LEAF LOVERS WELCOME There’s something special about getting outdoors and hiking this time of year. The air is crisp, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and the trees show off their fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking to enjoy leaf-peeping and fresh air, fall is the ultimate season to hit the trails. And the U.S. is brimming with stunning places to do just that. ASPEN, COLORADO Come September, the mountainsides come alive with beautiful golden aspen leaves, hence the name! Hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail or Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offer beautiful views of alpine lakes with gorgeous foliage and snow-dusted peaks. Just be sure to bring layers — mountain weather can be moody! ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE If you want coastal charm mixed with fall colors, Acadia National Park delivers. Right along Maine’s gorgeous coastline, this park is full of color and stunning ocean views — a rare combination! GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA The Smoky Mountains are a fall favorite known for their endless ridgelines and misty valleys. Mid-to-late October is peak foliage season, especially along trails like Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON If you’re looking for some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ve ever seen, the Columbia River Gorge is the spot! Trails like Multnomah Falls or Eagle Creek offer pretty fall colors, mossy cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK, VIRGINIA Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem for fall hiking. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For something gentler, the Stony Man Trail is perfect for families and still offers breathtaking scenery. With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a fall favorite on the East Coast. The Ultimate Fall Hiking Bucket List
HEALTHY LUNCHBOX HEROES FOR A BRIGHT BACK-TO-SCHOOL SMILE CRUNCH, MUNCH, AND SMILE!
As autumn rolls in and school routines settle back into place, it’s the perfect time to rethink those lunchboxes and after-school snacks. And no, there’s no need to set aside hours of prep time! Tooth-friendly snacks don’t have to be boring or complicated. With a little creativity, you can pack fun, nutritious options that keep kids’ smiles bright and bellies full. CRUNCHY BITES THAT CLEAN WHILE THEY SNACK Crunchy, water-rich foods are nature’s toothbrushes! They help scrub away plaque and food particles while boosting saliva production to rinse bacteria away naturally. Try these simple picks paired with hummus or nut butter: • Carrot sticks for a boost of vitamin A and enamel protection • Apple slices to naturally clean teeth and freshen breath • Cucumber rounds for a refreshing, low-sugar crunch • Celery sticks for fiber-packed, plaque-fighting fun
Let your kids get involved by picking out colorful veggies at the store. Trust us, they’ll be more excited to munch on their choices!
DAIRY DELIGHTS THAT STRENGTHEN SMILES Dairy is packed with calcium and phosphates, which strengthen tooth enamel and balance acids in the mouth. Try these simple options:
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Cubes of cheddar or mozzarella
Smooth, unsweetened yogurt in easy-to-pack tubes
Milk or fortified plant-based options
Pair cheese cubes with whole-grain crackers for a filling snack that’s good for their teeth and tummies.
WHOLESOME TREATS THEY’LL ACTUALLY WANT TO EAT Make lunchtime fun with playful twists on nutritious snacks:
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Fruit kabobs with strawberries, grapes, kiwi, and apple
• Fun sandwiches made with whole-grain bread, filled with lean turkey and cheese, and cut into silly shapes using cookie cutters • Sweet potato fries baked until crispy for a vitamin A boost
These snacks aren’t just delicious but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and tooth-loving nutrients.
KEEP THOSE SMILES SPARKLING YEAR-ROUND Healthy snacking is just one piece of the puzzle! Don’t forget to schedule your child’s end-of-year dental visit to keep their smile bright and cavity- free as the holidays approach. Our team is here to help their dental health stay on track all year long!
2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM
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