Suggested Trips

• Alamo Village--In Bracketville, Texas, 120 miles west of San Antonio; site of the filming of John Wayne's epic, The Alamo. Meet the owner, Happy Shahan. This is a full-sized 19th century western town, with shops, and a reproduction of the Alamo. Open daily 9:00 am; closed Dec. 21-26 (phone 512-563-2580).

• The Hermitage--The home of Andrew Jackson, near Nashville, Tennessee. Sam Houston was a frequent guest at the Hermitage. The mansion is restored with original furnishings. Open 7 days 9:00-5:00 (phone 615-889-2941).

• Horseshoe Bend National Military Park--Where Sam Houston fought during the War of 1812. Located on Hwy 49, 13 miles north of Dadeville, Alabama. Open 7 days 9:00-4:30, except Christmas (phone 205-234-7111)

• Sam Houston Memorial Museum--Part of General Houston's homestead, established 1847 in Huntsville, Texas. Located 1804 Sam Houston Ave. Open 7 days 9:00-5:00 (phone 409-295-7824).

• Sam Houston School House--The building where Sam Houston ran a school as a young man, located 3 miles north of Maryville, Tennessee. Open 7 days 10:00-5:00, Sundays 1:00-5:00 (phone 615-983-1550).

• San Jacinto Memorial Park and Museum--The site of the Battle of San Jacinto, southeast of Houston, Texas. Take Texas Hwy. 134, off Texas Hwy. 225. Open 7 days 9:30-5:30; museum closed Monday (phone 713-479-2421).

• Talequah, Oklahoma--In eastern Oklahoma, considered the capital city of the Cherokee Indian nation. Visit the Cherokee National Museum and the outdoor drama, Trail of Tears, which depict Cherokee history. Museum open Mon. to Sat 10:00-5:00, closed Sat. in the winter (phone 918-456-6007).