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For years, budget travelers playing the credit card rewards game followed an unspoken rule: keep a straightforward cash-back card in your wallet for groceries and gas at home, but make sure you carry a dedicated travel card with an annual fee whenever you head abroad.

The reason was simple. Most popular no-annual-fee cash-back cards charge a pesky 3% foreign transaction fee on every croissant, train ticket, or souvenir you buy outside the United States. That means any cash back you earned was instantly wiped out by bank charges the moment your passport got stamped.

Now, Chase is flipping that dynamic on its head.

Starting today, the issuer officially eliminated foreign transaction fees on the Chase Freedom Flex, alongside rolling out fresh travel perks that suddenly give this everyday favorite serious overseas utility—all while keeping its annual fee at zero dollars.

Here’s why budget-conscious travelers and points enthusiasts are taking a fresh look.

Related: The Best Travel Credit Cards of 2026, According to The Points Guy

Say Goodbye to the International Surcharge Freedom Blue color card with Pixie Dust, RFID, Contactless, Chip, MasterCard

Chase Freedom Flex

Skipping the foreign transaction fee is what makes this refresh actually worth talking about. Typically, banks reserve fee-free international spending for mid-tier and luxury travel products like the Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 a year) or Sapphire Reserve ($550 a year).

By dropping foreign fees on the Freedom Flex entirely, cardholders can now swipe abroad or purchase from international retailers online without getting dinged with surprise line items on their billing statements. Pair that with the card’s permanent 3% cash back on dining, and you suddenly have a zero-dollar-fee card you can comfortably use at Parisian bistros, Tokyo ramen counters, or seaside taverns in Greece.

Related: A Points and Miles Expert Reveals Why 86% of Us Are Wasting Travel Rewards

The New “Points Boost” Hotel Sweetener

Along with dropping fees abroad, Chase is giving cardholders more mileage out of their rewards stash when booking a place to sleep.

Through the new Points Boost feature, Freedom Flex members redeeming their Ultimate Rewards points for select hotel stays through the Chase Travel portal will receive up to 10% more value.

Under standard portal rules, cash-back points translate cleanly at one cent each (meaning 10,000 points equals $100 toward travel). With an active Points Boost promotion applied, those same 10,000 points stretch to $110. It’s a subtle perk that bridges the gap between everyday cash-back redemptions and dedicated travel portal bonuses.

Grocery Stacking and an Elevated Sign-Up Bonus

On the home front, Chase is also tweaking how cardholders plan their quarterly spending:

• Back-to-Back Groceries: For the first time ever, grocery stores will be featured as a rotating 5% cash-back category across two consecutive quarters—spanning Q4 2026 and Q1 2027 (up to the standard $1,500 quarterly combined spending cap upon activation).
• Quarterly Previews: The Chase Mobile app will now preview upcoming 5% bonus categories one quarter in advance, starting with streaming services and grocery stores for early 2027.
• Limited-Time Welcome Offer: To mark the refresh, new applicants can earn a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in their first three months—a notable bump from the card’s typical $200 baseline.

The card also receives a cosmetic refresh, sporting a deep blue card face with an upward-sloping stardust design for both new and existing members.

For casual travelers who want strong rewards without paying an annual fee or maintaining an army of complex cards, the Freedom Flex just transformed from a dependable stay-at-home grocery card into a legitimate, passport-ready travel companion.

Related: The New Travel Credit Card That Can Earn You Carnival Cruise Line Status—Without Even Leaving Home

Did Taylor Swift just drop a new Easter Egg for fans?

The superstar recently changed her Twitter and Instagram bio, which has fans speculating about what it could mean.

“And, baby, that’s sh0w business f0r y0u,” she wrote, with fire heart emoji.

The words themselves are representative of her 16th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which she released in 2025. However, what stands out is the three zeros hidden in the message.

🚨Taylor Swift has changed her bio!!!!!

And, baby, that’s sh0w business f0r y0u. ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/O6djYHVAJ3

— Taylor Swift Updates (@TSUpdating) September 22, 2026

And fans have gone into a frenzy, trying to decode what it could possibly mean.

“WAIT!!! 000 means fresh start, debut first album and reputation was a fresh start after the hate,” one person posted on X.

“Three Zeros 3 0 30…something is happening on 30th??,” another person guessed.

Someone pointed out that the angel number 000 stands for having infinite potential as well as a fresh start and spiritual reset.

“MAYBE IT MEANS BACK TO 0= BACK TO THE START = DEBUT TV,” a fan stated.

“The three 0’s The theory about a country, pop and rock album….. THREE ALBUMS,” another fan commented.

The singer’s logo on Apple Music also changed from orange to silver.

🚨| TAYLOR SWIFT’S LOGO HAS CHANGED FROM ORANGE TO SILVER ON APPLE MUSIC pic.twitter.com/lUMjlmJb4F

— The Eras Tour (@tswifterastour) September 22, 2026

“i wasn’t really convinced on showgirl deluxe before this but this kinda has me moving for it now,” The Eras Tour fan account further wrote.

“She’ll be at the VMAs, the moon man is silver👀,” another person posted.

This comes after Swift’s surprise pre-recorded appearance at the Emmys, in which she did a sketch with host Mariska Hargitay on the Law & Order: SVU set. She also dropped some potential clues, breaking the fourth wall to say, “saccharide, Aries, from the vineyard, north or south.”

Grief tends to work in mysterious ways, both on those being affected by grief and those attempting to comfort others they notice are down in the dumps.

In the case of Jimmy Kimmel, for example, said grief turned an ordinary trip to the bathroom into a heartfelt moment between Kimmel and an exposed Matthew McConaughey.

According to Variety, Kimmel kicked off Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! by recounting a hilarious story with his guest, Woody Harrelson, who was there to promote his new Apple TV series, Brothers, co-starring McConaughey.

As Kimmel recalled it, the late night host was in the bathroom at the Emmys trying to compose himself after growing emotional during the In Memoriam montage featuring his best friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III.

“My friend Cleto passed away and it was in the montage, and I started getting choked up and I went to the bathroom,” Kimmel said. “I’m washing my hands and I notice next to me — I mean, right next to me — Matthew McConaughey is at the urinal.”

“He sees that I’m upset and he’s like, ‘Hey, you OK?’” the host continued. “And I told him what happened and he is again at the urinal, and he turns to me and he gives me a very nice hug — he hugs me very warmly — and I am hugging him for a little while, and I said, ‘Is your penis out?’ And he said, ‘Yes it is. Yes it is.’ And he says, ‘In fact, I’m going to rub it up against you a little bit.’”

Just as McConaughey said this, Harrelson came out from one of the bathroom stalls, happening across the odd exchange.

“I never try to grade or critique what other people are doing, and I figured you guys, whatever your thing is, I didn’t want to be the guy to say, ‘No, not in the restroom at the Emmys!’” Harrelson saud with a laugh. “But I did hear you say that [you were upset] and that’s why afterwards we were all out in the hall and had a group hug. I’m sorry to hear about that.”

“That did lighten the moment considerably and Cleto would have loved that very much,” Kimmel added.

Fans of Outlander will finally be able to own all ten episodes from the eighth and final season of the TV series based on the bestselling novels by Diana Gabaldon in either a Collector’s Edition Blu-ray™ set or DVD beginning today.

Season 8 of the STARZ/Sony Pictures epic historic romance drama closes the storybook tale of Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) for TV fans. In addition to all ten episodes, the Blu-ray and DVD also contain fan-favorite extras including a blooper reel, deleted scenes, and a series retrospective that celebrates the unforgettable cast, crew, costumes, and, most of all, the fans that make Outlander legendary.

The Blu-ray Collector’s Edition also includes collector cards and a 32-page booklet with behind-the-scenes photos and heartfelt letters from the cast and producers to the show and its fans.

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Parade has an exclusive sneak peek at the “Fans and Legacy” featurette in which Sam and Caitríona share their thoughts on the legacy of Outlander and take us behind the scenes for some of the playful moments the cast shared.

Outlander Season 8 — Fans & Legacy (1:30)

Here’s a sample from the video:

Caitriona: “I don’t even know where to start. She has just been the most amazing character to play for so many years.”

Sam: “The fans have been amazing. So supportive throughout the years.”

Caitriona: “This has been the most amazing journey to be surrounded by all these amazingly talented people. I’ve been inspired constantly.”

Sam: “I feel very proud to be a part of this epic journey and epic story.”

Caitriona: “You’re such a part of a collaboration. There are so many elements that go into it and make it work and make it successful. To have been a part of something like that has been lifechanging.”

Courtesy: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Related: Sam Heughan Reflects on How Outlander Has Changed Everything (Exclusive)

Outlander Season 8 also stars Sophie Skelton as Brianna MacKenzie, Richard Rankin as Roger MacKenzie, John Bell as Young Ian Murray, David Berry as Lord John Grey, Charles Vandervaart as William Ransom, Izzy Meikle-Small as Rachel Murray, Lauren Lyle as Marsali Fraser and César Domboy as Fergus Fraser.

Next, Outlander Star Caitríona Balfe Announces Her Next TV Show — From an Oscar-Winning Director

Mimi Rogers is still rocking the red carpet at 70.

The acclaimed actress, 70, is known for films like Someone to Watch Over Me, The Rapture, and Desperate Hours. And of course, who could forget her as Miss Kensington, Elizabeth Hurley‘s mother, in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery? In recent years, Rogers, who was previously married to Tom Cruise, has thrived on TV, with appearances on Mad Men and the fan-favorite series Bosch. But the star just made a rare red carpet appearance at the world premiere of What Happened to Doris? during Fantastic Fest 2026 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. The beauty worked a denim-on-denim look with ease as she smiled, looking more ageless than ever.

Rick Kern / Getty Images

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Rogers is a Naturally Aging Beauty

Rogers recently snapped a selfie and showed off her natural beauty. With everyone in Hollywood looking a bit cookie-cutter these days, it’s so refreshing to see the stunner look so well.

“At duke city retro con all weekend!” Rogers captioned the selfie, which showed her attending a local festival.

View this post on Instagram What Has Mimi Rogers Starred In Lately?

Rogers recently starred in Night Nurse. Directed by Georgia Bernstein, the film also stars Cemre Paksoy, Bruce McKenzie, and Eleonore Hendricks. 

“As a series of perverse scam calls unsettles an idyllic retirement community, a starry-eyed nurse becomes entangled with her mysterious patient,” a synopsis describes the plot.

Check out the trailer for the thriller below:

What Else is Mimi Rogers Starring In?

Rogers also recently appeared in Adult Children, a coming-of-age dramedy starring Breaking Bad star Betsy Brandt, Aya Cash, Ella Rubin, and Thomas Sadoski.

“The film follows Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old struggling to define who she is, in order to write her college entrance essay. When a crisis provides her the rare 

opportunity to spend time with her significantly older half-siblings, she hopes they’ll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to be disappointed when she discovers they’re all faking it,” Deadline described the film.

Check out the trailer below:

Related: Mimi Rogers Turns 70 and Stuns on the Red Carpet Alongside Her Beautiful Lookalike Daughter

Another year, another round of heavy-hitting acts is in store for the 2026 No Sleep Fest as the annual hardcore and metal music festival gears up to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The highly anticipated event, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 6 at Rio Grande Hall in Houston, Texas, has teased fans with a new wave of artists joining the lineup.

In an Instagram update, the organizers of the upcoming No Sleep Fest unveiled the list of bands added to the three-day event.

Hardcore and metal fans can look forward to performances from PeelingFlesh, Skycamefalling, Weekend Nachos and more artists set to join the music festival.

The tickets for the 2026 No Sleep Fest are now on sale, with additional ticketing details expected to be announced.

Apart from the recent update, the post also hinted at more surprises, as the organizers confirmed that “more artists are still to be announced.”

“Weekend passes for all three days are officially up for grabs. Single day will come later. The fest will be taking place in South Houston. More artists to be announced,” the caption reads.

View this post on Instagram

The announcement sparked excitement among fans, as concertgoers couldn’t help but share their enthusiasm for the upcoming festival.

“@nosleepfest you guys have outdone yourselves. This is legendary,” one wrote.

“You’ve done it again,” a commenter echoed.

“A New Day and PF being in the same fest is legendary,” a follower said.

“Weekend nachos, Fallen god, Awaywithwords, HKFY, fear of loss, sin against sin, foreign hands and fatal realm? Jesus,” a fan added.

In early September, No Sleep Fest dropped the first wave of artists for the upcoming event, which included Skycamefalling, Foreign Hands, Knuckle Sandwich, Away With Words and Cross Thy Heart.

Check out the complete 2026 No Sleep Fest lineup below:

PeelingFlesh
Skycamefalling
Hong Kong Fuck You
Jerome
Foreign Hands
Sherane
Weekend Nachos
Outta Pocket
Fatal Realm
Fear Of Loss
Fallen God
Thus Spoke Zarathustra
The Crimson Armada
fallfiftyfeet
Sin Against Sin
Cable
Away With Words
Knuckle Sandwich
Since My Beloved
The Test Dream
Lorraine
A New Day
Sincerely Yours
Detach
Tower Of Pines
xOUTLASTx
Cross Thy Heart
As Teeth Bare

Related: In 1972, The Temptations recorded a 12-minute version of a song a labelmate had released 4 months earlier; it won 3 Grammys and is still the group’s last No. 1 hit

Dolly Parton went to extraordinary lengths to fight the cancer she largely kept out of public view, reportedly traveling overseas for an experimental treatment about a year before her death.

TMZ reported on Tuesday, September 22, that the country legend flew by private jet to Frankfurt, Germany, during the final year of her life. Sources familiar with the situation told the outlet that the country music legend spent about a week there before returning home. Parton’s exact treatment has not been disclosed.

The nature of the treatment she received in Germany also remains unclear. The outlet described it as ‘experimental’ and reported that Parton believed it helped her regain strength.

What Was Known About Dolly Parton’s Health Before Her Death?

The “Jolene” singer, who was 80 when she died, had privately been battling cancer; People confirmed it on August 25. The specific type of cancer has never been publicly revealed.

Parton had publicly dealt with other health problems in the months before her death. She canceled her planned Las Vegas residency in May after previously postponing the shows.

At the time, she told fans she was responding well to medication and treatment but needed more time to recover.

View this post on Instagram

TMZ reported that Parton had also been dealing with kidney and autoimmune issues before she was hospitalized.

When Did Dolly Parton Die? View this post on Instagram

Parton died Tuesday, August 25, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville following what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer.

Her death came as a shock even to loved ones who knew she had been ill, according to TMZ. Her family’s statement remembered a career built not only on music but also on philanthropy, including her Imagination Library and support for medical research.

Also read: Taylor Swift Mourns Dolly Parton: ‘A World Without Dolly Doesn’t Feel Right’

Why Did Dolly Parton Keep Her Cancer Battle Private?

Parton’s niece, Jada Star, later said her aunt deliberately kept her health struggles close to the family. “She never wanted to worry anybody. So I think it was just a shock,” Star told Extra on Tuesday, September 1.

Star also described the weeks after Parton’s death as “really difficult” and “very surreal,” while saying the outpouring of tributes had helped the family through their grief.

Even as more details emerge about Parton’s final year, the full story of her cancer diagnosis and treatment remains private.

Billy Bush has landed a new TV gig nearly 10 years after his high-profile firing from NBC.

The longtime entertainment news host is expected to join Fox News Media as a contributor, according to Variety. Bush’s new role is expected to be announced Tuesday, Sept. 22, and he’ll make an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime during the 8 p.m. ET hour. He is also expected to appear across multiple Fox News Media platforms.

“I’m excited to join Fox News Media and its loyal audience to share my perspective on the people, ideas and moments shaping today’s culture…. as well as the ones trying to undo it!” Bush said in a statement.

The move marks another chapter in a television career that has included Access Hollywood, Today and Extra.

Bush spent years covering entertainment for Access Hollywood before moving to NBC’s Today in 2016. His stint as co-host of the show’s third hour proved short-lived, however, after a 2005 Access Hollywood recording involving Bush and Donald Trump was published in October 2016. In the recording, Trump can be heard bragging about sexual assault and Bush can be heard laughing.

Bush subsequently lost his job at Today and remained off television for three years.

He eventually returned to syndicated entertainment news as host of Extra. More recently, Bush has gone the independent route with Hot Mics With Billy Bush, a digital program covering sports, politics, entertainment, technology and pop culture. Variety reports that Bush is expected to continue his independent ventures alongside his new Fox News role.

Bush has also spent much of his career covering major entertainment and news events. His résumé includes the Golden Globes, Grammys and Academy Awards, along with NBC’s Olympics coverage from 2004 to 2016. He also reported from Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s royal wedding for NBC News.

His move to Fox News comes as the network appears to be expanding its coverage of entertainment and popular culture. Variety characterized Bush’s hiring as a possible indication that Fox News Media is looking to cover celebrity and pop culture in greater depth.

Bush’s first scheduled appearance in his new role will be on Jesse Watters Primetime Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.

Related: John Ritter’s Widow Amy Yasbeck Opens Up About What Went Wrong the Night He Died At Age 54

Lauren Graham is, arguably, the queen of fall. Not because she’s living off of pumpkin spice lattes and jumping in leaf piles (although that sounds lovely), but because it’s hard to separate her from Lorelai Gilmore, the iconic character played on Gilmore Girls.

And as real fans know, the beginning of fall means it’s Gilmore Girls rewatch season. Set in the cozy fictional New England town of Stars Hollow, where it’s somehow always fall and everyone knows their neighbors, Gilmore Girls is the ultimate comfort show. Parade sat down with Graham ahead of a baking class hosted by Bob’s Red Mill and Graham herself, and when we mentioned the comforting nature of Gilmore Girls, Graham said, “I can’t be comforted by it. I can only be horrified by it.”

That’s fair (and in case you’re wondering, her go-to comfort show is Downton Abbey), but we still had some Gilmore Girls and fall-themed questions for her that she was happy to answer. Below, Graham shares her go-to coffee order in the fall, what she likes to bake for people when the weather cools down and what we can get excited about with the upcoming Gilmore Girls documentary.

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Lauren Graham’s Go-to Fall Coffee Order (And What She Likes To Bake)

Sure, Graham technically lives in LA where the seasons aren’t quite as noticeable and the weather doesn’t really cool down, but she still gets into the spirit. When we asked her about her go-to fall coffee order, we were surprised to hear that she skips right to the late fall and winter drinks.

“I do get more sweet-tooth coffee-ish in the fall,” she tells Parade. “I won’t really get a pumpkin spice latte, but I’ll go chocolate mint, like a peppermint mocha.”

She does more cooking and baking in the fall, too, and especially loves having people over for dinner—a quality that’s aligned with Bob’s Red Mill’s Moregetherness, a platform that aims to bring neighbors together over food, and one that feels particularly timely with Good Neighbor Day coming up on September 28.

“I always wanted to be the house that people came over to, and I have become that house, especially for Thanksgiving,” Graham says. “I have dinner parties frequently. I love making things for people, and I’m sort of self-taught, which is why I love that Bob’s Red Mill offers simple mixes, and you don’t have to be a crazy genius to use everything.”

Related: The Unexpected Way Lauren Graham Found Out ‘Gilmore Girls’ Was Canceled

Graham explains that she made cooking, baking and hosting a project for herself, and it’s turned into a passion. She admits to being more of a savory than sweet person, so her go-to fall baking dish is pot pies, explaining, “They’re really easy, and that’s a good thing to do with Thanksgiving leftovers. You can just throw everything in a pot and put any kind of crust or biscuit on top of it, and people are really impressed by that for some reason.”

Graham is gluten-free, so she uses a gluten-free flour, and she makes a ton of pot pies after Thanksgiving because they’re a great way to use leftovers. “And I’m working on my bread—I’m trying to make biscuits,” she says. “My grandmother was Southern and a great biscuit maker, so I’m trying to find the right gluten-free recipe for that.”

Related: The 20 Most Stunning U.S. Destinations for Fall Foliage This Year

How Excited Should We Be About This Gilmore Girls Documentary?

While the title and release date for the Gilmore Girls documentary that was announced last month are still unknown, we should be very excited, according to Graham. “I’ve filmed one day of it so far, and there might be a few more, but already there are questions people haven’t asked, and conversations I had never had with Amy [Sherman-Palladino], the creator of the show,” she tells Parade. “I walked away feeling like, ‘Oh, there is more to say.’ In a shorter interview, you kind of only get so far, and a lot has already come out of it that I think people will enjoy.”

Related: Your Birth Date Reveals Your Ultimate Fall Comfort Food Match

Finally, we had to ask: How similar is Graham to Lorelai Gilmore, really?

“I think there’s a way of speaking, or looking at the world or finding humor in things, that I really relate to,” she says. “I think she was ambitious in a way but still stayed in her town—I definitely went out to the city and tried to do this career, which is a pretty risky endeavor. But I think the reason this brand partnership [with Bob’s Red Mill] works is that the show was about sharing and community, and this beautiful town where people know each other. And that’s something we’re trying to capture in this campaign, and just invite people to reach out to their neighbor. Food is a great way to do that.”

Up Next:

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I keep a running list of gift ideas in my head throughout the year, because waiting until December to figure out what everyone is getting for the holidays is a level of stress I’d rather avoid. Jewelry is one of my favorite things to mentally file away. It feels personal, doesn’t require figuring out someone’s size, and can be tucked into a tiny box that’ll be considerably more exciting to unwrap than its dimensions would suggest.

Birthstone jewelry makes the idea of gifting jewelry even more personal, and with October right around the corner, opal is especially timely. The Yes, Please! Lab-Created White Opal Sterling Silver Pear Pendant Necklace is usually $75, but it’s currently 73% off at JCPenney for a limited time. This deal drops the price to just $20, making it a fabulous contender for birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, bridesmaid presents, or just-because gifts.

Yes, Please! Lab-Created White Opal Sterling Silver Pear Pendant Necklace, $20 (was $75) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop at JCPenney

The centerpiece is a pear-cut lab-created white opal, and the elongated teardrop shape gives the necklace an elegant focal point without making the pendant appear too oversized. Rather than a single flat color, the milky stone has an iridescent finish that shifts between soft pink, lavender, blue, and pale green as it catches the light. A pointed top and rounded base emphasize the classic pear silhouette, while small prongs secure the opal without covering much of its surface. Measuring 21 millimeters long and 10 millimeters wide, the pendant is substantial enough for the details to register while still being delicate enough for everyday wear.

A halo of lab-created white sapphires surrounds the opal, creating a crisp, sparkling border around the center stone’s softer glow. There are 33 lab-created sapphires in total, and the detailing continues beyond the pear-shaped halo: additional stones run vertically along the narrow bail above it. That little stretch of sparkle helps visually connect the pendant to the chain, rather than making the opal look like it’s simply hanging beneath it. The combination also creates two distinct types of shine, with the faceted sapphires reflecting brighter points of light around the opal’s more diffused, colorful iridescence.

Shop More Deals

• Yes Please! Lab-Created White Opal Sterling Silver Cushion Pendant Necklace, $30 (was $125) at JCPenney
• Yes, Please! Lab-Created White Opal 14-Karat Gold Over Brass Necklace Set, $20 (was $75) at JCPenney
• Lab-Created White Opal 14-Karat Gold Over Brass Earring and Necklace Jewelry Set, $30 (was $125) at JCPenney

The sterling silver design gives the necklace a cool white-metal finish that complements the icy sapphires and lets the opal’s pastel flashes stand out. The pendant hangs from a fine 1.2-millimeter cable chain, whose small interconnected links keep the overall look light, rather than competing with the stonework. The chain measures 18 inches long with an additional 2-inch extender, so you can adjust where the pear pendant falls. A spring-ring clasp secures it at the back.

Jewelry lovers complimented this piece’s “delicate” design, calling it “incredibly beautiful” and “captivating.” One shopper wrote, “The pear shape is lovely and the small sapphires just shimmer so beautifully.” Other customers praised the necklace’s “petite” size, with a reviewer sharing that it “goes with any outfit, from jeans to a cocktail dress.”

Related: Ready to Try the Bubble Letter Necklace Trend? Anthropologie’s Crystal Version Is Just $30

Gift something that sparkles without splurging. Shop the Yes, Please! Lab-Created White Opal Sterling Silver Pear Pendant Necklace for $20 at JCPenney while it’s a whopping 73% off!

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Fresh off the massive success of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Gladys Knight & The Pips were under immense pressure in early 1974 to deliver another chart-topping hit.

The result was “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” a beautiful Jim Weatherly ballad. Yet behind the group’s polished, soul-drenched harmonies was a wild backstory.

The basic tracks for the soul version of the song were laid down in New York reported the website Top 40 Weekly. However, the group recorded their vocals in the most surprising place, where they could cut loose between takes.

Knight, her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight, and their cousins William Guest and Edward Patten tracked their vocals in a converted recording booth built right behind a Michigan bowling alley.

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Top 40 Weekly explained, “The waitresses brought in food for the musicians and group. While Gladys brought her bowling ball to roll a few frames during breaks.”

According to Songfacts, the song expressed gratitude for a partner who brings comfort and stability through life’s ups and downs.

“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” topped out at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1974. It lingered on the charts for 17 weeks total.

Weatherly also wrote the group’s No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” which ranked at No. 2. However, before Knight and the Pips topped the chart, another artists had a hit with the unforgettable tune.

Country singer Ray Price recorded the song ahead of Knight and the Pips, taking it all the way to No. 1 on the country music charts in late 1973. Recognizing the song’s massive crossover potential, Knight and the Pips recorded their own version and delivered a rich, soul-infused sound that reinvented the track entirely.

Weatherly told author Tom Roland in The Billboard Book of Number One Country Hits, “I thought it was really strange that nobody’d written a song with that title — possibly somebody had, but I’d never heard it — so I just sat down and let this stream of consciousness happen. I basically wrote it in a very short period of time, probably 30 minutes or an hour.”

Listeners would have never guessed after listening to that smooth, polished final track that it came together behind a local bowling alley. But the performance’s intimate feel stands as a testament to Gladys Knight and the Pips’ longevity. Fifty years later, the song remains a classic.

Related: 1974 Rock Ballad, Originally a Flop, Was Reimagined by The Righteous Brothers and Became an Unforgettable Hit

Planning a big family vacation is complicated enough. Now imagine booking a hotel that promises a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, step-free access or another essential accommodation, only to arrive and discover it isn’t actually usable.

According to new research from travel agency Fora, that happens more often than you might think.

In its inaugural Fora Focus: Family Travel and the Access Economy 2026 report, Fora found that a whopping 90% of its surveyed travel advisors who have booked accessible travel say online accessibility information can be incomplete, outdated or contradictory. Nearly half (46%) say it’s often or always inaccurate.

Even more concerning? Nearly one-third of those advisors (31%) have had a client arrive at a property only to discover that a promised accessibility feature was missing or unusable—think an accessible hotel room or bathroom that doesn’t meet the traveler’s needs, or difficulty navigating entrances and other areas of the property.

And with multigenerational vacations booming, getting those details right is becoming increasingly important.

Related: 10 Family Trips Parents and Grandparents Will Actually Enjoy

More Family Trips Come With Accessibility Needs

Fora commissioned YouGov to survey 2,592 U.S. adults and separately surveyed 1,359 of its travel advisors, 910 of whom have booked accessible travel. The report was led by Karen Morales, Fora’s Accessible Travel Lead and a wheelchair user, whose lived experience has helped shape the company’s approach to accessibility, advisor training and work with travel partners.

Among consumers planning a multigenerational trip within the next three years, 56% say someone in their group will need some type of accommodation.

And we’re not just talking about wheelchair access.

The most commonly reported needs among families include limited walking endurance or stamina (48%), food allergies or dietary requirements (37%) and medical equipment or medication (36%). Nearly seven in 10 families with accessibility needs say their group has more than one.

“I think it’s a huge misconception to think that accessible travel is niche,” Morales tells Parade. “When you think about your own life, I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t have someone in their life that moves a little more slowly, has a food allergy or manages a chronic condition. These are the travelers we book for.”

It also isn’t exclusively an issue for older travelers. While grandparents frequently require accommodations, more than one-third of consumers with accessibility needs in their multigenerational group say a parent or another adult between 18 and 64 will need one. Nearly one in four say a child or teenager will.

Related: 25 of the Best Special Needs and Handicap-Accessible Family Vacation Ideas

Travelers Are Willing to Pay More to Get It Right

Here’s where the travel industry may want to pay attention: Families aren’t necessarily looking for the cheapest solution.

A sizable 78% of consumers planning a multigenerational trip say they’d pay more to ensure everyone’s accessibility needs are properly met.

And these can be big-ticket vacations. Among Fora advisors who have booked accessible travel, 44% say their largest accessible booking in the past year topped $10,000, while 78% say accessible trips generate the same or higher spend than their average booking.

For many travelers, that extra money appears to be buying peace of mind. Almost a third of respondents planning a multigenerational vacation say they’re stressed about whether a hotel or other lodging will actually meet their group’s needs, while nearly as many are anxious about finding accurate information before they arrive.

Even travel advisors say getting a straight answer can be difficult.

Hotel room and bathroom details are among the hardest pieces of accessibility information for advisors to verify, cited by 44%, while 41% struggle to find reliable information about access around a property. Excursions and activities are even trickier, with 47% citing them as particularly difficult to research.

Related: 40 Best Family Vacations on a Budget—and Yep, They Include Europe and the Caribbean

There Is Some Good News

And the industry does appear to be making progress. Nearly half of the advisors who have booked accessible travel say accessibility efforts have improved over the past two years, with hotels receiving the most credit for improvement, followed by cruise lines.

Those improvements could matter to far more travelers than the industry might once have assumed. Two-thirds of Fora advisors surveyed have already booked a trip for someone with an accessibility need.

“I wish every hotel would lean into accessibility as an extension of their service,” Morales says. “It’s about hospitality: opening that door a little wider to those who need some extra help.”

She likens it to inviting someone with an accessibility need into your own home. “You would never invite someone over for Thanksgiving who uses a wheelchair or has a food allergy without planning for it, confirming the details and making sure they could be included.”

For hotels, Morales says that means being upfront and specific about exactly what they can provide rather than leaving an essential accommodation to chance.

So the takeaway for families planning that big reunion trip may be surprisingly simple: Don’t assume that “accessible” on a website tells you everything you need to know.

Confirm the specifics before you book. The fastest and easiest way is still the old-school one: pick up the phone. And when those details could make or break a vacation, getting them in writing isn’t a bad idea either.

Up next:

Related: 6 Cape Cod Towns That Are Perfect for a Multi-Generational Family Trip

Get ready to pass GO and collect your winnings!

McDonald’s is bringing back one of its most nostalgic promotions, this time leaning into what fans love the most.

Starting Oct. 6, Monopoly is returning to McDonald’s for a limited time, promising bigger prizes and a simplified format. And best of all, the return of the classic peel that made the game a fan favorite in the first place. 

Unlike the most recent version that leaned heavily into digital, this year McDonald’s is bringing it back to the basics. Every eligible item will come with a physical peel, which you can then scan into the McDonald’s app to redeem prizes or track your progress. 

There’s also a ton of cool prizes to win, ranging from everyday freebies to life-changing rewards. Customers can score instant wins like free menu items or MyMcDonald’s Rewards Points, but some of the big-ticket items also include a $1 million cash prize, a 2027 Jeep Cherokee, free McDonald’s for a year, $50,000 toward college debt or a home down payment and travel experiences via Carnival cruise. 

There’s also a Chance Card game built into the app, offering additional opportunities to win gift cards, cash prizes and more.

How to play McDonald’s Monopoly

The gameplay is pretty straightforward this time around. 

1. Order an eligible item
2. Peel the game piece on the packaging
3. Scan it in the McDonald’s app.

McDonald's press release

Which items are eligible for McDonald’s Monopoly?

The promotion spans across breakfast, lunch and dinner with a variety of options to choose from.

McDonald’s Menu Items Eligible for MONOPOLY

Breakfast

• Hash Browns
• McMuffin® Sandwiches
• Biscuit Sandwiches

Breakfast / Rest-of-Day

• Large Soft Drink, Iced Coffee, Iced Tea or Specialty McCafé® Beverage 
• Large Hot McCafé® Beverage

Rest-of-Day

• Large French Fries
• 10 pc. Chicken McNuggets®
• Quarter Pounder® with Cheese
• Big Mac®

Just remember – every peel-off must be scanned into the app to claim rewards or unlock additional gameplay!

For more information, full prize list, and official game rules, go to playatmcd.com.

The promotion will run through early November, allowing you to test your luck throughout the fall! 

“MONOPOLY at McDonald’s is more than just a game. It’s about childhood memories, family moments and surprises that make our day,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of McDonald’s USA, in a press release shared with Parade. “This year, we’re giving fans even more reasons to play with a simpler digital game experience, more rewards and bigger prizes, all with the classic peel.”

McDonald’s Monopoly started as a simple marketing idea that quickly turned into one of the most recognizable fast-food promotions in the world. The game first launched in the U.S. in 1987, using peel-off game pieces attached to menu packaging to encourage repeat visits and customer engagement. 

While it wasn’t intended to be an annual event, the popularity surge changed everything, and by the ‘90s, it was a recurring campaign that expanded internationally and drove major in-store traffic. 

Over the years, it has evolved with larger prize pools and digital integrations, along with new ways to play.

After a decade-long hiatus in the U.S., the game made its long-awaited return in 2025 with a digital twist.

This year, however, with AI leading the conversation, leaning into what made the game iconic in the first place—the thrill of physically peeling the sticker and hoping you’ve won big—is both fitting and comforting.  

Jimmy Kimmel had a bizarre theory about Melania Trump after watching the first lady repeatedly embrace artificial intelligence: What if she’s AI herself?

During Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel pointed to Melania’s recent appearances involving AI before making the outlandish connection between the first lady and the technology.

Kimmel’s theory was, of course, a joke, but he had plenty of material to work with. He noted that Melania has recently spoken publicly about AI, including while promoting the technology, before showing footage of her alongside a humanoid robot. Kimmel then pointed to the date Melania became a U.S. citizen and an unrelated milestone in the development of modern AI, using the coincidence to fuel his bizarre theory.

“One of the more surprising advocates for AI has been Melania Trump. For whatever reason, AI seems to be her thing,” Kimmel said. “This summer, Melania hosted the presidential artificial intelligence challenge and gave a very friendly AI speech.”

After showing a short clip of Melania’s speech, Kimmel said, “Beautifully said, first lady. It occurred to me the other day, we don’t see Melania much, but when we do lately, she’s almost always plugging AI.”

Cue the clips of Melania praising AI, prompting Kimmel to joke, “The robots are here. Can somebody blow in her mouth like a Nintendo cartridge? Get the lint out. Just give her one of those.”

He then turned his attention to footage of Melania walking alongside a robot.

“This is fascinating. This is Melania walking alongside a robot. Now, I don’t know if it’s learning to walk from her or she’s learning to walk from it, but it’s very similar,” Kimmel said. “And watch her here shaking hands with these kids. Okay, now I’ve seen this handshake before, and that’s where I’ve seen it. It’s weird.”

After showing footage of both the robot and Melania shaking hands and walking, Kimmel pointed to another supposed connection.

“Melania became a United States citizen July 28th, 2006, the exact date a groundbreaking paper that made modern AI possible was published in the Journal of Science,” he said.

The camera zoomed in as Kimmel made his dramatic turn: “Which makes me wonder: Is it possible that Melania is AI?”

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When the crisp October air arrives, and the trick-or-treaters come calling, nothing sets the mood quite like a glowing jack-o’-lantern. These traditionally decorated pumpkins can instantly tell the whole neighborhood that you’re ready for the spooky season.

If you want to turn your porch into a festive Halloween haven, but don’t want to deal with carving pumpkins that eventually rot, Birch Lane’s 2-Piece LED Lighted Jack-O-Lantern Set is your new best friend. Now just $53, down from nearly $70, you can shop these towering, pre-lit pumpkins that promise instant Halloween joy with zero mess and all the charm.

Birch Lane’s 2-Piece 36-Inch LED Lighted Jack-O-Lantern Set, From $53 (was $70) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Standing a full thirty-six inches tall, each piece in the set features two jack-o’-lanterns stacked on top of one another. The top pumpkin in each stack wears a playful pointed hat sprinkled with star details, channeling a dash of witch or wizard flair that’s perfect for Halloween. 

The iron frame and fabric body create a whimsical, textured look that glows beautifully when the integrated LED bulbs flicker on. Plug them in and watch as your porch, yard, or entryway transforms with a warm, inviting light that welcomes every ghoul, goblin, or neighborly ghost who passes by.

Design-wise, these lanterns hit the Halloween sweet spot. They’re cheerful enough for family fun but still striking after dark. You can display the duo side by side for a showstopping centerpiece, or you can split them up to spread the festive glow across your space. Their sturdy construction means they are ready for the wildest autumn weather. Because the LEDs are energy-efficient, you do not have to worry about your electric bill spiking either.

You can even hang the pumpkins, and the set comes with wall-mounting hardware that makes the installation easy. Simply plug it in, position it, and let the Halloween magic happen night after night. Your jack-o’-lanterns will stay glowing long after the candles in your neighbors’ real pumpkins have fizzled out.

Shoppers said the pumpkins were “easy to set up” and “look great on the porch.” Many also praised the durability and “super cute” design.

“They are very sturdy, well made, and feel like they will hold up really well,” one reviewer noted. “The twinkling lights add such a fun and festive touch, especially at night. Just the right amount of spooky charm.”

Shop More Deals

• Dolly Parton Bamboo Butterfly Cutting Board, $20 at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Scalloped Cotton Quilt Set, From $129 (was $300) at Wayfair
• Ophelia & Co Irim Solid Wood Accent Cabinet, $258 (was $400) at Wayfair

Related: Joanna Gaines’ Heirloom-Style Rug Features Subtle Green Hues That Warms Up Any Room

These Birch Lane pumpkins are perfect for anyone who loves the thought of having jack-o’-lanterns with no carving, no candle wax, and no pumpkin guts to scoop. They’re just pure, glowing fun for porches, patios, or even indoor corners that could use a splash of October sparkle. At $53 for the set, it is a treat for both your home and your budget. 

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales twice a week.

The media showdown continues. Donald Trump just unveiled Trump TV in the wake of the unprecedented White House ban on journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. 

In the days since the President announced he would bar reporters from those news outlets from accessing the White House, all three have filed a First Amendment lawsuit. Per CNN, the suit says, “This ban could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment nor a more blatant violation of our most fundamental constitutional principles.” 

“Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting,” said the outlets in a statement. In response, the five major networks (ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News) announced they would suspend White House coverage. According to The New York Times, Washington bureau chief at Fox News Bryan Boughton said in a note to television pool members, “Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage for the president…This follows the White House’s position preventing CNN from fulfilling its assigned pool duties. There will be no replacement pool put in place.” The pool will continue to cover news involving the Vice President and other key officials.

On Monday, September 21, Trump debuted his new media platform, Trump TV: The Essentials Station, with a YouTube montage of pop culture clips from The Office, Seinfeld, Family Guy, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, Modern Family, Friends, Parks & Rec, Home Alone, and more set to the iconic Buggles song ‘Video Killed the Radio Star.’ 

Along with the YouTube announcement, the White House also shared the video on Instagram. And if you’re wondering what Trump TV is, the caption with the clip explains (while also seeming to slam the major news networks’ coverage of the White House), “It’s live. Trump TV is streaming now. 24/7, updated in real time, with top past moments, announcements, and the latest and greatest from the administration all in one place. Not every big moment has made it on your TV, now it can.” 

View this post on Instagram What do Americans think about Trump TV?

Based on the Instagram comments, the reviews aren’t great. One commenter quipped, “Oh I’m so excited THIS was the “Big Announcement.” I was worried it was going to be cheaper gas prices, affordable housing and justice for children who have been abused *can’t roll my eyes hard enough,” as others added, “Of course the reality TV star president has a Tax-payer funded Propaganda channel,” and “This is giving North Korea vibes.”

The comments didn’t end there. Others responded to the post with, “Hey you guys, State-run media is here”, “Oh. State sanctioned TV. Yay. Not fascist at all”, “Who asked for this? Wasting taxpayer dollars”, “Wow, like right after he does that whole media ban. Weird,” and “Propaganda machine working overtime.” 

The response wasn’t much better on X. Critics blasted Trump TV, calling it fascist, an embarrassment, and a way to monetize the presidency.

It’s been 54 years since The Brady Bunch’s fourth season kicked off with a trio of episodes shot on location in Hawaii. The storyline centered on a bad-luck tiki idol that wreaked havoc on the family, but behind the scenes the cast experienced some bad luck all their own.

The first episode, titled “Hawaii Bound,” premiered on Sept. 22, 1972, on ABC. After informing his family that he has been sent to Hawaii to oversee a construction project, patriarch Mike Brady (Robert Reed) thrills his family with the news that they are all going along with him. But once Peter and Bobby (Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland) find an ancient tiki idol, they laugh off the locals’ warning that the tiki brings bad luck to anyone who touches it.

On cue, a series of bad things happen to the clan: Alice (Ann B. Davis) hurts her back during a hula lesson, Bobby almost gets clocked on the head when a heavy wall decoration falls onto his bed, a tarantula nearly bites Peter, and the biggest scare of all, Greg (Barry Williams) has a dangerous wipeout during a surfing contest. That all happens before the Brady boys are held captive by a crazed orofessor (Vincent Price) as they attempt to return the cursed tiki to a Hawaiian burial ground.

RELATED: ‘Brady Bunch’ Star Reveals the No. 1 Question He Still Gets From Fans

The Hawaii episodes were plagued with real-life problems. In an early scene, the cast took a tour of the area, shooting on an outrigger. But when a crew outrigger bumped the youngest Brady, Susan Olsen, over the side, she could have drowned.

“I’m not a strong swimmer at all,” Olsen later told Variety, adding that her TV mom Florence Henderson saved her by hooking her ankles under the seat in front of her and pulling her out of the ocean. “I didn’t have any family on that outrigger to calm me down,” Olsen said. “Except for Florence.”

Of that tarantula scene, Knight told the Today show that producers lied to him about the spider that was used in the scene—and that he was still “terrified” during shooting.

“They did lie to me,” he claimed in the  November 2024 appearance on the NBC morning news show. “They told me that they put ball bearings on its fangs so that it couldn’t inject [anything]. I was terrified, but I was a perfect kind of terrified because I got to prove my hero self to the ladies. I shouldn’t let them know I’m scared to death.”

Williams also confirmed that Knight shot with “a real spider and he had nothing under it, it was on him.”

As for Williams’ scene in which his character Greg enters a surfing contest, producers initially wanted to use a stunt double.

“I was told I would not be doing my own surfing because it was simply too dangerous and  I had to use a surf double to do the actual surfing for me,” Williams shared on The Real Brady Bros. podcast. “And I was like crestfallen, so I put up a big defense and a big stink and I said. ‘Look you guys, I’ve been a surfer a lot longer than I’ve been a Brady.’ And then I started to exaggerate a little bit and said I did win contests and you know I had been recognized and I could show him the trophies if they wanted. …I knew I could handle it, so they finally said ‘Okay, network approved it.'”

Williams was sent to Hawaii a week early to practice his surfing, but he could have used a little more practice, because when he shot the scene while riding on the dangerous Hawaii waves, he had a scary fall.

Williams wrote about the surfing scene in his book, Growing Up Brady: I Was a Teenage Greg, noting that “Greg’s wipeout was more spontaneous than planned.”

“A section of the wave closed out, and I flew through the air, careening toward an exposed coral head that was sticking up out of the water by a good two feet, and drooling over its chance to chew me to shreds,” he wrote.

“As I fell, the top half of the wave broke over me, and I tucked, using its force to turn myself completely around. I was still on a coral collision course, but now, thanks to luck, reflexes, and the forces of nature, my head was spared. My feet, however, got turned into hamburger meat,” The Brady Bunch star added.

Williams also recalled that the real-life footage of Greg’s wipeout was so scary that network executives considered keeping it out of the episode.

More than 50 years later, the Hawaii episodes remain fan favorites, as well as the favorites of multiple Brady Bunch cast members—even with all of those mishaps.

Related: 53 Years Ago Today, ‘The Brady Bunch’ Wrapped Filming on Location—But It Almost Ended in Disaster

Jimmy Fallon had a theory about what President Donald Trump really wanted from his unexpectedly friendly meeting with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani — and it had nothing to do with the cost of living.

During Monday’s Tonight Show monologue, Fallon poked fun at Trump and Mamdani’s meeting at Gracie Mansion, where the president praised the mayor and said he hoped Mamdani would be “a great one.”

Fallon highlighted the unlikely political pairing, describing Trump as a “far right Republican” and Mamdani as a “Democratic socialist.” Their meeting, he joked, was “a fun little preview of what your Thanksgiving will be like.”

The comedian then turned to the substance of their conversation.

“Mamdani said the meeting focused on issues affecting New York City,” Fallon said. “For Mamdani, that meant the cost of living, and for Trump, that meant adding his name to the Empire State Building.”

The joke came as Trump and Mamdani struck an unusually cordial tone during their latest meeting, despite their significant political differences. Mamdani said they discussed the cost of living and the possibility of advancing the Sunnyside Yard housing project, while Trump said he hoped Mamdani would be a “great mayor” and that the mayor had “great potential.”

Social media users had their own theories about the unexpected dynamic. One person wrote on X, “Trump behaves himself around Mamdani because the Mayor is HUGELY popular with NewYorkers @whitehouse. He is trying to gain from being in Mamdami’s presence. @realdonaldtrump that won’t work. You are a despised man.”

Others took a very different view of the meeting. “Trump is playing him like a fiddle. Mamdani will walk right into the trap, just like every other leftist has,” another commenter posted.

Several people also joked about Mamdani’s body language while Trump spoke. “Was Mamdani blinking ‘help me’ with this orange diapered toddler, with his eyes?” one person wrote.

Another claimed, “When they panned over to Mayor Mamdani during Trump’s second answer, he rapidly blinked 71 times. I counted.”

Fall travel has a way of becoming synonymous with foliage, but some of the best reasons to get away this time of year have nothing to do with trees. To start, this is when oyster season gets going along the East Coast, harvest festivals fill small towns, green chile roasters fire up in New Mexico, and historic cities pack their calendars with events that only happen in September and October.

“Travelers have figured out the shoulder season secret of traveling after Labor Day to take advantage of better prices and fewer crowds while the weather is still summer-like,” says Melanie Fish, Vrbo Travel Expert. Vrbo says travelers can save up to 34% in some warm-weather destinations during this stretch, while Hotels.com found that September is also gaining ground for business travel.

That is especially useful in my house. I will happily plan a trip around peak foliage, while my husband could not care less about the changing of leaf colors. His reaction to a particularly beautiful orange maple is usually some version of, “It’s a tree. It’s orange. Okay.”

So I have gotten very good at finding fall trips where the season gives us something else to travel for. These five destinations are worth visiting for what happens there this time of year, whether or not anyone in your car cares what color the trees are.

Related: A New Priceline Study Reveals Where Everyone’s Leaf-Peeping for Fall

Johnston County and the Triangle, North Carolina

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Fall lasts a little longer in North Carolina’s Piedmont region, where warmer temperatures keep the outdoor season going well beyond the first cool nights. “The mosquitoes disappear and the humidity drops, which means visitors can often enjoy the outdoors well past Thanksgiving,” says Ashby Brame, vice president of marketing and communications for the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.

The area also has a packed fall festival schedule. Benson Mule Days runs September 24 through 27 with mule races, a parade, and the “Mules Got Talent” competition, which as you’d expect, is fun for the entire family. The N.C. State Fair follows in Raleigh October 15 through 25, while the Clayton Harvest Festival celebrates its 75th anniversary October 22 through 25 with events downtown, including the Squealin’ on the Square barbecue competition.

Between festivals, visitors can follow Johnston County’s Red Hot Dog Trail, explore Bentonville Battlefield, or make stops along the Beer, Wine and Shine Trail. Broadslab Distillery is run by fifth-generation moonshiner Jeremy Norris, who turned his family’s outlaw distilling history into a legal business, while Hinnant Family Vineyards is the oldest and largest muscadine vineyard in North Carolina. Beyond muscadine, though, North Carolina’s booming wine scene is worth a visit, and you can check out a full guide here. Downtown Clayton also has Jones Café for its signature red hot dogs and Manning’s for rooftop dining.

Anyone who still wants foliage will probably find it here, too. The Piedmont tends to peak later than the mountains, and fall color can last into mid-November, so for people like me who chase the leaves but have spouses who don’t care, you can get best of both worlds.

Related: The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

Cape May, New Jersey Victorian Homes and hotels line Beach Ave. in Cape May with lifesaving rescue boat on the beach.

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Cape May is often just synonymous with summertime, but it’s actually even more charming in the fall. Restaurant reservations are easier to get, hotel rates often drop, and the beaches are nearly empty. Fall also marks the start of oyster season, with fresh local oysters showing up across Cape May menus.

“Cape May offers ultimate autumn charm beyond foliage,” says Debbie Bass, Deputy Director at the Cape May County Department of Tourism. October also brings Victorian Weekend, the West Cape May Lima Bean Festival, the Cape May Fall Festival, and the Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival. Bass says shoulder-season occupancy drops to about one-third of summer levels, making parking and downtown exploring considerably easier.

Fall migration is another major draw. Visitors can climb the Cape May Lighthouse before heading to the hawkwatch platform at Cape May Point, where raptors, warblers, and monarch butterflies move through the peninsula in an almost rhythmic way. If wine tasting is more your speed, and you are an oenophile like me, Cape May has a couple of worthwhile stops. Willow Creek Winery pours everything from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, while Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery focuses on estate-grown wines, with Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and other reds among its current offerings.

Fall brings some of Cape May’s best local ingredients to the table, especially oysters and seafood. At The Lobster House on Fisherman’s Wharf, order Cape May Salt oysters straight from its Delaware Bay beds, or go all in on steamed clams, lobster bisque, or one of the big seafood platters. For a nicer dinner, The Ebbitt Room serves local oysters alongside dishes like Cape May scallops and hand-cut pasta with lump crab, with many of its vegetables and herbs coming from nearby Beach Plum Farm. And if you want to eat as local as you can, Beach Plum Farm hosts fall harvest dinners built around whatever is coming out of the fields that week, along with orchard fruit and pasture-raised meats from the farm.

Related: The Fall Getaway That’s Perfect for Your Personality Type

Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina Sun rising over Myrtle Beach State Park near the Grand Strand in South Carolina. The park is a favorite spot for tourists and locals to come and watch the sun rise over the ocean in one of SC’s most popular tourist destinations.

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Coastal South Carolina stays warm well into fall, making it possible to soak up the beautiful beaches well into October, where most places up north have already started experiencing major dips in temperature. Spend a few nights along the Grand Strand, the 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coastline that includes Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Murrells Inlet. Then drive about two hours south to Charleston, one of the country’s most alluring coastal towns. Here, you can take horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic houses, the famed Battery park, and along the moss-laden trees that flock the cobblestone streets.

The Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival takes over Huntington Beach State Park September 25 through 27, bringing more than 100 artisans to the grounds around Atalaya Castle. The Loris Bog-Off follows October 17 with cooks competing over chicken bog, a regional rice-and-chicken dish. In Charleston, the MOJA Arts Festival runs September 24 through October 4, while the Preservation Society’s Fall Tours continue throughout October and offer access to privately owned historic homes.

Murrells Inlet is a must, and without the heavy traffic of summer beachgoers, it’s quicker and easier to get to. Stop at Wicked Tuna on the MarshWalk for sushi and fresh catch, or head to Lee’s Inlet Kitchen for more traditional Lowcountry seafood like flounder, shrimp, and hushpuppies. Then continue south to Charleston, where fall marks the start of oyster season across the Lowcountry. Local oysters can grow nearly as large as your palm, and you can try them roasted at Bowens Island or by the dozen at The Ordinary’s raw bar. If you want a break from seafood, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ and Lewis Barbecue both boast some of the best Carolina BBQ in South Carolina.

While in Myrtle Beach, you can also spend a quieter morning at Brookgreen Gardens or Huntington Beach State Park, where the marsh causeway boasts one of the best birding spots along the East Coast. Traditional fall color may be limited along this stretch, but there is no shortage of reasons to be outside.

Related: The 20 Most Stunning U.S. Destinations for Fall Foliage This Year

Williamsburg, Virginia Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA — October, 2023: wooden fence enclosing row Colonial style houses and trees in Historic District of the city in autumnal day. People strolling along the street

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With the United States is marking its 250th anniversary, Colonial Williamsburg seems like the fitting place to visit. Not only that, the town itself is celebrating its own 100th, bringing a full schedule of exhibitions and commemorative events to the Historic Triangle.

Yorktown Victory Weekend runs October 16 through 19, with programming tied to the 1781 victory, including artillery firings and siege interpretation. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown also has “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation” on view through January 31, 2027, while “Declarations of Independence” runs at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg through December 31.

If the history stuff isn’t up your alley, there’s plenty here to who do outside of Yorktown. Busch Gardens Williamsburg’s Howl-O-Scream runs select nights through November 1, and October also brings the Yorktown Wine & Oyster Festival and Yorktoberfest. Haunted Williamsburg tours take visitors through Duke of Gloucester Street after dark, when lanterns light the historic district and you’re bound to see a ghost or two haunting these very old cobblestone streets.

For meals, book King’s Arms Tavern for 18th-century-inspired Virginia fare, including prime rib, hearty stews, game pie, and its signature peanut soup. Or, head to Fat Canary in Merchants Square, where the menu shifts with the season and might mean crispy local oysters, lobster fettuccine, seared scallops, or duck breast. A local fave, Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que, has been around since 1971 and is known for pulled pork, hushpuppies, and Brunswick stew. For lunch with a view, stop into Williamsburg Winery to sample local wine paired with sandwiches and seasonal dishes served at its on-site tavern.

Related: I Visit Halloween Events All Over The Country—And You Won’t Find This Attraction Anywhere Else

Santa Fe, New Mexico The smell of roasted chile is incredible , it’s a must do for any food type people. There are chile farms up and down the Rio Grande river.

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Fall in Santa Fe comes with one of the city’s most recognizable smells, green chile. The harvest is well underway by September, and roasters run outside markets and grocery stores throughout the city filling the air with a fragrant and spicy aroma.

The 35th Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta runs September 23 through 27, with Chile Friday on September 25 and the Grand Tasting at Fort Marcy Park on September 26. An hour south, the famed Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs October 3 through 11 and visitors can walk onto the 78-acre launch field and watch hundreds of balloons inflate around them before taking off over the city.

Back in Santa Fe, spend time along Canyon Road, visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, shop the Saturday farmers market in the Railyard, or book a Japanese-style hot-tub soak at Ten Thousand Waves, where private outdoor tubs, saunas, and cold plunges recreate the feel of a mountain onsen.

Fall in Santa Fe means the smell of roasting green chile, with the harvest finding its way into everything from enchiladas to cheeseburgers. At The Shed near the Plaza, try the blue corn enchiladas layered with cheese and covered in spicy red chile. For another classic New Mexican meal, Tomasita’s Santa Fe New Mexican Restaurant serves carne adovada, pork slow-braised in red chile, along with cheese-stuffed chile rellenos and sopapillas. For dinner, Sazón is known for Sopa de Amor, a roasted poblano soup with blue crab. You’d be remiss not to try a green chile cheeseburger, though, and the one at Bang Bite Filling Station is cooked-to-order and comes topped with piles of New Mexico green chile.

Santa Fe also happens to deliver on fall color, too. The aspens along Hyde Park Road and around the Aspen Vista trailhead typically turn in late September, around the same time the chile harvest peaks. Cottonwoods along the Rio Grande add bands of bright yellow and gold to the mountainous landscape too.

Related: Travel Experts Say These 5 European Cities Are Better in Fall Than Summer

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The best fall jackets not only keep you comfortable on brisk days, but also help you stay dry when Mother Nature decides to add some wind and rain to the mix. One of the most impressive deals available right now is the Camel Windbreaker, a sleek and stylish rain jacket that comes in at just $18 at Walmart. Normally $29, it’s available in your choice of purple, gray, or blue.

Camel’s coat is classic inside and out, with robust, Teflon-coated waterproof polyester providing a reliable shield against the elements. It’s meticulously designed not just to repel water, but also to prevent damage due to oil or liquid. If you’ve been looking for a coat that’s built to stand the test of time, this checks all of the boxes.

Camel Windbreaker, $18 (was $29) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

With its adjustable drawstring hood, zippered pockets, and Velcro cuffs that lock in body heat to keep you warm, the jacket is packed with the storm-proofing features you expect of technical outerwear. Whether you’re headed out on a mildly windy day or dealing with biting gusts, this jacket will lock out the chill in the air to help you conquer the day.

It also boasts a clever, color-blocked panel that lends the entire design a sporty edge. It can pair well with virtually anything, from the most basic jeans-and-tee outfits to leggings and a sweater. And while it’s thick, it’s not so heavy that it will weigh you down. The effect is crisp and clean, with a streamlined finish that adds to its versatility. 

Related: Walmart’s Shutter Door Cabinet Is a ‘Lovely’ Way to Declutter Bathrooms, Basements, and More

One reviewer noted that “rain runs right off” and called it an “excellent windbreaker” for breezy days. Others highlighted the thoughtfully cut silhouette, pointing out that it “fits comfortably” through the body. That’s a huge plus if you plan to layer it over a thick top or a sweater. With sizes ranging from small to XXXL, you can also size up if you prefer a looser fit.

Shop More Deals

• Smilin Wellington Rain Boots, $29 (was $50) at Walmart
• Wrangler Wristlet, $23 (was $40) at Walmart
• Sweet Hearts Leggings 3-Pack, $22 (was $30) at Walmart

If you’re stocking up on fall wardrobe essentials, now is definitely the time to grab the Camel Windbreaker. While it’s ideal to wear during these cool months, it’s so versatile that it can easily serve as a regular everyday jacket even when there’s no rain in the forecast. Snag it now in the color and size of your choice while Walmart has it in stock!

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