Gold Coast of Long Island - Mansions, Lighthouses, and Vineyards

Beaches and lighthouses... mansions and estates, seafood and bagels..celebrities and socialites...the Gold Coast of Long Island is all this, and more.

Day One - Old Westbury Gardens and the Vanderbilt Museum and Mansion

This morning we will embark on a delightful journey to Long Island, known for its glamour and ritzy properties that are often used as a backdrop for Hollywood productions. It is said that Long Island inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write the "Great Gatsby," and as we ride along passing grand gated estates it is easy to see where the inspiration came from. 

Our first stop this morning is at Old Westbury Gardens which offers a bit of the Cotswolds on Long Island. It is the former home of John S. Phipps and his family which makes us feel as though we have been transported to the English countryside. This English Restoration-style manor house is filled with priceless furnishings and is surrounded by 200 sprawling acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds, and lakes. We will tour the house and gardens and afterward, we will have lunch.

Once upon a time, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and  Olympic star Sonja Henie visited the "summer shack" built by William K. Vanderbilt during the gilded age. A highlight of the afternoon is a personalized tour of Eagle's Nest, where we will tour more than 15 rooms carefully preserved to their Jazz Age grandeur. We will also explore four historic museum buildings on the estate including the Memorial Wing housing cultural artifacts, the Habitat Wing, the Hall of Fishes, and the Nursery Wing where we will learn about Mr. Vanderbuilt's expeditions around the world. 

Late this afternoon, we will check into our hotel. After we freshen up we will have a welcome dinner with our fellow travelers.

(L,D) 

 Vanderbilt Museum Tour https://www.vanderbiltmuseum.org/mansion/mansiontours For further information about scheduling your private tour, please email carol@vanderbiltmuseum.org or complete the form below.

Mileage

Old Westbury to Vanderbilt 18.6 miles - 45 minutes via 25AE

Vanderbilt to Riverhead is 1 hour (46 miles  via 1_495)

Day Two - Southhampton - Montauk Village - Easthampton

This morning after breakfast we will make our way to the ritziest town in the Hamptons, Southhampton!  Our first stop of the day is at Coopers Beach, noted as one of America's best. Next, we will head to Southhampton Village's shopping district where we will see Hildreth's America's oldest department store. This store is filled to the brim with home goods and everything you can imagine! We will continue on through East Hampton, Sagaponack, Bridgehampton, and East Hampton on our way to Montauk.

Arriving in the Montauk Village, we will have lunch on our own, where most lunch spots are casual, with many being in business for decades. After lunch, we will visit Montauk Lighthouse at Montauk Point State Park, known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, where it meets the Block Island Sound. Our next stop is at Montauk Lighthouse, on the easternmost end of Long Island Sound. This classic lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country, was authorized by President George Washington and was built in 1797. A climb to the top of the tower gives you 360-degree views of Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.

On our way back, we will stop in the village of East Hampton where we will have time to explore this charming village on our own. Tonight we will have dinner @ Jerry and the Mermaid.

(B, D)

* seems they go back to Riverhead

Day Three - Sag Harbor - Wine Tasting

After checking out, we will enjoy breakfast before setting off for our final day of touring. Today's destination is Sag Harbor, once a thriving whaling village and port city that was approved as a Port of Entry in 1789 by President Washington.  In Sag Harbor, we will pass a scenic view of the harbor area and Long Beach. Our first stop is the Whaling Museum, which tells the story of Sag Harbor's history through historical objects and contemporary displays. Our next stop is the Old Whaler's Church, a National Historic Landmark built in 1844. This Egyptian and Greek Revival-styled church was built from donations of sea captions that were able to see its 185-foot steeple as they headed into the port of Sag Harbor. Next, we head to Sag Harbor village where we will have some free time to explore and have lunch on our own.

This afternoon, we will board the Shelter Island ferry to the beautiful village of Greenport, the former heart of Long Island's oyster industry. Here we have some free time to stroll along the boardwalk, explore art galleries and shops, or ride the antique carousel on the green.

****Our final stop of the day is at RG-NY Vineyard for a wine-tasting and pairing experience. This Mexican-owned vineyard is known for its interesting twists on tastes and textures. Here we will sample award-winning wines paired with goodies at this exclusive wine tasting.  

After our wine tasting, we will head home with many warm memories of all we have seen and done on Long Island's Gold Coast

(B)

Notes 

Old Whalers Church contact https://www.oldwhalerschurch.org

https://www.kontokostawinery.com/

https://rgnywine.com/

Dallas to NOLA - draft needs to be reworked

Dallas

Dallas  Today’s sightseeing features Pioneer Plaza, commemorating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas and cattle to market; the Historic West End; and Dealey Plaza, where history buffs can learn all about that moment in history at the Sixth Floor Museum, the location from which the alleged killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, fired the lethal shots that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

Dallas - Fort Worth 

This morning, journey to Fort Worth, a Texas city famous for its unmistakable combination of “cowboys and culture.” Visit the Stockyards National Historic District and get a taste of the true American West. Afterward, meet the drovers/cowboys of the Fort Worth Herd and see a Longhorn cattle drive before visiting the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. It’s here that the museum pays tribute to more than 70 cowboys and cowgirls who have excelled in the sport of rodeo, and the Western lifestyle. This evening, you may choose to enjoy Sundance Square. Overnight in Fort Worth.'

FOrt Worth - Waco - Austin

In Waco, visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn about the mission, history, staff, and governance of America’s first law enforcement historical center founded in 1964. Then visit the Bob Bullock State History Museum that tells the “Story of Texas.” Afterward, enjoy a city sightseeing tour that features Austin’s downtown, including historic Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol complex, Governor’s Mansion, and the University of Texas. (B)

Austin - Fredericksberg

A short drive from Austin to Texas Hill Country, and home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park. Discover the story of the 36th president, from his ancestors to his final resting place, at the LBJ Ranch. See and learn about President and Mrs. Johnson’s lives on the ranch during a tour of the grounds that includes the Junction School, President Johnson’s reconstructed birthplace. Johnson Family cemetery and the hangar visitor center that features exhibits, and artifacts. Next, on to Fredericksburg, and time on your own to enjoy this historic town. Spend the afternoon leisurely strolling the historic district shopping, perusing one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops, art galleries, and museums. (B)

Fredericksberg San Antonio

This morning, a private narrated cruise down the San Antonio River through the picturesque River Walk area. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

San Antonio - Housaton

Houston is a city of firsts. The first word spoken on the moon was heard here, and it is home to the first successful human heart transplant and America’s first public television station. Appreciate all that Houston has to offer on a sightseeing tour of America’s fourth-largest city. See the Theatre District, which is second only to New York City, and marvel at the world-famous Texas Medical Center, whose 675 acres and 42 nonprofit institutions make it the largest medical complex in the world. Last, but not least, is a visit to one of Houston’s most expensive neighborhoods, River Oaks.

Houston

A special highlight today is a visit to Johnson Space Center, home of NASA and the U.S. Space Program. Be inspired by the wonders of space exploration and go behind the scenes of America’s exciting space program. Be a part of history in the making as you witness engineers, scientists, and astronauts shaping the future of space exploration. With this behind-the-scenes journey, you will also visit the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center, and Saturn V Rocket, the most powerful moon rocket ever built and one of only three moon rockets remaining in the world. (B)

Houston -Lafayette

swamp cruise

Lafayette - NOLA

This morning, journey across Bayou Country into New Orleans, capital of Dixieland and the “City That Care Forgot.” Upon arrival, a guided sightseeing tour focuses on the sights and sounds of New Orleans, featuring French Quarter landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and a visit to a unique above-ground cemetery. Afternoon and evening are at leisure.

The Spirit of San Antonio

Intro

San Antonio’s River Walk, Spanish colonial architecture, river cruises, and lively markets make it one of America’s most picturesque cities. Here more than 300 years of history will make us feel at home.

Day 1 - Arrive in San Antonio

Few destinations provide a sense of place like San Antonio. Here, the bell towers of Spanish colonial missions have greeted mornings for almost 300 years. Mexican, European, and Western cultures blend into a unique personality. After settling into our hotel, you have the afternoon at your leisure. Tonight we meet with our fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Dusk @ the Alamo

Day 2 - The Alamo, Spanish Missions & King Williams Historic District

(NOTE FOR TYLER You can drive to each of the missions—signs throughout the park point the way—or park the car and walk or bike along the River Walk Trail that connects the historic sites.) The State of Texas bans commercial tour operators (like ourselves and all other private providers) from touring inside the Alamo church itself. Walk from hotel Guided tours start at 10 a.m. Alamo guided tour https://www.thealamo.org/visit/tours-and-experiences/tours/alamo-guided-tour. Group Sales Coordinator at (210) 225-1391, x3005, or email tours@thealamo.org. Admission to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is always free - Mission San Jose  and Mission Concepcion)

San Antonio is blessed with cultural wonders and visitors to the city can explore Missions National Historic Park which has the largest collection of Spanish Missions in the United States. Today we will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to learn about the lives of indigenous people and early Spanish settlers who founded this city.

After breakfast, we depart our hotel for our 10 a.m. guided tour of the Alamo. The Alamo, founded in 1718, is known as one of the most important battle sites in the country.  Guided by Alamo History Interpreters, our walking tour, The Alamo: A Story Bigger Than Texas, explores the heroes and events that have made the story of the Alamo captivating for generations of Texans. The tour takes you through the area that was the original footprint of the Spanish mission complex, today Alamo Plaza, and describes the events leading up to and including the Battle of the Alamo. After this 45-minute tour, we will have time (an hour) to see the Alamo Church and the Ralston Family Collections Center where we will see more than 500 artifacts on display from three important collections. Another highlight is the Alamo's living history encampment behind the church. Here we will see hands-on demonstrations of daily life at the time of the Texas Revolution. We will discover what people wore, how they took care of their health, what skills they developed, and what firearms they used.

300 plus year old Mission San Jose

After lunch, (there is a hard rock cafe https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/san-antonio) on the river walk and Cafe Ole https://www.cafeole.us also on River Walk, both take groups.) we will head south to our next destination,  Mission San Jose that turned 300 years old in 2020. It is known as the Queen of the Missions because it is the largest of the missions and was almost fully restored to its original design in the 1930s by the WPA (Works Projects Administration). Spanish missions were not churches, but communities with the church as the focus. Mission San José captures a transitional moment in history, frozen in time. The complex includes a church, a convent, a granary, and housing for Native Americans, along with a restored Spanish Colonial gristmill.  This afternoon we may even see a park ranger demonstrating a skill like the atl atle, a musket, or spinning wool. 

Mission Concepcion

Our next stop is Mission Concepcion, which looks much as it did two centuries ago when it was first built making it the best preserved Spanish colonial structure in the U.S. It stands proudly as the oldest unrestored stone church in America. In its heyday, colorful geometric designs covered its surface, but the patterns have long since faded or been worn away.  However, stunning frescos dating from the 1700s that use symbols of both the indigenous people and the Catholic religion can still be seen in several of the rooms. The most famous fresco, located on the convent room ceiling is a possible depiction of God as a mestizo.

We will take a relaxing drive through the scenic King William Historic District, San Antonio's first suburb and the very first historic district in Texas. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and represented their achievements as they prospered and built opulent mansions. Some of these homes, like the Wulfe House, the Sartor House, the Groos House,67, Villa Finale a grand Italianate home that welcomes visitors to explore its gardens and others, are notable for their architectural style. 

Tonight we will have dinner in this quaint historic enclave at a restaurant that was once the home to Benedictine nuns in the Order of St. Scholastica.  After dinner, we will check into our hotel. 

For Tyler - Dinner - Liberty Bar https://www.liberty-bar.com/about

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Strolling the River Walk

Day 3 - River Walk and Barge Tour & Historic Market Square

After breakfast, we will start the day with a guided walk along the San Antonio River and go on a narrated barge tour (https://www.goriocruises.com/Cruises/Soul-of-San-Antonio-Narrated-Cruise). On the barge cruise, we will learn about the city's architecture, history, and points of interest. After our barge cruise, we will stroll over to the San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest continuously functioning religious community in Texas. 

Cruise the San Antonio River

Afterward, we will visit the Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican Market in the United States. Enjoy the sights and flavors of old Mexico and find authentic Talavera pottery, exotic curios, and handcrafted works of art. Stay for the gourmet Mexican cuisine at Mi Tierra and La Margarita, or kick back at the Farmers Market Food Court and enjoy the show on the stage. Lunch and the rest of the afternoon are on your own. 

Colorful Mexican Market, the largest in the U.S.

This evening we head to The Pearl which has been a local favorite since 1883. This mixed-use space features dining, retail shopping, and picturesque green spaces. Tonight we will have dinner in the 130-year-old original boiler house of the Pearl Brewery Complex which is a beautiful fusion of the past and the present where the bulk of the industrial architecture remains intact.

Boiler House https://boilerhousesa.com/

The Pearl

Breakfast, Dinner (hopefully lunch on own on Main Street -asking looked on the map and there seem to be a lot of restaurants between the pacific war museum and the pioneer museum )

Day 4 - Fredericksburg - Texas Hill Country

Notes for Tyler the Basilica is open Monday - Friday - 6:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday - 8:00am until the conclusion of the 4:30pm Mass., Sunday - 7:00am Mass until the conclusion of the 6:00pm Mass.

Pacific War Museum https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/visit/group-tours

Will you smell roses @ National Shrine of the Little Flower

After breakfast, we start the day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower. Out of the 1,800 Basilicas worldwide, the United States is home to only 82, and only five are designated as National Shrines.  This morning we will visit The National Shrine of the Little Flower, named in honor of St. Therese de Lisieux. This Carmelite nun saw herself as a little flower of  Jesus because she lived a very simple life. She has been a highly influential model of sanctity for the Catholic Church because of her approach to spiritual life. Pope Pius X called her the greatest saint of modern times. She was canonized in 1923. The architecture of the Basilica is stunning and some say, there is a slight scent of roses in the air.

Next, we head to Fredricksburg, located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Our next stop is at the National Museum of the Pacific War, the 5th best history museum in the United States according to USA Today. Here we will see displays of some of the most notable aspects and events of WWII that occurred in the Pacific arena. A special highlight is the Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa and the Atomic Bomb exhibit. 

After our museum tour, you have some free time to explore Main Street which boasts more than 150 shops and restaurants in addition to the Pioneer Museum. Lunch today is on your own. Late this afternoon we head back to San Antonio. 

Tonight we meet for our farewell dinner to share all we have experienced and to celebrate this trip with new friends and old.

Day 5 - Good Bye San Antonio

Today, we say farewell to the charming city of San Antonio and head home with warm memories of this charming southwestern city.

NOTES  TOLIET SEAT MUSEUM MOVED 4 HRS AWAY - MOANS.

https://truckyardthecolony.com/toilet-seat-museum