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Orlando All Grown Up

We’ve got nothing against theme parks. In fact, we happily took our kids to Orlando for an exhilarating visit to Disney World and Epcot years ago and had a fantastic family vacation, but our memories are mostly of tiny hands excitedly pulling us from one wild ride to the next.

Now that they are all grown up and on their own, we have the opportunity to explore the city at a more relaxing pace and see the more adult side of …

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We’ve got nothing against theme parks. In fact, we happily took our kids to Orlando for an exhilarating visit to Disney World and Epcot years ago and had a fantastic family vacation, but our memories are mostly of tiny hands excitedly pulling us from one wild ride to the next. Although, there are actually a lot of fun things for adults to do at Disney World nowadays, if you’re thinking about heading that way though we suggest checking out Capture The Magic’s Disney Crowd Calendar to find a less crowded time to go.

Now that they are all grown up and on their own, we have the opportunity to explore the city at a more relaxing pace and see the more adult side of things. So, as Petula Clark sang long ago, downtown is the place to be.

A great place to start is the Church Street Station in the center of town. This former South Florida Railroad terminal, circa 1889, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now serves as home to SunRail commuter trains and a hub for dining and nightlife.

Instead of corndogs and cotton candy we can indulge in Orlando’s thriving foodie scene. Within a few blocks of the old depot there is a collection of culinary choices ranging from home-style to health conscious, and everything in between. It is possible to take an epicurean journey of gourmet burgers or steaks from America, to sushi in Japan, tapas from Spain, or Spätzle, Schnitzel, and Bratwurst for a German flavor.

After dinner, dozens of nightclubs await within an easy walk. Or it is just a few steps over to The Amway Center where the NBA Orlando Magic work their wizardry on the hardwood during the basketball season, and concerts and shows are featured year ‘round.

Perhaps our favorite discovery was just how bike friendly the city is. There are hundreds of miles of bicycle lanes and pathways throughout the urban area. Even in the heart of the city, two wheeled transportation is a good option.

For us, the rail trails that incorporate old railroad right of ways are ideal and there are several to choose from around town. These are always fairly level and make for a relaxing day of cycling.

Winding its way past six lakes, the Orlando Urban Trail links downtown with the Mead Botanical Gardens in Winter Park. Named for the renowned horticulturist Theodore L. Mead, for seventy five years the gardens have been a great place to stop and smell the flowers or spot butterflies.

At Highland Lake the Cady Way Trail splits off and heads east to Lake Druid Park. The park is home to Orlando’s first mountain bike park, but as much as we love our mountain bikes the motocross style dirt track and jumps are a bit more of a challenge than we like to tackle.

From there the trail follows the abandoned roadbed of the defunct East Florida & Atlantic Railroad north for several miles, with a shopping stop at the Fashion Square Mall on its way up to Baldwin Park.

A few miles northwest of downtown the West Orange Trail passes a number of historic homes and introduced us to Lake Apopka. These wetlands have had more species of birds spotted than anywhere else in Florida. Over three hundred and sixty so far… and still counting.

After biking our brains out, a trip back to the center of the city to replenish our energy was certainly in order. Over a meal we recount our memories of Orlando both old and new, and compare the enjoyment of our adult adventure with the fun the kids had way back when and found it hard to say which was better.

Maybe we’ll be back with our grandkids for some more research.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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How the Internet Can Save You Money While Traveling

When it comes to traveling, one of the main issues that people raise straight away is the cost. And while things can certainly start to spiral out of control if you are not careful, there are plenty of ways that you can make things cheaper. So, let’s take a look at some of the top ways that you can save money while traveling using the internet… CONTINUE READING >> 

When it comes to traveling, one of the main issues that people raise straight away is the cost. And while things can certainly start to spiral out of control if you are not careful, there are plenty of ways that you can make things cheaper.

The internet is an incredible tool that everyone should make the most of whether you are planning a trip in the near future or you are already out on the open road. So, let’s take a look at some of the top ways that you can save money while traveling using the internet.

Compare Your Costs


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You may think that you will be quoted the same price everywhere for goods or services, but this is simply not the case. Accommodation and transport are two of the main factors when you are traveling, so when you find a place you like or flight you would like to take, don’t just take the first offer you are given.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there such as Skyscanner and Trivago, so it is worth giving these a look as you could find yourself saving significant sums of money. It is also a good idea to check out coupon sites like DontPayFull.com which may offer you further savings. Ultimately, research can be done with a few clicks so it doesn’t have to be hugely time-consuming.

Avoid Tourist Traps


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Many travelers aim to avoid the places where everyone else goes. Not only are you not getting a local experience, the prices will inevitably be significantly higher. With so many review services online, you can get a good idea of what a restaurant, bar or cafe will be like before you set foot inside. You can also check for any warnings about hidden charges and tourist traps. Surely, one of the great pleasures of traveling is finding places off the beaten track and that is exactly what the internet helps you do.

Research Your Destination


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If you arrive at a place having done no research, you are likely to spend more money as you don’t know what are the main attractions you would like to see and which areas you would like to visit.

You can also check out whether there are any discounts available online, tourist passes that get you into numerous sites or public transport tickets that can save you money. You can also read advice from people who have already been there before which is always useful!

Book in Advance

When you turn up to, say, a train station hoping to travel as soon as possible, you are much more likely to pay the highest rate. Booking in advance online can save you both money and hassle as you don’t have to tackle any long lines when you are there. If you are planning to take a tour while you are traveling, again, it makes sense that you should book online. The same goes for certain tourist attractions – particularly those that are likely to be very popular!       

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

The Oz Museum: Behind The Yellow Brick Road

Yes Dorothy, we were in Kansas anymore, Wamego to be exact.

As the home of The Oz Museum, this little burg between Topeka and Manhattan has become quite a Mecca for fans of The Wizard of Oz.
We entered the main street storefront into a fairly typical gift shop, with a couple of exceptions. There was a tornado … CONTINUE READING >>

Entering the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

Unlike Elton John, we did not find ourselves beyond the enchanted pathway, instead we found ourselves right in the middle of it, and privy to the secrets behind the making of the most magical road movie of all time.

The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

Yes Dorothy, we were in Kansas anymore, Wamego to be exact.

As the home of The Oz Museum, this little burg between Topeka and Manhattan has become quite a Mecca for fans of The Wizard of Oz.

We entered the main street storefront into a fairly typical gift shop, with a couple of exceptions.

There was a tornado machine in one corner and a very familiar-looking, sepia-toned house along the far wall.

Auntie Em's house at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

To set the mood, we stepped into the machine and were buffeted by gale force winds.

We say gale, as opposed to tornadic, not only because it is Dorothy’s last name, but also because was must admit to being a little disappointed by the lack of vortex.

The wind blew straight down on our heads. Nevertheless, we felt ready to enter Auntie Em’s front door.

Dorothy Display at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

In a very effective nod to the movie’s switch from black & white to technicolor, everything beyond the doorway was properly retina-burningly bright.

Our journey began with the books behind the film, including a first edition of the one that started it all, L. Frank Baum’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz from 1900.

The complete collection of OZ books at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

Baum went on to pen thirteen more Oz books, but the tales continued even after he passed away as the publisher sanctioned over twenty more titles, mostly written by Ruth Plumly Thompson. In all, the series spanned five decades.

Waddle books and games at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

The Wicked Witch, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

The Wizard of Oz display at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

From the literary beginnings, we moved on to the displays about the beloved 1939 movie that brought Oz to life for so many millions of people.

Each of the main characters is given a space which includes signed memorabilia, letters, notes, and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

Buddy Epson as the Tin Man at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

We learned that several of the actors were not the first choice for their roles. W. C. Fields was originally cast as the wizard, played by Frank Morgan, but contract disputes got in the way; and Buddy Ebsen, of Jed Clampett and Barnaby Jones fame, was the first pick for The Tin Man until the silver makeup made him ill, giving the part to Jack Haley.

The Tin Man's hat at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

Many of the film’s special effects are explained too.

The tornado was made of a gauze-like muslin fabric wrapped around a wire coil, and the wicked witch’s “Surrender Dorothy” sky writing was achieved with an ink-filled medical needle and water in a glass tank.

Most interesting to David, especially since he can finally stop being terrified of them, were the little models used to create the army of flying monkeys.

Flying Monkey at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

The Ruby Slippers at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

There are several replicas of the ruby slippers, which were originally meant to be silver but changed because red looked so much better against the yellow brick road, but an original pair destined to be displayed at the Oz Museum fell prey to thieves back in 2005.

Unfortunately, one of the five known pairs used in the movie was stolen from The Judy Garland Museum two weeks before they were scheduled to be delivered. While some of the other shoes have been auctioned for over half a million dollars, the stolen ones have never surfaced.

The theater at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

The Haunted Forest at The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

In the back of the building a theater runs a pristine copy of the MGM classic, but we’ve seen it hundreds of times so we headed into the Haunted Forest, lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

Just as in the movie, beyond the forest we came to Glenda The Good Witch and the hot air balloon.

But we didn’t need a ride back to Kansas, it was right outside the door.

Toto's Tacoz in Wamego, Kansas

The museum has spawned several other Oz based businesses in Wamego. Right next door we grabbed a bite at Toto’s Tacoz.

We knew it had to be good because they spelled tacos with a Z.

The Oz Winery in Wamego, Kansas

About a block down Lincoln Street we found the Oz Winery.

They make a wide variety of wines right on site, many with fanciful Oz based names like Squished Witch, Flying Monkeys, Drunken Munchkin, and Wine of a Different Color.

The Oz Winery in Wamego, Kansas

In fact, Oz has become such an integral part of the town that each year they host a giant Oztoberfest combining the classic Bavarian festival with thousands of fans, many decked out as their favorite fantasy characters from the merry old land of Oz.

We’re not positive about this, but speculation is that this might be where the winery got the idea for the name Drunken Munchkin.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Graduation A Go-Go

“Graduation speeches were invented largely in the belief that college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.” – Garry Trudeau

Between our brood of three and my brother’s trio we have six kids within a ten year age span. That used to mean some hilarious… CONTINUE READING >>

David Writes!

With graduation season firmly upon us, we thought that we would revisit this story from a few years ago.

“Graduation speeches were invented largely in the belief that college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.” – Garry Trudeau

Between our brood of three and my brother’s trio we have six kids within a ten year age span. That used to mean some hilarious high jinx as piles of toddler bodies rolled around our basements and backyards.

Cousins seem to have some sort of inborn bond this way. Months or even years can pass and the shenanigans pick up right where they left off at the last visit.

These days five of the six are officially adults and that means we’ve been to A LOT of graduations — both high school and college — over the last few years. And there are more to come.

We will be attending our niece’s university commencement ceremony in Boston this weekend. My brother’s oldest daughter is heading out into the big wide world.

As always, it’s both exciting and a little bit scary for both the former student and her parents. Both parties are understandably nervous about the job market, living quarters and the details of making the transition from pupil to worker bee.

After going through this rite of passage twice with our girls, The Piglet and Decibel, it will be nice to be a semi-impartial observer. Attorney General Eric Holder will be delivering the address so that should make for an interesting afternoon.

We can enjoy the speech without stressing out about the future. We don’t have to worry that grandma might get lost on the way to the celebratory dinner. We don’t have to make hotel reservations for twenty people or be the official family Boston tour guide while simultaneously choking back our emotions.

My sister-in-law is a fabulous hostess and we just can kick back and enjoy the results.

When The Piglet and Decibel graduated we found that some forward thinking helped to make this transitional time a lot less troublesome. Rather than having them move backwards by coming home to begin a job and housing search, they simply continued the life they were already living.

That way we avoided having a short term helping hand become a long term boomeranger in the basement.

For our family, we found it extremely beneficial for the kids to move out of the dorms after their freshman year. Dorms were a nice initial transition, but we were truly shocked at the expense.

The move to an apartment was less costly and taught our offspring the real world lessons of bill paying, food gathering and the limits of sanitary conditions tolerable for human habitation. Not living in student housing helped ease the shock of graduation.

Without the stress of needing to learn to live on their own, moving onward became a matter of finding work in their chosen field while getting by on the income from gigs they’d rather not have. Nothing gets you off your butt faster than working a job you hate.

Another important step was not waiting until after graduation to begin the job search. By keeping in communication with contacts made in college and through internships, The Piglet and Decibel had leads ready to pursue before the tossed caps hit the ground.

Because we are not totally heartless, we offered a little grubstake as a graduation gift to help them on their merry way. While it might seem crass to give cash as a gift, there’s nothing a recent graduate appreciates more. It buys time and a little less stress for any antsy alumnus.

Otherwise we offered advice when asked and encouragement the rest of the time. We made a point of not making any decisions for them, only offering insight. That way they owned their outcomes and were ripe for living and learning.

Sure there have been twists and turns since receiving their sheepskins — it’s a hard knock world out there. Tough times, a few moves and a couple of job changes were undertaken, but both girls are getting by just fine.

The next graduation we will be celebrating will be our youngest’s — The Boy — two years from now. After that, no more tuition, no more dependents on the tax return, no way to consider our children, children in any context.

That will do it for us, the fat lady will have completed her cantata. The nest will be truly empty.

David, GypsyNester.com

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Why Baby Boomers Prefer the Tibet Train

Building a railway network in Tibet was a daunting task, but it has been done to perfection.

A terrific job was done by both the designers as well as the engineers… CONTINUE READING >> 

Travel trends have changed all over and some industry experts are observing it closely. Baby boomers have started to show certain interesting trends and nothing like this was ever seen before.

These people have experienced almost everything in life and this is their time to relax. The percentage of domestic as well as international trips taken by them has increased drastically and this is the sign of something exciting. The international travel industry changed their approach as well and some special efforts were made to attract the baby boomers.

The railways system of Tibet has developed dramatically and new routes have been unveiled. While touring Tibet, baby boomers always pay attention to the details and it paints a bigger picture for them.

All You Need to Know About the Qinghai-Tibet railway

Building a railway network in Tibet was a daunting task, but it has been done to perfection. The crucial Qinghai-Tibet witnessed tremendous development, as a 1,956Km long railway track was laid. Qinghai’s capital, Xining, and Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, are the two end points. Tibet badly needed railways and after this project, that curse was removed forever. New records were set and this railway network took a special spot in the book of railway networks. The highest railway in the world presents stunning scenery that travelers can never forget. Few rail tracks in the world are located so high, and 960km of this track is elevated to a height of 4,000m.

A terrific job was done by both the designers as well as the engineers. The challenges came from all angles and the task looked more dangerous than ever. But everything was managed brilliantly and the construction was completed in a great fashion. The first big challenge was the extremely fragile ecosystem, the permafrost and scarcity of oxygen. Foreign experts lost hope about this project, but the Chinese people achieved the impossible. It is really astounding to watch and this project is a great example of modern engineering excellence.

Qinghai-Tibet railway is a very busy route now and the volume of passengers is massive. The railways sector will keep on improving, as Tibet’s tourism industry draws more and more visitors. A great number of travellers come to experience this amazing work in the snowfields. Booking the tickets is easy and it can be done well in advance. Baby boomers should prefer train travel, as it brings many advantages to them.

Experience Great Scenery While Travelling on the Xining-Lhasa Train

Train travel is always exciting and it gives a special feeling. As the scenery passes by, travelers can have the time of their lives. The excitement is at a peak and the heart yearns for the upcoming adventure. Baby boomers need comfortable travel and the ride must not be boring.

Trains are built for special experiences and if our loved ones are present with us, it becomes all the more amazing. The journey from Qinghai province to Tibet is not an ordinary one. The scenery is to die for and it fills the heart with new enthusiasm. Baby boomers can take it as an appetizer and get engrossed in the breathtaking views. The winter scenery is particularly stunning and tourists wait for it.

Golmud presents the first amazing view and the salt lake here is a piece of art. The train slowly climbs up in altitude and the next station is Yuzhu Peak, which is at 4,160m. For beginners, who are just trying their hand at mountaineering, this peak offers some great facilities.

The natural reserve of Kekexili is where this train arrives next. This location is populated by very few people and it remains mostly isolated. The wildlife found here is intriguing with wild yaks to Tibetan antelope all roaming freely. Tuotuo River is known for its natural scenery as well as cultural heritage and tourists can always enjoy that.

Passengers can then enjoy the famous Tanggula station and the scintillating “Sky Road”. The lakes are absolutely heavenly and this train ride is massively different. After crossing Tsonag Lake and Damxung station, the train finally reaches Lhasa.

Special Facilities of the Qinghai-Tibet Train 

In special conditions, some special facilities are required for survival. Qinghai-Tibet train has some special facilities in store for the passengers that will help them adjust with this region’s special elevation. The train is totally closed and as a part of air-conditioning, a supercharging system is present. Additional oxygen supply is also given to the travelers.

Baby boomers do not have to worry about a single thing and they will totally love these advanced facilities. Tibet trains are the most comfortable ones and passengers can stay calmly in any corner. The coaches can be classified into three types and tourists can pick them, according to their preference.

Boredom can be killed in many ways and passengers usually get medical service as well as English service. Sometimes, folk performances are also organized inside the train and it pumps up the excitement quotient. Tackling altitude sickness becomes quite easy and first aid can be received at any moment. The journey is filled with many surprises and passengers can sip every moment of the breathtaking view, through the anti-ultraviolet glass.

Why a Soft Sleeper is the Best Choice for Baby Boomers

For baby boomers, a long train journey can be exhausting. They look for comfort and that is best achieved in a soft sleeper. This compartment is very large and amazingly spacious. However, the ticket cost is quite high for this one. Elderly people don’t worry about the money, as long as the comfort is ensured. Each compartment possesses a door and this enclosed space offers a secure atmosphere and a whole lot of privacy. The number of bunks is four and TV screens are available in soft sleepers, so baby boomers can spend their time in a great way.

Baby boomers have some pre-defined goals and they always try to fulfill them. Train journeys can present a comfortable experience that can’t be achieved in other means of transport.

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

A Guide for Baby Boomers to Tibet

Tibet is a motivational place for them and the environment is truly terrific. The towns are quiet here and nature reigns supreme. The natural beauty is so serene that it overshadows everything else. CONTINUE READING >> 

Travelling is equally important for people of all ages and baby boomers are included in this list. They are here to experience life in a whole different way and each memory is precious for them. While young travelers are mainly interested for the adrenaline rush, baby boomers run after the priceless memories.

Older people are travelling more and they are doing that whole-heartedly. They select places in a different way and the choices are naturally different. Baby boomers have a unique bucket list and Tibet is definitely included in that. Memories with loved ones stay on forever and all baby boomers are here to make the most of their lives through Tibet travel.

Why Visiting Tibet should be on Baby Boomer’s Bucket List 

Elderly people always want a relaxing atmosphere, and personal gateways are their favorite. Tibet is a motivational place for them and the environment is truly terrific. The towns are quiet here and nature reigns supreme.

The natural beauty is so serene that it overshadows everything else. Every life offers something special, but when special moments are spent with the family, life becomes all the more amazing. Older travelers have a particular plan about the vacation and they always follow that. Time is extremely crucial for them and they never waste a moment.

Tibet sees millions of tourists every year, but some people hesitate to go, concerned about the climatic conditions. It is true that Tibet can be very harsh, but the altitude woes can be tackled easily. Elderly travelers love the experience once they arrive. The monasteries give them complete peace of mind and the adventures are exhilarating.

It is all about getting accustomed to the climate and starting to enjoy every moment. From pregnant women to old age people, everyone is welcome in Tibet. The tour can be customized in different ways and this is the true beauty.

What should Baby Boomers Keep in Mind?

Preparation is the key here and if the right precautions are not taken, the problems can become uncontrollable. As Tibet’s climate is a whole lot different from that of other places, medical check up is a must. You should consult your doctor and know everything about your health in advance, this helps a lot. The doctor’s advice is greatly important here and every word should be given importance. Some elderly people have chronic breathing problems and they should avoid this trip altogether. Getting sick in high altitudes can be a dangerous thing, so prevention should be taken beforehand.

Packing List for Baby Boomers

Packing light is the best option and this motto should be followed for all trips. If too many items are taken, most of them are not even touched. Select the most essential things and cut out the unnecessary items. The baggage should be little, but the excitement should be high. Certain medicines should always remain with you for emergency purposes and this is a normal thing. The oxygen content is scarce in Tibet and the dramatic change in temperature can often prove to be dangerous.

Bags – The big back pack stores the main things and a light-weight product should be chosen. For daily trips, a day pack should be taken. It carries the camera, notebook, jacket, etc. A money belt should always be carried to keep the passport, room keys, money and other essentials.

Clothing – Layered clothes are perfect for Tibet and as the temperature changes, articles of clothing can be removed. Warm clothing is a must for the chilly climate. If you want to go beyond Lhasa or Shigatse, a coat must always be in your bag. Along with all these things, comfortable shoes must be carried. Clothes of dark color are more favorable here, due to the dusty roads. Finally, don’t forget to take your rain coat, as rains can often welcome you in Tibet.

Sun Protection – Harmful sunrays are dangerous and your face needs special protection against these harsh rays, Apart from your sun-cream, take a sun hat, lip balm, shades and skin cream.

Cash and other essentials must be kept carefully, as these things are extremely vital.

Recommended travel routes for baby boomers

Professional travelers should always follow the most effective travel route for easy movement. The challenge is tough in Tibet. On one hand, a lot of area needs to be traveled. On the other hand, time is always running out.

Visiting Lhasa – For some travellers, Tibet begins and ends with Lhasa. Soak up the religious experience and spend your precious time in Potala Palace and the stunning Jokhang Temple. Know what makes Buddhism so vibrant and so enigmatic. Sera and Drepung Monastery should also be on the list. Barkhor Street and the pilgrim circle will give you unforgettable memories and Tibetan dancing can end your day in style. From drama to special performances, the cultural side is completely breathtaking. Also, treat your inner soul in Tibetan tea house and feel good about life.

Experience Gyantse – For the pilgrims, Gyantse is like heaven. While travelling from Lhasa to this destination, some amazing lakes and glaciers will make your trip remarkable. The Pelkor Monastery is also present, which deserves special mention.

A trip to Shigatse – The local culture is the best thing about Tibet and that can be felt best at Shigatse. Tashilhunpo Monastery is not only culturally vibrant, but the historic significance is also great. This is just behind Tibet’s largest monastery and the divine atmosphere is amazing.

Other travel tips:

Keeping fit is the key here, as the body’s metabolism rate should always be maintained. Take the necessary steps to keep the cold way and you can enjoy the trip in a better way. Regular exercises can do wonders here and you just need to analyze your heart’s condition. If you catch cold, just before the trip, it can be disastrous.

Getting a good accommodation facility in Tibet is not hard, but the conditions should be checked before entering. Local houses should be avoided, as they are unsafe for tourists.

The Tibetan restaurants are totally amazing and the cuisine is really fabulous. Water should be consumed in large amounts to keep the body hydrated. Raw vegetables or fruits should be totally avoided, as they can give rise to gastrointestinal problems. Moreover, proper dining etiquette should be maintained at all times.

For baby boomers, the time in Tibet can be extra special, if they follow this guide. Create precious memories and stay healthy.

We are happy to feature this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Best Cities To Live as a Biker

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast who doesn’t already live in one of the top U.S. cities for bikers, you might want to consider making a move. Some of the factors that make a city ideal for avid motorcyclists include road safety, weather conditions, and, of course, picturesque scenery to enjoy along the way… CONTINUE READING >> 

There are countless articles focused on the best cities for foodies, the best cities for jobs, the best cities for singles, and so on, but what about the best cities to live as a biker? If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast who doesn’t already live in one of the top U.S. cities for bikers, you might want to consider making a move. Some of the factors that make a city ideal for avid motorcyclists include road safety, weather conditions, and, of course, picturesque scenery to enjoy along the way.

Daytona, Florida

Daytona boasts weather that’s ideal for fun in the sun throughout the year. Those same wonderful ocean breezes that keep conditions mild in the winter, bring cooling winds in the summer for natural air conditioning. You’ll also find lots of straight, well-maintained roads, and incredibly scenery, from rivers, postcard-perfect beaches and the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to wetlands and enticing tree canopies to roll under. Daytona also hosts what’s been called one of the best Bike Weeks in the country. Daytona Bike Week has been running since 1937 and attracts some half-million bikers for 10 days in January every year.

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia is home to over 202,000 registered motorcycle owners and we’re willing to bet many of them live in the state’s largest city of Atlanta. It’s a great place for just about anyone to live, with its friendly population, thriving job market and low housing costs – just take a look at those prices among the Atlanta homes for sale and your jaw is sure to drop, especially if you live in one of the nation’s higher-priced cities like San Francisco, Seattle or New York. But it offers bikers a whole lot more, with its year-round mild climate as well as easy access to some of the most legendary rides in the country, including bucket list trips like the Tail of the Dragon which runs west of the Great Smoky Mountains between Robbinsville and the Tennessee state line, with 311 corners in just 11 miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile stretch of spectacular National Park highway, is within easy reach as well.

Boise, Idaho

While you may want to put your bike away in the winter, living in Boise brings the chance to explore some of the country’s most stunning mountain scenery. You can hop on and ride along the Boise River, through the foothills and into the awe-inspiring Sawtooth Mountains in no time. BoiseWeekly.com notes that Idaho offers 30,000 miles of rideable dirt and roughly 5,000 miles of state highway, along with some 2,000 bikes listed by owner on Craigslist in the area at any given time during the season, four more than nearby Wyoming, which averages around 450. Idaho has the eighth-highest number of motorcycles per 1,000 residents, reports smartasset.com, so you know you’re going to be among lots of like-minded enthusiasts by moving here.

Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins sits in the northern part of the Rocky Mountain State and was named the No. 1 best city for motorcycle owners by smartasset.com for 2017. You’ll enjoy over 300 days of sunshine every year for riding alongside the beautiful cliff-framed Cache la Poudre River and into the breathtaking Rockies.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

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