Erica Jackson Curran

Garden cemeteries were among the first public parks in the United States. Long before today’s sprawling, grid-like “memorial parks” were the norm, burial grounds were carefully designed green spaces as welcoming to the living as they were to the dead. Consistent with their purpose of encouraging meditative moments, these parks are defined by manicured landscapes, elaborate sculptures, and winding walkways.
This scenic style emerged in the early 19th century, when overcrowding in small urban b...

Virginia’s cape may not have the widespread name recognition of Cod, May or Hatteras, but the tide is turning for Cape Charles. The Eastern Shore town, situated about 10 miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, spent a few decades in quiet decline after the bridge made the town’s ferry service obsolete and stole most of its traffic in the 1960s. Today, however, that same bridge is bringing visitors from across the bay as well as from up north. (It’s just under a four-hour dr...

From its neon-lit Boardwalk to secluded seaside state parks, Virginia Beach is a study in contrasts.
The city’s lively Oceanfront district tends to attract the most visitors thanks to its high-rise hotels, mini-golf operations and souvenir shops. Yet more intrepid travelers will appreciate the city’s thriving cultural and arts scene, craft breweries and miles of pristine hiking trails. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, traveling with kids or just craving some down time in the sun, here are ...

For traveling families with a full itinerary, a stop at the playground can feel like more work than fun. Sometimes the swing sets and twisty slides begin to blend together whether they’re in Buffalo or Budapest. Unless you’ve happened to stumble upon one of the world’s greatest playgrounds.

Many people are preparing to return to the office after working remotely during the pandemic — and working family caregivers are particularly stressed about it. A recent AARP study found that nearly nine in 10 caregivers said working at home helped them manage their caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic, while 75% of caregivers worry about juggling work and caregiving duties upon returning to the office.
Working family caregivers say they’ve benefited from flexible schedules and the...

You don’t need to splurge to have a good time in Richmond, Virginia. In fact, many of this capital city’s top events and attractions are free.
From world-class museums and historical sites, to music festivals and mural tours, here are some of the best things you can do for free in Richmond.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts isn’t just notable for its expansive collection; it’s also rare to find an art museum of this caliber that’s so focused on accessibility. Open ...

The United States may lay claim to the world’s first national park, but it’s far from the only country whose most prized lands are officially protected by the government.
After the establishment of Yellowstone in 1872, the national park concept took hold across America and beyond.

The year-round party vibe of New Orleans takes on an extra sparkle during the holiday season, and 2021 promises an enthusiastic return to the celebrations of years past. Christmas lights and decorations adorn homes and businesses, while the streets are filled with holiday music – with that distinctly Big Easy flair, of course.
From decked-out hotel lobbies and cathedral concerts to bonfires on the levee and Réveillon dinners introduced by French colonists that stretch into the wee hours, here...

I wrote all of the content for the Cape Charles Main Street website.

Whether you’re in the mood for outdoor adventures, eclectic art or creative cuisine, Virginia’s capital city of Richmond offers something for every style of explorer. This historic town has thoroughly modern sensibilities that first-time visitors are sure to appreciate.
If you’re just visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, here are some of the best things to do in Richmond, Virginia.
Libby Hill Park
To get a comprehensive view of the city, including its history, head to Libby Hill Pa...

When it comes to selling a house, first impressions are crucial — and staging your home is one of the best ways to make it stand out from other active listings from the first moment potential buyers lay eyes on it. Whether starting from scratch with a vacant house or refining what you already have, staging can help buyers visualize themselves in a home. More importantly, we’ve found that staged homes sell more quickly and for more money than unstaged homes. In short, we believe that home stag...

Healthy Paws is a highly rated pet insurance company that’s known for its comprehensive, affordably priced plans for dogs and cats. Their claim process is designed to be quick and painless for customers — simply visit any licensed vet or emergency clinic in the U.S., submit a photo of your bill using their app, and expect for the claim to be processed within two days.

Ten percent of all known pregnancies end in miscarriage. So why does the subject still feel so taboo? For women dealing with the complicated grief of miscarriage, it’s not the stat that’s comforting—it’s the knowledge that they’re not alone, that there is a space to share their story. To help end the culture of silence that surrounds pregnancy and infant loss, Glamour presents The 10 Percent, a place to dismantle the stereotypes and share real, raw, stigma-free stories.
After suffering three ...