LA Times profiles a fantastic theater festival that has become the main attraction in Ashland:

>Just 16 miles north of the California border, enchanting Ashland, Ore., has drawn theater fans for more than 90 years. The city owes its modern tourism economy in large part to William Shakespeare.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from spring to fall annually, attracting many of the 350,000 annual visitors to the city of 21,000 residents. Locals and travelers gather to watch live productions in venues like the Allen Elizabethan Theatre — modeled after a 1599 London playhouse, with a three-story Tudor facade — where for one magical evening, they’re transported to Shakespeare’s heyday.

>"The spectacle and logistics of fireworks shooting from the Golden Gate Bridge — only the third time it’s happened in history — means freeway ramps, major roads and public parking lots will be shut down. Several waterfront neighborhoods will also be essentially blocked off."

SF Gate has more details about the specific neighborhoods affected.

Great advice from the NY Times on car seat options when you have a small child.

You can rent, you can buy alternate and lighter seat, you can get one that converts to a stroller.

The only bad choice is using your main, bulky car seat and being taken by surprise by how inconvenient it is on a trip.

TimeOut Miami has a nice profile of Cuckoo Clock, which has been attracting World Cup watchers:

"...intimate, Bavarian-style bar. Kitschy decor and German motifs are everywhere you look: lederhosen, cowhide stools, an old-school wooden toboggan, soccer jerseys, a full-sized ski lift, and a disco ball, too. Overlooking the bar is a trio of cuckoo clocks, nodding to the famous German craft and Cuckoo’s namesake."

The list from Charlotte on the Cheap includes the SkyShow at Truist Field, Whitewater Center 4th of July Celebration, Carowinds’ Celebrate America Fireworks Show, and multiple parades.

Big Glacier update: Going-to-the-Sun Road is now fully open for the 2026 season, with Logan Pass accessible from both West Glacier and St. Mary.

NPS says there’s still lingering snow, Highline Trail is closed, and West Entrance waits may hit 30 minutes.

A new lounge and shopping area is coming to Disney's BoardWalk set to open starting in late 2026.

This New York Times article is full of solid tips for vacationing in the heat, including this one about eating for hydration:

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"Dehydration and heatstroke are among the most common causes of hospitalization during heat waves and can be prevented by staying hydrated and limiting alcohol consumption. During meals, consider eating foods like melons, cucumbers and celery as it can help to sustain hydration throughout the day."

When is the last time a book inspired you to travel?

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NY Times has a profile on the growing trend:

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"In its 2026 travel trends report, the flight-tracking site Skyscanner found that 55 percent of travelers had booked a trip or would consider one inspired by a book."

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"Resort book clubs, hotel libraries and a growing number of literary festivals are also offering readers new ways to indulge readers’ interests."

A new list just dropped from Lonely Planet of rooftop bars with the best views and drinks.

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It's mostly Manhattan, but there are two Brooklyn selections.

WalletHub measured 100 US travel destinations based on travel costs, local costs, actractions, weather, activities, and safety.

And Atlanta came out on top!

Even beating Orlando and Austin.

Congrats, Sedona:

"Ranking No. 1 in the country for the practice was Sedona, Arizona, which was recently named the most mindful destination on Earth. The desert city has long been known for spiritual retreats, vortex hikes, and restorative getaways, but more visitors are now flocking there after dark. With little light pollution, wide-open desert landscapes, and clear skies year-round, Sedona provides the perfect setting for moonlit meditation, guided stargazing, and nighttime hikes."

This is a fun list by Andrea Sachs of the Washington Post.

You can visit "little" versions of European cities in the US.

1. Frankenmuth, Michigan — “Little Bavaria”

2. Solvang, California — “Little Denmark

3. Pella, Iowa — “Little Netherlands”

4. New Glarus, Wisconsin — “Little Switzerland”

5. Poulsbo, Washington — “Little Norway”

There's 5 more that you can find in the article.

American Airlines has the new "Provisions by Admirals Club" which is like an experience in-between a premium lounge and just sitting at a departure gate.

The food is packaged rather than prepped, but they allow you to sit comfortably and ask flight questions.

The article profiles other grab and go lounges, like Sky Club in Atlanta, Sidecar in Las Vegas.