As a perpetually cold person, I dread the arrival of winter’s unforgiving chill. The only thing that gives me some peace of mind this time of year is stocking up on wool sweaters (and leggings, gloves, hats, etc.). Without my beloved wool, I would wither away.

-Holyn Thigpen, AO Community Editor

Why Did England Once Force Everyone to Be Buried in Wool?

In the 17th century, English Parliament required burial witnesses to take an oath swearing that the deceased was wrapped in a shroud “made of Sheeps Wooll onely …” Corpses had long been buried in linen shrouds made in France, but after the two countries developed a rivalry, using home-sheared wool rather than importing linen was a great way to stick it to the enemy.

EVERY BODY’S GOT IT →

Stay Warm With Some Wool

Welsh farmers once made special cakes to celebrate their sheep-shearers — Not baa-d
During WWI, knitting was a patriotic duty — Join the “Wool Brigade”
This Irish women’s crochet group made an entire village out of wool — Spinning yarns

Cozy Comes Easily

Maine’s storybook towns, welcoming inns, and gourmet flavors make winters warm and bright.

EXPERIENCE WINTER IN MAINE →

Place of the Day

NORTH POLE, ALASKA

Santa Claus House

This trading post just outside of Fairbanks was established by married couple Nellie and Con Miller who—once word of their Christmasy creation spread—found themselves answering hundreds of letters from children around the world each holiday season.The town of North Pole, Alaska has grown up around the Santa Claus House, embracing its important role as Year-Round Christmas Wonderland with a 42-foot-tall Fiberglas Santa Claus and an eternally-lit Christmas tree.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE (FOREVER) →

This Swanky Speakeasy Is Denver’s Oldest Bar—And Hasn’t Changed a Bit Since 1933

To get to the Cruise Room, you must first walk through the Oxford Hotel, an iconic Victorian-era landmark that’s been welcoming guests since 1891. Once inside, time slips away. The Cruise Room is still gloriously Art Deco. Bas-relief panels adorn the walls, a vintage jukebox plays in the corner, and the décor is inspired by the luxury ocean liner RMS Queen Mary.

ONE GIN MARTINI, PLEASE →