XMWare

2026-03-26T13:41:00

(BPT) – Thanks to advanced technology, many chores don’t have to take up so much of your time and energy anymore. By using all the smart features available to you, you’ll free up space for the things you really love to do — and your chores will be a breeze.

Technologies that make life easier — and last longer

LG’s smart technologies don’t just make chores easier — they help your appliances last longer and perform better over time. From AI-powered cycles that learn your habits to proprietary innovations like TurboWash™ which uses stronger wash motions along with increased water temperatures to enhance and speed up the wash cycle without wash performance, inverter direct drive motors for higher efficiency without any belt or pulley, ThinQ^® connectivity which allows you to remotely control, monitor, and manage smart appliances, and Smart Diagnosis™ which provides a diagnosis service, as well as offering tips & recommendations to maintain your product. LG appliances are engineered for long-lasting performance that consistently ranks among the best in the industry. These built-in technologies mean fewer maintenance issues, greater energy efficiency, and smarter, user-friendly features that keep improving through updates. LG is known for stylish, high-performance appliances — but it’s what’s under the hood that truly sets them apart.

Here are some ways smart appliances and connected features can help transform your life.

Laundry that practically does itself

Managing your clothes can be a lot easier if you let LG’s ThinQ^®-enabled washers, dryers and LG Stylers Steam Closets take over some of the work for you, with smart features that help you get your laundry done right. Thanks to the ThinQ app, you can start, stop and monitor laundry remotely, getting notifications when your clothes are ready. You can even send specialized cycles and settings to your laundry appliances over Wi-Fi, or use voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to control your washer, dryer and LG Styler.* You can also pair your LG washer and dryer through ThinQ to save time and effort: Your washer can communicate with your dryer over Wi-Fi to select the appropriate setting, based on the clothes that were just washed.

Worried about running out of laundry supplies? Worry no more. Link your ThinQ app with your Alexa device so you’ll know when your laundry detergent and fabric softener are running low — and even have more ordered for you, automatically!

Appliances that care for themselves, and take the guesswork out of fabric care

Doing laundry gets easier with the newest features. For example, with LG’s smart dryers like the 7.4 cu. ft. Ultra Large Capacity Smart Front Load Electric Dryer with TurboSteam^®, AI Sensing and Hybrid Electronic Controls with LCD Display, FLOWSENSE^® will notify you via the ThinQ app when dryer vent ducts need cleaning, helping to prevent lint buildup and improving performance, safety and efficiency for lower utility bills, worry-free operation and fewer service calls. This model also offers features like self-diagnosing technology, and built-in AI sensors that detect load characteristics to select the optimal dry settings for every load.

To help you take better care of your favorite clothes, LG Styler Steam Closet uses the ThinQ app to help you monitor its progress as it refreshes, deodorizes and dries your clothes, fabrics or hard-to-wash items. You’ll receive a notification when each cycle is finished, so you can wear your clean, refreshed clothes right away.

Every home chef’s best friends

Storing, organizing and preparing nutritious food for your family can be a delicious expression of your culinary creativity, especially with the right smart tools to help you in the kitchen. ThinQ helps you manage your kitchen appliances, ensuring they run smoothly and keeping you connected and in control so you can enjoy what matters — from flawless family dinners and epic movie nights to cozy slumber parties and festive holiday celebrations. A ThinQ-connected kitchen means you can remotely control your fridge, oven or dishwasher from your phone. Even better, ThinQ operates in the background, ensuring that all your kitchen appliances continually work the way you need them to, while learning from your preferences and lifestyle.

When it comes to optimal food storage, LG refrigerators feature innovations like InstaView™ Door-in-Door for quick access to what’s in your fridge without energy loss, Smart Diagnosis™ for troubleshooting, Smart Cooling technologies for maintaining food freshness, plus LG Mini Craft Ice™ and Craft Ice™ makers to help you level up your beverage and mixology game. With the ThinQ app, you’ll receive timely alerts if your smart LG refrigerator detects temperature issues, allowing you to act fast and preserve your groceries. When life gets busy and someone forgets to close the refrigerator door, ThinQ will let you know.

Easy meals become even more effortless

To help make delicious meals happen in your kitchen, LG’s ThinQ-enabled ranges, wall ovens and microwaves are all designed to make home cooking easier, so you can express your best culinary self. The ThinQ app is like a virtual kitchen assistant, continually working with your cooking appliances to help you create the perfect meal, every time. The ThinQ app can help you by accessing thousands of recipes, instantly ordering ingredients for delivery and pickup, and even sending cooking instructions to your oven.

With LG smart ranges like the 30″ Elec. 6.3 cu ft. Range | Self Clean, EasyClean^® & Smart, Stainless, Slide-in, you’ll have ThinQ technology that can start your oven, set times or check on dinner from anywhere — or just speak to control your oven with Alexa or Google Assistant.**

Ready to make everyday tasks simpler than ever? Learn how to make all your household chores easier with smart appliances and the ThinQ app at LG.com.

* Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
** Participating products may vary. Refer to ThinQ app for details.

2026-03-26T16:03:00

(BPT) – On the night of March 2, 2026, millions of workers around the world opened their laptops and found Claude — one of the world’s most widely used AI assistants — was down. The outage lasted hours. It was a small but pointed reminder of how dependent modern work has become on AI, and how fragile the infrastructure behind it can be. The grid that powers that infrastructure is under more strain than most people realize — and the vulnerabilities don’t stop at the data center door. They come home with us.

Today, the world is spending hundreds of billions of dollars building the energy infrastructure needed to power AI, including data centers, grid upgrades and new power plants. That scale is just beginning. Fast forward to 2030, when the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects global data center electricity consumption will nearly double.

Here’s why: A single AI hyperscaler (like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure or AWS) consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, driving an estimated $720 billion in grid spending through the end of the decade.

The world recognizes that AI needs a massive energy infrastructure. But what do homes need in this era of AI-powered functionality? Leading provider of innovative solar generators and renewable energy solutions Jackery has been anticipating this question for 14 years.

The AI revolution comes home

While data centers power the AI infrastructure, the AI revolution is rapidly moving into homes — and with it, each home needs what data centers need: reliable, always-on, clean power.

But that power is far from guaranteed. The tension between AI’s explosive energy appetite and the fragility of the grid it depends on is not a future concern — it’s playing out right now. A single AI workload consumes roughly 1,000 times more electricity than a traditional web search, while geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions and an already-strained electrical grid are exposing just how vulnerable that infrastructure is. Homes are no exception to this vulnerability.

How fast is this happening? The average U.S. home has 21 connected devices today, which will only keep increasing. The AI smart home market is growing at 21.3% annually, toward $104 billion by 2034, with the smart home penetration forecast to reach 92.5% globally by 2029.

The grid powering all of it is already under pressure. According to NERC’s 2025 Summer Reliability Assessment, several major U.S. regions — including Texas, the Midwest and the Southwest — face a real risk of supply shortfalls during peak demand periods. Most people can’t control what happens at the grid level. But they can start building energy resilience at home.

Smart homes need reliable power for optimal functionality, and this demand will be increasingly crucial over the next several years. Fortunately, Jackery has already built solutions homes need for the AI era.

Home power solutions for the future

The Jackery company anticipated this residential convergence 14 years ago, and has been building toward it ever since. Back in 2012, Jackery built a portable battery for outdoor adventures. Building on principles of flexibility, independence and reliability, the company’s strategy focused on developing products putting power safely and predictably in the hands of homeowners to meet growing energy needs.

Fourteen years later, the company has expanded its portfolio beyond solar generators, solar panels, and power stations into the Jackery Essential Home Backup Solution (EHB) — a whole-home energy category built around what homeowners actually need. It matches the output of a traditional gas generator without the noise, fumes, fuel costs or safety hazards. It reduces dependence on an increasingly strained grid, putting control back in the hands of the homeowner. It’s a long-term investment that pays off through lower energy bills and lasting independence. And it runs on clean, renewable energy — silent, emissions-free and ready when the grid isn’t. Products like the HomePower 3600 Plus and the Solar Generator 5000 Plus bring that vision to life in homes today.

Today, Jackery’s vision includes groundbreaking energy solutions designed specifically for the AI era — including products on the horizon that will keep homes powered and connected even when the grid goes dark. That vision is already taking shape with innovations like the Solar Mars Bot, debuted at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, which uses AI-enhanced computer vision to autonomously drive as it offers mobile energy, intelligently repositioning itself based on light conditions and recharging using its own retractable solar panels.

The company also seeks effective global partnerships, signing a Proactive Safety Battery Cell R&D alliance with DeSay Battery to co-develop the world’s first safer and smarter DIY home energy storage solution. Jackery also founded a consortium of leading global consumer technology brands that run on its infrastructure. The Jackery Consortium shares Jackery’s commitment to catalyze the next era of energy storage, management and independence. It also helps consumers maximize energy independence by ensuring consumer devices and AI systems are compatible with their power stations.

These crucial milestones highlight Jackery’s roadmap to the AI revolution, which the company has been actively preparing for over the past decade.

Key technology investments

Success in times of rapid technological change depends on meeting the moment in terms of the details while also envisioning future needs. A proactive, whole-home approach anticipates energy requirements for multiple interconnected smart devices. Even better is a system that analyzes energy consumption, solar yield and live electricity prices in real time.

Anticipating problems and protecting power stations from potential safety hazards and structural damage, Jackery’s exclusive AI-powered ChargeShield 2.0 technology integrates 62 protective mechanisms, ensuring comprehensive battery management and enhanced safety for the power station and any connected devices.

These technology advancements exemplify how the company invests its time and resources. Jackery sees the big picture — including the need to create a power infrastructure that other AI brands can depend on. From the R&D leadership exemplified by last year’s Desay Battery Proactive Safety AI Prismatic Cell alliance from RE+2025 to the founding of the Jackery Consortium together with Rokid, Viture, XTOOL and Heybike, the company prioritizes strategic partnerships during this age of rapid tech developments.

Why energy needs to be “always on”

No longer just a convenience, today’s AI-powered devices and systems require uninterrupted power to effectively respond to commands. AI relies on continuous connectivity and ongoing analysis in order to offer real-time security and integration of each home’s AI-powered devices and energy management systems.

When there’s a power grid failure, the Jackery Essential Home Backup (EHB) system’s 0ms–20ms Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) switchover means AI-powered homes experience zero perceptible interruption, providing the safety net devices and systems need to keep running without losing data or crashing.

Jackery energy systems optimize energy usage in real time, making more efficient use of photovoltaic systems for solar yield optimization and increasing self-consumption of solar power. Additional safety features include Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery cells technology for enhanced stability. And for homeowners who want to stay ahead of the curve, Jackery has a new generation of AI-integrated energy systems on the way, purpose-built for a world where keeping the lights on is no longer optional.

Jackery’s Solar Mars Bot was created with energy independence in mind, with AI-enhanced computer vision that lets it autonomously reposition itself for maximum solar yield.

Always-on, always-ready devices and systems ensure AI-powered homes provide homeowners with continuous safety, comfort and energy.

Homes of tomorrow

Building on today’s technology, Jackery envisions the home of tomorrow as generating its own clean energy, managed with AI intelligence that’s shared across connected devices — and never going dark. Jackery is already working toward that vision.

“When Jackery started 14 years ago, our mission was simple: give people reliable power wherever life takes them. Over the past decade, we’ve earned trust by solving real problems with portable power as the way people live, work and rely on electricity has fundamentally shifted,” said Steven Wang, VP of Jackery’s Americas Business Department. “Looking ahead to the next 10 years, we’re expanding that original promise into a broader vision of power self-sufficiency, transforming the home into an intelligent, solar-powered ecosystem. This is the beginning of our next chapter, where energy is cleaner, smarter and firmly back in the hands of consumers.”

Discover where the future of energy is headed at Jackery.com.

2026-03-25T05:01:00

(BPT) – Love sinking your teeth into a gripping read that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let you go until the final chapter ends? From mystery and thriller to romantasy and speculative fiction, these engrossing new additions to your “must-read” list will keep you turning pages all season long.

Relive someone else’s death.

The Found Object Society, by Michelle Maryk

Greta Davenport has spent decades flirting with death, but nothing hits quite like the experience offered at the invite-only Found Object Society. This group’s secret underground archive is a playground for the rich, for every object in their collection is a ticket into a stranger’s final moments. The power is intoxicating. It’s dangerous. And it’s hiding answers Greta is not supposed to find.

Fans of The Midnight Library and The Book of Form and Emptiness will plunge into a time-bending, morally gray tale of grief, addiction, and obsession.

Become a nerdy criminal.

Dirty 20, by Bill Schweigart

Art school was supposed to be Tommy Fugue’s escape from his crime-lord father, Big Al. But with his mother gone and tuition tied to the gangster’s good graces, he’s forced to help the Family figure out how to clean a dirty twenty grand online. (Is there anything worse than teaching your parents about computers?)

Scrubbing the money through a crowdfunding site seemed easy, but when the fake roleplaying game Tommy makes goes viral, Big Al smells money. Lending Tommy his killers, dealers, and pimps to make the fantasy game real and collect the pledge proves just as dangerous as life on the streets. And when fantasy and reality start to get confused? Time to level up that crime game.

Get a bachelor’s in bloodlust.

Thrall, by Rebecca Mahoney

Lucy Easting is thrilled for her new beginning at Rollins University, a cozy school buried deep in the Appalachian Mountains. But after blacking out at a party, she wakes up with a memory block … and a bite on her neck. With the help of an eccentric campus radio host and a beguiling archery champion, she realizes she is being hunted by a vampire.

Lucy and her new friends must go up against entitled classmates and a toxic campus administration that protects the university’s reputation over its students … who are ripe for the vampire’s next meal.

Forget yourself in romantasy.

The Alchemary, by Rachel Vincent

Amber Fallbrook awakes in a castle tower with no memory of who she is or why she is at the realm’s premier university for alchemy magic. Then a half-naked man stirs in the bed next to her, and another man bursts through her door. It only gets more confusing for Amber from there.

But the mystery of these two brothers she’s apparently known all her life is soon but a secondary worry. Because in preparing for the deadly Alchemy Trials to complete her schooling, Amber must solve the riddle not just of her amnesia but of the Alchemary itself — an institution obsessed with creating the legendary Philosopher’s Stone at any cost.

Rediscover a childhood that never was.

Mr. Yay, by Emily Jane

Do you remember that television show The Adventures of Mr. Yay? The one that taught you to explore new things and be true to yourself? You can find it online … oh wait, it seems to have disappeared. How strange.

Now there’s only this other Mr. Yay, the rap group climbing the charts and producing the song of the summer. The adults are going crazy for it … and maybe a little crazy in general.

The Queen of Quirk, Emily Jane, pens a hilarious, genre-blending speculative novel that’s all about love and marriage, rappers and dogs, private detectives, nostalgia, and embracing your true self. In a world where the past is different than what you remember, you can either accept change or have it thrust upon you.

Once you’ve ordered your copies of these fantastic reads, alert your book club and clear your calendar so you’ll have time to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

2026-03-24T08:15:00

(BPT) – By Jacqueline Gonzalez, Staff Writer, Visit Corpus Christi

With abundant sunshine and a coastline that stretches from calm bay waters to the open Gulf, Corpus Christi offers a year-round coastal escape. Known for its laid-back beach culture, iconic attractions and steady lineup of festivals and outdoor experiences, this Texas Gulf Coast city invites visitors to explore at their own pace. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, here are seven reasons Corpus Christi continues to stand out as a destination worth visiting any time of year.

1. With more than 80 miles of coastline, Corpus Christi offers everything from calm bay beaches to wide-open Gulf shores, including iconic stretches like Padre Island National Seashore and Mustang Island. Many of the area’s beaches are drivable, a unique feature that allows visitors to cruise right onto the sand, set up for the day, and enjoy fishing, swimming, kiteboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding just steps from their vehicle. For those who like to linger, beach camping and Gulf-front sunsets turn a simple beach day into a full coastal experience. Whether casting a line at sunrise or watching the sky change color in the evening, the beaches here are less about crowds and more about freedom.

2. Corpus Christi’s event calendar stretches far beyond a single season. Weekly farmers’ markets and pop-up markets bring local flavor to neighborhoods year-round, while largescale festivals anchor the city’s cultural identity. Signature events like Buc Days from April 30 through May 10, Texas Jazz Festival from Oct. 16–18, and the Día de los Muertos Street Festival on Oct. 24, highlight everything from coastal traditions and food to music and community pride. No matter when you visit, there’s usually something happening that invites you to experience the city alongside locals.

3. Corpus Christi’s most recognizable attractions are concentrated along the bay, creating an easy-to-explore lineup for visitors. The USS Lexington Museum offers a deep dive into naval history aboard a legendary aircraft carrier, while the Texas State Aquarium showcases Gulf marine life through immersive exhibits focused on education and conservation. Nearby cultural institutions like the Art Museum of South Texas, the Art Center of Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History round out the experience, offering art, science and regional history with a coastal lens.

4. Known as one of Texas’s top fishing destinations, Corpus Christi offers year-round access to bay, surf and offshore fishing. Anglers can fish directly from the beach, cast lines from piers or book guided charters targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder and more. With mild weather throughout the year, fishing here isn’t limited to a single season; it’s a core part of the coastal lifestyle that keeps visitors coming back.

5. Corpus Christi sits along a major migratory path, making it a prime destination for birders from around the country. Coastal wetlands, bays and nearby nature preserves attract hundreds of species throughout the year, including whooping cranes, shorebirds and colorful migratory songbirds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual wildlife watcher, the area offers accessible viewing opportunities that change with the seasons.

6. The city’s culinary identity is shaped by its location. Fresh Gulf seafood, locally harvested oysters, Texas-style barbecue and bold Tex-Mex flavors all have a place at the table. Many restaurants, especially along Water Street, offer outdoor dining and waterfront views, making meals feel like part of the coastal experience. From dock-to-table seafood to “cook your catch” options after a day of fishing, Corpus Christi’s food scene blends flavor, tradition and scenery.

7. With more than 226 days of sunshine each year, Corpus Christi’s climate is one of its greatest assets. Mild winters and warm coastal breezes keep beaches, trails and outdoor attractions accessible year-round. It’s the kind of weather that encourages spontaneous plans, including morning beach walks, afternoon museum visits and sunset dinners by the water, and makes every season feel like a good time to visit.

From drivable beaches and on-the-water adventures to cultural attractions, wildlife experiences and a diverse food scene, Corpus Christi offers travelers a reason to return again and again, each time discovering a new way to coast through the seasons.

2026-03-24T08:31:00

(BPT) – Have you received your tax refund? You may find that this year’s refund is about 10% higher than last year, according to CNBC, creating a rare financial cushion. How will you spend it?

In past years, you may have earmarked this refund for fun purchases, trips or other discretionary spending. However, this year’s refund offers you an opportunity to invest in energy security by purchasing a backup power solution to offset long-term energy costs and provide reliable power now and for years to come.

What is energy security?

Household energy security goes beyond powering your home’s appliances, communication tools, medical equipment and other essentials during a blackout. Energy security means having access to affordable and reliable power to meet your home’s daily energy needs.

Affordable power is becoming harder for households to access. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022 and are expected to continue outpacing inflation through 2026.

A household’s ability to connect to reliable energy is also becoming more challenging. According to NERC’s 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, 13 of 23 North American assessment areas face elevated or high resource adequacy risks over the next five years, with demand growth driven by data centers and AI threatening to outpace the rate of new resource additions.

Power your home on your own

The good news is that you can generate and store essential home backup power independently off the grid. Solar generators like Jackery’s line of portable, powerful and compact home backup power stations are designed for emergencies, outages and everyday energy savings.

Unlike traditional gas generators, solar generators require minimal maintenance and offer silent, fume-free operation for safe indoor use, keeping essential devices running during outages. More importantly, backup power solutions like Jackery’s solar generators can help offset rising prices for home electricity by using it during peak hours to power high-cost appliances.

Models like the Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the HomePower 3600 Plus easily power all the essentials a family would need inside or out of a home, from everyday devices to heavy-duty equipment. While solar power is the main way to charge these backup power solutions, Jackery products can also be recharged using a wall outlet or 12-volt car port, giving you flexibility and reliability when it matters most.

Jackery’s solar generators are also built with longevity in mind. Select models are rated for 4,000 charge cycles before reaching 70%–80% capacity, translating to roughly a decade of regular use. These solar generators also retain battery life for up to a year with minimal loss. Plus, app-controlled features like “Quiet Charging” and “Battery Saving” modes can extend the physical life of the cells, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll have reliable and affordable energy for everyday use and during emergency situations.

Long-term energy security isn’t a luxury. It’s essential.

This year, invest your tax refund in your home’s long-term energy preparedness and independence. To learn more about Jackery’s backup power solutions and how you can ensure your energy security, visit Jackery.com.

2026-03-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you think mountain resorts are just winter playgrounds, think again. When winter’s snow melts and temperatures rise, these snowy peaks across the country magically transform into some of the most compelling family summer vacation destinations.

Summer mountain vacations are on the rise, and it’s not hard to see why. Summer in the mountains offers a unique and sophisticated escape for families seeking something beyond the ordinary. Mountain destinations offer cooler temperatures to beat the summer heat, breathtaking natural beauty and built-in infrastructure designed for unparalleled hospitality for families seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Adventures for every generation

Modern mountain resorts are the perfect destinations for multigenerational travel. In fact, many now feature dedicated spaces and experiences for different age groups, from toddlers to grandparents.

One destination that has cracked the code on multigenerational vacationing is Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado. Nestled at 8,100 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, this modern alpine retreat has perfected the art of warm-weather mountain experiences with tailored adventures for every member of the family.

For example, the newly renovated Creekside Park now features a state-of-the-art playground that seamlessly blends in with the surrounding nature, thanks to its custom playground design featuring habitat “pods” that connect children to the surrounding environment. It’s at this world-class gathering spot where parents can enjoy the summer concert series while children safely explore the open lawn and play spaces.

When kids enter their tweens and teens and outgrow the playgrounds, they can head over to Hawk’s Nest Cabin, a sophisticated alpine hub in the heart of the village. Unlike the typical teen centers, older kids can enjoy craft nonalcoholic beverages, a ski simulator, arcade games and Instagram-worthy lounge spots that make them feel like they’re at their own exclusive club.

At Beaver Creek Resort, summer camp is anything but ordinary. Designed for curious, active kids, the program offers flexible weeklong and day options that turn the mountains into an immersive adventure playground. From dinosaur fossil hunting, rock climbing and hiking, to white water rafting, zip line tours, horseback riding, and Jeep touring and paddleboarding, campers ages 5 to 12 can explore, build confidence and discover their own mountain passion.

Wellness in the mountains

Relaxation comes naturally thanks to the special combination of fresh mountain air, lower humidity and stunning natural surroundings. As you plan your mountain retreat, look for wellness experiences like:

• Mud wraps and body treatments infused with indigenous herbs and minerals
• Massages al fresco or in rooms with stunning mountain views
• Yoga and meditation classes that connect you with nature
• Fitness classes enhanced by the altitude

Outdoor activities at 9,000 feet

Outdoor activities abound in mountain settings in winter and summer. At Beaver Creek, for example, summer means access to 50 miles of mountain bike trails and 62 miles of hiking paths that take you on a journey through wildflower meadows and towering aspens. Your family can choose their own adventure, whether that’s gentle gondola rides with panoramic views or adrenaline-pumping activities at the Village Base Area like bungee trampolines, gem panning and climbing walls.

For a truly unique experience, adults can book an on-mountain wine excursion that starts with a guided scenic hike or 4×4 Adventure Jeep exploration of the Rockies. All trails lead to Beano’s Cabin, one of Colorado’s most famous restaurants, where you can indulge in gourmet wine and cheese pairings with artisanal charcuterie boards, all while taking in the breathtaking mountain vistas at 9,000 feet.

Shopping beyond snow gear

When you visit a resort village during the summer, you’ll find that you’ve walked into a boutique shopping destination. The shopping scene may surprise you with its sophistication and variety. You’ll find:

• Curated clothing boutiques featuring unique designs from around the world
• Local artisan shops with handcrafted jewelry, leather goods and home decor
• Art galleries showcasing regional and national artists
• Specialty stores offering everything from gourmet foods to custom outdoor gear

These carefully selected retailers reflect the mountain town’s unique character.

Exceptional culinary choices in the clouds

Mountain resorts go beyond your typical food fare. Many destinations give you the opportunity to dine at Michelin Guide-recommended restaurants, experience farm-to-table concepts and taste creative dishes from talented chefs who’ve traded city kitchens for mountain vistas.

When it comes to dining at altitude, you’ll have your pick of food that rivals the views at Beaver Creek. With over 20 exceptional culinary options, many featured in the Michelin Guide, you’ll find a wide range of culinary experiences from cozy cabin eateries to fine dining establishments. With so much variety, you’ll find something to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Cultural sophistication at altitude

Resort towns often host music performances and festivals in the summer and are home to performing arts venues. Beaver Creek’s Vilar Performing Arts Center is the first of its kind in a mountain town resort and features year-round programming. Cultural options will vary from place to place, but you may find:

• Broadway touring shows and other theatrical productions
• National touring musicians and bands
• Comedy shows and film festivals
• Dance performances and jazz concerts
• Art festivals
• Open-air galleries
• Concerts featuring both local and national artists

Plan your mountain escape

This summer, trade the ordinary for the extraordinary. A mountain escape offers your family the space, adventure, and fresh perspective that creates lasting memories. It might just become your new favorite summer tradition. Plan your summer mountain adventure at Beaver Creek.

2026-03-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the cost of living continues to rise and economic uncertainty lingers, many households, including pet owners, are feeling stretched. MetLife’s latest Employee Benefit Trends Study (EBTS) found that 83% of Americans say rising living expenses are a top source of stress, while 77% cite economic uncertainty as a major concern. In response, many families are re-evaluating spending and looking for places to cut back.

For pet parents, that pressure can lead to tough tradeoffs, such as delaying routine veterinary visits or skipping preventive care. While those decisions may ease short-term financial strain, they can carry longer-term consequences for both pet health and household budgets.

Preventive care, including annual checkups, vaccinations and screenings, is widely recommended by veterinarians and plays a critical role in keeping pets healthy. Yet as everyday expenses, from groceries to healthcare, continue to climb, it can be tempting to postpone routine care, even though doing so may lead to higher and less predictable costs later on.

Thinking of preventive care as one way to safeguard your pet’s well-being — and your own peace of mind — can make it easier to prioritize during financially stressful times.

Preventive Care Is Common — and Often Effective

Most veterinary visits aren’t driven by emergencies. In fact, MetLife Pet Insurance’s recent research found about 60% of vet visits are preventive rather than reactive, underscoring the role routine care plays in keeping pets healthy. These visits often make a real difference: 37% of pet parents say routine care helped them catch a health issue early, when treatment is typically simpler and more affordable.[i]

“Preventive exams allow veterinarians to spot subtle changes you might not notice at home,” said Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance. “Catching issues early can reduce the likelihood of more complex, expensive complications later.”

Cost Pressures Can Lead to Delays

Even when you know preventive care matters, cost can be a barrier. Seven in 10 pet parents say they’ve delayed or skipped veterinary visits due to expense, according to MetLife Pet Insurance research. Among those who postponed care, 35% say their pet’s condition worsened — sometimes requiring more intensive treatment than if it had been addressed sooner.[ii]

Delaying care can also take an emotional toll. Nearly three-quarters of pet parents who delayed care said they felt guilty, while many also reported feeling anxious, ashamed, uncertain or helpless.[iii] As veterinary costs rise alongside everyday expenses, balancing short-term savings with long-term risk becomes increasingly difficult.

Why Preventive Care Often Costs Less

Preventive care can play an important role in helping pet parents plan and budget over time, replacing unpredictable, high-cost medical crises with more manageable, routine expenses.

One simple example is heartworm disease: According to the American Heartworm Society, a year of heartworm prevention typically costs $70 to $200, while treatment can range from $1,200 to $1,800, not including follow-up care.[iv] Dental care follows a similar pattern: a routine exam and cleaning may cost a few hundred dollars, but untreated dental disease can lead to extractions costing $500 to $2,500.[v]

“Many of the most expensive conditions affecting pets don’t appear overnight,” Jorgensen noted. “They develop gradually, which is why routine checkups and prevention are so important.”

How Pet Insurance with Wellness Coverage Can Help

For many pet parents, the challenge isn’t understanding the value of preventive care — it’s fitting routine costs into a monthly budget. Pet insurance with a wellness add-on can help make these services, such as exams, vaccinations, dental cleanings and parasite prevention, more manageable by turning them into planned, predictable expenses.

That predictability can make it easier to stay on schedule with recommended care, reducing the risk that small issues become larger, more costly problems.

A Seasonal Reset with Lasting Impact

Spring is a season of renewal — for people and pets alike. Scheduling routine checkups, staying current on preventive care, and addressing small concerns early can help your pet stay healthier throughout the year, while reducing the likelihood of unexpected, high-cost medical events.

Preventive care benefits both you and your furry loved one — not only does it protect the bond you share, it also safeguards the financial well-being of your household. This spring, a simple wellness visit can be a meaningful reset, offering peace of mind that lasts long after the season changes.