Author: Edgar Patterson

New York City Is First to Mandate Proof of Vaccine 

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New York City became the first in the United States to require customers and workers to prove at least one vaccine dose for indoor activities.

That mandate includes showing proof of one’s vaccination status to enjoy any indoor dining experiences.

Restaurants are not the only industry affected by this mandate. Gyms, Broadway performances, and other indoor entertainment venues must all comply with the order.

NYC implemented this requirement after similar requirements were issued in Italy and France in July. Enforcement began on September 13 after the rules took effect on August 16.

City Workers Face Weekly Testing in NYC

Mayor de Blasio has made aggressive moves to encourage more New Yorkers to get vaccinated. With concerns over the Delta variant spreading, city workers who don’t get their Covid shots face a weekly testing protocol.

The NYC mayor has also offered a $100 incentive to the public if they’re willing to get their vaccinations.

“If you want to participate in our society fully,” he said at an August press conference, “you’ve got to get vaccinated. It’s time.” 

These rules come as other states mandate vaccines for employees and contractors and reinstate indoor mask requirements. The school year is already rocky because of the Delta variant, with hundreds of students and teachers getting infected. In August, two teachers from the same Texas district died from the disease, forcing them to switch to online learning.

Before the Delta variant surge, the U.S. was averaging about 13,000 daily cases. That figured jumped to 86,000 per day, with almost all those figures coming from unvaccinated populations.

There is no timetable in place to remove the mandate for proof of vaccination, and it may be wise to monitor political dynamics as it relates to this issue. 

5 American Cities That Celebrate the Holidays with Pizzazz

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When you want to enjoy an old-fashioned holiday celebration, some U.S. cities put a lot of time, effort, and money into their events. These are the places to visit when you want to experience that pizzazz this year. 

1. Alexandria, VA

This city is famous for its waterskiing Santa. You’ll also see a parade of other Christmas characters on the water. There’s also a Scottish Christmas Walk, choreographed fireworks at Mount Vernon, and many local displays. 

2. North Pole, AK

America’s version of the North Pole goes all out to celebrate Christmas each year – and every day throughout the year! You can meet Santa in June, meet some reindeer, and take a picture next to his 42-foot statue.

3. Portsmouth, NH

This picturesque community gives you the perfect winter postcard for the holidays each year. You’ll step back into time with homes dating to the 17th century, with locally owned stores offering many holiday favorites. Get some fresh gingerbread, skate on the local pond, and enjoy a candlelit stroll through the Christmas lights.

4. Dallas, TX

Dallas loves to light things up during the holidays. You’ll find a 17-acre park filled with over two million Christmas lights awaiting your arrival. Even the Arboretum gets involved with a half-million twinkles of their own. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from hundreds of nutcrackers to the ice sculptures at the Gaylord Texan Hotel.

5. Nevada City, CA

This gold rush town is probably the last place you’d consider for a Victorian Christmas. The streets have working gas lamps during the holidays, while carolers fill the streets to sing songs. You can even hear the pop of roasting chestnuts over the fire. 

Where are your favorite places to celebrate the holidays? 

States with the Longest Bike Trails

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When you want to prepare for a long day of adventuring, the first step is to prepare your body for what’s to come. That’s why having Thorne Research products stocked up is helpful for any sports-related activity! You’ll have the energy you need for a fun time.

If you love cycling, you’ll want to explore some of the best railroad lines that were converted into bike trails. Here are some of the best states to visit.

1. Wisconsin

You’ll find several rail-to-trail options throughout this state, but the best one is the Sugar River Trail that runs between New Glarus and Broadhead. You’ll visit two other communities along the way, see old train depots, and traverse 14 trestle bridges. It’s in the middle of rolling hills and remnant prairies with minimal incline, allowing everyone to join.

2. Maryland

When you follow the Great Allegheny Passage, you’ll get the chance to stay on the trail for more than a week. You can ride all the way to Washington, D.C., or Pittsburgh from Cumberland without worrying about traffic.

3. Virginia

Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is a 44-mile trip on a paved trail. It gets lots of use because of how close it is to the nation’s capital. Many people use it to commute from their northern Virginia home into the city.

4. Ohio

The Little Miami Scenic Trail offers a paved route that connects to several other exploration opportunities. You can also take it across 78 miles between Springfield and Newtown. 

Every state has some long bike trails to explore. What are some of the favorite ones you’ve discovered over the past few years? 

American Cities with the Best Parks

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If you find yourself wanting to escape all of the political and pandemic stress, there are more than 100,000 total parks in the United States for you to enjoy. If you take only the spots in the 100 largest American cities, you’ll still get about 24,000 destinations to explore.

When you want to enjoy some green spaces on a nice day, these cities deliver the best experiences consistently.

What U.S. Cities Have the Best Parks?

1. New York City

How can anything beat the magnificence of Central Park? When it is a sunny day, you can also visit Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Bryant Park to have a great time.

2. Chicago

The Windy City helps people get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life by delivering numerous outstanding parks. Over 600 facilities are available, with Millennium Park, Grant Park, and The 606 topping the list of the best stops.

3. Seattle

With over 500 acres of tidal beaches and sea cliffs to explore, this city’s largest urban park includes a zip line and a renovated play area. You’ll find about 500 sites to explore during your stay, with Seward Park, Green Lake Park, and Gas Works Park delivering hiking trails and unique attractions to enjoy. 

4. Los Angeles

If you need to take a break from the heat, this city offers several fantastic parks to enjoy. Echo Lake Park is criminally underrated, offering a place to rent a paddleboat while the area’s perimeter has food vendors with all sorts of snacks. Hermosa Natural Park, Palisades Park, and Greystone Mansion and Gardens are additional choices.

It can be fun to get outside to explore America’s great cities. When you add the parks in each community to your list, the adventure only grows!

Towns That Celebrate Halloween Better Than Anyone

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Halloween is a fantastic time of year. This holiday hits at the end of the harvest season, allowing everyone to celebrate the transition to winter while scoring some treats by going door-to-door for candy.

Some towns go all-out when Halloween visits on the calendar. You’ll want to experience the atmosphere at least once in the following communities.

What Towns Celebrate Halloween the Best?

1. Anoka, MN

This community is called the “Halloween Capital of the World” for a great reason. They celebrate the holiday throughout the entire month! There are pumpkin bake-offs, a 5K run, decorating contests, and much more to enjoy.

2. Long Grove, IL

You’ll find a beautiful fall festival awaiting your arrival in this Midwestern town. The community hosts an annual Ghost Walk where you tour the area to meet “ghosts” and their stories.

3. Chandler, AZ

The annual Spooktacular Festival is a great time when visiting this community for Halloween. It’s a family-friendly adventure that includes a huge costume content, witch broom races, and much more. Their haunted house is also one of the best out there today.

4. New Orleans, LA

This city is considered the most haunted community in the United States. You’ll find lots of spooky stuff happening in October, from the voodoo culture to the fortune-tellers. The annual pub crawl is fun for the adults, while the art and music experience is a family-friendly event that everyone loves.

It can be lots of fun to celebrate Halloween each year. When you visit one of these communities with your favorite costume, who knows what will happen?

States with the Best Hiking Trails

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When you want to take charge of your fitness, you might grab some items from DaVinci Labs and Source Naturals to keep in your pantry. With various options to select, you can fill in the gaps found in your overall wellness plan.

If you want to be more active outside, you will take a trip to one of the states with the best hiking trails. Here are the places you’ll want to go when you have some time off to enjoy yourself.

What States Have the Best Hiking Trails? 

1. Colorado

With over four dozen mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet, you won’t find a better spot for a long hike in the United States. You can find mountain lakes, pristine views, and several different biomes. There’s even a trail that takes you through sand dunes!

2. Washington

Between the Cascades and the Olympics, you’ll find plenty of mountains and rugged wilderness trails to enjoy. If you head to the coast, you can walk through a lush rain forest. 

3. Oregon

A visit to Crater Lake is worth the expense of getting to this state. You’ll also find lava flows, deserts, and forests to explore during your stay. 

4. California

With hundreds of miles of shoreline to explore, you can’t beat with this state offers for coastal hiking trails. You can also visit incredible spots like Yosemite or Mount Shasta to enjoy a beautiful day.

The best states deliver incredible hiking trails for everyone to enjoy. Where do you plan to travel for your next adventure?

Books About the Roaring ‘20s

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When the 1920s came into full swing, the American economy experienced a unique revival. After spending two full years in semi-permanent isolation because of the global influenza pandemic, people were ready to party, socialize, and enjoy some bootleg liquor.

It was a period in U.S. history where everything seemed to be going well. It would last for about a decade before the Great Depression reversed that trend.

Many people believe the world is set for another energetic explosion after the COVID-19 pandemic winds down. These books about the Roaring ‘20s give us insights into this era and how it might happen again in the 2020s.

1. Paris Without End

This book about the Roaring ‘20s talks about the true story of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife. If you were an American with money during that decade, you made your way to Paris. You’ll learn more about Hadley Richardson, who was a 29-year-old Midwestern girl who would end up marrying one of the world’s best poets and authors of the era.

2. The Girls of Murder City

One of the unique aspects of the Roaring ‘20s was the dramatic rise of organized crime. Although the stories often center around Al Capone and Chicago, many U.S. cities experienced this issue. This book follows the story of Maurine Watkins, who interviewed two murderesses in Cook County to get the public intrigued by the sensationalism of the era.

3. Last Call

The Roaring ‘20s started with a prohibition on the manufacturing and sale of alcohol. It would last until 1933. The Constitutional amendment sent liquor underground, created criminal empires, and defined the decade. This book examines the forces that profited from the Volstead Act – and how it eventually ended.

4. Zelda

It’s been said that the author of The Great Gatsby stole his ideas from his wife. Then he committed her to an asylum after spending ten years of marriage together. This book tells the tragic story of this woman’s life.

What book do you think you’ll pick up first?

5 Best States to Watch the Leaves Turn in Fall

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One of autumn’s best traditions is to watch the leaves turn colors in the fall. Although many people travel to New England annually for this experience, several states offer some incredible experiences. You just need to know where to look!

Are you planning a trip to watch the colors change? If so, here are some stops to consider adding to your itinerary.

Where Are the Best Places to Watch the Leaves Turn Colors?

1. Vermont

The many deciduous forests in Vermont make it the best destination for watching the colors turn each year. While you’re visiting the state, pop over to New Hampshire to tour the Kancamagus Highway for an adventurous weekend.

2. New York

When autumn arrives, the stunning colors on display at Thatcher State Park can take your breath away. With reds, oranges, yellows, and more, you’ll find this trip to Albany can be an incredible experience.

3. Tennessee

The Smoky Mountains in the fall turn into a cacophony of color that you’ll want to keep visiting each year! If you start your journey in Gatlinburg, you’ll get to take a tour of the entire region and its incredible beauty.

4. Ohio

Although this state doesn’t have the go-to spot like some others, you should visit Ashtabula County in the fall. When you combine the changing colors with the covered bridges, you’ll have a magical experience to enjoy.

5. Minnesota

When you visit the northern shores of Lake Superior in the fall, you might need to dodge a few snowflakes. You’ll also spot some lighthouses, stunning cliff faces, and tall trees that turn into glorious colors in this sometimes chilly environment.

When the weather starts to cool, the trees in these states put on a brilliant display. Where do you think you’ll travel this year?

These Are the Healthiest US States

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When you need to work on your health, you try to eat right, get some exercise, and take your vitamins. That means you’ll want brands like Apricot Power and DesBio in your medicine cabinet!

It also helps to surround yourself with positive people who support your quest for better health. That’s why you’ll want to consider living in one of the following healthy states.

What Are the Healthiest States in the U.S.?

1. California

California has one of the best combinations of obesity, smoking, and suicide rates in the country. About 12% of adults in the state report having “poor” mental health from 2021 information.

2. New Jersey

Although more people smoke in New Jersey, there is a lower infant mortality rate in this state. The obesity rate is also slightly lower than California’s, coming in at 25.7%.

3. New York

With a suicide rate about 30% less than California’s and similar rankings in every other category, the only thing that prevents New York from being in the top spot is two extra percentage points on the obesity rate.

4. Colorado

This state has one of the lowest obesity rates in the country. It also has one of the highest suicide ratings, with more people than average reporting poor mental health. If you love being active and don’t mind higher altitudes, this place is for you.

5. Washington

Although the obesity rates and number of adults reporting poor mental health are slightly higher than other states, Washington still holds a top spot because of the population’s activity levels. You’ll also find one of the lower infant mortality rates in the country here.

When you live in one of the healthiest states, you may have to adjust to a change in cultural and political environments, but at least you’ll be surrounding yourself with more people who support your positive lifestyle choices. Don’t forget about taking your vitamins!

Famous Las Vegas Buffets

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When you visit Las Vegas, the goal is to have some fun. You might spend some time in a casino, have fun with the rides at the Strip, or go shopping at one of the city’s fantastic malls.

If you’re ready to get something to eat, you could spend a fortune on fine-dining experiences with some of today’s biggest culinary names. You can find everyone from Wolfgang Puck to Gordon Ramsey with restaurants in the city.

You don’t need to spend all that cash to get something incredible to eat. When you visit these famous Las Vegas buffets, you’ll come home stuffed!

What Are the Most Famous Buffets in Las Vegas?

1. The Buffet at the Wynn

You’ll find extravagant plates awaiting your arrival. They’re mixed with towering flower displays, fruit choices, and almost every food style you can imagine. With 15 live cooking stations and over 120 items that you need to try, make plans for Saturday to enjoy the special seafood menu.

2. Bacchanal Buffet

This Las Vegas buffet is often rated as the best in the world. You can find everything from red velvet pancakes to King crab legs awaiting your arrival. Their carving station is heavenly, with smoked meat waiting for your sampling right before you reach the gelato at the dessert table. You’ll find it at Caesars Palace.

3. Herringbone Brunch

You’ll need to wait for the weekend to enjoy this Las Vegas buffet, but it is worth the wait! They have the best sliders in the city, and you can find everything from prepared poke to lamb chops there to cure your hunger.

4. Sterling Brunch

With over 30 years of service under its belt, this buffet is one of the city’s institutions. It begins with endless Champagne and ends with you filling up on everything from gruyere popovers and truffle mashed potatoes.

When you want to have some fun, Las Vegas is the place to be. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by one of these buffets to refuel.

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