Retirement focus - Brief Article

Travel America, May-June, 2002 by Pat Woods

MAINE BECKONS

Known as a popular summer destination with cold winters and high taxes, Maine wants to attract more retirees. Residents over 65 represent 14.4 percent of Maine's population, and this figure will swell to 20 percent by 2020. City dwellers tired of urban congestion are drawn by charming small towns and 3,500 miles of coastline. To learn more, visit www.mainetoday. com, or type "Maine retirement" in your browser.

GOOD DEALS

Want to make your age help pay for travel? Get loan Rattner Heilman's Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50 ($12.95). Besides airline, hotel, and rental car discounts, the book covers outdoor vacations, singles trips and clubs, plus insurance premium savings. Available in book stores, from Ama zon.com, or Contemporary Books, (800) 722-4726.

OREGON RETIREMENT

High-desert climate and blue skies welcome retirees to The Falls of Eagle Crest near Redmond in central Oregon. Many of the 208 homesites offer golf course views. Besides golf, the 55-plus community offers walking/ biking trails and a community center in a resort setting. For details, call (888) 703-2557 or log on to www. fallsresortcommu nities.com.

BAYOU LIVING

Following the lead of other states, the Louisiana Retirement Development Commission has launched a web site to attract retirees and encourage former Bayou State residents to return. Visit www.retire louisiana.org for information on finances, taxes, cultural attractions, retirement communities, and lifelong education.

EASTERN VIRGINIA

Falls Run in Fredericksburg, Virginia, 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., has opened as Del Webb's first mid-Atlantic community and second four-season property. New home base prices range between the $130s and $250s. Amenities include a business center, ballroom, outdoor covered pool, fitness center, walking trails, and fireside library/ lounge. Details: (800) FALLS-RUN; www.delwebb. com/fallsrun.

SHAKESPEARE FOR SENIORS

If you're a Bard fan, the Shakespearean Festival at Southern Utah State University in Cedar City offers senior discounts Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during the summer and for all fall performances. Also enjoy backstage tours and Royal Feaste dinners. The 2002 season runs June 20-October 26. Details: (800)-PLAYTIX or www.bard.org. A pretty four-season mountain town, Cedar City subtly blends its Mormon heritage with contemporary creature comforts and superb service. Cedar City's abundant lodging venues and restaurants make it an ideal gateway to Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, plus the beautiful Cedar Breaks National Monument. Cedar City information: (800) 354-4849 or www.scenicsouthernutah.com.