Look to the joy of Christmas to lift your spirits as we finish this year! Around the globe, people believe in the future of our world, and we too can have faith and hope that good things are coming. To grow your Christmas enthusiasm, we’ve rounded up a peek at these extravagant locations and events that inspire us to live in the light and celebrate the love this special occasion gives us!

In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus and prioritize the health and safety of the community and participants, the Seaside School and Seaside School Foundation have decided to move forward with a Virtual Seaside School Half Marathon & 5k for its 19th annual event. By participating virtually, you will help aid these incredible learning environments and their cherished students.

Family gatherings in this socially distanced holiday season look a lot different in 2020, but amidst so much change, we might as well have fun with it and spice up our classic ways.  Though we wish everything could go back to “normal,” I believe there are important lessons we can learn from these trying times. You don’t have to cancel the holiday; you can celebrate Thanksgiving with a twist on tradition!

With an eagerness to save time, money, and energy and to eat healthier, many people have embraced meal prepping as an idealized approach to home cooking. Planning your meals ahead of your busy schedule is a sustainable practice that reaps what is sown. Whether you are just dipping your spoon into this epicurean journey or have been on the meal prep train for years, we are here to offer some user-friendly meal prep tips that could change your life!

Combining acclaimed oldies and scenic newcomers, these campgrounds and RV parks are a natural cure for any travel bug! Whether you plan a traditional camping journey with the kids, a glamping weekend with the gal pals, or a couple of months living luxuriously in a motorhome, life on the road is sure to inspire your heart to be grateful for a world of possibility. Adventure is calling—will you answer?

In honor of its 20th anniversary, this year’s Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor® Will Relocate to the Watersound Origins Community for a drive-in viewing on November 6 at 6:30 p.m. Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter. This year’s 20th-anniversary lineup mixes adrenaline-fueled adventure films with stunning and world-changing documentaries.

Founded in SoCal, the Picnic Collective is not your average basket-and-blanket setup. This luxury picnic rental company values aesthetic design and comfort above all! Each picnic tells a story. This magical tradition gives everyone a seat at the table (or blanket) and brings people together to enjoy the ever-inspiring outdoors. The Picnic Collective’s creative styling can turn any day into a special occasion. Cheers!

With a full plate, Tieghan Gerard, creator of Half Baked Harvest, hails from a family of nine. Mealtime in her household usually brought surefire chaos, and Gerard hopped into the mix at a young age, helping cook dinner so that everyone ate before bedtime. Through her many culinary endeavors, Gerard's newfound passion formed into her idea for a cooking blog, and Half Baked Harvest was born.

We know that there’s a lot on your mind when you're planning a wedding, so let your best ladies take care of you and listen to what you want when it comes to the bachelorette! As long as your heart is in it, no bachelorette party is too basic or too extreme. Whether you celebrate with a hometown staycation or an all-out destination bash, this occasion should be a fun way to let loose and relax before you say, "I do."

Black Bear Bread Company, LLC. announces the successful reopening of its natural wine bar Bar Room last month. Located in the Shops of Grayton, Bar Room has expanded with new evening hours along with additional seating via a newly-constructed deck, offering an inviting covered, open-air ambiance.

Keep up with our podcast VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul to hear stories come to life in coffee-casual dialogue. From war heroes to 30A community influencers to travel videographers, VIE Speaks interviewees share a wide range of expertise, and the intimate nature of the podcast gives an ear to the behind-the-scenes details of their personal journeys.

From our family members to close friends and even closer spouses, relationships with others can be complicated, and there is a lot of behind-the-scenes action that takes place to cultivate a connection. One step toward better understanding the beautiful mystery of the human personality is knowing each other’s love languages.