Houston International Quilt Festival

Your journey begins in colorful San Antonio, a city that beautifully blends history and charm. Settle into our downtown hotel, a National Historic Register landmark, deeply rooted in the city’s past, located just steps away from vibrant riverside cafés and quaint adobe boutiques filled to the brim with art pieces and antiques. Tonight, prepare for the excitement of meeting your Tour Manager and fellow quilters who will be joining you on this exciting adventure at our kick-off Welcome Meeting.

After a delicious breakfast, step back in time at the Alamo, where your knowledgeable guide will share tales of figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie during a history talk. Following this enriching visit, board a private riverboat for a narrated cruise down the Paseo del Rio, where you’ll bask in the shade of lush cypress trees and marvel at the picturesque arched bridges. Next, you’ll delve into the Pearl District‘s burgeoning arts scene under the guidance of a local expert. Later, enjoy free time to explore the artisanal boutiques of La Villita before enjoying a delightful dinner at a vibrant restaurant situated along the iconic River Walk.

Begin your day in the quaint Bavarian village of Fredericksburg at One Quilt Place, a true haven for quilters, filled with cabinets bursting with fabrics of every kind, including exclusive Texas prints and uniquely hand-dyed materials. The shop also boasts shelves overflowing with specialty buttons, trims, and patterns. Your journey continues to downtown Fredericksburg, known for its charming “gingerbread” houses, artisanal craft shops, and bakeries that master the art of creating scrumptious strudels and authentic German fare.

Traveling to La Grange, you’ll visit the Texas Quilt Museum, a place that beautifully blends history and artistry, where an array of intricate quilts is displayed within a 19th-century brick building. Next door, visit The Quilted Skein, which awaits with an inspiring abundance of fabric choices and diverse yarns. After getting settled at our downtown Houston hotel, gather and cross the skybridge, directly connecting you to the quilt show, for an exclusive sneak peek of the much-anticipated International Quilt Festival Preview Night.

The opening day of the Quilt Festival awaits, presenting a dazzling array of prize-winning quilts and breathtaking exhibitions. With vendors hailing from all corners of the globe, you’ll have the opportunity to discover an extensive range of fabrics, notions, antiques, books, ribbons, and much more. To help you navigate this wealth of offerings, your Tour Manager will provide invaluable insider tips, ensuring you make the most of the exhibitions, classes, and the extensive merchant mall without feeling overwhelmed.

After another enriching day at the Quilt Festival, retreat to the charming atmosphere of Old Town Spring. Here, you’ll leisurely meander along grassy paths, indulge in the charm of Victorian-style restaurants, and continue your fabric hunt at the local quilt shop. The day concludes with a heartfelt Farewell Dinner, a perfect moment to celebrate your incredible journey and share cherished memories with your newfound friends.

Your multiday admission allows for one last immersive visit to the International Quilt Festival. You’ll arrange your independent transfer to the airport, giving you the flexibility to spend as little or as much time enjoying the show and vendors. Before you bid farewell, make sure to exchange addresses with your fellow travelers, ensuring the connections made during this unforgettable journey will continue to flourish long after you’ve returned home.