Articles Tagged with: senior wine tours

SENIORS VISIT OHIO


Betcha Haven’t Heard of Kelleys Island!

Kelleys Island is both a village in Erie County, Ohio and an island in Lake Erie. Originally known simply as Island Number 6 and later Cunningham Island, it was renamed in 1840 for brothers Datus and Irad Kelley, who were largely responsible for cultivating the island’s quarrying, logging and winemaking industries. Today, Kelleys Island is primarily a vacation destination, and sees thousands of senior visitors each summer.

It’s not large… as of the most recent census, there were 367 people, 183 households, and 112 families residing in the village. Although it is only a short drive from many large metropolitan areas, this largest American island in Lake Erie is almost within sight of the Canadian border. Its year-round population swells up to 5,000 from June to August.

Seniors Go To Lake Erie

Kelleys Island is located in the western basin of Lake Erie about four miles north of Marblehead and twelve miles from Sandusky on the Ohio mainland. The entire island measures little more than four square miles and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Seniors can tour the island by bicycle, golf cart, or stroll through historic neighborhoods and view restored architectural styles, scenic treasures and natural wonders.

Considered the Walleye Fishing Destination of the world, I’m ready to go! Kelleys Island State Park, on the northern shores, takes up much of the island. It’s a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, and a relaxing retreat for senior vacationers.

The island is renowned for its unique geological, ecological, and archaeological features, and popular for its recreational offerings and picturesque landscapes. Kelleys Island Ferry offers the only daily auto/passenger ferry service to the Island with a short enjoyable 20 minute boat ride from Marblehead Ohio.

The ride offers seniors great views of the Marblehead Lighthouse, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands along the way.

Small As It Be, Seniors Love It

The Glacial Grooves State Memorial on the north side of the Island contains the largest easily accessible deep glacial grooves in the world. They were scoured into solid limestone bedrock about 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet which covered part of North America. The Grooves are the #1 site for visitors.

First settled by the Erie Indians nearly a millennium ago, its first Anglo-American settlers arrived during the first decade of the 19th Century. However, the “Historic” era did not begin until the 1830s when the entire island was purchased by Datus and Irad Kelley (two brothers from the Cleveland area).

In the 19th century, Kelleys was filled with limestone quarries and became the leading producer of limestone and lime products in the world. The businessmen of the era built grand Victorian homes on the island, many of which still remain. Tourism began to develop on the island in the mid-1950s.

I think you will really enjoy your visit there.  jeb

 

 

SENIORS TRAVEL TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA


Shasta Cascade, Seniors Ultimate Journey

This senior citizen still has much to learn about the great state of California. I did make a trip from Phoenix to Sacramento via LA and back through the redwood forests, but northern California is still untouched by me and my wife. That region up north borders on both Oregon and Nevada. The area is centered around Mount Shasta in the California Cascade Range. Mount Shasta is a quiet but scientifically active complex stratovolcano, whatever that is. They say that the region is dominated by volcanism.

Yes, there are 7 national forests in that area that include the Shasta and Klamath National Forests, all just north of Redding, California. The region is also well known for its numerous lakes, rivers, and waterfalls each of which adds to the natural beauty of Shasta Cascade.

I was blown away when I discovered all the museums that senior travelers will be able to visit. They start in Chico and run all the way down to Tehama. The Shasta Cascade region of Northern California is often overlooked by the senior tourist. After all, there is only so much time to experience everything California has to offer.

Seniors Discover California’s Hidden Treasure

This region is a well-kept secret that many Californians don’t even know about. Senior visitors will not find elegant, luxurious resorts that are a destination themselves but you will find some charming bed and breakfast inns and small older hotels oozing with character. This region, known as California’s Hidden Treasure,  is vast, covering nearly 20% of California’s territory.

Look up the Shasta Cascade official website with its  terrific virtual guide. Yes, Northern California holds one of the best kept secrets – the Shasta Cascade region! This region has a unique experience to fulfill just about anyone’s interests. This year-round senior outdoor enthusiast’s paradise is home to every kind of recreation on Mounts Shasta and Lassen, without the crowds and with no need for advance permits.

Seniors will also find some of California’s best fly-fishing, arts, music, museums, and other urban amenities. Each of these images will provide lots of attractions for senior visitors and emphasize the beauty to be found in Shasta Cascade.

It seems like you cannot go anywhere in the state of California without discovering a host of wineries. The North State Wine Country Region will testify to this fact. I want to leave you with a great listing of 101 things to do in Shasta.  You can thumb through this neat guide and choose where you want to go and select that which you will want to see and do.

Yes, Shasta Cascade is the only cure for Nature Deficit Disorder.   Enjoy the entire area. jeb

SENIORS TRAVEL TO NEW YORK STATE


Good Enough for Jefferson, Good Enough For…

During a 1791 visit, Thomas Jefferson was moved to say, “Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw.” Not much has changed. Today this 32-mile long, 3-mile wide dazzling lake draws senior vacationers who come to enjoy outdoor activities including sailing, swimming, cruising on historic steamboats, hiking and even more.

This 32-mile-long “Queen of American Lakes” is chock-full of lodging, attractions, eateries and just about any form of recreation you can name. A significant player in American history, Lake George is the site of two great forts, Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga, both open to the public. The Lake George area in New York‘s Adirondacks is what summer is all about. The “Official Lake George” site can fill in all FAQs about the area, plus provide a listing of things to see and do.

With more than 20 beautiful lakes, the Lake George Area offers the perfect opportunity for senior couples, families and group road-trippers to experience everything from outdoor adventure to peaceful solitude in the Southern Adirondack Mountains. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find some of these amenities in and around Lake George to be right up your alley.

The Lake George Area is brimming with history and culture. For instance, Cooper’s Cave in Glens Falls is a major site first made well known in James Fenimore Cooper’s novel, The Last of the Mohicans, also an award winning film.

The Hyde Collection, a world renowned museum in Glens Falls, has works from daVinci, El Greco, Degas, Botticelli, Renoir, Cezanne, van Gogh and Picasso. The Barton Garnet Mine in North Creek is home to the largest concentrations and formations of January’s birthstone and New York State’s gemstone. TripAdvisor is always around to help with attractions. Welcome to the Lake George Guide’s Online Resource.

What Can Seniors See and Do In Lake George?

Explore one of America’s oldest organized tourist attractions, Ausable Chasm. Admission includes walking, nature trail tour followed by an optional float tour via raft within the chasm. Just 23 miles north of Lake George, hike a self-guided tour & explore the Natural Stone Bridge and Caves. The entrance is the largest in the east and includes waterfalls, a huge gorge and numerous caves.

The Adirondack Winery, the region’s premier winery, features a tasting room located right in the heart of beautiful Lake George. The Lake George Steamboat Company offers a variety of cruises on their 3 large cruise ships and The Minne-Ha-Ha, an authentic paddle-wheeler.

Then there is nearby Fort Ticonderoga that invites visitors to embark on a historical adventure. With exciting family programs, fascinating weapons, demos, museum exhibits and garden tours, there’s something for every senior traveler to enjoy. Travel Yahoo discovered 25 neat things for visitors to see and do including a shoreline cruise, horseback riding and The Top O’ the World Golf Course.

There can be no doubt that senior visitors will find plenty to enjoy in Lake George and the locals are awaiting your visit. jeb

 

 

SENIORS VISIT STATE OF WASHINGTON


Port Angeles – The Authentic Northwest!

Seniors are welcome to Port Angeles, Washington, the activity center of the North Olympic Peninsula and the seat of government for Clallam County. The city’s home page is loaded with Olympic Peninsula Links of every nature. You’ll have a good idea of what to expect as you explore in detail the Outside Resources. They advertise… A Million Acre Park just filled with hiking trails that senior hikers will enjoy. That park of course is the Olympic Forest. The Salt Creek Recreation area is a big draw for senior visitors from across the globe.

Let’s start off with a bevy of photos to learn more about Port Angeles. The ferries are an important part of life at Port Angeles. Wikipedia is always an excellent resource for information of all kinds. The estimated population runs right at 70,000+ and Port Angeles is just south of the Canadian border of British Columbia. TripAdvisor has planned a nice vacation for you including hotels, B&Bs and major attractions.

Visitors will find classic wineries like Olympic Cellars and Camaraderie Cellars for wine tasting. While this is an ad for the Port Angeles Inn, the photos are very nice. Hey, maybe jump on board the Prince of Whales and go whale watching. Explore the Salt Creek Recreation area, a big draw for senior visitors from across the globe. 

Seniors Find Victoria Nearby

The Butchart Gardens are close by in Victoria British Columbia and this site has a map and guide to help senior visitors find your away around. Fodor’s ranks it right up there with the finest and notes that it is one of only two 3-Star attractions in Victoria. So shrink this map down little by little to see how easy it is to get to Victoria.

Maybe take a ferry up through the San Juan Islands to Victoria. This trip was memorable for me years back.  The many islands are covered with beautiful pine trees. You will enjoy orcas galore, the crystal clear water, tons of birdlife, a plethora of photo opportunities and finally you will arrive at Victoria.  It’s almost a “must” for adventurous seniors.

I leave you today with several videos that are guaranteed to catch your attention in and around Port Angeles.  And Virtual Tourist has some good information for senior visitors of Things to See and Do. These seven maps are fun and well done, plus on this page, you can download the Port Angeles Visitor Guide and send for a Free Travel Planner.

Clallam County is ready to welcome senior citizens with open arms. A little weather info is always nice up this direction. So be prepared, as you know, it rains quite a bit in Washington State and here’s what it’s doing today.

Enjoy the Great Authentic Northwest at Port Angeles. jeb

SENIORS VISIT ALBANY OREGON


Seniors Search Out a Second Albany

Senior travelers, when you hear about the city of Albany, what do you think of?  New York, right?  I did too until I received a very nice travel brochure from Albany, Oregon.  It’s a pretty neat little city with just over 50,000 happy people.

Perhaps you have heard of the Willamette Valley? Albany is located in this fertile valley along with 700 historic homes and four historic buildings.  That’s reason enough for senior historians to check out Albany and the valley.

The town’s visitors association has a great website with lots information including the events of the week. Senior visitors will not be hurting for things to see and do. There are some great hotels and B&Bs just waiting for you to check out.

Take in a few of the tours offered including wine tour packages. Do you know anything about ductile zirconium? I didn’t either until I read this interesting information. Albany is famous for the process.

A Guidebook For Senior Visitors

Here’s a copy of the 24-page visitor’s guide that I have in my hand right now and it’s one of those interactive types that you can page through online. It’s a great guide book to Albany, including an historic mainstreet, old historic homes and covered bridges nearby. Read up on the self-guided tours through several of the historic districts.

The Monteith House-Museum dating from 1849 is a must see. The Monteith Historic District is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Check out the Nosh Tour via Albany’s Historic Trolley and take in a few of the eight historic covered bridges that are all located within a short distance of the Albany area. Linn County seems to overflow with history.

Welcome to Downtown Albany

There seems to be something happening downtown all year round. It’s an area teeming with great shopping and dining and crowd drawing events. Albany is proud of its Historic Carousel and Museum put together with community volunteers. Look at all the things for seniors to see and do. It’s a nice site.

Put Albany on your bucket list now and plan to swing by soon. Albany, Oregon is one of those places where my wife and I would love to visit and I think you will too.  jeb


SENIORS VISIT NORTHERN SPAIN


Seniors Say “Hola” to La Rioja and Its Spanish Wines

Senior oenophiles will enjoy touring this region in northern Spain and sampling the many fine wines of the area. This area of Spain has over 500 wineries and is internationally famous for the quality of its wines.

La Rioja is located in the Basque Region of Spain. Senior visitors will want to take in the Ebro Valley as well as the famous route of St. James. La Rioja is quite a sight on a sunny day. And there are plenty of sunny days: summer temperatures rise sky-high in this quiet, out-of-the-way provincial capital. World Atlas will “pin point” if for you.

Plenty for Seniors To See and Do

La Rioja is both a province and an autonomous region located in the North of Spain. The capital of La Rioja is Logroño. And history… the entire area is historic, however today it’s most famous for its many wineries. I enjoy reading wine labels. Take a closer look at a few of these. The NY Times likes it too. TripAdvisor takes a closer look at La Rioja and lists top rated hotels, restaurants and destinations.

Don’t let its size fool you; Spain‘s smallest province makes a big name for itself with spectacular scenery as well as its wine. Healing thermal baths and rugged mountain trails, provide the perfect getaway for the senior traveler.

Active seniors can find adventures skiing, biking or white-water rafting, while the more sedate will find a peaceful respite sipping wine in the lush vineyards, or walking the famous pilgrims’ trail to Santiago.  La Rioja rates high with senior visitors and I understand why after seeing these multitude of images.

Logroño Attracts Senior History Buffs

Logroño is a city rich in history and traditions which have been preserved since the Middle Ages. The Pilgrim’s Route to Santiago de Compostela made this one of the most important towns on the route, leaving an interesting monumental legacy closely linked to the traditional passing of the pilgrims.

What a neat photo of San Milan de la Cogolia called the birthplace Spanish language.  If you do not know what a “parador” is, learn about them prior to a visit to Spain.   They are all over Spain and those folks who have stayed in a parador find them especially memorable. The Parador de Calahorra in Calahorra in La Rioja awaits your visit.

Let me set you up with a wine tour. There are various types and experiences and you’ll surely find one to your liking. Fodors will fill in a lot of blanks as well as Lonely Planet. They will get senior travelers right into the heart of the province via rail. 

Are you a dyed in the wool explorer?  Good.  Then explore here and check out these multiple videos.

Seen enough of La Rioja?  It’s on my “bucket list”. My bucket list is long as you will see on my travel websites. jeb


SENIOR TRAVELERS, MEET ZERVE


What To Do Wherever You Are…Ask Zerve

I liked that motto and discovered that it was all true. With Zerve senior travelers will find a slice of the extraordinary for vacations all over the country. On the home page, first select from a list called What Do You Want to Do Today? You’ll find a multitude of choices. For instance if you chose NYC, Zerve provides 3,255 options on 217 pages. Sound like overkill? Well, maybe but take a look and you’ll find that it is very well done. One fellow wrote…”So good, I want to keep it a secret.”

Today the word is out about Zerve. What makes Zerve different? Their goal is to work with everyone and show senior travelers all the experiences that are available. They are ranked by the community based on real purchases and real reviews with a little bit of the ZerveQuotient thrown in. See for yourself.

A Relatively New Thing

Zerve’s been around since 2003 and is getting rave reviews. Millions of tickets have been sold online and more activities are being added daily. It’s not only senior citizens in the US but from all over the world who benefit from Zerve. Kind of like Google for a search, but there’s much more. Zerve caters to travelers only and it includes reviews and an attractive photo gallery. You can obtain information and tickets right online. How about that? You’ll see real customer reviews for many activities. Only people who have bought tickets for an activity can review it, so you know the reviews are reliable.

Senior Travelers Seek Quality

On their website they write ‘Our passion is to help people discover the highest quality and most unique things to do – on vacation and just around town. We work closely with the businesses that provide these phenomenal activities to bring them directly to you. We believe that everyone should spend their time doing what they truly love, and we do all we can to ensure that everyone who comes into contact with Zerve will receive phenomenal service and be treated with respect, professionalism and good humor.’

Start With 26 Favorite Cities

Taliesin West

On the homepage you’ll find a listing of favorite tourist cities. I picked Napa as I’ve been there. I wanted to see what they focused upon and discovered 706 things for senior travelers to see and do. Most of course deal with the famous vineyards but in addition you’ll discover bike tours, cooking classes, walking tours and so much more for senior visitors.

When I chose Phoenix, low and behold, there was Taliesin West where I work as a guide. Lots of choices for tours and you can make your reservation online. Phoenix is filled with many wonderful sites like the Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, a new Musical Instrument Museum, the Heard Museum and so many other attractions.

Zerve is one great place for seniors just to roam around and plan out your next vacation or two. What I really like about Zerve is how well it’s put together and how easy it is to navigate.

Happy Surfing Seniors.  jeb

SENIOR WINE TOUR


Luxury Senior Wine Tour to South America

I have done some research on the subject of wine tours and have discovered a tour that I think senior citizens will enjoy immensely.  Robertson Wine Tours, directed by Tim Robertson, offers tours to Argentina Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. I would like to look at Argentina and their wines and vineyards.

In Argentina you will discover that Malbec is playing a dominant role in winning worldwide acclaim for the country’s wines.I enjoy Malbec myself, so I’m interested in exploring that portion of the country over by the Andes Mountains and investigating Robertson’s tours a little more.

While acreage of Malbec is declining in France, in Argentina the grape is surging and has become a “national variety” of sort that is uniquely identified with Argentine wine. The NY Times calls the Mendoza Region “Argentina’s Napa Valley” and notes that Mendoza is “Napa 30 or 40 years ago.”

Extensive Contacts Benefit Senior Visitors

With a wide array of  extensive contacts in the wine business, Robertson Wine Tours has the trust and confidence of serious winemakers. Robertson Wine Tours offers escorted visits for seniors to over 250 Bodegas/Wineries…and surely you will find some to suit your palate and pocketbook.

This organization has been busy organizing tours for 25 years, so they know what they are doing. I like their idea of not only sharing great wine with clients but incorporating the local cuisine into their itineraries.  Over 400 Argentina wineries are integrated into this winery directory.

Robertson Wine Tours

Robertson Wine Tours has successfully created and directed over 100 wine tours which are all encompassing; ranging from brief overviews of Chilean Wines to in-depth two week investigative research with professors from Davis, California. Robertson Wine Tours only offers all-inclusive tours, 100% pre-paid but totally exclusive to the client’s request. Robertson does not mix groups of seniors or offer fixed dates from which tours run, everything is by design and private.  Maybe five days here and five days elsewhere.

Hey, sneak on up to Iguazu Falls on the Brazil border and maybe enjoy Rio or BA while you are that far south. I have not been to Uruguay (yet…) but I know that it, too, is a very progressive country and senior travelers would enjoy Punta del Este as well as the capital Montevideo.

Read on and look over the FAQs that spell out wine tours terms and conditions and…make contact. You will receive information back very quickly. I would love to hear back from you if you choose to take a Robertson Wine Tour (jebecker@hughes.net).  Enjoy the experience and say hello to Tim from Jim Becker.  jeb


Filed under : South America, Wine Trips

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