We’re Twins: St. Petersburg and Clearwater

St. Petersburg and Clearwater are in close proximity and they go well together.  The cosmopolitan city of St. Petersburg has long been known for its scenic bay front and renowned art museums. In recent years, lively downtown St. Petersburg has also emerged as a hot spot for shopping, museums, dining, nightlife and entertainment. With 361 days of sun a year and a full spectrum of things to see and do, the Sunshine City (as it’s nicknamed) is one of Florida’s most exciting senior destinations.

One of the area’s most popular beaches, Clearwater Beach buzzes with activity: swimming, boating, fishing, water sports, volleyball and biking or blading along the Beach Walk promenade. There’s no shortage of beach amenities, from concessions and cabanas to marinas, watercraft rentals and playgrounds. If a day of sunshine, sand and calm waters doesn’t bring senior citizens complete bliss, the amazing Gulf sunsets certainly will.

As a top year-round destination, Clearwater offers a seemingly endless supply of entertainment, natural beauty, and outdoor activities both on land and at sea. Pier 60, Clearwater Beach – during the summer on the Clearwater Beach pier they have music, performers, little kiosks with people doing hair braiding, drawing pictures, selling jewelry, etc. It starts from around 7:00 pm and goes till 10:00 or 11:00 pm. In the winter it is only open on weekends. This ultimate destination, ideally situated on Florida’s stunning West Coast, offera something for every senior visitor and every budget.

Seniors Take in Warm Weather and Delightful Breezes

The entire area sounds like a great place for a week-long visit.  Each city has their Visitor Centers, in fact, Clearwater has four centers. They really want you to not miss anything. Yahoo Travel offers suggestions, (48 of them) that you might want to explore prior to your arrival. Visitors say that St. Petersburg Saturday night is really moving, a lot happening there; movies, opera, cafes.

The bar/restaurant at the Marriot Hotel on Sand Key is a beautiful place to have a quiet coffee and chat while listening to the piano player who is there most evenings. Score a homerun with the Tampa Bay Rays, hit the beach, browse through world class museums, or stroll along streets lined with graceful Mediterranean-style architecture.

Along with beautiful beaches, St. Petersburg attracts senior visitors with the Salvador Dali Museum, Fort DeSoto Park and the St. Petersburg Pier. The city, which glimmers between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, is known for its warm weather and delightful breezes. Whatever your taste, St. Petersburg offers you everything under the sun. With an average temperature of 73+ degrees and over 360 days a year of recorded sunshine, it’s no wonder St. Petersburg moniker is the Sunshine City.

Enjoy the area and the rest of Florida too.  jeb

So Where’s the Tyrrhenian Sea?

I was doing my usual crossword puzzles the other morning and came across the clue: “Tyrrhenian Sea Resort.”  I failed on that one.  Could you have answered it?  With five letters I might have guessed it to be Capri, but I cheated and looked it up on Google. I use Google all the time for things like that. You too?  Anyway I discovered that the Sea is a big one that lies on the western coast of Italy between Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily.  So now that we senior citizens know where it is, let’s see what else we can find out about it.  (My wife steps in here and decides that we need to get a cup of coffee and just enjoy a bit of geography this morning:))

This Sea is Deep

The Tyrrhenian Sea was named for the Tyrrhenian people, identified since the 6th century BCE with the Etruscans of Italy. From my crossword puzzle and that resort, I went to Bing and found these super photos to share with you. In addition to Corsica, Elba, Sardinia and Sicily, this sea contains many popular small islands, including Capri, Elba and Ustica, and the active volcano of Stomboli.

Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palermo are its chief ports and the Strait of Messina connects it with the Ionian Sea. There’s another travel blog.  Incidentally it connects with the Ligurian Sea to the northwest. I did not know about that sea either. It is connected with the Ligurian Sea on the northwest through the Tuscan Archipelago. I didn’t  know that either.  Near its center the Tyrrhenian reaches a maximum depth of 12,300 feet (3,750 m). Sounds like a geography class to me and this senior citizen happens to love geography.

For You ‘Rock Hound’ Senior Geologists

The Sea is located near where the African and European tectonic plates meet; therefore mountain chains and active volcanoes for example, Mount Marsili, are found there. Seniors will learn that eight Aeolian Islands and Ustica are found in the southern part of the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily. The Tyrrhenian Sea is separated into two basins, or plains, the Vavilov plain and the Marsili plain. They are divided by the undersea ridge known as the Issel Bridge. The Tyrrhenian Sea is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea (c.760 km/475 mi long and 97 km/60 mi wide) surrounded by mainland Italy.

Well, this has turned into one of those cases where a boy asked his father about blue jays and he gave him an encyclopedia on birds. Incidentally there is a new active volcano in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A strong earthquake occurred in 2002 off-shore from the northern coast of Sicily in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, and was followed by a series of hundreds of aftershocks and boom…a new volcano. So, if your senior curiosity has been aroused and you want more including some nice videos, check these out.  jeb

Seniors Like Portsmouth, “The Great Waterfront City”

Portsmouth is the second largest city in the Hampshire County and dates back to 1180.  Senior travelers will find Portsmouth on the south coast of England about 65 miles southwest of London and has just over 200k inhabitants.

Portsmouth is the most densely populated place in the UK, even more so than inner London and is nicknamed “Pompey”. Portsmouth’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Hampshire and the south. Due to its proximity to the sea, it was a significant naval port for centuries.  Portsmouth is home to the world’s oldest dry dock still in use and also home to some famous ships. The city is known to be one of the best travel destinations in the UK for senior tourists.

Forever stamped in history, Portsmouth was the seat from which the British Royal Navy controlled the seas in the 19th century. Historically early life in Portsmouth began with a Roman Fort on the site. The majority of the city of Portsmouth lies on Portsea Island though it is separated from the mainland only by a roughly 30 m wide stretch of sea water so is perhaps more accurately thought of as a peninsula.

Plenty to Keep Senior Visitors Occupied

Portsmouth is a dynamic and vibrant waterfront city bursting with great reasons to visit. From the pomp and ceremony of the proud naval and maritime heritage, to towering world-class visitor attractions, museums and galleries, unique shopping destinations, great places to eat and miles and miles of beautiful seafront, Portsmouth offers something for every senior visitor.

You’ll encounter folks called “Portsmouth Greeters” who are local people, passionate about Portsmouth. You can tailor a Greet to your specific needs and get a true insider’s view of the city. Pretty neat huh?

The Historic Dock Yard will keep you occupied for a full day with five great attractions that include the National Museum of the Royal Navy and two HMS ships. The 560 ft Spinnaker Tower is a major landmark in the city. It’s also called the Millennium Tower and is higher than the London Eye, Blackpool tower and Big Ben and at 170m is the tallest publicly accessible structure in the UK, outside of London.

The old Dockyard, a main focus of the area, rates very high with senior visitors. Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870) arguably one of the greatest and certainly the most enduring English novelist and writer, was born in Portsmouth. Home to the University of Portsmouth, the city has a large multicultural student population.

The Renaissance Trail is a self-guided, historic tour which will take you from Spur Redoubt in Old Portsmouth to the gateway of the Historic Dockyard. The Millennium Promenades stretch over 6km on both sides of Portsmouth Harbor and your walk will take you to some of Portsmouth’s most famous landmarks and attractions. The trail is marked by information boards and a chain motif set into the pavement to mark historic spots.

Do enjoy your visit to Portsmouth.  jeb

Villefranche Draws Seniors On the French Riviera

Villefranche in France is located on the French Riviera. That alone draws senior citizen travelers from all over the world.  Actually it’s called Villefranche-sur- Mer and it’s located right next to Nice.

The Mediterranean Sea is very deep here. The bay called a “rade”  of Villefranche is one of the deepest natural harbors of any port, reacing depths of 95m (320 ft) and provides safe anchorage for large ships.

The site of what is now Villefranche and surrounding Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat have been settled since prehistoric times and are some of the most scenic areas on the French Riviera. The city has around 30,000 inhabitants.

Villefranche sur Mer is one of the most charming — if not the most charming — authentic French and Niçoise fishing village on the French Riviera, in the heart of the Cote d’Azur. With Monaco on one side and Nice on the other, it is hard to believe that it can retain the charm and authenticity of a little village where people still know each other. The Bay of Villefranche is reputed to be one of the five most beautiful bays in the world.

Sites That Attract Seniors

Today, the Citadel houses the Town Hall, a congress centre, three museums, and an open air theatre. In the heart of the old town, the baroque Italian-style Saint Michael Church originally dates from the first part of the 14th Century, but was completely rebuilt towards the end of the 18th Century. Classed as a monument historique since 1990, it houses various works of art, including a large painted Saint Michael and an 18th century life-sized Christ sculpture.

The Saint Peter Chapel also dates from the 14th Century. Having eventually become used as a storeroom for local fishermen’s nets and equipment, in 1957 Jean Cocteau took on the restoration of the chapel, adding his now-famous murals. On the hills surrounding the town, the Fort of Mont Alban offers an incomparable view of Cap Ferrat and the Eastern coastline as far as Italy.

Villefranche sur Mer is among the most exclusive destinations of the French Riviera, thanks to its numerous luxury vacation villas, some high class hotels, and the many yachts that are regular visitors to this bay.

The town is calm and picturesque and offers the opportunity to stroll up and down its steps in search of boutiques, shops and restaurants. Or to go for a romantic walk in the locations where Sean Connery became Agent 007 in some scenes from the unforgettable 1983 film “Never Say Never”. By now you know that I respect Rick Steves and he enjoyed Villefranche.

The covered streets in Villefranche are famous, and were used as shelters during the war. The most famous and most hidden is La Rue Obscur (covered street). This street is a magical place that reveals the medieval atmosphere of Villefranche. I think that you will really have an enjoyable visit in Villefranche.  jeb

Seniors Head For Montpelier

Montpelier, Vermont, the “Green Mountain State” has long been known as the smallest state capital in the US with under 8,000 inhabitants.  Nevertheless, the Vermont History Museum, College of Fine Arts and the New England Culinary Institute keeps senior visitors coming back again and again.

Despite its small size, Montpelier is noted for its historical buildings and attractions. It’s history goes back to 1787 when a Colonel Jacob Davis named the site after the city of Montpelier in southwest France. And YaHoo…it’s the only state capital in the country without a McDonalds, a Burger King…or even an airport.  How about that?  Pretty laid back I’d say.

What Put Montpelier On the Map?

While the Winooski River provided power for mills and an iron foundry prospered, it was the Vermont Central Railroad that helped the city to prosper back in 1849.

The river is the habitat for many species of wildlife like sandpipers, American osprey, beavers and otters. The many trout and walleye make the river a rich fishing ground for fishing enthusiasts.

The NY TImes Travel page had an article called 36 Hours in Montpelier, Vt. that will give first time senior visitors an overview of the city. Every city in our country seems to have attractions that draw in visitors and Montpelier has its share.

Hubbard Park Invites Senior Visitors

Hubbard Park, with its magestic trees, gets lots of attention and is one beautiful place to take in on your visit to Montpelier. It totals 185 acres that has many picnic areas where senior citizens can enjoy a picnic. Senior hikers can hike the 7 miles of trails and a climb the 54-foot observation tower that will give you a panoramic view of the park and its surrounding areas.

The gold leaf dome of the state house includes real gold and offers a spectacular contrast with the wooded hillside of Hubbard Park in the background. The interior is adorned with marble floors, spiral staircases and finely carved wood trim.

And Go-Vermont offers attractions that you will not want to miss plus some super recreation areas that senior visitors find attractive. Select the Photo Gallery at the bottom of the page and you’ll see why thousands come to Vermont every fall to take in the colorful trees.

Vermont (Green Mountain in French) will keep your senses jumping wherever you choose to travel. So many cities have tours but few have walking tours. In Montpelier you’ll find the State Street, Main Street and College Street Historic Walking Tours filled with folks just like you who enjoy viewing historical buildings. A walk through the downtown areas provides insight into the early years of our nation’s history.

I think that you will find Montpelier very laid back and you will feel right at home with the small-town atmosphere. Enjoy your visit to Vermont and while you are there, check out these super Scenic Drives that include Montpelier on Route 89. jeb

Let’s Take a Hike, Seniors

I recently read that Coastal Trail at Land’s End was one of the best hiking trails in the county. So, you senior hikers, boot up.  Lands End in San Francisco has scenery with awesome views of the coastal inlet on every step of this Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s one of the favorite trails for folks who just enjoy walking.

At every turn of the trail on this wild and rocky northwestern corner of San Francisco, there is another stunning view. Along the way seniors will see hillsides of cypress and wildflowers, views of old shipwrecks, access to the epic ruins of Sutro Baths, pocket beaches, and a new Lookout Visitor Center.

As you hike you can thank community volunteers all along the trail who have helped revitalize and restore the trail and the native habitat. Note the bird and map link on this site.

Seniors Start the Hike at Ocean Beach

The trail begins near Ocean Beach and winds its way north and east along the ocean bluffs to China and Baker beaches. In its entirety, Coastal Trail is 11 miles long, although it’s not contiguous. The favorite stretch for many senior hikers is a 3.5-mile round-trip that follows the most “wilderness-like” section from above the Cliff House Restaurant to 32nd Avenue and El Camino del Mar. At least for a while, you’ll forget you’re anywhere near a major metropolitan area.

Folks ask all the time what the wildest place in San Francisco is.  For many it’s Coastal Trail. The ocean views from the Merrie Way trailhead are a satisfying first impression. As senior citizens lace up the hiking boots, watch for a Golden Gate-bound freighter or the spout of a gray whale, and lend an ear to the chorus of barking sea lions.

The Land’s End trail is an easy to moderate hike — depending on how far you walk. If you do the three-mile round trip from Point Lobos to Eagles’ Point, you can meander past the Sutro Baths, the Legion of Honor, and along cliffs with beautiful views of the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Runners who make the trek often note that it is a great running trail.

Happy Hiking!  jeb

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

Bavaria Beckons Senior Tourists

What comes to mind, when senior citizens hear the world Bavaria? Maybe you, too, think of all the pretty girls in dirndls and dashing young men in lederhosen drinking beer from huge mugs and celebrating the Oktoberfest together? Then you are not alone. But there is much much more in Bavaria.

I looked up the major regions of Germany and discovered that Bavaria has the most towns and cities.  The name “Bavaria” means “Men of Baia” and if you want all the nitty gritty on its long history dating back to c. 520, seniors can look up Bavaria on Wikipedia. Historically it’s also known as the Kingdom of Bavaria.

With all those towns and cities to explore and so much to discover in the area, I figured that it would be great place to visit myself.  The Free State of Bavaria, named Germany’s #1 holiday region, is one of the oldest states of Europe and is located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of 27,200 sq miles, it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany. Bavaria is Germany’s second most populous state, with 12.5 million inhabitants, more than any of the three sovereign nations on its borders.

Bavaria’s capital and largest city is Munich,  the third largest city in Germany. With Munich comes the famous celebrations with the famous beer gardens and Oktoberfest. First time senior visitors continually remark about Bavaria’s picture-perfect countryside. Unspoiled natural surroundings, healthy air, a wealth of culture and the proverbially laid-back Bavarian attitude to life are its hallmarks.

Bavaria’s medieval castles and small towns, magnificent palaces and baroque churches, not to mention its urban centers, provide the perfect setting for everything from traditional festivals to high opera. Senior visitors find a harmonious blend of the traditional and the modern in Bavaria. Unlike American cities they have no congestion issues, traffic jams or suburban sprawl. Senior travelers will experience their transit marvel and how they have managed to maintain their Bavarian countryside, beer gardens and castles.

Seniors Enjoy Villages, Castles, Lakes and Mountains

The medieval older towns in Bavaria include Nuremberg, Regensburg and Augsburg, In addition  there are castles like the romantic Neuschwanstein. Seniors will see glittering lakes in the green pinewood like the Konigssee and the Chiemsee, and mountaintops like the snow-capped Zugspitze.

Though Bavaria is only one territory within the German territories, it is clear it is quite different from the others. It is richer, friendlier and its atmosphere is more delightful. Senior visitors will discover that Bavarians are the proudest of all Germans. Locals are loyal to their roots and traditions and many Bavarians see themselves as Bavarians first and foremost, Germans second.

I’ve highlighted the popular destinations and things to do in Bavaria to help plan an itinerary. Enjoy all the fun, the food, the scenery, the culture, the beauty and most of all the friendly people.  jeb

Seniors Visit World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites exist all over the world. Senior travelers, you have probably experienced several on your routes. I am always surprised when I discover that people do not know about World Heritage Sites. Basically, World Heritage Sites are culturally and historically significant sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Fuji, Uluru, Chitzen Itza, Victoria Falls, the Great Barrier Reef and so forth.

Senior travelers, if you want to be sure to see the World Heritage Sites in any state or country to which you are traveling, go to Google and input World Heritage Sites and then the place you want to visit. My wife and I did that for Spain and it made for a terrific itinerary.  So we’ve decided to chose just three for this blog and here are our choices for today:

Masada

 The story of the stronghold, where Jewish Zealots took their own lives rather than suffer slavery to the Romans, is compelling. And the ruins of the fortress itself, built by Herod the Great between 37 and 31 BCE, are fascinating, no matter what your heritage may be. With such a history, it’s no wonder that Masada stands as a symbol of Jewish pride. Israel Defense Forces graduate there, shouting ‘Masada shall not fall again!’ It’s also become a popular spot for bar and bat mitzvahs in recent years.” My mother and father-in-law visited Masada and it was a most memorable visit for them.

Monticello

“A home always reflects its owner, and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, which he began building in 1769, is no different. It reflects our third president’s brilliance but also reminds us of his imperfections. Seeing the Great Clock, whose weights descend through a hole that had to be cut in the floor because of a slight miscalculation, always reminds me that no man is without flaws, even a man largely responsible for the foundation of our country. If you have never visited Monticello, put it on your “bucket list.” I remember several things including the site where the slave quarters stood.

And since I have personally visited this one…

The Pantheon, Historic Center Of Rome

“From its blunt and windowless exterior, the Pantheon is hardly the most dramatic monument on UNESCO’s list, or even in Rome, whose World Heritage sites include the Forum, the Colosseum, the Vatican, and more. But step inside and you realize that this Roman temple—still standing after almost 1,900 years—has the most perfect proportions of any building on earth.”  And that’s a fact senior friends. The rotunda is 141 feet in diameter and 141 feet in height. A cylinder of light beams through a hole at the top of the dome, dramatically lighting the entire space. The Pantheon was consecrated in 609, and when I visited it two years ago, an organist was practicing Ave Maria. That’s why I love that hymn.”  It shook the walls.

More of these outstanding sites later folks… jeb

We’re Off To Explore Burgundy

In French it’s called La Bourgogne and the name comes from the Burgundians, an ancient Germanic people. It’s one of this senior’s favorite regions in France. History abounds in Burgundy, however it is most famous for it’s wines, one of France’s main wine producing areas.

I always thought that Burgundy wine was red, but I discovered on one of my Food and Wine Tours of France that its white wine is tops. There are five main wine regions in Burgundy: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. The producers are famed for the quality of their wines which they make using traditional methods. 130 Burgundy wines from select independent growers are shipped worldwide.

Wine, grape growing and the making and selling of wine have shaped the region for over 2000 years. The “terroir” of most vineyards have a base soil of limestone overlaid with limestone and marl (a mixture of clay and limestone formerly used as fertilizer), sometimes mixed with sand or gravel. Where limestone is dominant, white wines grow; where more marl exists, grapes for red wine grow.

Variety and Scenic Wonders Draw Senior Visitors

Burgundy has a fabulous selection of countryside, small villages, vineyards in all directions. The city of Beaune lies at the center of the region and abounds with tasting rooms.

I recall a particular tasting room right on the main square where my daughter and I sampled some of the finest they have to offer.  If you are an oenophile, you will enjoy discovering the various rooms for tasting in Beaune. A plethora of activities all combine to make this region the ideal place for senior citizens to discover and appreciate la vie française.

History and architecture rate high for visitors and for you senior bikers, take one of the cycle routes along the canals, the Voie Verte or right through the vineyards. Ride along with my travel hero, Rick Steves on one tour.

From Givry down to Mâcon there are many wine producers located among the rolling hills and pretty stone villages. A French acquaintance of mine wrote this great link on the region with many specifics that include how to reach the Burgundy area. The Hôtel Dieu Beaune is definitely NOT TO BE MISSED. It’s an awesome site and formerly a hospice.

Of course Google is always a great place to start your exploring and Fodor’s Choices are highly recommended.  Burgundy’s green-hedgerowed countryside, medieval villages, and stellar vineyards deserve to be rolled on the palate and savored. Like glasses filled with Clos de Vougeot (don’t miss this vineyard), the sights—from the stately hub of Dijon to the medieval sanctuaries of Sens, Auxerre, Vézelay, and Cluny—invite senior visitors to linger and partake of their mellow splendor.

This is one very rich and fascinating place to visit. I feel that you will enjoy Burgundy as I have. jeb