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Top Atlanta Attractions to Visit With Your Grandchildren

Terminus. Thasherville. Deanville. Marthasville. What do those names all have in common? At one time or another, each was the name of the city currently known as Atlanta. But no matter what you call this vibrant southern capital, it is a sophisticated cultural hub that oozes charm, history, culinary adventures, entertainment and chic. The even better news is, Atlanta is as family-friendly as it gets with outstanding opportunities to dazzle the little ones as well. Check out these things to do in Atlanta with kids. Your grandkids will never want to leave! Georgia Aquarium Boasting tens of thousands of sea creatures in over 10 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium is the second largest aquarium in the world. The kids will be thrilled as they get up close and personal with whales, manta ray, sharks, and dolphins to name a few. The world beneath the sea awaits. Avoid crowds and enjoy discounted prices after 4PM. Super Hero Tour The world of heroes and superheroes comes to life in this all-new Atlanta attraction. With highlights like a ride through New York Avengers-style, and getting chummy with the giant Pez in Ant Man and the Wasp, Atlanta’s Hero Movie Tour is quickly becoming a must do for the grandkids. FYI it’s mandatory to check in 30 minutes before your scheduled tour or you may forfeit your tickets. Segway Tour If the grandkids are tweens, a city tour would bore them witless—unless that tour has them riding around Atlanta on a Segway. There are three different tours to choose from and each starts with a Segway tutorial to make sure everybody feels safe and comfortable gliding through the sights. Legoland With 10 build and play zones and 2 rides, Legoland is the ultimate indoor playground. You and your grandkids can have hands-on experience learning and laughing as you create your own personal masterpiece. One ticket covers all the attractions including the 4D cinema. Kids under 2 build for free. Stone Mountain Located just 10 miles northeast of Atlanta is Stone Mountain, a 3,200-acre park featuring six trails, a path up the giant granite monolith, a cable car ride to the summit, and a year-round schedule of festivals. Take the grandkids for a picnic and enjoy the largest outdoor laser show in the world while you dine. Southeastern Railway Museum Railway trainbuffs get ready for several hours of hands-on engineer fun. More than 90 pieces of railway equipment spread out over 35 acres await at the Southeastern Railway Museum. For a few extra bucks you can tour the grounds in a restored caboose. After your visit, head over to nearby Duluth for lunch and the grandkids can play in the railroad-themed playground. With so much to inspire the kids, you are guaranteed never to hear those dreaded words, “I’m bored!” In fact, there are so many things to do with kids in Atlanta, the little ones will surely want to extend their stay.

Trips To Take As Soon As You Retire

Welcome to retirement ! Your time is officially your own to use exactly as you please. Remember all those fabulous travel plans you’ve been saving for the future? Guess what? The future is now! When it comes to things to do when you retire, everybody’s vision is unique and personal, but according to AARP statistics, the common thread with retiring Baby Boomers is travel . Here is a list of some of the best vacations for 55+-year-olds. Maybe one of them will be your next destination. Hit the Road Why not hop in the car, RV or your Harley, and enjoy a cross country drive? The first thing to do is to check out a map and decide which destinations appeal to you. Take Route 66 between Chicago and Los Angeles and hit the Grand Canyon along your way. Or take a more southern route between Georgia and California, passing through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. Another popular path is Route 50 which starts in Maryland and ends up in Northern California and includes various mountain ranges, deserts, plains as well as Washington DC and Lake Tahoe. If you rent a car for the trip, you can treat yourself to a flight home. Southeast Asia River Cruise If southeast Asia is uncharted territory for you, a cruise offers an easy, fun way to explore. Enjoy all the onboard amenities by night, including luxury accommodations and gourmet dining. By day, take organized land excursions and discover the history and culture of this part of the world. Different cruise lines offer varying itineraries that include destinations like Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Costa Rica Costa Rica is the jewel of Central America. With rain forests, jungles, loads of wildlife, hot springs and volcanoes nestled between the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, Costa Rica offers a vacation that blends wilderness and luxury. After a day of hiking, playing golf, or seeing creatures frolicking in their natural habitats, pull up a chaise at your five-star resort and relax with a tropical cocktail. African Safari Buckle up for a long flight that is worth it for the trip of a lifetime. As you get up close and personal with romping rhinos, giraffes, hippos and observe herds of elephants splashing around the water hole with their calves, you will be in a continual state of amazement. Bush accommodations are incredible with 5-star luxury and cuisine in the middle of nowhere. This is the adventure you’ve never had time for—until now. Rocky Mountaineer Explore the Canadian Rockies from the comfort of the Rocky Mountaineer’s glass-domed rail cars. There are several itineraries that combine train and land travel. There is no scenery in North America quite as majestic as western Canada. Lake Louise, Jasper and Banff will knock your socks off. End your trip in Vancouver and hop aboard a cruise to Alaska to finish off the journey. Now that nobody is the boss of you, it’s time to pull out that bucket list and transform those travel fantasies into the experiences of your lifetime.

Top Family Friendly Day Trips in Southern California

When many people think of Southern California, they think about spending time in star-studded Los Angeles. However, Los Angeles is not Southern California’s only highlight. Filled with history, exceptional scenery and all manner of fun for the kids, the southern part of California is a day trip mecca waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re in the neighborhood for a few days, or lucky enough to live in one of Overture’s unique southern California 55+ active adult communities , here are a few great choices for a fun socal day trip that will delight family or friends. Our Favorite Southern California Day Trips Disneyland A tried and true southern California favorite, Disneyland will never cease to thrill the young and young at heart. Disneyland aficionados suggest buying tickets in advance online to bypass long ticket lines and get straight through to the entrance. Mickey and the gang await! Aquarium of the Pacific Take a short drive from LA to the city of Long Beach and experience the Aquarium of the Pacific, Southern California’s premium aquarium attraction. After the vast assortment of sea creatures wows the kids, which features you can discuss all they learned over lunch in nearby Rainbow Harbor. After lunch, book a whale watching trip or hop on the free shuttle for a tour of the Queen Mary. Legoland California Just about two a two-hour drive from LA, Legoland California is well worth the trip, especially for the little ones. With over 60 rides and attractions for smaller kids, Legoland rates high on the fun scale. Balboa Park A jewel in the crown of Southern California destinations, San Diego’s Balboa Park is 1200 acres of fun for everyone. The long list of attractions includes museums, hiking trails, theatres, a zoo, and gorgeous gardens. There is enough entertainment on hand to make a weekend of it. Calico Ghost Town Turn back time as you explore Calico, a 19th-century mining town a couple of hours outside of LA. Calico produced over $20 million in silver in a 12-year span. By the late 1890s, the mine closed transforming Calico into a “Ghost Town.” Today, it is fully restored to give visitors an authentic Old West experience. Calico is also part of the San Bernardino County Regional Parks systems, combining its rich history with the natural beauty of the surrounding desert. The Pacific Surfliner—San Luis Obispo to San Diego What could be more fun for the grandkids than hopping on a train to explore one or more of Southern Cal’s prime destinations? You can take the entire route or select a few favorite locations and spend time exploring them. You’ll spend quality time with the little ones—or your buddies—without the stress of driving and parking. Once you move into one of Overture’s prime Southern California locations , invite the grandkids to explore the region with you. But beware. With so much to keep them busy and engaged, they will never want to leave!

The Benefits of Social Media for Older Adults

Fact: Social media has changed the way people interact, facilitating an unprecedented level of worldwide communication and sharing. But if the term makes you sigh and long for telephone landlines, real bound books, and actually going to the mall to shop, you’re not alone. Many older adults avoid the social cyber bandwagon, assuming it has no relevance to this stage of their lives. But we beg to differ... Social media is not just for your kids and grandkids. In fact, it presents a golden opportunity for seniors to connect with family, friends and those with shared passions and interests. If it’s the tech that is holding you back, take a class or let your grandkids walk you through it. In five minutes, you can be an active participant in the cyber world everybody’s buzzing about. While you’re waiting for your young tutor to arrive, check out these benefits of social media. Facebook for Seniors Ever try to call your kids and grandkids? They may have that phone in their pocket, but they are far too busy to answer it. If you want to know what your family members are up to, friend them on Facebook. Reading their posts makes it so easy to stay current and involved in their lives. Though nothing will ever replace actually getting together with family, for those with long-distance loved ones, Facebook is the next best thing to being there. You Can See Your Family Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Instagram make sharing videos and pictures simple. You will feel like you are sitting at that kindergarten graduation or right there when the baby takes her first steps. With the flick of a button, you can be a real time participant in your family’s milestone events or the every day stuff that makes up their lives. And Your Family Can See You Whether you are aging in place or have rightsized into an active adult community, your family is concerned for your welfare. One of the great benefits of social media is the ability to touch base with family members as often as desired to reassure them that you are well, happy and having fun. Seniors Social Networking Nothing enhances health and wellbeing like social interaction. Social media provides an outlet for making new friends, as well as reconnecting with long lost buddies. If you are new to an active adult community, seniors social networking can help you engage with other community members and be the impetus for meaningful new relationships. Get Motivated Social media can introduce you to new topics and connect you to forums where you can participate in discussions with others who share your interests. Get connected through social media and expand your world while staying closer to family and friends. Don’t let the kids have all the fun!

10 Tips to Maintaining Successful Relationships after 50

At 55 you are not the same person you were at 25, 35, or even 45. When seeking to create new relationships or nurture existing bonds with family and friends, it’s important to consider who you are today and bring this version of yourself to the table. Check out these tips for maintaining successful relationships after 55. The best is yet to come. Be Yourself At the top of the list of relationship advice for seniors: Be true to yourself. There is no time for games at this stage of the game. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and share your true feelings. Pretense will only get you so far. A relationship that is built on honesty and integrity will be both enriching and built to last. Be Accountable Any relationship advice over 55 must include willingness to accept your part in the dynamic. When you take responsibility for your own actions you will be able to create a closer connection to family and friends. Love Yourself Eating healthy and getting into a regular exercise routine will contribute to a graceful aging process. In keeping yourself fit and healthy, you will bring more vitality and energy to any relationship. Open Up Sharing begets sharing. The more you share with the important people in your life, the more comfortable they will feel sharing with you. As you learn about each other, your bond will strengthen. Be a Safety Net The circle of trust between you and your loved ones should be a safe space where everybody can feel truly seen and heard. Facing the challenges of aging is less daunting with good friends by your side. Having each other’s backs is what it’s all about. Learn How to Fight No two people are always going to share the same opinion which is why conflict is a part of any healthy relationship. Approaching disagreements with the intention of really listening and understanding each other’s point of view will go a long way toward mature and peaceful resolutions. Be Positive In everyday interactions, instead of always sharing what you don’t want, focus on what you do want. When addressing issues, use language that is kind instead of hurtful. Be sure to remind your friends and family members how much they mean to you as often as possible. Pay Attention When communicating with those you care about, give your full attention. That means put the phone away, turn off the sports network, and be fully engaged in what they have to say. Sneaking a look at an incoming text during a conversation may seem like a small distraction but can have big consequences in the relationship. Make Time for Yourself A little personal space goes a long way in relationships. Spend quality time with friends and loved ones, but make sure to nurture your own interests and passions even if it means venturing out on your own. Have Fun Together The kids are gone, retirement is either a reality or just around the corner. The one obligation you have is to have fun with friends and create new memories. Laugher is the best anti-aging serum. Ask yourself if you’ve been getting what you need from past or present relationships, and if those needs have changed, it’s time to make them known. Love and friendship are wonderful gifts at any age but can be particularly rewarding during this chapter of life.

How to Make the Perfect Bucket List Over 50

Big birthday coming? Don’t dread it. Think of the Big 5-5 as an opportunity. You’re not getting older, you’re just reaching a point where you can really zero in on your priorities and fine tune that 55th birthday bucket list. Okay, so you are actually getting older, but with that age comes the wisdom and enthusiasm that make this time of life so special and rewarding. To be clear, bucket list is an umbrella term that can include any and all of your dreams and aspirations, whether it’s a once in a lifetime adventure, or taking up a brand-new hobby that will be an ongoing addition to your life. Don’t think of it as a “before I kick-the-bucket list” but a “can’t wait to fill my bucket list!” The good news, it’s your personal wishlist so it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks about your goals and ambitions. You are constrained by neither tradition nor expectation. The better news - the possibilities are limitless. Sure, there will be some ideas that may have reached their expiration date for obvious reasons. That bungee cord that looked so exciting 20 years ago may now be, how shall we say, a swing and a miss. But that doesn’t mean there are not loads of adventures waiting for you. You’ve probably got dozens of ideas for your list already, but here are a few suggestions to help get the bucket rolling. Once in a Lifetime… Travel to an exotic destination Splurge on something extravagant Push yourself out of your comfort zone with a feat of daring like skydiving or mountain climbing Grab a microphone and belt out a karaoke song Dramatically change your hairstyle or color Participate in an international festival like Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain Find an old friend you’ve been thinking of Go on a road trip with buddies Try unusual food Join a flash mob Get a New Hobby Hobbies for Men Over 55 Enjoy the great outdoors on your own or with buddies and experience new parts of the country as you go fishing in lakes and rivers, even oceans. Golf is a sport that stimulates both body and mind while providing social connection and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Car restoration is a fun challenging way to bring out your inner car enthusiast. If you’ve always enjoyed dabbling in woodworking, carpentry may be the hobby you’ve been looking for. Beer brewing has bucket list written all over it. You can start with a reasonably priced beer brewing kit and upgrade as you get more involved. Hobbies for Women Over 55 Take up a new sport. Cycling, running, swimming, rowing, tennis, and golf are all sports that will keep you active and connect you with others Bring back the art of knitting its making a comeback as a fun, therapeutic activity and a great pastime. It’s never too late to discover the beauty of photography. You can make and store memories while enhancing your cognitive abilities. Gardening is a huge passion for the over 55 set. Get involved with a few plants and maybe you’ll work up to growing your own patio veggie garden Get your personal blogger on. As you share your thoughts with a broader community, you will connect to the larger world. When creating your personal “can’t wait to fill my” bucket list, the most important criteria is to be honest and include desires that really resonate with your true self. Whether you’ve always dreamed of learning a second language, getting a pilot’s license, or studying classical piano, there is no time like the present to make your list and start thinking about how to get those items checked off. Remember, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.