Travel Tidbits - Regional Airports

Last-minute summer travel plans often come down to one question: is it cheaper to fly out of a smaller airport? That's why Only In Your State analyzed DOT airfare data for more than 100 U.S. regional airports to find where travelers are paying the most and least for departing flights. 

A few key findings:

• Concord Padgett Regional (USA) in North Carolina is the most affordable regional airport at $117 a ticket.
• Small airports near major cities average under $200. Remote ones near oilfields or ski resorts run closer to $600.
• Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in Tennessee was one of only two regional airports where airfare jumped by at least $50 last year.

Access it here: The Most (and Least) Expensive Regional Airports Across America. 

The cheapest major airports still average $150 more than the most affordable regional hubs — so if you have options, it pays to compare both.

Music Minute - Sessions on 3rd (Nashville)

This August, two iconic names in Music City, 3rd & Lindsley and Gruhn Guitars, will launch Sessions on 3rd, a first-of-its-kind live music series celebrating the extraordinary musicians behind some of the world's most beloved recordings. Fans are encouraged to visit the Musicians tab on the website for the latest updates, biographies, and performance dates featuring the extraordinary lineup of musicians participating in Sessions on 3rd. The roster includes Adam Schoenfeld, Brent Mason, Chris McHugh, Danny Rader, Fred Eltringham, Glenn Worf, Gordon Mote, Greg Morrow, Jeff King, Jerry Roe, Jim "Moose" Brown, Jimmy Lee Sloas, Jonathan Brown, Kenny Greenberg, Kris Donegan, Mark Hill, Michael Rojas, Mike Brignardello, Nick Buda, Rob McNelley, Tom Bukovac, and Tony Lucido. The page will be updated regularly with new artist announcements, schedules, and additional information, giving fans an opportunity to learn more about the acclaimed musicians whose talents have helped shape countless hit recordings.

Taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 18, Tuesday, Aug. 25, and Tuesday, Sept. 1, Sessions on 3rd offers audiences an authentic Nashville experience by bringing together the city's most accomplished session musicians, touring sidemen, and special guests for an intimate evening of stories, music, and unforgettable performances.

Tickets to these special events are on sale now at 3rd & Lindsley, with doors at 6 PM and the show from 7:30 - 10:00 PM. General admission tickets are available for $20 and a reserved table for four is $120.
 

Follow Sessions on 3rd on social platforms below:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Ron Brice, Founder and Owner of 3rd & Lindsley Nashville, shared, "Sessions on 3rd is about celebrating the musicians behind the music. These are the players who helped create the soundtrack of our lives. We want to give audiences a chance to hear their stories, experience their artistry up close, and create what we believe will become the best Tuesday night hang in Nashville."

Unlike a traditional songwriter round, Sessions on 3rd pulls back the curtain on the recording process, giving audiences a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from the musicians who performed on countless hit records. Throughout the evening, guests will hear stories from legendary recording sessions and life on the road before experiencing those songs performed live by the musicians who helped create them.

Each event will also feature Gruhn's Vintage Vibes, an exclusive presentation by legendary vintage instrument authority George Gruhn, founder of Gruhn Guitars. Gruhn will showcase rare and historic guitars, mandolins, and banjos while sharing the history, craftsmanship, and remarkable stories behind each instrument before introducing the evening's featured performers.

Adding another unique dimension to the experience is On The Spot, an interactive segment where one audience member will be invited onstage to participate in a live songwriting demonstration alongside some of Nashville's premier musicians, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process as it unfolds in real time.

Each evening begins with a featured opening artist, an emerging performer personally selected or mentored by the night's featured musicians, before transitioning into an unforgettable showcase highlighting some of Nashville's most accomplished recording and touring talent.

Whether visiting Music City for the first time or calling Nashville home, audiences will experience an evening unlike any other, where legendary musicians, historic instruments, and unforgettable stories come together to celebrate the music and the people behind the songs that have shaped generations.

About Sessions On 3rd:
Sessions on 3rd is a live music series presented by 3rd & Lindsley and Gruhn Guitars that celebrates Nashville's world-renowned session musicians, touring sidemen, and the stories behind the songs they helped create. Combining live performances, behind-the-scenes storytelling, vintage instrument showcases, and interactive audience experiences, Sessions on 3rd offers a truly authentic look inside Music City's rich musical heritage.

About George Gruhn:
George Gruhn is one of the world's leading authorities on vintage guitars and fretted instruments. Founder of Nashville's legendary Gruhn Guitars, established in 1970, he is an acclaimed author, historian, appraiser, and educator whose expertise has influenced musicians, collectors, and the vintage instrument industry worldwide for more than five decades.

Book Nook - Growing Minds: The Science of Raising Thriving Teens

Parents have never had more advice on how to help their children succeed. From exam preparation and revision techniques to extracurricular activities and university applications, the pressure to help our children achieve can feel relentless. But Katy Granville-Chapman believes that we may be overlooking something even more important.


In her new book, Growing Minds, Katy explains that while academic success has its place, raising healthy, resilient and emotionally secure young people should be our ultimate goal.

"Every parent wants their child to succeed," she says. "But success is only one part of the picture. If we focus solely on outcomes we risk neglecting the conditions that allow young people to flourish, not just at school, but throughout life."

Drawing on the latest neuroscience, psychology and educational research, specifically by Harvard professional Sara Lazar, this book explores how the teenage brain develops and why everyday habits such as sleep, movement, relationships, nutrition and emotional connection have a profound influence on learning, wellbeing and resilience.

Katy believes that we've become so focused on achievement that we neglect the foundations of lasting success.

"Children don't flourish because every obstacle has been removed from their path," she explains. "They flourish when they develop the confidence, emotional regulation and resilience to navigate life's inevitable challenges. Those qualities deserve as much attention as grades and qualifications."

So, at a time when concern about children's mental health continues to grow and schools are grappling with rising levels of anxiety and disengagement, Growing Minds offers a hopeful alternative. Rather than adding to parents' sense of pressure, it provides practical, evidence-informed strategies that support healthy brain development and encourage families to prioritise long-term wellbeing alongside academic success.



Katy’s interest in the brain, flourishing, and leadership began in high-pressure environments early in her career, where she saw how relationships, mindsets, and character shape whether people struggle or thrive.

After serving in the British Army in Iraq, Europe, and the United States, she moved into school leadership roles focused on performance and development, and later, completed a Doctorate at Oxford University exploring leadership and flourishing.

She now teaches at Oxford, is a Senior Fellow of the Flourishing Network, hosted by the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard, and is a Deputy Head at Wellington College.

Contest - Baby of the Year

Colossal, the nationally registered professional fundraiser powering some of the country's most successful purpose-driven online competitions, announces its third annual Baby of The Year® competition is open for registration! Baby of the Year is a fundraiser that celebrates the stories, milestones, and personalities that make every little one unique while helping generate charitable support for children and families in need. The little champion will take home $25,000 and appear in nationwide, multi-channel advertising campaigns.

Since 2024, funds generated through the Baby of the Year competition have resulted in more than $45 million in grants to national nonprofit Baby2Baby through Colossal's charity grantmaking partner, DTCare. The grants have helped Baby2Baby continue its large-scale distribution of essential items including diapers, formula, food and clothing to children in need in all 50 states, and helped support the organization's disaster response initiatives, and long-term infrastructure investments that strengthen its ability to serve children and families across the country.

Baby2Baby Ambassadors

Jessica Alba is a Golden Globe Award-nominated actress, advocate, bestselling author, Founder of The Honest Company, and longtime Baby2Baby Board Member. Her commitment to improving outcomes for women and children has made her one of the most influential voices in family advocacy.

Paris Hilton is an entrepreneur, advocate, global media icon, CEO of her next-gen media company, 11:11 Media and Baby2Baby Angel. Through her nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact, Hilton has leveraged her global platform to champion children's rights and wellbeing. Her advocacy work on institutional child abuse reform and child welfare has helped drive national awareness, advance meaningful policy change, and improve protections for more than 15 million children.

Jenna Dewan first captured audiences in Disney's Step Up and currently stars in The Rookie. Known for her work in Supergirl, Superman & Lois, and World of Dance, Dewan is also the bestselling author of Gracefully You and a longtime Baby2Baby Angel.

How the Competition Works

Parents submit a photo and short profile highlighting what makes their little one special. Friends, family members, and supporters then rally behind their favorite participants through several rounds. The competition culminates with one baby earning the title of Baby of the Year, receiving $25,000, and appearing in nationwide, multi-channel advertising campaigns reaching millions of consumers across digital, social, retail, and out-of-home media. This includes features on The Honest Company's social media channels and official website, as well as social media ads featuring Honest products run through Honest's channels. This also includes an appearance in a Variety Magazine advertorial.

Supporters may vote through free voting opportunities, and may also cast additional votes by donation as outlined in the official competition rules, where full eligibility, voting, donation, prize details are available.

Donation Funds

Votes by donation cast during the 2026 competition are received and managed by DTCare, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, which will issue a grant to designated grantee, Baby2Baby, following the competition to support its work providing diapers, clothing, formula, food, and other essential items to children in need across the United States. See the competition rules for more information on the donation process.

"We are enormously grateful for the support of the Baby of the Year competition for the third year in a row," said Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein. "We are proud to partner on this transformative campaign that raises critical funds for Baby2Baby's mission, ensuring that we can provide more than one million children across the country with the basic essentials they deserve for years to come."

National Partners Committed to Families

This year's competition is supported by a distinguished group of brands dedicated to helping families thrive.

The Honest Company: Founded in 2012 by Jessica Alba, The Honest Company is on a mission to create personal care that raises the standards of clean and brings joy to each and every moment. By combining thoughtful design with science-based innovation, the Company delivers cleanly-formulated and sustainably-designed personal care products for everyone from babies to adults – showing you don't have to compromise between performance and peace of mind.

Graco® 'The Safest Place Outside Your Arms': For more than 70 years, Graco has helped parents navigate the earliest moments of parenthood with trusted baby gear designed for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. From the first ride home to everyday snuggles and milestones, Graco products are built to meet the needs of growing families while exceeding industry safety standards, helping parents feel confident through every stage of the journey.

Shutterfly®: For more than 25 years, Shutterfly has helped millions transform cherished memories into lasting keepsakes through photo books, holiday cards, wall art, personalized gifts, and more. As families document every stage of childhood, Shutterfly helps preserve the moments that matter most.

Colossal's Trust & Safety Commitment

Baby of the Year is supported by Colossal's Trust & Safety framework, designed to help protect participants, supporters, and families throughout every stage of the competition.

• Photo Protection: Participant photos help verify identity and are submitted and managed exclusively by parents or legal guardians. Submission photos are used only for verification and competition profile pages and are never sold, repurposed, or shared with third parties, except as provided in the Official Rules for the Grand Prize Winner and eligible finalists, whose names, photos, videos, and likenesses may be used in connection with announcing the Competition.
• Privacy & Data Security: Participant information is used solely to operate the competition, support participants, maintain competition integrity, and fulfill legal requirements. Colossal does not sell personal information.

"Families deserve confidence that the platforms they engage with are taking participant protection seriously," said Colossal CEO Mary Hagen. "Trust, transparency, and accountability remain central to every Colossal competition."

Learn more at colossal.org/trust-safety.

Following in the Footprints of Previous Champions

The Baby of the Year title has already introduced audiences to unforgettable young ambassadors.

Luca, the 2025 champion, captured hearts nationwide with his fearless personality, adventurous spirit, and contagious smile. See Luca's story in a Variety advertorial here.

Sloane Maya, the 2024 champion affectionately known by her family as a "miracle baby," charmed supporters with her joyful energy, infectious laughter, and natural presence in front of the camera. See Sloane on Good Morning America here! 

Registration Is Open

The search for America's next Baby of the Year has officially begun. Parents and legal guardians can apply and learn more about the competition BabyOfTheYear.org.

About Colossal
Colossal is a professional fundraiser redefining modern philanthropy through purpose-driven online competitions that raise money for charity. With a mission to inspire people to advocate for themselves and those in need, Colossal empowers individuals to pursue their passions, rally their communities, and compete for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, all while driving meaningful charitable impact where giving wins. This Colossal competition serves as a fundraising campaign for DTCare, a United States 501(c)(3) public charity organization, which grants donation funds to the specified charity at the completion of the competition. Since 2022, Colossal has raised over $243 million to support charity. Learn more at colossal.org.

About Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is a non-profit organization that provides children in need with diapers, formula, clothing, and the basic necessities that every child deserves, serving more than one million children across all 50 states. Led by Co-CEOs Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, the organization has distributed over half a billion items in the past 15 years to children in homeless shelters, domestic violence programs, foster care, hospitals and school districts as well as children who have lost everything in the wake of disaster. The organization's success has been propelled forward by its industry-leading model that is redefining what it means to operate a non-profit with a seamless integration of impact, innovation, and influence, which earned them praise from TIME Magazine as one of 2023's most influential companies and recognition as the #1 non-profit on Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies List. To learn more about Baby2Baby please visit www.baby2baby.org.

Music Minute - Getty Concerts for Kids

Here's the lineup for next month’s free Garden Concerts for Kids at the Getty Center, which will start next weekend on August 1 and 2 with Dan + Claudia Zanes with Tyree Austin! They create a joyful, soulful family music experience featuring rich vocal harmonies, vibrant rhythms, and the spirit of community.

Garden Concert for Kids

Getty Center

Weekends, August 1 to 16 at 4pm

Enjoy free concerts by some of the best children's musical acts from across the nation while surrounded by Getty's gardens

Dan + Claudia Zanes with Tyree Austin

Aug 1 and 2, 2026 at 4pm

Getty Center

Get ready to sing, sway, and celebrate with Grammy Award-winning Dan Zanes, Haitian-American jazz vocalist and music therapist Claudia Zanes, and rising gospel singer Tyree Austin. Together, they create a joyful, soulful family music experience featuring rich vocal harmonies, vibrant rhythms, and the spirit of community. Their interactive concerts blend folk, jazz, gospel, and roots music with the sounds of 12-string guitar, flute, trombone, saxophone, beatboxing, and percussion, inviting audiences of all ages to dance, sing along, or simply soak up the uplifting energy.

Flor Bromley

Aug 8 and 9, 2026 at 4pm

Getty Center

Celebrate music, culture, and imagination with Flor Bromley, the Grammy and Latin Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter creating joyful bilingual music for families. Originally from Peru, Flor blends global rhythms, storytelling, theater, and puppetry into vibrant performances that celebrate Latin culture and inspire kids to connect through music and play. Flor brings warmth, creativity, and energy to every stage, inviting audiences to sing, move, and dream together. From the Children’s Museum of Manhattan to Wolf Trap and across the country, Flor creates memorable family concerts filled with joy, culture, and imagination.

Elizabeth Mitchell

Aug 15 and 16, 2026 at 4pm

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Join Elizabeth Mitchell for a special anniversary concert celebrating 20 years of You Are My Little Bird, the landmark Smithsonian Folkways album that introduced a new generation to the beauty of folk music for families. With her warm, timeless voice, Elizabeth breathes new life into treasured American folk songs and melodies from around the world, creating performances that are both gentle and deeply moving. A two-time Grammy nominee, Elizabeth has shared stages with legends including Pete Seeger, Natalie Merchant, and Ella Jenkins. With her husband and longtime collaborator Daniel Littleton and daughter Storey, Elizabeth’s concerts are heartfelt family gatherings filled with harmony, storytelling, and songs to be shared across generations.

Music Minute - Gibson Garage Miami

Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand that has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers for over 130 years, is proud to announce the grand opening of Gibson Garage Miami, opening to the public on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Miami’s world-renowned Wynwood Art District. Located at 2660 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, Gibson Garage Miami is the brand’s third global retail and experience destination, following the successful openings of the Gibson Garage Nashville, the company’s global flagship store, and the Gibson Garage London, Gibson’s first store outside the U.S.   Created as the ultimate guitar experience, Gibson Garage Miami brings the full Gibson family of brands to one of the world’s most musically diverse, culturally rich, and creatively vibrant cities. The new destination celebrates Gibson’s legacy of craftsmanship, sound, and innovation while honoring Miami’s deep connections to Latin, Caribbean, rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and global music culture.   Inside the Gibson Garage Miami, visitors will be greeted by a dynamic environment that reflects the Gibson legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. Over 8,000 square feet of space will showcase more than 500 guitars from the Gibson family of brands—including Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, MESA/Boogie, Maestro, KRK, and Gibson Amplifiers—all curated to invite exploration and play. Overhead, a moving conveyor belt of guitars pays homage to the Gibson finishing process in each of our craftories, symbolizing the journey from creation to connection. It’s a visual and tactile reminder that every instrument is built to be played, not just admired.   “Retail is no longer just about what people buy—it’s about what they feel, discover, and become part of. Gibson Garage Miami represents the next evolution of that idea: an immersive music destination in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural cities. The Garage works because it goes far beyond the transaction; it invites people in to play, explore, create, connect, and experience Gibson heritage in the real world. Whether you’re a lifelong Gibson player, an emerging artist, or someone picking up a guitar for the first time, this is a place where music feels welcoming, inspiring, and real. Miami is a city with music in its DNA—defined by energy, creativity, and global rhythm—making it the perfect home for the next chapter of the Gibson Garage experience.”   — Anne Rohosy, Interim CEO of Gibson

At the center of Gibson Garage Miami is a live performance stage that will host regular artist performances, intimate showcases, album release events, community programming, and special appearances from both legendary musicians and emerging artists. The stage will serve as a bridge between the artist, the fan, and the instrument—bringing music to life in real time.   Reflecting its Miami home, Gibson Garage Miami will feature unique discoveries inspired by Latin culture throughout the space, alongside exclusive apparel collaborations with local designers, lifestyle gifts, celebrity and film memorabilia, and rare instruments. The location will also debut the first stateside Gibson Gallery art installation, spotlighting photography, street art, and iconic moments in music history.   Gibson Garage Miami is located on the ground floor of the Wynwood Garage and was leased by Goldman Properties, a company widely recognized for its role in shaping Wynwood into one of the world’s leading arts and cultural districts. The location places Gibson at the heart of one of Miami’s most dynamic creative communities.   For those seeking a fully personalized instrument, Gibson Garage Miami will offer the Gibson Custom Made to Measure program. Guests can work with Gibson Garage Pros to design their dream guitar from the ground up, selecting wood tops, neck profiles, pickups, hardware, finishes, and aging techniques from the Gibson Custom Murphy Lab. Each Made to Measure guitar is handcrafted by Gibson Custom artisans in Nashville.   The opening of Gibson Garage Miami marks a major new chapter in Gibson’s growing global Garage footprint. From Nashville to London and now Miami, the Gibson Garage experience continues to bring players and fans closer to the instruments, artists, and stories that have defined music history.   Whether you’re a professional musician, a curious beginner, or simply a fan of music and design, the Gibson Garage Miami will be a must-visit music destination this fall—one that celebrates the spirit of Miami both inside and outside its walls.   Stay tuned for more details on Gibson Garage Miami’s grand opening week celebrations, artist appearances, and live performances beginning September 10, 2026. Additional grand opening festivities and featured artists will be announced soon.   GIBSON GARAGE MIAMI 2660 NW 3rd Ave Ground floor, Wynwood Garage Miami, FL 33127 Opening to the public—September 10, 2026   Gibson Garage Miami:   IG | FB   Gibson: GIBSON.COM | X | IG | FB | TT | GIBSON APP | GIBSON GARAGE NASHVILLE | GIBSON GARAGE LONDON | GIBSON CERTIFIED VINTAGE | GIBSON RECORDS | GIBSON GIVES | GIBSON TV | GIBSON TV EN ESPANOL   Epiphone:   EPIPHONE.COM | X | IG | FB | YT    Kramer:   KRAMERGUITARS.COM | X | IG | FB | YT   MESA/Boogie:   MESABOOGIE.COM | X | IG | FB    KRK:   KRKMUSIC.COM | X | IG | FB | YT   Maestro:   MAESTROELECTRONICS.COM | IG   About Gibson: Gibson, the iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London.