1969 was a very good year for planet earth. We landed on the moon, our social consciousness was raised, and music was groundbreaking. It was also the year that those of us turning 50 were born, and let’s face it Gen-X is one of the coolest generations out there.
Not ones to sit still, we prefer travel experiences over parties, and this year there are an abundance of travel opportunities that align perfectly with turning 50. If you’re looking for an unique way to celebrate the mid-century mark with friends and family, then look no further than the list below.
Woodstock
A defining experience of an entire generation, Woodstock has long been held up as the ultimate concert. Nothing on the festival circuit today can touch it’s legendary status. The magic question 50 years later though is, is there an anniversary concert happening or not? The website is still up, the bands are still listed, but as of this publication date tickets are not for sale.
If the concert in the original venue of Watkins Glen doesn’t move forward though, don’t despair because there are still anniversary celebrations planned for Bethany Woods. Book your hotels now though because time is running short on this one with the anniversary of Woodstock happening in August.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono Bed In
If you can get a reservation, the recently renovated John Lennon & Yoko Ono room at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth in Montreal is open for business.
One night in this room isn’t cheap, coming in at just under $2K for one night. If you can afford it though, it’s a music lover’s dream come true filled with Lennon memorabilia, audio recordings and of course, music.
Houston, We Have a Problem
50 years ago Neil Armstrong helped us take one giant step for mankind. NASA in Houston has a series of events planned throughout 2019 to commemorate the event. It’s also the perfect excuse to visit Texas.
Rent a car and start an epic road trip through the Lone Star state hitting places like The Alamo and The San Antonio River Walk. Start planning with the user-friendly Travel Texas website.
Sesame Street
I can tell you exactly how to get to Sesame Street, it’s at West 63rd and Broadway in NYC. As a way to celebrate this legendary show turning 50, the city of New York gave it a street of its own.
Needless to say, New York is always a great place to celebrate any milestone, so go get your picture under this street sign, but then take in all the city has to offer from music to broadway to museums. If you’re looking for the ideal place to stay close to it all, the Sofitel NY is perfectly situated within walking distance to most major attractions.
50 Years of Love
I knew Virginia was for lovers before I knew what “lovers” were, which is a testament to one of the most successful tourism slogans of all time. “Virginia is for Lovers“, is turning 50 this year, and the state is celebrating with a slew of amazing experiences all revolving around 50 ways to love Virginia. You’ll find 50 different ways to celebrate this state in at least 50 different communities with 50 different travel niches.
Virginia is the perfect summer road trip destination, easily accessible from anywhere in Eastern Canada from Ontario to the Maritimes. Visit the Virginia tourism page to start planning.
Abbey Road
If I had to pick only one song to hear over and over again, it would be “Here Comes The Sun” from the Beatles’ Abbey Road album. It’s the only song that consistently lifts my spirits.
The entire album has stood the test of time but the album cover with John, Paul, George, and Ringo crossing the road in one of the most copied images around. If The Beatles have left an indelible mark on your life, then head to England for your own shot on Abbey Road, and then find one of hundreds of Beatles Tours to hit the rest of the highlights.
The Gap
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Gap may not be for everyone, but if you’re simply looking for an excuse to visit San Francisco then this is it.
As a former Gap Girl and devout customer, I’d be totally on board for another trip to The Golden City.
Cracker Barrel
If you’ve ever travelled the I-75 or I-95 to Florida you have no doubt come across a Cracker Barrel. If you’ve never stopped in, you’re definitely missing out.
Part restaurant, part country store, part community gathering place, Cracker Barrel is always consistent and a welcoming place for road weary travellers. While you’re not going to make a trip to Cracker Barrel just to align with your 50th, take advantage of stopping in if you’re heading anywhere in the Southern States this summer.
Book a Flight…..Anywhere
Book a flight anywhere in the world on a Boeing 747 and celebrate turning 50 together in the air.
Lufthansa still has nineteen 747’s in operation. Track flight specials on their website here.
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