Want to Get Away? Places to Visit

The fall is a perfect time to reflect on your next travel destination.  Here are some places to think about.

Travel Recommendation:  SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

For those seeking warm sunshine this winter or spring, Cheryl A. recommends, " Scottsdale, AZ. Since it is also my former home for 11 years, I may be partial to this southwest city, however, I can guarantee that there is something in the area for almost every traveler.

If you enjoy warm weather, appreciate the beauty of the desert and like to site see, this may be your place. You can horseback ride, eat and drink well, relax by a resort pool, watch spectacular sunsets over the mountains which surround the Valley of the Sun, eat any meal outdoors most of the year and even visit a casino. Several hundred golf courses and free recreation parks with walking paths, biking trails, exercise stations are part of the attraction. Museums, theatre, symphonic and two stepping music await you. Wear your cowboy boots, hat and jeans or dress up with mink and diamonds depending on which culture you select. If you forget something, then shop until you drop in large malls or small boutiques.

June through early September can be beyond hot for many (116 degrees is not unusual), however, late September, November and even December are more moderate. If you want to see cactus bloom then March or April is your month. "

Travel Recommendation:  BEND, OREGON

Travelers for winter sports or summer fun might look at Cheryl's recommendation:

"Bend Oregon is an outdoor-lovers retreat! We visited there for the first time this summer and saw beautiful scenery driving up the mountain and down into the town. Locals and visitors alike are hiking, biking, walking, paddle boarding, tubing, canoeing, camping, etc. It is a Mecca for micro breweries, too.

Only drawback is how to get there. We drove up/back from Arizona and it is a long 2 day marathon. Few gas stations along the way and only mom and pop 50 style motels.

If you fly, you can go into Portland and rent a car or fly directly into Redmond Airport via 2

or 3 other stops.

Plan on at least 5-7 days to see it all – Lava Land, Mt. Bachelor, Sun River Resort,

Deschutes River area, boutique shopping, Harley shop.

Winter is snowshoe time or skiing; while summer is floating on the rivers, hiking and shooting.

Great for families or couples.

Travel Recommendation:  ALASKA

 Pearl recommends, "Alaska, particularly Denali National Park. If you combine

the inland and crurise tour, we found that going north first for the inland part of

the tour before the cruise works best. First of all it is cheaper, secondly you know

people of the cruise ship."

Others who have also made the 'once in a lifetime' trip to Alaska agree.  Beautiful scenery, glaciers, eagles' nest, whales, so much to see.  Plan now if you want to make the trip next summer.

Travel Recommendation:  STAYCATION

For those looking to enjoy this week in Pennsylvania, the scenery is still spectacular.  From the Kinzua area of the Allegheny National Forest south through the Pittsburgh area, trees are still showing their fall colors. 

In your area, the trees may look bare, but a short drive north, south, east or west produces some surprises.  As you round a bend in the road, a beautiful stand of red and yellow-leaved trees appears. Enjoy!

Travel Recommendation:  MENTAL GETAWAY
Can't leave the area?  We have the perfect way for you to relax.  You can tone up, gain strength and flexibility, and also reach that supremely relaxing meditative state.  Sign up for a yoga class with Jean F and float away to your very favorite place. Want an endorsement of the powers of yoga?  Ask Marty, Julie, or Linda L.

Thanks to Cheryl A. and to Pearl B. for recommending Scottsdale, Arizona,  Bend, Oregon, and Alaska. And to Pearl for the great pictures of Alaska.  We're grateful to both of you.