Tommy Craig, President of the NFB of Texas

1998 Convention Tours
by Tommy Craig

From the Editor: We are now under three months and counting until the 1998 convention of the National Federation of the Blind at the Hyatt Regency DFW. The dates are July 4 to 11. If you have not yet made your room reservations, you should do so immediately. National convention room rates will never be better. This year they are singles, $41; doubles and twins, $43; triples, $45; and quads, $47. Call the Hyatt Regency DFW directly to make your reservation. The number is (972) 453-1234. Do not call the Hyatt national toll-free number to make your reservation because it will not be honored. Consult the Convention Bulletin in the December, 1997, Braille Monitor for all the details. Here is news about convention tours for 1998 as arranged by NFB of Texas President Tommy Craig:

Texas is a big place, so there's a lot to do in the Lone Star state. The NFB of Texas wants you to get a small taste, at least, of the many fun and interesting things that we have to offer. During the Convention of the National Federation of the Blind we have scheduled a number of tours for your enjoyment. A list of these and their prices follows. Be sure to make your choices quickly and send your complete order and check for the full amount to the address listed before June 19. Here is the list of tours:

Wednesday, July 8

Six Flags Over Texas, $38 per person (children under three free)

This tour consists of round-trip transportation from the hotel to the Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park, which is one of the finest in the entire country. You can ride exciting roller-coasters or enjoy live entertainment at dozens of shows. The tour will leave the hotel at 1:00 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m.

Kennedy/Dallas West End Tour $30 per person

This consists of a brief tour of downtown Dallas, a tour of the Kennedy Memorial and the Sixth-Floor Museum, and an evening in the historic Dallas West-End Warehouse District. It contains many striking architectural features including brick-paved streets. It is full of wonderful restaurants and a number of music and comedy clubs. This tour will leave the hotel at 2:30 p.m. and return at 10:00 p.m.

The Studio at Las Colinas, $20 per person

This tour consists of round-trip transportation to the Las Colinas Studio, a real working television and movie sound stage. You will see the sound stages where movies such as JFK, Silkwood, and Robocop were made. This tour will also include a trip to the National Communications Museum with thousands of memorabilia items from radio and television. The Communications Museum has numerous hands-on exhibits. This tour will leave the hotel at 1:30 p.m. and return about 5:00 p.m.

Billy Bob's Texas, $25 per person

This visit to the biggest honky-tonk in the world, located in Fort Worth's Stockyard District, departs the hotel at 6:30 p.m. and returns at midnight. Billy Bob's has been refurbished since our last visit to Texas, and it still boasts more bars than you can count in an evening. Chances are that this will be the most popular convention tour again this year.

Friday Evening, July 10

Trail Dust Steak House and Mesquite Rodeo, $40 per person

This tour is the perfect way to wind down after a busy convention. It includes round-trip transportation to the Trail Dust Steak House, where you can enjoy Texas cooking at its finest. After dinner you will be transported to the Mesquite rodeo, where you can enjoy some real cowboy action. This tour will leave the hotel at 5:15 p.m. and return at 11:30 p.m.

Saturday morning, July 11

Breakfast and Riding at the Circle R Ranch, $40

The Circle R Ranch is near the airport, so plan an afternoon departure for home and you can enjoy breakfast and horseback riding before you leave. The bus will depart from the hotel at 8:00 a.m. and return by noon. You won't ride long enough or far enough to get saddle-sore, but you will take home a real taste of Texas.

If you would like to take part in any of these tours, you should contact Ms. Jackie Gottlieb, Eagle Tours, 1634 Irving Boulevard, Irving, Texas 75060, Phone (972) 721-0545.

The deadline for reserving tours is June 19, 1998. Tour orders must include clear indication of which tour tickets are being purchased, the number of tickets needed, and full payment for all tickets. Checks should be made payable to Eagle Tours.

We look forward to seeing you all in Dallas. Come early and stay late so you can enjoy lots of great Texas fun and hospitality.