Spring Beach Travel | Gulf Shores, AL

Gulf Shores, AL is within driving distance from Kentuckiana. It allows even those who need to make frequent stops or traveling with a senior that has special needs that flying doesn’t allow for. Traveling with a senior has it’s own special circumstances that are important.

The weather was in the low 90s in early June 2022. This made for early morning visits to the beach before the crowds arrived. It allowed the extra time to navigate the terrain and not feel rushed by the families of tourist that often arrive a bit later in the day. The weather plenty warm to enjoy the warmish waters that stroke the shores as early as 6am. The sun quickly approaches and begins to burn. Caution to plan for overheating in the sun and risk for skin damage should be made.

The hotel we visited was the perfect choice for those with health conditions. There was an ER within 5 min drive and an urgent care within 10 min drive for any health conditions that arise.

The food options were very pleasant and offered even those who need mechanically soft diets possible. Several fish restaurants were perfect for those needing soft to swallow food that taste so good that anyone would enjoy just texture.

October day trips | Fall into fun trips this October

October is back around! Pumpkin décor, fallen leaves, and taste buds savoring the return of pumpkin spice lattes is not the only thing to enjoy in October. Here are three day tips to enjoy this October.

1. Tri State Peak

A client who took advantage of this recommendation in October 2020 found the adventure enjoyable with the ease of this trail perfectly fit for him to handle even with his tendency to have balance issues and be clumsy at times. You get to stand between three states at one time. Travelers would enjoy a 1.2 moderate hike (one way) over what at times can be brief areas of slightly rocky terrain. The pavilion standing at the top holds the place where the three states come together. The view can be a bit limited. This little day adventure takes you on the historical Cumberland Gap Trail.

2. Waverly Hills Sanatorium

The Historical Tour is extremely interesting. No need to arrive early as the gates open to the property only 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. In 2020 with COVID precautions encouraged or enforced by the state at times throughout the year the year, masks were required in October 2020 for the entire tour. The historical tour can last almost three hours. It allows you to tour every floor of the building. If climbing stairs is difficult for some of our clients this is certainly not the tour for you. Be certain to take pictures during the tour as there is no time after the it is concluded due to the staff having to prepare for the evening paranormal tour.

3. Red River Gorge

A traveler can drive the circle road starting at the Nada Tunnel, continuing along route 77, by route 715 to route 15 and rounding to Slade. Along the way, you may got out of the the car and choose to hike at Sky Bridge if you plan ahead to take into account how early the sun goes down in October. If we can recommend only one hike it would be Chimney Top Rock. It gives travelers the most spectacular views. Our travelers who are above decent shape could complete all the trails in a single summer day. Be prepared. Pack food and water with you. It takes most several hours to do the drive and hikes. There are no stores along the way to purchase food or water.

For our travelers needing assistive devices it is important to know that not a single trail is wheelchair or scooter accessible. There are a handful that have pieces that are have paved areas near the parking lot. The trails are filled with rocks, tree roots, and areas that require climbing up and down. That means walkers and canes are not going to be effective on the trails. The “Recreation Area" on the map noted to have parking, bathrooms, and picnic tables does not actually indicate nice buildings with accommodations. Be prepared to roughing it with a rustic toilet. If you are lucky there might be some toilet paper at the time when you need to use the facilities. Bring hand sanitizer and extra TP!!!

For those needing to use assistive devices, I want to stress that the drive alone is worth it for the views.

The Grand travels in Naples, FL | The Naples Grande Beach Resort review

Take a trip with us as we discuss our adventures in Naples, FL. We start our adventure in the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Naples Grande Beach Resort is one of the many options for seniors in Southwest Florida for travel. This eco-smart beach resort offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. The spacious bungalows, suites and guestrooms can be reserved with private balconies or patios.

Planning on doing some work while traveling to this luxurious resort. They offer same floor meeting space or break-out rooms that feature floor-to-ceiling windows.

There are numerous energizing recreation options on the resort, including award-winning tennis and championship golf.

For those travelers who prefer a poolside vibe, the Naples Grande Beach Resort offers it’s guest three signature pools. Are you a kid at heart? One pool features a 100-foot water slide. Relaxing on the beach or poolside just not cutting the stress? Relax at the rejuvenating Naples Grande Spa.

This senior friendly resort offers 23 acres of waterfront adjoining a nearly 200 acre nature preserve and mangrove estuary. There are many water sports on three miles of sand beach. The beach gives a sugar like feel to your feet as you enjoy sunset walks along the shore. The staff were friendly and take it to the next level in how they embody hospitality. There are golf cart rides to the beach daily or you can enjoy a walk to see the mangrove estuary or nature preserve.

It's also just a short bike ride along the palm lined streets brings you to a copious number of galleries, unique boutiques, shops, taste-filled restaurants and galleries. There are many water sports on three miles of sand beach. The beach gives a sugar like feel to your feet as you enjoy sunset walks along the shore.

Naples Grande Beach Resort review.

475 Seagate Drive Naples, Florida 34103

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Review

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located in the Clark County, Nevada. Stationed just a few miles west of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert, the Red Rock Canyon National park envelops 195,819 acres of worldwide geologic beauty.

Red Rock Canyon is a 20 minutes drive from the Las Vegas strip. In fall of 2020 it would cost around $2 to reserve entry, due to COVID-19 policy changes for admission to the park, in addition to the typical park entry fees. Day use fees can range from as low as $5 for a pedestrian or bicyclist to $15 for an automobile vehicle. There are annual pass options you can explore on their website as well but those can run as much as $80. Prior to COVID-19 visitors can stay as long as they like.

Thinking of exploring the well known "scenic loop?" It offers travelers with plentiful options to stop and take stunning photos of the gorgeous scenery. There are also various stopping stops to get out and take a brief hike or two. Remember the loop is ONE-WAY only so take advantage of stops unless you are prepared to make the approximate 30 minute loop again to catch something you might have missed.

The wide range of picturesque landscaping can be breathtaking to come prepared. This natural beauty is a grounding experience from the lights and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip. Stretching mountain ranges, vast valley and smooth boulders amplified by the bright blue skies and sweeping clouds give the photographer in all of us the opportunity to work our talents with ease.

Prior to COVID times, most of the trails provided the social distancing many need after several days enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas life on the Strip. For those who want to feel the air in their hair you can rent luxury convertibles or motorcycles to enjoy the open road.

CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 2020:

Beginning November 3rd, 2020 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing a “timed-entry system” to aid in controlling the flow of traffic into this National Conservation Park. We would be happy to arrange and schedule your visit to Red Rock Canyon on your next trip to Las Vegas, NV.

Nautical Naples in the Fall

In 2020 I traveled to Naples, FL USA with two seniors. The travel was during COVID. Mask and social distancing were generally maintained, even though FL was not mandating it at the time. We explored what Naples, FL had to offer. We will talk through those travels in the coming weeks. Stay tuned to Alee Solutions Travel Services blog.