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Convention 2006

Optional Tours

NIA has arranged a variety of optional tours for you to enjoy while in San Antonio. Space is limited, so advance registration is advised. Please call Nancy Battram of the CE Group at 210-822-5920 with any questions concerning any of the tours listed below.

The registration deadline for optional tours is Wednesday, March 8, 2006.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2006

CULTURAL DIVERSITY TOUR

This tour begins with a stop at Mission San José, known as the "Queen of the Missions." This missionary establishment became the most beautiful, most prosperous and best fortified of all Texas missions. Its imposing complex of stone walls, bastions, granary and magnificent church was completed in 1782. The tour continues to add to the perspective of the Spanish influence with a drive by the state's most famous location: The Alamo, the Spanish word for "cottonwood." A visit to Texas would not be complete without seeing the spot where all 189 Texan defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after 13 days of repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's Army of 4,000 men. Next, we will drive by the King William Historic District, a 25-block area near downtown on the south bank of the San Antonio River. While there, we will tour the Steves Homestead centrally located in this elite old German residential section on the banks of the river. This lovely restored home was built in 1876 by German immigrant Edward Steves, a lumberman who started Edward Steves & Son Lumber Inc., a business that still exists in San Antonio. We will enjoy a visit to the Guenther House, the elegant home of the founding family of the Pioneer Flour Mills, which is still an active San Antonio business. Our final stop will be at El Mercado-more commonly known as the Mexican Market, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. It is alive with noise and laughter from morning until night, with more than 125 shops that offer everything from the smart to the exotic: pottery, piñatas, dresses, jewelry, blankets and art. At the conclusion of the day's tour, guests can return to their hotel on the motor coach or can obtain information about the available public transportation they can use should they choose to linger in the market area to enjoy lunch on their own and continue shopping.

WALKER RESIDENCE TOUR

Tour the national landmark of the private Walker residence in the King William District. In the late 1800s the King William District was the most elegant residential area in the city. Prominent German merchants originally settled the area. It was zoned as the state's first historic district, and has once again become a fashionable neighborhood. J. Gordon Riley built this Queen-Anne style home with Moorish influence in 1893. Nineteen rooms with nine fireplaces and incredible inlayed wood floors made with five types of wood, this home has a three-story open entrance hall and is one of the grandest homes in the district.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2006

ART ENTHUSIAST TOUR

Garcia Glass, established by artist Gini Garcia, brings a tradition of quality and dedication to their hand blown glass art. Each piece is a delicate refraction of the qualities of glass through the prism of inspiration. Gini's work has been purchased and sent to many parts of the world. She is well known in local art circles and guests will enjoy the fascinating demonstration of her talents. Next, lunch will be enjoyed at Azuca's Nuevo Latino Cuisine, where Executive Chef Rene Fernandez will combine traditional Latin dishes of yesterday with the contemporary touch of today. Through a celebration of Latin and Caribbean ingredients and fun atmosphere, the interpretation will showcase the freshness and sensuousness of Nuevo Latino Cuisine. Finally, guests will visit the San Antonio Public Library to view "Fiesta Tower", the spectacular glass sculpture created by nationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. The sculpture was completed and installed in August 2003 in celebration of the library's 100th birthday. Dale Chihuly has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as a fine art. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide. He has been the recipient of many awards, including seven honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition to the sculpture, the library building is another work of art created by world-famous Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2006

SAN ANTONIO SPLENDORS TOUR

Tourists will be driven by The Alamo, the most famous spot in the state, where nearly 200 Texan defenders fell to Mexican General Santa Anna's Army on March 6, 1836. Continue on to Mission San José, known as the 'Queen of the Missions." Established in 1720, this missionary establishment became the most beautiful, most prosperous and best fortified of all 26 Texas Missions. Next is a stop at the famous Buckhorn Saloon. From exotic African game to extraordinary Texas critters, the Buckhorn Saloon is a safari that takes visitors to the far corners of the world. There will then be drives by the King William District, the oldest historic residential area in Texas, and the Spanish Governor's Palace, which was built to serve as the official residence for the commander of the Villa de San Fernando. Lastly, tourists will pass by San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States and the original parish church of the Canary Island settlers.

HOMES OF THE PAST TOUR

Step back in time and tour the unique residences of some of San Antonio's most prominent and influential historical people. Tour Casa Navarro, the former home of an eminent statesman, rancher and the only native Texan to participate in the convention that ratified annexation of the state to the union. Drive by the King William Historic District, which was once farmland belonging to the Spanish Mission, known as The Alamo. German immigrants settled this land in the mid-19th century building some of the city's most elegant mansions. Enjoy a stop at the elegant Guenther House, the home of the founding family of the Pioneer Flour Mill, which is still an active business. The final stop will be at the lovely, restored Steves Homestead, which was built in 1876 by Edward Steves. This German immigrated to Texas in 1848 and later established and owned the first lumber company in San Antonio. His home, with its wide porches and ornate fretwork, is one of the finest homes in King William. The tour will also include a drive by the Spanish Governor's Palace, built to serve as the official residence for the commander of the Villa de San Fernando.

Please note: Each tour requires a minimum of 35 registrants or will be cancelled. If cancelled, all registrants will be notified and their money refunded.