Retired on the West Coast, we don’t get to Manhattan that often any more. However, whenever we’re on the sidewalks of New York, we make a pilgrimage to a genuine deli. Now that the Stage Deli is no more, it’s all the more important that we head for the venerable Carnegie at 854 7th Avenue.

For the past 80 years, this eatery named for the nearby music institution, offers a large menu of favorites, featuring all the traditional deli foods. We usually order a corned beef on rye sandwich. It’s so large and stuffed with tasty slices that we always share one.

It’s washed down with Dr. Brown’s Root Beer, and topped off with delicious strawberry cheese cake. On our last visit, we paid about $35 for the nostalgic experience for two.

Note of caution: If you intend to nosh at the Carnegie Deli, try to get there very early or very late in the day. It’s nearly always jam-packed with locals and tourists, and the noise and crowding are almost toxic. For menu, prices, hours and other info, go to carnegiedeli.com

While visiting Las Vegas, take a day away from the casinos, spas, pools, shows and buffets to enjoy a visit to one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular creations.

There are many travel organizations in town that specialize in Grand Canyon trips by chopper, airplane and bus. For a typical six to 12-hour trip, as well as overnight camping, the cost starts from about $100 per person, depending on the various schedules and extras.

Next time you’re in Manhattan, experience how late 19th and early 20th Century immigrants coped with the New World. Typically, a family of eight or more lived in two small walk-up apartment rooms, all portrayed at the Lower East Side museum. In those days, there was no air conditioning, phones, tv, radio, refrigerators nor washing machines. The average family income was $15 a week.

We’ve been to Provo, Utah, and although it’s a nice, quiet, friendly town, some senior travelers may question whether it’s the very top. After all, there are no Las Vegas casinos, Hollywood walks of fame, Broadway theaters, sunny Hawaiian beaches nor all the rest of the commercial hustle and glitter we seasoned citizens too often crave.

Additionally, because Provo is the home of Brigham Young University, visitors in town during important sports events may not find it so quiet. If a BYU team loses, it also may not be so friendly. However, with the beautiful campus, pleasant citizens and surrounding mountains, Provo may deserve the Gallop Poll listing as best in the nation.

Sightseeing in and around Provo is enjoyable. Of course, there’s the beautiful BYU campus framed by the Wasatch Range. Also on your must-see list should be the Peaks Ice Skating Arena, Sunset View Park, Bridal Veil Falls, The Covey Center for the Performing Arts and much, much more. For info, go to www.provo.org