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Underrated U.S. Cities with Big Charm
Trivia: Which vitamin is primarily produced when skin is exposed to sunlight?
RetireHub
December 18, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Thursday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on Underrated U.S. Cities with Big Charm, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Happy Holidays from RetireHub!
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Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🚀 40% OFF – National Geographic Rocket Launcher
Inspire curiosity and outdoor fun with this hands-on rocket launcher set designed to make science exciting. Kids can safely launch rockets while learning about air pressure, motion, and basic physics through play. A great way to combine fresh air, learning, and energetic fun for young explorers.
🧶 25% OFF – HOMBYS Chenille Yarn for Crocheting & Knitting
Create cozy, soft projects with this plush chenille yarn, perfect for crocheting or knitting blankets, scarves, and home décor. Its thick, velvety texture works up quickly and feels wonderful in your hands. Ideal for crafters who love making warm, comforting pieces with a polished look.
🔥 33% OFF – RENPHO Electric Heating Pad for Neck & Shoulders
Relax tense muscles with this contoured heating pad designed specifically for the neck and shoulders. It delivers soothing heat to help ease stiffness, stress, and everyday aches, whether you’re winding down in the evening or recovering after a long day. A comforting wellness essential that feels like a warm hug.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Stina's Pen It's been 10 years since they crossed paths. Now, he'll do anything to earn a second chance... |
On this day in 1892, The Nutcracker ballet premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. Although it received a modest reception at first, Tchaikovsky’s magical score later helped turn the ballet into one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the world, performed every December across generations.
Underrated U.S. Cities with Big Charm
When people think about memorable American cities, places like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago usually top the list. But beyond the well-known destinations are smaller, often overlooked cities packed with character, culture, and heart. These underrated gems offer rich experiences without the crowds or sky-high prices—and many are especially appealing for travelers who enjoy a slower, more meaningful pace.
Take Chattanooga, Tennessee, for example. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by scenic mountains, this city blends natural beauty with revitalized neighborhoods, riverwalks, and a surprisingly vibrant arts scene. It’s walkable, friendly, and full of local flavor.
Duluth, Minnesota charms visitors with its dramatic Lake Superior shoreline, historic architecture, and fresh air that feels like a reset button. Watching massive ships glide through the harbor is a favorite pastime, and the city’s cozy cafés and museums make it inviting year-round.
In the Southwest, Santa Fe, New Mexico stands out for its deep cultural roots and creative spirit. Known for its adobe architecture, world-class art galleries, and flavorful cuisine, Santa Fe offers a soulful experience that feels both relaxing and enriching.
Greenville, South Carolina has quietly become one of the most livable cities in the Southeast. Its charming downtown, tree-lined streets, and scenic Falls Park create a welcoming atmosphere, while its food scene rivals much larger cities.
Out West, Boise, Idaho surprises many first-time visitors. With a lively downtown, riverfront greenbelt, and easy access to nature, Boise balances urban comforts with outdoor adventure—without feeling rushed or overwhelming.
What makes these cities truly special isn’t just what they offer, but how they make people feel. There’s room to explore without pressure, talk with locals, and discover hidden corners that feel personal rather than packaged. For travelers—and even potential retirees—looking for authenticity, warmth, and a sense of belonging, these underrated cities prove that big charm often comes in smaller packages.
Sometimes the best trips aren’t about checking famous landmarks off a list, but about finding places that quietly steal your heart.
Which underrated U.S. city would you most like to visit? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: What makes a celebrity biography worth reading for you?
Readers were refreshingly split on what makes a celebrity biography worth their time. While many said they’re drawn to honesty, vulnerability, and behind-the-scenes stories from iconic moments, the largest group admitted they usually skip celebrity biographies altogether. That contrast suggests a clear takeaway: star power alone isn’t enough—readers want depth, authenticity, and real insight to stay engaged. When a celebrity story delivers genuine reflection or meaningful perspective, it stands a much better chance of breaking through the skepticism.
TOP COMMENTS
“I read to learn and grow. A biography that includes honest reflections, shows the vulnerability of the celebrity, and provides insight into the person not the actor, connects with me.”
“All of them apply, but who the celebrity is will determine my interest in the biography. From there, all of them become more of an interest for me.”
“Usually pass in these but I did enjoy Ina Garten’s book which also included some recipes!”
Long-Distance Travel After 60: What to Expect and How to Enjoy It
Long-distance travel can be deeply rewarding later in life, but it helps to be honest about the challenges that come with it. Extended flights, crowded airports, time-zone changes, and long hours of sitting can be tiring, especially when journeys stretch well beyond a full day. Shifting your mindset to see the journey as part of the experience — not just an obstacle — can make the process feel more manageable and less stressful.
Preparation plays a big role in staying comfortable and calm. Packing familiar snacks, comfortable layers, a small pillow or blanket, and easy entertainment like books or puzzles can make long stretches of travel far more pleasant. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed, whether it’s help with luggage, directions, or navigating a busy terminal. A little patience, both with yourself and others, goes a long way when travel plans don’t unfold perfectly.
Staying organized is just as important. Keeping documents within easy reach, planning for rest, and accepting that boredom or discomfort may happen helps prevent frustration. With realistic expectations and thoughtful preparation, long-distance travel after 60 can still be an enriching adventure — one that’s absolutely worth the effort when you arrive ready to enjoy what awaits you.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Funk mode
Meaning: Funk mode is a casual slang term that means feeling low-energy, unmotivated, or a bit down — not necessarily sad, just stuck in a blah mood where nothing sounds especially appealing.
In a sentence: “After a few gloomy days indoors, I was definitely in funk mode, but a short walk and a phone call with a friend helped turn things around.”
Good News of the Day
Otters on the Move — Urban Wildlife Returns Thanks to Conservation Success
In a heartwarming sign that conservation efforts are paying off, a river otter was recently caught on security camera footage wandering through the streets of a historic city, delighting locals and wildlife lovers alike. Once rare in urban areas, river otters had largely disappeared from many British towns and cities due to pollution and habitat loss, but decades of cleaner waterways and focused restoration work have helped their numbers rebound significantly. This playful sighting — complete with a curious red fox companion — isn’t just charming; it reflects real progress in protecting freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them. The return of otters into places they once vanished from shows that when people commit to improving habitats and reducing pollution, nature has a remarkable ability to recover and surprise us.
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RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which vitamin is primarily produced when skin is exposed to sunlight? |
Who wrote Little Women? |
Which 1960s band is known for the album Pet Sounds? |
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