by Maryann Virack

I love the ocean. Growing up in NJ, my parents had a summer home on Long Beach Island and every summer, weekend, and holiday was spent at “the shore”. With dad in California again for the summer, I am always looking for new destinations. This year we decided on an adventure to the mountains – a far cry from the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.

Lake Arrowhead, at 5100’, is within an hour’s drive; (90 miles east of Los Angeles) but I had always thought of…

by Maryann Virack         

My dad’s summer visits to California have often forced us to join in the “traipse of the tourists” visiting every theme park and attraction, including casinos, within driving distance.  Some have been extraordinary adventures; others much more ordinary. This year I opted for culture and a very different kind of destination. The Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach runs for one month in the summer…

I've only begun to travel alone in the last few years. Major changes in the autumn of my life have forced me, not unwillingly, to embrace my independence. Once I wrote about family travel destinations and unique ways to save money and have a great time with your children. Now I find myself addressing the 'Baby Boomers". Just so you know I have decided to be a "Bloomer" not a Boomer! I feel as if my life has just begun to blossom. 

Life cannot get any better than spending a week in…

I am not Samantha Brown, Andrew Zimmern or Tony Bourdain. I am Jersey.  I am a Baby Bloomer…64 years old, divorced, still teaching and just starting to blossom.

                In the last few years, I have gone sky-diving, zip lining, swimming in Mexican ceynotes, snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking, off-roading, swimming with dolphins and drinking Hurricanes on Bourbon Street. All for the very first time…and all alone!!!!

                I do not eat cow eyeballs or testicles, I…