ‘Gente de Razón’ which tells the story of the native people of 18th-century south Texas, their role in colonizing New Spain and the results of entering the Spanish missions.

At our last stop, we will tour Mission Concepcion, the oldest un-restored mission church in Texas, established in 1731. Twin towers and a beautiful cupola helped make it a construction project of twenty-plus years. Rare original frescoes decorate the church's side rooms. Our tour guide will tell the stories of the two remaining missions. Originally christened San Jose de Los Nazonia while in East Texas, the reestablished Mission San Juan Capistrano made its permanent home along the banks of the San Antonio River in 1731. By mid-century, San Juan, with its rich farm and pasturelands, was a regional supplier of agricultural produce. With its surplus, San Juan established a trade network stretching east to Louisiana and south to Mexico. This thriving economy helped the mission to survive epidemics and Indian attacks in its final year.

Finally we will see Mission Espada, which was established in 1731 but was never completed. The outline of an intended church is still visible. Time seems to stand still at Espada, which seems as remotely located today as the day it was built. Espada's water system is as interesting as the mission itself.

LBJ Ranch and Fredericksburg - 8 hrs, $55 per person

To begin the day, we will tour the Lyndon Baines Johnson Ranch. The tour includes a drive by the one-room Junction School first attended by Johnson in 1912, a tour of his reconstructed birthplace and the nearby Johnson Family Cemetery where our 36th president is buried. Guests will enjoy a look at the LBJ Ranch itself with its cattle and ranching operations. Guests will also be able to view a short video on the ranch and the famous occupants who once lived there.

Taking a trip to Fredericksburg is like stepping into Old World Germany. Its wide historic Main Street is lined with more than 100 specialty shops offering everything from fine antiques and apparel to unique gifts and home interiors. A walking map will be provided to help you navigate the array of interesting shops and fine restaurants for lunch on your own.

For the non-shoppers, there are two important museums to visit on your own. The Pioneer Museum Complex, built in 1849, tells of the history of the settlement of Fredericksburg. The Admiral Chester Nimitz Museum of the Pacific War also makes this a fascinating visit. Admiral Nimitz, the last of the U.S. five star admirals, was a native son of Fredericksburg. There are many audio-visual exhibits as well as hands-on-displays that tell the amazing story.

Crusin' and Explorin' San Antonio - 4 hrs, $34 per person

The San Antonio River is the site of San Antonio’s beginnings and the reason for its’ founding. It was named by a Franciscan missionary who passed through the area in 1691. The river played an important part in San Antonio's history, and continues to do so for diverse reasons. The River Walk is the most visited site not only in San Antonio, but all of Texas. Many special events take place on the river each year. Restaurants and shops draw visitors to our lush and relaxing banks.

To begin the tour, guests will be escorted to the shops of La Villita. Located in the rustic, limestone plaza, these historically significant buildings have been moved to re-create a small village, La Villita. These buildings are home to a variety of specialty shops, galleries, jewelers and a candle maker. Our tour guide will share the significance of the buildings in telling our rich story and guests will have time to shop.

Next we will have the opportunity to experience the river on a privately chartered river Cruiser. Our barge captain will provide historical and entertaining commentary as we pass through the pages of San Antonio history. We will enjoy a stop at San Fernando Cathedral, which 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, the church has grown to over 5,000 weekly participants at Mass.

A wonderful blending of the old and new in San Antonio is evident as we travel by the Ursuline Academy/Southwest School of Art and Craft. One of the only remaining evidences of our French heritage can be seen in the French gothic style of the Ursuline Academy established in 1851 by French Ursuline nuns on the banks of the San Antonio River. It has now become a center for art and craft and is truly a gem in our city.

We will disembark at the Paseo del Alamo, an architecturally interesting walkway which connects the river, known as the lifeblood of the city to the Alamo, its true heart. Our tour guide will point out the Alamo Cenataph, a marvelous sculpture by Pompeo Copini as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the Alamo heroes, the Alamo and take you through the lobby of the historic Menger Hotel as we wrap up the tour.

Center for the Intrepid and Brooke Army Hospital - $10 per person

Golf Outing, Fort Sam Houston Golf Club - $65 per person

In addition to the Texas Open Championships in the 1950’s & 60’s, The Fort Sam Golf Course has been the site for several All-Army Championships. Today’s course presents an excellent challenge for all golfers. We meet in the hotel lobby at 7:15 AM for a fun round of golf followed by a Texas Barbeque lunch. Transportation will be provided by volunteer drivers.

All players must sign in at the Reunion Registration Desk when you receive your Packet. This sign in allows you to choose specific “Play With” assignments. Men, Women & juniors – all are welcome.

All reservations for 2010 Reunion activities must be made through the Society.
Registration forms will be published in the Spring edition of the Bridgehead Sentinel,
and will also be available online.

Questions not covered in the Bridgehead? Please e-mail the office at Soc1ID@aol.com,
or call us at 1-888-324-4733.