ACG

Explore San Antonio’s Unique History
at ACG 2010

Join ACG in San Antonio, October 15-20 for the ACG 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting and Postgraduate Course. This will be ACG’s first national meeting in San Antonio and a meeting you don’t want to miss. Bring your family to explore San Antonio’s diverse culture and big city excitement, and learn about Texas and its role in American history.

Spanish heritage still alive today
In its early days as a Spanish settlement, San Antonio was home to a number of missions. Built by Spain as a way to expand its power north of Mexico, the missions were also built to convert the native population. Five missions still exist today for visitors to explore — Concepcio, Espada, San Jose, San Juan and the oldest and most famous, the Alamo. It was at the Alamo where Texans fought for independence from Mexico and it is one of the most photographed facades in the nation.

Additionally, San Antonio is one of the cities linked by the Old Spanish Trail, a byway of cities of Spanish conquest and settlement. The Old Spanish Trail starts in St. Augustine, Florida, passes through San Antonio, and ends in San Diego, California.

San Antonio’s heritage is also seen in its neighborhoods with the La Villita Historical Arts Village, Market Square – the El Mercado and the Main Plaza. La Villita Historical Arts Village features a number of art galleries, shops and restaurants enlivened with San Antonio’s Hispanic heritage. Market Square features a number of plazas with the El Mercado being the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande with more than 32 shops and 80 specialty shops in the Farmers Market Plaza. It is at Market Square where a number of Hispanic festivals are also held each year. At the Main Plaza, which dates back to the early 18th century, huge trees, bubbling fountains and landscaping enliven the heart of the city.

In addition to its Hispanic heritage, in the late 19th century, a number of prominent German merchants settled in the San Antonio neighborhood of King William Historic District. A 25-block area near downtown, the first historic district in the state is once again a fashionable neighborhood.

A River Walk runs through it
Connecting the city and offering visitors an easy and peaceful way to explore San Antonio is the River Walk, or Paseo Del Rio. It is the River Walk that will connect ACG 2010 attendees to the meeting hotels, convention center and a number of restaurants and shops. The only traffic you will hear are the slow cruise boats gliding along the river, the sound of footsteps from people strolling by, or the chatter from restaurant tables that cozy up to the River Walk. Along the River Walk, you’ll find charming paths, outdoor art and waterfalls.

New to the River Walk since 2009 is the Museum Reach connecting the current River Walk to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery, a historic building which is the center of a vibrant urban village. Step off the River Walk and onto a river cruiser to see the city from the water.

To plan what to do and see in San Antonio, visit www.visitsanantonio.com.

Other must sees in San Antonio
When planning your downtime in San Antonio, don’t forget these other highlights of the city:

• San Antonio Botanical Garden, a 22-acre living museum which features the Rose Garden, Sacred Garden, Garden for the Blind, and the Old Fashioned Perennial Garden.


• Japanese Tea Garden, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers a safe environment for new koi and aquatic plants, and features beautiful floral displays and a waterfall.


• Majestic Theatre – breathtaking is the first word that comes to mind when visiting the Majestic. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, the Majestic’s Mediterranean style is steeped in Moorish design. The Majestic is now home to the San Antonio Symphony.


• HemisFair Park – see spectacular views of San Antonio atop the 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas. This flourishing landscaped park offers impressive waterfalls and houses several historical buildings, a playground, the Institute of Texan Cultures and the Instituto Cultural Mexicano.


• San Pedro Springs Park – only Boston Common can call itself older than San Pedro. The oldest park in San Antonio and the second oldest in the U.S., San Pedro offers respite from a hectic day.

ACG Auxiliary Tours

Space is limited: Sign-up early for tours to guarantee a spot on the bus. Auxiliary Members will receive priority notification of sign-up for the early-bird special in the mail.

Texas Hill Country Experience: Fredericksburg, TX
Saturday, October 16th, Depart 8:30am, Return 4:00pm
Cost: $40 early bird special, $45 regular price

Board your deluxe motor coach and depart for a tour to Fredericksburg, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country about an hour north of San Antonio. While you sit back and relax with a drink and snack, a professional guide will relate stories of the German pioneers, Comanche Indians and all the delightful legends of the customs and traditions of the area. Fredericksburg is a colorful and cultural blend of architecture, cuisine, art, music and friendly people. For over a century, local artisans, winemakers, craftsmen and shop owners have been mixing German heritage with Texan hospitality to create the kind of place you'll want to return to time and time again. The city retains touches of its Old World heritage. The streets are broad and clean and the old sturdy buildings of native limestone are so typical of Texas German communities. Enjoy spending the day shopping and browsing among an endless variety of one of a kind stores and boutiques, visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War, or relaxing in German-style biergartens and schnitzelhausers. There is something for everyone!

Time permitting: On the way back, a stop at Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S., for beautiful scenery, walking trails, photo opportunities, and unique gifts.

Shop Until You Drop: San Marcos Outlet Mall
Sunday, October 17th, Depart 10:30am, Return 4:00pm
Cost: $20 early bird special, $25 regular price

Enjoy a short and relaxing ride in a deluxe motor coach to one of the most visited outlet malls in the U.S. Upon arriving, instructions and directions will be given concerning the shopping area, time to return to the bus and best shops for bargains! Voted best outlet in Texas, the San Marcos Outlet Mall is the third largest outlet mall in the U.S. This is a shopper's delight!

For more about the ACG Auxiliary click here.