New York, NY: I am looking for good travel options for an adult family (kids over 25 and adults over 60) and a senior citizen friend. A good place to relax, but with things to do that are easily accessible

Patricia Schultz: Not sure from your question if you were hoping to stay close to home, or how long you would be able to stay away. But any easy drive from NYC up the scenic Hudson Valley and located in the gorgeous area of the Catskill Mountains, is one of my favorite getaways - the Mohonk Mountain House just outside of New Paltz (if you don't have a car, you can just jump on the bus from NYC and they will pick you up).

Built in 1869, it is still owned by the same Smiley family, at the center of a magnificent 26,000-acre wilderness (belonging to the Smiley family and adjoined to a state park). There are 85 miles of trails, but you can do nothing more strenuous than paddle about the private lake or sign up for treatments at their brand new spa. Multiple-generation-families have been coming here for decades, happy to dress up (or not) for dinner in the character-ful 1905 dining room, explore the gardens and grounds by horse and buggy, enjoying the t.v.-free accommodations - and each other. Lots of themed weekends are planned throughout the year, with interesting classes and lecturers that fill out your country idyll.

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Beulah, ND: The wife and I are thinking of visiting Sedona, AZ area around Christmas time this year. Is there any reason that this would not be a good time of the year to visit this area? Also, could you recommend some places to visit and places to stay. We are thinking of being there around a week. If you have any other suggestions we would love to hear them.

Thanks for your assistance. Steve

Patricia Schultz: It is a great time to visit the red-rock country of Sedona - a most special place indeed, and even more so at Christmas time. This is the desert, after all, and a nice Dec day is still in the mid-50s, tho during the Dec nights it can drop to 30-40s. It's an easy 120 mile drive from Phoenix, and day trips from Sedona can even include the Grand Canyon (minus the summertime congestion). There are lots of shops and galleries throughout the ever growing town, particularly in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, where a lot is going on during the holiday months. A tastefully recreated Mexican village, it is festivaely draped with Christmas lights and also has great places to eat. There are dozens of characteristic B&Bs and inns around town, topped by the awesome Enchantment Resort and Spa (10 min outside of town) if you have won the lottery. There is a ubiquitous New Age-y vibe to Sedona due to the seven or so energy vortexes that have long drawn spiritualists and would-be shamans for their healing and cleansing properties (the Center for the New Age in town offers tours and lots of material to help you understand something the local Native American tribes were onto centuries ago).

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Patricia Schultz: Sorry I couldn't have answered more questions - so much to discuss, so little time! The world is grand and its possibilities endless, so get going!
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and know that in the not-too-distant future, my website and blog should be up and running at www.1000BeforeYouDie.com.
In the meantime, check out my new book 1000 Places To See in the USA & Canada Before You Die (Workman)--never again should you hear yourself say, "Well, we didn't know where to go this summer..." ! ! !
Happy travels! Patricia Schultz