Houlton, Maine happens. Tucked away in Aroostook County at the northeastern edge of Maine, this unassuming border town might just be the antidote to your big-city blues and wallet woes.

Modest but comfortable homes can still be found for under $150,000, with property taxes that won’t require a second mortgage just to pay them. Rental options are similarly gentle on fixed incomes, ...

Love comes in many forms — for example, this darling tea advent calendar and these ridiculously cute "library log" pillows.