Travel & Places

Over the years I have been fortunate to travel to many interesting places in the US and abroad. I also enjoy spending time in beautiful spots in the Chicago metropolitan area and North Shore. Yet the following are a few places where we continue to return as virtual second homes.

SW Florida

After decades of vacation trips to Sanibel Island, Disney World, and Naples (where we should have brought property years ago), we have recently been traveling to Marco Island, FL for February weeks each winter.  I find the beautiful beaches and residential scale to be most relaxing.

We’ve also been able to enjoy visits with friends in those areas, and I hope to connect with more who are making annual Florida pilgrimages.

Borough of Newtown Historic District

Connecticut

In the early ‘70s, I traveled to beautiful places in Connecticut for business (as a center for financial services) and for breath-taking NE Fall color “leaf-peeping.”In later years, I was struck by the unique historical character of the Yale college campus.  Now my son has a country home near Newtown, CT. so we are able to visit our grandchildren there regularly.

Ironically, the state of CT has political and fiscal challenges very similar to those issues looming in Illinois.  But the vantage point of some 300+ years history seems to lift my spirits for further exploration.

Lake Michigan

Everywhere along the Lake Michigan coast energizes me;  and we have traveled most of the coastline over the years.  I’ve especially enjoyed southwest Michigan where we visit with friends and enjoy the vacation settings.  I have also found the Chicago and Wisconsin lakefront (and inland lakes) exhilarating vistas in years past.

Personally, I find my weekly visits along North Shore beaches, with my faithful West companion to be most refreshing.  I’m also willing to reveal some of my “secret” beach access points if I can share these experiences with others.