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Which summer food brings you sunshine and happiness? From backyard BBQs to beach picnics, sultry nights spent standing in line for your favorite ice cream cone to fresh produce (mmm, watermelon!) and a glass of your favorite crisp rosé wine, summer sets the stage for enjoying seasonal treats galore. Chances are you also have a bevy of heartfelt memories that center on delicious summer foods, whether that’s enjoying freshly picked berries with whipped cream with loved ones on warm, sunny evenings or noshing on nachos or a hot dog at a baseball game with your significant other. But which summer food best matches your vibe? Look to your birth month, which tells an astrology-based story about your perspective, strengths, challenges, and tastes. 

The Summer Food That Reflects Your Personality, Based on Your Birth Month

Read on to learn which summer food matches your vibe, based on the month you were born.

January: Ice cream cone

Born at the start of a new year, you claim either hardworking, serious Capricorn or humanitarian, group-oriented Aquarius as your sun sign. Both signs are ruled by Saturn, the taskmaster planet, which oversees commitment, reality checks, and boundaries, and both signs are equally committed to putting their noses to the grindstone to be recognized for their hard work. In turn, your vibe best matches a good, old-fashioned ice cream cone. Whether, as a Cap, your standard order is a traditional vanilla or, as an Aquarian, an eyebrow-raising, unconventional scoop like a Salt & Straw flavor (goat cheese marionberry habanero, anyone?), an ice cream cone has the potential to be both traditional and inventive, just like you. 

February: Key lime pie

You came into the world when the sun was moving through either imaginative, innovative air sign Aquarius or ethereal, mystical water sign Pisces, which means you’re capable of taking care of business and also getting lost in the clouds. This echoes the tart, bright, wake-your-tastebuds-up flavor profile of key lime (feels a bit Aquarian, right?) paired with lush, creamy whipped cream or meringue on top (so Pisces). The graham cracker crust acts as the sturdy foundation you might benefit from as an inventive, daydreamer February-born person.

March: Watermelon

Born when the sun was moving through either mystical, empathic, sensitive water sign Pisces or go-getter, dynamic, playful fire sign Aries, you’re a child at heart, which echoes the feeling that watermelon can’t help but bring to mind. After all, it’s a timeless summertime treat that most of us have loved since we were tiny. Its juiciness mirrors Pisces’ watery way of moving through the world while its ability to be just perfect in its simplest state sans any accoutrement feels very straightforward Aries.   

April: S’mores

You came into the world when the sun was taking a trip through either passionate, competitive Aries or grounded, tactile, sensual Taurus, and the all-time campfire favorite, a decadent s’more feels right up your alley. The toasted marshmallow aligns with your fiery nature, if you were born when the sun was moving through Aries, and the ooey-gooey, luxurious chocolate and practical “hold it all together” graham cracker feels reflective of how you show up in the world if you claim Taurus as your sun. All in all, the experience of making and enjoying a s’more is truly in tune with your lighthearted, mindful nature as an April-born person. 

May: Salt water taffy

Whether you were born when the sun was moving through slow and steady earth sign Taurus or curious air sign Gemini, you’re lighthearted, relationship-oriented, and social. Since its invention in Atlantic City in the 1880s, salt water taffy has been beloved by beachgoers. You can just imagine people buying a bag of it as soon as the warmest day of the year hits, which is often around your birthday season. It’s tied to buzzy, fun times with friends and loved ones at a place where you can sink your toes into the sand and enjoy the beachy breeze—elements that represent who you are as someone born in May.

June: Cherry tomatoes

The sun was in either social butterfly, curious air sign Gemini or family-oriented caregiving water sign Cancer when you were born, making cheery bright red cherry tomatoes sitting on a vibrant green vine representative of your vibe. Whether they’re chopped up and tossed into a fresh salad served at a dinner party with friends from every corner of the globe or baked into a frittata on a Sunday morning while you sip coffee with your loved ones, the sweet summer fruit (after all, it has seeds!) reflects your zippiness, bubbliness, and adoration of your nearest and dearest. 

RELATE?: The 4 Birth Months With Old-Soul Karmic Wisdom

July: Burgers

Born when the sun was in either nurturing, caregiving water sign Cancer or sunny, dramatic fire sign Leo, you love spending time with friends and family, showing everyone just how much you care by making a drool-worthy spread. You might be a fan of getting together in someone’s backyard and firing up the grill, which is where burgers are a crowd-pleasing staple. Given your heartfelt nature, if you’re more influenced by Cancer, and bold, resolute M.O. if you're more influenced by Leo, you likely enjoy the chance to dress your burger with toppings that you’ve traditionally loved over the years, whether that’s fresh avocado or sizzling bacon.

August: Blueberries

You were born under bold, action-oriented, spotlight-loving fire sign Leo or sensitive, intuitive, cerebral Virgo, you appreciate being applauded for your versatility, ability to please a crowd, and the light, bright happiness you tend to inspire in others when you’re being especially true to yourself. That’s quite like blueberries, which are one of the most beloved, time-honored summer fruits—not to mention, the top fruit of choice among the preschool set. As a family-loving Leo, you might even have heartfelt memories of picking or sharing blueberries with loved ones, and if you’re more of a wellness-conscious Virgo, you’re all for the berry’s amazing stores of antioxidants. 

September: Peaches

You were born under either intuitive, cerebral earth sign Virgo or beauty-loving, partnership-loving air sign Libra, making you especially relationship-oriented, social, and deeply invested in bringing more balance and beauty into the world. That’s why the summertime stone fruit, the beloved peach, is reflective of your vibe. Pretty and sweet, it’s also capable of serving as a key ingredient in appetizers (like salsas and salads), entrees (incorporated into a pork chop or chicken dish), and desserts (cobbler, anyone?). Plus, they’re a nutritional powerhouse boasting vitamins, and antioxidants—a characteristic that mirrors how much you work to bolster others’ (and ideally, also your own!) well-being.

October: Summer veggie pizza

The sun moved through partnership-oriented, romantic air sign Libra and intimacy-seeking, magnetic water sign Scorpio during the month you came into the world. In turn, you care deeply about connecting with others, and baking up a summertime veggie-packed pizza is a beautiful example of a variety of different flavors blending well with one another. Whether you dress it up with zucchini or summer squash that’s fresh from the garden, red bell peppers you found at the farmer’s market, or basil that your bestie brought over from her windowsill plant, the vibrant kaleidoscope of a pizza made with fresh summertime produce reflects your innate ability to nurture your bonds. 

FUN: Which Fleetwood Mac Album Mirrors Your Soul, Based on Your Birth Month?

November: Cracker Jack 

Whether you were born under the powerful, fearless water sign Scorpio or go-big-or-go-home, wanderlust-fueled fire sign Sagittarius, you’re someone who is capable of showing up in the moment and throwing all of who you are into your experiences all summer long. That’s why the ultimate baseball game snack, Cracker Jack, feels aligned with your personality. Beloved for decades as a goodie to devour while watching your favorite team knock it out of the park, the caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts reflect your adoration of time-honored traditions and infuse the lives of everyone around you with a surge of joy. 

December: Summertime Caesar salad

Born with your sun in either adventurous Sagittarius, symbolized by a centaur, or industrious, serious Capricorn, symbolized by the Sea Goat, you’re capable of putting in the work to get where you want to go in life and pouring all of yourself into a well-deserved, fun-filled time-out. That mirrors the vibe of the caesar salad, which is highly traditional like pragmatic Cap, but also has a lot of potential for inventive twists, which Sagittarius loves to bring to the party. For instance, whether you add fresh avocado, charred corn, or chopped cucumber, there are a bevy of ways to make a caesar equal parts mealtime workhorse and deliciously playful, just like you.

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If you think you have seen everything Las Vegas entertainment has to offer, a mind-bending new arrival is about to challenge your senses in total pitch darkness.

The internationally acclaimed multi-sensory attraction DARKFIELD is officially making its Las Vegas debut at AREA15, the city’s hub for experiential art and immersive entertainment. Opening Thursday, July 30, the psychological installation brings three of its most famous container-based experiences—SÉANCE, FLIGHT, and PLACEBO—to the desert for the very first time.

Darkfield - Seance (0:23)

Unlike traditional haunted houses or VR attractions that rely heavily on jump scares and flashy visuals, DARKFIELD strips away sight entirely. Guests step inside customized, highly detailed shipping containers transformed to mimic specific real-world environments—a commercial airliner cabin, a clinical medical research facility, or a Victorian seance room.

Once the heavy doors lock shut, the lights drop into total, absolute darkness. Putting on specialized headphones equipped with 360-degree binaural audio, visitors are plunged into an audio-driven narrative where sensory effects, subtle physical motion, and scent cues trick the brain into accepting the illusion as real.

Related: This Las Vegas Attraction Is Part Art Space, Part Theme Park—And It's Expanding in 2026

The Three DARKFIELD Experiences Arriving at AREA15:

Area 15 / Darkfield

• FLIGHT: Set inside a replica airplane cabin, this attraction explores the terrifying concept of quantum mechanics and parallel realities. Through 360-degree sound and subtle cabin movement, guests experience two alternate outcomes for the exact same flight—one safe, and one catastrophic.
• SÉANCE: Taking place inside a dark Victorian room around a long table, this psychological thriller turns the spotlight on group hysteria and the paranormal. Guests are asked to put their hands flat on the table as a spirit guide attempts to contact the other side in total darkness.
• PLACEBO: Styled as a clinical drug trial room, this mind-bending installation explores the placebo effect, sensory deception, and how easily human perception can be manipulated when vision is removed from the equation.

Related: One of the Top-Ranked Experiences in the U.S. Is in Las Vegas, and It Has Nothing To Do With the Strip

By relying on intense psychological immersion rather than visual effects, the UK-founded attraction has earned a global cult following across London, Sydney, and Melbourne. For travelers looking to break away from the usual casino floor shows and nightclub crowds, DARKFIELD delivers a genuinely eerie, high-concept thrill that will leave you questioning what is real long after the lights turn back on.

Related: Downtown Vegas Hotel Brings Back $100-a-Night All-Inclusive Deal for Summer 2026

Few songs in movie history have ever matched the spirit of Carly Simon’s iconic 1988 anthem, "Let the River Run," the theme song from the feature film Working Girl.

Written as an ode to female ambition and determination, the track quickly took on a life of its own far beyond the big screen. Yet while millions of fans sing along with its legendary chorus, few realize the massive, record-breaking feat the song pulled off behind the scenes.

The song instantly became the ultimate anthem for anyone chasing a big dream. But behind the scenes, Simon completely rewrote the history books, pulling off a staggering award-show streak that remains untouched to this day.

According to newsperson Dan Rather's Substack, "Let the River Run" allowed the singer and songwriter to "win the movie theme trifecta — Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy — for a song created entirely by one person."

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Simon's website shared her thoughts about the song. It shared that she first read the script for Working Girl and was inspired by the story of an ambitious young woman's determination to break through the corporate glass ceiling, starring Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford.

"Carly has stated that she found inspiration for the lyrics by first reading the original script and then by the poems of Walt Whitman. Musically, she wanted to write a hymn to New York with a contemporary jungle beat under it, so as to juxtapose those opposites in a compelling way," the statement read.

The statement continued, "A version of this song, with slightly modified lyrics, was used in a USPS commercial shortly after September 11th. The phrases 'Silver Cities Rise' and 'The New Jerusalem' seem to have taken on a new meaning for many people, but the song was not originally composed with any particular political and/or religious overtones."

Simon won an Academy Award in 1989 for "Let the River Run." She said in her acceptance speech, "This is for you, Mike [Nichols, the film's director]. You are really the guardian angel tonight."

"Thank you to my husband Jim Hart for writing the best lines in the song [the couple divorced in 2007]," the musician continued. "To 20th Century Fox, Clive Davis, and everyone at Arista. My children. If you found a television set on that island where you are, your mom is really proud."

The song's same unshakeable spirit feels even more poignant today. In a candid statement opening up about her Parkinson’s diagnosis to PEOPLE Magazine in July 2026, Simon reminded fans that while illness can alter a life, music remains a sanctuary.

She said, "Working on the music [for her new LP Comes in Waves] gave shape to days that did not always have much shape. It gave me somewhere to go without having to leave the room. It reminded me that illness can change your life without becoming the whole of your life."

This sentiment echoes through every soaring note of "Let the River Run". Decades after crafting the anthem to celebrate overcoming obstacles. Its message of inner strength and perseverance feels like a living testament to Carly Simon's strength and tenacity, 38 years after the song's release.

Related: 1977 Sultry Carly Simon Hit Was Blocked From Reaching No. 1 by a Song People Loved to Hate

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When you're in need of a home refresh, but can't necessarily break the bank with new furniture, then the best way to revamp is with a new rug. Whether you're looking for a pop of color, a classic minimalist option, or a jaw-dropping pattern, Wayfair has you covered with major deals on highly-rated items. We're currently eyeing the Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi Eden Rug feat. CloudPile, which is up to 76% off now.

The highest discount brings the rug, measured at 5 foot by 7 foot and 6 inches, down from $339 to just $82. The lowest price tag, $48, is on the rectangle size measuring 2 feet and 3 inches by 3 feet and 9 inches. You can purchase the piece in five total sizes in the rectangle shape, as a runner in four sizes, or square shape in one size. The largest available size is 8 feet and 6 inches by 11 feet and 6 inches. 

Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi Eden Rug feat. CloudPile, From $48 (was $940) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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The rug is being sold in two colors mimicking the same floral pattern. One focuses on beige, green, orange, and pink hues, while the other features green, ivory, and pink hues. The latter option is perfect for those who want something subtle but still with a stunning pattern, and the former is ideal for those who need a bolder color choice. 

The piece consists of a vintage-inspired floral design with colored borders, reminiscent of something you'd see in Anthropologie or Pottery Barn, but at a much higher price point. The polyester rug has a power loom weave and is backed with polyester and cotton. The material is pet-friendly and stain-resistant, so if there is spillage of any sort, buyers are advised to spot clean with a damp cloth and vacuum accordingly for best results.  

Related: Martha Stewart’s 'Modular' $18 Organizer Bin 6-Pack Is an 'Elegant' Way to Tackle Your Junk Drawer

Nearly 1,200 reviewers gave this rug a five-star rating, with shoppers describing it as "super soft," "vibrant," "absolutely gorgeous," and "super cozy." Although the rug is already intended for high-traffic areas, you can additionally invest in a rug pad from Wayfair that ensures it doesn't slip. The beauty of the design is that it can act as a statement piece or delicately fill a room without overwhelming your decor. 

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Upgrading your home doesn't have to cost you a pretty penny. Add this stunning vintage-style rug to your living space for a budget price, while it's up to 76% off at Wayfair. Hurry though, because customers are scooping it up quickly! 

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Tony Award-winning actor Aaron Tveit has announced that he and his wife, Ericka Yang, are expecting their second child!

On Monday, July 27, the Broadway actor and his actress wife announced in an Instagram post that their family were growing. The Instagram post featured moments from their summer, including their daughter, whom they welcomed in November 2024.

“We’ve been having the best summer with our little one… and our littlest one on the way 🤍🤍,” the Instagram caption read.

Tveit recently spoke to Todd Snyder about how being a father changed his work-life and affected how he prepared for a role. He has recently finished a stint in Chess and will soon reprise his role as Christian in Moulin Rouge!

"When I was single, work maybe took up a little too much of my life. Now I feel that there’s a bit of an escape, a bit more balance. I still work as hard as I ever did preparing for a role or a performance, but I can hold things a little looser. I’m also more focused at work because I want to be able to walk in the door at the end of the day and see my daughter smiling," he explained.

Ericka Hunter Yang and Aaron Tveit attend "Schmigadoon" Broadway opening night at Nederlander Theatre on April 20, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Valerie Terranova/WireImage)

The couple first met in 2009, according to Vogue and went on a few "fun dates" but neither of them was “interested in a serious relationship." Tveit and Yang later reconnected in 2019 when they both appeared in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway. He starred as Christian while Yang was in the ensemble.

The couple made their relationship public on Instagram in May 2021, when he wished her a happy birthday. Their red carpet debut came in September the same year, when they appeared at the Tony Awards together.

Tveit gave Yang a shoutout during his Tony-winning speech, thanking her for her “love and support and always putting up with me.” The pair tied the knot on June 22, 2025, in New York City.

"[Our daughter] is the reason we decided to have a wedding,” Tveit told Vogue, per People. “We wanted to celebrate our love with our people.”

Related: This Beloved 1988 Broadway Musical is Getting A New Cast Recording

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Summerween is in full swing, and shoppers are lighting up their gardens with a touch of whimsy and magic. The viral trend, which blends the sunny vibes of summer with a dash of spooky Halloween fun, is a favorite among shoppers who can’t wait for October to arrive each year. Everywhere you look, people are embracing the chance to fill their yards and patios with twinkling lights and quirky seasonal touches that make July nights feel just a bit enchanted. 

The Rirool Antique Style Solar Fairy Light Set, now just $18 at Walmart, has quickly become a favorite for anyone looking to create an enchanting outdoor atmosphere. Down from its $30 price tag, this charming watering can design with cascading fairy lights and a fairy silhouette garden stake brings a storybook feel to patios, lawns, and flower beds. It’s an understated way to embrace the magical, otherworldly charm of Halloween while the weather is still warm!

Rirool Antique Style Solar Fairy Light Set, From $18 (was $30) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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This solar light's standout feature is the delightful effect it creates after sunset. As day turns to evening, the watering can appears to pour a gentle stream of golden light, thanks to flexible LED strands that mimic the look of flowing water. The soft, warm white glow or rainbow of color is perfect for lining walkways or accenting your favorite garden nook, while the black fairy silhouette adds a playful, antique-inspired touch during daylight hours. Shoppers loved how the light transforms simple outdoor spaces into magical, inviting retreats.

The set is designed with both beauty and practicality in mind. Made from weather-resistant metal and durable ABS, it's built to withstand the elements throughout the seasons. The solar panel on top charges during the day and automatically turns on at dusk, providing eight to ten hours of illumination without the need for outlets or wiring. Assembly is simple: just connect the hook and stake, press it into the ground, and arrange the lights to create your own waterfall effect. The 23.6-inch hook allows for easy placement among flowers or along a path, and the lightweight construction makes it effortless to move as needed.

Shoppers have raved about the set's unique design and the quality of the materials. One reviewer called it "beautiful" and "easy," noting how much gardeners, children, and anyone "young at heart" will adore.

"Pictures are worth a thousand words," one shopper stated. "Beautiful and solar powered, it's designed to look as if it is a watering can being held by a fairy watering your flowers. Gardeners will love it as well as children."

Rirool Antique Style Solar Fairy Light Set, From $18 (was $30) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Another highlighted how easy it is to assemble and how sturdy the finished display feels, even during unpredictable summer weather. The 3D starry sky effect inside the watering can is an extra surprise, creating a mesmerizing display that feels right out of a fairy tale.

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Related: Martha Stewart's Vintage-Inspired Floral Comforter Set 'Instantly Brightens the Room,' Now 47% Off

At just $18, the Rirool Solar Watering Can Fairy Light Set is a fun, affordable way to add a little magic to your yard or garden. Whether you're embracing the Summerween trend or simply want to brighten up your outdoor space, this light set brings antique-inspired charm and a warm, inviting glow to any landscape.

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When it comes to cruising, there’s a plethora of options, from family-friendly ships with fireworks at sea to ultra-luxury brands where caviar can be served right in your suite. But if you’re traveling with your extended family, it can be hard to figure out which brand is the best to make everyone’s vacation dreams come true. 

So we asked three expert travel advisors this exact question: What cruise line is best for great multi-generational cruises and why? And while all three gave the same answer, their tips for executing that multi-generational cruise of a lifetime are what stand out. 

Related: 7 Best Family Cruises for the Ultimate Core-Memory Vacation

What’s the Best Multi-Generational Cruise for Families?  There are many opportunities to meet Disney characters on a Disney cruise, such as at Disney's private island destination Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Photo by Matt Stroshane, courtesy of Disney

“The best multi-generational cruise is the one where everyone feels like they had their own vacation, yet still comes home with incredible memories they created together,” says Beci Mahnken, VTA, Founder & CEO of MEI-Travel. Mahnken suggests Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, or even Princess Cruises for a multi-generational cruise. “The key isn’t choosing the 'best' cruise line; it’s matching the right family with the right cruise line based on their travel style, interests, and expectations,” she continues.

Royal Caribbean offers families endless active days, where mornings can start with a dip in the pool or a climb on the rock-climbing wall, and evenings can end with a high-energy dance party in the club. On the other side of the spectrum, Princess Cruises is all about relaxing and immersing yourself in a destination, especially on cruises to Alaska or the Mediterranean. Somewhere in the middle is Disney Cruise Line, known for its attention to detail and making sure everyone in the family feels that warm sense of Disney magic. 

Greg Antonelle, co-owner of MickeyTravels, LLC and Let’s Adventure Travel, LLC, mirrors Mahnken’s response by saying Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are the best for multi-generational families. 

“Disney has styled its ships so that every member of the family can go off and enjoy their own adventures during the day. Then, they’ll all come together at night to participate in rotational dining together. There, they can regale one another with their tales of exploration,” says Antonelle. 

He also says that the luxury of choice is what makes Royal Caribbean so exciting, particularly with one ship. “The Icon of the Seas is absolute overkill in this regard in the best possible way. That ship is one giant adult playground at sea, yet kids love it every bit as much as their parents.”

Our third travel advisor strictly says Royal Caribbean is the best for multi-generational families. “There are so many activities for all ages, including kids clubs, carousels, rock climbing, miniature golf, pools, hot tubs, a casino, laser tag, family dance parties and specialty dining, just to name a few. Also, their entertainment is top-notch and enjoyable for kids all the way to grandparents,” says Melanie Kostrab, Travel Advisor and Team Lead at Travelmation. 

Related: Is This the Best New Cruise Cabin for Families? A Look Inside the Norwegian Luna

What Multi-Generational Families Should Know Before Booking a Cruise Alaska is an ideal cruise destination for a multi-generational trip.

Royal Caribbean

“One of the biggest things people should know before booking is to book early. Multi-generational families often need several staterooms close together, connecting cabins, or specific room types, and those tend to disappear quickly,” Mahnken says. She also encourages families to plan as much as possible ahead of time so you’re not wasting your precious time onboard solving problems.

It's also easier if you work with a travel agent who can do the heavy lifting for you, like linking various onboard reservations. “This can be a confusing process, so go to an expert who can handle this for you,” says Kostrab.

You should also do your own research (or use a trusted travel agent like one of the ones highlighted in this story) to learn how all-inclusive your cruise really is. “The overwhelming majority of cruise businesses use that term, but some mean it more than others,” says Antonelle. 

For example, Disney Cruise Line includes soda in their overall cruise cost, but Royal Caribbean does not. 

Antonelle advises that families set clear expectations before the cruise. "You’ll want to speak with all members of your family about what they want to get out of the trip. People often schedule cruises without fully considering what’s involved.”

Some things your family should talk about before stepping onboard the ship include what types of excursions to do and who wants to do them, how much time the entire group wants to spend together, and how much time everyone spends doing their own thing. 

Related: The One Thing You Should Never Do the Day Before Your Cruise, Say Experts

The Number One Tip For Successful Multi-Generational Cruises Disney The Tale of Moana is a fantastic show worth seeing with your entire family on the Disney Treasure.

Disney Cruise Line

Every travel agent said the number one tip for a multi-generational cruise is being okay with splitting up the larger group. 

“Some of the best family memories happen when everyone has a chance to enjoy the vacation their own way before coming back together. Cruises are one of the few vacations where grandparents can relax, parents can recharge, and kids can stay entertained, all at the same time. Then everyone can reconnect over dinner, a favorite show, or a shore excursion and share the highlights of their day,” Mahnken explains. 

Related: Is the Most Exclusive Bar at Sea Hidden Inside a Disney Cruise Line Barbershop?

The guitar was only one way he learned to fly.

Steve Morse turns 72 on July 28 after building one of rock's most varied careers. Born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1954, the guitarist became known for moving easily between progressive rock, jazz fusion, country and hard rock without losing the sound that made his playing immediately recognizable.

His nickname, "The Aviator," is more literal than most rock monikers. Morse is a licensed pilot and former commercial airline copilot who still flies regularly. His 56-acre Florida hay farm even has its own runway.

"Yeah, I fly all the time. I've never stopped flying," Morse told Premier Guitar in 2025.

Morse started playing guitar around age 11 and later studied classical guitar and jazz at the University of Miami. A student project called Rock Ensemble II eventually developed into Dixie Dregs, the instrumental group that introduced him to a wider audience during the '70s. The group refused to remain in a single genre, moving between Southern rock, jazz, classical music and bluegrass on albums such as 1977's Free Fall.

That approach helped earn Morse seven nominations at the Grammy Awards. He was also named "Best Overall Guitarist" in Guitar Player magazine's readers poll for five consecutive years before being moved into its Gallery of Greats.

After a stint with Kansas in the '80s, Morse joined Deep Purple in 1994. He remained with the group for 28 years, making him its longest-serving guitarist, and contributed to eight studio albums beginning with Purpendicular in 1996.

Morse stepped away from Deep Purple in 2022 to care for his wife, Janine, during her battle with cancer. She died in 2024. His most recent Steve Morse Band album, Triangulation, followed in November 2025 and included "Taken by an Angel," a tribute to Janine featuring Morse's son Kevin.

The record was Morse's first with the Steve Morse Band since 2009. Despite arthritis forcing him to change parts of his playing technique, he supported it with a U.S. tour and has continued writing music.

"There's a lot of challenges, but I have a strong desire to keep playing as long as possible," he told the publication.

At 72, that determination continues to carry Morse forward, whether he is holding a guitar, working on his farm or climbing into the pilot's seat.

Related: '80s Metal Legend and Founding Member of Iconic Rock Band Announces Hiatus

By 1982, soft-rock icons America were looking for a spark to launch a chart comeback. They found it in "You Can Do Magic," a top-10 smash filled with soaring harmonies that dominated radio airwaves.

While the track felt completely fresh for the 1980s, its vocal DNA was pure vintage folk-rock. The group’s signature vocal stacking was a tip of the hat to the legendary harmonies Crosby, Stills & Nash made famous on 1969’s "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes."

The song's infectious "do-do-do" harmony instantly jumps out. According to Songfacts, it wasn't just catchy filler, but a conscious throw-back to the CSN hit.

Crosby, Stills & Nash famously wrapped up "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" with that exact vocal style. By using it in "You Can Do Magic," America built a direct bridge back to classic rock royalty.

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America's members Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley had a decade of hits behind them, including "A Horse with No Name," "Ventura Highway," and "Sister Golden Hair." But as the early '80s began, they were looking for a new sound.

They hired Russ Ballard to write and produce several songs for their 1982 album, View from the Ground. "You Can Do Magic" was one of them.

"I think we made a couple of chord changes, but basically took it as he wrote it. And it was very successful. It fit right into our body of work," Beckley told Songfacts. "It was a huge hit and a turning point for us, because it was a hit for Dewey and I, after Danny [Peek] departed. It was our first hit as a duo."

Beckley concluded that he never thought "You Can Do Magic" would become a huge hit. He explained, "That's always hard to say. I always try to put it into, "How happy are you with the results?" I would never be so presumptuous as to think, "OK... clear out that bank account, here it comes!"

American Songwriter writes that the song tells the story of a former skeptic of supernatural love who completely changes his mind after meeting someone special. As the lyrics unfold, he goes from refusing to believe in anything he can't see or touch to realizing this woman holds total power over him, turning his "heart of stone" into clay.

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The song's power and timeless appeal earned it a spot among SiriusXM's Best Yacht Rock Songs of the '80s. It landed at No. 13 between Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy" at No. 14 and Paul Davis' "Cool Night" at No. 12.

Fans believe that the song's endurance comes not only from its stellar vocals but also from its infectious melody and a nostalgia factor that keeps listeners coming back decades later. "You Can Do Magic" peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1982.

America is still actively touring on The Happy Trails Tour 2026. Dewey Bunnell leads the live performances. Gerry Beckley retired from touring in 2024.

Related: 1982 Country Classic That Almost Wasn’t Played on the Radio

The cast of Widows Bay got a proper San Diego Comic-Con welcome during Apple TV's Hall H presentation, with a fully packed house excited for the sleeper horror comedy hit show.

During the panel, which Parade sat in on, the cast and creative were so surprised at the massive crowd, just as they were by the Emmy nominations the ensemble received. Dale Dickey (True Blood), who plays chain-smoking family tree expert Rosemary, recalled her initial reaction to waking up to an award nomination for the role: "Dear God in heaven, what the hell just happened?"

Related: 'The Pitt' Leads 2026 Emmy Nominations—See the Complete List of Nominees

Stephen Root (Barry), who plays Wyck, the resident town elder who warns of the supernatural storm brewing, shared his excitement. "It's amazing, I think, that it became a water-cooler show." Root said of the show's growing popularity, "Day by day by day somebody would come up and talk about the show, and then it became this whole thing."

Widows Bay lands somewhere between a comfort watch like Parks and Rec, if it were dipped into a supernatural alternate universe à la Twin Peaks, where a New England island and its inhabitants find themselves under a curse that brings to life horrors in the vein of Stephen King. It somehow works as a place fans can't wait to see more of; director Hiro Murai (Atlanta) says it's something he and creator Katie Dippold (The Haunted Mansion) imbued in its origin, making Widow's Bay a place they'd want to go to, too, by "making it feel like a real place you can visit."

Murai continued, "I mean, I just go back to our initial conversation. When we were talking about the world-building, Katie would always be like, 'I know this sounds psychotic, but I would stay in that haunted inn, and I would want to get a coffee at that diner.' And so, yes, the horror is there, and it should be sort of off-putting to be there, but I think there's inherent closeness, and you love this place. And so I think that's part of the DNA and what makes the show so watchable."

"I would like to be killed there," Katie Dippold, showrunner and creator, quipped.

Related: Stephen Root Explains 'King of the Hill' Revival's Risky Change and Teases 'Widow's Bay' Season 2 (Exclusive)

The plight of doomed Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) trying to bring tourism to the cursed shores and ignoring all the warning signs quickly endeared audiences. The townspeople have an innate awareness that, yeah, weird stuff happens on the island, but they live with it unless, of course, someone realizes something new and sinister is afoot. Wyck, who's seen pretty much everything, realizes something worse is on the way and tries to get Tom to do something but is met with resistance. "I played a lot of heavies in my life, and what's wonderful about this character is I can bring some humanity into him, and I think that's where we started at the beginning," he said of Wyck's motivation to protect the folks on the island not just from the evil but Loftis' stupidity, which puts them at constant odds.

Root continued to share why he's the best foil to Loftis' terribly laid plans: "To really care about this character, you have to see how tirelessly he's trying to protect the people on the island. And I love being myself a little more in this role than in a lot of other roles I've done. So I think it's about kindness, you know? It really is."

Absent from the panel was Rhys (The Americans), who zoomed in to talk about the show and how he embodied the role of Tom. "My life is a balance of slapstick and farce, and so I was so seen. It made sense." He continued to joke that even in the mushroom trip scene, it was easy to be a hapless buffoon. "I mean, you know I won't divulge things like that, but needless to say, about three or four bottles of good shandy will get you to that place. Which is to be encouraged at times," and seriously added that he studied videos of unfortunate souls on shrooms. "YouTube is the great provider...there was a lot of footage. I shamelessly copied verbatim the footage of people enjoying themselves. And that was to me the most amazing thing."

K Callen, who plays Ruth, the grandmotherly linchpin of the whole first season, talked about that big season finale twist, which tied her lineage, thanks to Rosemary's projector, to the foundation of Widow's Bay. "I knew nothing. I got to read the pilot. That was it. And then, the first day I shot the pilot," revealing that the next time she was on set was for the big reveal, "and the second day I shot like seven, having not read six, five, four, three, or two. I had no idea what this journey was going to be. I had just put my life in Katie's and Hiro's hands. "And it's one that might still be in the balance if the cliffhanger is any indication.

Watch Widows Bay, season one, on Apple TV!

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thaVintage-inspired furniture is one of the biggest home decor trends this year, as more homeowners look for pieces that add character and make their spaces feel curated. Thanks to author and lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart’s home brand, you don't have to spend a fortune — or scour flea markets — to get the look.

The Martha Stewart Bedford Lia Oval Accent Table is a vintage-inspired find that's currently on sale for just $71 at Wayfair, down from $200. At 64% off, it's an easy way to bring timeless style home for less. Shoppers called it the perfect finishing touch for a living room or seating area, describing it as "very good quality" and a "great value for the price."

Martha Stewart Bedford Lia Oval Accent Table, $71 (was $200) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Shop at Wayfair

Part of the Martha Stewart Bedford farmhouse collection, this elegant table combines an oval mirrored glass top with an antique bronze-finished metal base. The table measures 18 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 23 inches tall, making it an ideal fit next to a sofa, favorite chair, or your bed. It can support up to 85 pounds, so there's plenty of capacity for everyday essentials like lamps, books, candles, and decor.

Shoppers said the table looked even better styled in their homes, with one reviewer sharing that "it can be accentuated with a vase or a welcoming candle." Others praised the “elegant” look and described it as a "wonderful side table for a chair" and the “perfect” table for their living room. One Wayfair shopper even shared: "I loved this so much I purchased a second for my dining room!" 

Besides its classic style, the accent table earned praise for its simple setup. Shoppers said assembly is a breeze, with one reviewer noting it was "super easy to put together." 

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Luna Natural Rattan Round Wall Mirror, $59 (was $140) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart French Bird Floral Cotton Green Quilt Set, From $61 (was $184) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Kerry Plastic Stacking Desk Drawer Organizers, $18 (was $25) at Wayfair 

Related: Drew Barrymore's Rust-Hued $13 Herringbone Throw Adds an Earthy Pop of Color to Your Couch

This stylish accent table is too good to miss at this price. Head to Wayfair and snag the Martha Stewart Bedford Lia Oval Accent Table for just $71 before it sells out!

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Remember when Friday nights meant piling into the family minivan or SUV for a dinner out at your favorite restaurant? For most of us who grew up in the '80s, '90s or early 2000s, heading to one of these sit-down chain restaurants was something we looked forward to all week long.

Whether you were celebrating a straight-A report card, a little league win or a birthday, these restaurants always hit the spot. And chances are, you still remember the routine of ordering your favorite burger and fries and looking forward to wrapping up the meal with a hot fudge sundae or a milkshake.

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Sadly, the neighborhoods we grew up in are starting to look a lot different. Many of those classic casual dining restaurants that defined our childhoods are closing their doors for good. With menu prices climbing alongside skyrocketing food costs, a lot of families are skipping the big dinner bill to cook at home or just use a quick food delivery app instead.

That loud, energetic family dinner environment was a staple of growing up in that era. It's pretty strange to see these once-packed spots sitting completely empty now. Let's take a look back at the beloved spots that are unfortunately disappearing from malls and shopping centers across the country.

Classic Sit-Down Restaurants That Are Disappearing

While a few locations are still holding on, these familiar childhood favorites are rapidly vanishing.

1. TGI Fridays

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It's hard to imagine now, but TGI Fridays actually started in 1965 as a trendy Manhattan singles bar, famously popularizing the concept of "Happy Hour."

By the time the '90s rolled around, it had transformed into a family hangout recognizable by its giant red-and-white striped awnings. Inside, you were guaranteed to sit beneath heavy Tiffany-style stained glass lamps while eating your favorite burger next to random brass props and vintage rowing oars bolted to the walls.

The chain ultimately over-expanded, opening hundreds of massive locations that became incredibly expensive to maintain. Over the years, corporate leadership alienated its core crowd by aggressively hiking up menu prices and stripping away the quirky, artifacts-on-the-wall decor that gave the restaurant its identity.

After failing to attract younger diners, the brand suffered a severe financial squeeze, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and permanently shut down all but 72 of its traditional U.S. storefronts.

Related: 8 Iconic Mall Food Court Restaurants That Have Closed Forever (and Why)

2. Red Lobster

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Long before it became the default choice for a graduation or birthday dinner, Red Lobster started back in 1968 as a simple family restaurant in Florida. By the '90s, it was the go-to spot for families who wanted a seafood night out without the fancy price tag.

Kids would immediately run over to look at the live lobster tank in the lobby while parents put their names down on the waitlist. Once you finally got a table, you devoured those warm, garlic-butter Cheddar Bay Biscuits before anyone even looked at the menu.

The business side fell apart when a string of different corporate owners took over and loaded the company with massive debt, even selling off the land under the restaurants so the locations had to pay expensive rent.

To try and bring back crowds, corporate leadership made a huge mistake by turning their popular "Endless Shrimp" special into a permanent menu item. Diners ate way more than the company planned for, causing operational chaos and millions of dollars in supply chain losses.

Between the cheap shrimp disaster and the heavy debts, the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and permanently shut down around 130 of its classic locations.

3. Denny's

Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

Going to Denny's always meant looking for those glowing yellow signs from the highway and sliding into a heavy vinyl booth.

It was the one place where you could zone out coloring on a paper kids' menu while waiting for a Grand Slam breakfast, or crowd around a table with your friends after a late-night high school football game. You never had to check the clock because you already knew the kitchen was open and serving breakfast food at literally any hour of the day.

The trouble is, running a restaurant around the clock doesn't work when people stop staying out past midnight. Between high food prices and the sheer cost of keeping the lights on for an empty dining room, the graveyard shift turned into a massive money pit.

To stop franchises from going under, corporate management dropped its strict 24/7 requirement, allowing owners to lock their doors at night for the first time. Also, before a massive buyout that took the company private in November 2025, the chain launched a strict real estate cleanup in 2024, resulting in the permanent closure of roughly 150 of its classic diners.

Related: You'll Never Guess Where These 10 Iconic '80s Stars Always Eat

4. Ruby Tuesday

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If your family went to the local shopping mall or shopping plaza on the weekend, there was a good chance you ended up at Ruby Tuesday.

The restaurant featured dark wood booths, low-hanging lamps, and heavy brass railings that made the dining room feel incredibly warm and cozy. While the burgers were great, the main draw was the endless salad bar, where kids could watch their parents pile plates high with toppings. It was just a reliable spot to sit down and eat after a long afternoon of running errands.

The business side fell apart as traditional suburban malls lost their crowds to online shopping, taking away the steady stream of hungry shoppers that kept the restaurants busy.

To make matters worse, a private equity firm bought the chain and began aggressively cutting costs to handle rising food bills. The company has closed hundreds of locations from its peak footprint, leaving it with a tiny fraction of the storefronts it used to run.

With sudden closures continuing to hit locations unexpectedly, finding that famous salad bar has become incredibly rare.

5. Romano's Macaroni Grill

Jeff Greenberg / Getty Images

Sitting down at Macaroni Grill always started with the box of crayons your server left at the table so you could draw directly on the white butcher paper tablecloths.

The dining rooms felt massive, always smelling like fresh rosemary focaccia dipped in olive oil while opera music played over the speakers. It felt like a celebration whenever your table passed around those huge family-style bowls of fettuccine alfredo or chicken scallopini.

The issue was that keeping those big, open buildings running turned into a financial disaster when ingredient prices and wages went up. After dealing with constant changes in corporate management and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, the chain's overall footprint shrunk by roughly 90 percent.

The brand has pretty much disappeared from suburban neighborhoods, dropping from over 200 busy locations down to just nine open restaurants nationwide.

6. Applebee's

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Walking into an Applebee's meant immediately checking the walls to see your own town's history, since the dining rooms were completely customized with local high school sports jerseys, old photos and neighborhood memorabilia.

It was the undisputed default choice for cheap spinach and artichoke dip, late-night half-priced appetizers and casual weekend lunches where everyone in the family could actually agree on something from the giant menu. Those dark wood booths were always packed on a Friday night, making it the one place in town where you'd inevitably run into someone you knew.

The "eatin' good in the neighborhood" model hit a rough patch as rising food and labor costs forced franchisees to hike up menu prices, making a dinner out a lot harder to justify for families. To handle the slump in foot traffic, parent company Dine Brands launched a multi-year footprint cleanup, resulting in the steady closure of hundreds of underperforming freestanding locations over the last decade.

To save money on overhead, the company is moving away from traditional storefronts and rolling out dozens of dual-branded spaces that combine Applebee's and IHOP under one single roof.

Related: 15 Photos of McDonald's in the 1990s That Unlock a Core Memory

7. Red Robin

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It was impossible to leave a Red Robin feeling hungry because everything about the experience revolved around those heavy plastic baskets of bottomless steak fries.

You barely even had to look at the menu to know you were getting a gourmet burger, and the server would automatically drop off refills of those thick, seasoned fries before your table had even finished the first batch. You ate your meal surrounded by flashing arcade games, vintage comic book art and giant mirrors on the walls that made the whole place feel like a big party.

The trouble is, promising infinite free food doesn't hold up when the baseline costs of beef, potatoes and fryer oil go through the roof. What used to be a clever marketing trick to get people through the door quickly turned into a financial drain that ate away at the chain's profits.

To stop the losses from spiraling, corporate management had to step in with a heavy real estate cleanup, walking away from expensive leases and shutting down dozens of their underperforming locations across the country.

8. Buca di Beppo

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Walking into Buca di Beppo felt less like going out to dinner and more like crashing a loud family reunion. Every room was covered floor to ceiling with quirky vintage photos, red-checkered tables and enough over-the-top decorations to keep kids busy before the food even arrived.

The giant family-style platters of baked ziti, chicken parmesan and spaghetti were made for passing around the table, making birthdays, graduations and big family get-togethers feel even more celebratory.

Unfortunately, the business model became much harder to sustain as fewer large groups gathered for sit-down meals and operating costs kept climbing. The huge portions, oversized dining rooms and staffing needed to serve them all became increasingly expensive while customer traffic slowed.

After closing more than a dozen underperforming restaurants, Buca di Beppo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 and began restructuring the business, leaving just 44 locations operating across the country.

Final Thoughts

The restaurants may be disappearing, but the memories are much harder to erase. From birthday dinners and after-game celebrations to family nights that ended with dessert, these chains were part of growing up for millions of people.

While a handful of locations are still serving customers, finding one of these familiar favorites has become a lot less common than it used to be.

Related: The Real Reason Fast-Food French Fries Tasted So Much Better in the '90s

On July 28, Gerald Casale turns 78, marking more than five decades since he helped shape the sound, image and philosophy of Devo, one of the most inventive bands of the late 20th century.

Gerald was, by his own description, a “hippie” in the years before Devo existed. That ended abruptly in 1970, when the Kent State shootings changed his outlook on life. 

In several interviews, he's referred to it as "the day I stopped being a hippie."

Alongside Bob Lewis, Gerald channeled that experience into the concept of "de-evolution," the idea that would eventually give the band its name and its worldview. The two co-founded Devo together in 1973, though Lewis later left the group before its major-label debut.

Devo's lineup came together in 1976 around two pairs of brothers, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald and Bob Casale, with Alan Myers joining on drums.

When it came to Gerald's musical influences, David Bowie's Diamond Dogs and the tour that followed left a lasting impression on him.

He's said it pushed him to "raise the bar" for his own work with Devo. "I had seen what it takes to combine theater, concept and music in a three-stage rocket to mind-blowing effect," he explained to Spin.

It seems the admiration went both ways. In 1977, at Max's Kansas City in New York, Bowie called them "the band of the future." 

Around that time, Devo began working with Brian Eno, with Bowie also contributing to the production of their debut album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!.

The record won over critics and helped the band cultivate a loyal following. Still, it wasn't until their third album, Freedom of Choice, and its breakout single, "Whip It," that Devo became a household name.

Gerald has talked about how oddly the song came together. “‘Whip It’ came about from four different cassette tapes at different times over a two-week period,” he told Primary Wave Music. 

“And they were each sketches that embody pieces of the composition that became ‘Whip It.’ But they were in different BPM’s [beats per minute], different instrumentations.”

“In fact, the chorus to ‘Whip It’ was a piece [Mark] had done just with a keyboard running through some harmonizer de-tuner,” he continued. “It was almost just like abstract classical music meets [Arnold] Schoenberg [referring to the classic expressionist composer].”

Eventually, Gerald saw a way to bring the fragments together into one song. “There were things in each of them that I liked, and I started saying, why not combine these things over a central beat?” he recalled. 

“And Alan came up with what became the famous “Whip It” beat, which we thought at the time was so cool and strange, and we just loved it because it didn’t really sound like any other beat that anybody was doing.” 

The unconventional approach worked. "Whip It" became a radio sensation and the band's biggest hit, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980. The Freedom of Choice album also climbed to No. 22 on the Billboard 200.

The momentum continued with 1981's New Traditionalists, which peaked at No. 23. But the band's fortunes changed after 1984's Shout, when Warner Bros. bought out their contract. Around the same time, Myers left, tired of the shrinking paychecks.

Devo then signed with Enigma Records, releasing Total Devo in 1988 and Smooth Noodle Maps in 1990, neither of which was a success. By 1991, the band had broken up.

It wasn't all downhill. After Devo split, Gerald went on to direct TV commercials and music videos for other bands, including the Foo Fighters.

The break didn't last, though. Devo reunited in 1996 and continued performing on and off for years. It took until 2010 for the band to release another album, Something for Everybody.

These days, the band remains active on the road, currently touring the East Coast with stops that include Scranton; Pennsylvania, Syracuse; New York, and Raleigh; North Carolina, among others.  

Related: 1964 Classic Ballad, With 15-Year-Old Singer, Became a Timeless Heartbreak Anthem

Ray Dorset, guitarist and founder of the band Mungo Jerry, wrote "In the Summertime" in 10 minutes on a second-hand Fender Stratocaster while working as a lab technician for Timex and . The song went to No. 1 almost everywhere in the world and sold more than 30 million copies. It's been playing on summer radio for 56 consecutive years. Most people who love it have no idea who wrote it.

He wasn't a professional songwriter. Dorset was a man with a guitar, a day job at a watch company, and a chord progression that arrived without warning. The song celebrates carefree summer days with zero irony. It's not about anything except exactly what it says it's about.

The original recording was only two minutes long. Producer Barry Murraydoubled its length by playing it twice with a slightly remixed second half. They needed a motorcycle sound to bridge the two halves. The engineer went outside and recorded an MG sports car revving its engine instead. Dorset played the jug by finishing a flagon of cider and blowing into it. Barry Murray called the whole thing "quite catchy." The band hadn't even wanted it as their single. They preferred their track "Mighty Man." Murray overruled them. It sold 30 million copies.

Then Mungo Jerry played it live for the first time. The Hollywood Music Festival in May 1970 was held on a pig farm near Staffordshire and drew 35,000 people. The bill featured Traffic, Free and Black Sabbath. The Grateful Dead were making their U.K. live debut. Mungo Jerry were unknown. They'd named themselves after a TS Eliot poem. They had no drummer. Percussion came from stomping in heavy boots. They played late afternoon on the Saturday just as the sun came out. Paul King recalls: "Ninety percent of the audience were stoned, just lying around smoking, all pretty lethargic. We went straight in with the harmonicas and the banjo, making a different noise to everybody else. The crowd all started getting up and clapping and dancing. It was like someone had given them an electric shock."

Related: 1977 Eagles Masterpiece, Which Scared Every Kid Who Heard It, Remains Rock's Greatest Unsolved Mystery

By Sunday, they were the ones being asked back.

"In the Summertime" reached No. 1 within a fortnight, ousting Christie's "Yellow River," and stayed there for seven weeks. In one day, it sold 73,000 copies before lunch. In 1970, that meant 73,000 people physically going to a record shop before noon. Not streaming. Walking into a shop and buying vinyl. Dorset had to ask his boss at Timex for time off to appear on Top of the Pops. Mungo Jerry reached No. 1 in 15 countries. American radio didn't know which format to put them in. The rest of the world didn't care.

56 Years Later It's Still Someone's Summer Soundtrack

In summer 2026, TikTok users have created 181,200 videos using "In the Summertime" as audio. New listeners are discovering it through road trip content, beach day videos, and outdoor adventures. It sounds like summer itself: warm, effortless, and belonging nowhere specific. The song everyone knows, and nobody can credit, is still everywhere.

Ray Dorset is still performing it live in 2026. Released in June 1970, it's still the sound of June 56 years later. Mungo Jerry never had another hit anywhere near this size. They didn't need one.

The jug player finished his cider and played the jug. The crowd got up and danced.

Some songs are just summer.

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Traveling with multiple generations means packing for more than just yourself. Whether you're flying with grandparents, parents, young children or a combination of all three, the right carry-on essentials can help keep everyone more comfortable, organized and prepared from the moment you leave home. Thoughtful travel items can help minimize stress, making it easier to navigate the airport and stay entertained in flight.

As someone who covers shopping and travel for outlets like Editorialist, Coveteur, Martha Stewart Weddings and Harper's Bazaar, I've learned that the best travel products are the ones that make the journey feel a little more effortless. These carry-on essentials are practical to benefit travelers of every age, helping your next multi-generational family vacation go a little more smoothly from takeoff to landing.

Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials for Travelers With Pets

Family Passport Holder for 4

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When you're traveling with multiple people, keeping everyone's important documents in one place can make airport check-ins and boarding much less stressful. This RFID-blocking passport wallet has room for up to four passports, boarding passes, credit cards, cash and even SD cards.

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Peace of mind doesn't take up much space, and this mini first aid kit is packed with everything from adhesive bandages to burn gel and gauze. This kit is compact enough to stash in your carry-on so you're prepared for any potential minor mishaps along the way.

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One of the easiest ways to make family travel feel less chaotic is by packing smarter and using packing cubes. These lightweight cubes keep clothes, shoes and toiletries neatly separated, help maximize luggage space and make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for in seconds.

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Related: 8 Best Carry-On Essentials for Solo Travelers

WEKAPO Sandproof Waterproof Beach Blanket

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Finding enough space for everyone to relax isn't always easy. Designed to fit up to three adults, this oversized and portable beach blanket features water-resistant fabric, built-in corner pockets and includes stakes to help keep it secure even on breezy beach days.

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This isn't just for travel days. Fill the compartments with fruit, cheese, crackers, veggies or treats for the flight, then reuse the container for picnics, beach days or poolside snacking throughout your vacation. The sturdy handle and locking lid make it easy to carry wherever the day takes you. 

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Hunting for an open airport outlet is never fun. With enough capacity to recharge most smartphones multiple times, this portable charger keeps everyone's devices powered throughout the trip, while the built-in cables mean you won't have to pack several extras. 

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Related: 8 Minimalist Carry-On Finds For Travelers Over 50

6-Pack Ponchos

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 A little preparation can save an entire day of vacation plans. These compact emergency ponchos are easy to stash in a backpack or carry-on and come in bright colors that make them easy to spot when the skies suddenly open up. 

Get it at AmazonTALES 150 Conversation Cards, Kids Edition

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Whether you're waiting at the gate, relaxing in your hotel or driving between destinations, these conversation cards turn downtime into quality family time. With 150 thoughtful prompts, they're designed to get everyone excited and talking.

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Related: The 10 Best Carry-On Finds on Amazon to Upgrade Your Next Trip

In 1967, The Monkees recorded a song that never charted, yet would become one of the most-heard songs in their catalog. Sixty years later, the song remains a beloved piece of the legendary band’s history.

“For Pete’s Sake” appeared on The Monkees’ third album, Headquarters, which was released in May 1967 and was the first album on which bandmates Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones all played instruments and wrote music.

Written by Tork and Joey Richards, “For Pete’s Sake” featured a groovy ‘60s pop energy with hopeful lyrics about hope, unity, and understanding.

“In this generation/in this loving time/in this generation/ we will make the world shine,” came the lyrics sung by Micky Dolenz.

Ultimate Classic Rock ranked “For Pete’s Sake” among the Top 10 Monkees songs of all time, describing it as an “ode to the youth culture of the times – released just before the ‘summer of love’ kicked in.”

But “For Pete’s Sake” was not released as a single on the No. 1 Headquarters album. Instead, it became the closing theme to The Monkees TV show in the fall of 1967, exposing the generational anthem to millions of viewers each week—and for decades later in syndication.

Tork, who died in 2019 at age 77, once downplayed the seriousness of the song’s lyrics.

“The lyrics to 'For Pete’s Sake' are kind of teenage in its grasp of the issues — shall we say, the depth of its grasp of the issues — but it’s certainly a fun song,” Tork said in an interview published by Goldmine magazine in 2016. “It was wonderful to have the song selected as being the closing theme to the TV show from the second season through all of its reruns.”

He also revealed that he didn’t have a title for the song when he first wrote it.

“Mike named it,” Tork said of bandmate Mike Nesmith in an interview with Mentalfloss. “He’s fond of naming songs with utter disregard to the content, theme, or lyric of the song. He just thought it was funny to call it ‘For Pete’s Sake,’ and I thought that was cool. I hadn’t thought about a title when I brought it into the studio.”

Tork credited producer Bob Rafelson for selecting his Headquarters track out of all the others as the ending theme for the band’s sitcom, as The Monkees transitioned from a made-for-TV pop group to a real recording band.

Decades after its release, “For Pete’s Sake” continues to be introduced to new generations of fans, proving that a song doesn’t have to be a chart hit to leave a lasting mark in pop culture history.

Related: 60 Years Ago Today, The Monkees Recorded Their First Single — And It Became a No. 1 Hit

Nearly six decades after a lucky coin toss launched his career, the drummer behind two classic rock success stories is celebrating another birthday.

Simon Kirke turns 77 on July 28, marking his first birthday since Bad Company entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Kirke co-founded the beloved supergroup in 1973 and provided the steady, powerful backbeat behind songs such as "Can't Get Enough," "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy."

His path to arena stages began in the English countryside, where music offered an escape from an otherwise isolated childhood. Kirke recalled listening to blues, R&B and rock 'n' roll on a small transistor radio before playing drums alongside records at dances run by his school bus driver. The unusual job gave the young musician an early lesson in keeping time.

At 17, Kirke persuaded his parents to give him two years to find work as a musician in London. With that deadline approaching, he flipped a coin to decide whether to make a long trip to see Black Cat Bones. He went, met guitarist Paul Kossoff and soon joined the group. Kirke and Kossoff later formed Free with Paul Rodgers and Andy Fraser, eventually scoring an international hit with "All Right Now."

After Free ended, Kirke reunited with Rodgers and joined former Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell to form Bad Company. The musicians' backgrounds made the new act a true supergroup, but its success quickly surpassed their previous bands in the United States.

Bad Company's 1974 self-titled debut reached No. 1 and went five-times platinum, while its follow-up, Straight Shooter, produced "Shooting Star" and "Feel Like Makin' Love." Kirke also contributed as a songwriter, co-writing "Bad Company" with Rodgers and penning songs including "Weep No More."

"We had no idea how well the album was selling," Kirke once said of receiving Bad Company's first gold records. "We were all in tears. We hit that stage flying. We were levitating with happiness."

Bad Company was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. Kirke represented the group at the ceremony following Ralphs' death and Rodgers' withdrawal over health concerns.

He has remained active since receiving the honor, appearing as a headlining guest at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp in April 2026. As Kirke turns 77, his work with Free and Bad Company continues to place his unmistakable backbeat at the center of classic rock history.

Related: '70s Rocker and Member of Misunderstood Rock Band Turns 71

“Why am I always early?” This is a question you might ask yourself, especially in certain situations, such as showing up at a birthday party before others arrive and attempting to make awkward small talk, or trying to entertain yourself at the airport when your departure isn’t for another two hours.

One could argue that there are two kinds of people in this world: people who arrive early and people who arrive late. It’s almost like a personality test, in which we might (consciously or subconsciously) assume something about a person depending on whether they're an early bird or habitually late. For example, if you’re always early, you might think that someone who’s always late is being rude or unable to manage their time. If you’re always late, you might think people who are always early are too anxious or care way too much. 

But which assumptions about early arrivers might actually have some truth to them? Experts agree that being early can reveal something about your character, but what? Plus, when is getting everywhere early a sign of punctuality rather than anticipatory anxiety or hypervigilance? Ahead, a psychologist shares seven unexpected traits of people who always arrive early, and her take on those questions and the psychology of punctuality.

Related: An Etiquette Expert Is Begging You to Never, Ever Show Up to a Party at This Time

What Being Early Reveals About Your Character

An early arrival reflects someone’s relationship with three things: responsibility, predictability and consideration for others, says Dr. Jenny Martin, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and the founder of Gemstone Wellness, a group practice in Chicago.

“Sometimes punctuality is just treated like a personality trait, but usually it reveals a deeper value, such as respect for other people’s time, comfort when being prepared and a preference for reducing unnecessary stress,” she explains.

Further, that can come from different motivations, such as being organized and thoughtful, or anxious and uncomfortable.

Related: 13 Surprising Habits That Make You ‘Instantly Likeable,’ Psychologists Say

7 Unexpected Traits of People Who Always Arrive Early, According to a Psychologist

Let’s dive in a bit more and get specific. Dr. Martin shares and explains seven personality traits of punctual people.

1. They think several steps ahead

These individuals are ahead of the game. They like to know what to expect and prepare for it, whether it’s traffic or parking difficulties. 

“People who consistently get places early tend to mentally anticipate challenges before they happen,” Dr. Martin says. “This future-oriented thinking can make them appear especially dependable.”

2. They like predictability

Running late can be stressful, and it shortens the time someone has to adjust to a new setting. People who arrive early are especially uninterested in that.

“Arriving ahead of schedule creates a sense of control, allowing them to settle into an environment before other variables are introduced,” Dr. Martin shares. “[They] prefer reducing uncertainty wherever possible.”

3. They prepare before they perform

Preparation can be another way to create a sense of control. 

“Early arrivers tend to be the people that observe, gather thoughts and orient themselves before rushing into meetings, events or conversations,” Dr. Martin states.

4. They fear disappointing others

Empathy and consideration come into play here, too.

“People who arrive early often fear that being late will result in others being frustrated or upset,” Dr. Martin explains. “That worry, even if unconscious, can be a strong motivator to be extremely punctual.”

5. They are sensitive to social dynamics

On that note, early arrivers are often sensitive to other people’s feelings and perceptions, as well as how their actions affect others.

“They are often particularly attuned to social expectations and want others to perceive them as dependable and trustworthy,” Dr. Martin says.

6. They have a strong internal clock

Lots of alarms and reminders aren’t necessarily needed for these individuals.

“They tend to have a heightened awareness of how long tasks take, and where in time it is in the day,” Dr. Martin shares.

7. They're more self-reflective than people think

Punctuality serves in many ways, including its allowance for observation and processing.

“This time can be used to reflect on goals or regulate emotions, or assess how they're feeling before beginning the next task,” Dr. Martin notes.

Related: These 9 ‘Selfish’ Habits Actually Signal High Intelligence, Psychologist Says

When Is ‘Being Early’ Actually Hypervigilance in Disguise?

As mentioned, arriving at places early can stem from more positive traits—such as consideration for others and empathy—as well as more unpleasant ones, such as anxiety. It can even be a sign of hypervigilance, which basically means always being “on alert” for potential problems. When is the latter the case?

“Being early is actually hypervigilance when the motivation shifts from preparation [to] threat avoidance,” Dr. Martin explains. “When someone is operating from a place of fear rather than security, it is a strong sign that anxiety is an underlying factor.”

That can stem from childhood experiences—even unresolved childhood trauma—or hypervigilance in childhood.

To determine if hypervigilance or anxiety is present for you or someone else, she encourages asking this question: “How would this person feel if they were running five minutes late?” If the answer is extreme panic, shame or fear, then anxiety is likely at the root.

Related: People Who Trust Themselves Do These 7 Things Differently, Psychologist Says

Is Your Punctuality a Preference or an Anxiety Response?

Sometimes, punctuality can feel like “just a preference” when it’s really rooted in anxiety. But is that always the case? 

According to Dr. Martin, punctuality can be a preference, anxiety or a bit of both.

“Some people healthily prefer punctuality, as it allows them to regulate their nervous system and prepare for an event with a sense of control,” she explains. “For others, punctuality functions as an anxiety management strategy to avoid intensely distressing feelings.”

It’s not always an “either/or” situation, though. She adds that some people may like to be punctual out of respect and conscientiousness, but have moments of anxiety that drive their punctuality. Knowing which one(s) your timeliness stems from is what’s key.

Up Next:

Related: A Psychologist Says if You Always Prefer Self-Checkout, You Likely Have These 9 Traits

Source:

• Dr. Jenny Martin, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Gemstone Wellness, a group practice in Chicago.

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Just as gorgeous as they are functional, area rugs can instantly elevate the aesthetic of a room and transform it from drab to fab. By decorating the barren space on your floor, they’ll effortlessly tie your furniture together, add an eye-catching accent, and make your home feel intentional. Aside from the style aspect, area rugs also protect your surfaces from scratches, keep your feet off of the floor, and help reduce noise, which is ideal if you’re living in an apartment. 

If you’re looking to add one to your space, this Chitooma Washable Floral Area Rug at Walmart is a fantastic choice, especially if you can’t get enough of the cottagecore aesthetic. Right now is the best time to snag one because it’s currently on sale for less than $40 for a limited time with a flash deal. Normally retailing for $69, the 5-foot-by-7-foot rug is now marked down to just $39 in five colors, including dark blue, light blue, beige, green, and pink. 

Chitooma Washable Floral Area Rug, From $39 (was $69) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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Featuring a stunning nature-inspired design, this rug oozes with cottagecore charm. It boasts vibrant flowers in various shapes, sizes, and hues, giving this piece a cheerful and lively feel. For some depth and dimension, the empty spaces around the flowers are filled with leaves and scrollwork vines. 

Along with scrollwork vines, this rug also has a few other vintage-inspired elements that add to the cottagecore aesthetic. The pattern is mirrored down the middle, creating an elegant symmetrical design. Completing the design, this rug has two ornate floral borders that frame the pattern. Shoppers love the style of this piece and described it as “gorgeous” and “beautiful.” 

Made of polyester, this rug mimics the plush feel of wool. Reviewers confirmed this, noting that it feels “very soft” underfoot. For peace of mind, the material is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified. It has been tested and is free of over 1,000 harmful toxic substances, ensuring that it’s safe and skin-friendly. Place it anywhere from your living room to your dining room to keep your bare feet off the ground and give them a cozy area to rest. 

Chitooma Washable Floral Area Rug, From $39 (was $69) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Shop at Walmart

While soft, this rug has a low-pile profile measuring less than 0.3 inches thick. You can set it near doorways and it shouldn’t get in the way of the door opening and closing. The sleek profile also means that you can set furniture evenly on top of it without wobbling. Because of the short strands, this rug won’t cling to dust, hair, and dirt, making it ideal for high traffic areas. The back of the rug has a non-slip design, preventing it from moving around as people walk on top of it. 

If you need to give this rug a quick refresh, you can vacuum it on low power. For a thorough clean, simply toss it into the washing machine! A shopper noted that they spilled coffee on the rug and it washed off without leaving any stains behind. 

This area rug is also available in three larger sizes, including 6 feet by 9 feet, 8 feet by 10 feet, and 9 feet by 12 feet. Prices for those vary depending on size and color, ranging from $69 to $120. 

Shop More Deals 

• Easycozy Faux-Cowhide Area Rug, From $41 (was $46) at Walmart
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Accent your space with the Chitooma Washable Floral Area Rug to liven up your space with  some cottagecore charm and make it feel inviting. It’ll only be on sale for a limited time at Walmart so be sure to get it while the 5-foot-by-7-foot rug is still just $39! 

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Sally Struthers turns 79 on July 28, marking a milestone for one of television's most beloved and influential sitcoms. Best known for playing Gloria Stivic on All in the Family, Struthers is now the last surviving main cast member of the groundbreaking series that helped redefine what network television could be.

Premiering in 1971, All in the Family starred Carroll O'Connor as outspoken patriarch Archie Bunker, Jean Stapleton as his kindhearted wife Edith, Rob Reiner as son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic and Struthers as their daughter Gloria. Today, Struthers is the only surviving member of that quartet. O'Connor died in 2001 at age 76, Stapleton died in 2013 at age 90, and Reiner was tragically killed in December 2025 at age 78 alongside his wife Michele in a homicide for which their son Nick Reiner has been charged.

The Norman Lear-created sitcom tackled race, politics, feminism and generational conflict with a boldness that was virtually unheard of on television at the time, becoming one of the defining shows of the decade. It topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive seasons from 1971 through 1976, the first television series ever to accomplish that feat.

Struthers' journey to the iconic role almost never happened.

Before landing All in the Family, she was a performer onThe Tim Conway Comedy Hour. But executives thought the joke of having Struthers as the only dancer on Tim Conway made the show look "cheap" and they fired her.

"The suits in New York said that I made the show look cheap," Struthers recalled in a 2012 interview with Newsday. "And the producer said, 'That's the whole point, we're trying to make it look like the Conway show doesn't have a budget, has no money, and so that's why there's only one Tim Conway dancer instead of a line of them like the June Taylor Dancers on The Jackie Gleason Show, and there's only one musician, and they can't even afford an instrument for him, so he's standing at a music stand, humming the opening theme song.'

"That's funny! And the suits said, 'No, it makes the show look cheap.' So they let me, the Tim Conway dancer, go. And if they hadn't done that, I wouldn't have been free to read for All in the Family."

As Gloria, Struthers often found herself caught between her father's old-school worldview and her husband's progressive ideals, helping fuel many of the show's funniest and most memorable debates. Her performance earned five Primetime Emmy nominations and two wins for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, along with four Golden Globe nominations.

Although Struthers later admitted she sometimes wished Gloria's character had evolved more quickly and even unsuccessfully tried to leave the series during its run, she has also spoken warmly about the lasting impact of the show and the opportunity it gave her, including telling Fox News about the father-daughter relationship she developed off-screen with her on-screen father O'Connor.

Following All in the Family, Struthers reprised Gloria on both Archie Bunker's Place and the spin-off Gloria. She went on to build a remarkably versatile career, appearing on Broadway and in national touring productions, voicing characters in animated favorites and winning over a new generation of fans as Babette Dell on Gilmore Girls. Since 2024, she's also appeared as Virginia Foldau on Netflix's A Man on the Inside.

Nearly 50 years after All in the Family ended its original run, the show's influence can still be felt across television, and Struthers remains a living connection to one of the medium's most groundbreaking ensembles. As the last surviving member of the sitcom's core cast, her legacy is inseparable from a series that forever changed the American family comedy.

Related: Last Surviving Cast Member of Groundbreaking '70s Drama Turns 86