Gerrish Lopez

“So where are you eating?” This is a question that is regularly asked of both locals and visitors. Everyone has their lists of standards, favorites and new spots to try. The best restaurants in New Orleans keep people coming back again and again—even for generations. Dining out here goes beyond the food; it’s a deep expression of the city’s heritage, shaped by generations of Creole and Cajun cooking and infused with the traditions of all the cultures that make the city great. Iconic restaurants like Dooky Chase’s, Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s aren’t just popular—they’re part of the city’s culinary foundation, turning out classic dishes and legendary chefs who helped put New Orleans on the map. At the same time, the food scene is evolving as new spots and new chefs bring fresh ideas, adding modern flavors to strong culinary roots. Here's where to eat in the best food city in the world. June 2025: Summer is just around the corner, and that means the heat and humidity that we all know and love. Snoball stands are open and buzzing, and many restaurants are adding more salads and chilled dishes to menus. It’s a great time to seek out spicy flavors that cool you down—Saffron and Queen Trini Lisa have plenty of options. And speaking of Saffron, keep an eye out for Kingsway, the new restaurant opening soon from the same team. RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best bars in New Orleans🍩 The best beignets in New Orleans🍳 The best brunch in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏨 The

No one throws a party like New Orleans. The city lives for music, food and culture—and it doesn’t miss a chance to celebrate any of it. There’s a festival for just about everything here, from jazz and zydeco to gumbo, beignets and crawfish. Whether it’s in honor of a neighborhood, an iconic dish or a musical tradition, New Orleans knows how to turn it into a full-on event. The best festivals bring it all together: great music, incredible food, local art and plenty of dancing. Mardi Gras is the best-known celebration—though Carnival (the period leading up to Mardi Gras) is a whole season rather than a single festival—but it’s far from the only game in town. No matter when you visit, odds are some sort of festival is on the calendar. Spring into early summer is “peak festival season” with French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest as highlights, but fall is packed with plenty of smaller fests. If you want a true taste of New Orleans, these are the festivals that deliver it all in one place. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans has its own unique style, from its music and dining scenes to festival fashion and very local decor. The city’s shopping scene reflects this quirky style with shops that sell everything from vintage gems to contemporary art. The French Market and French Quarter are great for souvenirs, but if you explore a bit further when you’re shopping in New Orleans, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items you won’t get anywhere else. Browse eclectic bookshops, record stores, costume shops, art galleries and clothing shops that ooze New Orleans charm. Big-name brands are around—Canal Place has upscale fashion and the Riverwalk covers outlet basics—but the real appeal is in the local businesses in New Orleans’ unique neighborhoods. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to clothes designed right here in New Orleans. If you want to shop like a local, these are the best places to shop in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

Atlanta attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so you know it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (kids, too). Atlanta has done well to preserve its history and culture, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. Once you’ve explored all that Atlanta has to offer, dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from local favorites to ones with a coveted Michelin star. No matter what you choose to do, Atlanta guarantees a fun time.  June 2025: It’s an excititing time to be in Atlanta. You can catch a FIFA Club World Cup match, kick off summer with the appropriately-named Summerfest, spend an after-hours evening at the High Museum of Art, stroll an Alice in Wonderland-themed exhibit at Atlanta Botanical Garden and mark Juneteenth at Piedmont Park. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Festival season continues in New Orleans as we barrel into summer with rising heat and humidity. But summer temps can’t stop this city from celebrating. Some of the best things to do in New Orleans in June—like the Creole Tomato Festival—are outdoors, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool, from catching river breezes to enjoying a snoball to taking a dip in a hotel pool. While crawfish season might be winding down, the food scene stays hot. The iconic dining scene is enhanced in June by the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and Restaurant Week. Otherwise, there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans to feel the city’s vibe. New Orleans’ music calendar is packed, so you can dance the night away to whatever you’re into, from jazz, blues and brass to funk, soul or hip-hop. History buffs will find plenty of stories throughout the city, from museums and historic homes to cemeteries and neighborhoods. The unique art and architecture of New Orleans is a feast for the eyes, and outdoor activities abound. Here are some of the best things to do in New Orleans to soak up the culture and flavors of the city. This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in New Orleans

There is a neighborhood and bar scene to satisfy every kind of night out in Atlanta, you just have to know where to look. Looking for an epic dive for a night out with friends? Bars in Edgewood and East Atlanta have the go-to spots. In the mood for an upscale vibe with high end cocktails to match? Midtown and Buckhead have you covered, including some of Atlanta’s best bars that we’ve listed below.  Of course, we can’t forget Atlanta’s institutions, bar mainstays that’ve now survived new development, recessions and economic booms, plus a whole pandemic. Iconic Atlanta bars like Northside and Eddie’s have seen Atlanta through many stages, and we thank them for their ongoing service.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t celebrate the newcomers—some of the best bars in Atlanta are bringing a new flavor to the city, making for a robust nightlife scene with as many options as there are flavors at your favorite wing spot.  May 2025: We’ve refined our list for this Atlanta bar guide while doing our best to cover it all, from dives to sports bars to upscale spots. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to imbibe this spring. 

Living alone can be liberating—freedom to decorate however you want, eat cereal for dinner (without judgment) and truly live life on your own terms. But without someone to share the cost of rent, groceries or utilities, the solo lifestyle can get pricey. As rent continues to rise across much of the country, single renters are feeling the pinch more than ever. Fortunately, some cities rise to the top when it comes to affordability. RentHop, an AI-powered apartment search platform, has released its annual Singles Index, breaking down the housing burden in major U.S. cities—that is, the percentage of a single renter’s income that goes toward renting a studio apartment. The report blends rent prices with median incomes to spotlight where solo dwellers can stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality of life. While you might expect a few Midwestern staples on the list, there are some surprises too—tech hubs like Seattle and Austin are proving to be more accessible than coastal heavyweights. And these cities aren’t just affordable—they’re packed with culture, cuisine and community, offering the ideal backdrop for an independent lifestyle. So if you're flying solo and want to make the most of your paycheck, these are the top 10 cheapest cities in the U.S. for singles to call home.

Las Vegas has plenty of places to grab a drink. It’s a city built on vice, after all. But what visitors are finding out is that Vegas is a much more sophisticated drinking city than one would think. Mixologists are digging deep into the ingredient bible and crafting amazing cocktails—some enhanced with theatrics such as smoke and fire. These techniques are not only great for Instagram but purposely add a depth of flavor to enhance the cocktail. Ready for an elevated drinking experience? Below, you'll find the best bars in Las Vegas right now, from dive bars and speakeasies to rooftop lounges and resort bars. Raise your glass to these spots! April 2025: So many bars in Las Vegas are upping the ante and getting more creative with their mixology programs. We’re no longer just a beer and wine and city, and it shows with a couple new openings on this list, including Petite Boheme and Doberman Drawing Room. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The po'boy is the number one sandwich in New Orleans, but it's more than just a sandwich. As with many iconic dishes in the city, it represents history, family and plenty of good times. Generations of locals are loyal to their favorite po’boy shops, many of which are small, family-run operations. Patrons rate their po'boys not just by what's between the bread, but by the bread itself: a po’boy loaf is a particular size and shape, and each shop sticks with its preferred producer, whether old-school bakers Leidenheimer or Gendusa, or the Vietnamese bakery Dong Phuong for a more recent twist. Classic po’boys are stuffed with everything from fried shrimp or oysters to hot sausage, roast beef or french fries, but you’ll find plenty of variation, including some modern and even vegan options. Ask for your po’boy "dressed," which means topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles. Whatever you’re in the mood for, here are some of the best po’boys in New Orleans. Last updated April 2025: Most po'boy shops offer seating inside, but now is the time to take your po'boy to go and enjoy a picnic and the perfect weather. But don't wander too far from the source, especially if you've ordered a roast beef po'boy with juicy debris.

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is finally receiving the recognition it deserves as a standout culinary city. With the introduction of the Michelin Guide in 2023 and the surge of food influencers drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant dishes, Atlanta’s food resume is impressively well-rounded. And with a thriving bar scene and nightlife that doesn’t quit, this city knows how to keep things exciting.  There are plenty of options to fuel your way through the city, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast after a long night out, or a creative take on sushi to tell your friends about. And in a place where Southern food is king, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in fried chicken dishes, shrimp and grits and more. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, the city offers plenty of chic spots where the food is as innovative as the ambiance. From farm-to-table eateries to menus crafted by James Beard Award-winning chefs, these are the best restaurants in Atlanta right now.  April 2025: For this Atlanta restaurant guide, we’ve done our best to cover it all, from hearty cheap eats to showstopping fine dining. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to get you outside, now that the weather is warming up (for real this time) and since the A’s culinary scene is constantly changing. 

The South’s largest city boasts a wealth of attractions, historic sites, renowned restaurants and bars, music venues, a vibrant nightlife scene and an eclectic range of entertainment options that draw throngs of visitors each year. For those with little ones in tow, Atlanta can be just as entertaining. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and things to do with kids in Atlanta, with opportunities for kids of all ages (and attention spans) that are both entertaining and educational. Museums and markets can keep both kids and adults busy, while the Beltline, leafy parks and other outdoor activities are perfect for burning off energy. Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca Cola will hold kids’ attention for hours. Kids can appreciate the South’s rich history and charm, and these things to do with kids in Atlanta will make your next visit a memorable one.

Who said there’s nothing for kids to do in Las Vegas? Even though the city no longer markets itself as a family-friendly destination, this list clearly shows there are plenty of places parents can take their younger children and teens. From roller coasters and water parks to kid-friendly shows and an aquarium, this entertainment hub is full of fun for the whole family. Read on to discover the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Vegas⛰️ The best hidden gems in Vegas🏨 The best hotels in Vegas

Brennan’s is a must-visit for anyone who loves indulgence, history and a touch of Southern charm. It's also the birthplace of Bananas Foster, the famed dessert that's flambeed tableside. Breakfast service is legendary, featuring iconic dishes like eggs Hussarde and eggs Sardou. The pastel-pink facade and lush courtyard make for the perfect NOLA backdrop, and the chandeliers, white-tablecloth service and lengthy history make Brennan's a timeless New Orleans tradition where every meal feels like a celebration.

Back for its 14th dazzling year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights glows even brighter with the world’s largest synchronized light and sound curtain, "Nature’s Wonders." This year, the event brings even more magical vibes with new music, new choreography and more lights. Plus, sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns will be lit dramatically, including the towering White Rabbit and the grinning Cheshire Cat.

Experience the magic of the holiday season and shop for all your friends and family at the Euro-style Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District. There will be traditional German festivities with a dose of Atlanta spirit. This is old-world charm that’s just right for the season, with culinary delights and handcrafted treasures galore.

The Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso known for his electrifying solo career and roles in Vulfpeck and Fearless Flyers, drops by The Eastern on his latest tour. He’s been playing sold-out shows around the world, making a name for himself through content creation and fostering collabs with the likes of Apple and CBS.gerr

This might be the most thrilling interpretation yet of the holiday classic. This is The Night Before Christmas as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine. The troupe’s first-ever holiday production, it’s a whirlwind holiday magic and festive fun that is sure to become standard holiday fare.

A round of golf in Truist Park? Yes, this once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience is happening in the legendary home of the Braves. Hit tee shots from the upper deck to custom greens on the field below. A clubhouse festival—featuring music, food, beer and golf challenges—bookends your round of golf.

If you love the 1964 stop-motion animated special, you’ll love this puppet production. Follow Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermey the Elf as they set off on a merry adventure, tailed by the Abominable Snow Monster. It’s a holiday tradition that will warm the hearts of misfits of all ages.

A royal ghost drops some late-night gossip, and suddenly Denmark's royal family is doomed. Caught in the chaos, Hamlet spirals into an existential crisis—pondering life, love, death and revenge like only a moody prince can. Come see why this tragic masterpiece still reigns supreme as the greatest play of all time.

The Fernbank Museum comes alive after hours for the holiday season as WildWoods: Aglow makes its annual return. Glowing displays are installed throughout the natural flora and fauna, creating a magical, zen-like wonderland. Hear original musical compositions as you walk through glowing garden towers, projections of nocturnal wildlife, larger-than-life incandescent mushrooms and more.

Fans of Wicked won’t want to miss this chance to celebrate the release of the new movie. It’s a drag brunch retelling of the story of Oz, with musical numbers from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and Wicked. The show features Boy Howdy, EllaSaurus Rex, Guyza Manelli, Hera Kane, Molly ALXNDR and Yutoya Avaze Leon.

Urban Trivia puts a fresh spin on the classic trivia game, focusing on the latest and greatest in black culture. The game has been such a smash hit that the creators are taking it on the road with a live show. It’s a wild ride that celebrates black culture and will test the audience’s knowledge with tons of laughs on the side.

Back for its 14th dazzling year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights glows even brighter with the world’s largest synchronized light and sound curtain, "Nature’s Wonders." This year, the event brings even more magical vibes with new music, new choreography and more lights. Plus, sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns will be lit dramatically, including the towering White Rabbit and the grinning Cheshire Cat. 

If you're looking to take a trip but don't want to deal with crowds, overpriced attractions and cookie-cutter vacation pics, you’re not alone. Immersive, experiential vacations are on the rise, and lesser-known destinations offer an easier way to get stuck in when you travel. A new report from vacation rental company Wander highlights the most underrated cities in the U.S. Based on data from Google, Instagram, Tripadvisor and Numbeo, the report reveals the spots people aren’t obsessing over online—but should be. RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in the USA for every month of 2025 Topping the list is Williamsburg, Virginia. It’s got history, culture and calm in spades. With over 150 museums and galleries per 100,000 people and nearly 300 landmarks, Williamsburg punches way above its weight for things to do. It’s shockingly quiet online too, with only 31,000 searches and under 3,000 Instagram posts a year. It’s also pristine and peaceful—it's been rated 100 out of 100 for comfort and cleanliness by past visitors. At number two is Bozeman, Montana. If you're after amazing food minus the urban chaos, this one’s for you. Bozeman boasts the best-rated restaurants in the top 10 (over 64-percent have 4 stars or more), minimal online buzz (just 210 Instagram posts) and gorgeous mountain town vibes. Visit in the shoulder seasons (March to May or September to November) for total tranquility. Third place goes to Missoula, Montana, another low-key Montana gem. It’s got 33 museums and

Americans are still on the move, and current trends point towards smaller cities with big appeal. That's according to a recent study by MoveBuddha—and Johnson City, Tennessee has emerged as the most desired relocation destination in the U.S. for 2025. The report, based on search data from MoveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator between July 2024 and March 2025, highlights where people are planning to go next, even if they haven’t made it official yet. And the top pick? A university town tucked away in the Appalachian foothills, population 100,000. RECOMMENDED: The best places to live in the U.S. in 2025, ranked Located in northeast Tennessee, about an hour north of Asheville, North Carolina, Johnson City offers a balance of natural beauty, affordability and livability that’s getting harder to find. The city sits near the Appalachian Trail and is surrounded by lakes, trails and mountains, making it a draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain biking, hiking, camping and fishing are all part of everyday life here. But this isn’t just a nature escape. Johnson City has a strong local economy, driven in part by healthcare, education and a growing number of remote professionals. The cost of living remains below the national average, and the housing market is still accessible for first-time buyers—one of the top factors influencing where people move, according to MoveBuddha. The report shows that Johnson City’s popularity reflects a larger trend: Americans are increasingly drawn to mid-size

Summer is almost here, and throngs of sun-seekers will soon be heading to sandy beaches for some R&R. But before you pack your towel and sunscreen, take note: some of the country’s most stunning beaches are hiding a dirty secret—literally.RECOMMENDED: This is the number one beach in the U.S. for 2025, says Dr. Beach According to the Surfrider Foundation’s 2024 Clean Water Report, beachgoers may be swimming in water contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria. The report ranks the most bacteria-laden beaches, and the biggest offender is Kahalu'u Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, where a jaw-dropping 92-percent of water samples failed to meet health standards. Right behind it is Waikomo Stream at Koloa Landing in Poipu, Hawaii, with a 90-percent failure rate. And it's not just Hawaii. The report lists top bacteria hot spots all across the U.S.—from the East and West Coasts to Puerto Rico. These aren’t remote, forgotten beaches. They’re community hubs, tourist magnets and vital ecosystems. The foundation points to a nasty brew of stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, agricultural waste and failing infrastructure as the primary culprits for bacterial buildup. Nearly 10 trillion gallons of untreated stormwater runoff hit U.S. waterways each year. Add in 900 billion gallons of untreated sewage from aging systems, and it’s a health hazard in the making. These beaches may look pristine, but the detected bacteria can cause rashes, stomach bugs, skin infections or worse. Raw sewage also feeds harm

A new list of the world’s top ten hotels just dropped, and if looking for travel inspiration, here it is. La Liste—the French guide known for its authoritative global restaurant rankings—is now in the hotel game, debuting their first-ever "elite global hospitality" list for 2025. For this new ranking, La Liste compiled data from over 400 global sources, blending professional critiques with real guest feedback through its proprietary algorithm. The result is a powerhouse ranking that spotlights exceptional stays across North America, Asia and Europe. RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in America offer comfortable amenities and incredible perks Topping the list are icons like France's La Réserve Paris and Cheval Blanc Paris, London's The Connaught and The Savoy, and Il San Pietro di Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. These are the kinds of places where hospitality becomes high art. Much closer to home, The Peninsula Chicago is the sole U.S. recipient of this prestigious designation. Located at the iconic intersection of Michigan and Chicago Avenues in the Illinois city, La Liste describes The Peninsula hotel as "an architectural statement piece [that] delivers Asian service philosophy within distinctly American spaces. Its rooms—among the most technologically advanced in the world—offer intuitive automation that enhances rather than intrudes upon the guest experience." Photograph: Courtesy The Peninsula ChicagoThe Peninsula Chicago Outside of the main list, though, several other U.S

Ahead of the grand reveal of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025—set to be announced in Turin, Italy on Thursday June 19—the extended list of restaurants ranked 51 to 100 has landed, and three U.S. standouts made the global list, including two seafood-focused stunners in New York. RECOMMENDED: The best seafood restaurants in the USA, from fresh lobster to fish and chips This year’s selection spans six continents and 25 countries and, as always, is a showcase of global culinary excellence. From São Paulo to San Francisco, Atxondo to Queenstown, restaurants across 37 cities made the cut. And while these dining destinations didn't manage to crack that coveted top 50 list, they’re anything but second tier. In the United States, one newcomer and two previous list-makers have been recognized. César in New York makes its debut at number 98. Helmed by César Ramirez—whose résumé includes such acclaimed kitchens as The French Laundry, Le Bernardin and Brooklyn Fare—it’s a sleek, seafood-centered temple of precision and power, with dishes like his now-iconic uni toast. Atelier Crenn in San Francisco returns to the list at number 96. Chef Dominique Crenn’s tasting menu remains one of the most emotionally resonant experiences in the game, with her team (including dessert wizard Juan Contreras) delivering magic plate after plate. And a second NYC restaurant, the legendary Le Bernardin, comes in at number 90. Here, chef Eric Ripert continues to elevate globally influenced French cuisine ac

What's the most important consideration when buying a new home? Affordability is definitely on the minds of most first-time homebuyers. But the competitive landscape and the potential for an increase in home value are also important factors. A recent study by SmartAsset looked at 180 of the largest metro areas in the U.S. and ranked them based on both affordability and factors that contribute to the long-term payoff of this major investment. RECOMMENDED: This is the most affordable U.S. state to buy a home According to the study, McAllen, Texas is the best city in the country for first-time buyers. Why? For starters, the median home price is just $204,499, roughly half the national average. That’s paired with relatively stable market conditions—home prices in McAllen are only expected to shift by 0.4-percent in the coming year. McAllen’s median home costs about four times the local median income, giving buyers some breathing room—a rare find in today’s overheated market. Not only that, but another study also recently ranked McAllen the number two most affordable place to live in the U.S. While McAllen takes the crown overall, the Midwest is where to look for ultimate affordability for first-time homebuyers. Cities like Peoria and Decatur in Illinois lead the pack when comparing home prices to local income. Others worth watching include Cedar Rapids and Davenport in Iowa, Muncie in Indiana and St. Joseph in Missouri—all offering rock-bottom prices for budget-conscious buyers.

Krispy Kreme is going all-in this June with 14 Days of Original Glazed, a two-week celebration of National Doughnut Day and the brand’s 88th birthday. It all kicks off on Thursday, June 6, a.k.a. National Doughnut Day. Walk into any participating shop or drive-thru and you can get a free doughnut of your choice, no strings attached. But why stop there? Buy any dozen, and you can add on a dozen Original Glazed for just $2. (In doughnut math, that's approximately 16-cents per treat, which is a pretty sweet deal—literally!) RECOMMENDED: Chipotle is giving away free burritos this summer—here’s how to get yours But that’s just day one. Starting Friday, June 7, the doughnut deals continue daily through Friday, June 20, the first official day of summer. Krispy Kreme Rewards members can pick up a dozen of the iconic Original Glazed for $9.99, just for being in the club (join free at krispykreme.com/rewards). On Friday, June 13, Krispy Kreme makes the deals even sweeter: buy any dozen and get a dozen Original Glazed for just 13 cents. Next up, it's the grand finale on June 20. In addition to the $2 dozen deal with a purchase, Krispy Kreme will surprise thousands of lucky fans nationwide with free doughnuts for a full year—that's one dozen Original Glazed every month from July 2025 to June 2026. Winners will be picked at random from customers visiting stores that day. So if you're a doughnut fan, this is your moment. Grab a box (or three), bring some friends and celebrate 88 years of t

Another round of geomagnetic activity means the Northern Lights might once again make a surprise appearance tonight, June 3, in several American states. After two powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) slammed into Earth’s magnetic field over the weekend, auroras lit up skies around the world, and the show’s not over just yet. RECOMMENDED: See 12 incredible photos of the Northern Lights over New York City Forecasters at the U.K. Met Office say there’s still a slight chance of a strong geomagnetic storm tonight, though minor to moderate conditions is more likely. The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center expects the Kp index (a measurement of geomagnetic activity) to peak at 4.67—strong enough to potentially push auroras farther south than usual. Alaska remains the best bet for skywatchers in the U.S., but if geomagnetic activity ramps up again, Northern Lights could stretch as far south as Illinois and Oregon. NOAA lists 13 U.S. states that are either fully or partially within the auroral viewing zone. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana and North Dakota are the most promising. But don't make any major travel plans: auroras are famously unpredictable. They can flare unexpectedly or fade without a trace. Cloud cover, light pollution and local weather will also play a role. Check NOAA’s 3-day aurora forecast for real-time updates before you head out. Bottom line? If you’re anywhere near the auroral oval tonight, keep an eye on the sky (and, ideally, seek out a north-facing vantage poi

Boston might be most famous for its history, sports teams and Irish heritage, but don’t overlook its green side. According to a Time Out survey, Boston was just ranked the second-best city in the world for green space—just behind Medellín, Colombia. Boston is a dream for those who crave city life without losing touch with nature. Bostonians know what's up when it comes to parks. Let’s start with the backbone of Boston’s greenery: the Emerald Necklace, a 1,100-acre linear chain of parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It stretches from the historic Boston Common and Public Garden all the way to Franklin Park, home to miles of woodland trails and a zoo. The Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is a 281-acre haven of curated trees and peaceful paths, perfect for strolling, biking or simply lying in the grass. Head to Jamaica Pond for kayaking and people-watching, or find a quiet spot in Back Bay Fens, where gardens, wetlands and wildflowers coexist just steps from Fenway Park. If you're looking to escape even further, Boston offers easy access to the Blue Hills Reservation, just a short drive or train ride away. With over 125 miles of trails, it’s a legit hiking destination right outside city limits. Or take the ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands, where you’ll find hiking, picnicking and some of the best skyline views around. Nearly 90 percent of locals who responded to the Time Out survey said Boston’s green space is "good" or "amazing"—and they’re right. Whether you’re tracing

As CVS continues its plan to restructure and streamline operations, another round of closures has been announced. The pharmacy chain has already closed more than 900 locations, and now it plans to shutter nearly 300 stores across the U.S. Why is CVS closing stores? Back in February, CVS announced that it would be closing nearly 300 retail locations in 2025 as part of its plan to streamline and simplify operations. The company said it's seen a shift in consumer behavior, population and pharmacy care access and is adapting the company's operations to meet customer needs. Which CVS locations are closing? While CVS has not released a list of specific locations that will be closing, local news stations and online reports have revealed that locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Carolina, D.C. and several other states have already shuttered. Other major U.S. closures U.S. store closures hit a high point in 2024, with the trend expected to continue in 2025. In the pharmacy industry, Rite Aid and Walgreens have closed hundreds of locations. Other areas have been affected too—from retail to restaurants—with closures announced from Kohl’s, Macy’s, Party City, Big Lots, 7-Eleven, Red Lobster, Denny's and others.

When looking for a great place to live, you might prioritize walkability or access to green space, but with inflation still is still putting the squeeze on budgets around the country, it’s no surprise that affordable living is now a lifestyle goal. If you’re among the many looking to relocate to a place where your dollar goes further, GoBankingRates just released a solid list of options: their 2025 Most Livable Destinations ranking. The site sifted through U.S. News & World Report’s top 50 picks from the “250 Best Places to Live” and crunched the real numbers—rents from Zillow, spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a salary breakdown using the tried-and-true 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants 20% savings). Topping the list of the most affordable, livable destinations in the U.S. is Laredo, Texas. Homeowners there can cover all living expenses for just $36,008 a year. Renters need only a bit more: $36,888. That means you can live comfortably in Laredo with a salary around $72K—far below the six-figure pressures of coastal metros. Coming in at number two is another Texas city, McAllen, with similar affordability stats. Moore, Oklahoma and Midland, Michigan follow. Rounding out the top 10 are Broken Arrow (OK), Springdale (AR), Saint Peters (MO), Eau Claire (WI), Sioux Falls (SD) and West Des Moines (IA). Every city on the list requires a salary above $70K to live comfortably. This number is slightly above the national average of $67K—but still a far cry from th

Flying internationally involves a bit more preparation as well as time spent in the airport. As we get into peak summer travel season, clearing customs and immigration could take even more time as checkpoints face backups. Just as some major airports are known for more hassle than others, some have longer wait times at immigration checkpoints than others. New data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection reveals the worst airports for international travel, where you'll likely wait far longer to clear immigration. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) comes in as the number one worst airport for international travel. Average wait to reach a Customs and Border Protection agent? 31.8 minutes. Non-U.S. citizens can expect 43.7 minutes in line, and 12.8% of all travelers find themselves stuck for over an hour. Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is just as bad. The overall average wait time here is a fraction of a second faster, at 31.7 minutes. U.S. citizens can expect an average wait of 27.3 minutes, while non-U.S. citizens could face 40.3 minutes in line. ORD also has the highest percentage of travelers who wait more than an hour in line, at 13.6%. Nashville International (BNA) might have a much lower passenger volume, but it has surprisingly long wait times. Immigration waits average 31.1 minutes, with only 20.2% of travelers breezing through in under 15. On the flip side, airports known for their efficiency and speedy immigration lines include Palm Beach International (PBI) with an average