ANNUITIES?
An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the
same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.
There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.
FIXED ANNUITY
A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.
VARIABLE ANNUITY
A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.
INDEXED ANNUITY
An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.
WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?
It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much
income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.
FENG SHUI IN COLOR & DESIGN
Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.
It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.
In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.
Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.
According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:
Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of
control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.
The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.
Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.
NEW TRENDS FOR Weddings
After the thrill of an engagement, all attention moves to the upcoming wedding. It is a happy and exciting time for any couple and one filled with many choices and decisions. It can also be a stressful time if not properly organized. To make it a joyous event, a plan is essential and it starts with making lists of things to accomplish. Technology has made it much easier. There are on-line wedding planning tools for couples to use. Not only do they simplify wedding preparation, they save time and keep everything organized and in one place as opposed to old fashioned methods.
Post-Covid backyard weddings are out and luxury is in. Couples want their venue to be special, whether it is the country club, a spectacular garden, a historic estate, or a clear top tent for dancing under the stars. They want it to reflect who they are and their own personal love story and even their cultural heritage.
Oftentimes, couples are going for smaller, more intimate affairs. This allows more time to spend with people they care about most. It also helps with the budget and allows for spending on special effects or treats. Decor has shifted from traditional white to brighter, bolder colors. Couples can now more easily express their personalities. Food and flowers are often designed to be environmentally friendly using locally sourced products. Champagne towers add a touch of elegance and they have made a big comeback.
Hanging florals are a new and dramatic trend along with decorative ceremony aisles. Special effects lighting is another new trend. For a really unique look, go for a custom dance floor as the dance floor is often the center of the action at the wedding party. A new special effect is called cold sparks. The best explanation is indoor fireworks which add drama and sparkle to any event. They can be used in a variety of ways. Use them to light up the bride and groom’s entrance to the party, for first dances, or for the couple’s departure.
It is all about creating a memorable experience unlike any other. If you don’t have a lot of time to plan and implement all that is required for your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner or pick a venue that coordinates the details for you. Country Clubs and Hotels are good at that as they often have excellent party planners on staff. Although a private wedding planner will add to the expense, they make sure the entire process runs smoothly from design issues, overseeing the budget, sending invitations, tracking RSVPs, managing vendors, and coordinating the schedule of the wedding. At a minimum, be sure to have someone in charge on the day of the wedding for any last minute issues that arise.
2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE
MAR 4 - 10
MAR 4 - 10
MAR 11 - 17
MAR 18 - 24
MAR 25 - 31
APRIL 1 - 7
APRIL 8 - 14
APRIL 15 - 21
APRIL 15 - 21
APRIL 22 - 28
APRIL 29 - MAY 5
MAY 6 - 12
MAY 6 - 12
MAY 13 - 19
+ Signature Event
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard +
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida
Puerto Rico Open
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico GOLF
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Valspar Championship
Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida
Texas Children’s Houston Open Memorial Park Golf Course, Houston, Texas
Valero Texas Open
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas
Masters Tournament #
Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia
RBC Heritage +
Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Corales Puntacana Championship
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, ESPN+
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic GOLF
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana
AT&T Byron Nelsons
TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas
Wells Fargo Championship +
Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina
Myrtle Beach Classic
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF
PGA Championship #
Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
CBS, ESPN+
2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
DATESTOURNAMENT COVERAGE
MAY 20 - 26
MAY 27 - JUNE 2
JUNE 3 - 9
JUNE 10 - 16
JUNE 17 - 23
JUNE 24 - 30
JULY 1 - 7
JULY 8 - 14
JULY 8 - 14
JULY 15 - 21
JULY 22 - 28
JUNE 29 - AUG 4
AUG 5 - 11
Charles Schwab Challenge
Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas
RBC Canadian Open
Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +
Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio
U.S. Open #
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina
Travelers Championship +
Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut
Rocket Mortgage Classic
Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan
J
ohn Deere Classic
TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois
Genesis Scottish Open ^
The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland
TBA Event
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
TBA, TBA GOLF
Barracuda Championship
Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF
3M Open
TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota
Olympic Men’s Golf Competition #
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF
Wyndham Championship
Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina
CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change
2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change ** Purse subject to change DATESTOURNAMENT
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
MARCH
MARCH 15 - 17 | SEAFOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience as the Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival is from March 15–17, 2024. Hosted on the stunning shores of Coquina Beach’s South End, this three-day extravaganza promises to be a treat for all your senses. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mv5wm35y
APRIL
APRIL 5 - 7 | FOOD TRUCK RALLY & MUSIC FESTIVAL
From local favorites to unique culinary delights, our food trucks have something to satisfy every palate. But that’s not all! As you savor the food, enjoy a variety of musical performances by talented local artists. No matter your musical preference, we’ve got a beat for you. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ms7dy2m9
APRIL 5 - 14 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Sarasota Film Festival lasts just over a week and celebrates the recent works of both wellknown and new artists of the film industry. The festival features many different kinds of movies, including drama, foreign, short films and comedies. Grab your popcorn and enjoy! For more info visit: sarasotafilmfestival.com
MAY
MAY 4 | TACO FEST
The most anticipated taco festival of the year is taking place at the Manatee County Fairgrounds! Get ready for an action-packed day filled with a variety of tacos, margaritas, assorted beers, delicious indulgences, music and all around fun for the family. Come hungry, get ready for the Manatee Annual Taco Fest! For more info visit: manateeannualtacofest.net
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued from 22) (. . .continued on page 26)
MAY 25 - 26 | ART FESTIVAL
The visions and creative talents of artisans from throughout Florida and across America in fine arts and fine crafts will transform St. Armands Circle into an extraordinary outdoor gallery of original art from such mediums as sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking and more.For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yxudd7j9
MAY 22 - 26 | FILM FESTIVAL
Come to the annual Fort Myers Film Festival! Screenings, panels, events and gatherings will be held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and other venues around town. For more info visit: fortmyersfilmfestival.com
JUNE
JUNE 1 | GRAND CARNIVAL
Prepare to step into a blooming fantasy as we invite you to an enchanting evening filled with flowers, fantastic DJ-spinning today’s
hits, cool country performances, and delightful surprises. Let the petals of joy unfold around you while you dance the night away! And when the floral magic makes you thirsty, Dive Bar Wine & Spirits is here to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate your experience. For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/5y8pamwh
JUNE 8 - 9 | CRAFT FAIR
The show will be located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota in 5 Points Park, on Central and First Street. Sarasota is well known for its famous white sandy beaches, friendly locals and visitors and inviting architecture. For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/39ysp8bu
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
Independence Day, commonly referred to as Fourth of July is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. We
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
(. . .continued from 24)
celebrate July 4th in Bradenton & Sarasota Florida with fireworks, parades, backyard BBQ, fairs, baseball games, shopping for great deals, or enjoying a nice evening out with friends and family. For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/mtjtccxv
JULY 20 - 21 | MYSTIC FAIRE
Enjoy wonderful free lecturers, psychics, healers and vendors with unique, hard to find items all under one roof. Many of the vendors carry healing tools and artwork that is one of a kind. Something for everyone! For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/svs3s8mh
AUGUST
AUG 2 | ART WALK
Join us for the August Art Walk! You’ll find local vendors, crafters, and artists demonstrating and selling their unique works-of-art from a wide variety of mediums! For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/mr3habh2
SEPTEMBER
SEPT 21 | KEY LIME FESTIVAL
Fishermen’s Village annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest has become a highly anticipated event each year! Stay tuned for more details of new bands. For more info visit: fishermensvillage.com
OCTOBER
OCT 5 | HALF MARATHON & 5K
Get ready to run, rock, and have a blast at the Naples Rocktoberfest Half Marathon & 5k in beautiful Naples, Florida! This exciting event takes place at the stunning North Collier Regional Park and features a challenging half marathon and a fun 5k race. For more info visit: rocktoberfesthalf.com
OCT 13 - 15 | ROCKTOBERFEST
Festival goers will find a wide variety of food plus a German feast fit for King Ludwig himself. Dine on German foods like Schweinshaxe(roasted ham hock), Steckerlfisch(grilled fish on a stick), Wurstl(Sausages), Brezen(pretzels),
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
Knodel(potato or flour dumplings), Kasespatzel (cheese noodles), sweet mustards, sauerkraut, red cabbage and more! Between performances shop the Marketplace of arts, crafts and select fine products and services.For more info visit:
https://tinyurl.com/mr3ffcaf
NOVEMBER
NOV 14 - 17 | BOAT SHOW
With displays in the water, throughout Centennial Park, and on the Streets hosted annually in November - This is the biggest showing of boats, boating products and all things marine in Southwest Florida. Attendees will find hundreds of boats, more than 130 boat lines, expanded in-water displays, and a huge display of boating accessories and fishing tackle. For more info visit: goboatingflorida.com
NOV 24 - 26 | TRUCK RALLY & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Sarasota, get ready to spice up your November with the Food
Truck Rally & Music Festival! The rally will offer a diverse selection of food trucks, each ready to provide a unique culinary journey. From local favorites to exotic dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate.But the experience doesn’t stop at food! As you sample the cuisine, you’ll be serenaded by the sounds of our Music Festival. A lineup of talented local musicians will keep you entertained with a mix of rock, pop, jazz, and country tunes, creating a vibrant backdrop for the food truck rally. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/45mfh8fw
DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Get into the holiday spirit this year! View over one million traditional Christmas themed lights and decorations throughout Fishermen’s Village.For more info visit: fishermensvillage.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE SOUTH-WEST FLORIDA
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
JANUARY
JAN 31 | ARTFEST
ArtFest Fort Myers decorates our downtown riverfront with exceptional artwork and entertainment. The festival includes art competition, art demonstrations, sidewalk chalk competition, a free children’s craft area, and the 5-K Publix Run to the Arts on Sunday morning. Bring the entire family to this fun free event to enjoy and purchase the works of fabulous professional artists! For more info visit: artfestfortmyers.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | COUNTY FAIR
Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair will feature activities like the fun talent contest, youth citrus project, fashion review competition, chicken bbq cook-off, youth royalty, hay bale decorating competition, and club booth competition. For more info visit: swflcfair.com
FEB TBA | FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
The parade brings the entire Southwest Florida community out in celebration of the life and achievements of our local winter resident, Thomas Edison. Spectators come from near and far to enjoy this event and often begin marking their viewing spot weeks in advance! For more info visit: edisonfestival.org
* Schedule subject to change
2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT
HEALTH & FOOD
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful
If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,
comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.
Here are a few amazing train trip options:
JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS
If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.
In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.
SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM
In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.
In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.