SPACE CENTER HOUSTON TOUR
Do you know what the first word spoken on the moon was? Do you know where the astronauts train…or how about which astronaut makes Mission Control laugh the most? These facts – as well as many great stories – will entertain you on the trip to Space Center Houston in Clear Lake. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to take a self-guided or group tour, view actual spacecraft, spacesuits, moon rocks and other artifacts. After exploring the Space Center Houston, you will take a guided tram tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center which will take a look behind the scenes at Mission Control and where astronauts train for their next mission.
Starship Gallery - The journey into space begins with the film "On Human Destiny" at the Destiny Theater. Artifacts and hardware on display in the Starship Gallery trace the progression of America's Manned Space Flight. This incredible collection includes: an original model of the Goddard Rocket; the actual Mercury Atlas 9 "Faith 7" capsule flown by Gordon Cooper; the Gemini V Spacecraft piloted by Pete Conrad and Gordon Cooper; a Lunar Roving Vehicle Trainer, the Apollo 17 Command Module, the giant Skylab Trainer and the Apollo-Soyuz Trainer.
NASA Tram Tour - With this behind-the-scenes journey through NASA's Johnson Space Center, you may visit the Historic Mission Control Center, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility or the current Mission Control Center. Before returning to Space Center Houston, you can visit the "all new" Saturn V Complex at Rocket Park. Occasionally, the tour may visit other facilities, such as the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. You may even get to see astronauts training for upcoming missions.
Astronaut Gallery - The Astronaut Gallery is an unparalled exhibit outside Northrop Grumman Theater featuring the world's best collection of spacesuits. Astronaut John Young's ejection suit and Judy Resnik's T-38 flight suit are two of the many spacesuits on display. The walls of the Astronaut Gallery also contain portraits and crew photos of every U.S. astronaut who has flown in space.
The Feel of Space - The Living in Space module simulates what life could be like for astronauts aboard the space station. A Mission Briefing Officer gives a live presentation on how astronauts live in a space environment. The presentation uses humor to show how the smallest tasks like showering and eating are complicated by a microgravity environment. A volunteer from the audience helps to prove the point. Beyond the Living in Space Module are 24 part task trainers that use sophisticated computer technology to provide visitors with the experience of landing the orbiter, retrieving a satellite or exploring the shuttle systems.
Itinerary:
9:15 AM Depart Hilton for Space Center Houston
10:00 AM Arrive at Space Center Houston
2:00 PM Depart for Hilton Americas
2:45 PM Arrive at Hilton Americas
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - Space Center Houston Tour - Monday, December 5
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - Space Center Houston Tour - Thursday, December 8
OLD TOWN SPRING SHOPPING EXCURSION
Enjoy a unique day of shopping at one of Houston’s gems in the pines of North Houston. Old Town Spring is a quaint turn-of-the-century town built near the Great Northern Railroad, composed of Victorian-style shops, restaurants, museums, and art galleries. Most of the shops occupy buildings and homes constructed in the early 1900's for the then booming railroad town. Step back in time as you browse shops offering a variety of antiques, collectibles, clothing, and accessories for the home and gifts for all occasions.
You'll also enjoy lunch at Wunsche Brothers Café and Saloon in the heart of Old Town Spring. Opened originally in 1902 as a hotel and saloon, Wunsche Brothers still attracts customers with its nostalgic appeal and classic American menu.
Itinerary:
9:30 AM Depart Hilton for Old Town Spring (OTS)
10:00 AM Arrive at Old Town Spring
12:00 PM Lunch at Wunsche Brothers
1:30 PM Depart for Hilton Americas
2:00 PM Arrive at Hilton Americas
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - Old Town Spring Shopping Excursion - Tuesday, December 6
HISTORIC BAYOU BEND TOUR
One of the Museum of Fine Arts' rarest treasures is the late Miss Ima Hogg's home, also known as Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Bayou Bend is a showcase for American antique furniture, decorative arts and elaborate gardens. Walking across the bayou on the suspended footbridge to view this 14-acre estate is like entering an impressionist landscape painting. The backyard of Miss Ima's home provides a lush, green entrance of sloping lawn — this is the territory of the rich and privileged. In addition to the display of wealth, there are no telephone or cable wires visible at Bayou Bend and no cityscape to spoil the views.
After touring Bayou Bend you will have lunch in one of Houston’s most recognizable and popular restaurants, Ouisie’s Table. Known by generations for their hospitality, Ouisie’s serves an eclectic collection of Southern foods.
Itinerary:
9:30 AM Depart Hilton for Bayou Bend
10:00 AM Arrive at Bayou Bend for Tour of home and gardens
12:30 PM Lunch at Ouisie’s Table
2:30 PM Arrive at Hilton Americas
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - Historic Bayou Bend Tour - Wednesday, December 7
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All Tours Depart from Hilton Americas
Hilton Americas
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX 77010 |
