Seniors Duck into Duck

I read in a local Sunday newspaper that Duck is one of the top resort destinations with one of the best beaches on the East Coast . Duck, known for its upscale charm and boutique shopping is located a few miles North of Kitty Hawk. Senior travelers will discover a 7 mile stretch of beaches in the middle of NC Highway 12 in a totally natural setting.

The region was named for the many ducks and waterfowl in the area. During the peak vacation season the population increases to over 20,000.

Duck is loaded with history and has remained relatively undiscovered for hundreds of years since its initial settlement in the late 1600s.

Seniors, Do You Like Jazz and Fine Dining?

‘Duck is a resort town with an impressive reputation for great beaches, water sports and outdoor adventures, first-class events including a nationally-known Jazz Festival, fine dining, and eclectic shopping.’

A big attraction in Duck is the boardwalk where senior visitors can enjoy a quiet and leisurely stroll.

From Duck Town Boardwalk to Duck’s Cottage, the town offers many different types of activities, including: General Shopping, Piers & Boardwalks, Water Sports and General Tours so consider bringing  along your grandkids.

“This Outer Banks seaside town of 400 residents offers miles of clean beaches, miles of bike paths and a walkable village center with shops, restaurants, a sound-front park and lots of activities.

The area is especially well known for surfing due to the consistent winds, temperate weather, shallow sound waters and rolling ocean swells.”

Top Beaches In The Nation at Duck

The wide, uncrowded Duck beaches have been ranked among the top in the nation, thus a primary focus is on getting wet in one fashion or another. Water sports are big, whether it’s swimming, surfing, sea kayaking, beach walking or just soaking up the sun lying by the ocean.

On the other side of this narrow island is Currituck Sound that is a perfect place to sail, paddle a canoe or kayak, parasail, Jet Ski or windsurf. Senior citizens will discover plenty see and do in Duck.

One of the largest draws to Outer Banks visitors is the fantastic collection of locally owned shops in the middle of Duck. One thing the town of Duck is known for, besides the beach, is its great shopping. “Duck is definitely the place to go when you’re longing for a little recreational retailing. The many stores are arranged in a series of low-key, coastal shopping complexes, and are close enough to each other that it’s easy to park the car and explore the stores on foot.”

Considering the area’s national popularity as one of America’s best beaches, it’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago, Duck’s only visitors were hunters and fishermen in search of, well, ducks . -jeb

Seniors Journey Uphill to Fairplay

Fairplay , just south of Breckenridge, is located in South Park at an elevation of 9,953 feet with a population of 672 hardy folks. Senior travelers find a small town that is loaded with history.

This historic gold mining settlement was founded in 1859 and incorporated in 1872 during the early days of the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. The town got its name by settlers who were upset by the generous mining claims given to the earliest prospectors and promised a more equitable system for its residents.

Surrounded by Kenosha Pass to the North, Wilkerson Pass to the East, Trout Creek Pass to the South and Weston Pass to the West sits the quiet valley of South Park in the Central Colorado Rockies.

In the heart of this valley lays Fairplay, one of the many wild mining towns from the time of gold and silver and the largest community in this grassland basin.

Less than 200 years ago, the Nomadic Ute and Arapaho native Americans did great battle over what was once incredibly rich summer hunting grounds. Famed frontiersmen like Zebulan Pike, Kit Carson and John Fremont crossed the region in their explorations of Colorado.

Seniors Say Yes To Burros, Trout Fishing and History

Among the major events in Fairplay is the Burro Days Festival held on the last weekend of July. The event celebrates the town’s mining heritage with many colorful burros. The main feature of the festival is a 29-mile burro race over rough terrain and approximately 3,000-ft elevation from downtown Fairplay to the 13,000-ft summit of Mosquito Pass.

Senior visitors enjoy an authentic restoration of a mining boomtown dating back to the 1880s. Originally called Tarryall , Fairplay sprang into life about 1859 as miners found gold along the South Platt river. A church built in 1874 still stands as does the 1874 courthouse.

Also interesting to note  beside the Hand hotel, ia the grave of a burro that worked in the mines for 62 years. Rupert M. Sherwood, partner to the burro, requested when he died he be cremated and buried beside Prunes, his burro. Where else in the world can one find a grave for a renown burro?

The local Chambers notes that… “Today, Fairplay is the center of commerce for Park County, with a thriving business community and vibrant local arts. The many lodging, dining and retail options reflect the unique character of this quaint mountain town.Surrounded by majestic peaks and pastoral beauty and fall foliage, Fairplay calls out to artists of all media, many of whom have made Fairplay home.”

Fairplay is known as the official Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado.  Senior visitors enjoy the unique mountain character of Fairplay , Colorado scenery at its best, good food and ambiance that this unique town has to offer. -jeb

Seniors Discover Archeological Tourism

Archaeotourism or Archaeological tourism is a form of cultural/heritage tourism. Leisure travelers, this senior learned,  represent 71% of the U.S. adult population, or approximately 170.4 million Americans.

76% of all leisure travelers (129.6 million) can be defined as cultural/heritage travelers, having participated in cultural/heritage activities on their most recent trip or within the past three years.

Archaeological sites and historic places are major tourist attractions worldwide. In the last few years, visits to historical sites have ranked third,  after dining in restaurants and shopping, among activities undertaken by visitors traveling abroad.

Archaeological tourism, or cultural/heritage tourism, has been defined as “travel designed to experience the places and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past. Cultural/Heritage tourism is a very big industry in the United States and worldwide and can include cultural, historic and natural resources.

Archaeological parks—prehistoric or historic sites preserved and interpreted for the public—have always been obvious tourism magnets for the communities in which they are located. Archaeological parks are one of the most important and impressive cultural riches in countries all over the globe.

Seniors Drawn to World Heritage Sites

Some of the most scientifically and historically important, aesthetically spectacular, and famous archaeological World Heritage Sites have seen a dramatic increase in numbers of visitors over recent decades.  The major challenge in Archaeological tourism programs is ensuring that increased tourism does not destroy the very qualities that attract visitors in the first place.

The Archeological Institute of America notes that the popularity of archaeological sites as tourist attractions means that they are valuable sources of revenue, but unfortunately this is often not matched by reinvestment in proper management to ensure both protection of the site and continued enjoyment of it by tourists.

Archaeological sites are fragile resources and inadequate site management will result in deterioration or even destruction of the site and its related social, historical, educational, and economic potential. The number of people that visit archaeological sites rises every year and the increase in traffic can result in damage to sites. In extreme cases, sites have been closed to the public to prevent further damage.

This Guide may help you to become more informed about Archaeological tourism. The Archaeological Institute of America is North America’s oldest and largest archaeological organization. The Institute has nearly 250,000 members and subscribers in more than 100 local societies.

It was chartered in 1906 by Congress in recognition of its work in developing the Antiquities Act, a cornerstone in the preservation of archaeological sites in the U.S. Today. So, read up a bit , make some plans, and enjoy an experience that may be your “once in a lifetime” tour. -jeb

And Seniors Stop In Halifax

Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Senior visitors will find one of the world’s great natural harbors at Halifax. Sixteen miles in area makes it second only in size to the harbor in Sydney, Australia.

In the 19th and early 20th century, Halifax was the entry point for European immigration to Canada. Today, Halifax is a busy Atlantic seaport and the economic and cultural hub of Eastern Canada.

Seniors Enjoy Historical, Maritime Halifax

While the area around Halifax has been inhabited by native Mi’kmaq for millennia, modern Halifax was founded in 1749 as a British military outpost. The first permanent European settlement in the region was on the Halifax Peninsula.

A major mishap put Halifax on the map in 1917 when the collision of a Norwegian cargo ship with a French munitions ship loaded with 2,500 tons of explosives resulted in the Halifax Explosion. Over 2,000 people died and the northern half of the city was leveled.

The urban area of Halifax is a major cultural center within the Atlantic Provinces. There are several large universities within Halifax. The city has received accolades including a Best Place to Live in Canada, #1 by Large Size Cities in Canada and Large Cities of the Future. Senior visitors will find Halifax to be a a city with more pubs and clubs per capita than almost any city in Canada.

It is suggested that you simply stroll among the many galleries, museums and historical sites that include the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Bogside Museum, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site that sits on a high hill above the city, a major landmark in the area.

The iconic Peggys Cove is internationally recognized and has over 600,000 visitors a year. Senior visitors will enjoy the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse that dates to 1868. Me, I’d head for Halifax Public Gardens and then off to the Waterfront Boardwalk.

Senior Visitors Awed By The Coastline

“The awesome coastline highlights any tour of Halifax and the active population contributes to the ambiance of the area .” Point Pleasant Park is a “must visit” right in the middle of town and Halifax’s waterfront is a popular destination, home to historic buildings and vessels, shops and a maritime museum.

For senior hikers, Halifax has five well-marked trails. And for senior gourmet travelers, Halifax prides itself on locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood and innovative chefs making this region the center of Canadian Maritime Cuisine.

Streets are narrow by North American standards, and drivers are quite relaxed and patient. Pedestrians reign and they will often cross a street in the middle of the block. Cars will stop for them and give them the right away. So plan a visit to Halifax and enjoy this great city. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Prettiest Village In England

Castle Combe, a village on the southern-most edge of the Cotswolds, is approximately 12 miles from the Georgian city of Bath. Senior travelers also enjoy the nearby sites of historical interest, Stonehenge and the Wiltshire White Horses.

Castle Combe (pop. 350) has been called ‘The Prettiest Village in England’ . The small street leading from the Market Cross down to the By Brook is as picturesque today as it has ever been.

Little has changed in Castle Combe in the last 400 years – no houses have been built since 1617, and most of the original medieval buildings still exist beneath layered facades. Senior visitors will see quaint stone cottages, you will not see TV aerials or street lights.

Seniors, Artists, Filmmakers Drawn to the Village

Today there are more artists than autos in Castle Combe, a favorite spot for painters to set up their easels. This village, in some ways, is a victim of its own reputation, for visitors can on occasion, outnumber the residents.

Originally a British hill fort became occupied by the Romans, followed by the Normans, who built the fort into a Castle.

By the Middle Ages the village in the valley below had become an important center for the wool industry. The spinsters and weavers lived in the cottages (hence names such as “Weaver’s House”) and the river, still known as By Brook, provided the power to run the mills.

In more recent times the village has played host to many filming activities, most memorable of which was the 1966 film of Doctor Doolittle, starring Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley. Recently, Castle Combe was the film location for Stephen Spielberg’s ‘War Horse’.

Seniors Find Hidden Gem

Set in 365 acres of Cotswold countryside, Castle Combe is a hidden gem that has been welcoming senior visitors for at least a century. The village boasts a racetrack that opened in 1950 and in its heyday attracted star names such as the famed Stirling Moss.

If you have driven through England you have passed through dozens of highly attractive small villages. Now place this one on your “must see” list… it stands out among all the others. The village is nestled in a wooded Cotswold valley, with the ambling Bybrook river flowing through it.

Castle Combe is a truly delightful example of a traditional English village. The local Village Museum contains a summary of the village history. The Town Bridge at the end of the village street was originally a timber construction until it was replaced by stonework in the 18th century.

The Roman Bridge, a one-sided bridge at the far end of the village, is often referred to simply as the ‘Roman Bridge’.

According to legend the ghost of a roman centurion has been seen standing guard, so look for him.

By the way, there are two pubs in town for sampling some local brews.  Enjoy your visit to Castle Combe. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy ‘The Scenic City’

Chattanooga, Tennessee . With a name like that it just has to be good . Seniors, do you know where that name comes from? “Chattanooga” comes from the Creek Indian word for “rock coming to a point.”

This refers to Lookout Mountain, one of the city’s major attractions, where senior visitors can explore extraordinary rock formations, see a roaring enclosed waterfall and travel by train to the top of the mountain for truly awesome views.

Perhaps you will recall that Chattanooga is internationally known for the 1941 song by Glenn Miller, “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” The city has received several meaningful awards over the past few years including All-American City and Tree City USA.

The Tennessee Aquarium is home to 9,000 animals that swim, crawl or fly…one of the top attractions in town. The beautiful blue Walnut Street Bridge and Lookout Mountain both rate very high as well.

Senior Visitors Head Downtown

The Scenic City , has an incredibly walkable ‘Downtown’, the place where people go to be a part of the energy and excitement of Chattanooga.  “Downtown! It’s the place to live, play, grow, innovate and plug directly into the source of what makes Chattanooga one of America’s best cities.”

The free electric shuttle covers all of Downtown and connects to the Northshore.  Chattanooga also boasts one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world connecting the North and South shores as well as a thirteen mile Riverwalk.

The first city-wide bike share system in the South is found in Chattanooga with 300 bikes at 30 locations throughout the city.  So ditch the car and ride the shuttle, walk or easily rent a bike for the day as you enjoy Chattanooga.

City Rich in History

Chattanooga was the site of three major battles during the War Between the States and is rich in history with the nation’s first and largest military park,  the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

The city used to be a highly industrial town, but now caters mostly to tourism. Located on the southern edge of Tennessee and sandwiched right between Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. Should you arrive in autumn, the hills surrounding Chattanooga explode with colorful fall foliage.

Chattanooga hums with excitement in the summer months, despite the fact that this city is the Deep South and one can cut the humidity with a knife. The many air-conditioned attractions in the Downtown district, coupled with the abundance of water fountains and features in the park system, make for plenty of opportunities to cool down. Classy restaurants abound throughout the city.

The wealth of history, outdoor recreation and fun activities Chattanooga offers might qualify the town for a spot on a best place in Tennessee for a senior to visit list. -jeb

Home of the Beatles Welcomes Seniors

Senior travelers will find Liverpool in Merseyside, England, on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. With a population of over 460,000, Liverpool was said, in 2012 to be Europe’s hottest destination.

The city is within the historic county of Lancashire. The first significant date in the history of Liverpool is 1207, when King John granted a charter for a planned new town.

With its unique attractions, exciting events, world class sport offerings, unrivaled musical heritage and famously warm welcomes, the city is an ideal destination for seniors to visit and to explore, plus it is home to the Beatles. The Beatles and their music made Liverpool world-famous in the 1960s.

Seniors Enjoy The Beatles And Soccer

Liverpool’s biggest tourist attraction is Albert Dock. It is ringed by a colonnade of huge cast-iron columns and warehouses, and today a World Heritage Site.  “Avant-garde architecture and many museums share the skyline with redbrick warehouses and foggy quays.”

Among the many architectural marvels in Liverpool are the 18th-century Town Hall and the 19th-century St. George’s Hall. The stunning Town Hall, in the heart of the city center, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, featuring a large dome and tall statue of Britannia.

Liverpool’s contemporary arts scene possesses its own roster of winners. And the city’s legendary music scene continues to put together new sounds. Liverpool is world famous for its football club because of the two premiership teams, Liverpool and Everton.”

Seniors Visit Liverpool Cathedral

Plan to visit Liverpool Cathedral that is regarded as one of the greatest buildings of the twentieth century and is one of the largest church buildings in the world. By the 19th century the port of Liverpool was the second city of the Empire; cotton, sugar, tobacco, porcelain, silk and spices were some of the goods which made Liverpool rich.

Like Vancouver, Canada, Liverpool’s connection with China is strong today. There is a significant Chinese population as well as many Chinese shops, restaurants and businesses. Liverpool has more galleries and museums than any other city outside of London. And oh yes, a reminder for you…pack an umbrella, it rains 144.3 days per year.

Join my travel hero, Rick Steves for a video visit to Liverpool . Relive the hysteria at the Beatles Story Experience, and check out Paul’s childhood home. The city overflows with things to see and do and the Casbah Coffee Club, the launchpad for the Beatles, is a good place to start.

Lonely Planet notes that Liverpool is…“A hardscrabble town with a reputation for wit and an obsessive love of football, Liverpool also has an impressive cultural heritage: its galleries are among the best in the country, and it has recently undergone an impressive program of urban regeneration.”

I’d suggest taking one of the many Hop-On/Hop-Off tours of the city or a Mersey River Explorer Cruise, both a great means for getting acquainted with Liverpool. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Cultural, Historic Georgetown

My brother-in-law went to college in Georgetown , Texas. He attented Southwestern University and this senior learned that it is the oldest University in Texas. The campus is close to the historic district, a nine-block area around the Williamson County Courthouse, on the historic Square. Just 20 miles north of Austin, Georgetown enjoys all the benefits of the Central Texas climate.

Established in 1848, Georgetown is rich in culture and history, with more than 180 homes and buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At the heart of Georgetown’s Downtown Historic District is the charming Town Square.

The recently restored Williamson County Courthouse, built from native limestone, with a grand copper dome is the centerpiece of historic downtown. The downtown area boasts a varied collection of boutiques, restaurants and antique and craft stores.

Seniors Enjoy the Red Poppy Festival

The city is known as the “Red Poppy Capital” of Texas with a massive amount of poppies in the Red Poppy Festival that takes place each April and draws over 30,000 visitors. Georgetown was established in 1848 as a trading center for the surrounding agricultural area.

Much of the town has been preserved through participation in the Main Street Project along with help of the Georgetown Heritage Society. Senior visitors will find one of the best collections of Victorian architecture in the entire state of Texas.

The University Avenue – Elm Street Historic District consists of a group of five houses built between 1889 and 1900, on three city blocks in Georgetown. Few alterations have been made to the structures, and the area today retains the scale and character of an affluent late nineteenth century neighborhood.

“The Williamson County Courthouse Historic District in Georgetown, is an unspoiled, coherent and intact area composed primarily of two-story limestone structures of Victorian commercial design. These encircle the Courthouse which is located right in the center of the District.”

Seniors Stroll Downtown

Seniors are invited to take a stroll in beautiful downtown Georgetown and to appreciate some outstanding Victorian architecture. In addition, unique shopping and delicious dining await your visit.

If you enjoy theater, don’t miss the Palace Theatre in the historic downtown district that is home to a year-round season of live theater productions including musicals, comedies, and dramas. The Williamson Museum promotes the unique culture and heritage of Williamson County.

Senior visitors can check out places to go and things to do and explore to get the authentic flavor of Georgetown. Add all that together and toss in three classic golf courses, wineries and Texas Hill Country.  Enjoy your stay. -jeb

Seniors Drive Circle Tour Of Lake Superior

This senior enjoys Circle Loops. My wife and I took two Loop Tours via Grey Line on Oahu and a year later on the Big Island. It’s a great way to see firsthand the principal sites and to stop along the way, shoot photos and dine.

This circle loop, called Lake Superior Circle Tour , involves a 1,300-mile tour by highway completely around Lake Superior, the world’s largest and most famous freshwater lake. This tour will amaze your senses. Many refer to the circuit as the LSCT (Lake Superior Circle Tour).

Lake Superior Magazine highlights the many aspects of this Great Lake. Look for a travel guide link and The Lake Superior Circle Tour Club link to help you in this adventure.

Senior Travelers Like Great Drives

Midwest Living Magazine writes that this Circle Loop is “ one of the world’s greatest drives .” Bikers who have made this trip call it an “Epic Journey.” They note that “The ride around Lake Superior is humbling, scenic, tasty and spectacular.

The Circle Loop takes senior travelers “through three states and one massive province, experiencing different cultures and local traditions.” Bikers say that that this is one of North America’s must do routes .

Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of those trips that invites senior visitors to explore very special places around Lake Superior; visit the Canadian province of Ontario and three U.S. states – Minnesota, Wisconsin & Michigan.

Waterfalls, Lighthouses, Kayakers and Hikers

The route appeals  to waterfall watchers, lighthouse fans and history buffs. It’s a magnet for kayakers and hikers. It makes a great honeymoon and also a great family trip with grandkids. Children adore the many pebble beaches.

“Lake Superior Circle Tour can trace its history back to a loosely-organized ‘circle route’ around the Big Lake in the 1960s. Promoted by local tourist organizations by way of brochures, pamphlets and other promotional materials, the earlier incarnations of a loop route around the largest freshwater lake in the world were not signposted and travelers had to rely on the tourist brochures to find their way.”

No more . I’ve discovered a whole host of helpful information for you senior travelers who are  interested in taking this memorable trip around Lake Superior. Maps, Guides and Planning Directories. Very useful. If you found this LSCT neat, check out the other Great Lakes Circle Tours on Google. jeb

Jackson Attracts Seniors

Spring, summer, fall or winter, it all works in Jackson . Senior visitors will find this neat town 12 miles south of Grand Teton National Park and 60 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.

The Town of Jackson, whose population is 9,600, is located in the northwest corner of the State of Wyoming approximately 15 miles from the Idaho border. The community, the valley and the lake were all named after mountain man, trapper and trader, David Jackson.

Approximately four miles north of Jackson, upheavals of mountains and erosion have produced an interesting formation. The works of nature have created a “ Sleeping Indian ,” complete with mouth, nose, flowing headdress and folded arms across the chest. With a sharp eye and a little imagination you can see the Indian on the horizon.

Seniors Take In the National Parks

Jackson was originally populated by Native American tribes, the Shoshoni, Crow, Blackfoot, Bannock, and Gros Ventre (big belly in French). John Colter entered Jackson during the winter of 1807/1808 during the return journey of the Lewis & Clark expedition.

The area became a prime spot for trappers, and many famous mountain men traveled through the area in the early 1800s. These mountain men are responsible for many of the names in the valley including Bridger, Jedediah Smith, and Sublette.

Senior visitors will find plenty to see and do in this major gateway . Millions of tourists  flock to the area all year long to take in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Senior visitors often ask whether they are in Jackson Hole or Jackson. The answer is… both! Jackson Hole refers to the entire valley which is approximately 60 miles long. Jackson refers to the Town of Jackson which sits on the southern end of the Jackson Hole valley.

Seniors Find Year Round Attractions

During the winter, Jackson Hole is a wonderland of snow skiing, snowmobiling and ice-skating. When you come down off the slopes, you can choose from recreation options like dog sled tours, sleigh rides and wildlife and nature tours. Summer in Jackson Hole is all about hiking, whitewater rafting, golfing and horseback riding.

Seniors will find a number of world-class arts organizations, including the Congressionally-designated National Museum of Wildlife, the Grand Teton Music Festival, and the Center for the Arts.

The large arches of shed elk antlers at the four entrances to the town square are popular attractions. The square with all those elk horns was memorable for our family. It’s never been easier to visit Jackson Hole! Direct flight access makes flying a breeze!

Once you’re in the area, enjoy the easy to navigate highway system with access between the town of Jackson, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee Resort, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park.

You will come back from Jackson with tons of fond memories. jeb