Day 7 Jun24

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Day 7

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Austin – San Antonio

8 am continental breakfast TGI Friday’s located inside Radisson Hotel & Suites go
Ideally located close to downtown attractions, short walk to Convention Center, 6th Street and Warehouse Entertainment districts, only 15 minutes from the airport, it has a full service Starbucks in the lobby. Cybex exercise room on 1st floor adjoins the outdoor pool. Gift shop, business center, free guest computer in lobby, high-speed internet and coffee maker in guestrooms, complimentary bottled water and morning newpaper – sound like home? or better! Time did not permit but we had access from the hotel to the Hike and Bike trail along the banks of Lady Bird Lake.

9 am tour Austin’s new Circuit of the Americas (COTA) go
Super sized facility serves as home to the Formula 1/US Grand Prix through 2021. Its track is 3.4 miles. The 2012 formula 1/US Grand Prix – the second most attended Formula One race of the season was hosted here. 117,000 fans attended the race itself and 265,000 spectators visited the Circuit over 3 days. They sold 1.5 tons of peanuts to the crowds. In addition, COTA hosts other races throughout the year including the V8SuperCars and the MotoGP. We elevated to the 258′ Tower (22 stories) viewing point to see the breadth of the course and were impressed by its uniqueness, size and beauty.

10:45 am depart for bus tour of the area including Flagship Whole Foods Market go
Austin’s history lives in its architecture and eclectic community – a mix of big city and small town, fast-paced and laid back – each with a unique vibe. It feels wholesome, energetic, but casual and easy. 30 years ago, the Whole Foods Market began as a small neighborhood grocery store – a mustard seed. Today, they lead in natural and organic foods, and have grown to more than 310 stores in North America and United Kingdom. Austin is proud of its homegrown success.

noon lunch Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill go
This Austin favorite takes us back to a simpler time. The Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill is steeped in the early history of Austin, housed in a part of the old Waterloo Compound, an original grouping of the oldest commercial buildings in the city. The Sunday House and Carriage House are the only true examples of their architectural style left in Austin. Comfortable and familiar, relaxed and easy-going, Moonshine greets guests as family. Serving up great cooking with innovative down-home takes on classic American comfort food. Moonshine’s menu satisfies our big city tastes.

1:30 pm explore unique South Congress Avenue go
Known locally as “SoCo”, this hip strip south of downtown is packed with unique shops, vintage retailers, and Austin landmarks:
– Mi Casa Gallery – specializes in Latin American furnishings
– Allens boots – look for the big red boot on the roof – great collection of the right kind of accessories and boots to complete your western attire
– Continental Club – the granddaddy of Austin music venues
– Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds and Electric Ladyland – a costume paradise. One of Bob Dylan’s destinations when he shops for retro clothes.
– New Bohemia – clothes and furnishings with a retro flair
– Uncommon Objects – full of funky and stylish home decorating items
We whip through and acquire some accessories to complete our western look before meeting up with our travel partners for a caffeine fix. Left undone for the next time: visit Capitol building and Governor’s mansion, cycle on Barton Creek Greenbelt, listen to live music at a historic honky-tonk, visit galleries and studios showcasing local artists.

2:30 pm refresh/ recharge/renew/revitalize Jo’s coffee shop go
This funky little coffee shack shares a parking lot with the San Jose Hotel, hippest hotel in town, and provides homemade baked goods, sandwiches, and wide variety of coffee drinks both hot and iced. After shopping up and down the avenue its a perfect place to rest our feet.

2:45 pm depart Austin for San Antonio go
We bid farewell to Austin and travel about an hour to our next stop, San Antonio.

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4 pm arrive San Antonio check into Emily Morgan Hotel go
Talk about convenience. We are across the street from the Alamo with a full view of it from our window. The Hotel has a rich history. It was built in 1924 as the Medical Arts building on the hallowed ground of the battle for the Alamo. Converted to a hotel in the mid 80’s, it is completely modern, and will soon be part of the Doubletree by Hilton chain. The hotel’s CARE culture staff training results in personnel fully committed to providing guest services that exceed expectations at every turn – every time – and they live up to that highest of standards.

5:30 pm leave hotel for dinner on San Antonio River Walk go

6 pm board cruiser on San Antonio River Walk and enjoy dinner from Boudro’s restaurant go
Boudro’s on the river is an experience to savor. We embrace all the flavor of the regional heritage enjoying a distinctive menu of Texas and Southwestern specialities. It’s a San Antonio must-dine, must-do. After sunset we enjoy the romance of the River Walk lighting – riverside building details are highlighted shifting their shapes and the shadows/light reflections dance across the water – to create an aliveness to the whole experience. It’s a combo of great food, a balmy evening and splendid vista.

8 pm enjoy the evening exploring entertainment and nightlife along the River Walk go

stay Emily Morgan Hotel go

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