Yes Virginia, there are some really cool thinks to do in Flint, Michigan! Although the city has been struck by an economic tsunami of sorts, there are still great things to see and do in the area. As many of you know, we ask COGs to keep their lists of “Things to do” to no more than ten. Therefore, this list is not meant to be all inclusive and it isn’t even necessarily the “Top Ten” things to do in Flint. My friend and fellow COG, Tom Sumner, co-host the first hour of “Flint Mix Friday” on 94.3 WKUF in Flint and we brainstormed this list today on the radio.

How cool is that?

So if you are a Cool Old Guy (or for that matter any cool person) who finds yourself in Flint for a day or more, you really should check out one or more of the following:

1- Visit the wonderful Flint Institute of Arts. They offer a wide range of permanent exhibits and some very cool glass exhibits for the summer of 2010.

2- If you are into cars (and who isn’t) there are vast opportunities to do some cool things in the area, like visiting my friends at Paragon Corvette Restoration. Steve and the gang have created a cool business and they will take you on a tour after visiting their showroom. Very cool!

3- For the history buffs, you must take a few hours and go back in time at Genesee Counties “Crossroads Village.” This place is remarkable!

4&5- You are going to get hungry and here are two things to choose from. BTW-Neither are all the good for you, but I believe in everything in moderation. Get in you car and visit Angelo’s for a “Flint Coney” or go to your nearest “Bill Thomas Halo Burger” and get a half-pound supreme deluxe with olives. That’s right…olives! As they say: “Seven days without a Halo Burger, makes one week.”

6- Now if you are hung-up on healthy eating, visit the world famous Flint Farmers Market. This place is packed with wholesome foods and cool things you can take home to the wife and kids, or grand kids. Trust me on this, Steady Eddies veggie burgers are the best!

7- If you are still trying to get over Pluto loosing its status as a planet, you will love the Longway Planetarium. This place is so cool, you just need to check their hours and go there. They occasionally offer some very cool rock-n-roll shows too!

8- Another, somewhat crazy, place to visit is The Machine Shop. One of the most unique venues for national talent is right here in this small bar where you can see everything from Mushroomhead to a Johnny Cash Tribute. Me…I’ll take Johnny Cash or Uncle Kracker.

9- Oh wait…speaking of cars, you might want to stopover at one of Flint’s jewels, the Sloan Museum. Here you will learn everything about the history of Flint and the automotive industry. The large model of one of Flint’s original industries (logging) is definitely too cool!

10- When you are done doing what you want to do in Flint, finish off you day with my absolute favorite desert in the WORLD. Go to Pesto’sand enjoy a Strawberry Phyllo. Just do it…it’s only about $6 and you will write home about it.

To all my friends who own great eateries and businesses here in the Flint area and did not get mentioned, add a comment or two. It doesn’t mean I don’t like you and maybe you will make the next list of “Ten Things to do in Flint.”

TJ Wisner is not only a Cool Old Guy, but he is the Founder! You can connect with him via email at tj@coololdguys.orgor on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Terry.Wisner

If you don’t have a conversational appreciation of Paris you certainly can’t qualify as being a “cool” older guy. It’s not nice to judge but the truth hurts.
After you knock out the biggies, you should have some unusual experiences. Many travelers might have heard of these spots; fewer have actually been: Musee du quai de Branley – Jean Novel architecture, spectacular “living wall” of plantings, new by Paris standards (mid-’90s). Catacombes de Paris – deep in a former stone quarry, tunnels and tunnels of heaping piles of human bones and skeletons dating back to the mid 1880’s. Extra points if you’re want
to add a creepy edge to your elder coolness. Promendes Gourmandes-one-day cooking class and walking tour. Lovely host (Paule Caillat) and you’ll come away with some good recipes that you can casually say you picked up in cooking school in Paris. Note: this can only be in
response to a question. You negate any coolness by dropping this unprovoked.

Eglise Saint-Sulpice – the kids read about it in the DaVinci Code. Second biggest after Notre Dame. This cool brass line bisecting the marble floors indicating where the sun streams twice a
year hitting some sacred spot. At least one 3 Star (Michelin) restaurant.

Bone up on David Leibovitz’s blog before you go.

Last but not least, find Violets. No one knows about them and they’re terrific.

Sean Sullivan is a Cool Old Guy who is 51 and lives in NYC and East Hampton and you can see his blog at: http://spectacularlydelicious.com/?p=56

Chris Christensen is a Cool Old Guy who operates Amateur Traveler and can be reached via the website at http://AmateurTraveler.com and on http://Twitter.com/Chris2x

Here’s what us old guys do in Vienna.

•take the tram to Grinzing (a neighborhood on the north side) and
visit the heurigen which are small wine bars attached to the local
vineyards. sit at a table with the other viennese and you may discover
that you speak german.
•buy a transit pass that covers the time of your stay. go everywhere
on trams and see how easily a city can be connected to itself. trams
run every 2-3 minutes and they go everywhere. be sure to take the tram
around the Ring road.
•go the the Prater and ride the ferris wheel-it’s the one that was in
The Third Man
•have lunch at the art history museum under the dome. maybe the most
beautiful lunchroom in the world.
•visit the coffee shops-Caffe Central is the most famous. bring a
book, pretend you’re at home and have all the time in the world.
•visit a wine bar and insist on drinking only austrian wines- if you
brought your taste buds, you’ll be amazed
•wearing your best business casual clothes, have a cocktail hour
cocktail at the Black Camel. order wine and smile. I guarantee you’ll
make a new friend.
•in spring get an ice cream cone and walk through the park in front of
the Votivkirche where the young folks socialize and sunbathe. try not
to stare.
•in summer, go to the Donauinsel-the artificial island in the Danube.
rent a bike and visit the various beaches, each with their own
distinctive crowd. try not to stare.
•go to the movies. if you’re used to American movie houses, you’ll
laugh at how civilized the Viennese version is.
•go to the gym. i recommend Elixa. take the U6 to Handleskai stop.
work out, use the treadmill with the view of the danube, swim. then
retire to the steam room and sauna and see how civilized that can be.
•visit the Augarten, a formal park. marvel at the flak tower, one of
four or five that the viennese built to keep the allied planes from
bombing the city. when your local guide tells you what engineering
marvels they were,
be sure to ask how well they worked.
•if you understand German, go to a cabaret. it’s the last holdout of
satirical improv-gracious and hilariously funny

I could go on.

Lynn Hoffman Ph. D. is, (an old guy who hopes he’s too cool to worry whether
he’s a cool old guy.) He is the author of The Short Course in Beer and the
killer novel bang BANG. You can reach him at:  drfood55@gmail.com

Hikes, Rides and Side Trips 
Sedona is located in the Coconino National Forest and offers many great, and mostly easy, hiking trails. One of my favorites is the West Fork of Oak Creek which is nestled in the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area. Only a few miles north of the city, this trail offers breathtaking views and nearly unlimited “Kodak Moments.” The Boynton Canyon trail is slightly more rigorous and another favorite of mine. The Native American’s tell of “Power Vortexes” that emanate power from the earth. I can’t speak as an authority on this energy source, but can attest to a special feeling while standing or sitting near one of these vortexes. For a map of the local vortex sites, visit Love Sedona and download one. Before you go to Sedona, I recommend you visit the internet and sites like American Southwest for loads of Sedona hiking maps and tips.
Maybe this isn’t a very “green” idea, but get into you vehicle a drive all over the place. The Oak Creek Canyon holds a plethora of vistas and canyons that can be enjoyed from your vehicle. You will need to stop by the visitor’s center and obtain a parking pass in order to park at the most popular sites.  This helps to limit the number of cars at each scenic overlook and trail head. Another cool way to ride around is via Pink Jeep Tours, et al. There are several companies that offer off-road excursions, but don’t do it if it is cold or rainy. If you are prepared to get dirty, this is an easy way to get back into some great viewing locations.
On top of all this, if you have some extra time, you can do a couple of very cool side trips. The Grand Canyon is only 1 ½ hours north and there are several ancient Indian ruin sites within an hour or less. I have spent many weeks in Sedona over the years and only once found the need to plan a trip to the Grand Canyon because there is so much in Sedona, you won’t want to leave.

Where to Stay?
There are many splendid places to stay in Sedona and I’m told there are some great camp sites, but I only camp when I have to.
One of my all-time favorite places is the Enchantment Resort. This place is extraordinary! Located in the heart of Boynton Canyon and surrounded by the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area, you will find yourself enveloped by ultimate luxury, spectacular nature and a healing spirit. Again, there are several vortexes in the immediate area and that is why the ancient ones called this place “Mat-Guigai” or Place of Power. Be sure to relax in the Mii amo Spa. Trust me…this is one of the finest spas I have ever experienced. Check this place out. You will be glad you did.
Another place we have frequented is Los Abrigados. This romantic property is situated on the banks of the famous Oak Creek. I must warn you; this is a time-share property, so you will need to tolerate the tours and such. You can stay there for free if you can take the sales pitch. Our family enjoyed a time-share there for many years. Even if you don’t stay here, you really should visit, especially at Christmas time.

Where to eat?
If you like Sonoran Mexican fare, the Oaxaca Restaurant offers some of the best food, Margarita’s, service and views in town. The first night we arrive in Sedona is reserved for dinner at Oaxaca.
Sally’s BBQ is a super rib joint located south of Oaxaca. It is very casual and perfect after a day long hike or a Pink Jeep Tour.
The best place in town however, is back at the Enchantment Resort. They have a restaurant that will rival the best you have ever experienced. The Yavapai Restaurant has a menu to die for and it’s very healthy. (Except for the delectable desserts) Be sure to make your reservation at a time which will allow you to enjoy the sunset. This will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget.

Where to Photograph?
Everywhere!
This place has more photographable potential than you can imagine. Every place is unique and changes by the minute. The way the sunlight plays with the red rocks is a photographers dream.

A few of my favorite treasured photos have come from the Cathedral Rock State Park, the West Fork of Oak Creek and from Schnebly Hill. But literally every turn will uncover a majestic view that you will want to capture. Thank goodness we no longer need to go through roll after roll of 35mm film. Just shoot one after another and download them into your computer. Coffee Pot Rock, Snoopy, Court House Rock and more serve as ample subjects for your artistic abilities.

Many of the locals call it “Red Rock Fever” and it will infect you too. The Native American’s called this place sacred ground. I’m not sure what you will call it, but I guarantee it will call you back time after time. Treat yourself to a discovery hike, great food, fun shopping and luxurious accommodations. Put Sedona on your check-out list today. It’s a treat for which you’ll thank me for later.

Besides being a COG, TJ Wisner is a speaker, author and consultant who helps organizations and individuals improve their overall performance. You can contact him via email at tj@coololdguys.org or http://TerryWisner.com

I’d opt for Glasgow – not my home city by birth but certainly in spirit. Without wishing to incur the wrath of my compatriots from Edinburgh, Glasgow is Scotland’s leading city. If you have not visited here are some reasons why you should:

The best cultural life outside of London in the UK.
Free art galleries and museums – my favourite is the People’s Palace.
The best collection of Victorian architecture in the UK.
Ice cream from an Italian cafe – a Scottish peculiarity – there are lots of these originally set up by Italian immigrants to Scotland in the nineteenth century.
Some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery within an hour’s drive.
The subway – known as the ‘clockwork orange’ – you’ll understand the nickname if you take a trip..
A night out around the Byres Road in the West End.
The Botanic Gardens.
And despite what you may have heard it doesn’t rain all the time either.
The natives are friendly.

Go on, be daring and hie yourself off to the ‘Dear Green Place’ (as it is known in Gaelic) – you know you want to really!

Andrew Macnair is a COG from the UK and is Freelancing at Frelancing, Tourism, Leisure and Heritage.

Most people have never gone to an air-show.  Parents are always looking for no or low cost fun activities to take their kids to.  I took my kids to air shows for years.  They have much going for them as a family activity.

Air shows on military bases are always free.  Air shows at other venues are always low cost, usually about $7 for adults and much lower cost or no cost for children.  There is almost always free parking at the shows.  Your kids can run free over acres and acres at the airport.  They are going to be totally wiped out by the end of the day and ready to go home and rest.

Even young children will marvel at the static displays of aircraft on the ground.  They will be absolutely mesmerized by the aerobatics of the planes in the air and skydivers dropping out of the sky close by.  Not only that, but the planes are loud which appeals to kids of all ages.

The other aspect that makes this family friendly is that most air shows will allow you to bring in coolers.  If you don’t want to bother with coolers, the food vendors are always very reasonably priced making this activity very family affordable.

You can plan ahead by going to airshows.com and seeing schedules for air shows all over the country, where they are being held and the dates. 

There is an air show that is worth traveling for.  It is the second largest air show in the country.  That is at Oshkosh Wisconsin.  They are home of the Experimental Aircraft Assn.  They average over 10,000 planes on display.  The aerobatics are the best in the country.  The other big plus is that you get free admission to one of the preeminent aircraft museums in the country with your ticket admission.  They also have campgrounds adjacent to the air show area.

I believe that if you go once, you will make it a family tradition. Just be sure to remember sun glasses for all and absolutely sun screen for all because you will be in the sun all day.  A cap with a brim is also especially helpful as you will spend a fair amount of time looking up into the sky.

John Wilder is a Cool Old Guy that has over 15 years in the construction industry and is an award winning contractor.  He is a contributor for the LOWES FOR PROS website and has also been interviewed several times for the National Board of Realtors web site on home improvement subjects.

Yes, I have the qualifications to be a Cool Old Guy (65) and have a favorite city:

Barcelona. Why??
It’s is not Catalan and not really Spain and it is the first city coming from the Netherlands.

The accessibility from the Netherlands is perfect by car (Highway from my house to Barcelona and by air (many budget flyers like Transavia and Ryanair). Barcelona has of course some hotspots like the Parc Guell, the Sagrada Familia, the Market La Boqueria, the Rampla, Placa Catalunya and more. Unfortunately most of the places mentioned above are overcrowded in the travel season – that is in almost the whole year the case.

But there are still many, many places worth to visit like the Caixa Forum, the Macba and the Forum region. North of the Passeig the Gracia are fancy neighbourhoods with beautiful plazas and interesting restaurants. New in Barcelona are the Routes literature and cinematography. See the places of the Sgadow of the Wind (Zafon) or the movie Perfume. See for some impressions on my website: (Dutch)

Rene Husken is a COG and Senior Expert at PUM-Ministry Economics & Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers. His web site is: http://www.verkeersbureaus.info/Verkeersbureaus/Catalunya/

I guess I qualify to answer all three questions. I am an Old Guy and have a favorite city in Naples, Italy or Bella Napoli and I like to share it with others.

The best thing about Napoli is watching the people and how much they enjoy life and family. The food is fantastic. If you have not had a Margharita Pizza from Napoli,  you have not had a pizza. My favorite restaurant is Brandi’s near the opera house. There are many castles and old ruins to explore as well as the narrow city streets.

Unlike Roma you do not have to compete with all the tourists as the tourist that do visit Napoli drift off to Capri, Pompeii or Sorrento. I enjoy just sitting in a piazza watching the people go by or the side of the street and watch the traffic go by.

You can climb Mt Vesuvius and view the Bay of Naples. You can take the funicular up to Vomero and shop the open air markets or relax with a view of the city. You can even go underground and explore all the underground tunnels with a guide of course.

One thing about Napoli it does not change. You can come back in 10 or 20 years and take off right where you left off. I know, as I have been there.

Ciao

Dan Conlon is a Cool Old Guy and a Travel Professional. Check him out at http://conlontravel.com

Obviously, gambling and shows are things you can do in Las Vegas, but here are ten things Cool Old Guys might like to do besides hanging out in the exciting casinos and experiencing the magnificent shows. These are in no particular order of significance, but it could all be done in one day.

1) Breakfast at the America restaurant located in New York New York hotel is a great way to start (or finish) your day. Be sure to find the post card of Flint, Michigan in the one corner. NY NY hotel has much to offer, but get a room above the 11^th floor because on lower floors the roller-coaster noise will interrupt your slumber.

2) Once you are up and around, soak up some sun at one of the many awesome pools in town. The pool at the Mirage carries the theme of the Tropical Rainforest. You will never believe you are in a desert with the exotic birds, spectacular waterfalls and lush fauna. (And the cocktail waitresses ain’t bad either)

3) To kill some time before heading back into the casinos, visit the Coke museum. It is actually pretty cool and you can sample Coke from other countries for free. You will need the caffeine! Hint: Don’t try the Coke from China…it sucks!

4) I remember when the Imperial Palace was one of the hot spots in Vegas, but now she’s a bit tired. However, if you like cars as most COGs do, you will want to check out the “World’s Largest” collection of classic cars. It’s very cool!

5) Do lunch at the Harley-Davidson Café. The food isn’t great, but good and the atmosphere is very cool. The moving “assembly line” of Hogs is pretty neat. Plus you must buy a Harley T-Shirt for yourself and a friend.

6) Rent a Harley or car and take the 30 minute drive out to the “Best Dam Tour” in the country. Hoover Dam is amazing and you really need to get away from the action for awhile.

7) Spend two or three hours at an oasis called the “Canyon Ranch Spa” inside the Venetian. Although I’m sure there are probably nicer spas in town, I’ve never seen them and I truly don’t need any better than this. Relax, reinvigorate and refocus for a big night on the town.

8) Start your night off like a “Big Shot.” No really, take the ride on top of the Stratosphere called the Big Shot. Keep in mind, you’re already like a mile up and this thing shoots you up another 160 feet at 45 miles per hour. It’s crazy, but cool. Hang around and watch the sun set.

9) Cruise down the strip in a limo to Mandalay Bay. Have a $30 shot of Vodka at the “Ice Bar” and remember how cool this day was.

10) Catch the tram to Bellagio and have a nice dinner at Olive’s. Overlooking the famous landmark water show…this is incredible. You can feel the water cannons firing off to the beat of the classics.

11) I know, I said ten, but I couldn’t skip one of my favorites. Complete your day with a visit to the Voodoo Lounge on top of the Rio Hotel. Great musical talent is a standard and from the roof, 51 floors up, you will see Vegas from an entirely spectacular point of view.

There are many more cool things to do in and around Vegas that COGs enjoy (above and beyond paying the light bills) tell us yours in the comment section below.

TJ Wisner is a COG and a performance improvement expert who helps individauls and organizations learn more to earn more. Visit him at http://TheCPOInstitute.com