Grotesque Halloween Yard Displays Push Neighborhood Limits: Block Talk

Readers say Halloween should be scary, but gore, traumatized kids, noisy props and giant skeletons that linger past Oct. 31 cross the line.

Is Trick-Or-Treating Becoming A Zombie? [Block Talk]

More Americans are celebrating Halloween, but traditional trick-or-treating is losing ground as families embrace organized events.

America’s Creepiest Roads Have Some Seriously Disturbing Backstories

From ax-wielding rabbits to faceless hitchhikers, America’s creepiest roads have legends and histories that seem written for Halloween.

Sexy Costumes, Politics And Booze At The Office Halloween Party [The Question]

Can you skip it? Are political costumes OK? How sexy and gory is too much? Is it OK to mock your company or job? And what about drinking?

These Halloween Costumes Are Everywhere In 2026

Pop culture is driving 2026 costume trends, with many looks easy to pull together from closets, thrift stores and a little DIY ingenuity.

Where And When To See Peak Fall Foliage Where You Live And Travel

Traditionally reliable New England should see vibrant fall foliage, but drought and wildfires may mute autumn colors elsewhere.

Record Labor Day Gas Prices Projected: What To Know

Gas prices are expected to surpass the 2012 record of $3.83 a gallon due primarily to tensions in Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Where To Get The Best Labor Day Discounts

Labor Day Weekend sales feature deep discounts on seasonal merchandise, but some of the best deals may come later.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavors Revealed, But The Best Part Wasn’t The Scoop

In a survey for National Ice Cream Day, the best answers aren’t about flavors but Sunday drives to iconic shops and heart-melting memories.

Give Us The Scoop On Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Patch Poll

National Ice Cream Day is coming up. Give us the scoop on your favorite flavors, freezer-aisle loyalties and strongest ice cream opinions.

America At 250: Voices Of Freedom, Worry And Hope From Across The Country

With a mix of pride, concern, and hope, readers described America as a land of liberty and opportunity with promises not yet fully realized.

10 Food Safety Mistakes People Make During Summer Picnics

With excessive heat forecast for the country’s semiquincentennial, following these food safety tips can keep guests out of the hospital.

For America's 250th, Patch Wants To Know What It Means To You

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, we want to hear what being an American means to you.

Things Dads Say: Teaching About Life With Love, Humor And No Nonsense

Readers share funny, tender Father’s Day memories of the dads who taught them how to laugh, work hard, save money and love deeply.

Backyard Barbecue Costs Sizzle, But Here’s How To Douse Them

Tight cattle supplies and New World screwworm issues keep beef prices high, but strategic menu planning can keep summer grilling affordable.

Hidden Summer Hazards Families Should Not Ignore

Pools, beaches, boating excursions and road trips come with risks. Here’s what to know about summer safety hazards before heading out.

Help Us Create The Ultimate Summer Playlist: Share Your Favorite Song!

From a brand partner: From current hits to timeless classics, tell us what's defining your summer soundtrack.

For Father’s Day 2026, What’s Your Best 'Dad-ism'? Patch Survey

Whether it was wise, funny, practical or completely goofy, we want to hear the thing your dad said that has stuck with you.

The Backyard Burger Has Never Been Pricier

As National Burger Day approaches, cattle ranchers are having a moment. So are consumers who are paying for it.

The Right And Wrong Way To Fly The Flag On Memorial Day 2026

More flags than usual will fly this Memorial Day Weekend as America gears up for its 250th anniversary. How to display the flag matters.

Memorial Day Shopping Trends: What Consumers Are Buying And Skipping

Memorial Day shopping this year may look less like a spending spree and more like a values test.

Memorial Day 2026 Grocery, Hardware Store Hours: What’s Open

With one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year approaching, some stores will have reduced hours on Memorial Day.

Potential ‘Super El Niño’ Coming Faster Than Expected: What It Means

NOAA said El Niño conditions emerging faster than expected may escalate into a historically powerful “super” event by the end of the year.

Mother’s Day 2026 Inspires Powerful Stories Of Strength, Sacrifice And Love

Patch readers share their mothers’ legacies, from a German immigrant who survived WWII to moms who taught kindness, faith, and resilience.

Mom Knows Best: Tell Us About Her For A Mother’s Day 2026 Tribute: Survey

We want to hear about the best advice your mom or mother figure ever gave you, who she was, and what you’d like others to know about her.

Big Boy Steams East For America’s 250th: Where To See Massive Locomotive

Big Boy 4014 display days planned in eight cities and more than 50 whistle stops are planned in 10 states in the historic steam engine tour.

How Long Are Easter Eggs Good To Eat And Other Questions Unscrambled

Is it OK to eat dyed eggs? How long will eggs stay good in the fridge? Plus, see video showing how to peel eggs without damaging the whites.

Easter 2026 Grocery And Retail Hours: What’s Open And Closed

If you need to make a last-minute run, you should be able to find a grocery store open. Ulta Beauty, IKEA others announce Easter hours.

‘Easter Orphans’: Why Bunnies, Chicks And Ducklings Make Terrible Gifts

These Easter “gifts” are often abandoned, and they don’t know how to survive on their own because their mothers never got to teach them.

12 April Fools’ Day Pranks We Couldn’t Have Scripted

Nobody got hurt. Everybody laughed — eventually. And at least one prankster is waiting for the inevitable day when he will get his.

We’re Looking For The Most Epic April Fools’ Day Prank Ever: Survey

A good April Fools’ Day prank is clever, well-timed and without a hint of malice. Share the best prank you ever pulled or had pulled on you.

Spring Fever Puts Wild Animals On The Move: How To Coexist In The Suburbs

Wildlife foraging and looking dens during spring leads to inevitable conflicts with humans, but deterrents don’t have to be lethal.

What’s The Kindest Thing A Neighbor Has Ever Done For You? Block Talk

It’s Random Acts of Kindness Week. We want to hear about the kindest thing a neighbor ever did for you.

Fat Tuesday And Lunar New Year Coincide In Rare Calendar Alignment

Feb. 17 is a shared holiday for two major celebrations that arise from different cultural and religious traditions.

Couples Share Secrets To A Long, Happy Marriage In Time For Valentine’s Day

Whether they were set up, met by chance, or were introduced in the cradle, these couples tell Patch how they’ve made it 50, 60 and 70 years.

Unromantic Valentine’s Day Gifts: Tales From Disappointed Lovers

She meant trinket, not tourniquet; nothing says “I love you” like a frozen heart-shaped potato that looks like a “death threat” as it thaws.

How Did You Meet Your Sweetheart, And How Did You Make It Last? Patch Survey

For Valentine’s Day, we’re asking Patch readers to share their love stories and secrets to developing healthy, long-lasting relationships.

Sidewalk Snow Removal Scofflaws Create Frosty Relationships: Block Talk

Readers eagerly step in when neighbors physically can’t shovel snow but may “silently judge” those who are too lazy to pick up a shovel.

MLK Day Launches A Year Of Service For America’s 250th Anniversary

Focused on service as a civic responsibility, Martin Luther King Jr. Day aligns with America Gives’ aim to set volunteer records in 2026.

Neighborhood Resolutions Include Meeting Up, Fixing Up And Shutting Up: Block Talk

Resolutions varied, some tangible and others reflecting neighborhood-specific, yet widely held concerns. Many want to know neighbors better.

The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

Valentine's Day isn't just a holiday to swoon over the ladies — treat the number one man in your life to these fun and practical gifts.