by Phil Houseal as published in the Kerrville TX Community Journal & Boerne TX Hill Country Weekly
Oct 21, 2009
When you travel with Ardie Dixon, you not only are going to have a great time, you might learn something and come away with a new friend.
Dixon has owned Hill Country Coordinators since 1995 and serves as host on many Club Ed excursions. She will guide two upcoming trips - A Night Out in Fredericksburg (which includes a trip to the Rockbox Theater) and our popular San Antonio Holiday River Parade and dinner.
For Dixon, the actual trip is just one part of the travel experience.
"For me, it is all about creating a happy memory - that's what it is about."
She prides herself on customizing her tours and events, and anticipating every contingency that might put a kink in the escapade. She can provide any kind of group service, whether a trip, wedding, reunion, or corporate event.
"I like to provide the service that guarantees everything goes well, and that the sponsors look good when it is all over with."
Dixon draws on years of experience doing catering and convention work in the hotel industry, from La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio to the Inn of the Hills in Kerrville. She also worked with travel planners.
Even for someone of Dixon's skill, she is first to admit not every detail can be controlled.
"There are always little things that come up," she said, recalling the couple from Houston who held their wedding down by the riverside. "They asked seriously to have two white swans swim by while they were exchanging vows. Needless to say, we did not get that done!"
But she can usually find a resource for every request. And when that rare contretemps occurs, she is philosophical. "I always tell brides when something happens, not to get excited - that's what you are going to laugh about years later."
So how is a tour with Ardie Dixon going to be different from any other tour?
"I am going to be a little more informed about Texas Hill Country heritage," she said. "We'll have some good chuckles and laughs, and probably eat some good, unhealthy food. People will feel like they met a new best friend - it could be me or other people on the tour."
Ultimately it is all about the people.
"God puts people in my path, and I know he does," she said. "I know I need to do my best to help some people have a good time or to put at ease. That's one of my missions I am supposed to do."
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Club Ed travels to the San Antonio River Lighting Parade on Nov 27, and takes a Holiday Night Out in Fredericksburg on Dec 12. Signup deadlines are approaching. For information, click www.clubed.net, or call 830-895-4386.
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