Texas
On the Road: San Antonio, Texas Hill Country and Austin
Program No. 10459RJ
Explore Texas with experts on a larger-than-life adventure as you discover Tex-Mex in San Antonio and learn about music and politics in Austin.
Participant Reviews
Based on 25 Reviews
SHOWING
the On The Road: San Antonio, etc. program presented a good amount of history of the San Antonio to Austin region. It was focused on the highlights of the area and had a good variety of tours and venues that kept each day interesting. It also led me to read Doris Goodman's history of LBJ, an important and impressive politician during my middle adulthood years.
— Review left February 24, 2025
Excellent taste of Texas! Visiting two cities and traveling through hill country is an interesting introduction to the state.
— Review left February 23, 2025
This trip covered a variety of places and between San Antonio, Fredericksburg and Austin, I gained a good understanding of the history, culture, environment & ideals of the state. Our two lecturers were wonderful, offering presentations on 500 years of history (!) & political origins unique to Texas. The visits to the LBJ ranch & Presidential Library were my favorite trips!
— Review left November 19, 2024
I wanted to take a different RoadScholar trip but my traveling companion wasn't interested so this the tour we chose. I had no idea what to expect but, truly, I loved every minute of it. It was great, varied and interesting. I had never visited Texas but I had a great time and have wonderful memories. We were with a great group of fellow travelers as well.
— Review left November 6, 2024
If you want an introduction to the wonderful city of San Antonio and an brief survey of Texas history via lectures, Fredrickburg and the LBJ Museum this trip is for you!
— Review left October 27, 2024
What an interesting and entertaining trip! It exceeded all expectations.
— Review left February 19, 2024
At this time of political divisiveness, this trip provided important political perspective about how change happens, for better or worse. It also enabled me to understand Texas's evolution which is so different than my own state (NJ). Fascinating.
— Review left November 19, 2023
The program showed many aspects of this important area of the country. Many issues of various kinds were presented, which opened my mind and made me think a lot and engage in some interesting discussions. Dr. Crimm’s opening presentation will set you up for them.
Our Program Director, Jane, was very warm and approachable, and always had time for me, often engaging in thought-provoking discussions with me about
Texas history, politics, and much more, as well as about WWII when we were in a remarkable museum in the middle of a small town.
Strong points were the variety of food (Tex-Mex, BBQ, Italian, German); music was covered in various forms and places; much history and politics were examined which provoked a lot of thinking for me; and of course, seeing the iconic places of Texas.
A shout-out for the reading list! I especially loved "Forget the Alamo!," a very controversial book you won't find in Texas (it seems) that made me think much about the current state of Texas perspective and attitude, and "As Texas Goes..." (by Gail Collins) which does the same thing. I brought up these books with various guides and loved getting their reactions!
— Review left March 10, 2023
A great program with excellent leaders, tour guides and lecture presenters. If you are interested an overall view of Texas, this is a good program to start with.
— Review left February 21, 2022
I rate the Oct 10-16, 2021 On the Road: San Antonio, Texas Hill Country and Austin trip with 18 participants, 4.7/5. Excellent Group Leader Janie Cadena provided expert, fun San Antonio and Austin presentations and commentary everywhere-in the bus, on field trips. Janie arranged wonderful substitutions such as a stop at Luckenbach, Texas) (pop 3: Where Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach), and filled-in as a knowledgeable field trip guide for Covid created glitches. I so appreciated that Janie used her personal time to get Ubers and join me-a SINGLE-for “free times in Austin”: Lance Lipinsky live music and chicken fried steak at the Broken Spoke honky-tonk dancehall (should have stayed for the 8pm Two Step lesson); concert with “Asleep at the Wheel” and George Strait; and Esther’s Follies (I purchased tickets months in advance). Outstanding were Dr. Crimm’s “Texas contrasting cultures” presentation, Dr. Seicraig’s “Texas political history” presentation (The Lone Star State: 1836 Texas became independent from Mexico: finally in 1845 the U.S. Congress permitted Texas to enter the U.S. as a slave state), and Emily Gimble’s musical performance (she is the Official Texas State Musician of 2020). The field trips were very good with pleasant surprises: my favorites were: private narrated barge ride on San Antonio River; LBJ Ranch; and Mission San Jose’ (built 1720-1770) with statues of Mary’s father and mother holding baby Mary, carved on the church entrance. The Indians who lived at Mission San Jose’ for protection, took 50 years to build the community and do the stone work and Rose Windows on the church. The three hotel locations were good for walking in day light for “free times” such as to the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Meals were good: the salmon and chicken dumpling soup at the Thompson Conference Center-University of Texas at Austin was the best. A friendly, always on time, group of participants (A shout out to Chris and Veronica).
— Review left January 8, 2022
Highly recommended. Material great, the group leader Janie Cadena was the Jewel of the trip
— Review left October 18, 2021
This program was one of the first to occur after the closure for Covid. I felt that everything was done to ensure our health safety. Everyone followed the guidance of Jainie Cadena, the Road Scholar group leader.
It was truly a fantastic tour with lots of intellectual stimulation, plus downright fun events.
— Review left October 17, 2021
A perfect combination of Texas history, culture, and tourist attractions!
— Review left March 17, 2020
The well paced program took me to parts of Texas where I had never been, provided engaging instructors, gave me a fuller picture of LBJ and provided inviting and central accommodations.
— Review left March 17, 2020
There is a ton of early American history packed right in the middle of the state. If you are interested in history, presidents, museums, and the like, then this trip is for you. Learning about the early residents of the lands, the settlement of the German community, and the properties of the 36th President of the US, are all a part of this experience. And, you will see one of the finest US Capitols in the country. Furthermore, there is an introduction to the Austin music scene, that could be a journey by itself. At the end of the week you will understand why there is US history and then there is Texas history.
— Review left March 14, 2020
I have been on at least 20 Road Scholar programs, mainly domestic destinations and always have had great experiences. I have never been disappointed.
— Review left November 26, 2019
This was a great introduction to San Antonio, Texas Hill Country and Austin. I went on this trip because of an interest in LBJ, and desire to see the Ranch and the LBJ Library, but I left with a new appreciation for the history of South Texas. It was surprisingly satisfying to see the Alamo and the other missions.
Our tour guide, Janie Cadena, was amazingly nice, knowledgable, and also lots of fun.
— Review left November 24, 2019
This program was excellent! I enjoyed Texas much more than I expected. learned a great deal from the lectures, which brought alive the field trips and made them much more meaningful. The group leader was fabulous and set such a positive tone for the whole week. It was a perfect balance of learning and experiencing.
— Review left November 24, 2019
I highly recommend this trip to anyone with an interest in history. It is packed full of rewarding experiences. The Texas people were all welcoming and friendly. And as usual, Road Scholar travelers are interesting people to meet and spend time with!
— Review left May 3, 2019
Road Scholar Texas Hill Country Tour was great. Very interesting and fun. KT Cockerell a very personable leader. Thanks KT!
— Review left April 7, 2019
A beautiful overview of Texas history in three wonderful settings.
Really enjoyed seeing all three places and staying in "top notch" hotels. Wonderful coordinator - KT Enjoyed all the missions we saw as well as the nighttime barge trip in San Antonio.
— Review left April 2, 2019
Extremely insightful and stimulating program
— Review left April 1, 2019
I highly recommend Road Scholar trips to anyone who wants to experience a wonderful adventure.
— Review left March 30, 2019
This was our first Road Scholar trip and we chose it because the historical and political aspects were appealing. Due to the government shut down, adjustments were made. However, we still found the program to be exemplary. The lecturers, leaders and programs were wonderful. I also require gluten free meals and was trying this to see if I could be accommodated. While hotel free breakfasts are always a challenge, the provided lunches and dinners exceeded my expectations and were excellent. I appreciated the variety and quality. Our transportation was very comfortable and the hotels were centrally located. We learned more than we could have doing this itinerary on our own and appreciated all of the extra things that would not have been available to use traveling without a group.
— Review left January 21, 2019
I didn't know much about Texas History, nor did I know how much I would like learning about it until the presenters started to explain the state's history in a fascinating and engaging style. Now I understand
much more than I even expected to learn and so much wiser for it. Thank you,
— Review left January 20, 2019