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Celebrate Women’s Equality Day at 5 Historic Sites That Made Your Vote Possible

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 8:10am

Women's Equality Day is August 26, marking the anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women’s right to vote in the United States.

It was the result of decades of work by activists throughout the country, which was then only 144 years old and 48 states large. When women achieved national suffrage, votes for women were already the law of the land in fifteen states—some of which may be surprising contenders for their early contribution to women’s voting rights. 

Whether you’re extending Semiquincentennial celebrations on the East Coast, joining Colorado as it observes 150 years of statehood, or looking for fresh destinations for a family summer vacation, these 5 places where women suffragettes made history are well worth exploring.

Related:Why 2026 Is the Summer to Skip the Famous National Parks for These Under-the-Radar Alternatives

South Pass City State Historic Park, where Esther Morris served as the first female Justice of the Peace in the United States

John Elk / Getty Images

Cheyenne, Wyoming 

Wyoming territory enfranchised women to vote and hold office a full 50 years before national women’s suffrage was achieved through the 19th Amendment. Government representatives hoped the unconventional experiment would attract more women settlers to gold-rush era Wyoming, as well as counter the newly enfranchised Black voters who were moving west after the Civil War. Although the move had its skeptics (Justice of the Peace R.S. Barrresigned in protest in December of 1869) the first woman appointed to public office proved them wrong.

Esther Hobart Morris was, in many ways, an unlikely candidate to make history. When she was appointed Justice of the Peace in South Pass City, a tiny gold mining town perched in the Wind River Mountains, she was already a widow, the middle-aged mother of two adult sons, and in a bad second marriage. What pushback she did receive was dealt with by her boys, whom she deputized as clerks. She also had her abusive husband arrested, which was no small statement in a rough and tumble frontier town where violence was routine.

Despite her lack of formal education or legal training and a decided lack of support from her abusive husband, she presided over 70 cases, only two of which were appealed during the eight months she held office. After her term was up, Morris left South Pass City and spent the next twenty years speaking at several suffrage conventions from San Francisco to Philadelphia. She ultimately settled in Cheyenne and lived there until her death in 1902. 

You can still visit Morris’ Cheyenne home today at 2114 Warren Avenue. It’s one of a pair of properties owned by Bella Fuoco Wood Fired Pizza, where you can order up duck wings, lemon berry mascarpone, and New York-style pies. In recent years, a historical marker was also added to the home, sharing more about Morris’ role in Wyoming and suffrage history. Visit the Capitol Building in Cheyenne to see a statue of Esther Morris by artist Avard Fairbanks.

Last but not least, South Pass City itself is a four-hour drive from Cheyenne along the Women's Suffrage Pathway. Tours are offered not only of the city itself, including the dugout home where Morris lived with her family, but also of the Carissa mine that drew miners in the first place. The area is surrounded by hiking trails,and there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to be had in Lander, a town just north of South Pass City. Just ask the guides at the National Outdoor Leadership School, which offers classes for adults in backpacking, horsepacking, wilderness medicine, and more.

The Workhouse Arts Center was once a women's prison where suffragists were jailed, including Lucy Burns.

The Washington Post / Getty Images

Washington D.C. 

Although Wyoming was the first to pass women’s suffrage legislation, Washington D.C. was always the epicenter of the American movement for women voters. There are numerous museums and historic sites here where you can dig into the history of how women not only won the vote, but continued to agitate for equal rights and opportunities.

Start exploring in the Smithsonian’s extensive collections, including the American Women’s History Museum and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is another well worth visiting, though the scope goes well beyond women's suffrage. Upcoming exhibits include Routed West, a collection of quilts made by African Americans who moved out of the South during the second Great Migration in the mid-twentieth century.

Further afield, the Workhouse Arts Foundationin Lorton, Virginia offers workshops and classes on arts and crafts, from glass jewelry to stained glass, watercolor, figure drawing, mosaics, and more. The organization also offers wellness-focused activities, like sound baths, baby massage classes for mothers, and qigong classes for teens and adults. 

The wholesome programming is a stark contrast to the workhouse the foundation was named for. Once known as the Occoquan Work House, dozens of suffragettes were jailed here in 1917 after staging a peaceful protest outside the White House Gates. Despite relatively minor charges of traffic obstruction, guards at Occoquan subjected the suffragettes to sleep deprivation, inedible food, overcrowding, beatings, stress positions, and other human rights violations. 

Movement leaders, including Alice Paul, staged hunger strikes during their incarceration. When the media began covering the forced feedings and other violence at Occoquan, it helped sway public opinion in favor of the protestors’ cause, contributing to the passage of the 19th Amendment three years later.

Can’t make it to Washington D.C.? There are lots of digital collections you can explore from home, too. The National Women’s History Museum is an online institution that partners with libraries and other brick-and-mortar locations in the District while also offering virtual exhibitions on topics like Latina suffragists and Black feminist history in Washington DC.

Related: Why Travel Fanatics Are Still Obsessed With This High-Desert Hideaway

After an amazing renovation of the long-defunct 1851 Charles Street Jail, it reopened as part of Liberty Hotel in 2007.

Steve Rosenbach / Getty Images

Boston, Massachusetts 

Boston was one of the historic centers of the American women’s suffrage movement, where movement leaders including Blanche Ames, Margaret Foley, Pauline Agassiz Shaw, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley lived and worked. The Boston Women’s Heritage Trail encompasses many sites where you can learn more about their contributions. 

Head to Beacon Hill to see the former home of Women’s Era publisher Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin and her daughter Florida Ruffin Ridley, who organized the National Federation of Afro-American Women, a precursor to the National Association of Colored Women. Also in the neighborhood are the former homes of Little Women author Louisa May Alcott and Battle Hymn of the Republic composerJulia Ward Howe, as well as the first kindergarten in the United States.

The African Meeting House at 8 Smith Court is the oldest surviving Black church in the United States and played a key role not only in the suffrage movement but also in the abolitionist movement and the ongoing fight for Civil Rights. Also worth a visit are the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Massachusetts State House, the Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, and the MIT campus.

In addition to self-guided itineraries, there are several women's history walking tours to choose from if you'd like a little more structure and context. Rest up afterwards at The Liberty Hotel, also in Beacon Hill. The name is ironic given the property’s history– this used to be the Charles Street Jail, where several National Woman’s Party members were incarcerated in 1919. You can enjoy a hotel history tour booked through the concierge, rent a bicycle to explore Boston the same way early feminists traveled.

Inside the library of the Byers-Evans House in Denver, Colorado.

Andy Cross / Getty Images

Related:The Ultimate Under-the-Radar Summer Road Trip Guide for the 250th Anniversary

Denver, Colorado

Perhaps it’s surprising that so many destinations for women’s suffrage history are in the western United States, rather than in more established cities back east. But politics and propriety slowed the movement for many years, while the practicalities and challenges of life on the frontier invited different conversations about independence. Wyoming was the first state to legalize women’s right to vote, and Colorado was the second, a full 30 years before the passage of the 19th Amendment.

That history is front and center at the Center for Colorado Women’s Historyin Denver. Tucked next to the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver’s downtown museum district, the Center preserves the 1883 home of William Beyers, who founded the Rocky Mountain News. It is known as the Byers-Evans Mansion for its second owner, William Gray Evans, who lived here with his wife, two daughters, mother, and sister. The family furniture and decor throughout the home are used to tell the story of women’s role in both domestic and civic life over a century ago.

The Center currently features a Votes and Dreams exhibit that features an 1893 ballot that included the question of women’s suffrage, a letter from Susan B. Anthony to Colorado suffragette Ellis Meredith, historic clothing, and even local materials from the Denver Women’s Bank, which opened in after the 1974 passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which allowed women to open bank account and take out loans and credit cards without a male co-signer.

After visiting the Center, head to the Molly Brown House Museum less than a mile away on Pennsylvania Avenue. Molly Brown, in addition to surviving the sinking of the world’s most famous shipwreck, was an avid suffragette. She even ran for the U.S. Senate in 1914 on a votes-for-women ticket, leveraging her fame from the Titanic disaster. Her sumptuous Gold Rush-era mansion is included on the National Votes for Women Trail, as is 985 S Emerson Street further south. The latter was home to the Women’s League of Denver founder Elizabeth P. Ensley from 1915-1917, who was instrumental in mobilizing Black voters for women’s suffrage in Colorado and nationwide. 

Head to the 99ers Sports Baron East Colfax after your museum trips. Founded by female athletes, this is the only bar in Denver entirely dedicated to airing and cheering for women’s sports. The 99ers name references the legendary 1999 victory by the U.S. women’s soccer team against China, which paved the way for the first professional women’s soccer league. Denver is about to become an even bigger destination for women's soccer in 2028, when a brand new stadium is planned to open for a new National Women’s Soccer League team.

Related: Disneyland Modeled Main Street U.S.A. After This Small Rocky Mountain Town

benedek / Getty Images

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico, like Colorado and other early states to pass women’s suffrage legislation, at first limited women’s votes to things like school board elections that felt at least somewhat related to domestic life and raising children. Suffrage leaders in New Mexico like Nina Otero-Warren advocated for women to have a fuller voice in public life—and a bilingual voice, at that. Part of Otero-Warren’s success as one of the Land of Enchantment’s first female government officials and mobilizer of Hispanic women's votes stemmed from her fluency in both English and Spanish. 

You can visit the Otero-Bergere House in Santa Fe. The historic home is named for both Nina’s mother, Eloisa Luna Otero, and her stepfather, Alfred M. Bergere, who moved into this former housing for military officers in 1901. Otero-Warren lived here throughout much of her tenure as not only superintendent but also during her 1917 work with suffragette and Occoquan hunger strike leader Alice Paul as part of the Congressional Union for Women's Suffrage. In 1922, she became the first Latina to campaign for a seat in Congress. 

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The Bataan Building in Santa Fe, a government office built in 1900 that was originally built as the Territorial Capitol and served as the State Capitol until 1966, features a memorial plaque commemorating Soledad Chávez Chacón, who was elected the first female Secretary of State in 1922. That same year, Isabel Eckles was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction and ended her three-year tenure as acting president of what is now Western New Mexico University.

Less than half a mile away from the Bataan, the Palace of the Governors is where the Congressional Union was headquartered. The Santa Fe square in front of the Palace was a frequent setting for demonstrations and meetings as New Mexican suffragists worked first towards state enfranchisement and later toward ratifying the 19th Amendment.

Related: Most Visited National Park Shockingly Isn't Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon

Jennifer Garner Reveals the Dangerous Lengths Paparazzi Went to Photograph Her and Ben Affleck

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 8:07am

Jennifer Garner is opening up about the dangerous lengths that paparazzi have gone to in order to photograph her and her family.

The Five-Star Weekend actress, 54, spoke out about the impact the "ludicrous" paparazzi behavior had on her children with ex-husband Ben Affleck—Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 12— during a recent episode of Evan Ross Katz's Netflix podcast, Shut Up Evan, calling it "a danger to everyone around us."

"If I went through a yellow light, 15 cars would go through the red behind me," she recalled. "They would drive up onto people’s lawns, even on a hillside."

Garner also revealed that one of her children had to stop playing soccer because of the photographers' attention. "We were trying to have our little one play soccer, and the association asked us to stop because there were 20 cars coming," she said. "It wasn’t just about us. It was an industry that had gotten out of control."

The 13 Going on 30 actress, who previously testified in favor of a 2013 bill to protect children from photographers' harassment in California, even recalled being blocked by paparazzi when trying to get her sick child in to see the pediatrician. "There’s something wrong with that, and the kids are paying the price," she said.

The harm wasn't limited to Garner's own children either. "Kids were getting knocked over coming out of preschool by photographers who were so hungry to get to me or Ben, trying to get to our kids, that it was just like, ‘You gotta stop, you gotta watch for the little kids. You don’t belong at a school, you know?’" she recalled.

Garner also noted that there were far more "famous and successful" people living on the same street as she and Affleck, 53, at the time, but that photographers would zero in on her because she was with her children. "They wouldn’t follow Ben. They wouldn’t follow Matt Damon," she pointed out.

Today, Garner said she still has two photographers who follow her every day and who have been "assigned" to her for more than 20 years. One she has a "very interesting relationship" with, which includes an "odd respect" for each other.

“We’ve had some really real-life moments together. I was followed by someone who, for whatever reason, I thought was going to hurt me, and I ran to him because I knew him and trusted him, and I knew that he and I would be OK,” she recalled. “There’s kind of a Stockholm Syndrome thing, and at the same time, I’ve called the cops on him a million times and been like, ‘Can you please just give me a walk around the block with my kids and my dog?'”

Jennifer Garner reveals the hard truths of living with the paparazzi

🎙️: Shut Up Evan, only on Netflix pic.twitter.com/QFcZsgaqcf

— Netflix (@netflix) July 21, 2026

‘American Idol’ Star Speaks About Joining Rock Legends in Queen 17 Years After Coming in Second

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 8:04am

17 years ago, Adam Lambert came in second place during season 8 of American Idol, losing out to Kris Allen. He went on to become the frontman for Queen, first performing with them during the finale of the competition series. Lambert officially joined the band, which used to be fronted by Freddie Mercury, in 2011.

When asked how joining Queen changed his life, Lambert told the Hollywood Reporter, “I think the more interesting question would be, how did it not change my life? It was such a massive career get. Not only did it give me a lot of credibility within the industry, it kind of proved a point. It was a home that was a real good fit for me — their catalog really suits my strengths as a performer. I learned a lot from Brian May and Roger Taylor. They’re incredible. We spent over 10 years touring, so it really became a big extended family. And getting to honor Freddie Mercury — somebody I really look up to as a performer, as a writer and, from what we know about him, as a human being — I loved the opportunity to celebrate him.”

Related: Season 2 ‘American Idol’ Star Recounts His Audition With Simon Cowell: ‘He Said I Was Ugly’

Lambert also spoke about the fan reaction to joining the band. He said, “There were some fans in the beginning that were resistant, which is natural, and I kind of expected that. Look, this is hallowed ground — you can’t replace the guy. There were going to be people who were protective and territorial. But in a way, it fueled me to work harder. It gave me the hill to climb. Luckily, I had Brian and Roger being very supportive, saying to me from day one, ‘You don’t need to mimic what Freddie did on the recording. You can find your own way.’ That was all I needed to hear.”

Lambert also spent some time discussing the release of his new album, Adam, which he compared to Nine Inch Nails. He revealed that one song, which is out now, was about a big breakup that he went through.

Related: Season 1 ‘American Idol’ Star Splits From Wife After 15 Years of Marriage

“There’s a song on the album that was inspired by a breakup,” he revealed. “’Am I Okay’ was written a week after a five-year relationship ended, so it was very, very raw, very fresh. But even broader than that, moving to New York was all wrapped up in this big life change. One chapter in L.A. was closing, the New York chapter was beginning, and it all lined up with this breakup. So it’s really about reestablishing my individuality, my identity, my wants and needs, my hopes and fears, and recontextualizing them in a whole new environment at this new point in my life.”

Lambert now has six studio albums, including For Your Entertainment, Trespassing, The Original High, VELVET, and High Drama. He also spent time performing on Broadway, working in the revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.

'80s and '90s Toy Favorites Are Coming Together in One Tiny Collectible

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 8:00am

Two of the biggest toy brands of the '80s and '90s are joining forces for the first time ever.

Mattel and Hasbro have announced an unexpected collaboration that brings together Polly Pocket and My Little Pony in a brand-new collectible compact, giving longtime fans of both beloved franchises a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Hasbro/Mattel

The My Little Pony Polly Pocket Compact features Polly alongside fan-favorite Generation 1 ponies Firefly and Glory in a miniature world inspired by classic My Little Pony playsets.

From the outside, the compact showcases Polly and Starshine before opening to reveal a colorful playset packed with nostalgic details. Inside, collectors will find a fold-down waterfall and castle, a cozy pony stable and a rainbow ride where the tiny figures can clip in for imaginative adventures.

The set also includes a micro Polly figure, along with Firefly and Glory, both featuring brushable tails, a callback longtime My Little Pony fans are sure to appreciate.

Mattel and Hasbro also tucked in several Easter eggs for collectors, including classic character artwork throughout the compact and a hidden rainbow brush accessory that pays tribute to the original Generation 1 toys.

Priced at $30, the collectible marks the first collaboration of its kind between the two iconic toy companies, blending the pocket-sized fun of Polly Pocket with the whimsical world of My Little Pony.

Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con will get the very first look at the crossover beginning July 22, when the compact debuts during the convention's Media Preview Night. The collectible will be on display throughout the event at both the Mattel and Hasbro booths.

For fans who grew up carrying Polly Pocket compacts or brushing the colorful manes of their favorite ponies, the collaboration offers a chance to relive both childhood favorites in one tiny package.

RELATED: Hallmark Reveals Disney World Christmas Collection Inspired by New Holiday Movie

1897 Victorian Classic Gets New Star-Studded Adaptation, Starring 'Sexiest Man Alive'

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 8:00am

The 1897 Victorian classic novel Dracula is getting a completely unexpected, positively star-studded new adaptation, starring none other than Wicked and Bridgerton star and People's 2025 "Sexiest Man Alive" Jonathan Bailey, alongside an ensemble cast of several other award-winning celebs.

An upcoming Audible Original of celebrated Irish novelist Bram Stoker'sDracula has just been announced, and it will feature a full audio cast. Joining Bailey in this all-star cast for the English language production, and representing a host of major movies and shows including Enola Holmes, The Dark Knight, The White Lotusand more, are Ella Purnell, Aimee Lou Wood, Louis Partridge, David Jonsson, Lesley Manville and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

The immersive audio adaptation will be available in English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish on Audible starting on Oct. 1, followed by a German language release on Feb. 9, 2027, and Brazilian Portuguese language release also in 2027, although the exact date has not yet been announced.

Directing the project is award-winning director Mary Lambert, best known for the cult classic horror movie Pet Sematary in 1989, who will be making her audiobook directing debut with this Dracula adaptation.

The international cast members include Omar Sy and Deva Cassel in French, Riccardo Scamarcio and Benedetta Porcaroli in Italian, Matthias Schweighöfer and Jeanne Goursaud in German, Asier Etxeandía and Claudia Salas in Castilian Spanish and José María de Tavira and Esmeralda Pimentel in Latin American Spanish, in addition to many others. All language productions of this Dracula adaptation feature full ensemble casts, in addition to these stars.

This unique audio experience is available to pre-order on Audible now. For those looking for additional Audible Original stories to fill the months before this new release, adaptations of Jane Austen'sPride and Prejudice and George Orwell's1984 are currently available on the platform.

Beloved Actor, Recently Diagnosed With Alzheimer's, Turns 80

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:48am

For more than 50 years, Danny Glover has entertained audiences with unforgettable performances in films like Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple, and Angels in the Outfield. Today, the beloved actor is celebrating his 80th birthday, a milestone that comes after sharing a deeply personal health update with fans.

In early July, Glover announced that he'd been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

"I’m still not accepting in my mind all parts of it," he told People magazine of his diagnosis. “There are the moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I’ll never forget."

Despite the diagnosis, Glover said he's determined to keep living life on his own terms. While he acknowledged the challenges that come with Alzheimer's disease, he also spoke about focusing on the present as he navigates his new normal. 

As Glover celebrates his 80th birthday, fans are looking back on a remarkable career that has spanned more than five decades. From his breakout role in The Color Purple to his unforgettable portrayal of Detective Roger Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon franchise, the actor has remained one of Hollywood's most respected and recognizable performers.

And he's got more in the tank. According to his IMDb page, Glover is still very active in the entertainment business and he's got six upcoming credits to his name. Some of those upcoming titles are Dionne, which follows the life and career of the legendary Dionne Warwick, and Killing Winston James, a comedy co-starring Richard Dreyfus.

"I still have my daughter, I have friends. I want to just say, your life continues," he told People.

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Macy's 'Lightweight' Floral Comforter Sets Brighten Up Any Bedroom, Starting at $33

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:45am

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Refreshing your bedding is one of the easiest and quickest ways to revamp your bedroom for summer. Trading heavy sheets and comforters for lighter, brighter layers can bring new life to your space and give it a fresh, updated look for the warmer seasons. And when you want to capture the fresh, organic feel of summer in your bedroom, you can't go wrong with a floral comforter set.

For high-quality floral bedding that won't break the bank, look no further than Macy's. The retailer is now offering up to 70% off several of its most popular floral comforter sets during its Black Friday in July sale, which runs through July 26. These stunning options come in a versatile range of colors and prints that are sure to elevate any home. Plus, they're all lightweight enough to prevent overheating on hot summer nights. Shop our top four picks below, starting at just $33.

Macy's Wysteria Floral 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy's

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Featuring a pretty floral vine print inspired by the beauty of a blooming garden, this set would make any bedroom feel bright, airy, and ready for spring. It comes with everything you need to revamp your sleep space, including a comforter, two shams, a bed skirt, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. Made from 100% polyester with a plush polyester fill, the lightweight comforter can be used on its own during warmer months and layered with a blanket or quilt in the winter. 

Macy's Kathryn Botanical 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy’s

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Bring a touch of nature to your room with this stunning eight-piece bedding set, which features an inviting botanical print in soft tones of green and white. Made of 100% polyester with a polyester fill, the comforter is durable, fade-resistant, and smooth to the touch. The entire set, which shoppers described as "super soft and airy," is also machine washable for easy care.  

South Shore Fine Linens Sweet Floral 3-Piece Comforter Set, $48 (was $160) at Macy’s

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Printed with a dainty floral pattern, this bedding will bring whimsical cottagecore vibes to any space. The comforter is made of premium microfiber for optimal softness and comes in two versatile hues: soft blue and gray. It's reversible, with the pattern emblazoned on both sides, and has a microdown fiber alternative filling that's ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin. 

Macy's Cottage Floral 8-Piece Comforter Set, $33 (was $100) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

This top-rated comforter set is equal parts chic and cozy, thanks to its stylish reversible design. One side features a beige, brown, and green floral and leaf print that's full of cottagecore and farmhouse charm, while the other has a sleek green-and-white striped pattern that works for more contemporary decor. It comes with a comforter, two shams, a bed skirt, a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases, which are machine washable for easy maintenance. Shoppers praised the "lightweight" construction, which makes it ideal for the warmer months.

Related: Macy's 3-Piece Reversible Patchwork Comforter Set Is Rustic Farmhouse Perfection, Now 75% Off

New bedding can easily turn into a pricey investment, but Macy's Black Friday in July sale is making it much more affordable to take the leap. Shop these sets for up to 70% off before the event ends!

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Reba McEntire’s Chilling 1991 Murder Ballad Was Actually a ‘Sign’—And Fans Are Still Obsessed

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:43am

Country music is no stranger to tales of heartbreak and revenge, but few songs carry the chilling weight of Reba McEntire's 1991 "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia."

Originally written in 1972, the Southern-gothic murder ballad became a country music phenomenon when the entertainer put her signature power behind it. Decades later, the country icon opened up about why taking on the haunting song felt less like a career choice and more like a twist of fate.

In an interview for Vevo Footnotes, McEntire recalled the moment she began selecting tracks for her iconic album For My Broken Heart. The very first tape she grabbed happened to be the 1972 murder ballad, making her feel recording the track was simply meant to be.

"I thought it would be great if we could find another old song like 'Fancy,'" the country superstar began. "I was sitting at my desk, reached behind me, and sitting on the credenza was a tape that said 'The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.'"

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She concluded, "I handed it to Tony [Brown, producer],” she shared. “And said, ‘What about this one?’ It felt like a sign.”

Almost two decades prior, actress Vicki Lawrence's first husband, Bobby Russell, wrote the infamous song. Lawrence recorded it, and it first appeared on the Billboard charts in 1972, reaching the No. 1 spot in April 1973. Ironically, before Lawrence lent her voice to the track, Liza Minnelli and Cher passed on the tune, per McEntire's Vevo video clip.

RELATED: Reba McEntire Was Warned Not to Record This 1983 Song; Then It Topped the Charts

Set against the backdrop of a small Southern town, "The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia" weaves a dark tale of infidelity, betrayal, and violence. The story centers on a man known simply as "Brother," who sets out to confront a local named Andy after discovering his wife's unfaithfulness.

Upon arriving, Brother finds Andy already dead. He's wrongfully convicted and executed for the murder. The true bombshell drops in the song’s final verse, where Brother's sister reveals that she was the actual killer all along.

RELATED: Reba McEntire’s Heartbreaking 1991 Country Anthem Tells a ‘Rags to Riches’ Story With a Twist

The video was directed by Jack Cole, who helmed the music videos for McEntire's other beloved hits "Fancy" and "Is There Life Out There?" The singer revealed it took two days to film the mini-movie at the Belmont Mansion on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville.

“My version of the song only went to number 12 on the charts,” Reba reflected, “but it’s become one of my fans’ most favorite songs of my career.”

In the post's comments section, fans agreed with the country superstar. They continue to call her version of the song one of her career highlights.

"Reba is such a talented soul. She is such an amazing storyteller. She's good at everything she does," wrote one fan in the comments section of the YouTube video.

A second admirer exclaimed, "That's incredible Reba! Love your songs thank you for making so many good ones."

"One of my favorite Reba songs," a third follower penned. "That was a good video, the song is a classic. Still listen to it."

It’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing that dark tale to life quite like Reba McEntire did, and knowing it all started with a lucky reach makes it feel even more special. For country fans, it remains an unmatched staple that defined an entire era of the genre.

Related: A Chart-Topping 1972 Southern Murder Ballad Inspired a Feature Film of the Same Name

This 'Harry Potter' Film Is Returning to Theaters—With a Bonus

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:38am

It's time to feel the magic all over again.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is returning to theaters with an extra 12 minutes of behind-the-scenes bonus footage in honor of its upcoming 25th anniversary, Entertainment Weekly reported on Wednesday, July 22.

Warner Bros. has announced a week of "Back to Hogwarts" screenings and global fan events leading up to the 25th anniversary of the November 2001 premiere of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with tickets for screenings going on sale on July 31—Harry's own birthday.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone isn't the only Harry Potter film that will be returning to theaters, as fans will be able to buy tickets to all eight films in the franchise as they play worldwide from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3. However, the first film in the series will be the only one to include bonus footage.

There will also be interactive fan events being held worldwide, including a celebratory screening and a mass wand lesson in cities including Paris, Venice, Madrid, and Sydney, as well as special experiences at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park locations.

The official Harry Potter YouTube and TikTok accounts will also share further announcements on Sept. 1, as fans celebrate the Hogwarts back-to-school date.

After the original Harry Potter series turned Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint into household names more than two decades ago, HBO is revisiting the beloved franchise with its own television series adaptation, scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day on HBO Max.

Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, with Alastair Stout cast as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton taking on the role of Hermione Granger. Other major cast members include John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Bel Powley as Aunt Petunia and Daniel Rigby as Uncle Vernon.

1980 Rock Song, Named No. 1 Hit Song for Six Weeks, Remains a Classic 46 Years Later

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:30am

Blondie created one of rock music's most enduring classics with the release of "Call Me" in 1980.

The rock band, widely considered one of the pioneers of the new wave movement, reached even greater heights when it landed another chart-topping hit, further cementing its status as one of the era's defining acts.

Riding the success of its breakthrough album, Parallel Lines, the iconic band, led by co-founders Debbie Harry and Chris Stein, was presented with an opportunity that would elevate its career to an even greater level.

According to Far Out Magazine, acclaimed producer Giorgio Moroder, also known as the Italian father of disco, created an instrumental titled "Man-Machine" to serve as the theme song for the 1980 film American Gigolo.

With the instrumental completed, Moroder began searching for a female vocalist to write the lyrics and vocal melody that would transform the track into a full-fledged song.

Blondie members Clem Burke, Frank Infante, Nigel Harrison, Jimmy Destri, Chris Stein and Debbie Harry.

Chrysalis Records/Getty Images

Harry, on the other hand, completed the lyrics and melody in just a few hours, noting that she took inspiration from the movie and "pictured the opening scene, driving on the coast of California."

"As soon as I heard Deborah singing a rough version of ‘Call Me,’ I knew we had a hit," Moroder recalled, expressing complete confidence in his decision to work with the band.

Released alongside American Gigolo, Blondie's song, which featured a mix of electronic dance music and rock, debuted at No. 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually climbed to No. 1, spending six weeks at the top spot and 25 consecutive weeks on the chart.

"Call Me" was Blondie's second No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 after "Heart of Glass."

Beyond its chart-topping success, the single ranked No. 10 on Collider's list of the 25 Best Classic Rock Songs of All Time.

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More than four decades after the band released the 1980 hit, fans continue to celebrate its timeless appeal.

On Blondie's official YouTube channel, "Call Me" still receives positive feedback from listeners.

"Over 40 years old since this was released and still sounding brilliant," one wrote.

"Classics never die, love Blondie!!!" a commenter said.

"THE SONG WAS A SMASH HIT WAY BEFORE ANY MOVIE," a fan said, pointing to its later appearances in Bride of Chucky, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and Supergirl.

"This is the first Blondie song that I heard. It was around 1980 and it was the theme song for the movie American Gigolo. 42 years later, still listening to Debbie Harry, relaxing sounds as awesome as ever," a commenter added.

Blondie's "Call Me" is far more than a nostalgic favorite. Its timeless appeal has resonated across generations, further cementing its place as one of the greatest rock hits of the 1980s.

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written by 'Best Supergroup' of All Time, Became a Timeless Anthem

Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin Green Have Big Family News

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:24am

Sharna Burgess and Brian Austin Green have welcomed a new little one to their family. And no, it's not what you think. The couple announced that Birdie Blue—a bernedoodle—has officially become a Burgess-Green.

"We looked and waited a long time for the right fur baby to come into our tribe," Burgess wrote on Instagram on July 21. "After losing Sasha almost 2 years ago our goal was to of course rescue like we have many times before but unfortunately we couldn’t find who we needed."

She went on to say that getting a puppy was the "best choice" for their family, even though it's more work. Moreover, they wanted a big dog that was hypoallergenic.

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"Birdie Blue is perfect, she came from an incredible family and has fit in beautifully. She will hopefully make it to 85lbs and everyone is in love with her," Burgess' post continued.

The comments section of the post quickly filled up with messages from fans who wanted to know more about the pup, while others congratulated the family on their new addition. Some people scolded Burgess and Green for shopping and not adopting, but others defended their decision. Overall, people seem happy for the newest Burgess-Green fur-baby.

"Pure sweetness. We have a medium sized poodle and we got him as a puppy as well. My husband is severely allergic to dogs and pretty much everything else so we had to get a hypoallergenic dog too. Don’t ever feel the need to defend your choice," one fan wrote.

"Our Bernedoodle will be 1 yr old next week. She is the best decision I have made in a long time. Wishing you so many great years filled with tons of adventure! She is beautiful. Its hard for the 1st few months but all work it," someone else said.

Burgess and Green have a full house. They have three dogs and four kids (their son, Zane, and Green's three kids from his marriage to Megan Fox).

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Beloved Metal Band Announces Anniversary Tour 26 Years After Forming

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:16am

Demon Hunter has a special way of commemorating a major milestone as they celebrate 26 years of music.

The metal band, co-founded by Ryan Clark, took to social media to announce the Storm the Gates of Hell Tour.

The upcoming tour also serves as a tribute to their fourth studio album of the same name, marking its 20th anniversary.

The fall tour features a 21-date trek that will kick off this October in Kentucky, followed by shows in major cities across Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, California and more before concluding in Tennessee.

The Christian metalcore outfit not only promises a series of high-energy performances but also brings nostalgia with a collection of songs from their early 2000s era.

Ryan Clark of the band Demon Hunter performs during the 2019 Louder Than Life Music Festival.

Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images

The celebration doesn't stop there, as Demon Hunter also invited two special guests to join them on stage.

Fellow Christian metalcore band Wolves At The Gate and heavy metal band Bloodlines will serve as the opening acts.

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Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, July 24 at 10:00 a.m. local time, while presale tickets will be available starting July 22 at 10 a.m.

Prior to the 20th anniversary tour, Demon Hunter embarked on the multi-leg There Was a Light Here Tour.

The headlining trek began with a fall leg that ran from September to October 2025, covering major cities across the Midwest, South and West Coast.

For the fall tour, Demon Hunter was joined by War of Ages, Convictions and Cultist as special guests.

The second leg ran from April to May 2026, focusing heavily on the Midwest and the East Coast regions, with Convictions and Cultist returning as support

The two-leg tour was held in support of Demon Hunter's 12th studio album There Was a Light Here, officially released in September 2025.

Demon Hunter’s Storm the Gates of Hell Tour

Oct. 7 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
Oct. 8 – Springfield, MO @ Regency Live
Oct. 9 – Dallas, TX @ AM/FM
Oct. 10 – San Antonio, TX @ The Rock Box
Oct. 11 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theatre
Oct. 12 – Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey
Oct. 13 – Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater
Oct. 14 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House
Oct. 15 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
Oct. 16 – Fresno, CA @ Strummer's
Oct. 17 – Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
Oct. 19 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
Oct. 20 – Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw
Oct. 21 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
Oct. 22 – Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
Oct. 23 – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club
Oct. 24 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
Oct. 25 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
Oct. 27 – Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theater
Oct. 28 – Chicago, IL @ WC Social Club
Oct. 29 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

Related: 1968 Rock Song, Written by 'Best Supergroup' of All Time, Became a Timeless Anthem

Europe Just Made One of Its Most Scenic Cycling Trips a Whole Lot Easier

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:15am

A European long-distance cycling adventure just became much easier thanks to a new cross-border initiative that allows travelers to pedal from Denmark to Poland without the logistical headache of returning the rental bike.

Officially launched on May 27, 2026, the new one-way cycling experience follows the spectacular EuroVelo 10 Baltic Sea Cycle Route, linking Copenhagen with Gdańsk through Denmark, Germany, and Poland. The project was unveiled with a ceremonial sendoff outside Copenhagen City Hall before an international group of cycling tourism experts, journalists, bloggers, and tour operators embarked on a five-day journey to test the route firsthand.

The route showcases more than 1,200 kilometers (roughly 745 miles) of Baltic coastline, taking riders through historic cities, fishing villages, sandy beaches, and national parks while connecting three countries on a single cycling adventure.

Cyclists begin in Copenhagen before heading south across the Danish islands of Zealand and Falster. After reaching Gedser, Denmark's southernmost point, riders board a ferry to Rostock, Germany, where they continue east along Germany's Baltic coast. The journey then crosses into Poland through Świnoujście before winding through some of the country's seaside destinations, including Kołobrzeg, Mielno, Ustka, Puck, and the resort city of Sopot, before finishing in the historic port of Gdańsk.

While the scenery is the obvious draw, organizers say the real innovation is the logistics.

The service introduces a one-way international bike rental system developed through a partnership between Danish cycling company OneWayBikeTours and Polish tour operator Poland by Locals. Rather than cycling a loop or arranging costly transport back to the starting point, travelers simply collect a rental bike in Copenhagen and return it once they reach Gdańsk.

That seemingly simple change removes one of the biggest barriers preventing people from attempting long-distance cycling vacations. Cross-border bike rentals have historically been difficult to coordinate because they require international partnerships, transportation networks, and complex fleet management between multiple countries.

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The idea grew out of the Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU) project, an international initiative designed to strengthen cycling tourism across the southern Baltic region. Representatives from OneWayBikeTours and Poland by Locals first connected during a BBU networking event in Sweden in 2025 before collaborating to create the new tourism product.

Organizers hope the initiative will establish the southern Baltic coastline as one of Europe's premier cycling destinations while encouraging slower, lower-impact travel. By making it easier to explore three countries by bicycle, the project aims to support local businesses, reduce reliance on cars, and inspire more travelers to experience the Baltic coast at a human pace.

Journey’s Jonathan Cain Comes for Bruce Springsteen and the Internet Has the Perfect Response

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:12am

Jonathan Cain thought he had a message for Bruce Springsteen — but the internet had one for him instead.

After the Journey keyboardist called “The Boss” an “annoying, bitter old man” for bringing political commentary to his concerts, fans quickly fired back with jokes, criticism, and plenty of defenses of the rock legend.

During a recent podcast appearance, Cain argued that musicians should keep politics out of their performances, saying artists should focus on uniting audiences rather than “lecturing” them. He specifically criticized Springsteen’s remarks about President Donald Trump during his concerts, while praising his own approach of keeping Journey’s music separate from politics.

“I’m a diehard conservative… And guys like Bruce Springsteen should shut up. You know, really, honestly, shut up, Bruce, you know?" Cain said on The Complete Disaster Network. "Him and who’s the other one? Robert DeNiro. I mean, who cares, guys?… Do your art. I try to keep politics out of my music.”

Cain added, “You were born in the USA, weren’t you, dude? So act like it… But even that song, if you look at the lyrics, I mean, it’s a kind of a diss to our country.”

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Springsteen hasn't commented, but many fans pushed back, pointing out that Springsteen has spent decades weaving social and political issues into his music — and questioning why Cain’s comments sparked such a strong reaction.

Quite a few joked, "You lost me at Journey keyboardist" and "Notice how they have to tell you who Jonathan Cain is in the headline while the singer who quit his band over 40 years ago needs no such introduction."

Another person wrote that, "Jonathan Cain is just mad that he got a cease and desist from his own band for an unauthorized performances of 'Don’t stop believing' at a Trump event. He also got kicked off the bands credit card for spending too much money on luxury flights. Statements from him are further from a flex than anything Springsteen has said."

Prince George Is Officially a Teenager—See the New Portrait That Has Everyone Talking

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:11am

Prince George is officially a teenager! Kate Middleton and Prince William’s oldest son turned 13 on July 22, and the royals released a new portrait to celebrate the big day.

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a photo of their teen son on Instagram, adding the simple, straightforward, yet sweet caption, “Happy 13th Birthday George.” 

Unlike his 11-year-old little sister, Princess Charlotte (who posed outdoors in a field of flowers, dressed in a casual striped sweater and jeans) and eight-year-old younger brother Prince Louis (who wore a blue knit zippered sweater), George’s Bday pic has a much more mature look. And of course, that is fitting now that he is 13. 

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What did the Prince wear in his official royal 13th birthday portrait? George is going full GQ in a stylish black suit paired with a classic white button-down. 

Fans of the royal family took to Instagram to wish the young prince well on this milestone birthday. And of course, no one can believe that Kate and William’s baby is a full-fledged teen. 

One commenter referenced a 19-day tour that the family took back in 2014: “How on Earth is he already 13? Wasn’t he just in New Zealand and Australia with his many facial expressions? Happy Birthday not so little Prince George,” and another wrote, “He was once Baby Cambridge with those chubby, rosy cheeks, and now has grown into a young man. Time flies! Happiest birthday to our Prince George!”

But the comments didn’t end there. Based on the responses, almost all of the royal watchers are shocked that George is suddenly a teen: “Can’t believe he’s a teenager!”, “It’s hard to believe little Prince George has grown into a teenager!” and “Where did those 13 years go?” 

Some reminisced about the day he was born: “I was outside the Lindo hospital wing the minute he was born, will never forget the crowds and photographers all wanting to be the first to know of George’s birth.” 

Now that he’s a teenager, George will take the next step and start secondary school this fall. Like his father, Prince William, George will attend Eton College.

In June, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith shared her insights into the royal family’s choice, telling PEOPLE, “Eton was a much-needed haven for William.” She continued, “It will give George a rigorous education that he will need for his role.” 

The Prince isn’t the only royal to have a birthday in July. His grandfather,King Charles III’s wife Queen Camilla, turned 79 on July 17.

Costco’s New Made-in-France Treat Is Perfect With Coffee

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:11am

There’s something about madeleines that feels wonderfully simple. With their light, airy, almost cloud-like texture and just-sweet-enough flavor, they’re a bakery treat that’s equally at home alongside a morning cup of coffee or served as a simple dessert after dinner.

This week, Costco is giving us a chance to enjoy that experience with a new made-in-France find that takes the beloved little cakes up a notch.

St Michel French Madeleines with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling have been spotted in stores, and they look like a little taste of Paris. Even better, each cake comes individually wrapped to help preserve freshness and make it easy to take along for beach days, picnics in the park, afternoon snacks, or back-to-school lunches.

You can take a closer look at the new treat in this July 21 Instagram post from @whats_in_your_cart:

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Priced at $9.99 for a box of 20, these imported madeleines feature the familiar shell shape and delicately golden exterior associated with the classic French treat. Inside, however, is a smooth chocolate-hazelnut filling that adds a richer, more indulgent twist.

Related: Costco Just Added a Savory New Loaf to Its Bakery Lineup

Traditional madeleines are small sponge cakes typically made with simple ingredients such as eggs, sugar, flour, and butter. They’re baked in special scalloped molds that create their signature shell-like appearance and lightly crisp edges. The batter is often rested or chilled before baking, which can help create the rounded bump seen on many traditionally prepared madeleines.

Although they’re commonly treated like cookies because of their petite size, madeleines have a soft, tender crumb that’s much closer to cake. Classic versions may be flavored with vanilla, lemon zest, or orange blossom, allowing the buttery texture to remain the star.

Madeleine cakes and tea

Photo by Juliane Amimer on Unsplash

St Michel’s chocolate hazelnut filling gives that traditional simplicity a little more personality without losing the delicate quality that makes madeleines so appealing. They’re made to pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, where the warmth of the drink complements the soft cake and creamy center.

The individual wrapping also makes portioning easy, although the dreamy filling may make stopping at one a challenge.

Availability can vary by warehouse, but you can check for the St Michel French Madeleines with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling at a Costco near you using item number 1978105.

This Jersey Shore Town Was So Popular It Inspired a 1963 Hit Song, And It's Still a Retro Paradise Today

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:10am

Bill Haley & His Comets made “Rock Around the Clock” the song of summer in 1954 when they played a Memorial Day weekend show at the HofBrau Hotel. Four years later, Chubby Checkerdid The Twist for the first time at the Rainbow Club. Almost 10 years since rock ‘n’ roll broke on the Jersey Shore,Bobby Rydell penned “Wildwood Days,” cementing the Cape May vacation town’s reputation as the capital of teen romance in the doo wop era. 

Wildwood, New Jersey, is still defined by its history as the place where doo wop turned into rock, and where electric harmonies are the soundtrack to summer. Sixty years on, it's a time capsule of those happy days thanks to a proliferation of Googie architecture that’s been preserved as part of the Wildwoods Shore Resort Historic District. Although many iconic hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centers have been demolished over the years, including the HofBrau, over 90 neon-spangled motels remain.

Related: Beloved New Jersey Boardwalk's Famous Pier Is Finally Reopening for the Season and Its Most Iconic Coaster Is Getting a Major Upgrade

From Rock ’n’ Roll Roots to Midcentury Googie Architecture

The story of how Wildwood became the stuff of teenage nostalgia starts not with a motel, but a highway. In 1955, New Jersey completed the Garden State Parkway, which connected Philadelphia and New York City to the Jersey shore just as car culture was getting into full swing. The boardwalks and opulent railroad hotels of Asbury Park, Keansburg, Atlantic City and Cape May had drawn well-heeled tourists since the Victorian era. Some of these century-old resorts are still part of South Jersey’s charm, including the wedding-cake Chalfonte Hotel (Cape May’s oldest still in operation), Hotel Alcott, Congress Hall, and the Inn of Cape May. 

John Greim / Getty Images

With the parkway open, however, it had never been more convenient for the average suburban Joe to drive the family down the Shore for a taste of beachtown life. This new generation of travelers preferred the relatively inexpensive, car-friendly motorlodges that had become part of American life since the first coast-to-coast highway in the United States was built in 1912. Not only motels but also nightclubs, ice cream parlors, restaurants, and other businesses competed for tourists with splashy, eye-catching exteriors that captured the spirit of colorful, futuristic optimism that defined the era. 

When you picture midcentury architecture, you might think of ranch homes and glass office buildings. But you might also picture the dramatic angles, cantilevered rooflines, and geometric shapes and design motifs associated with Googie architecture. The style was named after a design by architect John Lautner, Googie’s Coffee Shop in Los Angeles. 

On the East Coast, however, it was brothers Lou and Will Morey who put modernist style on the map, particularly in the Wildwoods. They drew on Googie styles that defined midcentury Miami Beach, and brought them to Cape May, where New Jersey juts toward Delaware Bay just south of Atlantic City. First was a property called the Fantasy Motel, which Will and his wife Jackye flipped to build a second doo wop motel. They continued developing Wildwood until Wilbert swung for the fences by buying an entire block to build the Pan American, complete with a penthouse suite where the family lived during the summer season.

Related: 1928 Beach Legend, Named Among Most 'Historic Hotels of America,' Is Still a Vintage Hotspot Nearly 10 Decades Later

Some Wildwood properties like the Lollipop Motel expressly leaned into the sweet, family-centered culture of the 1950s. For others, the kitschy themes of motels like the Caribbean, the Kona Kai Motel, and the Ala Kai evoked more tropical vacation destinations popularized by tiki culture and music genres like exotica first popularized by Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and Yma Sumac. Meanwhile, other doo wop motels like the Starlux and the boomerang-shaped Satellite Motel leaned into a Jetsons-era fascination with all things space-age. 

Young people flocked to the Wildwoods on their own, too, where there were plentiful part-time jobs for college students on summer break and an endless parade of musicians playing R&B, jazz, blues, and rock and roll. Dizzy Gillespie, Sammy Davis Jr., Little Richard, The Drifters, The Platters, The Supremes, and other Black artists touring on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” played in Wildwood clubs, drawing crowds of R&B and pop fans from New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. 

MyLoupe / Getty Images

By the time the term “doo wop” was coined in 1961, Wildwood was synonymous with both Googie and early rock and roll. In fact, the two were so linked that Wildwood’s signature style became known as “doo wop architecture”, distinct from the Southern California version named for a coffee shop few Wildwood tourists had ever heard of or visited. If, like Bobby Rydell, you’re dreaming of Wildwood days when you can twist again and rock every night seven days a week, here are some of the best spots in Wildwood to transport you back to the 1960s. 

Must-See Retro Attractions, Boardwalk Bites, and Neon Nights

On Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m., the Doo Wop Preservation League offers Back to the ’50s Neon Nights. These guided trolley tours of midcentury architecture in the Wildwood Doo Wop Motel district start at the Doo Wop Experience Museum, which is housed in the former Surfside restaurant. The museum has interactive exhibits, a retro-style malt shop, a garden filled with neon signs rescued from demolished Wildwood Googies, and plenty of memorabilia from the doo wop heyday. 

It’s not a visit to New Jersey without hitting Wawa, a beloved convenience store chain that’s been slinging hoagies, fresh coffee, and snacks since the 1960s. With almost 300 Wawas in New Jersey, it’s a cultural institution you shouldn’t (and can’t) miss–especially when the Wildwood Wawa is a doo wop masterpiece. Wawa #0729 on Rio Grande Avenue isn’t actually original to the era. It’s new construction carefully designed to blend into Wildwood’s doo wop cityscape, and it has been such a success that Wawa now has a second retro storefront planned for North Wildwood on New Jersey Avenue.

Head down to the boardwalk for the classic Jersey Shore experience. The boardwalk is 38 blocks of arcades, carnival games, the Great White wooden roller coaster, two beachfront water parks, free beaches, and more. Explore the section between Atlanta Avenue and Morning Glory Road to stay within the Doo Wop Historic District. You never know who you might run into– back in 2017, Bruce Springsteen made headlines when he was spotted riding the boardwalk tram. 

John Greim / Getty Images

Morey’s Pier is great for kids of all ages, and yes, it’s named for the same family who made Wildwood’s architecture so distinctive. Grab a bite at the Doo Wop Diner, where you can enjoy burgers named after classic cars, a sandwich named after Ricky Ricardo, the “Johnny Angel” salad, as well as milkshakes and malts in flavors like orange cream and a classic black & white.

Don’t forget to grab a photo in front of the Wildwoods Beach Ball Sign before you leave the boardwalk. Families will love the Blue Palms, named for bright blue artificial palm trees straight out of Dr. Seuss. Access to Morey’s Piers and the Beachfront Water Parks is included in your stay when booked directly, and the on-site Jersey Girl Kitchen serves up brunch, dinner, and live music.

Adults will enjoy the boardwalk nightlife that’s open until 1 a.m. Grab a drink at The Point Tiki Bar or hit classic local wateringholes like the Firehouse Tavern before returning to your hotel for the night. Girls trips and bachelorettes will find the right vibe at the Pink Champagne Motel, with its Barbie-worthy coffee makers, microwaves, and mini fridges in the rooms and suites. For weekends with the boys and stag trips, bachelors will enjoy the swim-up Tiki bar at the Oceanic. 

Grab breakfast at Uncle Bill’s, a family-run local chain that started in 1962 in nearby Stone Harbor, New Jersey, and now boasts 8 locations across the Jersey Shore. In addition to “Our Famous Strawberry Waffle” and a wide range of pancakes–from the Iowa corn to the Yeasty Old Fashioned Buckwheat–Uncle Bill’s also offers apropos dishes like the Hawaiian Ham Steak and Creamed Chipped Beef. 

Related: I've Been Going to the Jersey Shore My Entire Life—and These Are the Best Hotels on New Jersey’s Beaches

Where to Stay, Dine, and Experience the Vintage Charm Today

Couples can make some memories at the Pan American Hotel, inspired by Will and Jackye Morey’s own honeymoon at the Americana Hotel in Miami Beach. This elegant spot with its rotating starburst sign and two-tiered sun deck is just steps from the beach and has an outdoor heated pool and an on-site restaurant. Save room, though. It’s hard to beat Urie’s Waterfront Restaurant for a romantic night out. They’ve been serving up seafood and steaks since 1956, and the menu still includes time capsule favorites like a wedge salad, sirloin and lobster tail, local Middle Neck Clams served casino, and breaded Jersey flounder. 

Wildwood, New Jersey, is a rare time capsule where the Camelot era is still alive and well. But the doo wop architecture that makes Wildwood so special is still under threat. The iconic Chateau Bleu was demolished just last year to make way for new development. Still, it’s encouraging that major chains like Wawa and McDonald's are investing in the doo wop district’s signature style. 

So is the way that new generations continue to resonate with the art and architecture of the 1950s and ‘60s, from Gen X’s rock-a-billy and ska scenes to the influence of television shows like Mad Menand The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Millennials’ taste for mid-century modern. In a cultural moment when nostalgia for all things analogue is inspiring Gen Alpha to look decades past, Wildwood, New Jersey remains a travel destination with a little something for everyone, from those who lived it to those who want to travel through time.

Related: I've Been Going to the Jersey Shore My Entire Life—and These Are the Best Hotels on New Jersey’s Beaches

One of 'The Bachelor's' Biggest Success Stories Just Shared Heartbreaking Family News

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:03am

Sean Lowe and his wife, Catherine Giudici Lowe, have shared some news on social media. Their middle child, son Isaiah, has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

"This past week has been a rough one for the Lowes," Catherine's Instagram caption began. "Our precious boy Isaiah was admitted to Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with type 1 diabetes."

The mom of three went on to share the symptoms that caused Isaiah's pediatrician to run some tests. These symptoms included weight loss and excessive drinking and urinating, both of which the Lowes had attributed to other things (a growth spurt and a really hot summer). However, after receiving the "alarming" test results, the Lowes were told to head to the emergency room.

"This tough boy has endured countless injections, four days away from his home and a lifestyle and routine that feels very very foreign," Catherine continued. "He’s done all this without losing his playful spirit and a joy that doesn’t make sense. A lot of tears, pain and confusion too, but he has been a trooper, no question about it."

Dozens of fans sent prayers, love, and support to the whole family by way of the post's comments section. Many Instagram users shared their own experiences with kids who have had the same diagnosis.

"My son was diagnosed at age 8. I know it’s overwhelming. But it’s completely manageable. You’ve got this! My son is healthy and an athlete and just turned 12. We did injections for two years but love the omnipod 5 pump!! It’s so easy and amazing," one person commented.

"So very sorry. As a mom of a 20 year old T1D (diagnosed 12 years ago), please know you have a huge community of supporters. If you haven’t yet, please connect with your local BreakthroughT1D (JDRF) organization. They’re wonderful for resources," another fan wrote.

The Lowes met on Sean's season of The Bachelor. The two got engaged on the finale and tied the knot in a televised wedding on January 26, 2014. They have three children together, Samuel, 10, Isaiah, 8, and Mia, 6.

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We Found Nature-Inspired Gold Leaf Earrings That Look Like Wearable Art, Now 40% Off

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 7:01am

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Parade and ShopHQ are both owned by the same parent company. Featured products are selected independently by the editorial team at Parade.

Whether you're shopping for stylish watches, elegant home decor, or premium skincare, ShopHQ is one of the smartest places to hunt for trending products right now. If you're looking to add this season's hottest styles to your rotation, it's also a fantastic place to snag gorgeous jewelry at a steal. The retailer frequently offers outstanding clearance deals on high-quality pieces from exclusive collections, meaning you can score designer-level craftsmanship at a fraction of the original price.

The Toscana Italiana Gold-Plated Acqua Bagnata Leaf Dangle Earrings are a perfect example. Currently on sale for $60, down from $95, these bold earrings capture the kind of organic elegance dominating summer 2026 style trends. Nature motifs, artisan-inspired textures, and high-fashion statement earrings are everywhere this season, and this pair delivers it all in one polished package.

Toscana Italiana Gold-Plated Acqua Bagnata Leaf Dangle Earrings, $60 (was $95) at ShopHQ

Courtesy of ShopHQ

These earrings feature a hammered acqua bagnata (or water-washed) texture in 18-karat yellow gold-plated bronze. That gives them an artisanal, light-catching finish that strikes a nice balance between modern and timeless. Each earring measures a substantial 2.75 inches long, which allows the palm leaf design to frame the face and gracefully sway with your movements. Expertly crafted in Italy, these earrings showcase an incredible attention to detail that puts them on par with fine art.

Not only are these earrings a stunning statement piece, but they're also incredibly versatile. You could pair them with a simple tee and jeans to give your everyday look a bold pop, add them to a tropical-themed outfit on vacation, or wear them with a flowing summer dress or linen blouse for a date night or at a garden party. They stand out enough to be the focal point of your look, but they're also an elegant choice for more formal events. The warm gold tone complements everything from neutrals to brights, making them easy to reach for no matter what you're wearing. 

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Whitney Cummings’ Trump Joke Cut From Netflix Special — Fans React After Comedian Sets Record Straight

Wed, 07/22/2026 - 6:52am

Whitney Cummings is clearing up the mystery surrounding her missing Donald Trumpjoke.

After a clip from the Mark Twain Prize ceremony went viral but did not appear in Netflix’s final special honoring Bill Maher, fans questioned whether the streamer had removed the controversial punchline.

The controversy began after Cummings revealed that a joke targeting Trump had been removed from the broadcast. Earlier in July, she said one joke about the president was cut during rehearsal, and later revealed that another joke from her set — in which she joked that Trump “got caught in sex traffic,” a reference to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein — would not appear in the Netflix version.

Cummings says that’s not what happened. The comedian took to social media to explain that Netflix “didn’t cut any of my jokes” and urged people to “use your noggin” before blaming the platform.

According to Netflix, the decision to remove the joke came from the Kennedy Center, which had contractual control over edits to the broadcast. The clarification sparked a new wave of reactions online, with some fans questioning the decision while others dismissed the controversy entirely.

Mark Twain Prize for @billmaher now on @NetflixIsAJoke. Netflix didn’t cut any of my jokes. Some were cut. Use your noggin 🤟 pic.twitter.com/cAJsX2HBSN

— Whitney Cummings (@WhitneyCummings) July 21, 2026

Overall, the response was more divided than outraged. While some fans viewed the missing joke as a censorship issue, many others criticized the punchline, Cummings’ comedy, or the attention surrounding the controversy. After Cummings and Netflix clarified that the streamer was not behind the edit, the conversation shifted from “Why was the joke cut?” to “Who actually made the decision?”

A large number of commenters appeared uninterested in the censorship debate, instead arguing that the joke was not worth the attention or that Cummings was overreacting. Some said Trump jokes have become predictable or “too easy,” while others focused their criticism on Cummings’ comedy career.

Meanwhile, a smaller group remained skeptical of the explanation, suggesting the joke may have been removed to avoid controversy or political backlash. Others viewed the edit itself as evidence of outside pressure, despite Cummings’ insistence that Netflix was not responsible.

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