East Austin’s rich African-American heritage is the focus of a captivating walking tour led by renowned storyteller Javier. Over two hours, participants explore significant sites like Urdy Plaza and the George Washington Carver Museum while learning about the impacts of the 1928 Master Plan on the local community. The tour emphasizes the neighborhood’s evolving culture, supports Black-owned businesses, and celebrates the enduring legacy of the area’s Black history. Though the tour provides an engaging experience, there’s much more to discover about this vibrant and resilient community.
Key Points
- A 2-hour guided walking tour that explores the African-American history and culture of East Austin, led by an acclaimed storyteller, Javier.
- The tour visits significant sites like Urdy Plaza, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, and the George Washington Carver Museum, providing insights into the 1928 Master Plan and its impact.
- Participants will learn about the evolving East Austin community and Black culture, with a focus on supporting local Black-owned businesses.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 16, those with low fitness levels, or individuals over 70, and requires comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- The tour operates rain or shine, with email notifications for rescheduling in inclement weather, and a flexible cancellation policy is in place.
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Tour Overview
The East Austin Black History Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich African-American heritage of Austin’s eastside.
Priced at $41.88 per person, the 2-hour tour is conducted in English and features a recognized guide, Javier, who’s noted by Travel + Leisure for his masterful storytelling.
The tour includes guided stops at the Urdy Plaza, East 13th Street & San Bernard Street, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard – Diverse Arts, Wesley United Methodist Church, and ends at the George Washington Carver Museum.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection, as the tour operates rain or shine.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Itinerary
The tour begins at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, where you will gather to embark on their exploration of East Austin’s rich Black history. The guided stops on the itinerary include:
| Location | Duration |
|---|---|
| Urdy Plaza | 15 minutes |
| East 13th Street & San Bernard Street | 15 minutes |
| Kenny Dorham’s Backyard – Diverse Arts | 15 minutes |
| Wesley United Methodist Church | 15 minutes |
The tour concludes at the George Washington Carver Museum. Participants should note that the itinerary is subject to change.
Experience Highlights
Recognized tour guide Javier, noted by Travel + Leisure, leads this immersive exploration of East Austin’s African-American history.
As a master storyteller, Javier highlights the 1928 Master Plan and the impact it had on the city’s Negro District, centered around East 11th Street.
Participants engage in discussions about the evolving East Austin community and its Black culture. The tour supports local Black-owned businesses, providing an authentic and engaging experience.
With a focus on the neighborhood’s rich heritage, the walking tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s African-American past and its ongoing legacy.
Tour Inclusions
This walking tour includes a guided exploration through East Austin’s significant landmarks, accompanied by a skilled storyteller who provides insights into the area’s African-American history. The tour includes:
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Guided Walking Tour | Participants will follow an experienced guide through the cultural sites. |
| Food | While not specified, some light refreshments may be provided during the tour. |
| Transportation | Not included, but the meeting point is centrally located. |
| Parking | Parking details are not included, but the meeting point may have options available. |
The tour aims to engage participants in discussions about the evolution of East Austin and its Black community, while supporting local Black-owned businesses.
Participant Information
Participants should be aware that this walking tour isn’t suitable for children under 16 years, individuals with low fitness levels, or those over 70 years.
Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, an umbrella, sunscreen, and rain gear. The tour operates rain or shine, and you will receive email notifications for rescheduling and payment information in case of inclement weather.
This East Austin Black History Walking Tour promises an engaging experience, with a recognized guide sharing local African-American history and the evolution of the East Austin community.
Participants can expect to explore the area’s notable landmarks and support local Black-owned businesses.
Important Notes
The tour operates rain or shine, and you will receive email notifications for rescheduling and payment information in case of inclement weather. This ensures the tour continues regardless of the weather conditions, providing a reliable and well-organized experience for guests.
| Weather Condition | Action |
|---|---|
| Light Rain | Tour continues as scheduled |
| Heavy Rain | Tour rescheduled, participants notified via email |
| Thunderstorms | Tour rescheduled, participants notified via email |
| Extreme Heat | Tour continues, with breaks and water provided |
| Extreme Cold | Tour continues, with warm gear recommended |
The tour’s commitment to operating in various weather conditions demonstrates its dedication to delivering a memorable and informative experience for all participants.
Meeting Point
The East Austin Black History Walking Tour begins at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, located at 912 East 11th Street in Austin, Texas.
This is the meeting point for the tour, where you will gather before embarking on their journey through the historical neighborhoods of East Austin. The facility serves as a community hub, celebrating the rich African-American heritage and culture of the area.
From this starting point, the guided tour will take visitors to significant sites, including Urdy Plaza, East 13th Street and San Bernard Street, Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, and the Wesley United Methodist Church, ultimately concluding at the George Washington Carver Museum.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their East Austin Black History Walking Tour for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
According to the cancellation policy, there’s no penalty for canceling within this timeframe. Once the 24-hour window has passed, no refunds will be issued.
This flexible policy ensures customers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they won’t lose their money if their plans change.
The tour operator understands unexpected situations can arise, so they’ve implemented this straightforward cancellation process to provide a hassle-free experience for all participants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Significance of the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility?
The African American Cultural and Heritage Facility serves as the starting point for the tour, providing context and background on the history and significance of East Austin’s Black community. It’s a hub for preserving and celebrating African-American culture in the city.
What Types of Local Businesses Are Highlighted on the Tour?
The tour supports local Black-owned businesses in East Austin. It highlights several establishments, providing an opportunity for participants to engage with and learn about the community’s thriving entrepreneurial spirit.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly stated. However, it indicates the tour may not be suitable for those with low fitness levels, suggesting there may be physical challenges that could limit accessibility.
Are There Any Discounts or Group Pricing Options Available?
The tour provider offers discounts for group bookings of 4 or more people. No specific details on the discount amount are provided. There doesn’t appear to be any mention of discounts for seniors, students, or individuals with disabilities.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private or Corporate Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private or corporate groups. The tour provider offers flexible options to accommodate the specific needs and interests of groups, including modifying the itinerary and adding additional services.
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Recap
The East Austin Black History Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of the neighborhood’s rich African-American heritage. Led by the renowned storyteller Javier, the tour highlights significant sites, explores the impact of the 1928 Master Plan, and supports local Black-owned businesses, providing an engaging experience that celebrates the enduring legacy of East Austin’s Black community.