Seniors Descend Into Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti , commonly shortened to Ypsi , is perhaps best known as the home of Eastern Michigan University, with a population just short of 20,000. Senior travelers will find Ypsi between Ann Arbor and Detroit.

I-94 runs across the south edge of the city and the Huron River runs north to south through the heart of the city adding to its scenic beauty. Ypsi has been known as one of the most tolerant and progressive communities in Michigan.

The name catches many senior visitor’s attention. It is Greek, and Ypsilanti was named after Demetrius Ypsilanti , a hero in the Greek war for independence. It’s been said that Ypsi is the Brooklyn to Ann Arbor’s Manhattan.

Seniors Enjoy Arts and Foodie Scene

“Despite Ann Arbor’s reputation as a regional bohemian cultural center, many creative people are flocking to Ypsi to live, work and play. As a result a vibrant underground arts hotspot has developed around an ever-growing foodie scene.”

Annual events like the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival, The Color Run Michigan Eastside and Michigan ElvisFest keep visitors of all ages coming back year after year.

Camaro Superfest, Thunder Over Michigan, the Michigan Vintage Volkswagen car show are attractive to senior visitors.

Ypsi  has played an important role in the automobile industry. From 1920 to 1922, Apex Motors produced the “ACE” car. It was in Ypsilanti that Preston Tucker (whose family owned the Ypsilanti Machine Tool Company) designed and built the prototypes for his Tucker ’48.

Seniors Enjoy Cruise Nights

The historic district includes both downtown Yps, along Michigan Avenue, and the Depot Town area adjacent to Frog Island Park and Riverside Park, which features many specialty shops, bars and grills, and a farmers’ market.

You will not want to miss Depot Town, that glows with restored splendor in the historic district. Depot Town was created after the Ypsilanti Train Depot was opened in 1838.

Senior car folks, Depot Town rocks on Thursday evenings during Cruise Nights when hundreds of visitors stroll the length of Cross Street to check out classic cars, hot rods, and customs.

The Michigan Firehouse Museum is an educational treasure trove that includes an original 1898 firehouse. The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage is home to cars from the local Willow Run Plant and cars from Hudson Motors. Remember the old Hudson cars? I sure do. They had a unique sleek shape.

So set your GPS for a taste of Pure Michigan and enjoy your stay in Ypsi. -jeb

Seniors Seek Out Historic Safford

My wife and I have traveled around Arizona quite a bit, but not to the eastern border of the state. That’s where senior travelers will find Safford. Safford , with a population of 10,000, is named after Arizona Territorial Governor Anson P. K. Safford and was incorporated in 1901. It was established by pioneers from Gila Bend, Arizona, way back in 1874.

Recently, Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold opened two mining facilities just north of the city that make up the largest new mining operation in North America.  Agriculture is considered to be a main economic product with cotton fields and a gin located in the city.

A billboard along US Highway 70 announces “Safford …. Copper, Cattle & Cotton” . The motto for Arizona reads “Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate.” So they are close.

Observatory, Springs and Conservation Area Draw Seniors

Senior visitors stop in Safford to take in the Black Hills Rockhound Area, Discovery Park and the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. The Mt. Graham Golf Course is nearby as well, so pack your clubs and play a round or two. The area celebrates the Harvest Festival and the Graham County Fair every October.

Safford offers plenty for senior visitors to see and do . My wife and I would head for the famed Kachina Mineral Springs Spa to soak for awhile. The Mount Graham International Observatory also looks like a “must see”. Access to Mt Graham is off AZ Hwy 366, 7 miles south of Safford.

Roper Lake State Park is a popular camping destination with RV hookups and cabins plus a lake with a beach and hiking trails. So bring a swimming suit and hiking boots along. The Gila River runs just outside of Safford and adds to its scenic beauty and Bonita Creek is to the north.

Seniors Discover Discovery Park

Affiliated with Eastern Arizona College, Discovery Park offers senior visitors the opportunity to explore 200 acres of scientific, cultural and historical exhibits. The park houses the Governor Aker Observatory and offers a narrow-gauge train ride to the Circle D Ranch, which features an 1880′s era ranch house. It is located in the southwestern corner of Safford.

As you are cruising along west on I-10 heading for Tucson, turn north on Hwy 191 and it will take you to Safford.  The city is not all that far from the New Mexico border. So set your GPS for Stafford and experience why the locals says that “it is a great place, to work, live and visit.”  Enjoy your stay. -jeb

Seniors Explore Granville

Granville is a village in Licking County, Ohio, founded by settlers from Granville, Massachusetts and Granby, Connecticut. It now has three times the population of its namesake. The population runs just under 6,000. I love those smaller “villages”. Seniors, let’s go check out Granville and see what’s there.

I discovered Granville to be a quaint, New England-style community located along the western edge of the Appalachian Plateau. It is the home of Denison University, so the village population rises when the college students (Full-time enrollment: 2,268) are back in session. Let’s take a walk around downtown Granville and get to know the village.

Granville is known for its New England character and historic architecture. The Buxton Inn (1812) and the Granville Inn (1924) are two landmarks. Granville is the location of the prehistoric Alligator Effigy Mound, built by the indigenous people of the Fort Ancient culture, between 800 and 1200 CE, more than four hundred years before European contact. The mound is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and well worth a visit.

Historic Granville Draws Seniors

In 2005 for the Granville Bicentennial the village compiled a listing of all the historic structures. Take a look and senior visitors will have an idea what Granville looks like yet today.

I would want to head over to Denison University to the The Denison Museum in Burke Hall. After that I’d like to take in the The Granville Historical Society Museum, housed in the 1816 building that had been the Bank of the Alexandrian Society.

Open seasonally, it houses and displays important artifacts from the history of the area, from a mastodon tooth, to a bassoon that saw action in the War of 1812, to a wide array of clothing and household objects. Ever seen a mastodon tooth? Me either.

The Granville Historical Society Museum is a one story stone building with a gable roof is one of the few early stone buildings in Granville. In addition to its use as a bank, the building has housed a store, post office, library, restaurant, millinery and interurban railway depot. Since Granville’s sesquicentennial celebration in 1955, it has been the home of the Granville Historical Society Museum.

This village has much to offer senior travelers. I think you will enjoy your time in Granville. - jeb

Seniors Enjoy Historic Courthézon, France

This senior recently tapped a bottle of Le Prince de Courthézon, 2013, Côtes du Rhône. It is/was very tasty, but with Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah combined, it should be. I read on the label that their cellar was founded in 1925 in Courthézon, a historic town rich in medieval history that was once governed by the Princes of Orange.

Like so many villages in Provence, Courthézon is built on and around a hill. Courthézon is one of the oldest peasant villages in Europe. I was impressed with that, so today we will go to Courthézon and check out the commune to see what else is there besides fine wine.

Courthézon is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. I know the area well having been a tour group leader to food and wine tours in France over the past several years since my retirement.

Provence…This Senior’s Favorite Place

Those three grapes are the major varieties of the region. I learned that it is the clay and sand soils ( terroir ) that bring the local wines such complexity, but enough of that. You’ll just have to go to your local wine store and try a bottle yourself. Incidentally, 2013 was a very good year for oenophiles .

I have told my wife time and time again, “if you can’t find me…look for me in Provence.” It may be my favorite place on the planet. TripAdvisor likes two chateaux…Chateau de Beaucastel and Chateau du Mourre du Tendre. Like many towns and villages in Vaucluse, Courthézon lives off tourism.

It is in the municipality of Courthézon that the oldest Neolithic site of France was discovered in 1971, “Mourre de Pradel” Baratin. It has been dated to the sixth millennium BC and is located on the western edge of the plain of the Ouvèze.

A River Runs Through It, Another Around It

A small river the “Seille” calmly flows through the village whereas another river, the “Ouvèze,” borders the village. Courthézon offers senior visitors the tranquil and soothing pleasures of its fifteen fountains. It is one of the rare villages in the Vaucluse which has conserved a large part of its 12th century ramparts.

The Château Val Seille, nicknamed “Petit Versailles Provençal” with its magnificent park, canopy and winter garden, houses one of the finest hôtel de villes (town hall) in the region. If you enjoy a fine B&B, check out the Mas des Papillons (Butterfly Farm).

So set your sails for Courthézon and plan to spend some quality time. There is a lot to discover and more to enjoy. Have fun. -jeb

Seniors Visit Historic Haverford

Haverford township is a home rule township in Delaware County, ten miles west of Philadelphia, in southeastern Pennsylvania and is officially known as The Township of Haverford. Haverford is named after the town of Haverfordwest in Wales. Senior travelers, welcome to Haverford Township.

The population runs close to 50,000 and contains portions of the communities of Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Drexel Hill, and Wynnewood. The unincorporated “town” of Havertown lies wholly within Haverford Township.

Haverford College founded in 1833, is a private, well-respected  coeducational liberal arts college. All 1,187 students are undergraduates and nearly all reside on campus.

I love their mascot, a Black Squirrel. You don’t see many of them in the wild anymore. This former Master Gardener would want to visit the 216 acre Haverford College Arboretum.

The College is renown for its academic rigor, honor code, and beautiful arboretum campus. Haverford students are admitted to medical school, law school, and other professional schools at rates that are significantly higher than the national average. Haverford College’s ranking in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges is National Liberal Arts Colleges, #12.

Seniors Check Out The Quadrangle

Home for many senior citizens is called the Quadrangle, that first began as an elegant English-country mansion called The Linden House, once home to a prominent local family.

The grounds feature walking trails, a six-hole golf course, a putting green, a greenhouse, tennis courts, and a community garden. Sounds to me like a great place to spend senior years.

TripAdvisor feels that visitors might want to check out Saxby’s Haverford restaurant and pep up with some of their famed cappuccino. They are also quite high on the White Dog Cafe. The Haverford School for Boys is a nonsectarian college prep day school for boys, grades K-12.

I would want to visit several historical sites in Haverford including the Lawrence Cabin. I’d stop to take a few photos of the 1797 Federal School made of local stone and still standing strong. Then I’d load another memory chip into my camera and shoot a few shots of the many beautiful mansions in town.

Haverford A Host City For Golf Tournaments

Haverford has been the host city for a total of 6 men’s Major Championships and 11 men’s and women’s US Amateur Championships. Seniors, toss in your clubs and see how you fare on the fairways. Try your luck at the Marion Golf Club or the private Llanerch Country Club that has hosted numerous championships.

CityTownInfo notes that back in 1681 the township was established by Welsh Quakers on land bought by William Penn. In the early years, farming was important for the community.

The Nitre Hall Powder Mills provided gunpowder for the War of 1812. The access of Philadelphia by steam and electric railroads substantially increased the township’s population.

Seniors, plan to stop in Haverford and get to know some of the locals and look around. -jeb

Senior Destination: Marin County, California

Senior travelers will find Marin County /məˈrɪn/ in the North San Francisco Bay Area with a population of just over 252,000. Marin County is well known for its natural beauty, liberal politics, and affluence.

In May 2009, Marin County had the fifth highest income per capita in the United States. Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco and is considered part of Marin County.

According to General Mariano Vallejo, who headed an 1850 committee to name California’s counties, the county was named for “Marin”, great chief of the tribe Licatiut .

Another version suggests that the bay between San Pedro Point and San Quentin Point was named Bahía de Nuestra Señora del Rosario la Marinera in 1775, and that Marin is simply an abbreviation of this name. So take your pick, I like the last one myself.

Seniors Enjoy The Environment

The Marin County Convention & Visitors Bureau notes that “It’s different here and not by accident.”  And right next door are the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. Marin County is closer than you could ever imagine to everything that’s unique in this unique corner of California.

In Marin County, senior visitors find the pinnacle of luxury as well as the home to some of the world’s finest wines. Holistic artists and goat cheese artisans, the birthplace of mountain biking and Obi Wan Kenobi and the natural habitat of those grateful for nature and of the Grateful Dead, all this is just awaiting your arrival in Marin County.

As for me, among the many choices and scenic wonders of M arin county , this senior would head off to the Marin County Civic Center designed by my hero Frank Lloyd Wright.

Of course I must admit my bias as I am a guide at Taliesin West, the Arizona home and school of architecture of the world famous architect.

Thousands of visitors come to Marin County each year to see the futuristic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Marin County Civic Center. It was Wright’s last major commission and is one of the famed architect’s most distinctive structures. Don’t miss it.

Seniors Enjoy Their Stay In Marin County

TripAdvisor suggests The Muir Woods National Monument. It would be difficult to miss the the Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula at the southernmost end of Marin County located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sunrise to sunset, what is it like living in Marin County ? Coffee in Mill Valley, hiking in Muir Woods, sailboat watching in Sausalito, dining in Tiburon – Marin is truly a magical place to live and the daily lives of the locals find that this is a special part of California.

“The County is a picturesque enclave of small towns and cities tucked into the seductive beauty of its rolling green hills.” Set your GPS to Marin County and spend some quality time enjoying all that it has to offer. -jeb

Seniors Visit “The Town Of Homes”

Belmont, a suburb of Boston, with a population of 25,000, is known to longtime residents as “The Town of Homes”. Belmont is a primarily residential community and senior travelers will find it just 8 miles from downtown Boston.

A small town of about 4.6 square miles, Belmont is an established upscale community with attractive neighborhoods and a fine town center. Belmont has excellent access to metropolitan Boston, Cambridge and Route 2 making it a very desirable place to live.

The Pleasant Street Historic District is an area characterized by mid- to late-19th century single family homes, generally on large lots, as well as Belmont’s principal municipal buildings: its town hall and library. The Town Hall in Belmont is magnificent.

Seniors Find Mansion-Filled Neighborhood

The town was founded by the former citizens of Massachusetts Bay Colony on March 18, 1859. Today it is best known for the mansion-filled  neighborhood, although most residents live in more densely settled, low-lying areas around the Hill.

There are three major commercial centers in the town: Belmont Center, Cushing Square, and Waverley Square. Town Hall and other civic buildings are located in Belmont Center. Due to its proximity to Harvard and MIT universities, amongst others, Belmont has had several Nobel Prize winners in residence at one time or another.

An outstanding residence is the Edwin O. Reischauer Memorial House. It is the former home of the American diplomat and Japanese scholar.

Redtop, also spelled Red Top,  designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971, is a historic Shingle Style house located at 90 Somerset Street. The oldest house in Belmont is Abraham Hill House and well worth a visit.

Seniors Enjoy The Homer House

One mansion that stands out from the many that are in Belmont is the the Homer House located at 661 Pleasant Street. It is said to be one of the finest examples of early residential Victorian design. For the first time in 160 years a Belmont site associated with iconic American artist Winslow Homer (remember him?) will open its doors for regular public tours, according to a press release.

Senior visitors will learn the story behind these early works in the setting that inspired them: Homer’s uncle’s 1853 summer residence. A turn at croquet on the front lawn is included in admission. When’s the last time you played croquet?

The Homer House is a superb example of 19th century construction and detail. The magnificent circular staircase in the grand foyer, with its exquisite artisan work, was likely produced by early Italian immigrant workers. I know my wife would enjoy that visit. Winslow Homer himself lived with his family in a farmhouse nearby.

Belmont Hill School is a prestigious independent boys school located on a 32-acre campus in Belmont. Everywhere you look in this “Town Of Homes” , seniors will find unique homes and unique styles. Enjoy! -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Historic Oregon City

One may wonder how a city gets a name like that. A bit perhaps like Iowa City, Iowa. Like Iowa City, Oregon City was the first State Capital and today is the County Seat of Clackamas County. Senior travelers will find Oregon City on the Willamette River, 13 miles South of Portland.

The city has three major zones, defined by steep hills or bluffs. Oregon City (pop. 35,000) is home to shopping areas, recreational opportunities, businesses, a wide variety of historical and cultural attractions, and several Interpretive Centers and Museums dedicated to celebrating the Pioneer spirit.

Oregon City was the first incorporated city west of the Rockies. Established in 1829 by Dr. John McLoughlin as a lumber mill near Willamette Falls, and as mentioned above, was later designated as Oregon’s territorial capital.

Seniors Visit One Of Oregon’s Fastest Growing Cities

Visiting its many museums and historical buildings allows senior visitors a glimpse of pioneer life in Oregon territory. As for me, I’d enjoy a visit to the Museum of the Oregon Territory, which overlooks the powerful Willamette Falls and the Willamette River.

The local Chamber notes that while Oregon City is one of the fastest growing cities in Oregon, it remains strongly rooted in its sense of community and historical significance.

After that visit, I’d take in the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Senior visitors are guided by a living history interpreter, who brings alive the journey from Missouri to Oregon through dramatization and storytelling.

I know that my wife would enjoy the Stevens Crawford House decorated in a 1908 classical Foursquare style. It was owned by the original family until 1968 and much of the period furniture is  in the house with 15 furnished rooms. We would both enjoy walking through Historic Downtown Oregon City .

Seniors Discover Municipal Elevator

TripAdvisor has been to Oregon City and does not want anyone to miss the local Farmer’s Market, the Municipal Elevator and the Museum of the Oregon Territory. The Municipal Elevator operates as one of the only four Municipal Elevators in the world.

The Clackamas Repertory Theatre produces musicals, comedies and classic and contemporary American plays and draws in visitors of all ages from across the nation. Clackamette Park is a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Seniors, consider a kayak or canoeing experience on the Clackamas River. Willamette Falls is one of the largest waterfalls West of the Mississippi and is another major highlight in the city. Toss your golf clubs in the trunk and play a round at Stone Creek Golf Club and later another at Oregon City Golf Club.

Welcome to Oregon City where history is alive. Spend some time on this site and you will be provided with a nice overview of the city and all its amenities. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Colorful Longmont

The City of Longmont , senior travelers discover, is located northeast of the county seat of Boulder and 33 miles north-northwest of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. The local Chamber notes that Longmont is a vibrant and dynamic community of just over 90,000 along what is called the Northern Front Range of Colorado.

While the Rocky Mountains rise dramatically to the west of the city and its borders, the Great Plains and agricultural fields stretch endlessly to the east of the city. Longmont and the Front Range are known for a mild four-season climate, 300 days of sunshine a year, beautiful views and an impressive array of outdoor recreation possibilities , attractive to seniors. Sounds ideal to me.

Seniors Enjoy Longmont’s Interesting History

Longmont has lots of history behind its current status as a great place to live. Starting off in an unusual fashion, in 1870, a group of prominent men in Chicago decided to start a brand new town in Colorado. To do this, they sold membership in the new town, called “The Chicago-Colorado Colony.”

They then used the cash to purchase 60,000 acres of land in a carefully chosen site in northern Colorado. They brought people, lumber, and building materials to the barren site, and by 1871, a new town had sprung up. They gave it the name “Longmont,” after closeby Long’s Peak, which was named after renown explorer Stephen H. Long.

Today Longmont works hard to cling to its historic past. Since 1971, over 120 structures have been designated as local landmarks . In addition, nine of Longmont’s local landmarks and two residential areas have been recognized as National Register Historic Districts that you will enjoy touring on foot.

Seniors Discover Longmont’s Craft Brewing Industry

The Left Hand Brewing Company and the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center rate high for senior visitors. I love the old Longmont Fire Department building on Fourth Avenue (now an art gallery) that dates to 1907. It, too, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Of interest to some seniors is fact that in 2011 Longmont was rated the 2nd safest city in Colorado. For folks who enjoy an occasional good brew, Longmont supports a thriving craft brewing industry that includes Lefthand, Oskar Blues, 300 Suns, and GrossenBart. Check out the local Farmer’s Market and the Dickens Opera House on Main Street.

Enjoy your stop in Longmont. Enjoy the hospitality and the beautiful Colorado landscape. jeb

Seniors Spend Time In Chester, England

Get your coffee, senior friends, I have decided that today we will visit Chester in the United Kingdom. Chester has 77,000+ inhabitants plus two educational institutions, the University of Chester and West Cheshire College.

A big draw all year long is Chester Racecourse, known as the Roodee, which, according to official records, is the oldest racecourse for horses still in use in England. A major photo shoot for tourists is the Eastgate Clock that stands on the site of the original entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix.

The largest roman amphitheater in all of England is in Chester and dates from the 1st century. The list goes on and on and senior visitors will enjoy walking through the town enjoying all the architecture and old buildings.

Seniors Enjoy Britan’s Treasures

Chester is arguably the richest city in Britain for archaeological and architectural treasures preserved to this day from the time of the Roman occupation.

Originally the fortress site of the 20th legion (Valeria Victrix), it was charged with suppressing the uprising of the army led by the warrior queen, Boadicea. The town was known then (c. AD 70) as Deva, and soon became a major trading port.

The Walls of Chester, built as a defensive structure between 70 and 80 AD., surround the city and make for a pleasant stroll. Care to take in a Chester Virtual Stroll ? Senior visitors will find the River Dee along side the Walls and a plethora of information.

Chester’s massive harbor and border position made it one of the finest strategic outposts of the Roman Empire. Long after the Romans had left, during the Dark Ages, Viking raiders arrived in their long boats along the same route.

Seniors Find Chester A Day Trip From London

TripAdvisor suggests that senior visitors look over the dozens of major attractions in town that include the Quarry Bank Mill, the Walls of Chester, the Chester Zoo and the beautiful Chester Cathedral.

Chester has a wonderful mix of Victorian, Gothic and modern styles and is easily reached as a lovely day-trip from London, just 2 hours by train. Downtown Chester has an unusual two-level system of shops called The Rows that will double your enjoyment.

I don’t know about you, but Chester is now on my travel bucket list. Hope to pass by you one day up there up on the Walls. -jeb