a 1 to 2 month long stay, village in Europe

If money were no concern, Switzerland. I’m very sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your recent loss and I completely understand your need to acclimate yourself to being alone.

I might pick one of the smaller villages in the Cotswolds. Many opportunities for rambles in the countryside or to another village. Off season (late Fall or early Spring) there shouldn't be too much problem with horrific day tripper crowds so it would be more peaceful than in season. Weather might not be ideal, probably cool and wet much of the time. But if you're not looking to do a lot of sightseeing and just need to veg and find yourself that wouldn't be a problem.

I would agree to pick an area that speak something close to English. It would make it far easier to associate with locals and make some friends. I would look for a village with at least bus if not rail access to other areas. I consider Scotland, Ireland or England.

I agree with Nancy as far as somewhere on the British Isles. There are beautiful small villages in the Lake District too. Doing a first solo trip to a country that speaks the same language (sort of!) makes for a much more enjoyable entry into foreign travel. That will get you settled in to being a traveler, but not having to be concerned with trying to translate, figure out menus and all unless you really want to do that!
Sorry for your loss. It is difficult, yet so proud of you for even thinking of traveling.

I've spent a good amount of time in real villages in rural Spain, staying with family over the holidays and that sort of thing. Just so you know it is not all it's cracked up to be as many Americans fantasize about, there's a reason why many people are leaving. It can be quite boring and monotonous, and honestly I am counting the days until I leave. I think to spend a few days is fine but two months you're going to start getting cabin fever I think.

First off, what do you consider a village? Around how many population? Just so you know many of these villages are not well connected to public transportation, so car is going to be invaluable if you want to live there. Another practical point is how you're going to cope living in a tight-knit community? Many times the same families have been living there for hundreds of years, if a random foreigner who doesn't speak the language comes in and stays they may see you just as a nuisance. So many times the shops of the villages are closed, so you have to make the journey to a nearby town to do your shopping.

I strongly recommend you consider staying in the city, even a smaller one I think would be good, like Girona or Toledo that way both your practical and emotional needs can be easily met.

Very sorry for your loss.

You have been given excellent advice and I concur that an English speaking environment is best for you. What is your budget?

I highly recommend experiences like The Golden Retriever Experience:
https://thegoldenretrieverexperience.com/

I’d like to put in a word for Lucca, Italy. It has a 16th century wall all around it that has long been turned into a public park, so both residents and visitors walk and bike around on it. From the wall, you can look down into the town on one side and off towards the Tuscan hills on the other. There are many sights to see, not blockbusters, but enjoyable. Puccini was born there, and there are regular concerts in his honor. When you want to venture forth, you can use the excellent train connections to get to Florence, Pisa, etc.

Ah yes but Lucca is a city of almost 100,000. I guess that goes back to my point if the op is looking for a true village or just the "feeling" of a village.

Yes, but I’m suggesting Lucca based on your your recounting of the downsides of tiny villages, Carlos.

Apologies I misinterpreted your post, I didn't know you were referring to my suggestion 😉. But I agree Luca would be a good place to get a feeling of a village without actually needing to live in a village, there are many places in Europe kind of like this.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss.

As has been mentioned, how do define village? 50 people? 500? 5000? Also, what kind of climate are you looking for? Also October/November or early spring will mean very different weather.

Language is not a major issue in Western or Northern Europe. I lived in Germany for four years and could only speak a little German.

Sorry for your loss, I understand your desire to visit a new place for a month or two.

Why Europe, it is costly and you didn't indicate a strong desire to do much touring?

Since you want to go in Oct or Nov, you might want to avoid colder places. Perhaps you want a place that is scenic and enjoy nature. Consider a few options:

1) England, Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds. We stayed in the Volunteer Inn, which has reasonable rates and a great pub and Indian Restaurant. The Cotswolds are scenic and worth a visit. If you like, you could take day trips to Stratford Upon Avon and Oxford. You would need a rental car for that.
2) South Wales. Tenby, its on the water and a great town, but you could visit some of Wales' many castles and scenic countryside.
3) St. Paul de Venice, France is in SE France and a very scenic city made of stone. Not sure housing would be expensive, but it is near Italy and Switzerland as well as the French Riveria.
4) Salzburg, Austria, it is touristy, but a small city, with great things to see as well and Alpine scenery. Also, Austria is cheaper than Switzerland.
5) Luxembourg, its a small country between Belgium, France and Germany. It is scenic and you could take short rail trips to nearby places.

Instead of going to Europe, consider an American city with historical interest. In the Southeast, consider Charleston, SC, Savannah, GA, or St. Augustine, FL.

The days will be shortish in November (especially) and in early spring. How do you do with those times of year at home? (I am not a happy camper until roughly late March.) Add chilly, possible wet weather as one might find north of the Alps, and I would not be having a great time. Others like the coziness of such days.

I cannot imagine spending two months in a really small place. I'd go nuts not having many restaurant options and perhaps having transportation only to the nearest largish town. I am not, however, someone capable of taking rural hikes; that could make a very big difference.

I'm sorry for your loss, but I like your plans for dealing with it. I would choose somewhere in the UK that is well-connected by train. I don't think you want to drive in the UK. I would consider Salisbury, England or one of the suburbs of London, if you can afford it.

Wow! Thank you all so much for taking the time to give me so much information and things to think about. I’ve copied all the responses off for me to look at more carefully later.

I guess I can’t answer you individually with this forum so these are my responses put all together.

Why Europe? Because I want to be surrounded by history and live once in my life in a different country for a small amount of time.

Weather: I grew up in a harsh climate. I love rain and snow, not fond of the hot season. So bring it on as far as weather goes. Especially since I am on more of a retreat than a need to have good weather to tour.

How small? I live in a somewhat rural community of about 10,000 now. And it is perhaps bigger than my imagination has me looking for. 1000 to 5000 or so? But really I’m just getting my thoughts together so I appreciate all the suggestions, and will explore them online. I want a village feel, with a town square or a central area I can be close enough to walk to get coffee in the morning and sit at a cafe or such awhile. So..it can be spread out bigger if I can situate myself right.

I do not want a car so the means to get groceries even if by bus.

And,by October, I might surprise myself and want to take day trips or do some touring, but the way I am thinking at the moment, is to find a safe place to just be alone, be in a completely new environment away from the familiar, where I can get out and walk, and not have to worry about the kids or friends who are worrying about me!

Thanks for the recommendations of:

Chipping,
Campden in the Cotswolds.

South Wales,

Tenby (on the water)

St Paul de Venice, France

Salzburg Austria,

Luxembourg—a more specific town?

Salisbury England

Lucca—will definitely look into it

Small villages in the Lake District of England—any specific names I could look up?

Ireland, Scotland, Wales—specific places, anyone?

I can totally understand the desire to get away, and just be. The first country that came to mind was Ireland, because of the people there who are so warm and friendly, but will leave you alone if that’s what you want. Ennis, Kinvara, or for more alone time I would head to the Aran Islands.

I'm going to put in a pitch for Wales as well.

I think it will become more and more popular with tourists, but for the time being, there are many places you can go where you can settle into village life.

There is the sea, there are mountains, wonderful historical sites, many of which seem less "sanitized" than those that have had to be more managed for the heavy traffic tourism brings.... and I found the people to be lovely.

I think one of the Villages in the Cotswolds would be really wonderful as well, especially that time of year. If you want something with just a few pubs and coffee shops, stunning beauty and charm, and small enough that you could get to know people, Castle Combe would be really beautiful and provide proximity to visit places like Bath and London if you get itchy feet with many gorgeous villages nearby, most of which are full of charming shops and eateries.

We loved Shaftesbury as well and it's a bit larger, so you'd have plenty of shops and places nearby, but still village life for sure. The locals were so friendly and chatty when we were there.

Ireland comes to mind. Sneem is lovely but maybe too small and rural. Kinsale is nice but can be a little crowded during summer. We loved Carrick on Shannon, went for two days and stayed seven! It was just the right size and had good rail connection also. I think it has about 5000 people.

I will add one more possibility to your already great list. Look at Ypres (also written as Ieper) in Belgium. It's a smallish town but large enough to have a lovely main square with restaurants and shops. There are some interesting sights right in town such as the Menen Gate and the In Flanders Fields Museum, and a lovely park with walks all along the ancient ramparts. The best part for you is that English is widely spoken there because there are so many Brits visiting to pay respects to their family members who died in World War I. You would have zero language barrier there. And it is well connected by train to Brussels and to Lille, France. From either of those cities you can easily get to multiple European destinations when you are ready to branch out. I happen to know the city because my father and I spent a week in Ypres/Ieper when my mother fell there and broke her kneecap requiring surgery. It was a difficult time, but we loved the city and the genuine kindness of the people. I can also vouch for the hospital there!😊

I've done this. My needs were different than yours and I stayed in extended stay hotels. I also chose cities rather than villages.

I've done 2 months in Scotland, one month in Manchester, two months in London and I just competed 2 weeks in Vienna. I wasn't there to sightsee every day but to plan my future travels.

I;m going to suggest somewhere in the UK or Ireland. With perhaps a push for Scotland.

Having language abilities will make the stay easier. I also suggest a smaller place not far from a bigger city or town. You will want a change of scenery so make sure there is train or bus service from the village to the city or town.

I've spent extended periods of time in Europe with no particular plan of what to do, but "live".

Everyone is different and there is no way to judge what someone else might enjoy or be comfortable with or not end up in abject boredom, all I can talk to is myself.

That quaint winding cobblestone street from the home through town to the market would be wonderful for me ......... for maybe a week, after that its a necessity because the regrigerator is so small. And the rest of the community would take on the same sort of mundaneness in about the same time.

If it were me, not only the town or village would be important, but where my home was in that setting. I would want to be surrounded by cafes and maybe pubs or any casual place where I can make friends and feel a part. Support businesses would need to be close; the grocer, the meat market, the fish market, the bread ......... again, after a few weeks the clerks will know you by name and now you are functioning in the environment.

Then there would need to be events. For me that would be the opera or theater or ballet ....... but something to look forward to.

Finally, there are the escapes. So a train line or a discount airline to wisk me away to something new for a weekend.

In summary

The perfect home, perfectly located.
Small, but large enough to provide some culture or entertainment
Centrally located and well connected to a region that interests me.

This probalby means that the perfect village for 3, 4 or 5 days is not the perfect village for a month.

This probalby means the most beautiful and attractive setting might not be the ideal setting.
Requires a bunch of research and considerations.

And keep in mind that there are communities in larger towns that function as a village and provide more opportunity for diversity in the stay.

But this is just me. I think I would choose a region and then look for locals to help you get settled in the right place. Tour guides or friends or aquaintances or ???? A lot to consider.

Please accept my condolences.

Northern places are not going to have an outside cafe in October. You would need to go further south, one of the Provence towns, or Uzès in the Languedoc. Someone said Saint-Paul-de-Vence, I'll add Vence also on the Riviera and Collioure on the Spanish border. In this area, by October tourism has calmed down, the sun is still bright, most cafés are open until at least November 2nd and some all year. I would assume you would like to see some other English speakers from time to time, which these areas have.

I'll add Vicenza in the north of Italy, a short distance from Venice and midway between Verona and Padova. A fairly good sized town but with a small town atmosphere. Coffee, market square (with an open air market), beautiful buildings, music and art if you want it, oh, and coffee. Lovely little shop with fabulous coffee just off the market square.

Bigger than you asked for but I really think you'd like to live there.

Sorry for your loss, AnnCee, and proud of you for facing up to a new challenge.

oh by the way, there is an long term American ex-pat, Bob, who with his wife Jenny, run a very small B&B with detached apartment above the river in Vicenza. Have a look at their website not only for their property as a potential (I can vouch for it) but also for what's around the area. They and their child are lovely people. The website is old and not with the most modern security but it is safe. http://www.bed-breakfast-italy.com/

Ann Cee,

In the Lake District there are quite a few places which would suit your wish list, but the one which really springs to mind as pretty much meeting everything on your wish list is Hawkshead. A good place for a "retreat."

Especially in late fall I would have thought you would find quite a few holiday lets who would be happy to give you a long let between the end of the season at the October school holidays and the Christmas season.

There is lots of walking within easy reach. There are small stores in the village, but in winter the bus service to Ambleside for other connections and bigger shops is every two hours. The bus at around 9.30am goes through to the 'big town' of Kendal for wider shopping, with an early afternoon return.
At Ambleside there are buses to all parts of the Lake District for wider walking opportunities, also the Windermere steamers on the lake which run 364 days a year.
If you want somewhere with better transport connections I would be looking at Grange over Sands and Arnside. Arnside is the smaller, but both are really nice little places with everything you want. Most importantly they have hourly rail connections to Manchester and further afield. In Arnside there is no bus nowadays, so only train, whereas Grange also has good bus connections. There are lots of interesting places in easy reach of Grange. These are on the southern edge of the Lake District but Grange especially is in easy reach of the Central Lakes.
On the western edge of the Lake District I might be inclined to look at St Bees. There are several stores in the Village, wonderful beach and cliff walking, bigger stores 10 minutes away by hourly train (from Barrow to Carlisle) in the town of Whitehaven- which has a lot of history in the town and museums.

Hi, AnnCee. You have received a lot of good thoughts. As I think about my initial solo travel after my husband died, and all the places I have been since, I think I would choose Ireland or Scotland, but without a need for somewhere small. These cultures themselves tend to be open and friendly and I could pick any number of towns to make myself at home and expect that people there would reciprocate. That being said, I haven’t done this (and wouldn’t choose Dublin, Edinburgh, or Glasgow).

Google Translate is great for simple things and is really useful; but I found that without the ability to have longer conversations (requiring English), I get lonely after a week or two.

I might choose other places now, 5 years later, for a stay of a couple of months - but in those initial times, these would have been at the top of my list. But we are all different and we all process differently.

While I've been out shopping I've had another thought to throw into the mix for the Lake District (I'm trying to think for somewhere to be a 'temporary local' rather than putting you in one of the usual tourist honeyspots).
Cockermouth is a good compromise. It's about the size of your home town, but has many of the other attributes you are looking for. It also has good transport connections, although you have to go to Workington or Penrith on the bus for train services. It also has a nice little combined stage/movie theatre/community centre- the Kirkgate Centre. Being that bit bigger it has the full range of stores, as well as Mom and Pop shops.
If you wanted to be closer to Keswick I would say the villages of Braithwaite or Portinscale, but am a bit worried that they are too quiet in the off season months. There is a balance to be struck, and they may tip a little bit too far to the quiet.

In my area I would recommend Amberg, Germany. It's bigger than what you are looking for at 40,000 population. It is located between two American/EU training areas, so many there speak and understand English. Some Americans based in the training areas live there. Amberg has pretty good rail and bus service too. Good café and places to eat. Nice countryside with farms, forests and rivers. To the east is the Oberpfälzer Wald and Czechia border. If you want to branch out and explore some, it would be relatively easy. Nürnberg and Regensburg for example. You can be in the Alps in four-five hours by train. The city still has some of its old wall and Middle Ages feeling. Four seasons climate, but not much snow the last 10 years. Cobblestone streets too...

I'm going to add Portugal to the list of places to consider.

1. Mild climate in the fall/winter, perfect in Oct/Nov
2. Rich in history,
3. Many locals speak English
4. It is a safe country for women traveling alone
5. And what I consider most important, a very warm welcoming culture.
   

Link to The Ease of Settling In Index where Portugal ranks in the top ten and #1 for Europe
https://www.internations.org/expat-insider/2022/ease-of-settling-in-index-40244#

Take a look at Cascais which is an easy train ride away from Lisbon, or one of the suburbs of Porto or towns a train ride away from Porto.

Truly sorry for your loss.

Commendable for your willingness to engage in solo travel.

I’m going to suggest website. The founder was a Canadian women who loved sharing insight for women traveling solo. Sadly, Evelyn passed but daughter Caroline took over an enhanced it.
www.journeywoman.com

A number of good options by other posters.

I’m going to throw this idea into the mix. Do your work constrictions ( and before retirement ) i could only travel in the Fall. Love London in November.
Lord Mayor’s Parade, lighting of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, Santa Runs, pantos and the reality nearly 100% of the time no rain. If there was any it would be early AM drizzle with blue skies and sun by noon. Anyway….

Make it easy on yourself. Same language merely sounds different….London and the outlaying Richmond neighborhood.

The Premiere Inn on Lower Mortlake. 20 minute walk from the center of Richmond. Venerable and well run The Crown pub nearby. Loved soups there.

Not a village but an easily explorable high street.
From the PI its 25 minute walk into Richmond. Same amount of time to walk into the gorgeous Richmond Park.

Only 10-15 minute stroll to Kew Gardens from the Premiere Inn. You could spend an entire day there. If you choose next Spring Kew and the Isabella Plantation section of Richmond Park would be in full bloom!

From the Quadrant you can tube into London in 30 minutes.

I walk back to the PI from the Quadrant if I’ve gone to theatre in London proper. Never a worry even at midnight. You can also take a bus. Believe the 419 or 110. FYI I always have a small flashlight for a walk like this. There are street lights but flashlight could be helpful if needed. Mine is the Olight Infray Rapid PLAA. Powerful. AAAbatteries. Took spare AAA’s just in case

In Richmond good coffee at Butterbeans next to Richmond Station. Good pub food at The Angel and Crown. Adjacent to the adorable Alligator’s Mouth bookstore. https://www.thealligatorsmouth.co.uk/

Bills Cafe is great. Loved the kebobs at Diba Persian restaurant.

Look at the wonderful London Walks website: www.walks.com

I’ve been enjoying them for years. Excellent guides, small group size and great cost

Also check to see whats on at the Richmond Theatre.

If any of the above interests you or if you have questions feel free to PM me. PM is personal message.

From London you could be in Paris. Buy advance tickets ( as in months out) to curb the expense of the 2 hour EuroStar.

You could also fly to Dublin, or Barcelona, or train to Edinburgh and Glasgow, or fly to Istanbul or Oslo.

Lets us know where you choose.

Safe travels.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself at this difficult time. I think your idea to challenge yourself is a good one.

Not knowing how old you are, what your budget is, where you live in WA or how close you are to medical facilities, I have concerns beyond the day to day practical ones like transportation, food shopping, cafes and restaurants. I'm 77, so I think about these things. Below are some questions and thoughts for your planning.

Since you'd like to rent the same place for a long time, I recommend that you start looking for apartments using Booking.com to get an idea of potential costs in the various locations you're considering.

When you do that, things to consider include the ones below as well as some I'm sure I've forgotten. I'm mentioning these things because I've rented many apartments when traveling in Europe, but the longest time has been 8 nights. If I was going to be in one location for 4-8 weeks, I'd be a lot pickier about what that place is like. I've rented apartments that were not as advertised and/or pictured. Airbnb and VRBO were the worst about that in my experience.

So here we go:

Is there access to free internet and cable TV? Is there free international calling?

Is there a clothes washer and a separate clothes dryer or only a rack?

Who's going to clean the place while you are there? Will you be required to clean it before you depart?

What floor is it on? If higher than ground floor, are there stairs to climb or is there an elevator?

How is the kitchen equipped? Does it have both a fridge and a freezer?
A dishwasher? Both an oven and a microwave?

Does it have a walk-in shower or tub/shower combination? If the latter, does the shower wand hang on the wall, or is it in a cradle at the wall edge of the tub?

If you decide on a warm location, does it have an air conditioner? If you decide on a WA weather type location, what's the heat like? And if you stay there several weeks, will you be required to pay for utilities in some way?

About the medical:

Some of the locations you consider may be too small to have any easily reachable medical facilities at all. This would be a deal breaker for me.

If you take any prescription meds, you'll need to have enough to cover the time you'll be in Europe, plus a couple of weeks.

If you use any OTC meds or supplements, you may need to take a supply with you or find out what they are called where you are going. Keep in mind that those may not be available at all, may have different dosage levels or that what's OTC here may be RX there or vice-versa.

If you are on Medicare, it will not cover you in Europe or the UK.
If you have a Medicare supplement, it might cover some things but not all.
You may need to get extra insurance coverage, especially for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

I've visited Europe in every month except February and March. In all my travels no matter where I was, the best parts of the trip have always simply been being there, so I understand a bit of what you're seeking.

Since you're somewhat apprehensive about the planning, I also recommend that you read and take to heart all the Travel Tips right here on this RS website:
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips

To learn a bit about locations you might also take a look at Explore Europe: https://www.ricksteves.com/europe

Finally, is there any location in your family history or DNA that you'd like to get the "feel" of? On my first trip to Europe there were 2 places that felt like home but were nothing like San Antonio where I was from: Scotland and Scandinavia. Now 45 years later I know that I have substantial DNA similar to that of the people who live there. Too bad it's so bloody cold!

I’m so sorry for your loss. I second the recommendation of another poster: Chipping Camden. I’ve only spent 3 days there on a hiking vacation, but I loved it. I trained from Moreton-on-Marsh and took bus to CC. There are many walks/hikes right out of the town, but also easy to take the bus to the super picturesque Bourton on Water and Upper/Lower Slaughter and more.
I know purpose of trip isn’t to do tourist things, but I suggest that if you do stay for 2 months, you stay 2 places for a month each. If you do CC in October I recommend Narbonne, France for November. It is NOT a village but rather a smallish city in the Languedoc. TGV connection to Paris, walks along Canal du MIDI (or cycling), not far to ocean, a glorious enclosed market hall.
I’m hoping to semi-retire next year and am planning on 2-3 month stays in Europe a couple times/year, so reading all these recommendations has been helpful for me, too.
Wishing you the very best as you slowly adapt and heal from your loss.

So sorry for your loss.

Ireland might be right. I think that potentially a more open and English speaking population could be helpful, at least in higher chances of experiencing kinder everyday interactions. In some countries locals are more reserved.

But maybe it's a better idea to check in with a clinical psychologist a couple of times before you decide to commit to a couple months in Europe to be as sure as you can that that is right for you at this moment. Quite easy to do this online nowadays.

You are talking about traveling in October / November.
Do look at the weather for any location.
https://weatherspark.com/

Not sure your budget, but you may want to look at the cost of living in the various locations.
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

A lot of recommendations for UK destinations.

Picking one at random, Salisbury, figure the temps will be 40F to 50F, the skys will be cloudy more than half the time of your stay, there will be a 35% chance of rain on any particular day and you will have about 8.5 hours of daylight each day.

But the cost of living in Salisbury is abou 40% less than in Seattle.

I would also check out transportation if you do want to get out and see some more. Look at trains and the distances to the airports serving discount airlines (closest to Salisbury is about 2 hours by motorway .... no idea by bus or train)

Hello AnnCee, extending my sympathy of your recent loss. I hope this trip will be everything you’re imagining and kuddos to you for planning it!

You’ve received a lot of great advice, and I’m not familiar with the smaller towns in the UK, so I won’t comment on that part of your question. I would suggest that you might want to begin with a trip within the US. Maybe stay in a small village in the Vermont area for a couple of weeks since you live in Washington. This would give you the chance to hone in on your desire and make any changes on the ideal setting before heading to Europe.

Update: I’ve been thinking of your post some more this afternoon. Is there a hobby that interests you either currently or something to try? I love to travel solo & when I do, I like to have something planned about every four days where I will be speaking English with someone, so I don’t feel lonely. Even if you’re in England or similar, it would be nice for you to know that you have some planned conversation for an hour or more. For instance, when I was in Bergamo, Italy last June, I reserved a couple of private outdoor sketch and watercolor classes. The instructor, Martin Cambriglia, was so patient with me as a beginner; I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to try a new hobby. You might want to consider where you could take some weekly cooking, art, foreign language, etc. classes - whatever appeals to you.

Hi AnnCee, sorry to hear of your loss.

Even the most experienced solo traveler finds themselves lonely some of the time on such a long extended trip. I obviously cannot know what your goal is on spending two months in Europe solo without actually traveling most of the time. I would encourage you to also think about a 3 week tour of Europe as a single traveler. This way you will have the best of everything. You don't have to arrange travel, you will see some incredible sights of Europe, you will travel with other English speaking travelers and you will have downtime to reflect on yourself.

I guess I would find it incredibly hard to stay in a village somewhere with nothing to do on a daily basis for two months. Maybe stay somewhere 2 weeks before your tour and two weeks after. Just a thought. Good luck in the future.

Dear AnnCee,

Heartfelt condolences to you. I think all the suggestions are very nice and indicative of the thoughtfulness and kindness of forum members. I'd like to throw in one more suggestion for you.

Years ago, I spent several months between November and May in Santa Fe, New Mexico after my dad passed (not the same as a life partner, I know) to process and decompress. The city was much smaller then, but there was something healing about the quality of the air, the light, the huge sky and the beautiful Sangre des Cristos mountains. You could really be alone too. I think I watched "Local Hero" 20 times that winter.

I didn't have a car but you could rent one and the bus from the Albuquerque airport takes about an hour to downtown SF.

When you're ready to engage, the people there are friendly, the regional food is very good and it can go from cheap to fine dining. There is a lovely movie theater (there may be more now) if you want to see a movie and be among people, several bookstores to browse, cafes, and the like. Finally, there is hiking, biking and all sorts of other outdoor activities that are not tourist-related. (In the summer, it seems half of Houston is there ;)) Bandelier National Monument, Taos and Las Cruces are also nearby.

Hope this helps just a bit. Wherever you decide to go, take care!

I have to say this is the kindest and most helpful forum I've come across. Thank you all so much, especially those of you who took the time to write long detailed answers and offered me many suggestions and things to think about. I've copied off all the places, I'm going to research each one. I am thinking that two or three might stand out and then it will be what sort of accommodations I can find for that long of a stretch. If finding a great place this late in the year for the fall is not working out I might take a two or three week trip now with the idea of doing a longer trip early next year.

I will come back and update once any plans get made or with further questions. Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart!

Orvieto, Italy. Such a wonderful town. Many long-stay travelers & ex pats, I think because it is so lovely and the locals are so welcoming. Supremely walkable. A lovely hiking trail in nature around the town. History. Food. Culture. I hope you find healing wherever you choose.