People who live in Sequim already know what a special place the town is.

Now, thanks to a recent article in Newsmax magazine, Sequim is being recommended as one of "10 Great Places for Boomers."

The article highlights

Sequim for its culture and scenery, making mention of the "magnificent lavender fields and festivals that delight the senses," as well as

the "Museum and Arts Center's rotating exhibits and the Olympic Theatre Arts performances."

The article states that while baby boomers are getting grayer with age, the "generation that specialized in balancing busy careers and active lifestyles isn't slipping quietly into retirement."

"Boomers are looking for places they can stretch not only their dollars but also their bodies and minds," the text reads.

Vickie Maples, Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director, said she doesn't know the specifics of how Sequim came to be included in the Newsmax magazine top 10 but that she is pleased at the attention.

"I think it's wonderful that Sequim is being recognized for its culture and scenery and that (Newsmax) named specifics like the Museum and Arts Center and Olympic Theatre Arts," Maples said.

"It reinforces our sunny Sequim reputation."

Other locations on the list include San Antonio, Texas; Iowa City, Iowa; and San Francisco, Calif.

"It's a very positive article and when you look at all the other locations, it's an honor to be included," Maples said.

Sequim Mayor Laura Dubois said that while

lavender is a big attraction on the peninsula, it's only one of several things people grow to love about the area.

"Lavender certainly is the claim to fame, but I think that once people are here they realize there is so much more to Sequim," Dubois said.

"Sequim is for the active senior and I

guarantee you won't be sitting in your rocking chair in front of the television."



Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequimgazette.com.



Newsmax's top 10:

1. Affordable activity: San Antonio, Texas

2. Safest place: Iowa City, Iowa

3. Slower pace: Peachtree City, Ga.

4. Stellar medical care: Gainesville, Fla.

5. City life: San Francisco, Calif.

6. Culture and scenery: Sequim, Wash.

7. Anywhere and everywhere: Recreational vehicles

8. On the water: Dunedin, Fla.

9. Brainiest: Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, N.C.

10. Longevity: Hawaiian island of Oahu

To view the entire article, go online to http://w3.newsmax.com/a/mar09/retirement/.