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La Villita

La Villita is a unique arts and crafts community with shops, working artists, restaurants and a post office. The Old San Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a collection of art objects, artifacts and symbols relevant to the history. This beautifully landscaped historic district offers leisurely shopping, dining and five rental venues for special events.

The Alamo

On the east side of Alamo Plaza is the most famous spot in Texas where 189 defenders fell on March 6, 1836, after repeated attacks by Mexican General Santa Anna's army. Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo) was established in 1718 as the city's first mission. The chapel, one of the most photographed facades in the nation, and the Long Barracks are all that remain of the original fort. Long Barracks Museum and Library are near the chapel. The museum contains relics and mementos from the Republic of Texas and offers narration on the fall of the Alamo. The Alamo is located in the heart of the city, inside beautifully landscaped grounds.

Missions and Margaritas

San Antonio combines the best of Texas, the Southwest and Mexico, creating a city filled with fun, festivals, and history. Other than the famous River Walk area, the missions of San Antonio are a truly unique sightseeing experience. You will start traveling down the Mission Trail stopping first at Mission Concepcin, moved here in 1731 from East Texas, especially noted for its wall paintings and known as the oldest un-restored Catholic church in the nation. Then it's on to the grandest mission in terms of size and architectural detail, Mission San Jos . Termed the Queen of the Missions, San Jos is of the country's finest examples of Spanish mission architecture, blessed with a lovely-sculpted entrance and the famous Rosa's Window. Continuing along the Mission Trail, you'll pass Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. Then it's on to a favorite local restaurant Aldaco's for a relaxing lunch with margaritas and a cooking demonstration.

The Missions of San Antonio

This tour is for the history and romance lovers. It will take you back to times we think of as peaceful and full of quiet adventure. But the mission battles and the Spanish drive to save souls while expanding their world dominance. You will start traveling down the Mission Trail stopping first at Mission Concepcin. The flagstone floor of the chapel has borne thousands of worshipers, from the barefooted-native Americans centuries ago to tennis-shoed tourists of today. Then it's on to Mission San Jos . This elegant structure echoes with reminders of an earlier time, when Texas was a frontier and the mission was a haven in an unsettled land. At the National Parks Headquarters, you will view an award winning film about the development of the missions in South Texas. Along the Mission Trail, you'll pass Mission San Juan Capistrano and Mission Espada. Between it and Espada lies the Espada Aqueduct, the irrigation system constructed by the missionaries in the 1730's still in use today.

This is San Antonio

It's not every city that can take you down the river on a touring barge. On your trip down the San Antonio River, your knowledgeable barge captain will explain the history, architecture, and lore of this very charming metropolis. Over lunch, you will enjoy authentic Mexican Cuisine. Following lunch, you will board your deluxe transportation and head to Hemis Fair Park, site of the 1968 World's Fair. Fountains and falls recreate the theme of water as a life force of Central Texas, including the 750 foot Tower of the Americas. Across the park is the Institute of Texan Cultures, originally built as the Texas Pavilion for the World's Fair of 1968. You will then take a ride past the Spanish Governor's Palace, the El Mercado, the Houston St. theater district, and South town which includes the Blue Star Art Complex and the old German King William District of historical homes. You will arrive at the Alamo, one of five missions established by the Spanish between 1718 and 1731. After exploring this historic site, you will venture across the street to the historic and haunted Menger Hotel where Teddy Roosevelt gathered his Rough Riders in the famous bar before riding to victory in the Spanish-American War. Bullet holes can still be seen in the bar where they gathered and partied.

Please check back for online registration details. Contact Professional Development if you want to reserve a seat on one of the tours.