Cruising, Historic Inns, Zeb’s General Store and Flying Fish

Do you like viewing humpback whales, staying in 19th century historic inns by night and windjamming by day, cross-country skiing in stunning surroundings or dodging flying fish? Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire and Washington should be at the top of the list for these adventures.

Active mature travelers are exploring despite the economy, whether through voluntourism, experiential learning, spiritual vacations or trips with grandchildren. Your choices are endless, though at times more challenging with life’s changes. Experiencing the following destinations provided me with exhilarating experiences and cherished memories.

ALASKA
“Starboard, humpback whales,” said Captain Scottie over the intercom. All 20 guests abandoned activities such as brushing teeth, pouring the first cup of coffee and raced to the bow. Huge sprays of vapor plume shot into the air creating a loud “whooshing sound”. Foghorn-like noises followed as three humpback whales dove beneath the surface. One by one, their tails rose and slapped the surface.

My husband and I spent 8-days on the 145-foot Safari Explorer, a ship belonging to American Safari Cruises. Due to its smaller size, we inched into narrow passages; inlets and hard-to-reach locations. Its flexible schedule allowed “stop everything” for sightings of whales, bald eagles, sea lions, bear and calving glaciers.

Sharing this experience with twenty people instead of hundreds, created camaraderie with crew and passengers. By anchoring at night, we didn’t miss anything during the day. All-inclusive, wallets never surfaced for our social hour, gourmet meals, open bar, skiffs, kayaks, guided hikes and a free massage.

A sauna, hot tub, exercise equipment and morning yoga were available on-deck. Cozy staterooms had heated bathroom floors, Tempur-Pedic beds, signature soaps and amenities.

In case of medical emergencies, all boats carry satellite communication systems to reach the U.S. Coast Guard. Helicopter and float planes are available to assist in an evacuation. Medivac jets are available in S.E. Alaska and Seattle. Trauma kits and defibrillators are carried aboard and medical service first responders can reach doctors via phone, radio or satellite.

MAINE – ROCKLAND
Golden leaves underfoot, the crisp autumn air colored my cheeks as I walked smack into a Norman Rockwell painting… Well, kind of… My four-day visit to mid-coast Rockland was filled with small town charms. Local townspeople welcomed me with genuine smiles and “Hi, how are you?

Within walking distance of town are the four “Historic Inns of Rockland.” You can’t miss with choices such as the LimeRock Inn, Berry Manor, Granite Inn and Captain Lindsey House. Each is one-of-a-kind in décor and history, yet similar in luxury, homemade breakfasts and warm hospitality.

Working together, the Inns contribute to the community and offer special events such as: “6th Annual Pies on Parade;” “Sleep Inn, Dine Out;” “Lighthouses, Lobster & Luxury” “Land ‘N’ Sea Scape;” followed by “Quiet Season Romance & Museum;” “Festival of Lights;” “Car-Pooling is so Cool” and “Estrogen Escape”.

September offers its bargain package, “Seniority Has Its Privileges” for travelers 50+. It includes a reduced accommodation rate, several attractions, an Inn-to-Inn tour, ferry ride and a driving map to six local lighthouses.

Walk Rockland’s main street lined with boutique and funky shops as well as numerous art galleries and restaurants. Visit the renowned Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, Lighthouse museum, Puffin Project Center, Rockland’s lighthouse, lobster boats, windjammers and the Owl Transportation Museum.

Feeling hungry? Try exceptionally fine cuisine at the Lily Bistro, In Good Company and the eclectic Café Miranda.

Wheel chair accessible for attractions and restaurants, except for the windjammers and Historic Inns.

NEW HAMPSHIRE – MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY and NORTH CONWAY
If I had time, I would have taken the Conway Scenic train ride. Stepping into its station was a visit to the past. A short walk away, Zeb’s General Store is filled with old-fashioned candies, clothes and nostalgia. Don’t miss the Mt. Valley Weather Museum with hands-on exhibits.

Mt. Washington Valley is a year-round destination with specials for seniors. Its seven ski areas and six Nordic centers offer discounts. Other choices include snowshoeing, sleigh rides, dog sledding or perhaps a trip to the treeline of Mt. Washington on Auto Road’s SnowCoach for scenic views.

In case you enjoy shopping, outlets such as Eddie Bauer are located in another area of Mt. Washington Valley. Restaurants, a wine-tasting bar and lodges are plentiful.

North Conway is a short drive away. Here, I discovered a great combination with the Cabernet Inn and 1785 Inn, within about 100- steps of each other. The Cabernet Inn is charming. Its owners and innkeepers, Jessica and Bruce, made me feel like family. Between my cozy room, delicious homemade breakfast and hospitality, it was difficult to leave.

For dinner, I took those 100-steps to reach the well-lit historic 1785 Inn. Sitting near the fireplace, I savored rack of lamb and a caesar salad, which was prepared at my table. My day’s finale was a “French Connection,” after-dinner drink.

Wheelchair access in 1785 Inn and Mt. Washington Valley’s main street.

WASHINGTON – SEATTLE
Fish fly at the famed Pike Street Market. Check it out. This world class, Emerald City, supports ­hundreds of attractions, such as: The Space Needle, Pike Street Market, the waterfront, Pioneer Square, Seattle Center and International District. In addition, the Chittenden Locks, Museum of Flight, Seattle Art Museum, Aquarium, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame are extraordinary.

To get the most for your money, consider purchasing a Seattle City Pass for admission into most of Seattle’s Attraction. In addition, the Go Seattle Card admits you into 30 attractions and tours. The Seattle Super Saver provides package benefits in 60 of Seattle’s hotels.

Along with visiting attractions, I had a grand stay at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Its location is terrific since it is within walking distance of downtown, the waterfront, Space needle and Lake Union. Their friendly staff, rooms with floor to ceiling windows and luxurious amenities contribute to the Pan Pacific’s understated elegance and comfort.

The SeaStar Restaurant & Raw Bar has the finest cuisine, especially for sushi lovers and is located adjacent to the hotel. Both are wheelchair accessible.

The Pan Pacific Hotel and SeaStar Restaurant are near to Starbucks, Whole Foods Market and Vida Spa. If you want to be pampered at the Spa, I highly recommend the “Eye Collagen” and “Anti-Aging” facial treatment followed by a sauna.

Whether you choose a small-ship cruise; a taste of Norman Rockwell; a bed & breakfast within 100-steps of gourmet food or city attractions along with a five-star hotel and restaurant experience…Live it up...Enjoy!

IF YOU GO

ALASKA
American Safari Cruises
www.amsafari.com
Tel: 888-862-8881 or 206-284-0300

MAINE
Historic Inns of Rockland
www.HistoricInnsofRockland.com

LimeRock Inn
www.LimeRockInn.com
Tel: 800-546-3762 or 207-594-2257

Berry Manor
www.berrymanorinn.com
Tel: 800-774-5692 or 207-596-7696

Granite Inn
www.oldgraniteinn.com
Tel: 800-386-9036 or 207-594-9036

Captain Lindsey House
www.lindseyhouse.com
Tel: 800-523-2145 or 207-596-7950

Lily Bistro
www.lilybistromaine.com
Tel: 207-594-4141

In Good company
www.ingoodcompanymaine.com
Tel: 207-593-9110

Café Miranda
www.cafemiranda.com
Tel: 207-594-2034

Tourist Information
Maine Office of Tourism
www.visitmaine.com
Tel: 1-888-624-6345

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Cabernet Inn
www.cabernetinn.com
Tel: 800-866-4704 or 603-356-4704

1785 Inn
www.the1785inn.com
Tel: 800-421-1785 or 603-356-9025

Tourist Information
Chamber of Commerce and
Visitor’s Bureau
www.mtwashingtonvalley.org
Tel: 1-877-948-6867

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Pan Pacific Hotel
www.panpacific.com/seattle/
overview.html
Tel: 1-206-264-8111

SeaStar Restaurant & Raw Bar
www.seastarrestaurant.com
Tel: 206-462-4364

Vida Spa
www.vidawellness.com
Tel: 1-888-865-2630

Tourist Information
Seattle Convention and
Visitors Bureau
Website: www.visitseattle.org
Tel: 206-461-5805

Sandra Kennedy has traveled extensively in China, Tibet, Europe, Morocco, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. She taught eight years for American Internationals Schools in Paris, Lima and Lisbon. She is currently a travel writer and photographer based in Oregon. Her articles have been published in International Living, The Traveler, The Times Newspaper, 40 plus Travel and Leisure (UK), Oregon.com, Offshore Wave, Transitions Abroad, Adventure-Life Journeys and others.