The hills, and mountains and towns, are alive with the sound of music ... and the beauty of blooms, the talents of local artists, and delicious wafts of delectable treats. From music to food, popular festivals are happening near you soon. We’re highlighting several in our communities that you won’t want to miss.

With Earth Day approaching, we are turning our attention to what we need to be looking at every day. What can I do today to lessen my impact on the earth? After all, it is the only one we have AND the only place you can find chocolate. As it turns out, there’s a lot we all can do, and there are many considerations our vendors are working into their business practices too.

“In nature, nothing exists alone.” — Rachel Carson, 1962
Our world is changing. Maybe there was a boat leaving Middle Earth that we missed. But you don’t need Galadriel to tell you that mankind is having an effect on the planet. And despite chilling warnings and obvious struggles around us as Nature fights to survive humanity, we continue to pollute and punish the earth and, as a direct result, ourselves.

No one deep-cleaned like my grandma. She would gather her good old reliables, her trusted cleaning supplies she’d used since they were invented probably, and with her patented elbow grease and will power, she’d refresh, restore, and renew the whole house in one day.

I’ve been planning my 2019 garden “grow-list” since summer. Been mulling over varieties I loved, waffling on giving poor-show plants a second chance or not, and basically mapping out 2019 in my garden-crowded head … and dreaming.  Because that’s what we gardeners do. Dream. A lot. 

Warmer temperatures beckon us all to shake off the winter blues, put on a light jacket, and head outside. The call of spring is a primal urge to celebrate the end of the long nights and short days, to be outside again feeling the warmth of the sun, to begin anew. In this season of renewal, many of our local partners need your help to welcome residents and visitors who are also experiencing the whispers calling them to explore.

Sitting on the front porch is as iconic as a white picket fence— and it’s just as much a part of the American dream too.  A dream we are lulled into by listening to the sounds of cicada and crickets, drowsily watching the night lit up by lightning bugs and filtered moonlight, and rocking back and forth to the rhythm of times gone by.

Taking a break and focusing on what makes us happy every now and then is vital to our well-being, mentally and physically. And that can look like many things, but there are a few tried and true ways we know to beat the winter blues— taking time for self-care, enjoying some comfort food, and having a little bit of fun. 

Cold winter days don't mean you have to stay inside. There’s a whole new world dressed in glistening white to discover. There are winter activities for you to enjoy no matter your activity level or expertise. If you can walk, there’s something for you. So, head over to your closet and pull out those layers; we’re going to make a plan to make snow days the best days! But, you better hurry, there’s only about four or five more weeks to enjoy a good “snow day.” Read on for ways to enjoy a winter wonderland.

Love is in the air! But unless you want it to be even colder this Valentine's Day, that love better be in a nice gift bag too. Don't worry, though, we got you. We've compiled our top 7 choices for treating your sweetheart to a special gift that's sure to please-- and keep the cold at bay.