Seniors Discover Mt. Prospect Near Chicago

Mt. Prospect is a village that senior travelers will find about 22 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. The village population runs right at 55,000.

The present day Mt. Prospect was first settled by Yankee farmers after 1833. The Illinois and Wisconsin Railroad ran through the village around 1854. The real estate agent, Ezra Carpenter Eggleston, established a four block residential subdivision in 1871.

The area was named Mount Prospect by Eggleston. Mt.  Prospect was incorporated in May 1917 as a village. A local store owner named William Busse became the first village president.

 Senior Visitors Join The Downtown Block Party

Mt. Prospect has a number of distinct and award winning school districts. The Downtown Block Party is always a major draw for the locals as well as senior visitors.  

Toss in the clubs and play a round or two at the Old Orchard Golf course. It is one beautiful course to play in the fall with all its colorful trees. Many beautiful homes dot the area.

I enjoy what Facebook has to say about the cities we visit. Bar 145 rates high with Facebook as it also does with TripAdvisor. Seniors, if you would like a good stroll or hike, check out River Trails Park District.

Seniors Visit Victorian Farmhouse

The Dietrich Friedrichs house, now a historic museum, was built in 1906. It is Victorian farmhouse furnished to reflect the year 1917, as that was the year of the village’s incorporation. Bessie Friedrich Barnes, a long-time resident of Mt.  Prospect grew up in the house. Ms. Barnes’ recollections and personal artifacts were crucial to the creation of this exhibit.

I know my wife and I would make it a point to visit the house as we enjoy old historic sites. The Friedrichs were immigrants from Germany, a very common ancestry among Mt.Prospect’s first settlers.

Senior visitors can check out the several parks in Mt. Prospect. Perhaps spend leisure time at Mt. Prospect’s public library exploring the history and culture of the village.

You will discover ten botanical parks surrounding Mt. Prospect and each is loaded with historical and beautiful gardens.

The local Chamber of Commerce is highly active and provides a community profile and information on the village. Check out their Calendar of Events. They have a great listing  (Dining Tab) of local restaurants for you gourmet folks with a demanding palate.

Stop in  Mt. Prospect when you are in the windy city and enjoy this pleasant village. -jeb

Seniors Like The Space Coast

Nearby…yes senior travelers, not the one in Australia, but right along the Florida Atlantic coastline known as the Space Coast about 70 miles southeast of Orlando and 90 miles south of Daytona Beach.

Melbourne, “The Harbor City”, has a population of 77,000. The city, formerly called “Crane Creek”, was named Melbourne in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia.

After the Civil War, pioneer families arrived, and Melbourne was founded in 1867 by former slaves. The first settlers arrived after 1877. Melbourne existed as a small village until its incorporation in 1888.  Some say that the city derived its name based on a drawing of straws, where each straw represented a possible name and the name “Melbourne” was chosen by this means.

Seniors Find High Tech Companies

The development of the Melbourne community paralleled the development of a similar community located a little to the north (Eau Gallie). In 1969, the two cities were consolidated into what is now present-day Melbourne, although the “Eau Gallie” district of Melbourne retains its own character and distinction.

As one of the largest population centers on the Space Coast, the Melbourne area is home to many high-tech companies such as General Electric, Northrop Grumman, Intersil, Rockwell Collins, Harris Corporation, and Liberty Aerospace.

The Melbourne area offers senior visitors 33 miles of unspoiled beaches, fishing, golf, snorkeling and a host of other outdoor activities. Fishing is abundant, both the freshwater variety offered by area lakes and the saltwater species found in the waters of the Atlantic.

Senior golfers, toss in the clubs and take advantage of the city’s 12 courses and tennis enthusiasts have their choice of 8 tennis courts.

Performing Arts, Museums And Galleries

Lovers of the performing arts can enjoy the Brevard Symphony Orchestra as well as Broadway shows and celebrity performances at the Henegar Center of the Performing Arts and the Maxwell King Center.

The area has a variety of galleries showcasing the works of local artists as well as museums such as the Museum of Art and Science. Forever Florida, a nature preserve and cattle ranch offers tours and close-proximity animal viewing. Annual events in Melbourne include February’s Grant Seafood Festival and April’s Melbourne Art Festival.

There are three sites on the National Register of Historic Places: Florida Power and Light Company Ice Plant (1927), William H. Gleason House and the James Wadsworth Rossetter House (c.1860s).

Spend a little time with TripAdvisor and you will note 67 attractions seniors will not want to miss. In Melbourne you can bask in the Florida sunshine…and for you gourmands, enjoy wonderful  seafood from the Atlantic. -jeb

Seniors Settle Into Colorful Glasgow

Senior friends, get you coffee and let’s head for Scotland, more specifically Glasgow.  The largest city in Scotland, derives its name from Brythonic Glas Cau, “Green Hollow or Green Glen”. There are over 20 towns named Glasgow in the US. Glasgow is twinned with several cities, including Jerusalem, Marseilles and Havana.

Glasgow was properly established in the 6th century by Saint Mungo, a Christian missionary who built a church on the site where the present Glasgow Cathedral stands today.

Situated on the River Clyde in the country’s West Central Lowlands, inhabitants of the city are often referred to as Glaswegians or Weegies. The present site of Glasgow has been settled since prehistoric times. There is much history associated with Scotland.

Seniors Like Glasgow’s Vitality

Glasgow grew from a small rural settlement on the River Clyde to become the largest seaport in Britain. From the 18th century the city also grew as one of Great Britain’s main hubs of transatlantic trade with North America and the West Indies.

 TripAdvisor paid a visit to Glasgow and lists over 250 things for seniors to see and do. Lonely Planet chimes in with their take on Glasgow noting that the city blends sophistication with earthiness.

Glasgow has evolved over the last 20 years to become one of Britain’s most intriguing metropolises. The soberly handsome Victorian buildings, legacies of wealth generated from manufacturing and trade, suggest a staid sort of place. Very wrong.

“They are packed with stylish bars, top-notch restaurants and one of Britain’s best live-music scenes. The place’s sheer vitality is gloriously infectious: the combination of edgy urbanity and the residents’ legendary friendliness is captivating as you will soon discover.”

 Senior Find Glasgow’s Historic Buildings

Those well acquainted with Glasgow suggest that senior visitors begin your visit with the city’s iconic historic buildings and visit some of  the city’s wide array of museums and galleries.  

Senior visitors will find everything from Dinosaurs to Dali, the historic City Chambers to the magnificent Glasgow Cathedral. Charles Rennie Mackintosh lovers will find The Willow Tea Rooms, The Lighthouse, House for an Art Lover, and the Glasgow School of Art to be must-visits and the works of this eminent architect are sprinkled all over the city.

The main part of Glasgow is divided into the City Centre, known as “town” or “the toon” to the locals, and contains the majority of tourist sights and a good portion of the city’s shopping and entertainment.

The West End is the bohemian area full of cafés, restaurants and bars surrounding the University of Glasgow and famous Kelvingrove Museum.

Taks a look at the“Official City Website” and you will learn how and why Glasgow is voted one of the friendliest cities in the world.  Yes, Scotland’s biggest city is a stylish mix of arts, culture and unique Celtic charm. Enjoy your stay.-jeb

Seniors Enjoy Scenic Wolcott

This senior was searching for some organic garden seeds for my wife’s garden and came across Wolcott, Vermont. A town in Lamoille county, Vermont, Wolcott is one of the fastest growing in the state. The population runs around 1,700 inhabitants.

Wolcott, Vermont is 52 miles from Burlington and 26 miles from Montpelier, the state capital. The town was named for General Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. General Oliver Wolcott, was held in only slightly less esteem than George Washington by Vermonters.

Son of one of Connecticut’s most outstanding colonial officials, he graduated from Yale and became a noted juror in Litchfield. He was a member of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

During the Revolutionary War he rose to the rank of Major General, after which he served as Lieutenant Governor, then Governor of Connecticut. The Allens, the Chittendens and many other early Vermont leaders were from the Litchfield area, and they all knew and respected General Wolcott.

 Seniors Stop At Fisher Covered Bridge

The retail buildings for Buck’s Furniture, Vermont’s largest furniture store, dominate downtown Wolcott. When they closed in 2014, Vermont lost a long-standing business, and the village of Wolcott lost a major employer and property owner.

The local Chamber of Commerce notes that Wolcott is tucked between the mountains and the Lamoille river valley. The river is an attraction for fishermen and photographers, as well as boaters. Fisher Bridge, over the river, is a covered railroad bridge, dating back to 1909. The Bridge is a major photo scene in Walcott.

Fisher Covered Bridge is the easternmost access point for the Lamoille River Paddlers Trail in Wolcott. Senior visitors can also access the Paddlers Trail a bit downstream at the Elmore Road Bridge to avoid a portage around the Wolcott Dam.

Seniors Dine At Sandiwood Farm

Senior visitors are invited to dine at Sandiwood Farm, a unique one of a kind event greenhouse with produce growing in the parameter. Join others who want to enjoy a freshly harvested meal on the farm. Using the farms produce and other locally grown farm ingredients, chef Sandi and her team, (or a guest chef) will prepare a truly locavore farm-to-plate experience that promises to be an exceptionally unique event.

Wolcott has three major bodies of water in the town, the most significant of which is the 68 acre Wolcott Pond, followed by the 21 acre man-made Wapanaki Lake. The Lamoille River flows across the southern part of Wolcott for about 8 miles.

 Seniors, set your GPS for Wolcott and head north to Vermont. There’s lots to enjoy in Wolcott. -jeb

Seniors Flock To Byron

The City of Byron, named for the poet Lord Byron, was incorporated in 1874 and covers around six square miles. On Main Street in Historic Downtown Byron senior visitors enjoy viewing antebellum homes, a renovated 1870 Depot Museum and Caboose, the recently-renovated jail and Jailhouse Park.

At the old Byron Depot, in the middle of town, you will find a historic railroad depot and caboose,  both beautifully restored to reflect times in Byron over a century ago.   Reputedly, more area-grown peaches were shipped through this Depot on a daily basis in the 1920s and 1930s than anywhere in the world. That’s a lot of peaches folks.

On this site is a museum featuring the history of Byron via photos, varied artifacts, and other notable memorabilia. Cross the railroad tracks and visit the Drugstore Deli located in a 1920 drugstore.

Senior visitors can enjoy lunch at one of the unique restaurants specializing in fine southern cuisine.  Interested in antiques? Byron certainly has them and at Big Peach Antiques you will find more than 200 dealers in one area. Byron is also home to Mid State RV, the largest Coachman dealership in the world.

 Seniors Find The Middle Georgia Raceway

Byron, population around 4,600, offers small town charm, beautiful new subdivisions, a thriving industrial park, great schools and so much more while still being just minutes from Macon, Warner Robins and Robins Air Force Base.

Byron is home to the Middle Georgia Raceway, an auto racetrack that hosted NASCAR races and the filming of TV commercials and a feature movie. From July 3–5, 1970, in a field next to the raceway, the huge Atlanta International Pop Festival was held.

This was the largest gathering in Georgia history until the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. On September 15, 2012, an official Georgia Historical Society marker was placed near the raceway to commemorate the festival.

 Seniors Discover Peach County

Senior visitors discover that“LIfe’s A Peach In Byron, Georgia.” Founded in 1924, Peach County was the last county formed in Georgia.  In the early 1900s, Peach County was the peach capital of the world and today it is ranked #7 of all the counties in the nation for the production of peaches and #5 for the production of pecans.

Byron, Georgia is home of the Battle of Byron, an annual community fundraising event staged in the historic district of the city since 1979. The event has become one of Peach County’s most successful gatherings.

Spend some time shopping as Byron has a vibrant array of businesses: the Blue Bird Corporation, the world’s largest producer of school buses. In addition, the town has a Recreational Vehicle retail presence with dealers such as Campers Inn and Camping World.

Seniors, enjoy some time in Byron where tourism and shopping are featured. And don’t pass up some excellent cuisine. Enjoy your stop. -jeb

Seniors Drawn To California’s Seaside Town

Half Moon Bay is both the name of a bay and a seaside town with a population around 12,000. Senior travelers will find Half Moon Bay on the Pacific Coast with forested hills on its inland side and some of the most beautiful coastlines that California has to offer on it’s ocean side.

Half Moon Bay is approximately 28 miles south of San Francisco. Local industries include fishing and tourism plus an agriculture industry that produces houseplants, floriculture, Christmas trees, pumpkins and artichokes.

Historically, Half Moon Bay had been known as San Benito and Spanishtown. Half Moon Bay’s beginnings as an agricultural community started developing significantly in the 1840s.

Seniors Watch Surf Contests

Half Moon Bay began as a rural agriculture area, primarily used for grazing cattle, horses, and oxen used by Mission San Francisco de Asis (established in June 1776).  The present name of Half Moon Bay was adopted by the area in 1874.

Half Moon Bay is surrounded with scenic views all along the coastline. Some of the popular activities in Half Moon Bay: fishing, horse riding, golf and kite surfing. Senior visitors can take in a whale watching cruise departing from the Pillar Point Harbor.

Half Moon Bay is famous for the Mavericks surf contest, where surfers have been known to surf against waves that have been as high as fifty feet. The organizers invite 24 big wave surfers annually to compete in the one-day event, but it is only held if wave conditions are favorable during the competition season. It’s one fun event that attracts visitors from all over the country…if not the world.

Seniors Like The Arts And The Pumpkins

An Art and Pumpkin Festival is held in this coastal community for one weekend during pumpkin harvest season. It is one of the oldest and largest local festivals in California.

With its historic downtown, shops, art galleries, restaurants, accommodations, beaches, parks, golf courses, nurseries, and farms, seniors will certainly find something that “trips your trigger.”

TripAdvisor will keep you busy with nearly 50 things to see and do in and around the city. The locals enjoy a lifestyle that some think no longer exists in California.

The Pillar Point Harbor at the northern edge of Half Moon Bay offers a protected landing for boats. A wide variety of fish species have been identified in the harbor area which means some great seafood for the demanding palate.

 This brief video takes the viewer through some of the many awesome things senior visitors can enjoy in this  picturesque coastal village —  Experience an unforgettable California Coast getaway, and take advantage of the sunny climate and rich history of Half Moon Bay. -jeb

Seniors Check Out The Festival City

Cedar City, The Festival City, is 250 miles south of Salt Lake City, and 180 miles north of Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Senior travelers will find Cedar City, with a population of just over 29,000, located at the mouth of Coal Creek, with 10,000-foot mountains to the east and a vast desert area to the west.

Cedar City is home of Southern Utah University, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Summer Games, the Neil Simon Theatre Festival, and other events. Seniors, take your pick from two dozens free things to see and do in Cedar City.

Cedar City is in the southeast Great Basin, and is about 20 miles north of the northeastern edge of the Mojave Desert. Its elevation gives it a cooler and less arid climate vis-à-vis nearby Dixie, but it retains its cultural ties to St. George—the two cities, for example, share a daily newspaper.

 Seniors Find An Old Iron Works Town

Cedar City was originally inhabited by the Paiute Indians and was founded in 1851 by Mormon pioneers. Henry Lunt and his men were sent to the area to build an iron works fort known as “Fort Cedar.”

A settlement began with the arrival of a group of 35 men from Parowan, 20 miles northward, to establish an iron works. They were organized and traveled in two militia companies–a foot company and a cavalry company–under the direction of Henry Lunt.

Small cottonwood log houses were built fort-style at the western base of the hill. In 1826, mountain man and fur trader Jedediah Smith traveled through the area exploring a route from Utah to California. The iron works closed in 1858, though iron mining continued in the area until the 1980s.

Seniors Enter Gateway to National Parks

The completion of a railroad connection to Cedar City in 1923 established the area as a tourism gateway to nearby Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park.

In addition to Cedar Breaks National Monument, Cedar City continues to be a center of tourism, commercial development, education and the arts in southwest Utah. Fun events are on-going throughout the year. Seniors may see paragliders near Cedar City, a great spot for updrafts in the Utah Mountains.

TripAdvisor notes that Cedar City is home to the Iron Mission State Park. Senior history buffs enjoy Southern Utah University Museums and Galleries. The Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Dixie National Forest are a few minutes drive away. Two popular  celebrations include the Groovefest American Music Festival and SkyFest.

Senior visitors, take a stroll through the Historic Downtown District and visit the Old Post Office, The Rock Church and the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. Enjoy your visit to this historic and scenic city. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Edinburgh

 Senior traveling friends, let’s go to Scotland this morning and stop at Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. The 2014 official population estimates are 464,990. Senior visitors find  in Edinburgh, a city that’s not too large, one in which they can get around on foot.

“Edin”, the root of the city’s name, is most likely of Brittonic Celtic origin, from the Cumbric language or a variation of it that would have been spoken by the earliest known people of the area.

It appears to derive from the place name Eidyn mentioned in the Old Welsh epic poem Y Gododdin. The poem names Din Eidyn as a hill fort in the territory of the Gododdin.

Recognized as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is home to the Scottish Parliament and the seat of the monarchy in Scotland. The city is home to the National Museum of Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish National Gallery.

Seniors Visit Edinburg Castle

Situated at the top of the Royal Mile on top of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is the number one visitor attraction in Scotland and the most iconic building in the city.

The only 5 Star walking tour company in Scotland, Mercat Tours thrill and entertain senior visitors with tales of ghastly ghouls, hauntings and mysteries of Edinburgh of ancient days.

 TripAdvisor has paid a visit to Edinburgh and lists nearly 400 things for seniors to see and do. A couple of “Must See” sites include Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur’s Seat.

The city has long been a center of education, particularly in the fields of medicine, Scots law, literature, the sciences and engineering. The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1582 is now one of four in the city.

The city is also famous for the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe, the world’s largest annual international arts festival.

Edinburg, A Highly Popular Destination

The city’s historical and cultural attractions have made it the United Kingdom’s second most popular tourist destination after London, attracting over one million visitors each year.

Major historic sites include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the churches of St. Giles, Greyfriars and the Canongate, and the extensive Georgian New Town, built in the 18th century. Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town together are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will find Edinburgh to be a bustling and vibrant city, steeped in history and host to a variety of colorful festivals throughout the year. There is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh and senior visitors will find hidden gems around every corner.

Plan an afternoon tea and plan to settle down with a brew at one of Edinburgh’s great cafes and coffee shops. Perhaps I will run into you as my family and I are making plans as I speak. Enjoy Edinburgh. -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Franklinville

Senior travelers will find Franklinville, New York about 50 miles south of Buffalo in the foothills of the Allagheny Mountains. I met a fellow recently from Franklinville.

I had never heard of this town, so I told him that I was going to research his town and perhaps write a travel blog. He said that it was quite small, 3000 population, (I love small towns), and that there was not much happening. I discovered otherwise.  It is a neat community.

The town was first settled around 1806 by Joseph McClure and known then as McClure Settlement. The Town of Franklinville was later established in 1824. The central core of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Park Square Historic District. Significant buildings range in date from 1828 to 1924.

Also listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the Simeon B. Robbins House. The House, or The Miner’s Cabin, is a three story, Queen Anne style wood frame dwelling built in 1895. The House features three towers and is currently used as a museum and meeting space by the Ischua Valley Historical Society.

Seniors Enjoy A Maple Festival

The original St. Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church was constructed in 1875. Later St. Philomena’s congregation built a new church in 1964 on Plymouth Avenue and today the parish hall is still in use on Mill St. where the parish holds many events, functions, and parties.

The Ted Broeck Academy and Franklinville Central School are also an important part of Franklinville.

Seniors can enjoy a Maple Festival, held annually during the last weekend of April each year. The Western New York Maple Festival has occurred every year since its inception by the Franklinville JayCees in 1962. The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the village, showcasing local area maple producers and their delicious maple syrup and maple products.

 Seniors Also Enjoy Creekside Roundup

Creekside Roundup is another fun time that senior visitors can enjoy. This horse friendly community takes part in several events that includes horse pulling, a sport with a team of super strong equine athletes. They are bred for their strength and ability to pull heavy loads short distances.

A weekend of equestrian activities includes an all-equestrian parade, horse breed demonstrations, training demonstrations, trail rides, beef BBQ, tack sale, horse artwork sale, and a “Horse Ball” country/western dance. Sound like fun? It is. Plan to swing by the end of September or early October.

 Seniors, set your GPS for Franklinville, New York and enjoy not only the town but the surrounding scenic views in the beautiful Ischua Valley. -jeb

Seniors Visit The Canyon City

Senior travelers will find Azusa, The Canyon City, in the San Gabriel Valley, 20 miles outside of Los Angeles. The huge letter A on the side of the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen within a 30-mile radius. The population runs around 58,000. Azusa is located along historic Route 66.

Historical museums in Azusa detail the population growth of California and its rich Spanish and Native American ties. Nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains, the community of Azusa exemplifies the neighborly atmosphere and historic character that has been lost in so many Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Hiking up to the “A” has become a favorite local activity for a nice workout and panoramic views of the city, and additional hiking from this point brings senior hikers to the expansive canyon and San Gabriel River on other side.

Seniors Look For The Bridge To Nowhere

Though it was originally inhabited by the Tongva people, Mexican settlers arrived in the area in 1841 and set up the Rancho el Susa. When wealthy English immigrant Henry Dalton purchased the land in 1844, he built a winery, vinegar house and distillery. Dalton handed the land over to a banker named Jonathon Slauson in 1880. After planning the city, Slauson founded Azusa in 1887.

 TripAdvisor wants senior visitors to be aware of the Bridge to Nowhere, an arch bridge that was built in 1936 north of Azusa in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Nearby is the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which encompasses parts of the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest. It contains the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, the San Gabriel Wilderness, and Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness.

 “Azusa stands for everything from A to Z in the U.S.A.”

Azusa Pacific University, one of the top Christian Colleges in the nation, was named one of the best colleges for 2008 by the US News & World Report.  Besides a nationally recognized university, Azusa also has several Christian Grade Schools and High Schools. Azusa also has a private Buddhist institution called Dhammakaya Open University.

Fish Canyon Falls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that drops over eighty feet in a canyon in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains near Azusa.

“Azusa stands for everything from A to Z in the U.S.A.” In the 19th century, the name, Azusa, was used to refer to the San Gabriel Valley and the San Gabriel River. It appears to have been derived from the Tongva place name Asuksagna as the area was part of the Tongva peoples (Gabrieleño Indians) homeland.

Seniors, when you travel to California, take in Azusa and enjoy. -jeb