Seniors Drop by Bala Cynwyd

Another city with an interesting name. Bala Cynwyd. Seniors, let’s go there and do a bit of exploring. Bala Cynwyd is a contiguous suburb of Philadelphia and explains the many business offices on site.

Bala Cynwyd lies in the Welsh Tract of Pennsylvania, and was settled in the 1680s by Welsh Quaker settlers, who named it after the Welsh town of Bala and the Welsh village of Cynwyd. “Cynwyd”, pronounced “kinwid” is often pronounced locally as”kinwood”.

Cynwyd is on a hillside, though its main street is flat. It was originally two separate towns, Bala and Cynwyd. Hang around town very long and you will certainly see dragons. The dragon has been recognized as the emblem of Wales for more than one thousand years. The town of has many scenic spots … which is one reason seniors come for a visit.

Senior Art Aficionados Seek The Barnes

Bala and Cynwyd are commonly treated as a single community since the US Post Office was constructed to service both towns (The “Bala Cynwyd” Branch). Bala Cynwyd is home of the Barnes Foundation, established by Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture.”

The Barnes holds one of the finest collections of Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. It is a popular stop for senior visitors who appreciate fine art. Most of us have heard of Kobe Bryant, an NBA Basketball player. He attended Bala Cynwyd Middle School and Lower Merion High School. General Alexander Haig called Bala Cynwyd home as well.

Seniors Appreciate Welsh Heritage

The Welsh Tract, also called the Welsh Barony, was a portion of Pennsylvania settled largely by Welsh-speaking Quakers. It covers 40,000 acres to the west of Philadelphia. The original settlers, led by John Roberts, negotiated with William Penn in 1684 to constitute the Tract as a separate county whose local government would use the Welsh language, since many of the settlers spoke no English.

Comprised primarily of residential houses and apartments Bala Cynwyd is also home to two commercial corridors, several parks, including the Cynwyd Heritage Trail, and numerous historic landmarks. These neighborhoods include some of Lower Merion Township’s oldest and finest stone mansions, constructed from 1880 into the 1920s.

And leave it to TripAdvisor to come up with some great places for seniors seeking good food . They also put in a plug for Tudor House B&B on Bryn Mawr Avenue. So set your GPS for Bala Cynwyd and spent some quality time enjoying the amenities of the village. -jeb

Seniors Discover the “Spirit on the Lake”

The Spirit on the Lake is Sheboygan , Wisconsin. This senior has always liked that name “Sheboygan”. This city of around 50,000 is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan 50 mi north of Milwaukee and 64 mi south of Green Bay.

TripAdvisor suggests Bookworm Gardens  followed by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. After those fun visits, I’d want to head off to the Sheboygan County Historical Society. They note that it is believed that in 1635 Jean Nicolet, the French explorer, was the first recorded European settler to have visited this locality.

Senior visitors will find plenty to see and do in Sheboygan . I counted nine additional museums in town. The Blue Harbor Resort is a classic lakeside getaway. The Lake View Mansion B&B is another choice for a stay with a memorable view of Lake Michigan. And seniors will find that Harbor Centre is a popular hangout.

Seniors Enjoy Views of Lake Michigan

From breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and large sandy beaches to world class sailing and premier charter fishing, this costal community is full of “spirit.” For time spent out of the water, the historic downtown district boasts unique shopping, dining, and entertainment for senior visitors.

Sheboygan has 34 beautiful parks and 3 athletic complexes that offer a variety of outdoor recreation options. The Hmong population (over 5,000) are part of the city, and like many towns in Wisconsin, Sheboygan has few readily apparent signs that such a large Hmong population is indeed there.

Sheboygan was officially founded in 1846 and lumbering was the first major industry. Trees were harvested and shipped to eastern markets through the Great Lakes. There are many theories as to how Sheboygan got its name, but most likely Sheboygan was a Chippewa Indian word meaning “passage or waterway between the lakes.”

Seniors Enjoy Downtown Historic District

You will find nine buildings, including four churches, in the downtown historic district that are worthy of National Register listing. In addition, The Sheboygan Indian Mound Park is a public park with 18 Indian burial mounds distributed over 15 acres.

Many of us remember the (in)famous ‘80′s commercials featuring the phrase, “Charlie’s cookin’ Johnsonville Brats!” Few others know that these are the very sausages that have made Sheboygan famous. Visitors can attend the annual Bratwurst Days festival as well as see the Dairyland Surf Classic, the largest lake surfing competition in the world.

Put your clubs in the trunk and play a couple of rounds at the Whistling Straits golf course that “Illuminates The Sheboygan Area” to get a taste of Pebble Beach right in the heart of the Midwest.  It is where the 2015 PGA Tournament was played.

The University of Wisconsin has a campus in Sheboygan. My wife and I always enjoy a nice walk through the campus. Seems like something is going on all year long and all four seasons. -jeb

Seniors Stop By Moultrie

Moultrie, “The City of Southern Living” , made national news again as their football team is ranked #16 from the Top Preseason Super 25. They had a great year last year (15-0) and last years’ state champions Packers have promise to repeat again. So let’s go visit the home of the Packers and see why seniors would enjoy a visit.

Moultrie is the county seat and largest city of Colquitt County, Georgia and only 60 miles from the Florida state border. As of the 2010 census, Moultrie’s population was 14,268. Moultrie is an agricultural community set in the Southern Rivers part of Georgia.

Well known for its many antique shops, Moultrie is often referred to as “The Antique Capital of South Georgia”. For what its worth, Moultrie is the home of US Senator Saxby Chambliss.

Seniors Enjoy Moultrie’s Historic District

The Moultrie Commercial Historic District, along with eight other structures, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Seniors, bring along some good walking shoes and take a tour that highlights the history and architecture of landmark buildings in the district.

They include  the Moultrie Banking Company Building, the Colquitt Theater, the Henderson Furniture Building, the Old Jail, the Grand Theater, and the Norman Hotel Building.  Moultrie’s thriving fifteen-block downtown area contains 63 contributing buildings to the National Register.

The great majority of these buildings are constructed of brick and exhibit stylistic influences typical of turn of the century small town commercial area. Kind of reminds me of our visit to Selma, Alabama, a wonderful old city as well as being loaded with beautiful homes and a rich history.

Seniors Genealogists Find Genealogy Library

Explore Georgia highlights Moultrie and notes that it is home to a beautiful downtown with specialty shops and a 1902 courthouse. Senior visitors can research at the Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library, visit Moultrie’s galleries and theaters, and see some of the town’s memorials.

As host of the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition, the Calico Arts Festival and other events, Moultrie welcomes thousands of visitors just like you every year.

Now get a Bird’s Eye View of Moultrie via aerial images of historic downtown and treasured courthouse. What a beautiful building and an awesome square.

So, set your GPS for Moultrie and enjoy all that the town has to offer visitors. -jeb

Seniors Stop In Mesquite

Senior travelers discover Mesquite , a city in north central Texas that is located only 12 miles east of Dallas. The population runs right at 140,000 making it the seventeenth most populous city in Texas. Home of the Mesquite Championship Rodeo , the city is generally known as the “Rodeo Capital of Texas”.

First established by the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1873, Mesquite was named after nearby Mesquite Creek. Incorporated in 1887, the city grew very slowly with cotton as one of its primary industries.

Then between 1950 and 1970, the city’s population exploded, growing from less than 2,000 to upwards of 50,000 residents. Senior visitors will discover that Mesquite’s reputation as a retail, restaurant and entertainment destination is well deserved.

Seniors Enjoy the Rodeo

For more than 50 years, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo has entertained families with thrilling rodeo events such as saddle bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing. The rodeo includes jumbo video boards to highlight all of the action, a private club and lots of children’s activities like pony rides, free face painting, the Dash for Cash, and Mutton Bustin.

The local Chamber of Commerce notes that If there’s one attraction that carries the Mesquite brand, it’s the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.  Started in 1958 by Neal Gay, it blends America’s original sport and the ultimate Texas cowboy experience. So yank up your boots, tighten your belt buckle, put on that big cowboy hat and have a fun time in Mesquite at the Rodeo.

From symphony to drama to art exhibits, a wide variety of cultural activities can be found at the Mesquite Arts Center. Bring your clubs along and play a round or two at the Mesquite Golf Club. For an opportunity to enhance your appreciation for nature, take a hike down the Butterfly Trail at Paschall Park.

Senior Enjoy City of Awards

Keep Mesquite Beautiful and the City of Mesquite have joined in an effort to beautify an existing hike and bike trail in the Travis Williams Park Trail System. TripAdvisor provides information on restaurants and things for senior visitors to see and do.

Mesquite has piled up several awards that include the Governor’s Community Achievement Award, Texas Urban Forestry Award, and the National League of Cities Award of Excellence. It has also been designated a Tree City U.S.A. and for you birders, a bird sanctuary. Mesquite received a national City Livability Award and was named a finalist for the All American City Award in 1995.

Ten years ago the Mesquite Arts Center opened with two weeks of ceremonies, arts events, and celebrations. The center provides arts to Mesquite residents and senior visitors with concerts theatrical plays, visual arts, and children’s programming.

So stop by Mesquite the next time you’re near Dallas and enjoy! -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Two Harbors

Two Harbors, Minnesota sits along the shore of Lake Superior. The population runs just under 4,000. Seniors driving Minnesota Highway 61, north of Duluth will be on the North Shore Scenic Drive. It serves as a main route in Two Harbors.

The local Chamber invites senior visitors to enjoy some quality time as they note that Two Harbors is a playground for all – no matter the season. Senior visitors can hike, bike, snowmobile, ski, shop or visit historical landmark museums.

The two natural harbors for which Two Harbors is named are Burlington Bay and Agate Bay. If it weren’t for the discovery of nearby iron ore and the docks, Two Harbors would not exist. In the early years Two Harbors consisted of two separate communities called Agate Bay and Burlington.

Senior Bikers And Hikers Enjoy The Trails

Locals and visitors alike enjoy taking a relaxing stroll or exciting bike ride along the lake walk or on one of the city wide trails, camping amongst the north woods, enjoying a meal at one of the award winning restaurants, sipping a craft beer at the local brewery or visiting some various historical landmarks.

It is always a treat to observe one of the huge ships arriving at the ore docks. TripAdvisor is big on nearby Gooseberry Falls State Park and notes that you will want to see the Split Rock Lighthouse for some great photos.

Pack your bike and take one of the trails including the Sonju Trail for a short distance or challenge the Gitche Gumme Trail for endless miles of a biking adventure. Fishing is a year round sport on the North Shore, so hop aboard a boat and plan to pull in a trophy Lake Trout.

Seniors Enjoy Ice Fishing

In the winter, drill a nice fishing hole in the ice, as I’ve done, and relax in the winter beauty. If you are “into wading,” put your waders and fish for steelhead trout that run in the local rivers. Pack your clubs in the trunk and play the 18-hole Lakeview National Golf Course.

Hiking is a favorite for many seniors who tackle the Superior Hiking Trail, also known as The “SHT.” It is a 296-mile long footpath in Northeastern Minnesota that follows the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. That’ll keep your heart pumping.

Senior visitors will find that The Two Harbors area offers a wide array of activities and attractions, including festivals, band concerts, horse shows, boating, and the Lake County fair. Spend some quality time in Two Harbors and enjoy the variety of amenities that the Minnesota town has to offer. - jeb

Seniors Enjoy Cozumel

Cozumel is on this senior’s travel bucket list. Get your coffee and let’s see why.  I have been close to Cozumel, having spent time on the Riviera Maya and Cancun, the island is close by.

Cozumel (pop. 100,000), a mostly undeveloped Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea, is a popular cruise ship port of call famed for its scuba diving.

Cozumel dates back to 300 A.D. when the first Mayans settled on the island. At Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, divers can explore a section of the Mesoamerican Reef and Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures.

Chankanaab is an eco park surrounding a lagoon with underwater caverns, home to dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. Cozumel’s largest city and capital is San Miguel de Cozumel (pop. 77,236).

Seniors Find ‘Heaven On Earth’

Folks who have been there call it “ Heaven on Earth .” Seniors, perhaps it’s time to put Isla Cozumel on your bucket list.

Loaded with history at every turn, there is something exciting to discover and explore, beginning with the majestic archeological site in San Gervasio dating back to 800-1000 AD.

Over two million visitors come to the island each year, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in all of Mexico. Many arrive to dive, snorkel and enjoy long days of Mexican sunshine.

Cozumel is home to the largest reef system in the Americas, the Mesoamerican Reef. Teeming with hundreds of varieties tropical fish, turtles and other colorful sea life, it is truly a diver’s dream.

The underwater world around Cozumel was discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1959 who called it one of the best diving areas in the world.

Seniors Enjoy More Than Water Sports

However, there is more to Cozumel than just water sports . Fine dining, shopping and soaking up the sun rank a close second. US News Travel suggest that senior hikers take a trip through the Punta Sur Ecological Park. The Atlantis Submarine Adventure looks like something my wife and I would enjoy.

The name Cozumel was derived from the Mayan “Cuzamil” or “Ah Cuzamil Peten” in full, which means the island of swallows. Fodor’s notes that the Isla is not another Cancún yet, but Cozumel’s days as a rustic divers’ hangout are history.

It’s rare to find such stunning natural beauty, glass-clear aquamarine seas, and vast marine life combined with top-flight visitor services and accommodations, and as a result Cozumel’s devotees are legion. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Victorville

Senior travelers will find Victorville in the Victor Valley of southwestern San Bernardino County, California. Its estimated population as of July 1, 2013 was 121,096.

The community of Victorville was incorporated on September 21, 1962, and prior to incorporation the community had a history which goes back over 100 years, when the first settlers of European descent arrived.

In about 1885, the community was known as Victor. It was named after Jacob Nash Victor, a construction superintendent for the California Southern Railroad (Santa Fe Railroad). In 1901, the community’s name was changed by the United States Post Office from “Victor” to “Victorville” due to the confusion associated with the community of Victor, Colorado.

I always like those cities that end in “ville” that are everywhere in the US. So where in the world in Victorville? The city is situated approximately 97 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 35 miles northeast of San Bernardino on I-15.

Seniors Enjoy A Route 66 City

TripAdvisor has been to Victorville and has 16 things all lined up for senior visitors to consider. The California Route 66 Museum is a major draw along with the Scandia Family Fun Center for your grandkids.

Bring your clubs along and play a round or two at the Green Tree Golf Course. Senior women,  the Mall of Victor Valley will provide a round of great shopping.

Over the years The High Desert Center for the Arts (HDCAF) has been the setting for flower shows, quincineras , exercise classes, dance lessons, basketball, Meals on Wheels, musical events and a multitude of other community uses.

Seniors Find A Fast Growing California City

The local Chamber of Commerce wants senior travelers to plant your feet in Victorville. Make the town a spot for checking out the surrounding communities and the multitude of activities in the area.

As one of the fastest growing cities in California, Victorville offers a high quality of life with views of snow-capped mountains, quality retail market, job growth, and expanding business sectors.

Located in the High Desert, Victorville is strategically placed for residents, businesses and travelers.

Enjoy your visit. -jeb

Seniors Stop In Gastonia

This senior blogger enjoys finding villages, towns, cities and countries that are “different.” I pick up those names from magazines, newspapers, TV and a host of travel magazines. I don’t recall now where I heard of Gastonia, but I will probably remember as I develop this blog.

Gastonia’s original population was reflective of the surrounding county and was comprised of English, German, Scotch Highlander, and Scotch-Irish citizens, with a few African American residents also moving into the settlement.

Gastonia was incorporated in 1877, the year reconstruction ended. The early development of  Gastonia, began in 1873 as a small railroad depot. Later the crossing of two railroads and the beginning of the city’s textile industry brought opportunity for employment and social life to the area.

Back then, the population of the town was approximately 200 people and the land area was less than one square mile.

This Senior Heads For the Botanical Garden

Senior travelers will find Gastonia on I-85 west of Charlotte. With a population of 72,000, it is the largest city and the seat of Gaston County, North Carolina. It is also the second largest satellite city of the Charlotte area, behind Concord.

For this senior, a Master Gardener in Iowa, I would head off for the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden located on 450 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie. The Garden offers 110 acres of rolling meadows and woodlands that are being developed as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Already the perennial garden has been called one of the finest in the Southeast.

The Gastonia Downtown Summer Concert Series packs the house for a series of awesome bands while merchants line the streets. An Art Crawl features many types of artists each displaying their works.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium has exhibits, collections and programs, a Planetarium, outdoor nature trail, Backcountry Farm and Catawba Indian Village…all part of the attraction at this fine Museum.

Senior Visitors Find Tony’s Ice Cream

Another favorite stop for senior visitors is Tony’s Ice Cream. Tony’s is a family-owned and family-run restaurant in downtown Gastonia who claim to make some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll ever taste.

Rankin Lake Park has a 1.64 mi. hiking trail for senior hikers to enjoy. Nearby Rankin Lake, an 80-acre reservoir, was closed off and unavailable for public use for many years. The birdseye images show off its grand new amenities, including fishing piers, and a floating dock where several different types of boats can now be rented.

Senior travelers, when you’re driving through North Carolina, plan a stop in Gastonia. -jeb

Seniors Discover Cocoa

Senior friends, have you heard of Cocoa, Florida? If you are a high school foot ball sports fan, you will. Their football team is ranked nationally and #14 out of the Top Preseason Super 25 teams. The Tigers won three consecutive state titles from 2008-2010 and have some great talent once again this year.

Cocoa with just over 17,000 people, is straight east of Orlando. It is part of the Palm Bay–Melbourne–Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area. The origin of the city’s name is uncertain.

Cocoa was founded by fishermen with the first families arriving, they say, around 1860. A post office  was established at Magnolia Point, and the city’s first commercial building was erected later in 1881.

Seniors Seek Out Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse

Both Eastern Florida State College and the University of Central Florida have a Cocoa campus. Cocoa has four radio stations and its own TV station (WUCF). A couple of major points of interest include the Florida Solar Energy Center and the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science.

Me, I’d talk my wife into an evening at the historic Aladdin Theater, also known as The Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse . It has a really cool facade and is loaded with history.

In 1924 the Aladdin Theater first started showing silent movies and live acts. It was built for $80,000. The Sparks Theater chain purchased the Aladdin in 1939 and changed its name to the “State Theater.” Later, the city of Cocoa bought the building and renamed it the Cocoa Village Playhouse.

Seniors Also Enjoy Historic Cocoa Village

Senior visitors enjoy the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Tucked away on the east end of 22 acres of a nature preserve, this museum teaches visitors about the unique history and nature of Brevard County, from Pleistocene fossils to 19th century living.

TripAdvisor agrees that the Theater is the #1 attraction for visitors along with Historic Cocoa Village . The Village is one of Cocoa Beaches most popular destinations. Take a hike and walk along old historic, tree-lined streets and enjoy some super shopping in a relaxing atmosphere.

A dinner cruise on the Indian River Queen is always a popular activity and senior visitors can board at the Cocoa Village Marina. Fishing, horseback riding, dining, spas, waterskiing and jet skiing, antiquing and more… it’s all available in Cocoa. So set your GPS and enjoy the plethora of amenities that the city has to offer. -jeb

Seniors Find Historic Spanish Peninsula

Senior travelers will find Alameda, a city located on Alameda Island, as it is called, in eastern San Francisco Bay across from San Francisco. Adjacent to Oakland, which was once home to one of the largest coastal oak forests in the world, the area was originally called Encinal , Spanish for “oak grove” .

Alameda is Spanish for “grove of poplar trees” or “tree-lined avenue” , and was chosen in 1853 by popular vote. The inhabitants at the time of the arrival of the Spanish in the late 18th Century were a local band of the Ohlone tribe.

The peninsula became part of the vast Rancho San Antonio granted to Luis Peralta by the Spanish king who claimed California. The grant was later confirmed by the new Republic of Mexico upon its independence from Spain.

The city of Alameda is known in part for its many Victorian style homes. Three of the most well known that you will want to see include Anthony House (1876), Brehaut House (1983), and Jacoby House (1892). Central Avenue and Everett Street are lined with several of these old beauties that remain in great shape.

Seniors Also Find A Coast Guard City

Ever do any antique shopping? The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is the largest antiques show in Northern California. Held on the 1st Sunday of every month, the Faire boasts over 800 dealer booths.

Due to its proximity to the Bay and the breeze, wind and kite surfers enjoy the beach scene with great views of the San Francisco skyline and the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. A museum ship, the USS Hornet, is moored at the former Naval Air Station.

Alameda is one of 12 cities throughout the nation designated as a Coast Guard City . The designation is made to recognize the outstanding support these communities provide to Coast Guard personnel and their families.

The Coast Guard shares a rich history with the City of Alameda and has been operating in the estuary since 1926. In 1982, the Pacific Area Command was relocated to Alameda from San Francisco.

Trees, Beaches And Museums

I wonder who counted all those trees in Alemada, but they claim that there are 19,500 street trees. Crown Beach, a 2.5-mile beach, with sand dunes borders a bicycle trail. Senior visitors will find the beach to be a excellent achievement of landscaping and engineering.

In Alameda senior visitors can visit the Pacific Pinball Museum that hosts the world’s largest pinball show, the Pacific Pinball Expo, and displays a beautiful selection of playable, historic pinball machines.

In 1957 Alameda Little Theater converted an abandoned grocery store into Altarena Playhouse where over a half-million have seen shows at Altarena. I wonder who counted all of them. TripAdvisor offers the Top-Rated Things to Do in town plus some recommended restaurants. Seniors, bring along a healthy appetite, your curiosity for historic homes and enjoy the theaters and more in Alameda during your visit. -jeb