Author: Edgar Patterson

American Cities with the Best Farmer’s Markets

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When you want to purchase the freshest produce possible, your local farmer’s market is the best place to visit. Most communities have one that meets once or twice per week during the harvest season.

If you’re lucky enough to be in one of these cities, you’ll find some fantastic items for sale.

1. Seattle

Although the pandemic hit Pike Place Market hard, it’s still a great stop for fresh produce and meats. You’ll also find lots of crafts, buskers, and unique shops to enjoy. It’s open seven days per week. 

2. New York City

You can venture to Union Square to enjoy some of the best harvests from local farms when visiting NYC. At the peak of the season, about 150 vendors sell everything from baked goods to freshly caught fish. About 60,000 shoppers come to browse on a typical day. 

3. Chicago

The Green City Market started over 20 years ago to feature sustainable farming. It began with only nine vendors, but it has quickly grown to become one of the country’s best stops. You can visit all year long, but it is only open two Saturdays per month in the winter. 

4. Des Moines

This fantastic farmer’s market is held every Saturday from May to October. It’s in front of the city’s historic courthouse, covering nine blocks with vendors. You’ll find plenty of seasonal items to enjoy. 

5. Portland

You’ll find seven distinct areas spread throughout the city when visiting Portland for locally grown goods. Some of them are open all year, and many of them are on different days so that you can always grab something. About 250 vendors currently participate.

You can also find the nutrients you need from products like Jarrow Formulas and Numedica when there isn’t a farmer’s market nearby. 

Why Kansas is Known as the Breadbasket of the United States

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Kansas is considered the breadbasket of the United States because it typically produces more wheat than any other state in the country.

Winter wheat, which is found in almost every county, is used for grazing to feed the state’s 5.7 million cattle. It’s allowed to grow and ripen in the summer, producing enough to make billions of loaves of bread each year. 

Russel Springs claims to be the wheat capital of the world with its location and influence on the state’s production of this crop. 

Farmers Have Grown Wheat in Kansas for More Than a Century

When the United States accepted Kansas as a territory in 1854, the farmers in the area were already growing wheat. It’s a tradition that dates to the native tribes.

Summer wheat is more susceptible to drought than the winter variety, which is why many farmers grow that product in the state. In 1874, weather problems and insects destroyed a significant portion of the crop. Some decided to leave to find other opportunities, but those who stayed started varying their crops and growing techniques.

Kansas continues to be a significant producer of wheat, and it is also the largest flour milling state in the nation. The industry provides about $4 billion in revenues to the economy while supporting approximately 30,000 jobs.

In 1886, Kansas harvested wheat across 68,000 acres. In 2014, farmers planted 8.8 million acres with double the yield. The world can thank the producers of this state for their contributions to the food cycle, especially since the harvest provides enough food to feed every human for two weeks. No matter how political and cultural climates may shift, the significance of Kansas will remain the same.

5 Cities with Huge Tree Lighting Ceremonies

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When the holidays arrive each December, many families put up a Christmas tree or decorate their homes according to their customs.

Several cities around the world do the same. From the smallest towns to the largest population centers on the planet, you’ll find some holiday tree lighting ceremonies are consistently huge and spectacular.

The following destinations are the best ones you’ll find to celebrate this holiday season and all the others to come. 

1. New York City

The tree lighting tradition in NYC has happened since 1933. A massive tree gets placed in Rockefeller Center, and its lighting is often treated as the symbol that starts the holidays. The ceremony is free and open to the public each year, although COVID protocols might change some aspects of it.

2. London

Norway has given a Christmas tree to the people of London each year since 1947. It’s typically a Norwegian Spruce, with many of them measuring over 60 feet high. You can see different caroling groups singing while the vertical strings get lit.

3. Washington, D.C.

President Calvin Coolidge started this tradition in 1923. Local choirs and the Marine Band often perform, along with international artists and a few messages of hope. It has become such a popular event that a ticket lottery has been instituted.

4. Zilker, TX

This tree is human made, feature dozens of streamers and bulbs to show off more than 3,300 lights. It stands over 150 feet tall, and one lucky winner in the crowd gets to flip the switch. 

5. Beverly Hills, CA

Lighting the palm trees along Rodeo Drive is a wonderful tradition in this city. You’ll find live music and performances waiting to enjoy while the 42 palms get lit to celebrate the season. It tends to be over the top and with lots of celebrities, so you never know what to expect.

The best Christmas tree lighting ceremonies are the ones that mean the most to you and your family. What are some of the best holiday moments you’ve had over the years?

States Known for Producing Great Athletes

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The first step toward success is to practice consistently at your favorite sport. The average person needs at least one hour per day to start showing improvement.

Since you’re putting in that extra work, it’s also necessary to think about your diet and nutrition. With items from Innate Response and Neurobiologix, you can ensure that a well-rounded nutrient profile is available to use.

Your environment even plays a role. These states are known for producing great athletes.

List of the States that Produce Great Athletes

1. California

Out of all the active professional players in Major League Baseball, California was where the majority of them were born. When you combine Florida and Texas with that state’s figures, 43% of individuals come from one of those three states.

California also leads in NBA and NFL players.

2. Texas

Warm-weather states tend to produce athletes for the National Football League. Outside of California, Texas is the home to the most current players.

3. Louisiana

When considering the overall population numbers with total NFL athletes, a child born in Louisiana is more likely to become a professional athlete than anywhere else in the world. Only Washington DC has a higher rate.

4. New York

This state finished second in terms of current NBA professionals and when looking at historical players. 

Some states have minimal influence on professional athletes. Vermont has never had someone play in the NBA, and eight other states currently have no active players. 

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?

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