TWENTY YEARS STRONG FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY
ROLLING DAILY TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS
ISSUE 05 JANUARY 2018
TWENTY YEARS STRONG FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY
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SMALL TOWN WE LOVE: FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS Fredericksburg is a Texas hill country Hamlet with oldworld charm.
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEXAS BBQ They say everything’s bigger in Texas and barbecue is no exception.
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THINGS TO DO IN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY Fredericksburg was settled by families emigrating from Germany in...
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NINE TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH A BIG GROUP When you’re vacationing with an entourage, there are a few...
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6 FOOL-PROOF WAYS TO WIN ON SLOTS Many people believe that playing slots is one of the simplest...
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TOP 10 GROUP TRAVEL SURVIVAL TIPS On a combined business/ leisure trip to London last..
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WARMING OUR HEARTS WITH ANGELS OF LIGHT Each year we have the privilege to share in a magnificent holiday event, Angels of Light.
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WHICH CASINO GAMES HAVE THE BEST ODDS 80 million visitors visited casinos in the U.S. in 2014. Casinos remain...
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HOUSTON CITYPASS ADVENTURES As a native Houstonian, it’s sometimes easy to take for granted the oneof-a-kind sights...
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WHERE TO GO. WHAT TO DO.
PRODUCTION Production deliverabilities layout&design: Phone: 360.468.3699
Email: info@deliverabilites.com www.deliverabilities.com
ADVERTISING First Class Tours
opportunities:
Phone: 281.590.8800 Email: info@firstclasstours.net www.firstclasstours.net
JANUARY 2018
A lot has changed in 20 years. In fact in 1998, in the United States: • • • • • • •
Gallon of gasoline cost $1.15 Postage stamp cost 32 cents 1 pound of Hamburger meat was $1.40 1 dozen eggs cost 88 cents Bill Clinton was president of the United States The TV Show “Seinfeld” aired its last episode Google.com was registered as a domain address.
Also in 1998, First Class Tours, Inc. was started by my father, Lanny Rogers. Since that time, First Class has traveled millions of miles, transported thousands of passengers, and employed hundreds of people. First Class Tours has grown from 1 motorcoach to a company of over 65 motorcoaches and continues to grow. There is however a lot of things that haven’t changed in those 20 years. The truth is at First Class Tours our commitment to our customers and employees hasn’t changed much at all. We were founded on the principles of service and treating people like we would want to be treated. Today our commitment to this is every bit as stong as it was back in 1998. As we look back, I am thankful to each one of our customers. Many have traveled with us for all 20 years! I am grateful for every church, organization, club, and group that has trusted First Class Tours for their travel needs. I am appreciative now for our group tour clients who trust us with their clubs, schools, and teams. What thrill to look back on 20 years of growth. I am also thankful for our employee team members. They are the life blood of our little company and in many cases have been with us since the very beginning. They continue to reflect the passion that my father, Lanny, had for every customer and every passanger. Everyday, I am reminded that the human side of this business is the backbone of why we do what we do. To every coach operator, technician, salesperson, customer service representative, and office team member, I thank you personally and professionally for your loyality, service and commitment to furthing the vision that is First Class Tours. While we look back on what has been a wonderful 20 years, we also look through the winshield of the future and are commited to taking this vision and passion with us as we continue down the road that we started on a wonderful 20 years ago!
-Jeff Rogers
www.firstclasstours.net
Jeff Rogers President First Class Tours Houston, TX
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FIRST CLASS
TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS
CELEBRATING
20 YEARS
Located in Houston, Texas, First Class Tours is a world-class motorcoach company serving southeast Texas and beyond. Lanny Rogers, former owner of Gray Line of Houston, started the company in 1998. His previous work of purchasing a 2 bus operation and growing it to an operation of 4
110 motorcoaches in the Houston area prepared him to start First Class Tours and lay the foundation that we continue to build on today. We run a full charter and contract operation and facilitate a number of daily scheduled casino runs as well. With an exceptional fleet of luxury
motorcoaches and mini coaches, we are able to meet the needs of groups both large and small. Our current president is co-owner, Jeff Rogers, Lanny’s son. Building on the legacy of his father, Jeff has expanded the fleet and continues to focus on steering our company in wwwfirstclasstours.net
JANUARY 2018
TWENTY YEARS STRONG FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY
the right direction. Under his leadership, we’ve doubled our charter bus business, increased casino line runs, and worked closely with organizations and the community to provide the best possible service at an affordable rate. Why? Because, as Jeff says, “We like to have our customers return again and again with www.firstclasstours.net
bigger smiles on their faces.” To help us achieve that objective, we’ve built the company on 8 pillars of success. These critical performance areas help us assess how we’re doing, and each has been carefully considered and refined over time. While many companies claim to offer
their customers exceptional service, First Class Tours’ extraordinary commitment to these pillars has defined how we do business and helped us better meet the needs of our clients. To begin with, our cornerstone pillar is safety. We engage every employee in the mission of making 5
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and stay ahead of the game by identifying and resolving potential issues before they ever become a problem.
First Class Tours—and every one of its passengers—as safe as possible. That’s where we stand apart. For us, safety is not a tagline for marketing purposes; it’s a sincere commitment to ensure that every passenger knows they have an entire company dedicated to their personal safety. Second, we focus on hiring— and training—professional drivers. Our drivers aren’t just employees; they’re family, and many of them have worked here for over 20 years. They also happen to be the face of our company for nearly all of our customers. We work hard to ensure that our driver pool is committed to the company, and we do this by being committed to them.
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The third pillar of the First Class Promise is customer service. We all know that there’s customer service, and then there’s customer service. All of us have experienced working with a company where we recognize that something is different, better than the norm. That difference is not an accident. At First Class Tours, we work hard to offer our customers a level of service and attention that exceeds their expectations. Our fourth pillar is maintenance, that behindthe-scenes engine that defines a company. At First Class Tours, it is the underpinning of our success. We pride ourselves on what we call our proactive and preventative maintenance program. It is designed to keep our coaches running
The fifth pillar of our success is our ability to offer our customers world-class, ontime performance through what we call superior planning. Our operations department is tasked with looking beyond the expected in order to plan for the unforeseen. It is our belief that this way of doing things is key to facilitating extraordinary travel experiences for our customers. Any company that can’t master communication can not possibly deliver an excellent product every time. We place high priority on communication because it is foundational to delivering first-class service. From time to time, every company has issues that may affect customers, and it is in those moments that our commitment to communication shines bright. Our philosophy is simple: we believe that we have a responsibility and obligation to give you the information you need. There’s nothing worse than stepping aboard a “luxury motorcoach” to find that it is dirty, smells, and isn’t maintained well. The
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seventh pillar of success here at First Class Tours is the focus we put on having the cleanest coaches on the road. While this is a standard that many claim in our industry, we have built a culture dedicated to making sure that we deliver this promise on every trip, every day, all of the time. Our final pillar is one that really sets our company apart, and it’s the emphasis we put on having excellent equipment. We have over 60 luxury coaches, and we maintain a high level of quality across our entire fleet. What does that mean? It means that you won’t get a “luxury” coach one time you book with us, and an old, dingy bus the next.
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We focus on delivering a consistent standard, and all of our fleet vehicles come with leather seats, entertainment systems, WiFi, and power outlets. This
uniformity helps ensure that we offer our customers the very best whenever they ride with us. ¦
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Just a short 2 hour drive from Houston, Golden Nugget Lake Charles combines the glitz and glamour of
WEEKLY TRIPS AS LOW AS $17.00 Las Vegas withDAY the hospitality and charm of the South – creating an exceptional one-of-a-kind gaming and entertainment destination in Louisiana.
Since it’s unveiling in December 2014, the 242-acre casino and resort has attracted guests from all WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, & SUNDAY! neighboring states. The Golden Nugget name is synonymous with exceptional service and luxury, including TICKETS START AT $17 deluxe accommodations, 15 restaurants and lounges, a private beach and marina, a championship golf FRIDAY & SATURDAY! TICKETS START AT $18 course and an innovative casino floor.
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$
Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles departing Terminal and Eastex Terminal Located off of interstate 210, Lake Charlesfrom is theFM fifth1960 installment of the iconic Golden Nuggeteach brand which Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday! is owned and operated by Houston-based restaurant, hospitality and gaming group Landry’s Inc. The
Perk
craftsmanship and attention to detail is evidence of money well spent. The luxurious rooms and suites feature plush bedding, premium amenities like idocking stations and picturesque lake and pool views.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET AVAILABILITY
PROPERTY FEATURES • 1,600 of the newest slot machines WITH PERKS • World-class spa, salon and barbershop OVERNIGHT TRIPS • State-of-the-art fitness center • 70 table games • • • • • •
• Pool complex with swim-up bar, lazy river Poker room and waterslide 740 luxury rooms and suites, with a tower addition in 2017 FEB 7-8, 2018 $74 PP DBLE OCCUP • Shopping promenade 18-hole championship golf course • Arcade 30,000 square-feet of meeting and convention space APR 11-12, 2018 $149 PP - SINGLE OCCUP • A-list entertainment Wedding gazebo JUNE 6-7, 2018 Marina with dockage up to 206 feet
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$
Perk
Ride with First Class Tours to The Golden Nugget Lake Charles, departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminals
G A M B L I N G CLICKPHERERFOROTICKET B AVAILABILITY L E M ? 8
P L E
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New for 2017!
JANUARY 2018
B US TOUR S PACKAG ES DAY TRIP PACKAGES (Minimum 5 Hour Stay)
Package A • Golden Nugget will pay $10 per passenger • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *No minimum passenger count required.
Package B • Golden Nugget will pay $500 for Bus Transportation • Receive $5 Free Slot Play or $10 Food Credit
GOLDEN NUGGET TRIP • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 40 passenger counter required.
Package C
• Golden Nugget will pay $1,000 for Bus Transportation • Group leader receives $15 Free Slot Play or $25 Food Credit *Minimum 50 passenger count required.
*All passengers must be 21 or older. No deposit required. Any payment made by Golden Nugget will be sent to the approved motor coach company. Group leaders are not eligible to receive payment.
From upscale to casual, Golden Nugget Lake Charles also boasts a collection of Landry’s, Inc. awardwinning and nationally recognized restaurants that cater to every palate. Grotto Ristorante, Saltgrass Steak House, Landry’s Seafood House, Claim Jumper, Lillie’s Asian Cuisine, Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and the crown jewel of steakhouses – Vic & Anthony’s – are just a few of the impressive selections. Guests can also peruse through a shopping promenade featuring all of the latest fashions from designers like Tommy Bahama and Michael Kors, catch a game of golf, or bask in the sun at H20 – an opulent Vegasstyle pool, swim-up bar and lounge. To learn more about available Bus Tour Packages to Golden Nugget Lake Charles, please call 337.508.7221 or email BusTours@gnlcm.com. 2550 GOLDEN NUGGET BLVD.
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www.firstclasstours.net
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LAKE CHARLES. LA 70601
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GOLDENNUGGETLC.COM
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As a local, it is not at all uncommon to be asked “What is there to do in Galveston?” To me, it seems like such an odd question. The question really should be more like “What ISN’T there to do in Galveston?”
SMALL TOWN W FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS Galveston Island has a diversity of entertainment and leisure options that has made it one of the top beach destinations along the Gulf Coast. I think it’s the fact that Galveston has so much more than just sand and water to lure people across The Causeway. Let’s look at just Downtown Galveston – the epicenter of entertainment, food, drink and social activity in the city. So if you’re looking for something fun to do and need a little nudge for ideas, here’s a quick list of the top 10 things to do in Downtown Galveston.
And I offer this one disclaimer – this is in no way intended to be inclusive. It is not the result of any survey. This is merely my list of top 10 things I recommend to folks based on living here 21 years and visiting the island city my entire life.
BY: JORDAN BREAL 1. Shop
If you’re fond of unique and interesting items for yourself or gifts for others, downtown Galveston is where you need to spend some time with Hendley Market as your first stop. Be sure to check the store for current hours – they tend to change from time to time. But it is worth the effort for the spectacular collection of unusual items you’ll find. Nativity scenes
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JANUARY 2018
WE LOVE: G,
Fredericksburg is a Texas hill country Hamlet with old-world charm. Population: 10,715 Why We’d Move There Nestled deep in the heart of the Lone Star State, the town of Fredericksburg was settled by German pioneers in 1846 and remains as steadfastly Teutonic as it is Texan. Its 3.5mile historic Hauptstrasse (Main Street) is a smorgasbord of specialty shops, biergartens, and bed-and-breakfasts. The gently undulating countryside is awash in wildflowers in the spring and offers plentiful peaches in the summer. The Community If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a native who speaks Texas German, a distinctive (but dying) dialect handed down through the town’s founding families. Multiple generations gather every August to attend the horse races, dances, and Main Street parade during the Gillespie County Fair (gillespiefair.net). The Perfect Day With more than 150 stores, it’s a retail marathon—including the specialty kitchen shop Der Küchen Laden (littlechef.com); Red (redinfred.com), a vintagedecor emporium located in a
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1940s Buick dealership; and the blessedly oldfashioned Dooley’s 5-1025¢ Store (830/997-3458). Refuel with a venison Reuben in the swanky subterranean bistro of Vaudeville (vaudevilleliving.com). Dive deep into German-Texan culture at the Pioneer Museum (pioneermuseum.net), a complex with 1840s homes and fachwerk log cabins. Then consider a pint of craft beer at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company (yourbrewery. com). End the day with more German delicacies, such as jagerwurst
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with mustardy pickled cucumbers at Otto’s German Bistro (ottosfbg. com). Locals To Know Design queen Carol Hicks Bolton and her husband, Tim, have steadily amassed a collection of ancient oddities and timeworn furnishings during their frequent pilgrimages to Europe’s best flea markets. Peruse their 14,000-squarefoot Antiqüités Laboratoire de Design (carolhicksbolton.com), where you’re likely to see Carol adjusting a fanciful
arrangement of taxidermy or smoothing out a pile of Belgian linens. Don’t Miss Be sure to take the 15-minute hike up to Cross Mountain. At 1,915 feet above sea level, the marl-and-limestone hill (which served as an important lookout point for the Comanche) offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the town below. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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JANUARY 2018
Retirement
sets you free.
A MOTORCOACH
helps make it
The best it can
possibly be. The Good Life Starts Here!
Welcome to the next generation of retirement! A retirement designed for those who have a passion for living, for fun and for spending their best years with those they love the most. Nothing compares to the experiences available on a motorcoach. From local sightseeing to a week on the road, motorcoaches offer the flexibility, comfort, and amenities that will make your next trip the best trip. Motorcoaches are a great way to make the most of your golden years and we look forward to the chance to welcome you aboard one of our modern coaches and wow you with all we have to offer.
GoMotorcoach Make the Smart Move! Safe | Green | Efficient | Affordable | Fun
281.590.8800 | www.firstclasstours.net www.firstclasstours.net
FIRST CLASS IN EVERY WAY
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FIRST CLASS
TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TEXAS BB BY: DAN GENTILE 14
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JANUARY 2018
U W BQ
They say everything’s bigger in Texas and barbecue is no exception. Barbecue tradition runs deep in the Lone Star State, but it’s only been in the past decade that the region’s signature style has stolen the national smoked meat spotlight from the pork-minded pitmasters of Tennessee and the Carolinas. It’s hard to understand what makes the state’s barbecue unique if you haven’t spent time in Central Texas, so here’s everything you need to know to eat barbecue
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like a true Texan. When people say “Texas-style,” they mean “Central Texas-style” South Texas focuses on barbacoa, East Texas serves chopped beef, and West Texas cooks over direct heat in a style more akin to grilling. The food varies depending on where you are in the state, but when people use the term “Texas barbecue” it almost always translates the Central Texas-style
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of cooking brisket low and slow over indirect heat. Since you’ll rarely see the others unless you’re roadtripping to remote corners of the state, most of this article concerns the style associated with Central Texas. Beef is the main course The first thing that makes Texas the iconoclast of the ‘cueing world is a worship of beef over pork. The preference dates back to the cattle industry, but culturally you can chalk it up to bigger-in-Texas palates. Argue all you like about proteins, but it’s 16
tough to convince a Texan that the other white meat packs more flavor than a well-cooked piece of beef. The two types of brisket are moist and lean A brisket has two distinct portions, the leaner “flat” and the fattier “point.” Some menus list both types, but even those that don’t will happily cut from whichever side of the brisket a customer prefers. Fatty (aka “moist”) is more popular and loaded with flavor. The lower fat content of the lean side makes it harder to cook perfectly, but it’s by no means a
second class barbecue citizen -- it’s still served with a sliver of fat cap. No combo plate is complete without brisket Pork ribs, sausage, turkey, beef ribs, and pulled pork typically round out a menu, but no plate of Texas barbecue is complete without brisket. The collagen-packed chest muscle is king and how it’s cooked is considered the true measure of a pitmaster’s skill. If Texas had a list of barbecue commandments, Thou Shalt Order Brisket would be No. 1.
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White bread, onions, and pickles are free Condiment stations are always loaded with quartered white onions, pickles, and cheap white bread. There might occasionally be a charge for more premium bread or fancy pickles, but the standards should definitely come for free. Wood is favored over charcoal or gas Smokers with a gas assist function have gained popularity in higher volume restaurants, but most masters still do it the oldfashioned way: a hardwood fire that’s watched carefully overnight. The most common wood used in
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Central Texas is post oak, but you’ll also see mesquite and hickory. The fires burn low and slow One of the hardest parts of barbecuing is the meticulous management of a fire. If you cook too hot and fast, the collagen won’t have time to render and the inherent toughness of the cut of meat will prevail. Pitmasters subscribe to a low and slow philosophy that can take up to 20 hours for each brisket. Many of the most legitimate barbecue operations happen outdoors
on indoor smokers, spatial considerations, and the low startup cost of trailers, cooking is often done outside. This further complicates the fragile ecosystem inside the smoker and tests a pitmaster’s abilities. The rubs aren’t loaded with secret spices One of the primary distinctions of Central Texas BBQ is simplicity. Many pitmasters will sneak in a hint of garlic powder or cayenne, but the traditional rub for a brisket is a fistful of salt and black pepper to amplify the flavor without complicating it.
Based on regulations
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There’s usually a wait Good things come to those who stand outside a Texas barbecue joint for two hours. The best barbecue restaurants in Texas are so popular that lines can exceed four hours on busy weekends. This practice of waiting has been so ingrained in the experience that the lines of famous spots like Franklin Barbecue develop their own microeconomies. People rent out chairs and even sell their place in line (a practice that Franklin has now banned). Luckily in many of those lines you won’t be thirsty, because... Beer is free (sometimes!) Since many of the best Central Texas barbecue operations are trailers that can’t secure official alcohol licenses, the workaround is to hand out free beers to people waiting in line as a little present for their patience. Sauce is frowned upon Although most restaurants offer several varieties of tomato-based table sauce, brisket is almost always served dry. Purists and snobby food writers will say that sauce overwhelms the meat and is the equivalent of squirting ketchup on a steak.
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Meat is served marketstyle In a throwback to German and Czech meat market roots, most Texas barbecue restaurants sell meat by the pound. It’s ordered and sliced at a counter, then presented on a plastic tray covered in butcher paper. Expect to use that tray as a communal plate. It’s a lunch thing When the primary product takes upwards of 15 hours to cook and space inside a smoker is finite, supplies are limited. As a result, many of the state’s premier barbecue spots are only able to cook enough meat to last through a lunch rush, so not many people eat brisket for dinner. Sausage is historically important German and Czech immigrants have had a big influence on the state, earning sausage an important place on any Texas barbecue menu. Elgin is the state’s sausage capital and the the birthplace of “hot guts,” an all-beef sausage that the originators at Southside Market proudly sell wholesale to many restaurants. Pitmasters who make their own will often offer more than one variety, from
staples like jalapeño cheese to more creative styles that incorporate flavors from other global cuisines. Traditionalists eat with their hands Although not everyone likes to get down and dirty, traditionalists will tell you to ignore forks and knives and grab that slab of moist brisket with your hands. You’ll occasionally even find old-school joints that don’t offer cutlery, like Kreuz Market in Lockhart. Offering a sample bite of brisket is polite pitmaster etiquette Hour-long lines make for high levels of anticipation, and a customary reward for the wait is a tiny slice of brisket as soon as a customer reaches the counter. Nobody can eat a whole beef rib Beef ribs have become the darling of the barbecue world in recent years thanks to their intense flavor, as well as an appearance that looks straight out of The Flintstones. Most beef ribs clock in at around 2lbs, so anticipate leftovers. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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JANUARY 2018
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THINGS TO DO IN TEXAS HILL COUNTRY Fredericksburg was settled by families emigrating from Germany in 1846, led by John O. Meusebach. Many of the buildings in town retain traditional German styles with most of Main Street along with the parallel streets comprising the National Register Historic District. You can still hear German 20
spoken and the old customs are still observed. A few of the customs still observed include Easter Fires, Schuetzenfests, Oktoberfest, Weihnachten, and Kinderfest. Why do visitors choose Fredericksburg for their Texas family vacation? We hear lots of reasons, including the beauty
of the countryside and European atmosphere, along with hunting, some great Texas hiking, bakeries, wineries and the wonderful museums plus the state and national parks and the ongoing events and festivals. Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the wwwfirstclasstours.net
JANUARY 2018
Pacific Fleet during World War II. The Nimitz museum and Museum of the Pacific War are fascinating reminders of the importance of this war and the people who fought in it. About 40% of all Texas peaches are grown in Fredericksburg and surrounding Gillespie County www.firstclasstours.net
with more than 60 orchards located in the county. Peach season generally runs from late May through early August. Fredericksburg, TX BikingBeyond Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country which is just a little over an hour drive from Austin and San
Antonio lies the towns of Kerrville, Comfort, Hunt, and Ingram. They are also well known for their wonderful bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and inns. Visitors also find wonderful shopping in and along our wide Main Street filled with antiques, gifts, fashion, books, food, vineyards, wineries, day spas, golf and 21
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even lavender farms! The Fredericksburg area has quickly become known for bicycling and bird watching in the hills. The choices in restaurants is diverse and ample – everything from German, Mexican, seafood and sandwiches. Fredericksburg has been named in Guideposts Magazine as one of the top 10 small towns in America and named as one of five “art towns” in the Southwest by Southwest Art Magazine. Special attractions in and around Fredericksburg are: The National Museum of the Pacific War, LBJ State and National Historic Parks, the Pioneer Museum, Enchanted Rock State National Historic Park Natural area, the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management area, Marktplatz, Luckenbach, Wildseed Farms, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Butterfly Ranch, and art galleries.
Texas Hill Country Wineries Gillespie County and the Texas Hill Country are the second largest wine destination in the United States. There are over two dozen wineries
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and tasting rooms in the Fredericksburg, Texas area. Dozens more are within an hour’s drive of Fredericksburg.
Breweries And Distilleries Craft Beer in Texas is booming! Nationally, an average of 1.5 new breweries opens every day. Fredericksburg is home to two breweries, and a third is on the way. There are another dozen or so breweries within an hour’s drive in Dripping Springs, Johnson City, Blanco, and Marble Falls. Hye, Texas is home to Garrison Brothers Distillery, and there are a few more in nearby towns.
LBJ State Historical Park Fredericksburg also has Presidential history! President Lyndon Baines Johnson played along the banks of the Pedernales River and, during his presidency; his ranch became the Texas White House. At the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park on Hwy. 290 in Stonewall you can tour the ranch, Texas White House, LBJ birthplace, Johnson
family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ’s grandparents’ house and ranch show barn.
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm Also located on the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Grounds is the SauerBeckmann Living History Farm. Visit a living history farmstead of the pioneers. See how the farm families of a century ago lived. Learn about seasonal activities such as sausage making, sheep shearing, canning, etc.
Rockbox Funtabulous familyfriendly entertainment at the Rockbox. A totally new experience for Fredericksburg – professional resident cast presents costumed and choreographed live variety music productions from the golden era of rock n roll. Every weekend in a state-ofthe-art, 392-seat indoor theater. Weekly performances Friday-Sunday. 109 N. Llano, one block of Main Street. Ticket office opens daily at 10am. 1-866-3496688 or (830) 997-ROCK
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Historic Schools Of Gillespie County
schools are open to the public.
The Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools are former students and members of the community, interested in preserving the traditions of the rural schools of Gillespie County. These schools were places for learning and centers of communities which no longer exist, but today continue the traditions of schools in rural areas serving as community centers for the surrounding residents. Today, several properties are in need of preservation and the Friends have taken on the responsibility to preserve and ensure that these former schools will be the future parks for the residents of the county. There are a number of fundraisers throughout the year, including the annual Open House in April, when several of the
Fredericksburg Theater Company
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While the city of Fredericksburg is the star of the Texas Hill Country, it is also home to the many talented stars that make up the Fredericksburg Theater Company. See exciting re-creations of popular Broadway shows, Shakespearean plays and even homegrown productions destined to become classics themselves at this greatly acclaimed regional theater. Tickets can be purchased online or from the box office (888)669-7114. The Steve W. Shepherd Theater is located at 1668 Hwy 87 South, 1.5 miles south of Main Street.
a Texas state of mind, where you can kick back, relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life—like a step back in time. This tiny hill country hamlet where “Everybody’s Somebody” was established as a Trading Post in 1849 making it one of the oldest settlements in Gillespie County. In 1970. Luckenbach was purchased by a collection of onlyin-Texas characters— Hondo Crouch and his cohorts, Guich Koock and Kathy Morgan. Today, Luckenbach reflects an eclectic mix of its early history, the larger than life persona of Hondo and an unrivaled legacy of great music that makes us feel that everybody is indeed somebody in Luckenbach.. ¦
Luckenbach, Texas
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
Luckenbach Texas is
CLICK HERE.
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NINE TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH BIG GROUP BY: MELISSA LOCKER 24
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A
When you’re vacationing with an entourage, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everyone has a smooth (and relaxing) trip. In theory, embarking on a group trip means you’ll get to explore the world with some of your favorite people. In practice, it can devolve into fights over itinerary, haggling over hotels, and bickering with your siblings in front of your parents, even though you may all
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be full-grown adults. Luckily there are ways to avoid those situations and ensure that your group vacation results in photo albums full of incredible memories. Whether you’re planning a big family reunion, a bachelor party, or a getaway with friends, there are two main rules: be patient and be flexible. In addition to those mainstays, here are a few extra pointers to ensure that your group vacation
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won’t make you want to take a vacation from your vacation.
Consider Renting a House If you’re planning a family reunion or a bachelorette blowout, renting a house can both save money and stress. Having a house also means a more convivial environment, because no one can hide out in their hotel room. Renting a house has other perks, too, like breakfast together, the ability to cook if you want, easy access to snacks, and parents will definitely appreciate the opportunity to tuck kids into bed at 7 p.m. and not have stay in the hotel room with them. Sites like AirBnb, HomeAway, and VRBO make it very easy to find homes to rent anywhere in the world. If you do rent a house, buy groceries in advance via PeaPod or Amazon Pantry and have everything you need delivered right to your door.
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or doing nothing at all. Most resorts also offer kids clubs, which gives parents the chance to enjoy some quality adult time. Plus, resorts make meal time easy with large dining rooms and tables big enough for everyone. For some great options, check out T+L’s list of Best Family Resorts or Best Caribbean Resorts.
Be Democratic When it comes to group travel, the math is simple: if there are 12 people and you’re on vacation for five days, there’s a very good chance that not everyone will get to do what they want to do. The easiest way to solve this is by voting. Have everyone choose one must-see item or one mustdo activity and then vote on what takes place—majority rules. Also, if it’s an option, divide up. One group can head to the local theme park, while the rest hang by the pool.
Head to a Resort
Don’t Be Overly Ambitious
If renting a house isn’t an option, consider booking your next group adventure at a resort. Resorts are designed to have something for everyone whether you want to spend the day in the spa, at the golf course, kite-sailing,
While they say that herding cats is the dictionary definition of a difficult task, trying to get an entire group of people out the door and to a destination and then back home again is a very close second. Managing the itinerary for
a large group—particularly one with children in the mix—is trying at the best of times and the last thing you want to add to your vacation is a lot of stress. Instead, limit big outings or activities to one per day, be it museum trips or a visit to the Blue Lagoon.
Plan for a Lot of Downtime On a similar note, make sure there’s time for resting during the day. Most people in the group will appreciate the chance to do their own thing whether it’s lounging in bed, reading by the pool, or simply getting some quality alone time. Eat breakfast solo, but join up with the group for dinner, or visit an historical site in the morning, but don’t plan anything for the afternoon. Your fellow travelers will appreciate it.
Plan, Plan, Plan Need to rent a car? Minivans tend to sell out quickly. Want adjoining hotel rooms? Make sure you reserve them as early as possible. Reservations are your friend, especially if you want a dinner table for 10 at 7pm on a Saturday. Also, consider making reservations for your group at a local attraction or historical site and set up a guided tour, hopefully with
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a group discount rate.
Communicate
Focus on the Details
If your group will be divided up between several cars, or spending the day heading to separate activities, communication is key. Make sure everyone in the party has the full itinerary. Make sure they all know the name of the hotel and have a plan if the group is separated by choice or by accident. Consider setting up a group text or go old school and write up a phone list or some other means of ensuring that the group can stay in touch with each other. Similarly, if your group is tech savvy consider setting up a Google Doc with all the hotel or house information,
How will your group of 12 get from the airport to the hotel? Consider a bus or airport shuttle and make sure everyone has the hotel address. How will you get from the beach back to the house? (Walking? Taxis? Uber? Bike rental?) How will you handle snack runs? Do you want a local babysitter to come watch the kids? There are a lot of details to consider, which is why some large groups work with a trip planning service or a vacation consultant to help sort out the logistics, which frees the group up to relax on vacation.
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itineraries, grocery lists, phone numbers, etc.
Tour Groups While you may enjoy jetting out on your own with nothing but your GPS and a sense of adventure to guide you, that doesn’t always work particularly well when traveling with large groups. Instead, if you are traveling with a large, adventurous group, consider signing up with a tour group who will manage the logistics for you, while you and your loved ones enjoy the wonders of Italy, Finland, or Machu Picchu.. Œ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
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FEB 12-13, 2018 $44 PP - DBLE OCCUP MAR 19-20, 2018 $68 PP - SINGLE OCCUP MAY 14-15, 2018 Ride with First Class Tours to Paragon Casino Resort departing from FM 1960 Terminal and Eastex Terminal and receive unbeatable hotel deals on your trip!
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PARAGON RESORT
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6 FOOL-PROO WAYS TO WIN ON SLOTS 30
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Many people believe that playing slots is one of the simplest forms of gambling, this may be true in regards to the manual aspect but there is also strategical thinking involved when playing slots. Because most players do not understand how to win at slot machines, it causes negative assumptions like the simplicity behind the game, the high probability of winning and the theory that no strategies are needed to win. Just because slot machines are the loudest and brightest game in any casino does not mean winning is easy. Yes, luck plays a huge role in slot success–but slot machine strategies can maximize your chances to win.
OF N
Continue reading to discover how to play slot machines and the best strategies to improve your slot game! How do Slot Machines Work? Las Vegas Slot Machines As mentioned before winning isn’t necessarily easy and luck is very important as well as a basic idea of the how slot machines work. Every spin on a slot machine is totally random. Every time the machine is played the computer program picks a random symbol on the first, the second and the third reel. The payback or return of the machine is then based on the probability of lining up the winning combinations and the payout for these combinations. The sequence of the symbols cannot be influenced therefore every spin has the same chance of winning as the previous spin.
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Slots Probability The probability to win a significant amount on slot machines is slim to none .Normally, casinos do not disclose the odds on slot machines, except for in the UK, so players cannot be informed of their chances of winning. But the chances are low. Generally speaking, the easier the game is, the worse the odds are and because slot machines are played much faster than other casino games they also take your money faster. Furthermore, whatever the odds of the machine are, they are always much worse than table games such as baccarat and blackjack. Offline Strategies Regardless of the low probability of winning a substantial amount on slots there are some proven offline strategy tips to improve your chances and to save you money. One Play Strategy This is one of the simplest strategies for slots and also one of the most effective. The whole idea of this one play strategy is that you play the slot machine once with the highest amount possible. 32
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If you win, you play it again, if not you try another machine. It is a very simple strategy but does require a little bit of luck too, however it saves players from sitting at the same machine for hours. Standard Deviation Strategy This strategy uses an advanced mathematical equation to determine the best chances for winning on a certain machine. This strategy takes patience, concentration and money to complete however a return is nearly guaranteed. Follow the steps below to use the standard deviation strategy: • Find an “equal pay’” machine meaning a machine that receives an amount related to the number of coins you bet on a line. For example you get 20 coins returned for a 2 coin so therefore you would get 40 coins for a 4 coin bet. • Next, find the standard number of spins between wins by playing until you win and playing until you win again while counting the number of spins between each win • When you have the number of spins www.firstclasstours.net
between each win for at least 10 times you will know the average number of spins between wins which you can use on a high payout machine. Online Strategies The following strategical tips can be applied to online video slots: Stick a Fixed maximum payout Some video slots have a fixed maximum payout whereas other have progressive jackpots which means they have a meter which increases the jackpot with every play without a return. Therefore, the more people play them the higher the jackpot. Progressive games might seem the most attractive due to the high return, however the huge disadvantage of the progressive games is that in most online casinos they are all linked together. Because of the number of people all playing for that huge jackpot amount, your odds of winning on a progressive game are lower. That goes not only for the jackpot amount, but also for the odds of winning smaller amounts as well. Therefore, is it more profitable to stick to games
with a fixed maximum payout and limit play on progressive games with huge jackpots. Choose games with smallest jackpots To have the best chance of winning in the short term, choose the games with the smallest jackpots. The smaller the jackpot, the easier it is to win, increasing your chances of walking away a winner. The bigger the jackpot, the harder it is to actually hit and the more likely you’ll lose in the shortterm. It takes a lot of playing hours to create the huge jackpots which is why your chances are lower. Furthermore, games that are novelty themed with huge jackpots have the worst odds so stick to smaller returns. Avoid video reels Slot machines with videos might look more attractive and fun but the reality is that these machines pay back far less than the normal machines. It can be anything up to a 5% less return, which might seem like nothing but is in fact a great amount for slots. The reason for this? The videos and little colourful entertainment features 33
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on this type of machines take a little bit longer to display the features. While this is happening the casino is not making money and so the machine is programmed to take a little more money from customers when they are playing. Therefore, a good idea is to stick to the classic slot machines in order to improve return. ÂŚ
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TOP 10 GROUP TRAVEL SURVIVAL TIPS BY: ED HEWITT
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On a combined business/ leisure trip to London last week, I ended up in a large living room with a group of more than 20 young women who were trying to plan their day in London. Different travel styles emerged almost immediately: Captain Planner was making written checklists ranked by priority, categorizing items as Definitely, Maybe, If Possible and Maybe Next Week. The Tourist was listing off obvious landmarks and looking up prices for bus tours. Eeyore the Traveler was bemoaning every idea as boring, too far
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away or likely to have long lines, and wondering aloud if they should just stay home and read. The Laissez-Faire Traveler was sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine, saying every so often, “You guys are crazy; just pick one thing and then figure it out after you get there.” The Shopper had but one idea: Go into town, get a drink and go shopping. These were just the stylistic differences; the choices of preferred sights offered proof that there’s no accounting for taste. At one
end of the spectrum was a murderous schedule of highculture museum visits; at the other end of the spectrum was a slate of visits to the sites of famous murders. In between, just about every London landmark ever to grace a guidebook was mentioned at least once. There is no reconciling someone who wants to go to the Tate with someone who wants to take their kid to the Peter Pan statue and playground. Similarly, there are people who want always to be with large
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groups of people, and others who would rather travel in smaller groups, which they may find more manageable for reasons logistical, emotional or financial. If you find yourself trying to reconcile a dozen or more diverging interests, here are my tips for keeping the peace and the pace when traveling with friends, family, colleagues or acquaintances (or even frenemies, as the case may be).
1. Talk it out. The exercise of having everyone more or less in the same room, where preferences and approaches could be aired out, really seemed to help this group. After 45 minutes of discussion, it was very clear who wanted to do what, what time folks wanted to get started, whose tastes more or less synched up, and which folks really wanted no part of the whole thing. Getting these right is really the heart of traveling together. Making sure everyone had a voice — or at least enough air to get some words in — was an important part of the exercise; despite their different styles and energy levels, everyone made some kind of positive contribution to the discussion. Even Eeyore was helpful, forcing everyone to be a bit more
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realistic (and it turned out rightfully so) about things like transit times and crowds.
2. Share your knowledge. Almost everyone in the large group had done a bit of research, much of it reflecting their own expertise and interests, so that when they all started throwing out ideas and suggestions, in the aggregate it was like having the ultimate guidebook writer sitting in the room with you outlining your perfect itinerary.
3. Have your own mustdo or must-see. You don’t want to drop a few thousand dollars on travel, lodging, admission and bruising exchange rates only to get on a plane home having failed to do the one thing you really wanted to do. Although I do sometimes recommend it (see Return Trips: Why the Second Time’s a Charm), few people take repeat vacations to the same cities — so if you have a bucket list item that needs crossing off, don’t fail to make it happen. On this trip, I was traveling with my family, and our 4-year-old wanted to see the clock that Peter Pan lands on (Big Ben, obviously), as well as the playground with the ships and teepees
— but he also wanted to see the statue of Peter Pan. We scheduled the statue last, as it seemed the least compelling of the lot, and when a typical flash London rainstorm rolled in toward the end of the day, we never made it. He didn’t seem to mind, but when he got back to preschool a few days later, the first question the kids asked was “Did you see Peter Pan?” Despite having seen the clock and the ship, he couldn’t quite answer yes, and it was a (very) small disappointment, I could tell.
4. Let folks play to their strengths. As you get underway, it will become clear who has the best sense of direction, who can read maps fast and well, who is happiest asking questions and directions of strangers, who can speak a foreign language best, who excels at handling money, etc. Let those people do those jobs with which they are most happy and at which they are most competent. This way the workload gets spread around, everyone feels useful and valued, and things actually get done. If someone falls into one of these roles, encourage and thank them for it; it can be difficult and thankless work
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figuring out train schedules or restaurant bill portions for an unappreciative mob. Of course, in a large group there is always the risk that a “control freak” wants to do everything and make every decision, but I have also found that large numbers can tend to lessen the ultimate impact of these folks.
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5. Speak up, but listen well. As during the planning phase, once you are under way make sure everyone has a voice in what happens during your ambles, and be respectful of their traveling styles. You will need to speak up if you want any say in the
proceedings. In particular, if you have something that folks need to know — you are calling home at exactly 2 p.m., or you are short on cash — you need to share it. Conversely, pay attention when someone has a special request or requirement for meals, breaks or similar needs. For example, you will want to know if someone
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in the group is a vegetarian before you insist on eating at Maison du Boeuf or La Casa de Vaca. Not everyone necessarily needs to have an equal voice. If one person likes to be out front at all times, and another person likes to ride the caboose and simply follow along for the ride, it is often best simply to let them do so. Let the conductor steer the train, and the caboose rider catch the sights as they go by. Both will likely be happy in their chosen roles.
6. Don’t be overambitious. The single most common error in traveling with a group is to set too strenuous a schedule; even small groups are not as nimble as you and a bud can be, and you would do well to realize this up front. Setting yourselves up for, and then trying to execute, a forced march through countless sites with a large group is represented as a ring of Dante’s Purgatorio, if I recall correctly.
7. Break ranks as necessary. There is no rule that says a group that starts the day together must finish the day together. On several of our outings, we started out with
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other folks, saw a couple of things in which we all had interest and then split up. In one case, we didn’t see the other people for a few days after that. No big deal; we had a great morning together and a great afternoon apart.
8. Have an alternate plan. On this score, you should have your own plan for an alternate activity or route in case the scheduled itinerary starts to collapse, folks get combative or you realize you want to move at a different pace than the group. In the end the quality of your trip is in your hands alone, and you need to accept that responsibility.
9. Look for group discounts. If your group is large enough, it may qualify you for considerable discounts at many attractions. These discounts are often best arranged or even purchased in advance, but if this isn’t an option, it is simple enough to ask.
10. Try trip planning services.
com, GroupTravel.com and Splitwise.com (for divvying up expenses). There are apps for some of these as well. In the end, while the original intention was to travel as a roving horde, the large group sitting around the living room ultimately split off into a handful of smaller groups — pretty much the same individuals who were most comfortable at dinner together, or when walking around, or when picking roommates. That is, everyone went for their comfort zone, which has its own rewards. But the living room exercise was hardly for naught; on multiple occasions over the next few days, the groups stumbled across one another unexpectedly in pursuit of common interests, and the recombined groups showed a powerfully increased energy level. Everyone got to do what they wanted, sometimes on their own, sometimes together — and always the better for it.. ¦
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
For big trips, you might consider a travel planning service that walks you through many of the steps above; check out Triporama. com, TripIt.com, TripHub.
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Nothing BRINGS A
Family
TOGETHER
Better Than a Motorcoach. We’ll Show You Why!
One of the biggest challenges with any large family reunion can be transportation. How do you move that many people around town? How do you get from the destinations to the hotels? How do you spend your time together without spending hours stuck in traffic, in separate rental cars? We understand family reunions and know that transportation can be the difference between an extraordinary event and just another few vacation days wasted. Call us today and let us help you put your family reunion in the fast lane to fun!
GoMotorcoach Make the Smart Move! Safe | Green | Efficient | Affordable | Fun
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WARMING OUR HEAR ANGELS OF LIGHT Each year we have the privilege to share in a magnificent holiday event, Angels of Light. Impacting 7,804 hearts in one great event. With 6,309 volunteers we joined the Angels of Light event at Second Baptist Church with coaches, and gifts to help make a difference this Christmas season in our Houston’s neighbors lives.
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RTS WITH
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WHICH CASINO G HAVE THE BEST O BY: WWW.DOVERDOWNS.COM
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GAMES ODDS
80 million visitors visited casinos in the U.S. in 2014. Casinos remain a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. You may be planning a vacation at a popular casino destination, or you might hang around at a local casino over the weekend. Before you go, we want to share with you the casino games which give you the best chance of winning. We examined what casino managers and the pro gamblers have divulged about casino games with the best odds of winning, and here is what we found.
Top Casino Games With the Best Odds of Winning We found that several of the most popular table games give you the best odds of winning. These games may initially seem intimidating, but with a bit of learning, you will find them easy to understand and play. When you are at a casino the next time, start by observing these games. If it is a slow time at one of the tables, talk to the dealers. Often, dealers will be more than willing to walk you through the rules and discuss basic game strategies to improve your odds of winning. When comparing the house edge of various casino games, we found these four popular games to have the best odds:
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• • • •
Blackjack Baccarat Craps Roulette
The house edge is defined as the ratio of the average loss a player makes to the initial bet amount. For example, if you play Blackjack with basic strategy, over the long run, 48
the house edge is 0.5%. This means for every $10 you bet, you will lose 5 cents over the long run. With Baccarat or Craps, you will lose less than 10 cents for every $10 you bet. With roulette, depending on the game design, you could lose 27 to 53 cents for every $10 you bet.. ¦
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YOUTH
SPORTS Transportation
Is our
specialty
Game Day starts here!
Ready, Set, Travel! It seems that every season there are more games, seasons are longer and the travel commitment gets more and more complex. Imagine taking the entire team on one motorcoach, arriving at the game together ready to play, with plenty of space for players, families, and gear. With full sized motorcoaches that accommodate up to 56 passengers, have video capabilities, an onboard restroom and more. The possibilities are endless, often with prices less than driving in separate cars. Call us today and let our team of professionals put your team transportation in the fast lane!
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HOUSTON CITYPASS ADVENTURES BY: NATALIE BOGAN MORGAN
As a native Houstonian, it’s sometimes easy to take for granted the oneof-a-kind sights that this city offers. Sure, I can tell a visitor about the shows in the Theater District or why a beer-can-covered house is worth a visit, but when was the last time I checked these places out myself? Too long, which is 50
why I recently set out on a mission to revisit some of Houston’s most sought-after sites, looking at each of them through the eyes of a visitor. I picked up a Houston CityPASS from the Houston Visitors Center - they can also be purchased at participating attractions
or online - before setting out. For those that don’t know about the CityPass program, here’s the basic scoop: Each book is $59kids’ are $49 - and include admission to five of Houston’s most popular attractions. You have nine days to use them and they save you nearly half off regular ticket pricing. wwwfirstclasstours.net
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Note: Two of the five tickets provide a choice between two attractions. One is an option between the Houston Zoo and the Kemah Boardwalk, while another is a choice to visit The Children’s Museum of Houston or the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
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MONDAY 2:30PM: Located just a few blocks from the Visitors Center, the Downtown Aquarium was my first stop. Amusement rides and games flank the building’s south side. (For $5, CityPASS holders can upgrade their ticket for unlimited access
to the ferris wheel, carousel and shark voyage train.) Once inside, ask about or look for the Aquarium’s feeding schedule sign. There are opportunities to see staff feed the seahorses, saltwater fish and play with the tigers, too. (Yes, tigers. You never know what you’ll find in Houston.) Expect to spend a couple of hours here, me51
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andering from exhibits like the Louisiana Marsh and the shark-infested Gulf of Mexico tank to the rainforest room and the Sunken Temple exhibit, the latter of which showcases a 20-foot-long Tiger Reticulated python. Parking: $7, in the Aquarium’s lot behind the building. TUESDAY 10AM: Plan on carving out at least three hours when you take the brood to visit the Children’s Museum of Houston. Located in the Museum District, the three-story facility unfolds in a labyrinth-like set-up, appealing to everyone from birth to 12 years (and the adults that love them). The youngest kids can crawl, play and touch upstairs in the TotSpot, while the older siblings create and construct gadgets in the lower level Invention Convention workshop. On the main floor, pint-size patrons can take on roles of city leaders, workers and shoppers in the mock community, Kidtropolis, using the debit card they receive upon check in. Some of CMH’s other highlights include Power Play, a 35-foot climbing tower, FlowWorks, a hydroenergy exhibit, and Fiddle Sticks Gifts, the museum’s smartly-stocked giftshop. Parking: For 3 or more hours, $9, in CMH’s adjacent parking garage.
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WEDNESDAY 10AM: I’ll be the first to admit that three hours wasn’t nearly enough time at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Spread out in two, multi-level Museum District buildings, the art-filled complex is an awe-inspiring mix of sculpture, artifacts, imagery, video and installation work. Even if you aren’t a big art buff, it’s hard not to appreciate an up-close look at works by Picasso, Matisse and Rembrandt. In case you want to learn more, the MFAH offers audio tours for some of the pieces - look for the Guide by Cell icon next to the artwork. Tip: If learning makes you hungry, too, check out the Café Express on the lower level of the Beck Building. Parking: Free, across the street, in the lot along Bissonnet. 2PM (OPTION 1): Since I’ve been to the Houston Zoo in more recent years, I didn’t spend as much time visiting the reptiles, amphibians and bird exhibits. This time, I was excited to see the zoo’s new Gorilla exhibit and wander through the multi-million-dollar African Forest exhibit. In the latter, guests are taken on an eco-tour through a wooded canopy, past leaf-covered huts, the chimp house, rhinos, kudo and—beyond the gift shop—the giraffes exhibit. If you’re hungry, the zoo’s
Twiga Terrace restaurant is a great place to grab a bite, as it overlooks the rhinos and giraffe exhibits. Parking: Free in the zoo’s lot. 2PM (OPTION 2): It’d been a couple of years since I visited the Museum of Natural Science and even then, I hadn’t had an opportunity to really explore. Upon entering, I was given a map of the multi-level facility and instructions on which exhibits my general admission provided access to - basically all of the permanent exhibits, but not the planetarium, IMAX theater, butterfly center or special exhibits. That said, if you plan on upgrading any of your CityPass tickets, this would probably be the place to do it, especially for the Butterfly Center and the special exhibit. As far as the permanent sites go, I saved the best for last the Smith Gem Vault. Inside, spotlights illuminate an array of vibrant jewels, necklaces and sparkling creations, including pieces by designer Ernesto Moreira. Parking: $10 in the 6-story garage on Caroline Street. THURSDAY 10AM: If you have antsy kids, the 40-minute ride to Space Center Houston might challenge their patience, but once they arrive, they’ll have plenty of options to release pent-up energy. Just past
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the front door, a towering, multi-level Space Place tempts little ones with buttons, lights, slides and climbing options, while the rest of the facility makes room for a mix of space artifacts, theaters and interactive attractions. Make sure to check out the Skylab Trainer America’s first space station which is tucked away in the Starship Gallery. Guests get a peek at the living quarters that helped the crew prepare for life in space. You’ll also want to join the 90-minute tram tour, which goes on a behind-the-scenes journey through mission control and the mockups. It incorporates real working areas of Johnson Space Center, so
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be aware that some parts might not be accessible during your visit. Parking: $6 in Space Center’s lot. 1PM: Grab a bite at a Bay Area mainstay before heading to the Kemah Boardwalk for the afternoon. Sure, the boardwalk has plenty of Landry’s-owned restaurants to choose from, too, but area mainstays like Tookie’s Hamburgers & More and Stomp’s Burger Joint are wallet-friendly and chockfull of local flavor. After, head towards the coast and the waterfront community of Kemah. There, the 35-acre Kemah Boardwalk stretches out over the Gulf of Mexico, offering a dozen rides, retail,
dining and classic boardwalk games. Trade your CityPass voucher in for an all-day ride pass, which enables guests to ride everything from the wooden Boardwalk Bullet rollercoaster and the 140foot Drop Zone to the upside-down Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower, the latter of which offers a birds-eye view of the Bay. (Note: The Boardwalk Beast Speedboat thrill ride and the Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit aren’t included in the all-day ride pass.) Parking: $7, for the surface lot. ¦ SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
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DAILY TRIPS WITH PERKS
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COUSHATTA RESORT LUCKY 7 SUNDAYS...
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WHERE TO GO. WHAT TO DO.
m e M
A DEFINITIVE LIST OF THE BEST, HOTTEST, HIPPEST, COOLEST, DOWNRIGHT AWESOME GROUP TRAVEL IDEAS THIS SIDE OF... WELL ANYWHERE!
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FIRST CLASS
TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS
TEXAS MONTHLY WHISKEY AFFAIR 2018
HOUSTON ROCKETS VS. DALLAS MAVERICKS
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
SACRAMENTO KINGS AT DALLAS MAVERICKS
BUD LIGHT MARDI GRAS RIVER PARADE & FESTIVAL
SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO
February 8, 2018 @ Silver Street Studios
January 19 - February 25, 2018 @ Dallas Children’s Theater
February 10, 2018 @ Arneson River Theater
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February 11, 2018 @ Toyota Center
February 13, 2018 @ American Airlines Center
February 8-25, 2018 @ AT&T Center
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AUSTIN OYSTER FESTIVAL
KING CAKE FESTIVAL
MARDI GRAS PARADES
THE WIZARD OF OZ
February 24, 2018 @ Seaholm Power Plant Lawn
January 6 - February 13, 2018 @ various locations
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January 28, 2018 @ Champions Square at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
February 8, 2018 @ Baton Rouge River Center Theatre
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TOURS | CHARTERS | CASINOS
TOP 5 TEXAS REUNION LOCATIONS BY: TEXASOUTSIDE.COM 60
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Hill Country Casitas Dripping Springs, Texas Perfect for a reunion, retreat, family gathering or any group outing, Hill Country Casitas boasts luxury lodging in a casual, hill country environment. Nestled on 13 cascading acres, 10 all-new Casitas (or small houses) offer amazing views while sleeping as many as 48 people. Designed in modern Mexican farmhouse style, the Casitas are spacious, 400-900 square feet of interior space with massive covered porches. You can enjoy hiking trails, a Texassized fire pit, volley ball court and washer pits. While each Casita has its own kitchen, The Pavilion is the place to
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gather and play games or share a meal cooked in the Chef’s kitchen and an awe inspiring view down the Pedernales River Valley and Deadman’s Creek. Cypress Valley Canopy Tours - Spicewood Cypress Valley has become a favorite reunion location, hosting families, and other groups, for over 12 years. Groups from 10 to 100+ can picnic under the shade trees next to our spring-fed lake, play sand volleyball, cool off in the pool, and of course, zip through the trees. With Cypress Valley’s treehouses and Ranch House up to 28 can even stay overnight in this Texas Hill Country retreat!
Lakeway Resort & Spa Austin/Lake Travis, Texas Located on the shores of Lake Travis in the rolling Texas Hill Country, Lakeway Resort and Spa is the ideal location for a family or social reunion. The AAA Four Diamond awardwinning resort offers 168 rooms including suites and condominiums. For the special occasion, the resort has more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space including a glass ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and lakeside views. The resort also features three swimming pools, a full-service spa, on-site Kids Activities area, dining and is steps away from the marina
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and several golf courses. La Hacienda RV Resort & Cottages - Austin La Hacienda RV Resort & Cottages is a great place for a reunion. You’ll find excellent RV sites and 31 cozy cabins that sleep 2 to 6 people. The Resort is loaded with amenities, some of which include a 4 hole chip and putt course, playground, horseshoes, ping pong, fitness room, and a fantastic pool and spa. For meetings or get togethers there is an outstanding open
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air pavilion. La Hacienda is close to Lake Travis, lots of excellent golf courses, great restaurants, and more fun things to see and do.
Yes, there will be a ton of screaming and panicking as you are racing against the clock, but hey - that’s where the fun is!
Texas Panic Room - Austin
This is a new, innovative and thrilling type of fun, and it is perfect for all ages. We currently have 5 different rooms, and we change them every 8 months. With the escape rate being only 30%, are you up for the challenge?¦
With locations in Austin, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas Panic Room is the perfect venue for your next reunion! Imagine - you are locked up in a room for 60 minutes with your friends and family, and the only way to get out is by working together to solve the clues and puzzles hidden inside the room.
SEE THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE.
CLICK HERE.
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JANUARY 2018
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