One of the largest generations to ever exist is, you guessed it right, the baby boomers. The baby boomers all over the world have certainly changed the faces of the population. If we specifically talk about the US population, it has been estimated that there are 73+ million baby boomers who spend a whopping $157 billion per year on travel.
After reaching retirement, people often wonder, “what’s next?” in their life. Yes, we have spent our entire lives working and earning for our families, and now that the kids have moved out and retired, it feels like life has come to a stop or an end. Some people often lead a lonely, boring life and end up with depression. This is not how I wanted to live the rest of my life, and I also encourage fellow baby boomer friends to please do not waste away your remaining life and ensure to make the best of it while you still can.
We have more money and time compared to other millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z; thus, we need to use these two precious resources correctly. This is why we started traveling. Hiking up the mountain, riding the bike on beautiful trails, or standing under the magical waterfall – you feel free and exhilarated; your heart races and reminds you how alive you are. Traveling has always been about relaxation, thrill, social interactions, nostalgic memories, and listening to my heart beating in my ear and the laughter that erupts from my throat as I do something adventurous.
Many baby boomers, and even I, prefer visiting domestic destinations within the States. Florida, Georgia, Tennesse, and North Carolina are some places we visit when seeking enriching and meaningful experiences. I love leisure traveling; thus, I keep looking for relaxing getaways to reduce my stress and enjoy new sights. Domestic vacation spots are something that baby boomers prefer, and they are quite honestly more accessible to them. Here I have compiled a short list of places I have visited and had a great time. If you are stepping out for the first time, these are the places you must visit.
Chattanooga has a plethora of fun and exciting places to ride bikes. The Chattanooga Riverwalk trail has it all; beauty, water, artwork, restaurants and parks for everything you would want on an extended bike ride. We saw cranes, ducks, and children at play, and had clean restrooms as an added bonus. This is a must bike ride with a number of fine and safe places to park and begin and end your ride. The Boathouse restaurant is excellent for the food and view of the river!
The first and most breathtaking place we visited was Signal Mountain, the epitome of natural beauty. The diverse trail, dazzling panoramas, and green luscious wooded lanes signal mountain heaven for people who love natural beauty. Reaching there was not a big issue. It took us hardly 20 minutes to drive from downtown Chattanooga and reach Signal Mountain. One of the best things about this mountain is that it provided us with several different indoor and outdoor adventures and activities. We visited Rock City and Ruby Falls on the same day, enjoyed the uniqueness and wonder of them both. Signal Mountain also offers Signal Point for a historic perspective of the Civil War along with fantastic views of the Tennessee River and a challenging trail to hike. Natural wonders such as Falling Water Falls and Hiking trails of Rainbow Lake Falls are also must visits on Signal Mountain.
We enjoyed a family bike ride and a picnic in the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center. It is a great place to experience the wonder of nature. Nestled at the foot of Lookout Mountain, you will find the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center, one of the area’s most historic and scenic natural wonders. Discover 317 acres of forest, field and stream. Be prepared to encounter native wildlife, including deer, turkey, beaver, and many species of birds that live on this unique landscape. Visit the unique George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse and the Paddler’s Perch located on the banks of Lookout Creek. You can observe captive native animals including theendangered Red Wolves.
I personally love a gorgeous open view, and Edward’s point is one of the best. When I say best, I mean the scenic beauty and view were breathtaking, and another thing that captured my interest and attention was the fact that there are numerous ways to reach Edwards’s point. So basically, you can visit Edward’s point every day for a week but not from the same trail. Rainbow Lake and the nearby swing bridge can also be reached from Edwards Point trail.
We all love a waterfall, right? The Rainbow Lake waterfall is broader than taller and appears to be a man-made spill way that incorporates the falls. We discovered that rainbow lake was the most popular destination, and once we reached there, we understood why people love spending their time there. Rainbow lake is surrounded by lush hardwood green forest and has a lake that is so wide, smooth, and not deep – perfect for baby boomers and children to take a refreshing dip. The rock formation are formidable and make for great picture backdrops! Few parking spots is the only downside.
Another great destination to visit is Chattanooga in Coolidge Park. It is located on the city’s north shore and was pretty easy to reach. The park offers us a great overlook of the Tennessee River. For those who like to do rock climbing – Coolidge park is the best place for you. We had a small get-together and picnic there as it has these amazing open green spaces family in plenty of open green spaces. Another great thing I loved about this park was that it is directly adjacent to art galleries and shops.
Another great leisure destination is the Chattahoochee river, which is located right in the heart of metro Atlanta. From kayaking to bird watching, biking, and even fishing – those who want to do and perform numerous fun activities can visit this river. The biking and walking trails were the best things about this location. We not only biked there but also wandered around and spotted wildlife as well.
We spent a long weekend in Huntsville, Alabama with Beth’s brother and family. Relaxing, Biking and Boating on the Tennessee River were our main goals. The high-tech city of Huntsville, which sprawls at the foot of a mountain in North Alabama, is equally at home in the 19th century or the 21st. Huntsville’s tourist attractions reflect the heritage of Alabama’s first English-speaking city, the strife of the American Civil War, and the accomplishments of America’s rocket scientists. The city is nicknamed “The Rocket City” for its close history with U.S. space missions. Huntsville has been important in developing space technology since the 1950s.
As a point of reference, Carolina Beach is on the East Coast of North Carolina just South of Wilmington
Carolina Beach has been a favorite beach town for many years. It is on Pleasure Island and has an apt description with a great pedestrian-only boardwalk and an amusement park, soft sand on a beach with numerous walkovers and parking available. It has a small old-town feel about it and is family-friendly. The Cape Fear River runs along the northern border and alongside the Carolina Beach State Park.
Just below Carolina Beach is Kurt Beach with white sand and Fishing Pier along with Fort Fisher Museum and the ability to get a pass for vehicle beach access.
This is just a fantastic place to live or vacation!
Asheville is a great place to visit for a weekend, a week, or two months; especially in the Fall, as we did. This artsy mountain town is a mecca for arts and craft beer breweries! Activities from the Drum Circle on Friday nights downtown, to the NC Arboretum and the must-see River Arts District as well as the Biltmore Estate. Mpy far away is the lovely town of Black Mountain and the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour is a great way to get your entertainment bearings in Asheville. Relax in the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa. We also took side trips up the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Visitor Center is a must-stop to get basic information on the weather and places to go. We enjoyed our visits to Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, and the highest point in eastern North America, Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet
When one needs a “beach break” or make a break for the beach, Destin should be at top of the list or close to it. Sugar white beaches and emerald green water are located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, between Ft. Walton and Panama City.
While the beaches are enough, Destin is known as the world’s luckiest fishing village!
We were in Destin for the month of December. The weather is normally mild at this time of the year; swimming takes a back seat to fishing the gulf or bays and beach walking. Winter is off season and that is what makes it especially delightful with traffic slowed and manageable and rental prices dropping as opposed to Florida cities further south.
Sunsets are spectacular and Harbor Walk restaurants and bars are open and not so crowded. The Destin Fishing Museum is an interesting visit that will take several hours to take it all in. If you are there in December, the Christmas Lights Boat Parade and fireworks are fun and memorable in Destin Harbor.
Another cold or rainy day activity is shopping at the Silver Sands Outlet Mall. Our favorite stores are Columbia, Nike, and Eddie Bauer. Don’t worry as there are 110 designer and name brand outlet stores to while away the hours!
I must plug another nice place across the Mid-Bay Bridge; Niceville! If your rental housing budget is too painful for Destin, try Niceville; 7 minutes from Destin beaches.
Fishing Boggy Bayou or Choctawatchee Bay can be a lot of fun!
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