Of course, Boston is a great venue for antiques. They hold a yearly Boston Antiques Show in the fall with hundreds of New England dealers displaying their best of everything from under $100 and above. While you are in Boston, take a stroll down Charles Street to browse the antique shops there. Drop into Antiques For Dining for culinary antiques, Danish and Country Antiques for Scandinavian artifacts, and the ever popular Room With A Vieux shop for imported French antiques. This quaint street is brimming with enticing small antique stores that will keep you fascinated for hours.

Over in New York State along the Hudson River there is a town called Hudson which is increasingly becoming a very interesting destination for the antique lover. You can reach it by car from New York City in a couple of hours of easy driving. Book a country B&B and stay for a weekend. It began gaining a reputation as an antique lover’s town in the late 1980’s and now it has dozens and dozens of antique shops lining its streets as well as funky trendy new restaurants constantly popping up which makes it a fun weekend trip. Pop into Red Chair on Warren and ask the owner Jocie to show you around. She takes trips to Europe every year in order to stock her shop with Scandinavian and French country antiques. All along Warren Street you can stop at one antique store after another to your heart’s delight.

Antique New England quilts are one of the reasons so many come to the region to shop. These beautiful hand made antique bed coverings are brought together in a stunning collection at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts. Rare and fragile historic quilts are on display as well as themed quilt exhibitions. While you are in Lowell, take time to walk around the neighborhood. You will be in the textile district which is filled with historic textile sites, museums, shops and galleries.

Alex is a journalist and occasional travel writer. He loves writing about exotic holidays and tours and fancy hotels, as well as constantly searching for cheap holidays .

Retirement Vacations – Antique Lover’s Guide to New England is a post from: Today Senior Match

As more and more young students than ever before begin to settle into their universities this autumn, it is hoped that the rise in university fees will not push the progressive education that we want for our kids and their kids way off track.

But in addition there is now an ever-increasing element of education – large numbers (and growing every year) of over-fifties are now enrolling in clocal colleges and further education institutions. The sheer number of mature students who have signed on with the Open University is staggering and grows every year. The recently opened University of the Third Age also highlights the fact that there is, and never should be again, a barrier to continuing to learn. Indeed, quite the opposite is true.

Whole lifetimes of experience and all that accumulation of knowledge should not be allowed to go to waste, and it is for this reason that the third age of life is an important new factor in education. Last year in fact, one of the UK’s oldest ever students, 93 year old Dr John North was awarded a doctorate by London University.

So if you’re wondering what to do in retirement, why not look into going back to school?

James is a retired financial journalist and writer. He loves writing about anything except finance, now he doesn’t have to spend his days writing about mortgages, credit cards and payday loans .

Don’t Stop – Keep Learning is a post from: Today Senior Match

1. Pergamom
This is an ancient Greek city situated near the Aegen Sea. It is popular because it is included in the Book of Revelations as one of Asia’s seven churches.

2. Antalaya Old Town
This is Turkey’s 8th most populous city and the biggest international sea resort in the country. It is situated along South-western Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

3. Perge
This is an ancient Greek city situated in Anatolya. It is a large site where you’ll see ancient ruins such as the Acropolis that dates back to the Bronze Age. The city is also the most beautiful and richest city in the ancient world (Hellenistic Period).

4. Grand Bazaar
This is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. It has over 58 covered streets and more than 4,000 shops.

5. Hagia Sophia
This used to be an Orthodox Patriarchal Basilica in Istanbul, Turkey before it became a mosque. It is currently a museum. In the ancient times, it served as Constantinople’s Greek Patriarchal Cathedral. It is also called Sancta Sophia after Saint Sophia.

6. Ephesus
This used to be a great Ionian port as well as trading town in Izmir, Turkey. It lies opposite Samos Island and near Kusadasi.

7. Heirapolis
This ancient Greco-Roman city lies on top of a hot spring. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its spring is known to treat ailments in the Old times which is why dying and retiring people would come here.

8. Golden Horn
This is a popular historic inlet of the Bosphorus. It divides the city of Istanbul and forms the natural harbor which sheltered the Romans, Greeks, Ottoman and Byzantine as well as other ships thousands of years ago.

9. Blue Mosque
Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it is a historical mosque situated in Istanbul, Turkey. It is popular for its blue tiles that adorn the walls of its beautiful interiors.

10. Fountain of Ahmet III
This popular fountain is one of the top ten things to see in Turkey. It is situated in the great square of the Imperial Gate of Istanbulís Topkapi Palace. During the Ottoman period, it was a gathering place and a social center.

Jack is a travel writer and blogger. He loves writing about beautiful destinations and expensive hotels but mostly ends up writing about rainy days in Scotland and the Travelodge discount code 2011 .

Retirement Vacations – Things to See in Turkey is a post from: Today Senior Match

1. Schonbrunn Palace. Schronbrunn means “beautiful spring”. This is the most popular tourist destination in Austria because of its magnificent garden, captivating park, sophisticated architecture , strategic location and interesting activities. Visiting Sconbrunn will give you good idea about Vienna’s history and culture.
2. Hofburg Palace. This magnificent architectural structure of Hofburg is the current residence of the Austrian President. In history, Hofburg housed some of the most powerful people in Vienna. Nowadays it doesn’t just showcase its political history, but also a great many other Austrian historical architectural structures. The National Library, Imperial Treasury, Spanish Riding School and Museum of Ethnography and Squares of Heroes are found here, making this a great place to visit if you’re into culture and arts.

3. St Stephen Cathedral. No tourist could miss the spectacular architecture of St Stephen Cathedral. St. Stephen is the center of Christianity in Vienna. This is also where the Archbishop of Vienna resides. You can also find in here the tomb of Emperor Frederick III. Also, this is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s funeral was held.

4. Klosterneuburg. This is ideal for tourists who love visiting Museums. Klosternunerg was founded by Leopold III in honour of his wife. Visiting here you can learn how Austrians produce their wines on the Wine Cellar Tour (and tasting); if you want the religious tour, go for the Imperial Tour and see the collections from Middle Ages to the Modern Era. You can also try the Sacred Tour to have a glimpse of Verdun Altar where some scenes in the bible have been recreated.

5. Belvedere Palaces. Belvedere is a must see for tourists interested in history and visual arts. Belvedere consists of 2 palaces, and was built for Prince Eugene. It was home then to the ruling dynasty. It now houses 2 museums (upper and lower). Both feature Austrian paintings. In the upper palace, you’ll find the Austrian Gallery where they exhibit paintings from the 19th and 20th century. In the lower palace, the Austrian Museum of Baroque Art, 18th century paintings are displayed.

6. Kunsthistorisches Museum. Visit Kunsthistorishes Museum and see the great art collections of the Imperial family. Some of the collections include famous artists such as Raphael, Rembrandt Vermeer and other well-known artists. There are also artifacts from ancient Rome, Egypt and Greece.

7. State Opera Houses. Music is part of Vienna’s history and culture. You can choose from different state operas which play different types of music. Volksoper Wien, the Musikverein, and the Konzerthaus operas are all found here.

8. CafÈ Sacher. After strolling around different museums, architectures and opera houses why not take a break and try the famous coffee and Sacher cake. Experience the ambiance of a typical Viennese coffee house atmosphere.

9. Mariahilferstrasse shops. A trip will not be complete without getting souvenirs from the places you visited. For the fashionistas, the shops in Mariahilferstrasse is a must see. This is the trendiest shopping area in Vienna from clothes, fashion accessories to everything else.

10. Naschmarktchmarkt. If you are into affordable shopping, you can try Naschmarktchmarkt. This is the largest open market in Vienna. Find affordable and interesting stuff. Clothes, fruits, foods and so many things are available here. On Saturdays, you may see different tourists like you.

Alex is a journalist and financial blogger. He writes on everything from travel to green tech and writes a consumer blog for Coupon Croc .

Retirement Holidays – Top Ten Things to See in Vienna is a post from: Today Senior Match

People post personals for seniors as a way of meeting new friends and potentially a new partner.  There are many ways to meet new dates and personals is just one of them.

Senior citizens could also try

1) Senior dining club
2) Speed dating for seniors
3) Themed Single Senior Nights.
4) Senior dating group
5) Senior online dating service
6) Family and Friends
7) Introduction agencies or old style matchmakers.

In short, there are a number of ways you can use to find your new partner.  So you have placed a personal ad, they have replied.  Now what? 

Do you initiate the first meeting?  Well, I would suggest that you leave that to the man but then I have been told I am old fashioned.  But most men of a certain age were brought up to believe it was the man’s job to ask the lady out so now would not be a good time to test that theory.  So if in doubt, let him do the asking and offer to use the stairlifts if needed.

Don’t take offence if he asks you out for a drink rather than a date.  If you have ever seen a Hugh Grant film, you will know that a lot of men see a huge difference between the two.  Go for the drink and see where it leads.

Where do you meet?  I would avoid a movie on the first couple of dates. You can’t get to know someone if you are watching a movie, theater or concert.  That can come later.  For now, a quiet little restaurant or coffee house would fit the bill nicely.

I would suggest that you go somewhere you feel comfortable.  In fact, if you are woman meeting a man for the first time, I would only go somewhere I was known for safety reasons.  You can try out new venues later.  For now, you will be nervous enough without worrying about whether you will get lost/abducted/arrive late etc.

If you cant think of anything to say, it is probably nerves and chances are he has them too.  So it is fine to admit that you are nervous.  It may actually put him more at ease.  Try and keep the conversation light – talk about a book you have read, or a film you have seen. Encourage him to talk too by asking gentle questions. 

Leave all emotional and financial issues at the front door of the restaurant/coffee shop and collect on your way out.  Even if you hit it off, now is not the time to discuss your overbearing mother, unfaithful husband or drug addicted daughter. 

I always try and finish the first date.  Why?  Well, mum always said that you became more attractive as you became more unavailable.  Two, it can be unusual for a woman to make this move so you will help him to remember your date. 

Now you know to make the most of personals for seniors.

Personals for Seniors is a post from: Today Senior Match

Ok so that last comment was meant as a joke. But seriously mention online dating clubs to most people, of a certain age, and they automatically think you are trying to hook up with a twenty five year old. 

Online dating for seniors opens up a world of opportunity that generations before us couldn’t dream of. Not only can you find someone who has the qualities you admire most but the fact that they are a member means that they are also looking for someone special.   

So how do you find your Mr or Mrs Right?  Well there is no “fail safe way” but it helps if you give the process a chance. Despite what the movies may say, less than a quarter of happily married women “knew” that the man they were dating was the “one” on the first couple of dates.  Love is like a delicate flower – it needs time and attention to mature to its full promise. So the moral of the story is that you should give a new friendship time to mature. Unless of course, you are obviously incompatible. 

Using an online service allows you to build up friendships via email or instant messenger before you have to talk to the person.  Often, probably due to the anonymity, we get closer quicker to people we have only met on email than we would if we meet them in person. 

When preparing for your first date, think about the first impression the other person is going to get. If it has been a while since you were out socially, you may be stuck in a time warp. I’m not suggesting you need to become a fashion victim but get a good friend to vet the outfit you choose; to double check the image you are projecting. Mutton dressed as lamb is never attractive for either sex!

Make sure that you stick to the following rules when using any dating service. Until you have complete trust in the other person i.e. have met in person and preferably more than once,

1) Communicate via the agencies internal secure email system. Do not give out your home or cell number, or your full name and address.

2) Always meet in a public place

3) Always, always have your own transport home. Get a friend, family member or have a taxi booked for a specific time to collect you.

Abide by these simple rules and you will have no problems avoiding the perils of online dating for seniors. Who knows, it could turn into an enjoyable way to spend an evening or two. Or it may turn into a lifetime commitment for both of you.

Perils of Online Senior Dating is a post from: Today Senior Match

We are all living longer due to advances in our diet, medical research and our lifestyles.  Our financial circumstances have improved.  We are less likely to be living with our kids or grandkids. Sometimes through death or divorce, we can end up facing our senior moments alone. Some people relish the freedom this can bring but others are lonely and would love to enjoy a committed relationship.

It is fairly difficult to meet someone special when you are in your twenties and thirties.  Don’t believe me?  Just have a glance at the book titles on the best seller lists.  You will see books on finding and keeping the man/woman for you, the golden rules of dating, meeting the perfect man/woman etc.

It can often be more difficult for older people to meet potential partners.   You are very unlikely to go to the local disco. You may find going into a restaurant or bar on your own intimidating and you are probably retired so meeting someone at work is not an option.

By joining a senior dating service, you can meet likeminded individuals of a certain age, economic status and marital status.  For example, you may prefer not to date a divorced man.  Or you may prefer that your potential partner has been in a committed relationship previously.   You may want the other person to share your religious or cultural beliefs.  An online dating service will help you to meet someone who fulfils this “shopping list” of requirements.

When you join an online service, you need to remember that your personal safety is paramount.   There is no reason to become alarmed as the majority of members on these sites are there for the same reason as you are i.e. to meet a companion.  Exercise common sense and caution when dealing with anyone you don’t know regardless of how friendly they seem.  If you arrange to meet a prospective partner, always do so in a public place and give a friend or family member the details.   Never disclose too much information about yourself particularly your home address or your financial details until you have met the other person and have formed the basis of a relationship.  You wouldn’t walk into a bar and start telling another customer that you have $100,000 in your bank account.  Friendships which start online can become very intense very quickly.  It is partly because we lose our inhibitions and can be ourselves without worrying about what we look like or how tall we are etc.  But you do not know someone until you have met them and their family/friends.

Senior online dating services work – you only need to ask some of their satisfied customers.  Try them out today as your Mr/Mrs right may be online now.

Senior Online Dating Services is a post from: Today Senior Match

Internet dating is very inexpensive.  In fact, a lot of the sites are free to join.  You have to pay small fees if you want to access the full service such as emailing people you would be interesting in meeting, or to be told that someone wants to meet you. 

So what is the downside to senior internet dating?  Well, there is no personal service.  You are left to your own devices.  You have to come up with your own description, decide whether to post a photo or not, decide on what type of partner you are looking for etc.

With an introduction agency, you pay someone to help you with all of these details.  They also help you to discover some potential matches.  So while cheap, it does have its drawbacks.

But the plus points to senior internet dating is that you immediately weed out a lot of timewasters.  Those that don’t meet your criteria based on sex, ethnicity, marital status etc won’t appear on your list of prospects. There also tends to be more men online than woman which may be a plus point.  For some reason, women tend to live longer than men (my husband says we nag men to death – I say we are in fact the stronger sex!), so when it comes to senior dating opportunities, the men can be a little scarce.

Some people are understandably wary of using the internet to find potential partners.  It can help to remember that the other people in the dating site are there for the same reason you are.  Most internet dating sites insist that their members keep their personal details such as real name, address and cell numbers a secret.  You communicate via the sites own internal email system so you don’t even need to disclose your private email address. 

You may not meet your ideal mate directly via the site but be open to the possibilities.  when I was younger and single, my Mom used to encourage me to go on dates with guys even when I thought they weren’t my type.  Her reasoning was that while they may not be my Mr Right, their brother or best friend might be.  The same applies online.  Meeting people via dating sites opens up a whole new field of potential social encounters.  Introductions that wouldn’t have happened had you not agreed to one date with Mr X or Ms Y.

When it comes to senior internet dating, always put your best foot forward.  Don’t be shy when writing your personal profile.  Remember that your winning smile can’t be seen if you haven’t posted a photo so your profile is what will “sell” you to prospective admirers. But treat your profile with respect.  Remember less is more – never use it to rant on about the problems with x, y or z.  You want to attract people not repel them in their droves.

Have fun with senior internet dating.  Don’t take it too seriously and you just may end up with the partner of your dreams.

Senior Internet Dating is a post from: Today Senior Match

Contrary to urban myth, the personal section of most quality newspapers are full of likeminded individuals all looking for a partner to share their lives. Most personals are divided into sections based on sexual orientation and then sub divided by age. 

Always state the age of the person you would like to meet. You can pick a broad range but keep it realistic or else your first date could look like a babysitting outing. 

Don’t discard any replies that are not your ideal mate. You should aim to meet those that match the friendship criteria i.e. you are not attracted to them but would like to spend time with them based on their qualities.

People who fail to meet their partners via personal ads or dating sites are those that close their mind to the other opportunities available. Your new best friend could be into senior golf i.e. he or she could introduce you to a whole golf club of potential partner candidates.

When writing your senior dating personals, you need to put your positive thinking cap on. You are trying to sum up in a few little lines, all those great qualities that make you such an attractive date. Spend time drafting an outline and ask your friends to do the same. Then amalgamate the two and see what the final ad is like.   

Proof read your ad several times, sleep on it and then proof read it again. Appearances matter only now you will be judged on your writing and editorial skills not your looks. 

Avoid common platitudes.  It can sometimes appear as if every single personal ad has a great sense of humour. Be original and a little different – that way you stand out and your ad has more chance of being read.

Post your ad in the correct paper – this may appear obvious but some people end up posting an ad in a paper whose target market doesn’t include their ideal partner.

Yes, you should have a fairly good idea of who your ideal partner would be. This way, you will write the ad targeted at that particular market. 

Ok success – he or she has phoned in response to your ad. So what do you do now? Well obviously phone them back. Try to stay calm and reduce the nerves. 

Always use a code to prevent your real number being revealed (safety, safety) and pick a time when you are feeling relaxed and happy.  Keep the call light and obviously check that now is a good time for the other person to talk. Make arrangements to meet in a public place and then end the call. 

Do not put pressure on yourself to get to know him/her over the phone. Some people cannot communicate via the phone and thus may not show their best side. 

Senior dating personals just may be the road to your new life partnership.

Senior Singles Dating Success is a post from: Today Senior Match

Contrary to urban myth, the personal section of most quality newspapers are full of likeminded individuals all looking for a partner to share their lives. Most personals are divided into sections based on sexual orientation and then sub divided by age. 

Always state the age of the person you would like to meet. You can pick a broad range but keep it realistic or else your first date could look like a babysitting outing. 

Don’t discard any replies that are not your ideal mate. You should aim to meet those that match the friendship criteria i.e. you are not attracted to them but would like to spend time with them based on their qualities.

People who fail to meet their partners via personal ads or dating sites are those that close their mind to the other opportunities available. Your new best friend could be into senior golf i.e. he or she could introduce you to a whole golf club of potential partner candidates.

When writing your senior dating personals, you need to put your positive thinking cap on. You are trying to sum up in a few little lines, all those great qualities that make you such an attractive date. Spend time drafting an outline and ask your friends to do the same. Then amalgamate the two and see what the final ad is like.   

Proof read your ad several times, sleep on it and then proof read it again. Appearances matter only now you will be judged on your writing and editorial skills not your looks. 

Avoid common platitudes.  It can sometimes appear as if every single personal ad has a great sense of humour. Be original and a little different – that way you stand out and your ad has more chance of being read.

Post your ad in the correct paper – this may appear obvious but some people end up posting an ad in a paper whose target market doesn’t include their ideal partner.

Yes, you should have a fairly good idea of who your ideal partner would be. This way, you will write the ad targeted at that particular market. 

Ok success – he or she has phoned in response to your ad. So what do you do now? Well obviously phone them back. Try to stay calm and reduce the nerves. 

Always use a code to prevent your real number being revealed (safety, safety) and pick a time when you are feeling relaxed and happy.  Keep the call light and obviously check that now is a good time for the other person to talk. Make arrangements to meet in a public place and then end the call. 

Do not put pressure on yourself to get to know him/her over the phone. Some people cannot communicate via the phone and thus may not show their best side. 

Senior dating personals just may be the road to your new life partnership.

Senior Dating is a post from: Today Senior Match