Seniors Visit Bamberg, Germany

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, friends, we’re going to Bamberg, a town in northern Bavaria, Germany, that is laid out over seven hills where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet. Seniors find that Bamberg’s Old Town preserves structures from the 11th to 19th centuries including the muraled Altes Rathaus, which occupies an island in the Regnitz reached by ancient arched bridges.

The Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, features 4 towers and numerous stone carvings. The population runs right at 70,000. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centers, Bamberg has the magic of the past hanging in the air, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

From the 10th century onwards, this town became an important link with the Slav peoples, especially those of Poland and Pomerania. During its period of greatest prosperity, from the 12th century onwards, the architecture of Bamberg strongly influenced northern Germany and Hungary. In the late 18th century it was the center of the Enlightenment in southern Germany, with eminent philosophers and writers such as Hegel and Hoffmann living there.

Seniors Enjoy The Arts And The Beer

TripAdvisor selects Bamberg Altstadt and the town hall, Altes Rathaus, for seniors to visit. The cultural program in Bamberg is shaped by the world-famous Bamberg Symphony Orchestra as well as its theaters, music  festivals, and an impressive music scene in jazz and blues bars. The international magician and street performers’ festival in July or the Sandkirchweih Fair in August transform the entire old town into one fun  scene.

Bamberg without beer is like Christmas without Santa – unthinkable! The nine breweries within the town boundaries, cooking up Bamberg’s famous smoked beer and 60 more in the surrounding area illustrate all that can be done with hops and malt.

It is suggested that senior visitors purchase a BAMBERGcard and explore Bamberg at an unbeatable price. I discovered TimeTravelTurtle and their wonderful overview of the city with great photos.

I can not wait to explore Bamberg for myself. Narrow alleys, cozy corners, medieval and baroque building fronts, plus a distinct romantic flair: Bamberg is said to be a unique work of art.

 Seniors Enjoy Bamberg’s History

Today, Bamberg is a lively arts and cultural center with a thousand year old history. Must-see places include the Imperial Cathedral, a breathtakingly romantic Rose Garden, the medieval Old Court, and the Old Town Hall, that sits right in the middle of the River Regnitz.

Being a “flower man” myself, I would put the Rose Garden with more than 4.500 roses on my “must see list.” It features historic statues and a memorable scenic view across the roofs of Bamberg. Lonely Planet notes that Bamberg is generally regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive settlements, bisected by rivers and canals.

Senior travelers, the town can be tackled as a day trip from Nuremberg, but, to really do it justice and to experience the romantically lit streets once most visitors have left, consider an overnight stay. -jeb

Seniors End Up in Topeka

This senior read recently that back in 1966 the strongest of a series of tornadoes struck Topeka, Kansas, killing 17 people. Topeka has weathered many storms, both manmade and natural. Geographic location has always worked to a decided advantage for the area.

Topeka is the capital city of the State of Kansas and the seat of Shawnee County. Being the state’s capital city, Topeka’s largest employer is the State of Kansas—employing about 8,400 people.

Topeka has weathered many storms, both manmade and natural. Geographic location has always worked to a decided advantage for the area. In fact, location is the key to Topeka’s future development.

Topeka in northeast Kansas, is situated along the Kansas River, that has overflowed a few times. The population runs right at 128,000 Kansans that are sometimes referred to as Jayhawkers. The name Topeka is a Kansa-Osage sentence that means “place where we dug potatoes”, or “a good place to dig potatoes”.

 Seniors View Million Dollar High School

Topeka was first recorded in 1826 as the Kansa name for what is now called the Kansas River. Read up on the History & Landmarks of Topeka and you will find that the city is home to the first “Million Dollar High School.” As a former educator, I’d like to visit that school.

The four school districts employ nearly 4,700 people, and Washburn University employs about 1,650. Small world, as years back, one of my former profs at the U of Kansas City was a professor at Washburn.

Topeka is the home of the famed Santa Fe Railroad and home of the smiling character Alfred E. Newman. TripAdvisor suggests senior visitors start with a visit to the State Capitol Building. I would want to see Lake Shawnee and then pay a visit to the Kansas Museum of History, since Topeka played a leading role in the “Bleeding Kansas” territory before its statehood. The Bleeding part came from the often-violent in-state struggles between abolitionists and slavery-state forces.

 Seniors Enjoy A City Of History And Culture

At the Evel Knievel Museum, seniors can explore the world’s largest collection of Evel Knievel’s authentic materials. Topeka’s arts and culture is thriving like never before. By preserving its art deco theaters, Victorian mansions, and Tiffany windows, Topeka ensures that its history and culture live on.

 Topeka (The Golden City) is home to 20 first-class attractions, 16 art galleries, five performing arts facilities, established annual events, fine dining for senior gourmet visitors and unique shopping.

Topeka sits on the banks of the Kansas River, surrounded by lakes, rolling hills, and lush vegetation. Residents enjoy not only their wooded surroundings, but also a strong economic environment and cultural scene. Stop in Topeka and enjoy Kansas hospitality personified. -jeb

Seniors Discover Another Fine Springfield

Seems like there are many cities called Springfield. According to the U.S. Geological Survey there are currently 34 populated places in 25 states named Springfield. Here is one for seniors to enjoy called Springfield Township in Union County, New Jersey. This one is not large, population 16,000+.

New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Springfield in the Top 100 best places to live in New Jersey in its 2010 rankings of the “Best Places to Live.”  In June 2010, Newsweek named Springfield’s Jonathan Dayton High School as one of the best high schools in the county – only 6% of all public schools in the U.S. made the list.

Springfield was incorporated as one of New Jersey’s first 104 townships by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 21, 1798. Springfield is celebrated as the site of the extremely critical Battle of Springfield between the American Continental Army and British forces on June 23, 1780.

 Seniors Find Landmarks from Revolutionary War

Senior visitors will find several historical landmarks from the Revolution still standing. The Cannon Ball House built in 1741, served as a farmhouse when the British used it as a hospital. Today it is a museum.

Springfield’s First Presbyterian Church, which had been burned by the British, was rebuilt, using much of the original structure. It stands at 210 Morris Avenue. The statue of a Continental Soldier stands in the smallest state park in New Jersey.

The Rahway Valley Railroad passed through the community, and during the early 20th Century offered both freight and passenger service.  A trolley line called the Morris County Traction Company, ran trolley service through Springfield to/from Newark and Morris County, in the early part of the 20th Century.

 Seniors Golfers Enjoy Classic Golf Course

Springfield New Jersey is the home of the Baltusrol Golf Club and this is probably where I discovered Springfield on the tube. Baltusrol was the host to the 2005 PGA Championship. Golfweek magazine ranked Baltusrol as the 36th best in its 2010 rankings of the “Best Classic Courses” in the country. Senior golfers, toss in your clubs and play a round or two.

Springfield has a new Vision Plan for rehabbing the downtown. A big hit in Springfield is called Screaming Parties. Yes, it’s for kids, so bring your grandkids along and watch them have a screaming great time.

They say that living in Springfield Township comes complete in the spring with a “cricket serenade.”  Seniors, stop in Springfield and hear those crickets for yourself. Enjoy your stay and the many amenities that the township has to offer visitors of all ages. -jeb

Seniors Stop In Camas

Camas is a city in Clark County, Washington. Senior travelers find Camas in the Portland – Vancouver metropolitan area. Camas, with a population of 12,534, lies along the Washington side of the Columbia River, across from Troutdale, Oregon.

Officially incorporated on June 18, 1906, the city is named after the Camas Lily, a plant with an onion-like bulb. My PhD botanist brother would have loved that plant, and me, a Master Gardener, as well. That local edible root, the Camassari quamash, was a staple food item for native inhabitants along the Columbia River.

An early name for the Camas Post Office was “La Camas”, a name given to the local Camas plant by the French-Canadians employed by the Hudson Bay Company. In 1894 the Post Office switched to “Camas” to avoid confusion with “La Center” and “La Conner”, two other Pacific Northwest towns.

 Seniors Enjoy Parks, A Lake And Lily Fields

Camas and nearby attractions include Lacamas Lake, Rocket City Neon Advertising Museum, Heritage Park Camas-Washougal Community Recreation Center and the Lacamas Campground. Lacamas Park includes Round Lake and trails that go around the lake and the park. The trails lead to Camas Potholes and Camas Lily fields.

Heritage Park provides facilities for boating at Lacamas Lake. It has many open spaces and a playground for kids. The city also has a popular skate park. Portland Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, and Clark College provide facilities for higher education.

One of the major geographical features of the city is Prune Hill, where a great portion of the residential area of the city is located. Prune Hill is an extinct volcanic vent and is part of the Boring Lava Field of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington.

 Seniors Enjoy This City On Columbia River

Camas originated as a paper-mill town in the 1880s when LaCamas Colony Company selected this area for their new paper mill. The first post office and school were established in 1884. It was officially incorporated as a town in June 1906.

Back then the commercial base of the city was almost solely the paper mill; however, the diversity of industries has been enhanced considerably in recent years by the influx of several white-collar, high-tech companies including Hewlett-Packard, Sharp Microelectronics, Linear Technology, WaferTech and Underwriters Labs. A local hero in Camas is Michael R. Barratt, NASA astronaut.

The local High School is home of the “Papermakers.” I love that name. Don’t you wonder what their school mascot looks like.

Camas on the banks of the mighty Columbia River has annual events that include the summer “Camas Days” featuring bathtub races. Seniors, set your GPS for Camas, Washington and enjoy all that the city has to offer. -jeb

Seniors Spend Time In Eau Claire

Eau Claire with a pop. of 68,000, took its name from Eau Claire County.  Senior’s French lesson: “Eau Claire” is the singular form of the original French name, “Eaux Claires”, meaning “Clear Waters”, for the Eau Claire River.

According to local legend, the river was so named because early French explorers journeying down the rain-muddied Chippewa River, happened upon the Eau Claire River, excitedly exclaiming “Voici l’eau claire!” (“Here [is] clear water!”), the city motto, which appears on the city seal. The name is pronounced as if it were spelled “O’Clare”.

Eau Claire was established close to the convergence of the Eau Claire River and the Chippewa River as three settlements. In 1872 the city was incorporated. The main portion of downtown Eau Claire is situated on the site of the old village of Eau Claire.

Seniors Visit Former Lumber Town

The city was a thriving lumber town during the 1800′s and the lumber business was the primary factor for the growth of the city. After the timber was depleted, Eau Claire became known for agriculture and industry. Today Eau Claire thrives on its scenic views and businesses that are attractive to senior visitors.

The trails which follow the Chippewa River and the Eau Claire River provide excellent views and hiking and bicycle riding opportunities.

Located in the rolling hills and river valleys of western Wisconsin, the Eau Claire area offers natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and a rich heritage for senior travelers to enjoy.

In the summertime Eau Claire provides popular rock as well as country music festivals. During the winter, outdoor enthusiasts are provided with groomed cross-country skiing trails.

 Seniors Enjoy Carson Park

Learn something about the history and culture of Eau Claire at the Chippewa Valley Museum, taste the greatness of local farms at the Downtown Farmer’s Market, or sip on a Leinie’s after you tour the brewery.

TripAdvisor suggests seniors visit Carson Park, which is a must in this city. Get a few shots of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox at the Logging Camp Museum.

The Half Moon Dragon Boat Festival and the Eau Claire Polar Plunge are fun events for spectators as well as the participants. Toss in your clubs and play round or two at either Hickory Hills or Wild Ridge Golf Course.

Eau Claire is more than just a city – it’s a tourist destination. Whether you need a day of pampering, a weekend filled with recreation, or an evening of sipping wine by candlelight, you can find it in this Wisconsin hot spot.

Ride down scenic bike trails, spend a day at the beach, catch a show at the theater, shop downtown, have fun at a weekend festival–you’ll never get bored in Eau Claire.

Set your GPS for Eau Claire and enjoy.  -jeb

Seniors Explore Rhinebeck

Senior travelers find Rhinebeck, in the Hudson River Valley of New York State, a sophisticated four-corner town that takes pride in its Dutch History, scenic beauty, support for the Arts as well as accessibility to New York City, rural upstate New York, the Berkshires, and Connecticut. 

Rhinebeck offers senior visitors amazing restaurants, shopping and arts. Chelsea Clinton was married in this beautiful spot. I would want to visit this village simply because it is called “The Violet Capital of the World.”

The end of the 19th century saw a new industry center in Rhinebeck: the cultivation of violets. Roughly 20% of the village’s population during the Gay Nineties was in this business in some way, and the total crop was later estimated to have exceeded a million dollars in value some years. Several of the “violet houses” built during this era survive and are located in the district.

Seniors Discover Gourmet Town

Rhine beck, a beautiful historic area in northern Dutchess County, is located on the banks of the majestic Hudson River, 100 miles north of New York City. It is easily accessible by Amtrak.

This tourism destination boasts 437 National Historic Register sites, fabulous restaurants, charming boutiques and shops, and numerous B&B’s. The Rhinecliff Hotel is a favorite stay for senior visitors. It has only nine rooms, but a beautiful Victorian setting with views on the Hudson River.

Rhinebeck is a mecca for art & culture and a thriving locavore (a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food) movement. Rhinebeck has been touted as one of America’s best Gourmet towns. And from charming B&B’s to exquisite hotels, there is a range of classic places to spend the night.

Seniors Also Discover Village Of Rhinebeck

The Village of Rhinebeck was incorporated in 1834 and exists within the Town of Rhinebeck. The Village covers 1.6 square miles and is home to 2,657  residents. This historic little town reveals majestic views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River.

The Village boasts tree lined streets that beckon seniors to stroll through a host of unique specialty shops.

Seniors, for more information about Rhinebeck, please click here and set your GPS to enjoy all that this charming town  has to offer visitors. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Time In Rochester

Rochester, the Lilac City in the Granite State of New Hampshire, has a population of 30,000. The city includes the villages of East Rochester and Gonic that senior travelers will find on the southeastern seacoast region.Gonic was called Squanamagonic, meaning “the water of the clay place hill.”

The beautiful Cocheco River, that once provided power for the city’s early factories and mills, flows through the town enhancing its scenic setting. First settled in 1728, Rochester evolved into a town of industry, with the first large business of lumbering.

Rochester‘s attractions that senior visitors might find of interest include the Historical Society, the Rochester Fair, the Opera House and the Museum of Fine Arts. The Rochester Opera House was built within City Hall  in 1908.

 Seniors Enjoy Rochester’s Location

The Creteau Technology Center offers Career and Technical Education programs in business, graphic arts, drafting, electronics, machine trades, health occupations, child care, automotive repair, woodworking, power mechanics, and family consumer science.

The city is located “out in the country” as we would call it back home in Iowa. Nevertheless, Rochester Main Street  packs in senior visitors and the historic preservation is evident.

Rochester covers over 44 square miles of rolling hills and rivers. It is conveniently located only a short distance from New Hampshire’s famous Lakes Region, the White Mountains with its ski resorts and the seacoast with its superb beaches.

Seniors Find A Scenic Delight

Whether covered with its famous lilacs in the spring, flowers blooming in the summer, spectacular autumn foliage or fresh-fallen snow, the Rochester area is always a scenic delight. One of Rochester’s many attributes is its excellent air, highway, rail and water transportation connections.

Rochester is located approximately 1 hour north of Boston and 1 hour south of the White Mountains. Rochester is a friendly community and is proud of its heritage.

Rochester was named after Laurence Hyde, Earl of Rochester in England. Toss in your clubs and play a round or two at the Rochester Country Club. YP.com lists 421 restaurants and bars to choose from, so bring along a hearty appetite.

Seniors, set your GPS for Rochester, New Hampshire and enjoy.  -jeb

Seniors Visit Bratislava, Slovakia

Senior travelers start their visit to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. In southwest  Slovakia, Bratislava occupies both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the River Morava. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries.

Surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, Bratislava is crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube.

The population runs right at 450,000, so senior visitors will find plenty to see and do: history, architecture, tradition, culture, art, drinks, food and nightlife  just for starters.

 Seniors Check Out Bratislava Castle

It was thanks to its location that in the 16th Century, Bratislava became the capital and coronation town of the Hungarian Kingdom and the place where its crown jewels were kept.

The historic center of the city is characterized by many baroque palaces. The Grassalkovich Palace, built around 1760, is now the residence of the Slovak president.

One of the most prominent structures in the city is Bratislava Castle, situated on a plateau 85 meters (279 ft) above the Danube. TripAdvisor has 182 things to keep seniors well occupied in Bratislava.

Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic center of Slovakia. It is home to several universities, museums, theaters, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions. Many of Slovakia’s large businesses and financial institutions have headquarters in the city.

Most historical buildings are concentrated in the Old Town. Bratislava’s Town Hall is a complex of three buildings erected in the 14th–15th centuries and now hosts the Bratislava City Museum. Be sure to check it out.

 Seniors Enjoy Old Town

The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg Monarchy territories, from 1536 to 1783 and has been home to many Slovak, Hungarian and German historical figures. The first written reference to a settlement named “Brezalauspurc” dates to 907.

The cityscape of Bratislava is characterized by medieval towers and grandiose 20th-century buildings, but senior visitors will discover that it has undergone profound changes in a construction boom at the start of the 21st century.

Lonely Planet notes that “The charming – if tiny – old town (starý mesto) is the place to start appreciating Bratislava. Stroll narrow pedestrian streets of pastel-colored 18th-century buildings or sample the myriad sidewalk cafes under the watchful gaze of the city castle, which harks back to medieval times.”

Let Wikitravel take you there with lots of helpful information and have a great time enjoying this wonderful historic city. Hope to see you there. -jeb

Seniors Stop In Burlington

Senior travelers will find Burlington nestled in the heart of North Carolina in an area known as the Piedmont. The population runs just over 50,000. Burlington is located only a few hours drive from the picturesque Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the west and the scenic coastal beaches to the east.

Senior visitors can enjoy Burlington’s open spaces and several parks as well as these popular sites: Alamance County Historical Museum, Alamance Battleground State Historic Site, and Glencoe Mill Village. Perhaps do a little shopping at Edgewood Village Shopping Center or Holly Hill Mall, both popular with the locals.

Burlington, North Carolina can trace its beginnings to the 1850s when the North Carolina Railroad selected this area to be the site of its repair facilities. Soon after the railroad moved to the area, it became known as “Town of Company Shops” and was chartered under this name in 1866.

Then the railroad moved its repair facilities to Spencer, North Carolina. With the departure of the railroad, Company Shops residents felt the need for a more appropriate name and they selected Burlington and made it official in 1893 when the City was chartered and incorporated.

Senior Gourmands Enjoy Burlington

Facilities for higher education are provided at several colleges and universities including Elon College, Guilford Technical Community College, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

For you gourmet folks, Burlington is known to have the most restaurants per capita (322) in the state of North Carolina.

TripAdvisor suggests a visit to the Alamance County Historical Museum, a Museum of Victorian American Life, located at a National Register Historic Site where seniors can enjoy an American country home built by Michael Holt III in 1790.  The many original furnishings, provides a relaxed atmosphere enjoyed by hundreds of visitors each year.

 Seniors Visit A Winery

Having been a tour group leader in France for a dozen Elderhostel programs called Food and Wine of France, I would make it a point to visit the GlenMarie Winery.

I discovered that they use over 23 different types of grapes to make wines. Their Tasting Room costs $2.00 a person which includes a nice souvenir wine glass.

I had no idea that they had vineyards in North Carolina. Actually, the state has three major wine growing regions, the Mountain Region, the Piedmont Region, and the Sandhill-Coastal Region.

 Wine is fine, but how about blueberries? Enjoy eating blueberries, like me? Then plan a visit to Buttermilk Creek Farm on Gwyn Road, a family-owned, pick-your-own fruit farm growing blueberries, blackberries and peaches located just  north of Burlington.

 Burlington has something to offer senior visitors in all seasons.  -jeb

Seniors Drop By Rio Rancho

 Rio Rancho, senior travelers learn, is the largest city and economic hub of Sandoval County, New Mexico’s fastest growing county. The population runs right at 92,000. The Intel Corporation is by far the largest employer in Rio Rancho.

Rio Rancho is known as “A City of Vision.”

The area was included in the Alameda Grant which was established by the Spanish in 1710. By the early 20th century a vast amount of the land was purchased by land investment firms.

Between 1970 and 1980 the population of Rio Rancho experienced substantial growth. Since the 1990s, Rio Rancho has taken steps to become more independent from neighboring Albuquerque, including the establishment of separate school and library systems.

Senior Hikers Find Great Trails And Parks

The city’s latest project is the Downtown City Centre development that includes a new city hall building, a new UNM West and CNM campus as well as the Santa Ana Star Center.

TripAdvisor wants senior visitors to know about the N&R Vintage Auto Museum that is highly popular with those of us who enjoy older automobiles.

Senior hikers and bikers can enjoy the parks, trails, bicycle paths and open space located in the city. Golf enthusiasts enjoy playing golf all year long at the numerous courses. The scenic Jemez Mountains includes water falls, warm springs and attractive meadows.

Seniors Ride Aerial Tramway

The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument offers trails running through canyons, and features huge cone-shaped formations made from pumice. The top of the Tent Rocks Trail offers spectacular views. You will find scenery in all directions in and around Rio Rancho.

The nearby Sandia Peak Tramway is one of the longest aerial tramways in the world. The top of Sandia Peak provides wonderful views. Senior astronomy enthusiasts enjoy the views from the nearby desert hills. Hot air balloon rides are available. There are numerous locations for mountain biking. The paved trail situated along the Rio Grand River is popular.

Fishing opportunities are available at the nearby lakes and streams. The scenic Luz Trail traverses through a desert landscape, a forest area, alpine meadows and impressive boulder fields.

The nearby Sandia Ski Area is a popular destination. The scenic “Bosque,” located near the Rio Grande features ancient cottonwood trees and opportunities to see wildlife, including bald eagles, coyotes and beavers. Better bring along a good pair of binoculars.

Set your GPS for Rio Rancho and enjoy the many amenities the city has to offer. Senior visitors will be surprised at the wonderful restaurants and historic buildings. -jeb