Seniors Enjoy Another ‘Springs’

There seem to be cities named “Springs” all over the US and Saratoga Springs ranks among the finest. Travel & Leisure listed Saratoga Springs as one of the best Mainstreets in America. It is an affluent city in Saratoga County, New York, that is widely known as simply Saratoga.

Senior visitors will find mineral springs that have contributed to Saratoga as a highly sought after resort area for nearly 200 years. Saratoga is one of a handful of American cities that had a period of wild popularity.

Not as lavish as Newport, RI or as sedate as Lenox, Ma., Saratoga had a vibe all its own thanks to its famous mineral springs and the colorful Canfield Casino that won Saratoga the designation of Monte Carlo of America.

Visit the History Museum, located in the former Canfield Casino, a National Landmark and keeper of 15,000 artifacts connected with the history of Saratoga. These images of the city of S aratoga are lots of fun to look into, providing a nice overview of Saratoga.

History And Racing Draw Seniors

Saratoga has history that goes back as early at 1691 when the English built Fort Saratoga. Over the last 100 years, Saratoga has managed to master  the art of blending the “Old World” with the “Present Day World.”

Inspired by historic Saratoga Springs , a late-1800s’ New York retreat famous for its spas and horse racing, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Hotel and Spa is a Victorian-style Resort hotel nestled between rolling golf course greens and a shimmering Village Lake. It is a favorite for many senior visitors.

Saratoga Race Course is one of the most famous horse racing venues in the world and one of three tracks, along with Belmont Park and Aqueduct, which the New York Racing Association operates. Saratoga Race Track is known by the nickname “ The Graveyard of Favorites ” for its rich history of playing host to some of the racing world’s most spectacular upsets.

Saratoga In Capital Region Of Upstate

Saratoga is loaded with glorious Victorian homes. Consider staying at the Batchelle Mansion Inn, a restored Victorian home in Saratoga Springs and only a 5-minute drive from both the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Saratoga Race Course.

Saratoga Arms is an award-winning Second Empire brick hotel, situated in the heart of downtown Saratoga and would make for a very memorable stay.  Note that Saratoga hosts some of the best attended art venues in the Capital Region of upstate New York. Saratoga Spa State Park has over 2,000 acres and is highly popular with senior visitors.

I learned in this Guide that Skidmore College is located in Saratoga. I knew of the school, but did not know where it was. This guide takes senior travelers through the city step by step with many great links. Enjoy your time in the Springs. jeb

Seniors Find Chester Their Cup of Tea

Chester , England. This senior fell in love with the city when I saw a few pictures of the old historic quarter in town. Let’s find out more about Chester, located in the north west of England in the county of Cheshire.

The city goes way back, founded as a Roman fort with the name Deva Victrix in the year 79. The River Dee which flows through the center of Chester was the reason the Romans came to build their fort there.

Close to the border with Wales, Chester is the largest and most populous settlement (340,000) of the area. Senior visitors will discover lots to see and do starting with the famous JF Polo Academy, the Outpost Paintball and the famed Walls of Chester.

Horse racing has been part of Chester for over 500 years and has the oldest course in all of England. And what an awesome find this link was with its 360 degree Gallery of Photos of Chester.

Seniors Enjoy One Of The Prettiest Historic Cities

Chester is said to be one of the prettiest historic cities in England, and what I have discovered writing this blog attests to that statement. Perhaps the most distinctive medieval feature of Chester is The Rows that are double-level walkways with a continuous line of balconies and with shops at street and first-floor levels. The Rows are unique and are said to have been in existence in the 14th century.

The existing Roman Amphitheater is the largest stone-built amphitheater in Britain. Chester is called a classical/contemporary city as it is both. The official city website can fill you in on everything worth a visit. The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is said to have the finest Shakespeare open-air productions outside of London.

City Rich With Architectural Treasures

Today Chester is arguably the richest city in Britain for archaeological and architectural treasures preserved from the time of the Roman occupation. Originally the fortress site of the 20th legion, the town known then (c. AD70) as Deva, soon became a major trading port.

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

Senior visitors will want to take in the UK’s #1 zoo, with 11,000 animals . Following that visit, enter the beautiful old Chester Cathedral then St. John the Baptist’s Church. The Cathedral began its life as a Norman Benedictine abbey, becoming a cathedral when Henry VIII abolished the monasteries in the 1540s.

The Dewa Roman Experience recreates Roman life. As for me, I’d love the fact that I could wander recreated streets and see actual archaeological sites currently undergoing excavation. I think that you will really enjoy spending some quality time in Chester. jeb

Seniors Visit Historic Trenton

Trenton (pop. 85,000) is the capital city of the State of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. Being on the east coast, New Jersey has a long and distinguished history that dates back far before the American Revolution in which the state played a pivotal role. Trenton became the state capital in 1790.

Also known as the Garden State, New Jersey has been a center for high-tech industry and invention throughout its existence. Originally settled by Native Americans, New Jersey has welcomed waves of immigrants, from the Dutch and English in the 1600s to Asians and Latin Americans today. Trenton played a huge role in inviting early settlers to the state and has lots of attractions that draw in senior visitors from all across the county.

The first settlement which would become Trenton was established by Quakers in 1679, in the region then called the Falls of the Delaware. By 1719, the town adopted the name “ Trent-towne “, after William Trent, one of its leading landholders.

Trent-towne later was shortened to “Trenton.” Also notable is William Trent’s historic home, the city’s oldest dwelling . Open for touring, the house is a national historic landmar k.

NJ’s Most Historic Public Building Invites Seniors

Old Barracks Museum rates up near the top for visitors. In 1758, the Old Barracks was constructed to house British troops during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, the barracks was one of Washington’s military hospitals.

The building is home to an interpretive museum, galleries, gift shop, and meeting space. Waterfront Park and the Statehouse are also major attractions. The capitol since 1792, the State House is New Jersey’s most historic public building .

Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas Day 1776 in icy cold conditions, north-west of Trenton in what is now Washington Crossing State Park, a name that recalls the famous painting “Washington Crosses the Delaware”, an icon of American art.

With affordable sports and entertainment venues, historic sites, and epic  restaurants, Trenton offers a wide variety of choices for senior visitors. You will find Trenton to be a fascinating and interesting city. jeb

Seniors Stop in Hartford

Hartford, the state capital, is Connecticut’s second-largest city, 125,000, after the coastal city of Bridgeport. Nicknamed the “Insurance Capital of the World”, Hartford houses many insurance company headquarters, and insurance remains the region’s major industry.

Almost 400 years old, Hartford is among the oldest cities in the United States. The name “Hartford” was chosen to honor the British town of Hertford (pronounced “Hartford” ) in Herfordshire, home of Samuel Stone, one of the early settlers in the area.

From Connecticut River Trading Post to Insurance Capital

From its origins as a Connecticut River trading post in 1633, Hartford has become not only the state capital but also the insurance capital of the world. With a slew of historical attractions, Hartford has a thriving arts and entertainment center, a revitalized riverfront and beautiful parks and public gardens.

Hartford is home to historic and cultural attractions , many that senior travelers can visit absolutely free. The Mark Twain house is where he and his family lived in a 19-room mansion from 1874-1891. It is one of the “must sees” in town along with the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art , the first public art museum in the United States.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. features 50,000 pieces ranging from ancient to contemporary, the largest collection of Hudson River School paintings in the world. Hartford is where Twain lived and wrote his most well-known books, and where Harriet Beecher Stowe decided to settle after commotion from her book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin , died down a bit.

Seniors Visit One of Nation’s Oldest State Houses

For you flower lovers like me, Elizabeth Park is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is totally loaded with beautiful roses. The park is huge and encompasses 102 acres and boasts many garden areas, pathways, greenhouses, lawns, a picnic grove, a pond and recreation areas.

Wikitravel has key information for senior visitors. For you history buffs, the Old State House, at 800 Main St, presents a glimpse into the past, while offering an immersive new education center, a museum store and a new audio tour of the facility. It was designed by famed New England architect Charles Bulfinch. This 1796 National Historic Landmark is one of the nation’s oldest state houses and is one major reason to take in downtown Hartford.

Several stately and historical churches are situated in the downtown area. Additional sites seniors will not want to miss visiting include the Old State Capital, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, Bushnell Memorial Park and Traveler’s Tower observation deck where you can get super views of the entire city.

Connecticut is a gorgeous state and Hartford is a beautiful city. Seniors, enjoy historic Hartford. jeb

Seniors Delight In Salzburg

Salzburg , the fourth largest city in Austria is called the ”Stage of the World”… there are so many things happening and there is so much for seniors to see and do. Located near the German (Bavarian) border, Salzburg has a population of some 150,000 people.

Art lovers call Salzburg the Golden City of High Baroque; historians refer to it as the Florence of the North or the German Rome; and, of course, music lovers know it as the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-91).

An important city for the tourism industry, hundreds and thousands of visitors from all over the world visit the “Small Paradise” of Salzburg throughout the year. With its depth of history, this city is regarded as the oldest and most important cultural and spiritual center in present-day Austria.

That Name and Old Town

The name Salzburg literally means “Salt Fortress”, and derives its name from the barges carrying salt on the Salzach river, which were subject to a toll in the 8th century. Salzburg’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has internationally renowned baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps.

Traces of human settlements have been found in the area dating to the Neolithic Age. The first settlements at Salzburg were apparently begun by the Celts around the 5th century BC.

Old Town is the #1 attraction but there are 74 more for senior visitors to explore. Although The Sound of Music was shot at a handful of places throughout Salzburg, the movie’s gazebo scene, where Liesl and Rolf sang the duet, “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” was filmed at Hellbrunn Palace.

The world-renowned Salzburg Festival, since it was founded in 1920, annually attracts thousands of art and culture lovers from all over the world. Music especially but also major theatrical events form the basis for the world reputation of the Festival.

For Senior Hikers and Bikers

In the summer the most popular leisure pursuits by far are mountain hiking and cycling. Hiking and trekking tours range from technically straightforward excursions in the Pinzgau and Pongau areas of the Grasberg Mountains to high alpine mountaineering in the Hohe Tauern region.

Senior cycling enthusiasts will find everything from easy family routes to challenging tours over the Grossglockner. The Tauern cycle path is especially popular. Lonely Planet has done a lot to change its travel websites with portions of their website that read DO, SEE, TOUR, STAY.

Fodor’s is not far behind with a great Overview of Salzburg .  I discovered a travel guide written by locals very helpful for preparing the way into the city. The photo gallery and sites were especially well done. Viator will fix you up with  tours and the Top 10 Insider’s Picks. Enjoy your stay in Salzburg. jeb

Seniors Discover Antwerp

Antwerp is a city and municipality in Belgium and the capital of the Antwerp province of Flanders . Antwerp’s total population is 512,000, making it the largest municipality in both Flanders and Belgium. Often referred to as “Belgium’s Best Known Secret”, Antwerp is a major senior destination. Known for its magnificent harbor,   the second largest in Europe, the city owes its very existence and prosperity to the water.

The overwhelming friendliness of the people of Antwerp and their innate penchant for good food and good living, combined with their low stress lifestyle, makes it a desirable and relaxing place for a senior visit.

The city is known for many reason and diamonds are #1. It’s called the European Capital of Sport 2013 with thousands of residents running, cycling and swimming all year round.

This year, Antwerp will be raising the bar another few notches as it will be hosting world championships, European championships, Belgian championships and numerous huge sporting events.

Seniors Enjoy Trendy City

Due to its long and culturally rich history, the city of Antwerp houses many interesting historical buildings from different historical periods, as well as a lot of interesting museums. Recently it has become a trendy city, attracting Flemish and foreign artists, writers, intellectuals, and actors.

TripAdvisor will fix you up with a fashionable vacation and notes that Central Station is the #1 tourist attraction in the city. T he city is known for its diamonds, but senior visitors will also find fashion and the home of Flemish artists such as Rubens and van Dyck, whose many works can be admired in the local museums.

And senior visitors, one of the many titles that Antwerp proudly used in the 16th century was de “triomfelycke coopstad”, which roughly translates as “the city renowned for shopping”. Today the title is still accurate, so bring a heavy purse and some big shopping bags.

A visit to Antwerp should include the new museum MAS, the world famous Cathedral of Our Lady and Rubens’ House, the home of Antwerp’s most famous ambassador.

The city has a sophisticated charm and a metropolitan feel with a predominant seaside resort flair. A plethora of patios, the yacht marina and the river Scheldt make even the locals feel like they are on vacation.

You’ll get your chocolate fix in Belgium, famous for its chocolate, waffles and culture. Senior visitors will be enthralled with all the structures, artists, museums, food, and the diamond trade. I invite you to take in all of Belgium. jeb

Seniors Descend On Pensacola

Many seniors have chosen Florida for retirement. Some love the Atlantic Coast, others prefer the Gulf side.  Some love living near the “Glades” in the south, while others feel that the extreme humidity year round in the south makes living a little uncomfortable. The panhandle seems to better fit their needs. Senior citizens can enjoy the water, the sun and life in and around Pensacola . The city is small, yet large enough to provide lots of amenities.

Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle with a population of just over 50,000. In the entire metropolitan area residents number over 450,000. What I remember about the name Pensacola is that there is a large US Naval Air Station there plus it’s home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. You will want to take in the Historic Pensacola Village. The Village consists of twenty properties in the Pensacola National Register Historic District.

Seniors looking for some great Florida beaches but aren’t necessarily interested in a mega-resort or theme park atmosphere, Pensacola might just be the place for your perfect weekend. Home to Gulf Islands National Seashore, the city offers some of the best fishing and boating in the area.

TripAdvisor notes 50 star attractions not to be missed by any senior visitor and the Naval Aviation Museum ranks #1. Downtown Pensacola is overflowing with southern hospitality and super dining establishments.

Famous Pensacola Beach Draws Seniors

Pensacola Beach, world famous for its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald-green waters, has an old Florida feel with its local hang-outs, first-rate fishing and historic Fort Pickens. In fact, Pensacola Beach was recently selected as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. The Pensacola Beach Pier is one of the longest in the Gulf of Mexico at 1,471 feet.

Just down the street from Fort Barrancas is the famous Pensacola Lighthouse. This 160 ft, 1859 lighthouse is rumored to be haunted. So be on the lookout for ghosts of lighthouse keepers past as you climb the 177 steps and poke around the adjacent museum. Good exercise seniors.

In 2006, a 910 ft-long aircraft carrier was intentionally sunk off the coast of Pensacola to make the world’s largest artificial reef. Now dubbed ‘The Great Carrier Reef, ‘ the USS Oriskany sits in the sand 210 ft below the surface, with its flight deck at 137 ft.

The original inhabitants of the Pensacola Bay area were Native Americans. At the time of European contact, a Muskogean-speaking tribe known to the Spanish as the Pensacola lived in the region.  The area’s recorded history begins in the 16th century as is the case for much of Florida . Over the course of its history, Pensacola has been ruled by the British, the Spanish, the French, the Confederacy, and the United States; hence, its nickname of “The City of Five Flags.”

So seniors, when you travel to Florida, start out in the Panhandle and take in Pensacola. jeb

Seniors Visit Historic Richmond

Richmond, the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is an independent city and not part of any county. I find that interesting. It was was settled back in 1607 by an Englishman and named Richmond after the London suburb of Richmond-upon-Thames. Senior travelers will find Richmond in Southeastern Virginia, just over 100 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.

Richmond is rich with things for seniors to see and do that include gardens, museums, local historical tours, sporting events and the arts. Richmond has been called “a city of neighborhoods”, each one with a distinct look, flavor, and identity.  All are recognized by the locals or Richmonders as unique neighborhoods, almost as though the city were a collection of several small towns.

Senior river-rafters will find a section of the James River running through Richmond offering opportunities for shooting the rapids in mid-downtown. There are wonderful parks on both sides of the James River. The Greater Richmond area was named the third-best city for business by MarketWatch, ranking behind only the Minneapolis and Denver areas and just above Boston. And ladies, if you like to shop, Carytown’s a must.

Seniors Find Best Town Ever

Edgar Allan Poe lived for some time in Richmond and if you enjoyed his writings, take in the Poe Museum. The city has been named the “Best Town Ever” by Outside Magazine. Pocahontas lived here. Jefferson governed here. Poe worked here. And the Geico caveman (do you know that guy?) was born here. It’s a place where an artistic vibe is felt in everything from the music to the architecture to the more than, get this 900 restaurants, and senior visitors will find historic markers standing at practically every corner.

Richmond sits high on a hill, giving it a magnificent view of the James River surrounded by a multitude of architecturally significant areas, each with its own unique personality. Richmond is blessed with excellent universities: University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia.

In Capitol Square sits the imposing State Capitol, built in 1785-8 to the design of  Thomas Jefferson, who took as his model the Roman temple known as the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France. All over Richmond you will find evidence of 400 years of history.

About.com is always an excellent resource for any topic you care to look into. I like the historical and cultural information they offer about Richmond.

And you senior walkers or bikers, you’ll find Richmond to be a super walking and biking city with incredible museums, festivals, cafes and shopping. James River Park is 550 acres of wilderness set aside in the middle of Richmond, offering boundless opportunities for weekend strolls.

Seniors, I think that you will totally enjoy every moment of your visit to Richmond . My wife is ready for a drive to Virginia . jeb

Seniors Explore the “Cliffcity” of Ronda

In one of the many travel brochures I receive weekly I came across a travel destination for senior tourists, Ronda in southern Spain. I have been to Spain and loved the southern coast but did not come close to Ronda.

I discovered it to be one neat spot with lots to see and do and the location is awesome as the link above shows. Kinda reminded me of my trip to Corsica and Bonifacio, a medieval citadel,  that lies up high on the coast of the Mediterranean.  This is why Ronda is classified  as a “Cliffside City.

Ronda, located about 100 kilometers (62 mi) west of the city of Málaga in Andalusia has a population of approximately 35,000 inhabitants. Wikipedia will explain best of all the many aspects of Ronda including a fascinating history. The main attractions include the three bridges that span the canyon.

The Puente Nuevo is the tallest of the bridges, towering 120 meters (390 ft) above the canyon floor, and all three serve as some of the city’s most impressive features. The term “nuevo” is a bit of a misnomer… the building of this bridge commenced in 1751 and took until 1793 to complete. Because of the high cliffs, Ronda was one of the last Moorish cities to fall during the Reconquest of Spain by the Catholic monarchs.

Seniors Like Lovely and Historic

TripAdvisor recommends 20 sites seniors will not want to miss that include the Puente Nuevo Bridge and El Tajo, considered the #1 site in Ronda. The Guadalquivir River runs through the city, dividing it in two and carving out the steep, 100 plus meters deep El Tajo canyon upon which the city perches.

I know from those who spent time there like Hemingway and Orson Welles that it had something special going for it. Seniors travelers will find that Ronda (Suerte Natural) is a small town, easily navigable on foot. A “must” is a walk to the bottom of the gorge where you’ll get the best photo shots.

On a map of Spain I counted over six major roads that lead into Ronda. It’s said to be the fastest growing city in Spain and one of the loveliest and most historic towns in the country. It is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views and is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting.

I found a useful Ronda City Guide that has it all together for senior visitors. It is also close to Marbella and you will not want to miss this city, one my wife and I found it to be pleasant and inviting… a great place to have a cold drink and just to watch people and the many boats that pass nearby. Enjoy your time in in a cliffside city. jeb

Bologna Draws Seniors

Bologna is the largest city in the Po Valley of Northern Italy . It is the seventh most populated city in Italy and the heart of a metropolitan area of about one million happy Italians. Bologna is an important cultural and artistic center, attractive to senior citizens.

Bologna’s homogenous mixture of monuments and architectural examples (medieval towers, antique buildings, churches, the layout of its historical center) as well as works of art, are the result of a first class architectural and artistic history. Bologna, one of the most important cities in Italy, is an important transportation crossroad for the roads and trains of Northern Italy, where many important mechanical, electronic and nutritional industries have their headquarters.

Famed for the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna has a lively student population, exquisite food, typical brick terracotta-roofed architecture and porticos, theater and nightlife, so you senior noctumbules (that’s a “night owl”) will enjoy your late evenings in Bologna.

So Much For Seniors To See and Do

Lonely Planet invites senior travelers to check out their list of things to see and do: from famed pizzerias to basilicas, wine bars and theaters, you’ll discover these and more in town. Bologna is one of the wealthiest cities in Italy, often ranking as one of the top cities in terms of quality of life in the country: in 2011 it ranked 1st out of 107 Italian cities.

Historically, Bologna has been inhabited since the 9th century BC, as evidenced by the archeological digs in the 19th century in nearby Villanova. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and has one of the largest and best preserved historic centers. Boasting one of the country’s great medieval cityscapes – an eye-catching ensemble of red-brick palazzi, Renaissance towers and 40km of arcaded porticoes.

The center of Bologna is startlingly medieval in plan, a jumble of red brick, tiled roofs and balconies radiating out from the great central square of Piazza Maggiore. There are enough monuments and curiosities for several days’ leisured exploration, including plenty of small, quirky museums, some tremendously grand Gothic and Renaissance architecture and, most conspicuously, the Due Torri, the city’s own “leaning towers”.

And for you gourmets and gourmands, Bologna is self-described as ‘la dotta, la grassa e la rossa’ (the learned, the fat and the red). It’s called “The foodie capital of Italy.” The city claims to have laid the intellectual foundations of Italy (it founded Europe’s first university. Bologna is famous for its cuisine (la cucina Bolognese).

While crowds of tourists fill Venice, Florence and Rome, Bologna remains relatively quiet in comparison. This medieval university town is charming, historic and fun for senior visitors to explore… and you’ll find Bologna’s local cuisine is light-years away from the American deli meat bearing the city’s name.

A fine City Guide will fill you in on all the see, shop and eat possibilities of the city. The photos are captivating and the commentary interesting.

I think that you’ll love your visit to Bologna .  jeb