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BY Nancy Mueller 2 Comments ON January 11, 2019

“Cowboy Up” at Canada’s Calgary Stampede!

Summer’s the season for outdoor festivals, fireworks and family fun. And where better to celebrate the “Best of the West” activities and attractions than at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada?

Our adventure begins at the airport where White Hat Volunteers greet us in international arrivals. Before long dancers in full cowgirl regalia strut their two-step to the musical strains of strumming guitars and banjos. No one seems in a hurry to leave.

But leave we do, eventually, eagerly anticipating the Calgary Stampede, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” itself. We hear there’s plenty of fair food, star-studded entertainment, and a slate of rip-roaring competitions ahead.

So “Cowboy Up!” and see what it’s like to join this annual Western extravaganza.

History

The modest origins of the Stampede began two years after the town of Calgary was formed in 1884 when residents held their first exhibition showcasing best agricultural practices in the region. But it took trick roper Guy Weadick to suggest a grander vision for Calgary. How about the town hosting a “Stampede,” he offered, a world-class rodeo competition that would capture the spirit of the Wild West before it completely disappeared?

After enlisting the support of Calgary’s “Big Four,” four wealthy Alberta ranchers, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” began that September. Since then, that first six-day celebration with roping and bronc events has morphed into a 10-day international spectacle that draws more than 1,000,000 visitors each year.

At a Glance

Cowboy fashion sets the tone for the town during the month of July. And with the gift of our own white hat and plaid shirts from our hosts, we’re soon caught up in the Stampede spirit. All we need now are boots, denim jeans and jackets to fit right in at the festival.

If you don’t have much in the way of Western wear in your current wardrobe, no worries. The ever-popular Lammle’s Western Wear & Tack store on site offers just what any self-respecting cowboy or gal needs to dress the part. Just be sure to break in those boots before doing too much walking the grounds.

Country music is the lifeblood of the Stampede, attracting superstars like Brad Paisley and Luke Bryan. But rock n’ roll fans will find artists like Sheryl Crow here as well as popular groups at the legendary Nashville North.

Most festivities take place at Stampede Park, flanked by the Elbow and Bow Rivers in the southeast downtown area. For insight into the town’s true grit, consider the Calgary flood of 2013. When the catastrophe threatened to derail the Stampede two weeks before opening, volunteers rallied. Promoters proclaimed, “We’re greatest together,” and the town pulled off a massive recovery effort to open the event on time.

Indian Village in ENMAX Park is another favorite Stampede tradition. To learn about the cultural customs of Canada’s First Nations, visitors can tour a tipi, watch native dances and games and taste authentic bannock, a type of traditional flatbread favored by indigenous nations.

The mission of the Calgary Stampede is “to preserve and celebrate our western heritage, cultures and community spirit.” That said, visitors can expect to find plenty of activities centered around these three pillars. Many of the sports, like roping, were first born of necessity and remain among the core events held today.

Rodeo Events

A bright afternoon sun bears down on the crowd as we make our way to the viewing stands. The air prickles with energy and excitement, the electricity of anticipation, as we await our first rodeo competition of the day. If we’re feeling slightly on edge for the competitors, imagine what’s going through their minds as they enter the chutes poised for either stardom and the chance to walk away with the top prize of $100,000. – or the disappointment of crushing defeat, even injury. 

Regardless of final outcomes, winners and also-rans know they’ve made it when they get to the Calgary Stampede. Only the top 120 rodeo superstars from around the world are invited to participate in the 10-day cultural event.

When the chute finally opens, rider and animal rush past in a blur of speed, strength, and force. Within the maelstrom of pounding hooves and flying dust, from the sidelines, whether witnessing bareback riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bull riding or barrel racing, the experience is thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Tip: Wondering what to look for from the judges’ perspective? Your handy program guide tells you everything you need to know. For example, I was surprised to learn that the judges rank both rider and animal a score between 1 – 100, up to 50 points each.

As this is a family affair, buckaroos, too, have their day at the rodeo. In one event, the Wild Pony races, teams of three, ages eight to twelve, compete to see who can get a rider aboard a wild pony for a two-jump ride in the fastest time. Even for buckaroo bystanders, the Calgary Stampede can’t be beat as evidenced by one toddler walking by who loudly declared to his parents, “Best day ever!”

Chuckwagon Racing (GMC Rangeland Derby)

Visionary-founder Guy Weadick must have been quite the persuasive guy because in 1923 he convinced several working ranchers to enter their chuckwagons and roundup crews to compete in what is now known as the GMC Rangeland Derby.

Today thirty-six wagons race every night. By Showdown Sunday, the final four with the fastest times compete for the chance to claim the title, bragging rights, and a cool $100,000. award.

In moments of hair-raising, heart-pounding action, drivers and teams explode across the arena, careening around the barrel positions, striving not to knock any over, in as fast a time as possible.

Midway Food and Rides

After watching the thrilling rodeo events, our hunger and thirst get the better of us. We join the Stampede’s new fun food tour, “Where Feast Meets West,” for an overview of sweet and savory, quirky and familiar Midway food fare.

We start off with the Big Pickle Tornado, a delectable concoction of sliced dill pickle filled with a hot dog, then topped with cheese and bacon and deep fried in a wrapped tortilla.

After sampling a few churro fries dipped in chocolate – because what doesn’t taste better with chocolate? – we try the Smoking Charcoal Ice Cream in a Cup. I have no problem polishing off the entire treat of coconut-flavored soft-serve ice cream. Apparently, the black activated charcoal has health benefits. Who knew?

And the Oreo Creamsicle Delight topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of Oreos? The perfect thirst-quencher on this hot summer day.

Still ahead on my Midway food bucket list, street corn brushed in Mexican crème, and coated with cheese, chili powder, garlic and cilantro. And let’s not leave behind the Stampede-Sized Meatball and Lavender Lemonade. But tomorrow is another day.

In case you’re still hungry, there’s lots more quirky foods on the menu. For the record, bacon lovers craved the Bacon Onion Bombs and Deep-fried Bacon Wrapped Reese Cups dusted in powdered sugar. Cheese Chicken Hearts and The Spicy Chicken Arepa were big hits with others.

While most of us chose to forego the rides after our food tour, ride enthusiasts will find more than a few adrenalin-rushing attractions to get their juices flowing. How about the WestJet Skyride or Midway Zip Line? Or maybe Extreme Thrill Rides featuring the Sky Scraper and Slingshot better suit your fancy.

Grandstand Show

Cap off each day of your visit to the Calgary Stampede at the Grandstand Show, featuring performances by notable world-class entertainers.

On our visit, the Stampede celebrated its 50th year with standout acts by the Young Canadians, acrobats, Music Hall of Fame songwriter, Andy Kim (Sugar, Sugar), and – drumroll, please – Eddie the Eagle, 1988 Olympic ski jumper who stole the hearts of millions of fans around the world for his daring dashes down the slopes. What a thrill for me to meet the man behind the myth! And let’s not forget the spectacular evening fireworks, the fitting razzle-dazzle finale to the day’s main events.

When You Go

To experience the best of the Calgary Stampede, allow yourself at least two days to immerse yourself in the festivities. Include the Art Walk that winds through the Stampede grounds and extends into the community, one of the many ways to experience Calgary beyond the festival.

Need more suggestions on what to do and see during your stay?

  • Food options abound at the Calgary Stampede! Kick off your event at Modern Steak, a steakhouse featuring prime-grade Alberta beef and Jack Daniel whiskey. Have lunch at the Clubhouse Rustic Kitchen. For top seats at the Evening Show, head to The Lazy S, the exclusive”restaurant in the seat deck.” Follow up the next day with a Pancake breakfast at Fluor Rope Square or have Breakfast with the Pandas at the Calgary Zoo.
  • Explore Stampede Market and Western Oasis at the BMO Centre.
  • Check out the Canine Stars in the Corral or take a free barn tour.

Stampede Park is about a 15-minute walk from the downtown core or visitors can hop on Calgary’s CTrain transit which makes a stop at the Stampede Main Entry. Once you arrive, be sure to pick up a map and schedule to get your bearings and discover where to find your favorite attractions.

For more information, visit Calgary Stampede.

Filed Under: Festivals Tagged With: Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, Lammle's, Midway food, rodeo

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON December 17, 2018

How to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

For insight into an unfamiliar culture, how better than to celebrate a popular festival, or in this case, fiesta, in the country where it originated? For this event, I joined hosts Sharon Gonzalez and Tom Travers, owners of Eat The Peach Travel, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Our mission? To share an authentic experience of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on their small-group tour.

Here’s an insider’s view of our fun adventure.

About Dia de los Muertos 

But first, you may ask, what IS Dia de los Muertos exactly? Commonly confused with Halloween, Dia de los Muertos does feature skeleton costumes. It’s also celebrated close to Oct. 31st, as both events originated in proximity to Fall harvest celebrations. Yet there are notable differences between the two. 

Spanish Catholic Heritage

Dia de los Muertos reflects a nod to its Spanish Catholic heritage. Combining both All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the festivities are a show of love and respect to the dearly departed. Here death takes a holiday, evoking a joyful, rather than fearful ambiance, unlike its Halloween counterpart.

The mood is indeed merry. Yet throwing a party to celebrate, rather than mourn, the dead might seem mind-boggling, if not downright macabre, to the uninitiated of this Mexican tradition. But in fact, showcasing skulls (calaveras) and skeletons (calacas) suggests a way to not only laugh in the face of death. Party-goers also welcome the dead back among the living, however briefly, in this annual event. 

La Calaveras Catrina

Iconic La Calaveras Catrina, a female fashionista skeleton, looms large (literally) over the festivities leading up to the two-day event on Nov. 1st and 2nd. Whether strolling through El Parque Juarez, the Artisan Market or the Jardin in San Miguel’s historic town square, you can see her likeness everywhere. 

Artist José Guadalupe Posada first depicted La Calaveras Catrina shown only in an elegant, wide-brimmed hat in an 1813 etching. Posada had intended his caricature as a slight to native Mexicans whom he felt were adopting European customs at the expense of their own.

Later, another artist, Diego Rivera, developed the figure in his mural, Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central). In Rivera’s rendering, La Calaveras Catrina takes center stage among the leading figures of the day. The artist includes himself, then-wife Frida Kahlo, and Posada among the people in the painting. The mural reminds all of our close association with death regardless of our rank and status in this life.

Beyond La Calaveras Catrina

Beyond La Calaveras Catrina, costumes, skulls and skeletons, we discovered the significance of other symbols of Dia de los Muertos. Colorful Mexican marigolds (Cempasuchitl) adorn headstones and doorways. Why? Because celebrants believe the pungent scent of the flowers assists the departed in finding their way back to the living.

Ornamental ofrendas (altars) also honor the departed through a variety of elements representing water, wind, earth and fire. Each has its own symbolism: one or more candles to light their path home; decorated sugar skulls representing the bittersweet intersection of life and death; Copalli incense, like Mexican marigolds, to attract the spirits and ward off evil; pan de muerto (Day of the Dead sweet bread) flavored with anise and orange peel to please the spirits; and a photo of the deceased person together with a few personal possessions, like favorite foods or beverages. 

How to Celebrate Dios de los Muertos

Wander the Cobblestone Streets.

Start by wandering the cobblestone streets to get your bearings in this vibrant art community. One walk through the colorful, bougainvillea-filled vistas of San Miguel de Allende and you realize how much of your life you have lived in monochrome until now. 

Mingle with the Locals.

Mingle with locals in Parque Juarez or people watch at the Jardin in the heart of San Miguel’s historic center. Live Mariachi music, seemingly everywhere, will have you dancing to the Latino beat in no time. 

Tour Panteon de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, you can witness residents celebrating the lives of those they have lost with offerings brought for the occasion. Outside the cemetery, we viewed displays of elaborately-decorated ofrendas, poignant love altars for deceased friends and family members.

For our tour, Sharon and Tom invited us to bring photos of our own departed loved ones for a group niche which then became part of The Pyramid of the Dead. The brainchild of artist Tomas Burkey, the monumental structure is comprised of individual recessed structures honoring those who have died. 

Join La Catrina Parade. 

Our fun began as we made our way in full regalia to the luxury boutique Rosewood Hotel for a highly-recommended Pre-Parade Face-Painting Cocktail Party. Margaritas in hand, we sat while professional artists painted our faces in show-stopping skull designs in the tradition of indigenous Mexican culture. Plenty of photo opps., entertainment by local ballet dancers, Mariachi music and tasty nibbles soon followed.

Tip:

When choosing your costume for the festivities, think Steampunk more than Halloween. Eat The Peach Travel provided suggestions for transforming ourselves into Catrinas (ladies) and Catrins (gents): large hats, long dresses, feather boas, netting and corsets for women; top hats, dark trousers, shirt and jacket or waistcoat for men. 

Our big day culminated with La Catrina Parade, a relatively recent phenomenon of Dia de los Muertos celebrations throughout Mexico. The parade began at the Rosewood Hotel and wound its way to the historic center of San Miguel de Allende. After returning to the hotel, our tour included a Dinner Contest Party. While most chose to sit back and enjoy the show while dining, our fearless leader, Sharon, took to the stage. She came just shy of capturing the prize for “Best Costume Catrina.” My money’s on you for the big win next year, Sharon!

Tip:

Be sure to wear flat, comfortable shoes in general throughout your stay in San Miguel de Allende, but especially when on the parade route. You will be walking over cobblestones in the dark, maybe after having had a drink or two, so be sure to choose shoes that will be kind to your feet.

Give Back to the Local Community.

Each year Eat The Peach Travel donates $500.00 to sponsor a year of care for a child at Centro infantil De Los Angeles (casadelosangeles.org). This means that a portion of your tour fee goes directly into supporting local residents.

If You Go

Who: Eat The Peach Travel, specializing in “Boutique Tours for Adventurers”
What: Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Where: Hotel El Santuario, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
When: 2019 Tour: 8 days/7 nights, Oct 27th – Nov 3rd
Why: For an intimate, unique cultural tour with fun, knowledgeable and caring hosts

Thanks to Sharon Gonzalez and Tom Travers for hosting!

Wanderboomers, how do you celebrate Dia de los Muertos? 

 

Filed Under: Festivals Tagged With: Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, San Miguel de Allende

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON February 28, 2017

Bird Lovers Flock to Wings Over Water Festival

Bird lovers, rejoice! From March 10th – 12th 2017, Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival celebrates the Spring arrival of migratory birds to the Pacific Northwest.

Beach Birds

Set in scenic Blaine, WA. near the Canadian border, the festival attracts advanced and novice bird lovers of all ages.

Toast this year’s 15th annual celebration with a day trip or weekend getaway to experience exceptional birdwatching. From opening festivities, to birding and wildlife cruises, guided bird-watching tours and workshops, Wings Over Water has you covered. Spring into Spring here with your fine-feathered friends.

Start Your Weekend at the Blaine Community Pancake Breakfast.

Beach Landscape

Bird lovers need food to sustain birdwatching activities. So why not kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast? Pancakes and waffles, French toast, biscuits and gravy, sausage and eggs abound. This is a fun way to connect with locals, engage with like-minded bird enthusiasts, and plan your day ahead.

Visit the Vendor Expo.

Food, crafts and plenty of activities for kids make this a popular place to spend time during the birding festival. Check in here for festival information, exhibits and special events.

Go on a Guided Bird Walk.

Birdwatching

What kinds of birds can you expect to view in their protected habitat? Snow geese, Great Blue Herons, bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, Belted kingfisher, to name a few. Nearly 300 species call the Northwest home here.

See for yourself on an all-day guided field trip to Reifel Bird Sanctuary, Delta, B.C., Canada. The Sanctuary is located on over 850 acres of managed wetlands and natural marshes in the Fraser River Estuary.

Reserve your spot in advance. And pack your passport, camera, binoculars and sunflower seeds for chickadee feedings. Dress in layers and be prepared to walk on gravel, grass and wet trails. If you forget your binoculars, not to worry. You can borrow a pair or pick up snacks, birdseed and books at the gift shop on-site.

For shorter visits, naturalist Paul Woodcock, vice-president of North Cascades Audubon, leads birders on a leisurely two-hour stroll along Semiahmoo Spit.

Take a Nature or Wildlife Cruise.

The Historic Plover

Hug the shore for a short ride aboard the historic MV Plover Foot-Passenger Ferry. Look for birdlife as you tour Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay with your own on-board wildlife naturalist.

For a two-hour, open-water wildlife cruise, hop on board the 50-foot Salish Sea to view seabirds in Boundary Bay and the Georgia Strait. See if you can spot the birds before your ship naturalist does. Bonus points if you’re the first one to also identify the birds.

Attend a Presentation.

Extend your fun festival escape by attending featured speaker presentations. Pick up wildlife photography tips from this year’s keynote speaker, Paul Bannick, author of Woodpeckers of North America, A Naturalist’s Guide. Additional featured speakers add their expertise in such topics as bald eagles (David Hancock), trumpeter swans (Martha Jordan) and local birding field trips (Joe Meche).

Extend Your Stay at Semiahmoo Golf Resort & Spa.

Semiahmoo sunset

Pacific Northwest hospitality awaits at this recently-restored Northwest iconic treasure. As our resort receptionist advised upon check-in: “Take one day to settle in, or two to change your life.” After reveling in spellbinding sunset views, fine dining, an outdoor bonfire and beachcombing, we got the message. We came away relaxed and rejuvenated from just an overnight stay.

Semiahmoo appetizer

Pizza at Semiahmoo

And in case you need a little special pampering after all your birding activities – and you know you do – there’s a full-service spa on site. Before check out, enjoy a delicious brunch in Pierside Kitchen or head over to nearby Semiahmoo Marine Café for a more casual-style breakfast.

Explore Birch Bay.

Not ready to leave quite yet? Visit Birch Bay just a short drive away from the Wings over Water festivities. While the beach town is best experienced during the summer months for outdoor activities, there’s something special about wandering quiet beach towns in the off-season.

Thanks to my hosts for the opportunity to attend the Wings over Water festival and for my stay at Semiahmoo. 

For more information, visit:

Wings Over Water.
Semiahmoo Golf Resort & Spa.

Wander on, bird lovers!

Nancy

What’s your favorite Spring festival in the Pacific Northwest, wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Festivals, Wildlife and Nature

BY Nancy Mueller Leave a Comment ON February 21, 2017

Mardi Gras Revelry in Mobile, Alabama!

All Aboard for Mobile’s Magical Mardi Gras Tour!

Where better to celebrate the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras than in the city that claims its rightful birthplace in the United States? If you’re guessing New Orleans, cher, guess again. We’re in Mobile, Alabama, “The Little Easy,” where moon pies, music and merriment abound in the city “born to celebrate.”

Dining with a View of Mobile at Dauphin’s Restaurant

It wasn’t hard to coax this Pacific Northwest wanderboomer to a land of sunshine, southern hospitality, grace and charm in February. Add good old-fashioned family fun for Mardi Gras, and my bags were packed.

Ready to plan your own Mobile Mardi Gras adventure? Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

Start Your Day with Traditional Southern Foods.

Breakfast at Royal Street Café

Nothing says “Rise and shine!” in the South more than a breakfast of biscuits, gravy and grits. Order the cheese grits and cathead biscuits at local favorite Royal Street Café. Cathead biscuits? Fluffy, light-as-air, these delicate concoctions seem so-named because of their size, about as big as a cat’s head.

Have a hankering for hot beignets instead? Head to Panini Pete’s to experience Mobile’s version of this New Orlean’s classic. Tip: Ask about Panini Pete’s wet vs. dry baking process and adding a twist of lemon to your beignets.

Miss Ruby

How about an order of bananas foster French toast? You’re in good hands at Miss Ruby’s Spot of Tea downtown where exceptional service is a way of life.  “Everybody eats two meals a day and we never know when someone comes to our door what they walked away from and what they’re walking back to. My thrust in life is that people are fed well and have gotten information about what Mobile has to offer.”

Miss Ruby makes the rounds at each table in her role as part concierge, part Mobile ambassador, asking patrons about their interests. It’s also her way of keeping up to date on what’s happening in the city. “If at the end of the day, my customers ask themselves what they experienced, they would say at Spot of Tea someone looked me in the eye and paid attention.”

Stroll the Downtown Commercial District.

Mobile is home to seven historic districts within 600 square blocks, each with its own distinct character. Before jumping into your fun Mardi Gras events, take time to get acclimated in your Southern surroundings. Walk off your hearty breakfast with a leisurely tour of Royal and Dauphin Streets for an overview of popular restaurants, restored Art Deco, brick and stone buildings and museums.

Notable stops on Royal Street (besides the Royal Street Café) include: Fort Condé, where visitors can explore the city’s colonial past; the History Museum of Mobile, with its permanent collections and rotating exhibits; and the beautiful Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa.

Rest up from your shopping excursion on Dauphin Street in one of Mobile’s public parks, Bienville Square or Cathedral Square. Or stop in to view the beautiful art glass windows and hand-carvings at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Take a Driving Tour of Mobile’s Historic Homes and Districts.

A grove of century-old oaks welcomes visitors outside the Bragg-Mitchell Mansion in the Midtown Historic District. Inside, a grand circular staircase, immense double-parlor ballroom, crystal chandeliers and treasured antiques, hint at Southern-style entertaining of times gone by. A fainting couch prompts our guide’s comment: “If you think about the corsets they had to wear, you know why they needed them.” 

Soak up more Southern ambiance in the Greek-revival architecture that defines the Oakleigh House in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District. In the home’s authentically-restored period rooms, visitors can step back in time to 1833 when James Roper began one of the first homes built outside Mobile’s city limits.

Visit the Mobile Carnival Museum.

For a preview of coming Mardi Gras attractions, learn about its history at the Mobile Carnival Museum. From intricate costume designs to elaborate float constructions, you can view past parades and balls through videos and exhibits. By the time you have finished your museum tour, you’ll be ready to join in the neighborhood parties and line the parade routes, if you haven’t already.

Rent Your Ballgown or Tux.

If you receive an invitation, or purchase a ticket when possible, to one of the Mardi Gras balls, you will need to dress the part to attend. “Costume de Rigueur Strictly Enforced” means white tie and tails for men and floor or ankle length dress for women. No military uniforms allowed. No exceptions. Otherwise, you will not be admitted.

To avoid getting turned away at the door, pack your formal wear or visit Francia’s Formal Wear for your tux or gown fitting.

Line the Parade Routes.

So many Mardi Gras parades, so little time! To join a parade, you will either need to be born into one of the groups hosting one or pay for the privilege.

Party Reveler at Joe Cain’s Parade

The good news is you don’t need to be in a parade to enjoy the revelry. Plan to see as many parades as possible during your stay. The more the merrier! From the Floral Parade with its MCA Juvenile Court, including a king and queen for children, to Joe Cain’s “People’s Parade,” one of the oldest and most secretive krewes (group hosting a parade, ball or social events), each has its own unique history and festival theme. Look for the schedule, a list of balls and parade routes in Mobile Mask, The Reveler’s Guide to Mardi Gras.

Along the parade route, partygoers throw bushels of Mardi Gras beads, small toys and moon pies from their floats. Before long you will be toe-tapping, screaming and reaching for throws along with everybody else. Trust me. Just be sure to stay alert to avoid getting hit in the eye.

Party On! 

Mystics of Time Ball

By the time you wrap up your Mobile Mardi Gras adventure, you’ll be a party-goer pro. Memories of good-time parades, coronation balls, delicious Southern dishes and warm hospitality will dance in your head for years to come.

For more information:

Mobile Mask
Alabama Travel
Visit Mobile
Hunter Livery

Many thanks to Alabama Travel for the opportunity to join in the revelry for Mobile Mardi Gras!

Wander on!

“Miss Nancy” 

What’s your favorite Mardi Gras memory, wanderboomers? Please share with us here.

Filed Under: Alabama, Festivals Tagged With: Mardi Gras, Mobile

BY Nancy Mueller 7 Comments ON February 26, 2014

10 Best Boomer Women Bonding Trips

St. Chapelle Winery Idaho

Solo trips and romantic escapes have their place. But sometimes we boomer women want a little more girlfriend bonding time. The next time you’re ready for a gal pal getaway, here are 10 Best Boomer Women Bonding Trips to satisfy your wanderlust for a day, a weekend or an extended vacation:

#1 – Spa Travel

Spa Natur'Eau Quebec

Boomers have led the pack in spa travel for decades and we’re not ready to change that anytime soon, are we? Not only do spas offer pampering treatments, saunas and hot springs;  increasingly, spa travel takes a 360 approach to health and wellness in exotic locations. Whether you tend towards yoga classes by the sea, hiking through old-growth forests or weight loss boot camps, you’re bound to come home relaxed and rejuvenated.

#2 -Foodie Fun

Appetizers Spa Natur'Eau Quebec

Food and wine are meant to be shared with friends. So why not sign up for a tasting tour, 5 course progressive dinner or cooking class to discover new flavors and gastronomic traditions? Browsing local farmers’ markets will whet your appetite and inspire new culinary concoctions. Learn from master chefs as you eat and drink your way around the world, or even your own neighborhood.

#3 – Cultural Immersion

Unique, authentic experiences remain high on the boomer women’s favorite travel list. The desire to connect with a place through its people and customs leads to learning a foreign language in the country where it’s spoken. Or renting an apartment so you can mix & mingle with local residents instead of staying in a hotel.

#4 – City Slicker Escape

Take advantage of the many girlfriend getaway hotel packages, offering everything from champagne & chocolate greetings to scenic city views and tickets to special events. Go to a show in your hometown or explore a new destination together through its art and architecture. Investigate the city’s history on foot, by subway or trolley for your own urban renewal.

#5 – Bucket List Adventure

Olympics Seattle WA

What places are still on your Bucket List? Where in the world do you want to go next? Make a plan with a gal pal to start taking turns on annual getaways. This year you get to choose and cross one more destination or travel experience off your list. Next year she gets to choose. But why wait to another whole year? How about twice or even four times a year instead?

#6 – Writer’s Retreat

A writer’s retreat is just the thing for wanderboomers who want to explore self-expression through poetry, memoir or the next best novel. Pick up tips of the trade from guest speakers and enjoy dedicated time to pursuing your craft with a girlfriend. By the time you return home, you will be well on your way to achieving your writing goals.

#7 – Festival Tour

Find your inner fun at a traditional festival anywhere around the world. Dance the samba at Carnival in Brazil. Or celebrate the rites of Spring at the colorful Holi Festival in India. Enjoy the annual Songwriting Festival in Gulf Shores or listen to jazz in Montreal. Don’t forget Quebec’s Winter Festival or the Sundance Film Festival which honors the best in independent films.

#8 – Trip Down Memory Lane

Through Facebook I’ve reconnected with a childhood girlfriend. We each moved on to different parts of the country long ago. But we plan to meet up again in the place where we spent our early days as best buddies. Or maybe we’ll just skip that part and sign up for the annual Beatles cruise, basking in our shared childhood memories of the Fab Four.

#9 – Voluntourism

Want to make a difference in the lives of the people you meet in your travels? Volunteer tourism provides wanderlusters with rewarding opportunities to help with hiking trails maintenance, housing projects, tutoring or care for the elderly, often in exchange for discounted travel costs. You can see the world, help the planet and build cross-cultural relationships all on one trip.

#10 – Thelma & Louise Road Trip

Quebec Road Trip

For the ultimate boomer girlfriend escape, plan your own road trip together with or without GPS. Though you might want to visualize a different ending from the movie . . . Road trips provide just the right balance of destination discoveries, thoughtful conversation and self-reflection. Get off the beaten path and enjoy your shared adventure.

Disclosure: Some, though not all, of my travel experiences seen here were provided by Idaho and Quebec tourism hosts.

Wander on!

Nancy

What’s your favorite girlfriend bonding trip, wanderboomers?

 

Filed Under: Activities, Baby Boomers and Travel, Destinations, Festivals, Food & Dining, Idaho, Make a Difference, Québec Tagged With: bonding, boomer women travel, bucket list, city slicker, cultural immersion, festival tour, foodie, gal pal, girlfriend getaway, spa travel, Thelma & Louise, volunteer trip, writer's retreat

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Hello fellow wanderboomers! I’m a Seattle-based travel journalist, specializing in fun travel adventures for the young at heart. My articles have been featured in Hemispheres, AAA Highroads Magazine and Northwest Travel & Life Magazine where I'm a frequent contributor. When this Wanderboomer isn’t traveling, I help global executives polish their personal and professional brand for long-term results.
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Destination:

  • North America
  • South America
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • Africa

Categories:

  • Business
  • Family
  • Purpose
  • Writing

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