Perhaps one of the most beloved characters of all time, Smokey Bear, is turning 80 this year, and we can’t wait to celebrate alongside the United States Forest Service. Created in 1944 by the U.S. Forest Service as the lead symbol in its Wildfire Prevention Campaign, Smokey Bear has become an American icon throughout the last eight decades. We don’t know many American adults who don't remember Smokey and his signature catchphrase, “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.”
What you might not know is that the Smokey Bear namesake was given to a real-life North American Black Bear cub. Born in 1950 in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico, Smokey Bear was a victim of a forest fire and was found badly burned as a young bear cub.
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Smokey Bear was nursed back to health by veterinarians in Santa Fe, and in June 1959, the Forest Service transferred guardianship of Smokey to the Smithsonian with the stipulation that his life be devoted to wildlife conservation and forest fire prevention.
He found a permanent home at the National Zoological Park in Washington D.C. and was so popular and received so many letters that he was issued his own zip code. Smokey officially retired in 1975 before dying of old age on November 9, 1976, at 26.
That same year, Smokey Bear Historical Park was established in New Mexico’s Capitan Mountains near the forest where the real-life Smokey was found as a young bear cub.
If you can’t make it to Smokey Bear Historical Park to celebrate the American icon this year, we know the perfect way to celebrate – a Smokey Bear t-shirt from one of our favorite U.S.-based shirt companies, Wear Your Roots.
From infant onesies and adult t-shirts to hats, sweatshirts, backpacks, and decals, anyone who wants to represent Smokey Bear in their clothing can do so with Wear Your Roots.
So, tell us, what is your fondest memory of Smokey Bear in his 80-year history?
P.S. If you were confused about Smokey Bear versus “Smokey The Bear,” you’re not alone – according to the New Mexico Smokey Bear Historic Park website, “the” was added to Smokey’s name when a song was written about the bear, so the lyrics would match the melody. The more you know, right?
The holidays are a magical time filled with twinkling lights, heartwarming traditions, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. These enchanting events across America capture the spirit of the season, offering festive experiences for everyone to enjoy. Soak up the holiday cheer and create memories that will last a lifetime at these bucket-list-worthy holiday events.
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Christmas Events
'Tis the season to be jolly! And what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the magic of Christmas at these incredible events? From dazzling light displays and charming markets to unique Nordic celebrations and Victorian-era fun, there's something special for you this Christmas.
1. Julefest: A Nordic Holiday Celebration - Seattle, WA
Location: National Nordic Museum, 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107
Dates: November 22-24, 2024
Kick off the holiday season with a taste of Scandinavia at Julefest in Seattle. This festive celebration at the National Nordic Museum brings the warmth and joy of Nordic holiday traditions to the Pacific Northwest in November. Explore a Nordic holiday village of handcrafted gifts, traditional foods, and cozy Scandinavian apparel. Enjoy live music, delicious treats, and the lively atmosphere of this beloved Seattle tradition.
Experience the excitement of winter at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, a delightful, authentic German Christmas market right in Indiana. Wander through more than 60 cozy wooden stalls filled with handmade gifts, beautiful German ornaments, and delicious treats like gingerbread and warm mulled wine. Be sure to check out the impressive Glühwein Pyramid, which sparkles with over 3,000 lights! You can skate on the ice rink, listen to live music and find crafts in the children's area. Join in the festive fun and make wonderful memories at this charming holiday market.
Location: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Dates: November 22, 2024-January 4, 2025
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Get ready to be dazzled! Christmas at the Princess is a holiday extravaganza at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. It's open to the public as a ticketed event, so you don't have to be a guest to jingle all the way to some holiday fun. With millions of twinkling lights, festive activities, and enchanting decorations, it's a Christmas dream come true. Glide across the ice rink, ride the Christmas train, and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Don't forget to snap a photo with Santa and explore the magical Christmas Village.
Imagine you've traveled back in time to Victorian London at this fun holiday street festival. Each year, Dickens on The Strand transforms Galveston into a scene straight out of a Charles Dickens novel, with costumed carolers, musicians, and street performers bringing the era to life. Don your favorite Victorian attire and join the festivities the first weekend of December. Walk down the busy streets filled with vendors selling unique gifts, tasty treats, and Victorian-inspired crafts. Don't miss the chance to witness the parades and maybe even encounter Queen Victoria herself!
Experience the best of the season in this charming town that transforms into a dazzling wonderland. McAdenville, located just west of Charlotte, becomes Christmas Town USA, where over half a million shimmering lights adorn every home and business. This mesmerizing display creates a breathtaking panorama that attracts visitors from across the country. Take a stroll or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the radiant streets, and be sure to experience the tree lighting ceremony and Yule Log Parade for a truly immersive holiday adventure.
Hanukkah Events
Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous celebration filled with light, community, and tradition. New York City takes the celebration to new heights with not one, but two massive menorahs competing for the title of "World's Largest"! But only one can claim the official Guinness World Record…
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6. Menorah Lighting in Grand Army Plaza, Midtown Manhattan, NY
Behold the reigning champion! Head to Midtown Manhattan's Grand Army Plaza at the southeast corner of Central Park to witness the lighting of the world's largest Hanukkah menorah (officially recognized by Guinness World Records). This 36-foot-tall behemoth illuminates the plaza each night of Hanukkah. Enjoy live music and dancing as this magnificent menorah is lit, celebrating the Festival of Lights in grand style.
Menorah Lighting in Grand Army Plaza - Brooklyn, NY
Not to be outdone, Brooklyn proudly presents its own contender—the largest menorah in the borough! This massive steel structure lights up Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn every night of Hanukkah. Join the celebration at this historic landmark and experience the magic of the holiday with live music, hot latkes, and gifts for children.
Kwanzaa Events
If you're looking for a vibrant Kwanzaa celebration, the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival is a must-visit event with cultural performances, workshops, and activities for all ages.
7. Capital City Kwanzaa Festival - Washington, D.C.
Location: Typically held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA 23219, but check the website of Elegba Folklore Society for updates.
Date: TBA
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The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival in Washington, D.C., offers a vibrant celebration of the Kwanzaa holiday with performances, workshops, and family-friendly activities. You can explore The African Market, snack on some delicious food, and experience a cultural ceremony highlighting community values and growth. Hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society, this annual event is one of the largest Kwanzaa celebrations on the East Coast and provides a meaningful way to honor the season.
Winter Events
Winter adventures await—check out ways to experience the season's beauty and create new traditions, whether you're seeking pre-holiday fun or post-holiday escapes.
Enjoy a beautiful winter evening at the Luminary Loppet in Minneapolis, and all for a great cause. This unique event takes place by Lake of the Isles, where you can stroll along a path illuminated by over 1,200 glowing lanterns. Take in the sights with a walk, sip hot cocoa, and treat yourself to s'mores to stay warm. Afterward, join in the fun with food trucks, music, and more. Plus, this event supports the Loppet Foundation, which offers outdoor activities for the community throughout the year.
Location: 24 Clark Farm Road, North Woodstock, NH 03262
Dates: TBA, returning winter 2025. For updates, check the website of Ice Castles.
Step into an otherworldly realm made entirely of ice. At Ice Castles in New Hampshire, you can traverse towering archways, slide down icy tunnels, and discover hidden caverns within these epic frozen structures. This frozen glacial kingdom features ice slides, crawl tunnels, a Mystic Forest Light Walk, and even a Polar Pub carved entirely from ice. It's a unique experience that will delight visitors of all ages.
Take part in a one-of-a-kind winter tradition in Aspen, Colorado, at the annual Wintersköl celebration. Started back in 1951, this multi-day festival was created by locals to celebrate Aspen's mountain lifestyle. Today, it's still going strong with exciting activities like skiing and snowboarding events, impressive snow sculptures, a tasty soup contest, a craft beer festival, and a torchlight parade down Aspen Mountain, followed by a fireworks show. It's a fantastic way to have fun in the snow and enjoy the beautiful mountain setting.
New Year's Events
Whether you're seeking a big city bash or a cozy mountain celebration, these New Year's Eve events are the perfect way to welcome a new year.
11. New Year's Eve Times Square Ball Drop - New York, NY
Ring in the New Year with over a million people at the iconic Times Square Ball Drop. This world-famous celebration features a dazzling ball descending 141 feet in 60 seconds, marking the start of a new year. But the excitement begins long before midnight, with live music and entertainment leading up to the main event. This New Year's Eve tradition, a true bucket-list experience, dates back to 1907 and is a once-in-a-lifetime way to welcome a new year.
12. Chinese New Year Festival & Parade - San Francisco, CA
Location: Starts on Market Street and ends in Chinatown, San Francisco, CA
Date: February 15, 2025
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Celebrate the electrifying energy of the Chinese New Year at the oldest and largest Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia. This San Francisco tradition, dating back to the 1850s, features dazzling floats, lion dancers, marching bands, Chinese acrobats, and the star of the show—the enormous Golden Dragon. With over 600,000 firecrackers exploding throughout the parade, it's an unforgettable spectacle of sights and sounds.
13. New Year's Eve Fireworks Show and Ball Drop - Gatlinburg, TN
Head to the Great Smoky Mountains for a special New Year's Eve celebration. Gatlinburg, Tennessee, hosts one of the largest New Year's Eve events in the country, featuring a ball drop from the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle and a spectacular fireworks show. This free, family-friendly event has been a tradition since 1987, and it's a fantastic way to ring in the new year with a bang.
Get ready to be swept away by the magic of the holiday season! These bucket-list-worthy events promise merrymaking experiences, joyous celebrations, and memories that will last long after the holidays have ended. So, start planning your winter adventures and prepare to be enchanted by the spirit of the holidays.
Do you have a hidden gem of a holiday event that everyone should know about? Nominate your favorite festive celebrations and help others discover the magic of the season. And for even more winter adventures, check out the Greenbrier in West Virginia, it gets all decked out for Christmas each year.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
