Life & Culture

This book has been checked out over 30K times from the Denver Public Library

DENVER (KDVR) — In the past decade, some books at the Denver Public Library have passed through thousands of hands and crossed tens of thousands of e-readers and audiobook listeners.

One story at the Denver Public Library, classified as a children’s book, has been circulated tens of thousands of times in the past 10 years – and the book is over 20 years old.

Most borrowed books in the past 10 years

This list shows how many times the top books have been checked out from the Denver Public Libra

Many Coloradans still haven’t claimed their TABOR refund

DENVER (KDVR) — Taxpayers in Colorado are eligible to get hundreds of dollars back on their taxes. But with the end of tax season closing in, many still haven’t claimed their TABOR refund.

When Colorado takes in tax revenue beyond the limit, Coloradans who file taxes can expect a refund check in the mail known as the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR.

This year, it resulted in a refund of $800 to taxpaying Coloradans who have lived in the state for over a year.

While this is hundreds of dol

Photos: Angelfish at the Denver Zoo gets a CT scan

DENVER (KDVR) — Have you ever seen a fish receive medical care? Check this one off the list of strangest things you’ve seen today.

A fish at the Denver Zoo received a CT scan when staff noticed a change in behavior.

After animal care specialists in the Denver Zoo’s Tropical Discovery habitat noticed the French angelfish had trouble swimming and floating, the little guy was brought to the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital for an exam, the zoo said on its Instagram.

The fish was sedat

How common is your name in Colorado?

DENVER (KDVR) — Do you think you have a common name? It may not be as common as you think in Colorado.

Some of the top names were only popular for a year, like the infamous name Karen, while other names had popularity that spanned across decades.

If your name is James or Emma and you were born in Colorado, sorry, you’re not that unique. The name James was popular for 30 years between the 1960s through the end of the 1980s, then made a reappearance from 2020 to 2022. Meanwhile, Emma became popu

Sitting in Denver traffic can cost you thousands

DENVER (KDVR) — Nothing says a Denver commute like hitting 10 red lights for a drive that was supposed to take 10 minutes or constant braking on Interstate 25 by Empower Field. Waiting in traffic may cost more than just your patience.

A new study shows that Coloradans lose $6,740.21 a year from sitting in Denver traffic.

Most Coloradans in Denver get to work within 25 minutes. Roundtrip, the drive time is less than an hour. But when it comes to the daily commute cost, it tallies to about $26 a

Did you know Denver is one of the freshest non-coastal places you can get fish?

DENVER (KDVR) — Because Denver’s landlocked, it’s not commonly considered a seafood hub, but that doesn’t line up with the numerous seafood restaurants in Denver. While Denver doesn’t have Boston-level fresh seafood, it’s only a few hours off from being one of the freshest catches.

Sean Huggard, owner of Blue Island Oyster Bar, grew up with seafood in Boston, which is where he still gets some of it for his restaurant. The fish caught today in Boston will be on the table in Denver tomorrow.

Tur

Why doesn’t Denver’s skyline block the mountains?

DENVER (KDVR) — The Mile High City is constantly under renovation, but the mountains aren’t going anywhere, and it’s not a coincidence. There’s a reason you can still see the Rockies in some parts of the city.

Denver doesn’t have height limits for buildings downtown, which is why there are buildings as tall as 56 stories. But there are rules against blocking the view of the mountains in some places. The almost unobstructed view of the mountains can be chalked up to plane ordinances, which mainl

Learn how to sail this summer (for free) from a group of skippers on Oneida Lake

Want to learn how to sail in Central New York? A group of skippers on Oneida Lake is offering free lessons every week all summer.

Starting in June, Hobie Fleet 204 will host “Newbie Tuesdays” where professional sailors take people interested in sailing out on their boat on Oneida Lake.

Newbie Tuesdays are for all levels of sailors. It doesn’t matter if the newcomer has never sailed before or if they’re just trying to learn more skills, members of the fleet will happily show them the ropes.

Th

10 ways to beat those mid-winter blues in Central NY

Winters are tough. The days are short. It gets dark after 5 p.m. It’s cloudy. It’s cold. It’s winter in Syracuse.

The icy sidewalks and slushy highways are a good enough reason to never leave the house. While the cold season in CNY is grueling and the month of February is seemingly never ending, there are redeeming qualities when you spend the winter in CNY.

Buckle in, because the winter’s not over quite yet. Whether there’s snow or not, there’s always something to do. Here are 10 things that

Meet the Central New York chemistry prof who moonlights as the ‘British Blacksmith’

Tucked away on a small side road in Kirkville, there’s a British man who is teaching how to forge a Viking knife with just heat, metal and a hammer.

If you didn’t know about it, you’d drive right past it. It’s located behind a house and down a long road. There isn’t a sign but if you slide open the wooded barn door with the welded handle, you’ll find a lit forge and Mark Teece, 54, with charcoal covered hands. He calls himself the British Blacksmith.

Teece originally moved from Britain to the

All you can think: An exhaustive guide to trivia nights (almost) every weeknight in Central NY

Trivia night is the perfect mid-week activity for families, coworkers, competitive friend groups or anyone looking to get out of the house. Most trivia nights take place in bars or restaurants. Get to know your local pubs while showing your smarts. Because nothing’s better than sharing a few beers and showing your friends you’re smarter than them. Most places allow up to seven people and give out weekly prizes.

World of Beer has weekly trivia where you can enjoy outsmarting people over beer and

Not just chocolates and roses: 5 different ideas for a last-minute Valentine’s Day date in CNY

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and lots of traditional date spots might already be booked. If you don’t want to just get dinner (or if you forgot to book a restaurant), we’ve got some fun activities to do with your partner this Valentine’s Day. Here are five out-of-the-ordinary ideas for spending your Valentine’s Day out together.

1. Get hot and steamy at Saunacuse

Escape to the warmth without taking a vacation this Valentine’s Day. Book a private session with your partner in the infrare

Finding ‘Mayhem’ in Syracuse: The free hunt for CNY artists’ hidden gems starts next month

Starting on May 1, a group of artists are hiding artwork all over Syracuse for locals to find. Every day they’ll post clues on their Instagram hinting at where the artwork is hidden.

The Cathedral Collective, a loose knit network of underground artists who connect and broadcast their work through art meet-ups, incorporates Syracuse into their art community by hiding artwork throughout the month of May, known as May Mayhem.

The collective posts a picture on their Instagram of a piece of artwork

Car show at NYS Fairgrounds hosts hundreds of antique cars, including rare Jaguar that does 200mph (photos)

Jef Fern has spent the better part of 42 years restoring the 1970 electric blue Chevy Camaro he bought in high school for $1,800.

Today, after a lifetime of almost every modification imaginable, it’s worth almost a quarter-million dollars. But to Fern, 59, and his partner, Lori Tallent, the money isn’t the real value of the vehicle.

The car has a one-of-a-kind motor. If you catch the bumper in the right lighting, there may still be a glimmer of ‘Just Married’ where it was once emblazoned on th

Tony-winning musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ has Syracuse University ties

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ opens at the Landmark Theatre this week as one of many stops on the musical’s nationwide tour.

The producer of the show is Stacey Mindich, a 1986 graduate of Syracuse University. After a career as a magazine journalist, she went into theater as a producer. She gave the commencement address in 2016 for S.I. Newhouse School Of Public Communications and was in Syracuse this past fall to receive the George Arents’ Award, SU’s highest alumni honor.

The musical is about a high sch

New concert venue to open in a Central NY village this summer

James VanDeuson and his partner Rebecca Girouard searched far and wide for a place to see live music on the weekends. Over the past five years the duo built their lives around music as they trekked across the country on tour with their indie/folk band, The Rollin’ Rust.

But when it came to living in Manlius, the two couldn’t find a nearby venue. So when an office space opened up below their apartment five months ago, The Rollin’ Rust Room was born.

Central New York man outlines how a near-fatal car crash changed his life for the better

The night before graduation on June 30, 1980 in Central Square, Steve Martell was a carefree, punk-rock teenager with the rest of his life ahead of him. But his life was about to change.

Martell took his mother’s car that night to run some errands: pick up four cans of tomato sauce, let his friend’s puppy outside then stop at the music shop. He was listening to Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” on the radio. Then, bang. Someone smashed into the side of his car. His body was flung to the rig

How did Syracuse stay warm (and chic) 100 years ago? Explore cold weather style through the decades at OHA

What did Syracusans wear to stay warm during the bone-chilling blizzard of ‘66? How did they manage to look good in the 1920s while braving some of the nation’s coldest weather? And why would someone turn their dead horse into a winter coat?

A new exhibit from the Onondaga Historical Association answers those questions and more as it takes visitors on a tour of cold weather fashion in Syracuse from the Civil War to the Civil Rights era.

“Come in from the Cold” opens Thursday, Feb. 23 at the OH

Strava CEO And Co-founder Michael Horvath Resigns

In 2009, Michael Horvath co-founded a platform that has connected over 100 million athletes.

In a Strava press release on February 6th, Horvath stated that he would be stepping down.

Strava is a popular online platform that helps athletes track their fitness.

It helps athletes such as runners explore and connect with other runners around the world and track their personal progress.

Strava’s most notable developments include Maps you can find, filter, and share. They have routes anywhere from

Five Minutes with Jason LaBaw, Founder of Social Bee app

, created a new app for people to share their travel experiences with the world. Whether you’re a local in the area or a visitor, this app will allow you to pin your favorite experiences in the area to help others discover your hidden gems. Social Bee includes virtual technology in the real world where augmented reality is taken to the next level.

How did you start Social Bee?

I was on the Board of a 3D product imaging company. So you can think of it like e-commerce and instead of just having

Five Minutes with Children’s Author Carmen Oliver

Carmen Oliver is a published children’s book author located in Austin. She currently has six, soon to be seven, children’s books in stores. She is also the founder of which brings award-winning children’s book authors, like herself, to schools, libraries, and conferences. We recently talked to her about the inspirations for her books.

Did you grow up around books?

I had a lot of storytellers in my life. My grandmother was probably my biggest, and my mom, but my grandmother – we had a really sp

Holiday Gift Items for Her

Do you want to give her something for Christmas that’s as special and unique as she is? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list below and find a gift she’ll love.

Give a gift that lasts a lifetime with the Family Tree DNA genealogy kit. Unlock your legacy and connect with relatives across the globe! This at-home DNA test kit makes it easy to learn more about your heritage. All you have to do is simply swab your cheek and in 6 weeks time you’ll find out your unique ethnic organs and locate rel

2022 Holiday Gift Guide: What to Give the Kids

Christmas is a magical time of year for children. Our gift guide for kids will help keep the Christmas Spirit alive this year. Your child will be thrilled to find these gifts under the tree on Christmas morning!

Kidmento puts memories into your child’s hands. The camera is made for kids to take pictures while everyone else is capturing memories on their iphones. Gift your child their very first camera to capture their own memories. We love how it’s perfect for little hands and perhaps harder to
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Food

Poll: These shuttered restaurants are missed the most in Denver metro

DENVER (KDVR) — Many beloved Colorado restaurants have closed over the years. Some cited the pandemic as the reason, while others mentioned economic factors.

While numerous restaurants have closed all over the Denver metro, people haven’t forgotten these places.

Most missed restaurants in the Denver metro

FOX31 turned to Facebook and asked viewers, “If you could bring back one Denver restaurant, what would it be?”

Sixteen hours and over one thousand comments later, some lost restaurants stoo

9 Colorado restaurants win Michelin award

DENVER (KDVR) — The first edition of the Michelin Guide Colorado awarded nine restaurants close to Denver for their delicious and affordable dining experiences.

Each restaurant won the Bib Gourmand award, which rates restaurants on high-class food at lower prices.

The guide features eight different cuisines from nine spots that are just as delicious but don’t break the bank.

The Texas-styled barbecue spot in Denver was named “a classic mom-and-pop BBQ spot” by inspectors at Michelin, who spec

Recent storms not helping apple-picking season in Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — The heavy rain this year is making the trees more colorful, but it’s not having the same effect with fall apples. Some orchards in Colorado shut down for the season because of the low crop yield from the late frost, hail and rain.

The front range experienced one of the rainiest seasons yet. This rain significantly affects crops because it leaves them susceptible to frost, delayed growth and disease, said Gus Westerman, the Dolores County director at Colorado State University Ext

Colorado brewpub named best in the country

DENVER (KDVR) — USA Today’s 10 Best readers voted for the best brewpubs in the country, and a Colorado location made the number one spot.

The highest-voted brewpub in America is the Stronghouse Brew Pub, which is one of the last intact buildings in Telluride’s Four Corners. Built in 1892, there’s still a rustic feel to the place, except it pours beer now instead of storage for goods from the Rio Grande Southern Railway, according to its website.

The building went through many business owners b

Hydroponics bringing the farm to Denver with new market

DENVER (KDVR) — Lemon basil so fresh it tastes like Froot Loops, chocolate mint, orange thyme and 49 other plant varieties all grown from indoor vertical towers. This is just the start for Farm and Market, the new market and restaurant opening up in RiNo in mid-September.

The idea started in the winter when co-owner Davis Breedlove wanted to make his wife fresh romaine during the wintertime. After a trip to Home Depot, Breedlove made a hydroponic garden, which is a water-based system used to gr

5 top-rated breweries to visit on International Beer Day

DENVER (KDVR) — The first Friday of August brings International Beer Day, where beer lovers worldwide toast to their love of lagers, stouts and IPAs.

FOX31 searched for Google reviews with the highest-rated breweries in Denver in July 2023. Any location that had 4.6 stars or more and at least 900 total reviews was included.

Here are some of the top-rated places in Denver to grab a beer and celebrate the unofficial holiday.

Black Sky has the highest ranking, with 4.7 stars and 932 reviews. Mos

5 places to get Palisade peaches near Denver

DENVER (KDVR) — It’s peach season in Colorado and there’s no better way to spend it than with Palisade peaches, but maybe some that aren’t four hours away from Denver.

Palisade Peach Shack is based on the Western Slope but has frequent pop-ups and appearances at Farmers’ Markets in the Denver area. The full schedule is available on the Palisade Peach Shack – Denver Facebook page, but it includes events in Evergreen, Green Valley Ranch, Centennial, Westminster and Longmont. In addition to actual

Local bars, restaurants support Pride Month with decorated drinks

Plenty of businesses in the Charleston area are celebrating Pride Month with delicious drinks throughout June.

“Everyone deserves representation,” said Traxler Littlejohn, owner of Nippitaty Distillery. “They deserve a chance to live the life that they want without persecution, and it’s just the right thing to do. If you want to live a certain life and be happy, why would I want to stop you?”

Nippitaty Distillery in Park Circle designed the Nippy Naval, which is available for the entire month.

Check Out These Charleston Restaurants with your Boo on your Next Date Night

Dating is hard. Picking the right spot for the date is even harder. These 10 date night spots not only provide the ambiance for the perfect date, but the food and drinks are must-tries in Charleston. Whether it’s a first date or a 50th, these spots are the best to wine and dine your partner.

While it looks just like a place to grab a drink, which is a date in itself, you have to stay and try their food. There’s small shareable plates for a date with drinks and snacks like Caviar Deviled Eggs an

The Charleston 28 Inch Pizza That Changed My Life

The Charleston 28 Inch Pizza That Changed My Life

It started as a hangry pit stop in Mount Pleasant. I was planning on ordering three slices at Benny Palmetto’s and leaving. Little did I know each slice would be the size of my forearm and I would spend over an hour basking in the delight of my gigantic pizza slice.

While I only had a slice, they sell whole boxes of pizza — the boxes are custom sized for the entire pizza, which is 28 inches wide.

To put that into perspective, it’s almost half

Yelp Approved: Best Taco Spots to Visit on National Taco Day

Yelp rounded up 100 of the best taco spots in the country, and some of them are near you. Listed below are the ones in Texas that made the Top 100. So celebrate in style with some of the state’s best tacos on National Taco Day.

Home to some of the best breakfast tacos in Austin, Granny’s Tacos doesn’t disappoint with their specialty menu.

This hidden gem is inexpensive and mouth wateringly delicious. Try their street tacos if you’re looking for a quick bite.

You’ll be hungry just looking at t

Vegan soul food restaurant with a mission opens in Armory Square

A Syracuse entrepreneur with a mission is bringing vegan soul food to the heart of Armory Square.

Rev. Curtis Levy entered the Syracuse food scene in 2016 with a mobile Italian ice cart that was an instant hit on downtown street corners and at area festivals.

The Razzle Dazzle Italian ices moved to Destiny USA in September 2018, and expanded to a neighboring storefront following year with Our Neighborhood Chefs, which offers vegan tacos, paninis and wraps along with desserts from Syracuse-area

20 Comforting Soup Recipes to Try When You're Sick (That Aren't Chicken Noodle) | Livestrong.com

This flavorful soup packs antioxidant-rich veggies and anti-inflammatory spices that help support a healthy immune system, according to an April 2013 study in the ‌International Journal of Preventive Medicine‌. While the chicken and kale are a good way to get vegetables and protein into your system, the herbs and veggies are what make it a detox soup. Plus, when you're feeling lousy it's a bonus that it only needs to simmer for about 20 minutes and can last for up to five days in the fridge.

Wh

‘No place like home’: 315 Foodies launch app with discounts to local restaurants

A pair of entrepreneurs with a love of all things local has launched a new app focused on connecting Central New York foodies with local restaurants.

315 Foodies started out as a popular Facebook group, where 14,500 followers from 200 cities and 30 different countries shared recipes and food reviews.

The posts focused on Central New York favorites, including chicken riggies, half moons, Utica greens, salt potatoes, hot salad, tomato pies, fiddlehead ferns, black and white sandwiches, and mushr

EIGHT Elite Light Lager: New Beer Coming in Clutch

is a beer modeled for go-getters who want to enjoy a drink with friends but still get up early to start their day the next morning. Co-founded by Ruchi Desai Doug Campbell Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman , EIGHT can be found in half of the grocery stores in Texas. We recently spoke with co-founders Desai and Campbell about what makes this new beer so unique.

Who is EIGHT marketed to?

Campbell: So this beer is built for people that we refer to as “early risers”, and I would say those of

Five Minutes with Katie Beal Brown, founder of Lone River Ranch Water

was founded in 2019 by Texan native Katie Beal Brown. She showed the country one of Texas’ favorite cocktails rooted in the high desert of Far West Texas. If you haven’t seen it in stores already, Ranch Water is a hard seltzer with the taste of agave nectar and lime. It is available in Original, Spicy, Rio Red Grapefruit and Prickly Pear flavors along with the Lone River Ranch Rita Margarita.

How did you come up with the cocktail?

My family has been out in West Texas for over 100 years, and my

BBQuest is Back for Season Three: “Beyond the Pit”

If you like brisket plates, brisket sandwiches, or even brisket burnt end steamed buns, stay tuned as is back for season three. The popular video series is now streaming on

The founder of Hardcore Carnivore Jess Pryles is co-hosting the season with Kelsey Pribilski. From touring cattle ranches that make Texas barbecue possible to trying beloved restaurants across the state, the pair will be exploring new flavors and meeting the people and places ‘beyond the pit.’

The two dive into pitrooms aro

5 Celebrities Feeding More People With a Plant-Based Diet

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Many celebrities shift toward a plant-based diet due to health, environmental and moral reasons. Although each person has their own reason for making the switch, they are helping the world more than they know. Here is how five celebrities are helping transform the agricultural industry by making a change in their life.

Efron, a former High School Musical star, transitioned to a plant-based diet in 2018 for his overall health and exercise routine. He said that he metaboli

Dining with dietary restrictions: A closer look on Marshall Street

With finals around the corner, it can be difficult to find time to make your own food. However, our friends with dietary restrictions are not so lucky when it comes to options near campus. While everyone raves about Varsity Pizza and Five Guys, let’s give some attention to our vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, gluten-free, and vegan options on Marshall.

Chipotle is safe for dietary restrictions, as long as your restrictions allow for other food to be close to your food. Vegans, vegetarians, and t

Syracuse’s vegan seasonal menu

Tis’ the season of crunchy leaves and everything pumpkin. While you’re adding all things fall to your October appetite, don’t forget these seasonal vegan meals to your menu.

Strong Hearts’ seasonal menu never fails! They recently started serving the A.B.C. Burger which has a beyond burger, apples, tempeh as bacon, “cheddar,” maple Dijon aioli, maple balsamic caramelized onions, and cumin spiced pepitas. Whether it’s the apples or the maple aioli, this is the ultimate vegan meal for the fall. Th

#FoodieFriday: Andiamo Ristorante – Austin’s Hidden Gem

Spend the night in Italy at Andiamo Ristorante which has some of the best authentic Italian cuisine in Austin.

Tucked away in a shopping center, you will find some of the best Italian food in Austin at Andiamo. Once you open the doors to the restaurant, you will be greeted with the smell of fresh garlic bread you would find in Grandma’s Italian kitchen.

Start off by ordering a bottle of their Tuscany red wine, Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso, and enjoy their mouthwatering bread while you peruse the m
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Travel

Airbnb: This is the top travel destination in Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — The first half of 2023 took the popular vacation rental site by storm with a 10% increase in bookings from last year. Airbnb’s new set of data names the most popular summer destinations by state. But in Colorado, it’s not Vail or Telluride.

Airbnb named Granby as the top travel destination in Colorado, which isn’t exactly a surprise because it’s surrounded by the Rockies and overlooks the Continental Divide.

While Granby is known for being a winter destination because it’s near

Outdoor world records you can visit in Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — Did you know Colorado is home to multiple outdoor world records?

FOX31 looked through the World Record Academy’s Colorado-based records. Here are some of the outdoor world records that are all within a few hours of Denver:

About 45 minutes away from Grand Junction lies the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. The Grand Mesa was formed millions of years ago and the top layer was formed about 10 million years ago. The area is about 500 square miles and the flat-topped mount

Aug. 18-20: Things to do in Denver this weekend

DENVER (KDVR) — It’s a jam-packed weekend for concerts, races and festivals. There’s something to do every day this weekend, but make sure to get out on Saturday, when most of the fun is happening.

The Pinpoint Weather team said the weather this weekend will be full of sunshine with temperatures in the mid-90s and a few light storms on Friday.

Mt. Joy played Thursday for Denver and they’re coming back Friday to play at Red Rocks. The band gives off a 70s rock vibe with songs like “Astrovan” an

Colorado hot spring voted one of the best in US

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado has 93 known thermal areas, and one of the top hot springs in the country is only a three-hour drive and a short hike from Denver.

USA Today made a list of the top 10 hot springs in the U.S., and Colorado’s Strawberry Park Hot Spring claimed fifth place.

The year-round hot spring has five pools that vary from cool water to 104 degrees. Even in the summer, the hot spring is comfortable because the pools are at different temperatures.

You can decide which pool feels bes

5 fall trips to start planning for peak leaf season

DENVER (KDVR) — Fall colors are coming, and they’re expected to be brighter than ever. Peak foliage season isn’t for another month or two, but now’s the time to start booking your stay.

You won’t want to miss this season because the best spots are booked.

Plan ahead, because the fall colors are coming and these five places sell out fast:

It’s not just snow and ski slopes. Aspen is home to the Maroon Bells, which are two peaks in the Elk Mountains. It’s one of the most picturesque places in Co

5 places to watch the supermoon in Denver

DENVER (KDVR) — There will be two supermoons in August, with the first one peaking on Tuesday at 12:31 p.m. Check out some of Denver’s prime stargazing spots to catch the best view of the moon.

A supermoon is exactly what it sounds like: a larger-looking moon. It occurs on a full moon when the moon is closer than usual to the Earth. While it peaks in the afternoon, you’ll be able to see the supermoon at night. Here are a few places the moon will look extra astonishing.

Cheeseman Park is one of

Best spots in Denver to beat the mid-July heat

DENVER (KDVR) — It’s late-July and with half the summer to go, the heat isn’t taking a vacation anytime soon. While the weather’s not cooling off, you can with some of the best watering holes near Denver.

Cherry Creek just about has it all. From boating and jet skiing to swimming and fishing, you’re able to do it all on the water. The park itself has something for everyone. There’s plenty of nature, trails, camping and even a shooting range. It’s about 30 minutes from downtown Denver and makes

#TravelTuesday: Bathe like a Viking in Iceland’s Sky Lagoon

Most of Iceland’s hot springs take hours to get to but tucked away just south of Reykjavik is Sky Lagoon. You may have heard of Blue Lagoon in Iceland, which is a touristy man-made hot spring. Sky Lagoon is a lesser known geothermal hot spring just a short taxi drive away from the city. It’s one of the quickest to get to and, in my opinion, one of the best.

Sky Lagoon is essentially a spa. After walking through the windiest and coldest of days in Iceland, Sky Lagoon is a graceful juxtaposition

Q&A: A Tour Guide’s Guide to Charleston

Whether you’re a local or just visiting the city for a weekend, Kay Abrams, a tour guide for Walk It! Charleston, has you covered. She’s a history fanatic and if you go on her walking tour, she knows just about everyone — including horses and dogs — she crosses paths with. As a Charleston local, she knows the top things to do in Charleston, no matter how long you’re here for.

Here’s a recorded transcript of my conversation with Abrams edited for length and clarity:

In your opinion, what’s some

10 ways to beat those mid-winter blues in Central NY

Winters are tough. The days are short. It gets dark after 5 p.m. It’s cloudy. It’s cold. It’s winter in Syracuse.

The icy sidewalks and slushy highways are a good enough reason to never leave the house. While the cold season in CNY is grueling and the month of February is seemingly never ending, there are redeeming qualities when you spend the winter in CNY.

Buckle in, because the winter’s not over quite yet. Whether there’s snow or not, there’s always something to do. Here are 10 things that

One-Tank Day Trips Near Some of Texas’ Major Cities

The weather in Texas is perfect this time of year! One way to enjoy it is to take a mini vacation or weekend retreat. Here are some places that are easy to get to on one tank of gas, and they offer lots of opportunities for outdoor entertainment.

Dripping Springs is home to many different Fall activities. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a day filled with food and drinks, Dripping Springs is the spot for you.

If you’re with your family, the hike to the local swimming hole at

Off the Beaten Path Trails to Try in Charleston

Off the Beaten Path Trails to Try in Charleston

Magnolia Plantation is full of flowers, gardens and wildlife. While there are guided walking and biking tours, you’re also able to branch off on your own and explore their paths. You can either walk through the entire plantation or try a 1.2 mile trail around some of Ashely River.

The Gateway Walk is a hidden trail that’s almost 100 years old. The path walks through the back end of some of the most popular spots in Charleston. Within the trail, y

Solo women travelers are changing their lives through social media — and you can too

Solo women travelers are changing their lives through social media — and you can too

Whether it’s exploring 17th century buildings in Warsaw, hiking in Crete, swimming in Bali, eating croissants in Paris or drinking wine in Tuscany, every solo trip with Julia Masselos, 26, is different. Maybe she’ll go to a cafe. Or on a bike ride. Or to a live concert. Maybe she’ll catch a flight to a different country. It doesn’t matter because she’s the one making decisions. She can do whatever she wants bec

One Tank Trips Right Outside of Charleston

Whether you need a quick vacation or a weekend trip, these locations are just a short drive away. With a tank of gas and the rest of the day free, check out these five otherworldly places near Charleston.

Driving to the gardens, it looks like it’s in the middle of nowhere but once you enter the gates of Cypress Garden, the vibe shifts immediately. Walking through the gardens, there’s grassy areas, a butterfly house and a swamparium. There’s also a playground and plenty of trails around the wate

Not just chocolates and roses: 5 different ideas for a last-minute Valentine’s Day date in CNY

Valentine’s Day is approaching fast, and lots of traditional date spots might already be booked. If you don’t want to just get dinner (or if you forgot to book a restaurant), we’ve got some fun activities to do with your partner this Valentine’s Day. Here are five out-of-the-ordinary ideas for spending your Valentine’s Day out together.

1. Get hot and steamy at Saunacuse

Escape to the warmth without taking a vacation this Valentine’s Day. Book a private session with your partner in the infrare

Walking Distance Historical Sights to See During the Spoleto Festival in Charleston

Walking Distance Historical Sights to See During the Spoleto Festival in Charleston

The park is home to two notable fountains. The Pineapple Fountain is a Charleston staple. The fountain not only represents one of Charleston’s most prized symbols, a pineapple which represents the tradition of southern hospitality, but it’s also a great spot to cool off. Visitors are allowed to jump in, and even swim, in the fountain. The other fountain shoots water up in the air, making it a local spot to cool

Sparkling Seasonal Lights that Sleigh this Holiday

It’s the season of giving, that’s why we’re giving you the best holiday lights around Texas. These decorations will instantly put you in the holiday spirit with their amazing light shows, music and performances. You can’t miss these spots during the winter season.

Now – Jan. 1, 2023, on select nights

Houston Botanic Garden, One Botanic Lane, Houston, 77017

15-minute intervals: $28 for adults and $18 for children

This is the second year for the internationally acclaimed lights and music eve

Heigh-ho, Heigh-ho, It’s Hiking We Will Go

Hiking is an enjoyable experience that also offers a whole-body workout with both physical and mental benefits. This time of year is perfect for hiking and checking out the fall foliage. The parks and trails listed below are family-friendly with absolutely gorgeous outdoor views. So put on your hiking boots and go exploring this weekend.

This park offers all outdoor activities for you and your family. Even though it’s on Lake Buchanan, they have more to do than just water sports. You can play m

#FoodieFriday: Andiamo Ristorante – Austin’s Hidden Gem

Spend the night in Italy at Andiamo Ristorante which has some of the best authentic Italian cuisine in Austin.

Tucked away in a shopping center, you will find some of the best Italian food in Austin at Andiamo. Once you open the doors to the restaurant, you will be greeted with the smell of fresh garlic bread you would find in Grandma’s Italian kitchen.

Start off by ordering a bottle of their Tuscany red wine, Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso, and enjoy their mouthwatering bread while you peruse the m

When in Iceland....Don't Pee in the Pool

The first thing I noticed coming out of the airport in Reykjavik was the purple lupines. They were seemingly following the road as they were only lined up against the pavement. In a vast space of green hills and cloudy skies were the lupines. In all honesty, that’s the reason I wanted to go to Iceland in the first place. I know there's mountains and glaciers and beautiful waterfalls, but I really just wanted to see those flowers.

The first day was slow. Jetlagged and tired, it was mostly a day

Five minutes with Award-Winning Designer Chris Evans of Rottet Studio

) is an international firm known for their unique architecture and interior design. They partnered with the Houston-based on the Court Hotel projects found throughout Texas. We recently spoke with , Design Director and Associate Principal of Rottet Studio, about his work on these hotels and the inspiration behind their design elements.

How did you get started working with Valencia Group?

Rottet Studio was initially introduced to the new brand with Lone Star Court in Austin. We were contracted

Glacier National Park: It Was Home...

Glacier was the main part of this trip. It was the reason we drove across the country. We drove across the country from what we heard about Glacier. We were nervous. How could we top Delta Lake? Or Uncle B’s? We had such high expectations for this national park, we almost didn’t want to go. What if it wasn’t the best? What if we already experienced the best and the rest was just a two day drive home? I was nostalgic half way through my trip. But this was Glacier National Fucking Park. This was t

Grand Teton - The Scramble From Hell

The main goal of our trip was to visit Yellowstone and Glacier. We decided to spend a day or two at the Grand Teton because it was on the way. It turned out to be my favorite part of the trip. We came in with no expectations, and came out with nothing like it. On our way from Rapid City to the Grand Teton, this was the view. We were 100 miles away and could still see this. Absolutely beautiful.

Once we got there we were dying to get an up close view of the Grand Teton. With the 5 hour drive we
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Entertainment

These spooky movies will be released this fall

DENVER (KDVR) — While spooky season is still a month out, there are a few scary films set to hit theaters soon. These movies vary in horror, from comically creepy to downright gruesome.

Depending on your threshold for thrillers, these movies will put you in the Halloween mood.

After Salem teens find a cursed knife, they are forced to play childhood games with a deadly turn. You may recognize one of the stars, Natalia Dyer, as “Nancy Wheeler” from the popular TV series “Stanger Things.”

Once y

12 Bone-Chilling Serial Killer Documentaries on Netflix Now

When it comes to true-crime documentaries breaking down the heinous misdeeds of some of the most well-known serial killers of all time, Netflix has the genre on lock. They don't only have documentaries about the world's most notorious killers, though — some docs also shed light on lesser-known murderers you haven't heard of before.

While there are no jump scares in documentaries like in regular horror movies, these series are even more chilling because they explore true stories that will leave

Five Minutes with Actress Gabrielle Ruiz

starred on Broadway. She is known as ‘Valencia Perez’ on the CW’s Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning, critically-acclaimed musical comedy series “ ” (now available on Netflix). As a Rio Grande Valley native, she developed her dancing and singing skills in Texas. Now she’s taken her craft across the country and

What were you doing in Texas recently?

I was at a benefit fundraiser for Impact Arts. Flint & Stone is the company that is raising a collaboration with Impact Arts, and Flint & Stone an

Five Minutes with Paulina Chávez, star of Netflix’s “Fate: The Winx Saga”

about her role on Netflix’s Top 10 series .” Her character Flora is a caring and compassionate person who cares for the Earth, nature and her friends. Chávez also starred as the lead, Ashley Garcia, in Netflix’s “The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia” and “Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love.”

How did you get into acting?

Oh my goodness. So my mom is a teacher. I went to the same elementary school she taught at when we moved to San Antonio. They had a theater program, and I would always stay after

Breaking News

Angry parents address Littleton school board about shocking school bus video

Former school bus aide fired, arrested and accused of abusing students

LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — Angry parents in Littleton addressed the school board for the first time since a video was made public showing a school bus aide allegedly abusing a nonverbal student.

Dozens of parents packed the board room Thursday at Littleton Public Schools headquarters to share their frustrations and anger with district leadership.

One parent, Blake McBride, told board members he was contacted by investigator

Many Coloradans still haven’t claimed their TABOR refund

DENVER (KDVR) — Taxpayers in Colorado are eligible to get hundreds of dollars back on their taxes. But with the end of tax season closing in, many still haven’t claimed their TABOR refund.

When Colorado takes in tax revenue beyond the limit, Coloradans who file taxes can expect a refund check in the mail known as the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR.

This year, it resulted in a refund of $800 to taxpaying Coloradans who have lived in the state for over a year.

While this is hundreds of dol

University of Colorado student accused of on-campus sexual assault

DENVER (KDVR) — A University of Colorado Boulder student is accused of sexually assaulting another student and causing serious injury.

According to the suspect’s arrest affidavit, the victim said she met a man named Henry, later identified as 22-year-old Henry Torres Terhaar, on the dating app Tinder in December. The pair exchanged a few messages before meeting each other on Dec. 9, where they had a consensual intimate relationship.

On Dec. 12, the victim said they went on another date, where

Denver school board VP shares details of seclusion room investigation

DENVER (KDVR) — A week after voting to uphold the firing of McAuliffe International School Principal Kurt Dennis, Denver Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Auon’tai Anderson shared some of the findings of the district’s investigation.

According to Anderson, the district learned that there were two rooms used for seclusion at McAuliffe, up from the initial whistleblower report of one.

Anderson said that while the board could not find direct evidence of racial bias, all of the stud

You’ve been warned: Don’t drive over solid white lines

DENVER (KDVR) — Starting Sept. 1, drivers who weave across the solid white lines and break express lane rules on certain highways will receive a warning. This is just the beginning of the crackdown.

Roadway technology will track drivers on C-470 from Interstate 25 to Wadsworth Boulevard and I-25 from U.S. 36 to E-470.

For the first 30 days, if you are caught weaving between the solid lines, a written warning will be sent to your registered address. Starting on Oct. 1, the warning period is ove

Hundreds already ticketed for speeding in school zones this year

DENVER (KDVR) — Within two weeks of school picking back up, Northglenn Police Department officers already caught over a hundred people speeding in school zones.

On “X,” formerly known as Twitter, the Northglenn Police Department posted a video of officers conducting speed enforcement checks in school zones.

Since schools started on Aug. 14, officers have issued over 100 speeding tickets.

This isn’t the first year where people are speeding near schools. In 2022, police clocked someone driving

Tuesday’s Mega Millions jackpot largest in US history

DENVER (KDVR) — If you thought Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot was impressive, Tuesday night’s jackpot is expected to be at $1.58 billion, the highest amount for Mega Millions and the third largest in U.S. history.

Friday’s jackpot was the fourth largest for Mega Millions and the fifth highest jackpot in the U.S., which amounted to $1.35 billion. The jackpot was huge because the last jackpot won was on April 18 and there were 30 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.

Tuesday’s jackpot i

‘The brr is back’: Farmers’ Almanac releases winter forecast for Colorado

DENVER (KDVR) — Winter is coming … in a few months. The Farmers’ Almanac released the winter 2024 extended weather forecast and it predicts a cooler winter than last year.

The Farmers’ Almanac projects an overall chillier winter than usual due to the indication of an El Niño, which is unusually high water temperatures off the Pacific Coast of South America, according to the Almanac. While southern states are expected to have unseasonably cold temperatures and more storms, in Colorado, the Alman

Daughter, 2 others sentenced for role in 81-year-old man’s murder

DENVER (KDVR) — Three people were sentenced for their role in the murder of 81-year-old Gail Wilson, one of them being his adopted daughter, Savannah Wilson.

On July 14, Wilson’s boyfriend, Ricardo Perez, was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison plus 12 years, according to the district attorney’s press release.

Perez’s accomplices, Wilson and Jay Griffith, pled guilty to accessory to a crime and concealing death. In return for their cooperation and testimony, their

After a three year hiatus, Memorial Day Watchfire will return to the NYS Fairgrounds

The Syracuse Watchfire will return to the NYS Fairgrounds this Memorial Day weekend after being canceled the last three years.

The Watchfire is a memorial where retired flags are put into a wood pile and burned to honor U.S. soldiers and veterans. Thousands of onlookers from all over Central New York come to watch. Syracuse receives a few thousand old flags and the fire is the size of a house once it’s lit.

The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 103 ran the event for over 35 years. It was can

Syracuse’s sunrise Easter Mass will continue after all at Burnet Park

Syracuse’s sunrise Easter Mass will continue, after all.

Last week, Rev. Jim Mathews at Saint Lucy’s Church announced he planned to stop hosting the sunrise service on Easter morning after 36 years. This week, All Saints Catholic Church in Syracuse worked with St. Lucy’s to carry on the tradition.

Rev. Fred Daley from All Saints will host the Mass in place of Mathews. The church will continue to welcome anyone and everyone to watch the sunrise and celebrate on Easter morning at the parking lot

After 36 years, the Rev. Jim Mathews is hanging up the sunrise Easter Mass at Burnet Park

Syracuse, N.Y. — Every Easter for the past 36 years, hundreds of people of all faiths gathered at Burnet Park for the Rev. Jim Mathews’ sunrise service. It didn’t matter if it was sunny, or raining (or snowing), people from all over Central New York joined Mass with chairs and blankets around 6 a.m.

During his Sunday service at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church in Syracuse this week, Mathews told his congregation he won’t be continuing the tradition of early morning Mass on the hilltop near the zoo th

Environmental experts concerned I-81 plan could affect endangered bat species

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At Clark Reservation State Park, wildlife sensitive to sound pollution — like the endangered Indiana bat — are able to survive on the reservation despite the light hum of the highway.

But experts say that construction during the I-81 Viaduct Project could uproot the reservation’s function as a sanctuary for Indiana bats and other wildlife sensitive to noise. A state judge ruled to halt the projec

Advocates aim to reinvent area around Shoppingtown Mall into sustainable space

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Dennis Payne remembers long lines in every store during Christmas time at the Shoppingtown Mall.

But as the years went on, Payne, chair of the DeWitt Advisory Conservation Commission, watched the local hotspot eventually crumble to a barren building surrounded by bare concrete and parking spots.

In early October, three companies — Redev CNY, Hueber-Breuer and Dalpos — held a public hearing to r

Animal hospitals are understaffed amid a local high pet population

At the SPCA there’s an adopted sign hanging on the crate of a white and gray dog named Matt. The seven-year-old arrived on July 25 and is already set to be adopted, along with two-month-old brown tiger kitten Parsley. Yet Parsley’s orange companion and roommate, another two-month-old kitten Peppermint, has not been adopted.

While there has consistently been a shortage of vets, the problem increased due to the pandemic, when there was a surge in pet adoptions. The Central New York Cat Coalition

Major cat overpopulation in central New York overwhelms Syracuse shelters

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Subscribe to our newsletter here.

Many of the tags noting arrival dates of the cats at the Central New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are fastened to filled enclosures, and often dated within the week. In Syracuse and throughout upstate New York, the cat overpopulation is overwhelming shelters and exhausting resources.

“There just aren’t enough of us,” Dee Schaefer, an administrative assistant at the CNY SPCA

Grieving together: A student death at Le Moyne College sparks a conversation about mental health

The death of a Le Moyne College student this week has ignited a campus-wide conversation about mental health and prompted changes in how administrators are approaching the social and emotional difficulties of pandemic life.

On Sunday, Cory Gallinger, 20, was found dead in his dorm room, college officials announced in an email to students that day. The third-year student from the Hudson Valley community of Salt Point was pursuing a degree in management, leadership and marketing.

At Le Moyne, Ga

Coronavirus in CNY: How area churches are making accommodations for Ash Wednesday

Before the pandemic, Ash Wednesday services included priests making the sign of the cross on the foreheads of parishioners with ashes.

The ritual marks the beginning of Lent, the 40 days in which Christians repent in preparation for the celebration of Easter.

But to avoid physical contact in the time of COVID-19, many area priests are planning to sprinkle ashes on the heads of parishioners.

Other congregations will offer small packets of ashes for faithful to take home, and one church plans t

Compassion: Share Birthday, Sponsor a Child

More than 8 million children living in poverty receive sponsorship from benefactors throughout their childhood. These relationships develop through donations, letters and sometimes visits and volunteering. Once these relationships occur, they often make an insurmountable impact on the child and last a lifetime. One of the ways to build a relationship with and sponsor a child in need across the world is through the organization Compassion.

Compassion is a religion-based organization that aims to

David Beckham and UNICEF Soccer Aid 2021

UNICEF has been fundraising with a yearly soccer match since 2006 called Soccer Aid. It has managed to raise approximately £36 million since it began. Money goes toward UNICEF projects that focus on COVID relief, food, clean water, protection against violence, exploitation and abuse. UNICEF is currently working on many projects globally, but all of them focus on children. The organization works in more than 190 countries, and its main goal is to give every child a fair chance. It mainly focuses

Natural Disasters Affecting Poverty Around the World

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Every year, extreme weather forces “26 million people into poverty every year” and is responsible for $520 billion in consumption loss. Although natural disasters have no prejudice, impoverished people are affected the most. These are some of the biggest recent natural disasters affecting poverty around the world.

The ongoing wildfires in Turkey have been some of the worst in history. With eight fatalities and 27 hospitalizations as of Aug. 4, 2021, the fire has also rea

5 Ways Renewable Energy in Spain Reduces Poverty

In 2018, Spain announced its goals of deriving 75% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, and by 2050, increasing this renewable energy reliance to 100%. Within two years, Spain rethought its entire energy consumption pattern and transitioned to generating 43.6% of its energy renewably by 2020. Along with producing more sustainable and efficient energy, renewable energy in Spain also helps reduce poverty throughout the country.
• Providing Clean Energy Jobs. In 2018, Spain mad

Empowering Inventions to Help Impoverished Women

Across the globe, poverty comes in different forms. Over the years, individuals and companies have developed products to help those in poverty. Since poverty disproportionately impacts women, several companies are inventing products that address the specific tribulations of women. Flo, Hemafuse, Embrace and fashionable iodine dots are inventions that aim to help impoverished women across the globe.
• Flo: The Reusable Menstrual Kit. Flo is an inexpensive, reusable menstrual kit designed by Marik

How the Sports Bra Project Decreases Poverty

In many countries, sports bras are often overlooked as a basic necessity and are deemed a luxury. Sports bras are either hard to come by or oftentimes put at the end of the list when it comes to expenses. Due to the inaccessibility and high expense of sports bras, Sarah Dwyer-Shick created the Sports Bra Project. The Sports Bra Project recognizes that a lack of sports bras presents a barrier to female participation in sports, limiting opportunities for inclusion. With more women engaged in sport

Sports

Rockies hit another record: Worst opening day in franchise history

DENVER (KDVR) — After the Colorado Rockies broke the franchise record for the most losses in one season last year, the team could only go in 2024 – but maybe not right away.

On Thursday, the Rockies kicked off the first game of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the defending National League champions.

The game was close when the D-backs hit two runs in the first inning and the Rockies came back with one run in the second, which ended up being the Rockies’ only time on the scoreboard

Top 5 Denver Broncos players with the highest average annual salaries

DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Broncos only won five games last year, and besides Russell Wilson, the team has some of the lowest-earning top players compared to the rest of the AFC West division.

But even the lower-earning players are still making more than you probably are.

FOX31 looked through Spotrac’s estimated salary rankings for the Denver Broncos and compared them to the rest of the AFC West.

Just in case you want to find out how little you make compared to these professional athletes, he

Running onto a sports field isn’t just 15 seconds of fame, it’s also trespassing

DENVER (KDVR) — While running onto a sports field might be seen as a way to give you fame, it could also give you jail time.

Running onto a sports field has different consequences in different states. While it’s widely considered trespassing, every state’s laws are different.

When it comes to Colorado, running onto a sports field is considered trespassing, according to the Denver Police Department. It can vary from a fine to jail time, depending on the courts and what charges they may face.

Is it really easier to hit a home run at Coors Field?

DENVER (KDVR) — While it may not seem like it with the Rockies record this year, it is scientifically easier to hit a home run at Coors Field. But it’s not necessarily a home-field advantage. Like most phenomena in Denver, it has to do with the elevation of the Mile High City.

Coors Field is known as an “easier field” because it hit a record-setting 303 home runs in 1999, according to the Colorado Rockies website. The Rockies estimated that a home run hit 400 feet in Yankee Stadium (sea-level)

Epic vs. Ikon Pass: Is it worth it?

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to compare the cost of a season pass with day passes at the resorts it covers.

DENVER (KDVR) — While it may not feel like it, the snow season is just around the corner. Prices for Epic passes rise in early September, while Ikon’s prices went up in March.

FOX31 broke down the prices to see if getting a ski pass is worth it this season.

While almost a thousand dollars may seem like a lot if you’re just looking to ski near Denver, it really depends on h

Seniors Coming to Terms With the End

There’s 10 minutes left in the soccer game. The scoreboard reads 1-1. A defender sweeps the feet of Ava Bligh and the referee blows the deafening whistle. Bligh lines up for a free kick, just outside of the half line. She approximates this to be a 50 yard kick to edge the ball near the goal. The opposing goal keeper eyes the forwards, waiting for a lofted ball outside the box. Bligh lines up, sizes up the goal, takes five steps out and one step to the left. She charges the ball, sweeping her leg