Erica Jackson Curran

Some parents are given a two-for-one deal when it comes to pregnancy with twins. Whether that sounds like a dream or a nightmare scenario for you, the fact is that twins are quite rare, accounting for only about 3% of live births in the U.S. Of those births, and excluding pregnancies that result from assisted reproductive technology, about 70% are fraternal twins (also known as dizygotic twins); the remainder are identical (monozygotic) twins.1
Fraternal twins develop from the fertilization o...

Summers in Spain are famously steamy—especially because air conditioning hasn’t quite caught on in this part of the world. Midday siestas aren’t as popular as they once were, but many Spaniards have another secret weapon for staying cool when the temperature rises: Spanish spritzers.
What Is a Spanish Spritzer?
These sparkling, sweet and lightly boozy drinks are a refreshing twist on the classic wine spritzer. While the American wine spritzer is usually made with plain club soda, Spanish spri...

From effervescent Vinho Verde to rich and aromatic Port, Portugal is well-known for its wine. But when you’re craving something stronger, the country offers a distinctive lineup of Portuguese spirits and liqueurs—some that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere beyond the country’s borders.
“Portugal has incredibly unique spirits,” says Nelly Saraiva, co-founder of Rhode Island-based importer Brands of Portugal. “While they don’t always have international recognition, they certainly grab the ...

Travel has been linked to greater happiness, empathy, and creativity. But science suggests even just thinking about a trip can give your brain a boost.

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...