WALKING THE AVA TEXAS CONVENTION

Day 1

JUN 15: ARRIVE OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

Our Walking Adventure begins in OKC, capital of the Sooner State of Oklahoma. Since travelers are arriving throughout the day, the only group activity will be a “Get Acquainted” orientation this evening at our hotel.

Day 2

JUN 16: OKLAHOMA CITY–MIAMI, OK (B)
Oklahoma City Capitol Walk – 10 km, rated 2

Our first walk features Oklahoma City, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial, eulogizing those lost in the tragic bombing of 1995. After the walk, we’ll pick up historic Route 66, heading east through Oklahoma. A memorable visit to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum offers fascinating movie clips and exhibits illustrating the life of the beloved humorist. After checking into our hotel in the Miami area, join us for another nostalgic excursion on a guided tour through the historic Coleman Theatre Beautiful on Route 66.

Day 3

JUN 17: MIAMI–BRANSON, MO (BD)
Riverton Route 66 in Kansas Walk – 10 km, rated 1

Another Route 66 event on the Mother Road takes place this morning in Riverton, Kansas. Our walk starts at a general store from the era, replete with the goods and services of the time, and showcasing, if we’re lucky, a Route 66 serenade from the proprietor. Across the state line in Missouri, we’ll stop at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield to learn about an intriguing and little-known battle that set the stage for the Civil War in the West. Finally, an early dinner at Lambert’s Café introduces us to laidback life in the Ozarks. Down-home cookin’ is punctuated with fresh-baked rolls literally tossed across the dining room to whoever has a hand up. Several big name shows are on tap tonight in Branson – some within walking distance from our hotel on “The Strip!” (Once schedules are firmed up, we’ll be in touch with options, showtimes, and prices.)

Day 4

JUN 18: BRANSON–LITTLE ROCK, AR (B)
Dogwood Canyon, Missouri Walk – 10 km, rated 2

Dogwood Canyon offers a beautiful nature walk from Missouri into Arkansas. The trail follows a winding trout stream past picturesque reflecting pools between sandstone cliffs that feed the stream with several delightful waterfalls. After the walk, our motorcoach takes us deeper into the Ozark Mountains and on through Arkansas to the state capital at Little Rock.

Day 5

JUN 19: LITTLE ROCK–JACKSON, MS (B)
Little Rock, Arkansas Capitol Walk – 10/12 km, rated 1+

This morning’s walk in Little Rock includes the State Capitol, old State House, Governor’s Mansion, Clinton Presidential Library, old Pacific Union Train Station, and several museums and college campuses. Following the walk, we’ll continue south through Arkansas to Mississippi, with a visit to the site of one of the most strategically important battles of the Civil War, at Vicksburg National Military Park.

Day 6

JUN 20: JACKSON–BATON ROUGE, LA (BD)
Jackson, Mississippi Capitol Walk – 5/10 km, rated 2

The capital of Mississippi offers a trail through LeFleur's Bluff State Park, residential neighborhoods, and Belhaven College. Across the state line in Louisiana, our hosts at historic Frogmore Plantation demonstrate the workings of their cotton gin and share the nuances of the slave culture and plantation system that lay at the heart of the disastrous War Between the States. From Frogmore, we continue to Baton Rouge and a fun Cajun dinner experience this evening.

Day 7

JUN 21: BATON ROUGE–AUSTIN, TX (BL)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana Capitol Walk – 10 km, rated 1

Today’s first activity is a walk through Baton Rouge that includes the old State Capitol, and qualifies for several other special AVA programs, including Museums, Native American Culture, Riverwalk America, and Veteran Memorials. Leaving Baton Rouge, we turn deeper into Cajun country for a stop at Lafayette. A visit to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park will give us a better understanding of the unique Cajun history and culture in this corner of America. From Lafayette, Interstate 10 takes us across Louisiana through the afternoon to the state capital of Texas.

Day 8

JUN 22: AUSTIN–RICHARDSON, TX (B)
Austin, Texas Capitol Walk – 11 km, rated 1

This morning’s walk includes the State Capitol Complex, the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, the University of Texas campus, and many historical buildings in downtown Austin. From Austin, we continue north through Dallas to the Renaissance Hotel in Richardson, site of the American Volkssport Association 16th Biennial Convention. The late afternoon and evening will be free to register and connect with friends arriving for the Convention. Walkers with energy remaining are invited to join us later this evening for Dallas Summer Musicals’ “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the Music Hall at Fair Park (More information on prices later.).

Day 9

JUN 23: ACTIVITIES FROM RICHARDSON (B)
AVA Convention Walk– White Rock Lake, Texas Walk – 6/10/16 km, rated 1

Our first Convention walk circles White Rock Lake with impressive views of downtown Dallas, and passes the Dallas Arboretum and lovely homes and gardens along the lake shore. Following the walk, you are invited to visit the highly regarded Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Estimated Price: $8), or be shuttled back to the hotel for a free afternoon. Late afternoon, we’ll bus to nearby restaurant options for dinner and be back in time for the AVA Welcome Reception (Estimated Price: $40-$60 – heavy hors d’oeuvres!).

Day 10

JUN 24: ACTIVITIES FROM RICHARDSON (B)
AVA Convention Walk – Fort Worth Cultural District Walk – 10 km, rated 1

A busy day begins with another all-Texas walk in Fort Worth. The trail follows a river path and passes a museum, theaters, and the coliseum. After the walk, a surprisingly interesting tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing gives us a chance to actually watch our money supply being increased (only one other place in the country prints money). We arrive at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic Site in time for the afternoon cattle drive, followed by dinner at one of several western- themed eateries and time to enjoy the western ambiance of this historic stop on the famed Chisholm Trail.

Day 11

JUN 25: ACTIVITIES FROM RICHARDSON (B)
AVA Convention Walk – Downtown Dallas Walk – 5/10 km, rated 1

Another day in Texas begins with a walk through Dallas past historic buildings and skyscrapers, the Dallas Farmers’ Market, art museums, fountains, and parks. While in Dallas, we’ll visit the Sixth Floor Museum, which chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, tragically shot from these rooms on November 22, 1963. We return to the hotel in Richardson for a rest and the opportunity to participate in tonight’s Convention Western-style Barbeque and Dance at Eddie Deen Ranch (Estimated Price: $60).

Day 12

JUN 26: ACTIVITIES FROM RICHARDSON (BL)
AVA Convention Walk – Uptown Dallas Walk – 5/11 km, rated 1

Our last walk together goes Uptown! We pass historic cemeteries and walk through the State Thomas neighborhood, along the KATY trail, through Reverchon Park and Turtle Creek, and into West Village. Following the walk, we’ll enjoy a Farewell Lunch together and reminisce about the many Adventures we’ve had together during the past two weeks! Tonight, you’re invited to the Convention Farewell Banquet at the Renaissance Hotel (Estimated Price: $65).

Day 13

JUN 27: DEPART FOR HOME (B)

After breakfast, we’ll offer one shuttle to the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, where we’ll bid fond farewells to walking friends old and new. We’ve shared a delightful slice of America’s history, culture, and scenery together, returning home enriched by another Adventure!