Rochester offers a multitude of fun activities for people of all interests and ages. Although sporadic outings and events are enjoyable, there are also opportunities to become part of a more regular activity schedule. A number of sports or athletic clubs exist in town to offer an exciting way to get active and to get out of the house. Some of the clubs are competitive; some are just relaxed, but pretty much all of them welcome novices, experts, and simple enthusiasts alike.

Some of the clubs found in Rochester are listed below with a short description of each. Use this list to help find a healthy activity to add recreation to your life.

- Med-City Aquatics Swim Club – A family-based swim program that welcomes swimmers of any skill level, casual to serious, and welcomes youths through adults. The club offers swimming lessons, a swim team, and a Masters Swimming program. Members are grouped according to age and ability, and there are different options for workouts based on the interest and commitment level of the swimmer. Some swimmers have competed at Division 1 Universities and at State and National competitions.

- Rochester Swim Club – A private swim club, with members known as the Orcas, which was founded over 40 years ago. The Rochester Swim Club is the largest swim team outside of the Twin Cities. The club offers swimming lesions, Masters swimming, and age-group swimming.

- Rochester Active Sports Club – This is a nonprofit, multi-sport club that is designed to provide a framework for the development and support of a number of sports, such as cycling (MTB and road) and Nordic skiing in South East Minnesota. Members of the club are allowed to form addition groups to support other activities as well, such as in-line skating, running, or hiking. Kayaking, triathlon, and duathlon groups have also been created. The Club has a strong emphasis on endurance sports, and many of the members compete in whichever sports they are passionate about. Coaching sessions, ski events, bike races, and regular bike rides are organized by the club’s members from time to time to encourage participation in these sports, and to improve skills. Whether a novice or expert, the Active sports club is a good place to get experience and tips from other knowledgeable athletes.

- Rochester Rowing Club – An all-volunteer organization that offers both junior (age 12-18) and adult rowing opportunities. High school students can earn varsity letters in the spring. Adult programs include learn-to-row sessions and competitive opportunities throughout the summer. The rowing club’s primary mission is “To enjoy the people and the sport of rowing.”

- Rochester Track Club – Determined to promote and encourage running in Rochester and the surrounding communities, the Track Club provides support, information and events for runners of all ages, abilities and levels of fitness at any time of the year. The Club is open to walkers, experienced runners, and all those in between. Although the club does not have a competitive running team itself, it does offer members a chance to run with others who appreciate running. Social events, races, and meetings are held throughout the year.

- Rochester Tennis Connection – The Tennis Connection is a tennis club that provides organized tennis opportunities for lessons, league play for junior, adult, and senior players, and tennis camps. There are two sites used by RTC. The Outdoor Site is one of the top outdoor facilities in the state with 15 courts. The Indoor Site has six courts, and is the only Rochester facility that uses Rebound-Ace court surface. This surface is used at the US Open, and is built with layers, providing optimum bounce and give, enhancing gameplay. This club also welcomes players of any skill level.

Gaining in popularity as a new Italian resort is Cefalu’, a quaint little village nestled between a rock and a beautiful beach, on the northern coast of Sicily with tons of Sicilian charm. Long a favorite vacation spot for many Europeans, Cefalu’ is quickly becoming known outside of Europe as a great place to spend a vacation. After all, would Club Med put a resort somewhere that wasn’t worth visiting?

Still maintaining much of its original medieval charm as a fishing village, the tourism industry is now becoming a major factor in the city’s economy. Hotels, pubs and cafés are easy to find. There are many excellent restaurants to choose from in this town, as getting lost down an alley-way can lead you to a nice hidden jewel of a place to eat. The town seems to jettison itself out of the mountain and into the sea, with its houses right upon the water.

The beach in Cefalu’ is worth a visit, and is one of the unique selling points of the town. With golden brown fine sand, it is one of the most sandy beaches in all of Sicily, and stretches from the older part (near the historic center) down to the newer Club Med. Walking along the “lungomare” you can find some lush and tropical vegetation. Keep in mind that during the summer, the beach will be crowded.

If you are in good shape, you can climb to the top of the “rock” or “la rocca” and witness some spectacular views of the town and the red roof houses along with the Mediterranean (Tyrrhenian Sea) where the vegetation is lush with citrus, including blood oranges, cactus figs, almond and olive trees, etc. You can also visit the Temple of Diana, an ancient structure with Greek and Roman characteristics, which possibly dates back to 5th Century B.C., along with other remnants of a medieval fortress. Make sure you wear good hiking boots and bring plenty of water.

Before dinner you can partake in one of Italy’s most favorite past-times, and that is the “passegiata”, or stroll along the quaint and narrow cobblestone streets stopping in some of the small “piazzas” or squares. It is a great place to people-watch, or to savor some of the historic sights and trendy little shops.

Another major attraction is the cathedral, built in 1131 by Roger II, probably as a result of a power struggle with Pope Innocent II. The mosaics are noteworthy, although not as much as Monreale (outside of Palermo). The Norman cathedral does have some Gothic influence along with Byzantine or Arab characteristics that were alive in Sicily at the time the church was built. And at night, when it is lit against the backdrop of the mountain, it really is a fabulous sight to see.

So don’t miss your chance to discover one of Sicily’s best-kept secrets, Cefalu’. It won’t be long before Americans discover that this is truly an excellent place to vacation, because it truly is spectacular. Whether you are a first-time traveler to Italy, or even a seasoned veteran, you should not miss the opportunity to visit Cefalu’.

Practicalities

Getting There

You can get to Cefalu’ from Palermo by Autostrada 20 (about 45 min to 1 hour), or by train (usually hourly) from Palermo Centrale along the Palermo-Messina line. From Messina, the train ride is about 3 hours.

You can also get there by boat from Palermo or the Aeolian islands (usually seasonal). There is a port on the Eastern side of town, just on the “other side of the rock”.

Hotels

Can be expensive in July and August. Make sure you book early. Many hotels will be closed from November through Easter.

Getting around

Depending on where you stay, you won’t really need a car to get around town because mostly everything is in walking distance. However, a car does come in handy if you want to see some of the beautiful Sicilian countryside outside of town (i.e. Le Madonie).

Day trips

Palermo – the boisterous Sicilian capital, plenty of shopping, art, history, etc. Le madonie – beautiful mountain park, snow-capped in the winter, excellent way to get back to nature. Taormina – Sicily’s other resort town, much more renowned.

 

Going on holiday with your family? Are you and other members in your family lovers of golf? Family Golf Resorts are places you can consider for the perfect getaway. Letting your family in on the secret that you have chosen a holiday resort especially for them would bring lots of smiley faces, and the excitement of knowing that you are going away soon.

Family golf resorts are sited far and wide with plenty in this country for your selection. There may be a resort nearby, or maybe, you want to venture further and drive some distance for a wonderful trip. By surfing the Internet, you can find a wider range of golf resorts in various locations. Look for resorts locally or in your county, or further afield, the places you had already planned for. You will be able to find out what’s in your surrounding area or a short drive away. Looking at all the options available will help you make the most of your trip.

One of the more popular Family Golf Resorts is the ‘Club Med Sandpiper’ located in the United States. It is well known and is more famous for being a golf club that is family orientated. This club is to be found in Florida and is centred around a Caribbean theme. Baby Club and Petit Club Med which is for 2 and 3 year olds are two of the many types of child-orientated programs available. Children can also enjoy in fun activities aside from the golf, like inline skating and trapeze which they may find new and exciting. There are different packages for children to choose from including a free daily lesson in a free 9-hole Pitch ‘N’ Putt.

Club Med Sandpiper sounds all well and good, but if it is out of your price range or you cannot book reservations, you can choose from many other fabulous family golf resorts. In Florida, there is the Sandestin Resort, another good option that could be for you. It offers a 2400 acre sized resort North West of Florida, having four golf courses and for your children there is the Junior Golf Academy where for one week, they could go for daily two hour Golf sessions in July.

The Caribbean and Hawaii also offer many options for families seeking a golfing holiday. Another famous golfing resort is the Wild Dunes Charleston Island resort which is also family themed.

With so many Family Golf Resorts to choose from, you and your family should not find it difficult to find one that is just right for an enjoyable holiday. These family resorts offer something for everyone. If you already play golf and want your family to try out the game, or it is a new game for the whole family to have a go out, a great family holiday can be had by all!