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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Breathtaking list reveals America's most beautiful small towns, including historic 'Little Switzerland' in Pacific Northwest
From a glacier-fringed village in Alaska to a postcard-perfect mountain town in the Pacific Northwest, a new ranking has revealed the 20 most beautiful small towns in America. The rankings, released by Travel + Leisure, spotlight small towns across the U.S. woth a population of less than 20,000 that pair breathtaking natural beauty with charm, character, and a slower pace of life. Claiming the top spot is Girdwood, Alaska, a former gold-mining supply camp turned outdoor recreation haven about 30 miles from Anchorage. With a population of around 2,500, the town is home to Alyesja, Alaska's largest ski area, and draws visitors year-round for skiing, hiking, and glacier views. Coming in second is Sedona, Arizona, a desert city of around 9,700 known for its striking red rock formations and so-called energy vortexes believed by some to promote healing and spiritual awakening. While scientists remain skeptical, the mystical landscape draws millions of visitors each year for hiking, stargazing, and wellness retreats. Avalon, California takes third – a pastel-hued town on Santa Catalina Island, about 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. With a population of around 3,400, Avalon is known for its Mediterranean-style buildings, palm-lined harbor, and golf carts that outnumber cars due to strict vehicle limits. The economy is driven almost entirely by tourism - arts, entertainment, accommodation, and food services make up around 38 percent of local employment. In fourth place is Palisade, Colorado, a peach-farming, wine-sipping gem of about 2,500 people tucked between the Rockies and the Colorado River. Known as the 'Peach Capital of Colorado,' it boasts sunny orchards, over 30 wineries, and a laid-back vibe perfect for sipping rosé with mountain views. Visitors come for its annual Peach Festival, riverside adventures, and crisp Western Slope air that makes everything taste, and feel, sweeter. Rounding out the top five is Little St. Simons Island, Georgia – a 10,000-acre, privately owned barrier island only accessible by boat. With seven miles of untouched beaches, dense maritime forests, and sprawling marshes, it's a haven for wildlife, including over 300 bird species, sea turtles, and plenty of alligators. The island hosts just 32 guests at a time, offering a remote, all-inclusive escape into nature. Lanai City, Hawaii lands at number six – the only town on the tiny island of Lānaʻi, once known as the 'Pineapple Island' for its massive Dole plantation. With a population of around 3,300, the town is centered around leafy Dole Park and features charming plantation-era buildings, boutique shops, and no traffic lights. Wallace, Idaho takes the seventh spot – a storied mining town of under 800 residents in northern Idaho's Silver Valley, once dubbed the 'Silver Capital of the World.' Its entire brick-lined downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving ornate 19th-century architecture and saloon-style charm, while offering access to biking trails, ski slopes, and offbeat attractions like the Oasis Bordello Museum and the Sierra Silver Mine Tour. Other on the list include Bardstown, Kentucky; Camden, Maine; Fishtown (Leland), Michigan; Taos, New Mexico; and Medora, North Dakota. But the list also shines a spotlight on a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest: Joseph, Oregon, a tiny alpine town with just over 1,100 residents, nestled beside Wallowa Lake and surrounded by the snowcapped Wallowa Mountains. Often dubbed the 'Little Switzerland of America,' the town earns its nickname thanks to its dramatic glacier-carved peaks, crystal-clear lake, and annual Alpenfest celebration complete with yodeling and alphorns. With scenic tram rides, bronze art galleries, and access to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Joseph is a postcard-perfect escape for hikers, artists, and anyone craving a taste of the Alps - without leaving the U.S.
Globe and Mail
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Finding Peace – 8 Years Later, Pianist Joshua Zimmerman Releases New Album
After Eight Years Away, Pianist Joshua Zimmerman Returns with 'Finding Peace' Eight years between albums is a very long time. What happened here between pianist Joshua Zimmermans 'Crossroads' album (2017) and 'Finding Peace,' his latest solo piano album release? New life. The pandemic. A new business. In 2019, when most artists would have produced and released another album to keep their momentum going, Joshua found himself the proud new owner and operator of The Piano Cottage, a successful music academy in Grand Rapids. Then a baby came along in 2020. Yes, all this in the beginning and heart of the pandemic. In May 2024, Joshua's submission of 'Crossroads' to the Whisperings solo piano radio station the previous October, was finally accepted and to his excitement, his music began to play on their station. This ignited a spark in Joshua to begin writing music again. He finished his new album, 'Finding Peace,' and recorded it in 2025 at beautiful Piano Haven Recording Studio in Sedona, AZ, on the Shigeru Kawai SK-7L piano that resides there. He even traveled to Columbia and recorded several music videos there. These are very special and engaging videos, and he even has some videos detailing the story behind some of the songs with more to follow. Listeners can experience an introductory video to the entire album here: The 10 songs on the album are gentle, passionate, and poignant, addressing such subjects as loss, healing, innocence, love, and hope. Here, the listener is encouraged to immerse themselves into a world of pure love and light through these uplifting, melodic, harmonic, and truly beautiful reflections of life. Media Contact Company Name: Dyan Garris Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
Fox News
26-06-2025
- Fox News
Pastor's crucifixion murder suspect says on video he planned to kill 14 more
The man accused of brutally crucifying a rural Arizona pastor has not only admitted to the alleged crime, but said that he planned to kill more than a dozen other Christian leaders. Adam Sheafe, 51, told FOX 10 in an interview that he murdered Pastor Bill Schonemann, 76, head of the New River Bible Chapel in New River, Arizona. On April 28, Schonemann was found dead in his bed with his arms spread wide and pinned to the wall behind him. The bizarre display left the community reeling. Sheafe's plan was to crucify 14 more Christian leaders of no particular denomination, he told FOX 10, ascribing his motive to a belief that Christian churches were leading their congregants astray by teaching them to follow Jesus, whom he says is a false God. He titled his mission "Operation First Commandment." Sheafe was captured by police near the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, Arizona, where he planned to kill two priests, he said. "The day I was going to execute that priest, I tried getting into the back of his car. There was like a little lady on a bike that got in my way, and I was just going to get in the back seat and tell him to drive to his house," Sheafe said. He later defiantly refused to apologize for the alleged killing. In an interview with 12News, Sheafe explained further how he planned Schonemann's killing. "I saw that he had a Wednesday evening Bible study, so I sat there and waited for them to arrive, so that I could locate which one was the priest, and then I just followed him," Sheafe said. "And then I returned on Sunday to execute and crucify him to this wall." He also said he wanted to be executed. "Put me on death row, set the execution date for right now," Sheafe said. "The victims want it. The victim's families want it. I want it, and the taxpayers want it." Sheafe has been charged with first-degree murder in Maricopa County, but remains in the custody of the Coconino County Jail. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office told Fox News Digital that the case is under review, and that generally, any first-degree murder convict is subject to the death penalty. It is unclear whether he has an attorney, but Fox News Digital reached out to the public defender's office.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Arizona weather forecast: Phoenix sees relief as temperatures drop
The Brief Temperatures in Phoenix are dropping, with Sunday expected to be one of the coolest days this week with a high of 101°. The extreme heat warning for the week has expired as a low-pressure system brings cooler conditions. A gradual warm-up is expected next week, with temperatures projected to return to around 110° PHOENIX - Phoenix is experiencing a reprieve from the recent extreme heat, with temperatures starting the weekend much cooler. On Friday, the high in Phoenix was 106 degrees, which is average for this time of year. However, Saturday evening saw temperatures around 95 degrees with winds dying down. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 70s in the Valley, and even lower up north, with Flagstaff at 67 degrees and Sedona at 77 degrees. Sunday is forecast to be one of the coolest days of the week, with a high of 101 degrees in Phoenix. This marks a significant drop from the 117 degrees experienced earlier in the week, as the extreme heat warning has now expired. Other areas will also see cooler temperatures, including Flagstaff at 75 degrees and Show Low at 82 degrees. A low-pressure system is contributing to these cooler conditions. While Sunday will be a pleasant break, temperatures are expected to gradually increase by one to three degrees each day through Thursday, leading to a return to triple digits around 110 degrees by next week. For those planning outdoor activities on Sunday, morning temperatures will be in the 80s, rising to the 90s in the afternoon. Authorities advise applying plenty of sunscreen if heading out to the lakes, as there will be plenty of sunshine. A ridge of high pressure pushing further east will impact the East Coast, while the low-pressure system continues to keep Arizona temperatures below average for Sunday. You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android. Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds. The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Stay in air-conditioned buildings Find a cooling center/hydration station Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day) Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside Check the UV Index Check the heat risk map Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623) The Arizona Department of Transportation's tips for driving in extreme temperatures include: Have sun protection: In addition to an umbrella, take sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat and wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing. Fuel up: Keep your tank at three-quarters full. Running out of gas, especially in a remote location, is dangerous in extreme heat. Hydrate: Take a cooler to keep extra drinking water cold, and consider adding several frozen bottles of water to use for cooling off or to thaw and drink if needed. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays hydrated. Get help: If your vehicle breaks down in extreme heat, call for assistance right away to reduce wait time, and run the AC. If the AC isn't working, roll down all windows. Wait safely: If the temperature inside your vehicle becomes too hot, everyone, including pets, should exit carefully and seek out or create a shaded area as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Be careful walking on the road surface, which can be hot enough to burn skin. Keep your shoes on and try to keep your pets' paws off the pavement. If you are stopped along the highway, raise the front hood and turn on hazard lights. Please keep in mind that parking in tall brush can start a fire. Check your vehicle: You can help avoid breakdowns and blowouts by making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Check your air conditioner and coolant levels, top off any vital engine fluids and make sure your battery is up to par. Check your tire pressure, as the combination of under inflated tires and hot pavement can lead to a blowout. MORE:
South China Morning Post
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
What is land snorkelling? New outdoor wellness trend connects you ‘deeper' with nature
Let us start with what land snorkelling is not. It does not involve flippers or masks. And forget diving. Advertisement Land snorkelling, according to its ethos, could be watching an army of ants re-engineer a driveway crack; noticing the perfect spheres of dew clinging to field grass; or studying the shape of water dancing over a river rock. It is studying your surroundings on land with a narrowed perspective, the way you would if you were on a snorkelling expedition. Artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, from the US state of Montana, coined the term in the early 1990s after hiking outside the desert town of Sedona in the US state of Arizona. The two were struck by how the colours of the red sands complemented the greens of the succulents. That is when Guzman's diving background bubbled up. Advertisement 'We're land snorkelling,' she recalls blurting out.
