Hotspot For Seniors

Birmingham , England has become a hotspot for seniors to visit. For historians with a hunger to explore a city’s history, Birmingham’s heritage is magical. The city’s name comes from the Old English Beormingahām, meaning the home or settlement of the Beormingas. Just thought I’d toss that in for your explorative minds.

London is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the bright lights of Birmingham, in the Heart of England. Take some time to explore some of the most interesting and idyllic areas that England has to offer.

Whether you’re following your senior taste-buds, your fashion sense or your passion for history, there’s a part of the Birmingham region that’s perfect for you. Outside of London, Birmingham has the largest population with just over one million residents and is a major international commercial center.

Birmingham has been undergoing a radical change and many of the post war buildings have been replaced. The majority of the city center is now pedestrianized (there’s a Brit term), and the canals cleaned up to make for attractive walkways.

Senior History Buffs Drawn to Birmingham

With a traceable history going back over 10,000 years, there’s plenty to uncover. The industrial revolution created unheard-of wealth in the city, and the resulting Georgian and Victorian architecture mixes perfectly with modern masterpieces to create a vibrant, brilliant city.

With one of the most compelling and eclectic British arts scenes, Arts and Culture abound in Birmingham. On the one hand the area spawned Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, UB40 and Duran Duran. On the other, it’s perfect for those who like to stroke their chins in academic appreciation of the arts.

Birmingham (the h is silent, and, in the local dialect, the g is hard, as in Birming-gum) was at the heart of the UK’s industrial revolution, and its wealth was built upon the multitude of trades that were spawned. This led to a massive canal network, with more miles of canals than Venice or Amsterdam (though they’re very different types of canals).

The city is full of attractions that will fill the inquisitive minds of most seniors. Locals are called “Brummies” that comes from the city’s nickname of ‘Brum.’ Don’t miss the #1 attraction, Symphony Hall, that is Birmingham’s world-famous acoustically refined 2262 capacity concert hall presenting a diverse program of jazz, world, folk, rock, pop and classical.

Senior visitors will note the rejuvinated town center, helped in no small part by the revitalized Bullring center, and the iconic Selfridges building. So get out a good map, find a good travel agent and make plans to visit Birmingham. You will find it to be an exciting and fun place. jeb

Seniors Enthralled With Salzburg

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

Salzburg is called the ”Stage of the World”, there are so many things happening and there is so much for senior visitors to see and do. The city is located near the German (Bavarian) border with a population of some 150,000 making it the fourth-largest city in Austria after Vienna, Graz and Linz.

Salzburg is one of the smaller Austrian lands but it is one of the most important for the tourism industry. Hundreds and thousands of visitors from all over the world visit the “Small Paradise” of Salzburg throughout the year. There’s history in this city; Salzburg can be regarded as the oldest and most important cultural and spiritual center in present-day Austria.

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.

For Senior Cyclers and Hikers

Old Town is still the #1 attraction but there are 69 more for senior visitors to explore. ‘The Sound of Music’ was shot at a handful of places throughout Salzburg. 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.

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.

Cycling enthusiasts will find everything from easy family routes that seniors cyclers can enjoy 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, etc. Fodor’s is not far behind with a great Overview of Salzburg. Viator will fix you up with lot of tours and the Top 10 Insider’s Picks.

Enjoy your stay in Salzburg. jeb

Seniors Tourists Line Up For Madera

Madera is the county seat of Madera County , California. Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Madera’s population runs just over 62,000 happy folks. The city has a rich agricultural tradition which coexists with a growing industrial base. Agritourism is big and many of the fruits, nuts and other items senior citizens enjoy on the dinner table each day are grown in Madera County.

From loggers jamborees to festive holiday parades with tractors decked out in Christmas lights, there’s always something going on in Madera County. Madera serves as the hub for visitors traveling to Yosemite National Park or the Sierra National Forest. Boasting a vibrant Latino community, Madera is home to many factory farms and almond groves and maintains a rich history.

Madera is the Spanish word for lumber or simply wood. The town was laid out by the California Lumber Company in 1876.  Landmarks include the notable and historic Madera water tower and the city’s fully operational drive-in movie theater which is also a relic. Remember those?

Senior’s Drive Through California’s Original Wine Country

The entire county is known as wine country and for oenophiles, The Wine Trail is famous. Events are ongoing all along the wine trail all year long. The #1 attraction in town is the Quady Winery. Madera County is part of California’s original wine country.

Scenic beauty abounds throughout Madera County . The rich soil of the valley grows beautiful vineyards and verdant fields that make for spectacular views that seem to go on forever. Streams and rivers cut through the land, providing life sustaining water for trees and wildlife like bobcats, foxes and other wildlife.

The fertile soils of the valley feed the country, and beyond. You can experience life on a working farm, see how pomegranates can be incorporated into just about any product or learn the difference between growing the grapes that make a good snack, or the fruit that goes into a fine bottle of wine.

Madera looks like a fun time to me.  Enjoy your visit and sample some of those fine wines and maybe a quality pomegranate or two as well. jeb

Seniors Are Flocking to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa is a beach resort on the Mexico Riviera or Costa Grande as it is called. It is located 4 miles to the northwest of the municipal seat, Zihuatanejo, and 153 miles northwest of Acapulco. Senior visitors will discover plenty of hotel space in Ixtapa with over 6000 rooms.

Ixtapa (eesh-tah-pa), once a coconut plantation, boasts high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, air-conditioned restaurants and upscale shopping associated with Mexican beach resorts and luxury travel. The locals know the area as Ixtapa Zihuatanejo (zee-wha-ta-NEH-ho). In these neighboring beach towns s enior visitors to this unique location will find the comfort of luxury in Ixtapa, with the tranquility of a sleepy fishing village in Zihuatanejo.

Placing a modern resort complex next to a traditional fishing village on the rugged beaches of Mexico’s Guerrero state has turned out to be a winning combination. With the best of luxury services, access to true Mexican culture and endless outdoor opportunities, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo together rival the larger cities of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta for offering the most dynamic vacation possible on the Central Pacific coast of Mexico.

Ixtapa is located on a long, gentle crescent-shaped beach, called Playa Palmar, which is open to the sea and lined with huge resorts. Zihuatanejo sits protected with a pristine cove in the far end called Las Gatas. Zihuatanejo has the old-fashioned charm of traditional Mexican culture.

A fishing village since the 16th century, Zihuatanejo steadily grew into a medium-sized town that was used by sailboats and small ships as a port because of the natural protection provided by Zihuatanejo Bay. Fishing continues to be a way of life for a large number of families, and the increasing popularity of the area as a sport-fishing destination has given new impetus to their livelihood.

Seniors Find Friendly Resorts

Both locations which are set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains have excellent white sand beaches and stunning natural scenery. It’s no secret that this area of Mexico is ripe with historical significance. From conquistadors to ancient civilizations, a great many people have laid claim to the area.

The Museo de Arqueologia de la Costa Grande, or the Archeological Museum of the Large Coast, has an enviable collection of artifacts from Mexico’s indigenous residents, including the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Tarascan, and Aztec civilizations, among others. You’ll not want to miss this museum.

My old standby TripAdvisor suggest 29 things to keep you busy and enjoying your visit. These may be the friendliest of Mexico’s major resort areas. Read what Ron Kapon has to say about his experience in both places. They are prime spots for a super holiday. jeb

Seniors Amazed By Malta

Malta , a southern European country in the Mediterranean Sea, is 80 km south of Sicily and 333 km north of Libya. Seniors find Malta to be one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. There is history galore in Malta… it is in the heart of the Mediterranean and a melting pot of civilizations with a history stretching back thousands of years.

The country has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant prehistoric civilization existed on the islands prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malat, meaning safe haven. The capital city,  Valletta, a piece of living history, was founded in 1565 by the Order of St John as a refuge for soldiers returning from the Crusades.

Valletta is named for Jean Parisot de la Valette, a French nobleman who was Grand Master of the Order of St. John and leader of the defenders during the Turkish siege of Malta in 1565. Valletta, with an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture and fortified city walls overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the massive number of historical buildings found in a tiny space. That says to jeb come on over and visit.

Senior Historians Delight in Malta

Saint Julian’s is a popular senior vacation spot on the coast of Malta. The small town successfully blends its fishing village charm with its tourist center. Latin architecture, such as Spinola Palace, built in 1688, and the Old Parish Church are popular historical sites. TripAdvisor has an interesting array of choices for seniors to check out on Malta.

The Hypogeum of Paola is said to be the oldest burial site in the world dating back to the Middle Bronze Age. In fact, it’s around 3000 years old and only a dozen people are allowed inside it every day so, you do feel like a very important person when visiting the Hypogeum.

Three famous monuments are the Co-Cathedral of St. John, the Upper Baracca Gardens and what is called The Three CIties. With 7000 years of history and only 3 hours flight from the UK, the Maltese islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino offer the perfect backdrop for a holiday escape.

So seniors, come and discover the heart of the Mediterranean in Malta. It is a fascinating place and on my travel bucket list. The azure waters around Malta are just unbelievable. 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 Have Discovered  the English Riviera

As I was viewing dozens of great photos on Budget Travel’s website, I came across a scene on Torquay Beach in England, called the ‘English Riviera’ and when senior travelers see photos of Torquay , you’ll see why.

Torquay is a seaside town with just over 60,000 population, so you will find a town teeming with plenty to see and do. Torquay , originally a fishing port and a local hangout for Royal Navy personnel, was named after a rocky outcrop (Tor) which once dominated the area.

Blessed with a mild climate, gorgeous sandy beaches, beautiful coastal views, rocky coves and picturesque harbors, Torquay attracts senior visitors from all over Europe. Stretching along 35 kilometers of stunning South Devon coastline, this popular coastal resort is famous for healthy climate.

Because the wind is never from the north or west, the climate is very mild, quite dry and rarely foggy. Since the beginning of the 19th Century, people with respiratory diseases have been taking their lungs on vacation to Torquay as a revitalizing resource.

Seniors Meet Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie lives in Torquay and in fact has spent most of her life there.  She could have chosen just about anywhere in the world for her home, but she loves her town. A number of sketches for the Monty Python’s Flying Circus television show (1969–73) were filmed on location in and around both Torquay and neighboring Paignton.

Torquay has numerous tourist attractions, including Kents Cavern that is Britain’s most important Stone Age site. TripAdvisor calls Torquay ‘the most beautiful seaside town in England ‘ and always has a good list of things to see and do. The Babbacombe Theatre is rated #1 followed by Cockington Country Park known as “the Best in the Country.”

The historic medieval Torre Abbey has been well-preserved and is particularly known for its formal gardens. It now houses an art gallery with one of the largest collections in Devon.

I like Virtual Tourist ’s suggestions of things to see, for the information they include. You sun and sea lovers can select between some twenty beaches along the coast.

South Devon’s Beautiful Bay

The English Riviera has more attractions than any other resort area in the UK and is also a Global Geopark (look that one up). Getting out on the water is what many visitors love to do, and there is a great selection of boat trips and tasty local food and fresh fish to enjoy. Seniors, you are invited to take in one of their Regattas or an Agatha Christie Festival.

As a travel blog writer I just keep on discovering travel sites, links, URLs and aids for senior travelers that I have never seen before. I enjoy that. Look up GO TORBAY.

Well folks, it’s another ‘bucket list’ item for  Jim and Jeannine. See you on the English Riviera? jeb

Betcha Haven’t Heard of Kelleys Island!

Kelleys Island is both a village in Erie County, Ohio and an island in Lake Erie. Originally known simply as Island Number 6 and later Cunningham Island, it was renamed in 1840 for brothers Datus and Irad Kelley, who were largely responsible for cultivating the island’s quarrying, logging and winemaking industries. Today, Kelleys Island is primarily a vacation destination, and sees thousands of senior visitors each summer.

It’s not large… as of the most recent census, there were 367 people, 183 households, and 112 families residing in the village. Although it is only a short drive from many large metropolitan areas, this largest American island in Lake Erie is almost within sight of the Canadian border. Its year-round population swells up to 5,000 from June to August.

Seniors Go To Lake Erie

Kelleys Island is located in the western basin of Lake Erie about four miles north of Marblehead and twelve miles from Sandusky on the Ohio mainland. The entire island measures little more than four square miles and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Seniors can tour the island by bicycle, golf cart, or stroll through historic neighborhoods and view restored architectural styles, scenic treasures and natural wonders.

Considered the Walleye Fishing Destination of the world, I’m ready to go! Kelleys Island State Park, on the northern shores, takes up much of the island. It’s a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, and a relaxing retreat for senior vacationers.

The island is renowned for its unique geological, ecological, and archaeological features, and popular for its recreational offerings and picturesque landscapes. Kelleys Island Ferry offers the only daily auto/passenger ferry service to the Island with a short enjoyable 20 minute boat ride from Marblehead Ohio.

The ride offers seniors great views of the Marblehead Lighthouse, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands along the way.

Small As It Be, Seniors Love It

The Glacial Grooves State Memorial on the north side of the Island contains the largest easily accessible deep glacial grooves in the world. They were scoured into solid limestone bedrock about 18,000 years ago by the great ice sheet which covered part of North America. The Grooves are the #1 site for visitors.

First settled by the Erie Indians nearly a millennium ago, its first Anglo-American settlers arrived during the first decade of the 19th Century. However, the “Historic” era did not begin until the 1830s when the entire island was purchased by Datus and Irad Kelley (two brothers from the Cleveland area).

In the 19th century, Kelleys was filled with limestone quarries and became the leading producer of limestone and lime products in the world. The businessmen of the era built grand Victorian homes on the island, many of which still remain. Tourism began to develop on the island in the mid-1950s.

I think you will really enjoy your visit there. jeb

Seniors Fall for Falls Church

Falls Church, Virginia, with a population of just over 12,000, is a great small town for senior citizens to visit in historic America. The smallest independent city, by area, in Virginia , taking its name from The Falls Church, an 18th-century Anglican parish, Falls Church gained township status within Fairfax County back in 1875. In 1948, it was incorporated as the City of Falls Church. It is also referred to as Falls Church City. It is quite close to DC.

What is There for Seniors to See and Do?

Yes, “Virginia is for Lovers” and Falls Church fits in quite well.  Attractions of many types abound in and around this historic little town. If you are into history, Cherry Hill Farm (1845) is just made for you, senior history students. It is on the National Register of Historic Places as well as an Historic Landmark for the State of Virginia.

A guided walking tour takes you through historic Falls Church neighborhoods. The Falls Church Chamber of Commerce does its job of promoting the city with great information for senior visitors. Along with Cherry Hill Farm you won’t want to miss the Eden Center nor The State Theatre.  A multi-million dollar restoration in the late 1990s turned The Theatre into a venue for live music and private events.

Each site above is a major attraction that senior visitors can enjoy while in the DC area. Cherry Hill Farm was once a thriving 73-acre farm that survived the Civil War despite being repeatedly overrun, raided and requisitioned.

That Famous Little Church

The Falls Church community developed around The Falls Church, which was founded in 1734 and whose congregation has included President George Washington and Virginia statesman George Mason. The name “The Falls Church” came from its geographical location. Among the very few, widely separated churches in the parish, this church was identified as the one that was “near the falls” of the Potomac River.

Another loaded site is the city of Falls Church “Official Website” https://www.fallschurchva.gov/ that has just about everything you will want to know about the city.  Even includes an Online Bill Pay plus a Solid Waste Services portion. Just thought I’d toss that in for those of you senior citizens who once worked for a city government in our great nation.

Falls Church has something going on all year long, and its proximity to Washington DC makes it an easy visit, one not to be missed. Enjoy your time in Falls Church. jeb

Seniors, What’s the Capital of Maryland?

Do you know your state capitals, senior citizens? I used to be able to name them all. Guess it was from the civics class in school, but I can’t do that any more. A few continue to escape my mind, like New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine. I imagine that it is because I’m originally from Iowa and that’s a long long ways from those eastern states. Couldn’t possibly be a memory issue, could it?

The US Naval Academy with a 4,000-strong brigade of midshipmen was founded in 1845. Today the population of Annapolis runs close to 40,000. The city boasts more 18th century buildings than anywhere else in the United States, including the homes of all four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. Many of these buildings are located in a thriving downtown historic district with shops and restaurants, along the waterfront.

From its earliest days as a colonial capital city, Annapolis was known as the “Athens of America.” One could find a wealth of cultural activities, a glittering social season, gracious hospitality and intellectual stimulation. The small seaport brought visitors from around the world who shared the news of the day while enjoying the ambiance and exquisite tidewater cuisine of the local pubs.

Things This Senior Learned About Annapolis While Creating This Blog

Along with the many 18th-century houses, the names of several of the streets—King George’s, Prince George’s, Hanover, and Duke of Gloucester, etc.—date from colonial days. I knew of St. John’s from their fine basketball team but I did not know that it was in Annapolis, did you? The College was founded in 1696 as King William’s School, a preparatory school. It received a collegiate charter in 1784, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States.

Annapolis became the temporary capital of the US after the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783. The Maryland State House is the oldest in continuous legislative use in the United States and it was in that State House that George Washington famously resigned his commission before the Continental Congress on December 23, 1783.

Lots For Seniors To Do In Annapolis

Annapolis offers a wide variety of activities that senior visitors will find attractive. It is home to incredible boat shows. The sports enthusiasts can attend football, baseball, lacrosse and all sorts of other sports year round at the USNA. Senior visitors can attend the annual Renaissance Festival or New Years Eve Celebration with hundreds of musical, theater, dance and comedy performances in and around the city.

Annapolis has a thriving community theater scene and is world-renown as America’s Sailing Capital. Senior visitors will find fresh seafood, including those wonderful blue crabs, in fine restaurants. About.com offers a good visitors guide to the capital of Maryland.

I think that senior citizens will really enjoy a visit to Annapolis . jeb