by
Janet Groene
1.
Amelia
Island FL can get frosty in winter, so stay and play at off-season
rates. Seniors 55 and over and AARP members ages 50 and over
get a double room with continental breakfast, refrigerator,
microwave, and coffeemaker at the Best Western Fernandina Beach
for $59.46. Walk deserted beaches, fly a kite, play tennis or
golf, and shop and dine the old city.
2.
Bethel ME offers Silver Strides, Golden Glides vacation ski
packages any Sunday through Thursday for those 50 and better.
For $199 per person, double occupancy, get three nights with
breakfast at a choice of inns, a three-day trail pass, use of
snowshoes and the latest X-C ski equipment, and a daily lesson
or guided ski tour. Tel. 800-442-5826.
3.
Cruise West, known for small ships that nudge into harbors that
cruise liners can't visit, goes winter whale watching in Baja.
For under $5,000 per couple per week get meals, programs, exploring
in zippy Zodiacs with professional naturalists, taxes and port
fees. Sign now for early booking discounts; AARP members also
get a $100 per person shipboard credit. Tel. 888-851-8133.
4.
Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Winter Haven FL, had a near-death
experience with hurricanes and financial woes but is open again
with gardens that have been awesome since 1938. New are rides,
a killer coaster, and concerts. The butterfly conservatory and
glass-bottom boats are still here. Seniors pay $5 less than
the $34.95 admission and get a second day free within six days.
Tel. 863-324-2111
5.
Fort Myers FL is so eager to show how well it survived the 2004
hurricanes, motel rooms go to seniors for as little as $47.50.
(That's the Quality Hotel Historic District.) Other senior discounts
are found at the ultra-classy Hyatt Regency Coconut Point (from
$132.50), Admiral Lehigh Golf Resort ($67.50) and Holiday Inn
Riverwalk (from $72). Tel. 800-237-6444.
6.
Homewood Mountain Resort, Homewood CA on the west shore of Lake
Tahoe offers Senior Moment Mondays when guests over 62 get a
lift ticket, lunch and a group lesson for $25. Buy lift tickets
for two days in a row for $10 a day. Tel. 877-525-7669. If you're
75 or over, lift tickets are free at Squaw Valley USA, 530-583-6985.
(CONTINUE...)
