Richard Graybill

Any ideas for my wife's 60th birthday in mid December, trip or cruise some fun wild ideas. Thanks for your help.

Tricia

Where do you live? How far do you want to travel? Is there a place she has always wanted to go to? I have been all over Us, been to Europe and Canada and if there was one place I want to go to again before I die its Mt. Rainier in Washington and Lake Louise/Banff in Canada. They say another place everyone should see before one dies is the Fjords in Norway. You can say in Bergen and cruise the Fjords although in Dec you might freeze your toosie off. Have you heard of the Ice Castle in Norway. It is on over 20 acres. It is a whole city sculpted by renown artists. People come from all over to see it. I have a magazine article on it. Other ideas for December would be the Caribbean or resorts in Mexico. Stay away from Mexico City. have fun planning!

Donna

If she's never been to Paris, this would be the perfect time to go. You should be able to find bargain air fares and terrific hotel rates. Dinner at the Jules Vernes (on the second level of the Tour Eiffel) highly recommended. Recommend that you stay a while. Even though there probably won't be tables spread outdoors at the cafes and the gardens will not be in bloom, the museums are spectacular (and the Louvre is just one of dozens). Next best thing to a trip to Paris is Montreal. In December, the city is gorgeous with Christmas lights and decorations everywhere. We were there this past New Year's and had a fabulous time. There was just enough snow to make the scenery idyllic. Lots of romantic hotels and restaurants. Plenty to see and do. The underground is huge and "climate controlled". The dining and shopping are spectacular. And, the exchange rate is SO favorable that a trip to Montreal is a real bargain. Another awesome spot is Nestlenook Farm in Jackson, NH. You wake up in the morning in a Currier and Ives setting - no exaggeration. A gorgeous full-service Victorian inn. Skating pond with charming gazebo where hot chocolate is served. Sleigh rides. Gourmet dining all around. Utterly charming. If it were me, I'd love to settle in at the Inn at Sawmill Farm in West Dover, Vermont. A former farm nestled in the Green Mountains, the out buildings have been turned into spectacular cottages for two with huge bedrooms, fireplaces (freshly laid every day) you can stand up in, whirlpool tubs, Waverly/Laura Ashley prints (matching bedspreads, drapes, upholstery). French doors with panoramic scenery all around. Absolutely fabulous restaurant. Seems pricey (and it is), but it's really a good value for the dollar. Of course, if you prefer hot and sunny, disregard all of the foregoing.

Maureen

Hi, Richard:

Your wife is a fellow sagittarian. My birthday is also in mid-December, so I can only tell you what I would like. I don't know how much money you want to spend, but here goes:

1. An African safari, preferably one where you fly from place to place. Going by RV doesn't show you much, especially if you don't have six months in which to do it.
2. A Caribbean cruise, but one that makes a lot of stops, various islands where there are things to see or do, including a little gambling.

3. New Zealand. Our winter is their summer. She would really enjoy this if she hasn't been there.
4. Morocco, particularly Fes and Marrakech, but check the temperatures at that time of year. I was there in October and it was still quite warm.
5. Mexico. I like Ixtapa or Cozumel rather than some of the more resort-type areas.
6. Take her to a city she's loved before for a few days and give her a diamond pendent.

Good luck.

Maureen

Erin

What a nice man you are! Let us know what you decide. The suggestions here are fabulous.

oliver

Very simple..if she's never been on a cruise, it's the ultimate, she'll love you for it especially on todays big cruise ships..go for it

Paul

I was in exactly the same situation last December with wife's 60th birthday. I offered to take her out for a super dinner in Paris to a nice 3*** restaurant. She said no and we went to Madrid instead (we have been to Parias many times).

The point of all this is that if you travel to Europe during the first two weeks of December it is very UNcrowded. Everyone is getting ready for the Holidays and the hotels and planes are really quite empty. Our flights between Phila. and Madrid were between 1/3 and 1/2 full. The down side is that the days are short and weather can be iffy. On the other hand there is plenty to do indoors.

Good luck and Happy Birthday to your wife.

P.S. Fleeing the country is also a good way for her to avoid any relatives (other than you of course) wanting to make a big fuss about this milestone.

Lynn

Well, compared to some of the responses, this may sound a little basic but the first one is what I want for my birthday (could you tell my hubby, please). Only problem is in mid-December, weather here can be a problem as well, but if you haven't been, how about a trip to Toronto, ON to see the Phantom, perhaps Les Miserables or whatever other show(s) may be playing and a few days seeing the sites and spending your evenings in a lush hotel. Perhaps you could add a side trip to some other nearby Canadian cities. Second similar suggestion is a trip is to NYC - mid-December is near Christmas time - that means the Christmas tree is up in Rockefeller Center, you can see the Rockettes Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall, shop at Macy's and all the other decorated stores, have a birthday dinner at Tavern on the Green (actually, with so many wonderful restaurants in NYC, I'd research this option MUCH more fully - some really nice places like Tribecca, etc., where well-known chefs are) plus who knows what else will be playing on broadway, but how about the Lion King - you'll pay for tickets but from what I hear it is absolutely phenomenal! Please let us know what you decide.

Alfreda Cragle

The ideas here are wonderful but the best gift you
can gift someone is the gift of your time. I gave my significant for his "special birthday" a well planned birthday that took a great deal of my time and effort. It started with a delivery of flowers with a note attached. The note told him to go to a specific store. On arriving he received a gift and another note directing him to another store. This went on for 10 different stores that contained all his favorite things and the last note ended with a week-end trip to one of his favorite locations. He loved the trip, surprises and gifts but no were as much as the time and effort I expended.
Happy Birthday to your wife

Richard

Thanks for all your ideas, still don't know what we are going to do. Will let you all know what idea we use. Keep the ideas coming Thanks, Richard

Shawn

I think the best thing for you to do is to think of her favorite thing to do and then take her to the place known for that thing. For example, if she likes opera, take her to see one at La Scala in Milan. If she likes wine, take her to the wine country of France, Italy or California; gambling? Vegas or Monte Carlo; golf? Hilton Head; beaches? anywhere in the Caribbean. The important thing is being able to enjoy what you like to do when you get there. Have fun!

Richard

Thought you all would like to know what we are going to do for Joan's 60th. How about and adventure Caribbean cruise? The best part on a freighter! a Passenger/Container Ship, takes up to 85 but most of the time goes out with 60 on ship. This will take 21 to 22 days, we think it will be the voyage of a lifetime. Thanks for all your great ideas.

Ed

Aloha Richard!
Rent a copy of the movie South Pacific with Mitzie
Gaynor. Watch it with your wife and tell her what
a beautiful place it is.The movie was filmed in Kauai on the North shore. After the movie is over
show her two airline tickets to Kauai. The movie
will definitelty put her in the mood. I've been
there many times myself and I keep going back.
Good Luck!
ED

Bud

This is such a nice time in your lives..go for it.
1) Hallmark has a card depicting M & F characters
from the 30's. Find a caterer (preferably in the
countryside) who would be willing to work with you
on a surprise party and who would serve a nice
Mafioso dinner (candles and plaid). Most important:
make it difficult to get in the gate or the door
past the guard. 2) Williamsburg in December is
a great place to visit. Rent a van and invite
her best friends if you're in that area..otherwise
Branson (MO) etc. You plan the lodging and the van.
The rest takes care of itself. 3) One airline
(you can guess) gives a 2 for 1 airfare starting
November 15. The Irish pubs and country inns are
delightful J(and all the buses are gone). 4) NZ
is the most gorgeous and friendly place. Get the
NZ B&B book. You must meet these people and don't
stay less than 3 weeks, if possible. That's their
nicest time of the year. We have wonderful memories
of some of these things. Good luck.

Bud

This is such a nice time in your lives..go for it.
1) Hallmark has a card depicting M & F characters
from the 30's. Find a caterer (preferably in the
countryside) who would be willing to work with you
on a surprise party and who would serve a nice
Mafioso dinner (candles and plaid). Most important:
make it difficult to get in the gate or the door
past the guard. 2) Williamsburg in December is
a great place to visit. Rent a van and invite
her best friends if you're in that area..otherwise
Branson (MO) etc. You plan the lodging and the van.
The rest takes care of itself. 3) One airline
(you can guess) gives a 2 for 1 airfare starting
November 15. The Irish pubs and country inns are
delightful J(and all the buses are gone). 4) NZ
is the most gorgeous and friendly place. Get the
NZ B&B book. You must meet these people and don't
stay less than 3 weeks, if possible. That's their
nicest time of the year. We have wonderful memories
of some of these things. Good luck.

Beverly

Most Romantic in the world. Venice, Italy is number 1, there is no substitue. Charleston, SC is right up there, stay at 2 Meeting St Inn. Then I'd go for Quebec city, Quebec and stay at the Chateau Frontenac. Have a drink in the lounge in the evening and look out over the beatiful St Lawrence. Any one of these 3 would be perfect. Why not rent the video "Everyone Says I Love You" might twist your arm to go to Venice, it really is that beautiful but more so.

Larry

If you are thinking of something closer to home (US), take her on an Elderhostel program. They are great fun, you meet great new people , see new places and learn a lot. Web site: http://www.elderhostel.org/

gouda cracker

The big 6-0!

Debra

Just don't go on any Elderhostel tours. She is only 60!
When you go with elderhostel you will have to wear a chain around your neck that is attached to your name tag.
She is only 60!
My grandfather and his wife went to one program and they said they will never go back.

c

Oh boy-th last thing you want to do with your wife on her 60th birthday is anything with a name that includes ELDER!! Think more along the lines of silly/romantic/sexy/fun-anything but the idea that she is close to getting social security~~If it were my 60th birthday,and it will be in 8 years, I like the idea of Paris...and buy her a present there, like perfume,something really "womanly" make her feel young and desirable.Do let us know what you decide, maybe you can be an example for my husband to follow