Lauren Kershner

3 days ago | islands.com | Lauren Kershner

Boasting postcard-worthy villages, like Grafton with cozy inns and local goods, and America's most beautiful town that thrives in the fall, Vermont is certainly no stranger to charming destinations. Joining the United States as the 14th state in 1791, it's no wonder that it's also filled to the brim with historic towns and landmarks.

3 days ago | islands.com | Lauren Kershner

Central Oregon is home to some of the state's most charming and scenically beautiful destinations. From quiet, artsy towns boasting year-round activities and breathtaking mountain views like Sisters to vibrant cities brimming with craft beer, art, and outdoor adventure like Bend — which is also home to the world's last remaining Blockbuster Video — there are plenty of gems to explore in the heart of the Beaver State.

4 days ago | grunge.com | Lauren Kershner

Immortalized in Shakespearean prose, literature, and on-screen film portrayals, Cleopatra is arguably the most famous female ruler in Egyptian history, followed by Queen Nefertiti and Queen Hatshepsut. Wielding their power from the throne in an era largely dominated by patriarchal rulers (not that much has changed in modern times), these ancient Egyptian baddies weren't the only matriarchs to triumph in the Pharaonic Era.

5 days ago | grunge.com | Lauren Kershner

Have you ever wondered why maple syrup bottles have those tiny handles? It's a common question that has both perplexed and intrigued Reddit users, bloggers, and everyone else in between for years. Contrary to the stout bottles filled with the delectable breakfast glaze in question, the answer isn't as short and sweet as you might think. While the classic maple syrup bottle offers an undoubtedly charming visual appeal, the handle isn't a world-changing invention.

1 week ago | grunge.com | Lauren Kershner

For the first time in history, there's an American pope in Rome. The new pontiff is 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent years ministering in Peru. On May 8, 2025, he was met with a roaring crowd in St. Peter's Square after being elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year long history of the Catholic Church.