Seniors Visit The Other “Sidney”

This senior did a search on the Best Small Cities in Nebraska, and up came Sidney, the seat of Cheyenne County, Nebraska with a population of 7,000. Founded in 1867 by the Union Pacific, Sidney was named for Sidney Dillon, a railroad attorney.

The city grew up around the Sidney Barracks, a military outpost with a primary function of protecting the Union Pacific Railroad track layers against the threat of hostile Indians.

The post was initially a block house on a bluff with soldiers residing in nearby tents. In 1869 the post was relocated to the present site and the following year it was renamed Fort Sidney.

During Sidney’s boomtown years, it was a colorful mixture of settlers, freighters, cowboys and soldiers and was also the center of the cattle industry. After the gold rush, Sidney became dependent on farming and ranching.

Deadwood Draw is where you will see some old wagon ruts. The old wind mill and water tank are 20th century “intrusions”.

 Seniors Enjoy An Old Wild West Town

Seniors, be sure to check out “Boot Hill” Cemetery, or the original Sidney Cemetery that has existed since 1868.  It was first created to bury soldiers of Fort Sidney, who died in gun battle.  Sidney eventually became the wildest old west town on the rugged untamed frontier, with many colorful characters.

Toss in the golf clubs and play a round or two at Hillside Golf Course. Sidney invites senior visitors to experience one of Nebraska’s finest municipal golf courses with a breathtaking view of the beauty mother nature has provided.

Stop by the Cheyenne County Community Centre, the recreational sports hub for Sidney and Cheyenne County. TripAdvisor has paid a visit to Sidney and has several attractions that senior visitors will enjoy. A “must see” is the Fort Sidney Museum that shows the Officers’ Quarters and reflects Sidney’s colorful past. The Post Commander’s Home has been restored with original and other period furnishings.

 Seniors Find The Old Lincoln Highway

The National Pony Express Museum is a lasting memorial and a tribute to one of the most dangerous and essential occupations in American history – mail delivery in the wild, wild west, the Pony Express.

Historic Downtown Sidney is well worth your time and the old Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental highways across the US, runs right through the middle of town.

Sidney is known as “A Small Town with Big Time Opportunities”. Yours truly being a Master Gardener, would head over to Sidney Memorial Gardens, home to Nebraska’s first Angel of Hope Memorial.

Legion Park houses the War Memorial commemorating veterans from all American wars, a 141-ft flagpole and one of the country’s largest American flags. Take a few shots of that flag and enjoy the scenic wonders in and around Sidney. -jeb

Seniors Find A Home Away From Home

I have met several people who have exchanged homes with folks all over the world.  They categorically have told me that it was a wonderful experience. They traded houses, cars and some cases their dogs. My wife and I at seniorcitzen.travel want to help senior travelers discover several means for doing so, if you are so inclined. It takes a little bravado to carry this off, but it works for many vacationers.

I know of three right off the top of my head and perhaps you know of others  as well. They are Airbnb, Home Away and VRBO. So let’s take these and see if you might be interested in any for your first travel experience .

Seniors Investigate Airbnb

Airbnb began in 2008 when two designers who had space to share hosted three travelers looking for a place to stay. Now, millions of hosts and travelers choose to create a free Airbnb account so they can list their space and book unique accommodations anywhere in the world.

Airbnb states that with them you may book homes from local hosts in 191+ countries and experience a place as if you lived there. With Airbnb seniors find that hosting opens up a world of opportunity, plus you can earn money sharing your extra space with travelers. Hit the RED search key and input where you would like to go. I tried it with Paris and this came up.

Seniors Check Out HomeAway, Inc

HomeAway, Inc. is a vacation rental marketplace with more than 1,000,000 vacation rental listings in 190 countries. It has operated through 40 websites in 22 languages as of December 31, 2014. This time I chose to go to Madrid, Spain.  Easy and works well.

And finally VRBO, Vacation Rental By Owner.  I learned that VRBO is part of the HomeAway family and works in the same manner. I have known several couples who have found great vacation spots on Hawaii at good prices using VRBO.

With VRBO seniors can book over 1 million listings across their family of brands. It is also perfect for Family Vacations, Reunions & Group Travel. Here is listing of what are called Last Minute Rentals. It gives you some idea of rental costs.

Finally, here is what Google came up with for Home Exchanges. Senior travelers, I wish you well in your choices and your plans for a trip somewhere in the world.  Bon Voyage. -jeb

Seniors Make A Stop In Hawthorne

Hawthorne, a city that senior travelers will find in southwestern Los Angeles County, California, has a population that runs right at 87,000 inhabitants.

Wondering, like me, how Hawthorne got its name? Well, the city was founded in 1905 as the “Hawthorne Improvement Company” by B.L. Harding and H.D. Lombard. Harding’s daughter shared her birthday–July 4th, American Independence Day–with New England author Nathaniel Hawthorne, and a decision was made to name the city after him. Hawthorne was a small-size community before being incorporated in 1922.

Today its called “The City Of Good Neighbors”. Hawthorne is located only 15 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and 5 miles from shorefront communities such as Manhattan Beach.  Hawthorne delivers all the convenience of South Bay, so toss in your surfboard, enjoy a cool sea breeze and some awesome waves.

Northrop Corporation, founded in 1939 and headquartered in Hawthorne, became a major manufacturer of aircraft during World War II, as well as a major subcontractor to other aircraft companies. Jack Northrop developed his famous flying wings, which ultimately led to the B-2 stealth bomber.

Seniors Find Aerospace Community

Hawthorne has many amenities that draw senior visitors. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean is certainly one. Then there is the aerospace industry, with SpaceX Technologies being a major employer in Hawthorne. SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft.

Senior visitors can take a stroll in one of the city parks like Del Aire, a fun tree-studded green space with hard surfaced picnic areas and then you have Hawthorne Memorial and Badger Park to choose from.  Me, I’d want to take in the Hawthorne Historical Society to learn about the history of the area.

TripAdvisor has several attractions you won’t want to pass up including Beach Boys Monument. Remember them? The Beach Boys formed their band in Hawthorne in 1961. The Beach Boys Historic Landmark commemorates the site of the childhood home of Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys. The house was demolished in the mid-1980s during construction of the Century Freeway.

 Seniors Enjoy “Good Neighbours Day”

Senior visitors can climb aboard a Raven II helicopter and take a tour over the city with Star Helicopters. If you have skipped your workout lately, give Hangar 18 Southdale on W. Rosecrans Avenue a shot. It features over 12,000 square feet of textured climbing terrain, two massive-free-standing bouldering areas, lead climbing, crack climbs and a large training section for you novice mountain climbers. Me, I’d skip that and head for my Snap Fitness facility.

Senior gourmands, Hawthorne has a great array of top-rated restaurants awaiting your arrival. Hawthorne locals enjoy a community-based dining scene filled with local gems ranging from authentic Mexican eateries to Mediterranean cuisine.

So set your GPS for Hawthorne and you will discover a cozy South Bay community. Plan to arrive by Saturday, July 18 and celebrate the 5th Annual Good Neighbors Day. Sounds like fun to me. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy a Stop in Red Oak

Senior travelers will find Red Oak, the county seat of Montgomery County, located along the East Nishnabotna River. The population runs right at 5,700 inhabitants. Red Oak derives its name from Red Oak Creek which flows through the community and was noted for the red oaks on its banks.

On March 20, 1876, the town was officially named Red Oak Junction by the railroad on March 20, 1876. In 1869 the community was officially founded when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (called the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad at the time) arrived.  Later in 1901, the “Junction” was dropped and the city became known simply as Red Oak.

The first settlers arrived in the 1850s. In 1865 it became the official county seat of Montgomery County and the courthouse which previously was in the middle of the county seven miles east in Frankfort, Iowa was towed to the community in the middle of a snow storm. That courthouse remained in place until the current Montgomery County Courthouse was built in 1891.

Seniors Enjoy The Historic Buildings

The Montgomery County Courthouse is a beautiful building and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other sites listed on the National Historic Register include: Montgomery County Jail, Chautauqua Pavilion, The Firehouse Restaurant, Red Oak Library, The Osborne House and The Colonel Hebard House.

Red Oak has a plethora of ways to enjoy the great outdoors with golf, tennis, playgrounds, skate parks, hunting areas and beautiful area parks. Red Oak has a lot going for it today as The Arts and Culture are rich in Red Oak and senior visitors may find several that you will not want to miss.

I know that my wife and I would enjoy a stroll along Red Oak’s historic Heritage Hill Tour and experience the community’s hallmark collection of turn of the century architecture. That tour embodies a wide range of architectural styles including excellent examples of Queen Anne, Georgian, Italianate, English Tudor, Colonial Revival, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style.

Seniors Like The Depot, The Museum And The Performing Arts Center

Senior visitors will not want to miss the Restored Burlington Northern Depot & WWII Memorial Museum on South 2nd street.

And there is more for senior citizens to enjoy in Red Oak: The Montgomery County Historical Society which was organized in 1945. The Wilson Performing Arts Center that has been carefully designed to meet the needs of artists and educators in southwestIowa.

This one stop link provides information for senior visitors on the major attractions in Red Oak.  So set your GPS, stop  in Red Oak and enjoy the many amenities the  community has to offer. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Leopoldstadt In Vienna

Leopoldstadt, the 2nd municipal District of Vienna (The City of Dreams), abounds in historic sites among its 100,000  inhabitants. Senior travelers will find it in the heart of Vienna and, together with Brigittenau, forms a large island surrounded by the Danube Canal and, to the north, the Danube. It is named after Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Before the Holocaust, Leopoldstadt, which had gained the nickname Mazzesinsel (“Matzo Island”) was the hub of Jewish life in Vienna. Some of the town’s finest synagogues were to be found there, also a wide array of Jewish shops, clubs, theaters and coffeehouses, and the Grain Exchange as focal point of Jewish commercial interests.

Leopoldstadt was also a central-European stronghold of Zionism and Chassidism. The Leopoldstädter Temple was the largest synagogue of Vienna. It was built in 1858 in a Moorish Revival style by the architect Ludwig Förster.

 Seniors Enjoy Strolling

A big hit with vacationers and visitors alike is The Volksprater amusement park in the Wiener Prater and the Hauptallee in the Prater is a great place for seniors to take a good stroll. While I have walked under the London Eye Ferris Wheel, I would talk my wife into a fun ride on the Wiener Riesenrad Ferris wheel.

Galopprennplatz Freudenau is a favorite place for the locals to gather. The “Mexico Church”  is an awesome site. It is best known as St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mexikoplatz in Vienna’s Second District.

Other places of interest in Leopoldstadt include the Wiener Prater (from Latin pratum “meadow”), former imperial hunting grounds to which the public was denied access until 1766. The Leopoldstadt Museum has a particular emphasis on the arts. A sightseeing guide might be of help to senior visitors.

Seniors Learn Of Notable Residents

The Notable Residents listing that includes Sigmund Freud, Johann Strauss I and II and American film director Billy Wilder. TripAdvisor has lined up nearly 500 attractions for senior visitors to consider. The Historic Center of Vienna is where most visitors commence their visit and then many soon head off for Schoenbrunn Palace.

My brother-in-law is a “Big Time” train enthusiast. I would want to shoot a few photos for him of the miniature steam railway (“Liliputbahn”) which, on its track through the woodland parallel to the Hauptallee, passes Vienna’s Ernst-Happel-Stadion. It’s a favorite for kids and the younger crowd. Seniors will have a great time strolling in Leopoldstadt taking in the historic sites, dining in some great restaurants and enjoying the Austrian atmosphere.

I’ve been to Vienna with my daughter and enjoyed every part of the city. I feel that you will as well. -jeb

Seniors visit one of West Virginia’s Best

I looked up the “Best Small Towns in West Virginia” and up came Barboursville, population 3,967. Though Barboursville is next to one of the state’s largest cities—Huntington—senior visitors wouldn’t know it by walking the  quaint streets. Part of what attracts visitors to Barboursville is its curb appeal—tucked just enough away from Interstate 64 to maintain a quiet, 1950s neighborhood feel.

The Village of Barboursville was founded in 1813 by an Act of the Virginia Assembly. As the Cabell County Seat, it became a busy town of commerce and politics. A port of call for boats running on the Guyandotte River, Barboursville flourished as an industrial center.

During the Civil War several battle skirmishes took place in and around the village. After the war, the county seat was moved to nearby Huntington. As the railroads and highways passed by, Barboursville became a quiet, residential setting of historic homes and figures and remains such today.

 Senior Visitors Enjoy Barboursville Park

Barboursville celebrated its 200th year in 2013, and the pride of its residents is clear. “No other place has quite the atmosphere that Barboursville has,” says Charles Seay, a lifelong resident and police officer for the Barboursville Police Department. Charles lives on Main Street, goes to church on Main Street, and says many families in the town go back generations. “It’s a tight-knit community. Everybody knows everybody.”

Right on the edge of the city limits, the 750-acre Barboursville Park seems like much more than simply a park. The sprawling grounds offer ball fields, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, multiple playgrounds, nine shelters, a fishing lake and ponds, walking paths, bike trails, and the list goes on.

There’s an amphitheater, horse show ring, and archery range. Doesn’t this well describe a neat small town?  Where else could one find a restaurant called Fat Patty’s, that claims to have the best burgers in town and appetizers galore.

 Barboursville Historic District Attracts Seniors

In the center of town, the Barboursville Historic District is made up of 20 buildings with excellent examples of late 19th and early 20th century commercial architecture, including the old Brady Hardware building (circa 1906) on Main Street.

Well worth a photo is the 1852 Miller House in Barboursville that was likely the home of a local businessman. You will find the Coleman Institute in Barboursville that is one of the most successful and innovative centers for addiction treatment in the country.

Senior oenophiles, plan a visit to the Barboursville Vineyards. And don’t miss the Palladio Restaurant that is on the grounds of this historic wine estate, complete with ruins. Over the years I have visited many of the finest vineyards in France as a tour group leader and I would be amiss if I did not stop in Barboursville for a visit and tasting.

Senior travelers, enjoy your stop in Barboursville.  jeb

Seniors Find “A Great Place To Grow…”

Seniors, that happens to be Edmond, Oklahoma, just ask the locals. With a population that runs right at 82,000 the city limits are on the northern border of Oklahoma City. Located on scenic Route 66, The Mother Road, a stay in Edmond places senior visitors just minutes from international attractions such as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Remington Park horse racing, the Lazy E Arena and picturesquely historic Guthrie, just to highlight a few.

Edmond Oklahoma is home to the University of Central Oklahoma, Herbert W. Armstrong College and Oklahoma Christian University. Eight private schools are found in Edmond and many have achieved high honors as National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.

Over the years Edmond has gained fame. In 2011, Edmond was #1 on CNBC’s “10 Perfect Suburbs” list.  The city was listed as one of the “Top 100 Places to Live in 2007″ by Relocate America and today is one of the Ten Safest Cities in Oklahoma. Edmond was selected the most outstanding community in its class for five years in a row by the State Chamber of Commerce and State Industrial Development Department. All significant honors.

Seniors Find A ‘Land Run’ Town

The town of Edmond sprang up overnight during the great Oklahoma land run on April 22, 1889, when homesteads were staked around the Santa Fe station. The railroad then named the station for Edmond Burdick, the Santa Fe’s traveling freight agent. Though most of the remnants of the old railroad infrastructure are gone, the Santa Fe, now BNSF, freight line still runs through the same course.

A list of notable people have called Edmond home; my eye caught Anita Bryant, Blake Griffin, Shannon Miller and Coach Bill Self. The Convention and Visitors Bureau notes that Edmond is located in the heart of Oklahoma, and is considered by many to be the “Crown Jewel” of Oklahoma.

“If you’re passing through, attending a convention or sporting event, taking a family vacation, or looking to relocate, Edmond is an exciting community…”  Senior visitors might head for Arcadia Lake that a offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities including biking, swimming, hiking, camping, boating and picnicking. Great place for you birders to observe a wide variety of species.

A Vineyard, Parks And Downtown Invite Seniors

With over 75 shops and businesses, senior visitors will find something for every taste in downtown Edmond. TripAdvisor highlights the Armstrong Auditorium, the E.C.Hafer Park and Mitch Park, all worthwhile places to spend some quality  time. For senior oenophiles, the Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery awaits your visit and sampling.

For me, I’d want to head over to S. Boulevard and take in the Edmond Historical Society and Museum that brings to life the history of Edmond. The attractions in Edmond are multiple so start taking notes for a planned itinerary and enjoy the plethora of amenities that Edmond offers visitors. Set your GPS for Edmond and discover the “Crown Jewel” of Oklahoma. -jeb

Seniors Check Out Bartlesville

 I heard of Bartlesville when I became a guide at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. Frank Lloyd Wright created a 19-story skyscraper in Bartlesville called the Price Tower. The Tower is the only realized skyscraper by Wright, and is one of only two vertically oriented Wright structures in existence. Senior travelers will find Bartlesville 47 miles north of Tulsa and 18 miles from Oklahoma’s northern border with Kansas.

I learned that the Bartlesville Community Center was designed by Wesley Peters, chief architect of Taliesin West–The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and Mr. Wright’s son-in-law. Beautiful flowers, sheltering trees, and a statue called “Suspended Moment” complement the smooth curves, rounded lines and earth tone colors that make up the unusual architectural style of the Community Center.

Let’s take a walking tour with Sharon Hurst to view some historic parts of the city. Note that the Caney River runs through Bartlesville.

 Seniors Enjoy  ‘Best Town’ In Oklahoma

I had no idea where Bartlesville was located or anything about it, however when I did some research on the best towns in the state, up came Bartlesville, with a population right at 37,000. Bartlesville is the longtime home of Phillips Petroleum Company.

I have not yet visited the Price Tower but it’s on my “Travel Bucket List.” Senior visitors can take the historic tour of Tower which includes a visit to the restored 19th floor executive office of H.C. Price who was associated with a local oil pipeline and chemical firm.

I would invite my wife to dine at the Copper Bar on the 15th floor of Tower. The Copper as it is called, offers the Copper Music series, a unique entertainment experience featuring live music from local and state artists.

Bartlesville’s Downtown revitalization efforts are in full swing, with many blocks of National Register Historic District.

 Oklahoma Historical Society Interests Senior Visitors

Read up on the history and you will come across the name of Jacob Bartles. His story goes back to 1874 when he opened a trading post and became a veritable entrepreneur.

The city hosts several annual festivals and shows, nearly all focused in the Downtown area. Senior visitors can enjoy Sunfest which includes an arts and crafts show, a music festival, a kids festival, and a classic cars show. A classic air show and festival  and the Oklahoma Indian Summer Festival are held each fall.

Senior visitors may want to tour Frank Phillip’s 26 room neoclassical mansion on Cherokee Avenue. It is one of 32 sites and museums owned, staffed, and operated by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Frank Phillips, an ambitious barber-turned-bond salesman from Iowa, visited Bartlesville in 1903 to assess business possibilities in the surrounding oil fields. And now you know the rest of the story.  Enjoy your stop in Bartlesville-jeb

Seniors Visit Palmetto

Palmetto, Florida with a population just over 14,000, is a waterfront community located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, midway between Tampa / St. Petersburg to the north and Sarasota to the south. When I saw this clip of a giant monster alligator filmed crossing a golf course, I had to discover what else Palmetto has to offer senior visitors other than large alligators.

Palmetto Florida abounds in history as a post office called Palmetto has been in operation since 1868. Samuel Sparks Lamb is considered the “Father of Palmetto,” having surveyed and plotted the city at its outset and donated several plots of land. He owned a general merchandise store in town. The city received its name from the palmetto trees near the original town site.

Historically, water brought the first settlers in the middle 1800s and soon, yachtsmen and shippers discovered the beauty and allure of the mile-wide Manatee River. Fertile ground and a suitable climate attracted hearty young couples willing to accept the challenge of the future and the building of a community.

 Seniors Enjoy Green Spaces and Festivals

In 1897, Florida’s governor signed the charter declaring Palmetto a City in the Sunshine State. Today the city has 12 city owned parks, a host of annual festivals and over 60 acres of green space.

Senior visitors can enjoy the many events that are held in the City of Palmetto: the Kid’s Fishing Tournament, the Desoto Children’s Parade, Heritage Day and the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade.

Also, Farm City Week, a Vintage Wheels Car Show, a Multi-Cultural Festival and the Great American Cleanup in April sponsored by the City and Keep Manatee Beautiful. The Taste of Manatee and the De Soto Seafood Festival are two of the newest events.

Spend Nine Minutes in Palmetto with this video and seniors will see why it is such a popular site to visit. TripAdvisor suggests that you start your visit at Emerson Point Preserve followed up with a stroll in Palmetto Historical Park and  maybe a boat tour after that.

Tomatoes, Fruits and Vegetables

Palmetto and the region has earned a hospitable reputation, noted for its abundant fruit and vegetable production and some of the nation’s most familiar consumer brands. Huge fields of tomatoes can be found in the area.

The City maintains the “Old Florida” charm that residents and visitors have come to love. The Manatee County Fair takes place during the last ten days in January. I counted four award-winning golf courses in or near Palmetto, so toss in your clubs and plan a round or two.

Senior travelers, plan to spend quality time in Palmetto and enjoy its many amenities. Don’t forget to also dine in some quality restaurants and enjoy some great southern chow. -jeb

Seniors Discover The Other Dublin

This Dublin is a city in Franklin, Delaware and Union counties in a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. The population runs right at 42,000. Senior travelers hear that “It’s Greener In Dublin.”

Dublin is known by many as “Ohio’s Most Prestigious Golf Address.” Each year in late May or early June, the city hosts the Memorial Tournament, a stop on golf’s PGA Tour. Consequently, numerous golf aficionados choose to make Dublin their home. Muirfield Village is an upscale golf-oriented community founded by Jack Nicklaus and is named after Muirfield, Scotland.

Dublin has long been recognized as a premier community, not only locally, but also internationally. Home to Ohio’s largest corporation, Cardinal Health – 21 on the Fortune 500 list, Dublin also is the headquarters of the Wendy’s Company, Ashland Inc. and OCLC.

Senior Travelers Enjoy Bridge Street District

Although its earliest settlements date back to 1802, the village that became Dublin did not begin to take shape until the arrival of the Sells family from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. John Sells had a partner named John Shields who named the city after his birthplace in Ireland. Dublin was described in 1833 as having one store and several mills.

Senior visitors will enjoy Dublin’s Bridge Street District. Housing, dining, and shopping along with riverfront parks, a new library and gathering spaces are fueling a vibrancy and creating connectivity in the city.

 Enjoy thumbing through the 62-page Dublin Visitors Guide that can acquaint senior visitors to the many attractions that the city has to offer. This guide has great information including a “Jig Every Month” in Historic Dublin. The Historic District of Dublin features centuries-old buildings adjacent to new structures blending the old with the new as the backdrop for a vibrant town center.

 Seniors Enjoy Irish Heritage In Dublin

Chic restaurants, eclectic shopping and professional service businesses offer dining, nightlife, shopping and gathering – all within walking distance of a diverse mix of homes and parks along the natural boundaries of the Scioto River.

Annual events in Dublin include the July 4 music event, a St. Patrick’s Day parade, and the Dublin Irish Festival, which is one of the largest Irish-American festivals. This Green Community is proud of its Irish heritage.

There is a lot for seniors to do and see in Dublin. From visionary art in public places to world class events, Dublin is distinguished by its unrivaled attractions, renowned leisure activities and passion for all things Irish. Senior travelers, Dublin offers an exciting experience for everyone. Plan to drop by this exciting city and get acquainted with all that it offers. -jeb