Holiday celebrations - Retirement Focus - small towns in the US - Brief Article

Travel America, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Pat Woods

Seniors are invited to share in seasonal fun as smaller cities and towns throughout the U.S. celebrate holidays with their own charming ethnic and regional traditions. Here are some hidden gems:

Tubac, Arizona. Savor the magic of Fiesta Navidad when Tubac glows with thousands of luminarias December 6-7. This tiny village 45 miles south of Tucson where art and history meet began as Tubac Presidio in 1752. It now features 85 galleries, shops, restaurants, and B & Bs. Visit Tubac Presidio State Historic Park and the picturesque Mexican cemetery. Let singing birds and a gurgling fountain soothe your stress away during a relaxing lunch on the Cafe Fiesta's sunny patio. Call (520) 398-2704 or visit www.tubacaz.com.

Fredericksburg, Texas. This friendly town in the Texas Hill Country celebrates Christmas with Weihnachten, a 10-day festival featuring German foods and beer, spiced holiday wine, a forest of 50 decorated Christmas trees, a Gingerbread House, arts, crafts, and family entertainment. Call (888) 997-3600 or visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

Julian, California. Experience the genuine warmth of an old-fashioned Christmas in this tiny mountain town an hour east of San Diego. Ride a horse-drawn carriage through the downtown where quaint 1880s-era buildings twinkle in white lights. See the Living Nativity scene in the Cider Mill at 5:30 p.m. every Saturday in December. Hear the Julian Community Choir sing Handel's Messiah in Town Hall December 15. Details: (800) 848-3336, www.sandiego north.com or (760) 765-1857, www. julianca.com. Stay at Orchard Hill Country Inn and enjoy the glow of 13 Christmas trees. (800) 71ORCHARD or www.orchardhill.com.

Appleton, Wisconsin. Holiday tradition thrives in Appleton, 100 miles north of Milwaukee. Stay at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel and step out on College Avenue November 26 to watch Wisconsin's largest evening parade. Then relax in the hotel's indoor pool and hot tub or play a round of mini golf. Walk to the newly-opened Performing Arts Center just two blocks away. Details: (800) 236-6673, www.fox cities.org.