From the mid-1990s through year 2019, I was a travel freak. I had to hop on a jetliner and travel somewhere, anywhere, to satisfy my hunger to be on the road. On average, I was in the air and on the open road every other month. I visited countless towns, most of which were west of the Mississippi River. I’ve listed five communities that were exceptional to visit, and I’ve saved my favorite town at the end of my article.
Coming in at number five is Pensacola, Fla., the county seat and only city in Escambia County. The population last year was 53,898. Without a doubt, the beaches in the Pensacola area are among the most beautiful in the world. My greatest points of interests were the Naval Aviation Museum and the art galleries located in the downtown area.
My number four fave is Snohomish, a city in western Washington State. The population was 10,534 last year. It’s located on the Snohomish River, 24 miles northeast of Seattle. The main street is lined with antique shops. I spent countless hours browsing and spent many dollars on a variety of items. My favorite shop without a doubt, was the Snohomish Pie Company, sandwiched between two antique shops. Upon entering the shop, the aroma was instantly addictive. Every pie, from apple to banana cream, was on the shelves. My favorite? Strawberry rhubarb, oh so delectable. I usually ordered two pieces!
Number three? Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. The Spanish influence here is evident on every street, every building. It’s a shopper’s paradise. Art galleries and gift shops line San Francisco Street, the town’s main drag. The population last year was 90,551. The surrounding historic district’s crooked streets wind past adobe landmarks, including the Palace of the Governors, now home to the New Mexico History Museum. On one of my visits, I noticed a painting in one of the gallery’s front windows. I was instantly spellbound by the subject, a stunningly beautiful young woman seated on what looked like a queen’s throne. The painting was huge. I estimated the dimensions to be about 5 feet by 6 feet. I was ready to rush right in and make the purchase … until I saw the price tag: $675,000!
I always made it a point to visit Newport, R.I., every summer, number two on my list. Its yacht-filled harbor hosted the America’s Cup, a renowned annual sailing regatta, for many years. It’s home to the Tennis Hall of Fame. With a population of 24,282, Newport is also known for the Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue, some of which are now museums. The most famous is The Breakers, built in 1895, the largest and most expensive in town. It was my favorite. I was enthralled with its size, its elegance and grandeur. I imagined myself sitting at the dining room table enjoying a sumptuous meal while chatting with the Vanderbilts. Dream on.
A hint for you for number one: This town, located in northern Arizona, is the jumping-off point for visits to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery on the planet. If you guessed Flagstaff, you were right. It’s the gateway to the San Francisco Peaks, home to Arizona’s tallest mountain, Humphreys Peak. Last year, the population reached 77,539. The town provides guided tours to sites all over northern Arizona, including the incomparable Grand Canyon and the other-worldly Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, home to many John Ford and John Wayne westerns. My home base was the Quality Inn, where I stayed for what I estimated to be nearly a year of my life, spread out over a period of more than 20 years. The manager, Nina Townsden, and I became good friends. Two blocks up the street was the site of my favorite restaurant in town, Buster’s Restaurant, where the food was beyond delicious and the service was absolutely wonderful. The servers were all students from Northern Arizona University, and I befriended many of them. With so many fond memories of dear old “Flag,” a part of me will be there forever. And beyond.
