Activities

Discovering the Charm & Wines of Fredericksburg

You will begin your trip exploring the charm of Fredericksburg, Texas; a picturesque setting near Enchanted Rock State Park situated in the Hill Country north of San Antonio. German immigrant families settled the quaint town in the early 1660's and to this day, Fredericksburg is still rich in German culture.

The National Historic District is comprised of several older buildings that retain the traditional styles of Germany. The German influences can be seen not just in the architecture, but also in the many shops and cafes that line Main Street. This area is rich in antique stores offering unexpected hidden jewels. Be sure to stop at local favorite specialty stores such as Whittington's General Store, Quintessential Chocolates, and the Peach Tree Gift Gallery & Tea Room.

The area surrounding Fredericksburg is lush farmland and home to more than 20 Texas wineries. After exploring the National Historic District, you will make your way to the Texas Wine Trail. Enjoy a stop at two local wineries where you will get a tour of the winery and their surrounding vineyards before making your way to the tasting room. You will enjoy sampling some of the most common Texas-grown wine grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Viognier.

Meet the Artist - Be the Artist

It is well known that art is good for the mind, body and soul! During this activity you will create your own masterpiece. As budding artists you will head to the Painting with a Twist studio for class instruction on creating your own works of art. Art instructors will guide you through each step of recreating a feature picture.

An individual 16 x 20 canvas, acrylic paints, apron, easel and all the necessary supplies will be provided for this two-hour class. To help get the creative juices flowing, wine will be served. At the end of the class, every student will get to take their "masterpiece" home.

Following class, some time will be given for retail therapy at the unique specialty stores of Artisans Alley. Featured stores that include include Back Alley Antiques, Ba da Bling, Sunrise Pottery and Gardening Galore.

Rafts & Drafts

The Guadalupe River flows from the San Antonio Hill Country down to the Gulf of Mexico winding its way through the charming country town of Gruene, Texas. With its inviting crystal waters, the river is ideal for a rafting excursion! A professional team will guide you as you make your way down the river past beautiful limestone bluffs and lush woodlands. Rafting on the Guadalupe River is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Southern Texas!

After your rafting experience, you will stop at the Freetail Brewing Company. The company was founded on the pursuit of creating exciting, innovative and unique world- class beers. The Freetail name was chosen to honor the official Texas flying mammal, the Mexican Freetail Bat. With eight to ten house style beers on tap at all times, guests of the brewery are invited to experience unique beers such as 'Pale Tail Ale', 'Buffalo Hump IPA' and 'Torpor Porter'. You will be given a tour of the brewery and then partake in a beer tasting before making our way back to the hotel.

Pertinent Information:

• Each participant will need to sign a liability waiver upon arrival
• Equipment and bottled water will be provided
• You must be able to swim to participate in this activity
• Rafting is not recommended for expecting women

Duration: 4.5 Hours Total ~ River Raft will be 2 Hours; Attire: Must Wear Proper Footwear; Either Water Shoes or Old Tennis Shoes • Swimwear, Shorts, T-Shirts

Duration: 3.5 Hours; Attire: Jeans with Socks and Tennis Shoes (Cowboy Boots, if you have them!)

'Not for the Weak of Art' Experience

The diversity of San Antonio can be seen in the expressions of the visual arts. The tour will begin with a drive past some of the more notable public sculptures that grace the city streetscapes, including the "Torch of Friendship." The Torch is our latest prize and is a gift from the celebrated Mexican artist, Sebastian. It was dedicated to the city of San Antonio on July 27, 2011.

After the drive, you will tour the impressive exhibits of the San Antonio Museum of Art, located within the walls of the 19th century twin four-story towers that were originally home to the Lone Star Brewery. Spanning time, from the 8th - 4th centuries B.C.E., the museum showcases Greek and Italian Pottery of the Contemporary and Modern Art Collections. The museum galleries feature expressions from Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial and ancient Asian cultural treasures. It is also home to the renowned Latin American Folk Art Collection of the late Nelson Rockefeller.

Our next stop is the McNay Art Museum. The museum is a treasure trove for both the serious and casual art lover. Set within the former Mediterranean-style mansion of the eccentric Marion Koogler McNay, the museum features wide-ranging and exquisite collections. On display are modern, impressionist, medieval and Native American paintings, sculpture and objects d'art. Picasso, Chagal, Renoir and Monet are just a few of the major artists represented here.

Duration: 4 Hours; Attire: Casual Attire with Comfortable Walking Shoes

Fly Fishing & Skeet Shooting at Joshua Creek

Spend the day under centuries old oaks at the magnificent Joshua Creek Ranch. Located in the Texas Hill Country, the Joshua Creek Ranch offers outdoor enthusiasts a world of sporting adventure. The ranch is home to many varieties of wild game including quail, pheasant, chukar, wild turkey, whitetail and big rack axis, not to mention a stream full of rainbow trout, perch, bass and catfish. The water is so crystal clear you can see your prized catch.

You will enjoy expert instruction from the ranches own experienced fly fisherman and provided with all the necessary gear and tackle. Or - you can choose to spend time with a certified instructor who will train and guide guests through a complete warble trap course. The sporting course is designed so each guest typically has the opportunity to fire between 50-70 rounds.

Duration: 4 Hours; Attire: Boots or Sneakers, Shorts & T-Shirt

Exploring the San Antonio Riverwalk

From there, you will 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.

Your next stop will be the San Fernando Cathedral. The Cathedral was founded in 1731 and is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas. The Cathedral building has the added distinction of being the oldest standing church building in Texas, and for all of its more than 225 years, has been serving the people of the Archdiocese and San Antonio.

The tour will end 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.

Duration: 4 Hours; Attire: Casual Attire with Comfortable Walking Shoes

Caverns & Cabernet

Over 30 million years ago what we know now as the picturesque Texas Hill Country was a volcanic bed of activity and violent earthquakes forming today's rich farmland to the east and rugged ranch land to the west. Our tour today will showcase the results of this activity, from deep caverns to fertile soil.

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!

Next we will enjoy the fruits of ancient Texas at Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, nestled in a small, protected valley. Proprietor Franklin Houser has honed his passion for the grape into a quality winery. All of his vines and wines receive personal care and tending. From the picking to the bottling, every step is completed by hand. We will taste four unique styled wines with Mr. Houser who will give an explanation of each wines history and "character".

PLEASE NOTE:

• THIS TOUR IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WHO ARE CLAUSTROPHOBIC OR UNSTEADY ON THEIR FEET. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT GUESTS WEAR SHOES THAT PROVIDE GOOD TRACTION ON WET AND STEEP SURFACES.

DURATION: 4 HOURS; ATTIRE: RESORT CASUAL

Golf Clinic ~ Sharpen Up Your Short Game!

Does your short game need a few points to be ready for the upcoming golf season? Do you need help with one key part of your short game or need help with all components? Join your fellow golfers for a very informative, hands-on one-hour session with a certified golf professional. There will be one instructor for every five participants.

Duration: 1 Hour; Attire: Golf Shirts ~ No T-Shirts • Golf Pants or Shorts ~ No Jeans • Soft Spikes Only ~ No Metal Spike

Short Game Clinic:

• Difference between Putt, Chip, and Pitch shots
• Fundamentals of Putting
• Stance / Alignment
• Pendulum Stroke
• Fundamentals of Chipping
• Stance / Alignment
• Putting Stroke
• Fundamentals of Pitching
• Stance / Alignment
• Wrist Break

Caverns, Curios & Charm

This tour showcases the history of the Texas Hill Country, celebrating both the land and the culture.

We will begin at 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. Part of your tour through the caverns includes panning for gold.

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 eclectic assortment of restaurants, antique stores, and specialty shops as well as a wine tasting venue and an old-fashioned general store offering award-winning homemade ice cream. Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, is here as well. Many of today's top country performers such as George Strait, Lyle Lovett and Tracy Byrd started their music careers at this charming establishment.

Pertinent Information:

This tour is not recommended for those who are claustrophobic or unsteady on their feet

Duration: 4.5 Hours; Attire: Casual Attire • Shoes Must Provide Good Traction on Both Wet & Steep Surfaces

• Absolutely No Sandals or Heels