5 fantastic places for new empty-nesters to explore

Published 10:33 am Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The number of empty-nesters is growing every year as baby boomers send their last chicks (sometimes grandchicks) off to college and/or the workplace.

Making a smooth transition from one phase of life to another can be a challenge. Taking time to recalibrate and rethink your goals and expectations can be an important part of the adjustment process.

Since a large number of new empty-nesters also care for aging parents, it is especially important that they take some time for themselves as they enter this next phase of life.

Taking a trip to explore an interesting destination can help couples relax, get a new perspective on their situation and enjoy the romance that brought them together in the first place.

Here are five  great places for new empty-nesters to explore. 

Granbury, Texas

This little jewel is less than an hour away from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and will surprise you with its laid-back, small-town pace.

From the artist galleries and boutiques, outstanding dining around the historic small-town square to the incredible views from local wineries and state parks, Granbury offers something for every taste.

You can visit the Granbury Opera House, take the ghost tour or a romantic carriage ride around downtown.

Sanibel Island, Florida

While much of Florida suffered terribly from Hurricane Irma in 2017 and her aftermath of flooding, little Sanibel, just off the west coast of Florida, was mostly spared.

Some parts of Sanibel sustained minor damage from the 80 mph winds, but for the most part the little island remained virtually unscathed. The town’s attractions include The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Healdsburg, California

Visiting Healdsburg is a totally consuming experience, involving your senses, calming your soul and sparking renewal.

With locally owned shops, restaurants and tasting rooms surrounding the historic town plaza, Healdsburg offers something for everyone. While wine is a major part of this region, there are also experiences for those who aren’t oenophiles. Visitors have the option to visit a boutique distillery, hard cider taproom and an artisan brewery.

There is also the twice weekly farmer’s market where you can buy local fruit and vegetables in season or select a gorgeous fresh flower bouquet.

Accommodations range from the simple and ecofriendly h2hotel to the more luxurious Hotel Healdsburg, where you can be pampered to your liking at its well-known spa.

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

A Midwestern treasure, the tiny community of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, has a rich history, luxurious accommodations and a dash of adventure. Whether you stay at a premier resort like The Osthoff or rent a small cabin nearby, historic Elkhart Lake will help you recalibrate your soul.

You can visit the Wade House Historic Site, go fishing on the lake, take a French cooking class at the L’ecole de la Maison cooking school or enjoy a couple’s massage at the Aspira Spa. Outstanding dining and shopping are within walking distance of most accommodations.

Goshen, New York

Located  a short drive from the Big Apple, entering tiny Goshen, New York, is like rolling back the calendar to the 1950s, with all the perks of 21st century living.

With it’s lovely small-town feel, Goshen offers delicious dining featuring menus full of local produce and outstanding creativity.

Explore the shops surrounding the town green, visit the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame or watch a race or early morning practice at the world’s oldest active harness racing track, just steps from the main avenue.

Other attractions nearby include the Orange County Distillery and one of the oldest wineries in America, The Brotherhood Winery in nearby Washingtonville. 

Tamra Bolton is a freelance writer and photographer based in East, Texas. She loves to travel and explore new places. You can read more of her work on parade.com.