2008 Annual Conference

The Tours have been Cancelled

Wednesday, September 24

A Day in Texas History (1:00 - 5:00 p.m.)

Experience a place dedicated to the history and the spirit of Texas, the Lone Star State – the Texas State History Museum. A 35-foot-tall bronze Lone Star sculpture greets visitors in front of this lovely and “big as Texas” building. Only one of many grand elements is the lobby featuring a beautiful granite-trimmed staircase encircling a rotunda with a colorful terrazzo floor featuring all things Texas.

Guests’ visit includes a docent-guided tour of the exhibits and a presentation of The Star of Destiny, an epic journey through the history of Texas, in the biggest multimedia special effects theater of its kind in Texas – the Texas Spirit Theater. This 200-seat venue boasts three screens, fixed sets, and several thrilling special effects to create a truly unique experience. Following the tour and theater presentation, guests have time to explore the museum on their own, have a snack in the museum café, visit the museum gift shop or experience the state-of-the-art IMAX theater located inside the museum.

Cost: $42

It’s a Splash! (2:00 - 4:15 p.m.)

From the Hilton Austin Hotel, guests board the duck vehicle, meet their guide, and then are off on an exciting journey over land and water that is a hoot – or maybe a “quack!” Whether or not guests opt to use the duck call whistle, included in the tour price, to blow at the folks they pass in the street, they certainly get a kick out of this combination land and water tour.

On this duck adventure, guests roll through downtown in a six-wheel-drive amphibious vehicle (originally created for British troops during the Cold War) and see some of the places that make Austin one of the country’s favorite cities. Guests have a “duck’s eye view” of the Texas State Capitol, stately Texas Governor's Mansion, Texas State History Museum, historic Congress Avenue, music-rich 6th Street and the scenic west side before "SPLASHING" into Lake Austin for a tour on this beautiful lake lined with high cliffs, trees and gorgeous homes. A stop at Austin’s own Amy’s Ice Cream for a complimentary (1) scoop cup or cone will cool down guests while they take in the sights. The “Duck Guide” entertains with historical tidbits and interesting insights into this unique city. Guests are encouraged to bring their choice of cool drink along for the ride.

Cost: $43

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Round Rock Premium Outlets offers more than 100 retailers in an upscale outdoor village-style setting. This outlet mall boasts retailers like Banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole and many more. Round Rock Premium Outlets presents guests with the shopping experience they desire . . . a high-energy shopping experience, a relaxing stroll through the beautiful courtyards in this architecturally rustic outdoor mall, a delicious meal at one of the many eateries or entertainment at the 14-screen movie theater. Round Rock Premium Outlets is located approximately 15 miles north of the Hilton Austin Hotel. Cost: $28

The Mandola Estate Winery is modeled after wineries and tasting rooms in Tuscany. The 20-acre vineyard is located above Onion Creek southwest of Austin where the temperature is similar to the warmer, drier climate of southern Italy and Sicily. The winery focuses on varieties of grapes that originate in southern Italy including the Montepulciano, Moscato, Barbera, and Sangiovese varieties. Mandola Estate Winery currently offers six wines. The wine list includes four red wines and two white wines. The winery’s equipment and facility combine tradition and innovation to produce great Texas wines from Italian grape varieties.

Guests enjoy a private tasting and tour and enjoy this lovely facility and surrounding grounds as much as the wine! The tour guides guests through the winemaking process, from grape to glass, and offers tips on what to look for in Italian varietals. Following the tour and tasting, guests relax and dine in the picnic area on a delicious boxed sandwich meal and may purchase a bottle of their favorite Mandola wine to accompany their meal. A scenic drive and guide comments complete the tour on the return to the hotel. Cost: $62

To print the registration form for sightseeing tours on Wednesday or Saturday afternoon, click here.

Please note: Tours maybe cancelled on August 29, if ACR does not meet the minimum number of registrants for the tours. You will not be charged if the tours are cancelled at any time.