As you look back on the summers of your childhood, you’ve likely attended a fair or two. Fairs often signal the end of summer and the impending new school year. While there are thousands of fairs across the United States every year, these 10 states continue to have the largest attendance numbers. From mind-blowing food to livestock education, here’s a quick breakdown of the top ten biggest state fairs* in America.

1. State Fair of Texas (2.25 million visitors)

The old saying “everything is bigger in Texas” is especially true of its fairs. The State Fair of Texas runs for an impressive 24-day span, and welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually. Big Tex, the official icon of the State Fair of Texas, greets visitors as the enter the gates and begin their adventure at the largest state fair in America.

Held in Dallas at Fair Park, a registered National Historic Landmark, this fair is more than just food and rides. Attendees can expect to learn about the Lone Star State’s rich history and traditions through educational exhibits on agriculture and livestock, as well as art, culture, and science museums.

As with any state fair, you’ll find loads of midway rides, attractions, live music, events, and all the fried food you could ever want. Throughout the duration of the fair, you can also attend the Texas Auto Show, and football fans can attend several collegiate football games at Cotton Bowl Stadium, located inside Fair Park.

2. Minnesota State Fair (2 million visitors)

Commonly referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” The Minnesota State Fair is the second largest fair in America. Since the first official fair in 1859, Minnesotans and other Midwesterners visit the Minnesota State Fairgrounds each year to celebrate the history of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Most famous for Sweet Martha’s Cookies, Tom Thumb’s mini donuts, deep fried cheese curds, The Pronto Pup corn dog, and turkey legs, the Minnesota State Fair has 300+ concession booths offering 500+ food options. Keep an eye out for the official mascot of the fair: Fairchild the gopher.

3. The Big E (1.5 million visitors)

Also known as the Eastern States Exposition, The Big E includes all 6 New England States: Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The fair is held in Massachusetts and hosts “state days” that allow each state to showcase their individual history and traditions. The Big E has fried just about any food imaginable, and has all the traditional fair food staples. Don’t forget to end your meal with a Big E Cream Puff, the fair’s signature dessert!

4. The Great New York State Fair (1.2 million visitors)

In 1841, the United States held its first state fair in Syracuse, and that fair evolved into the Great New York State Fair in 1967. Multiple music stages make for some of the best summer lineups with performances by both new and seasoned artists!

Visitors will be happy to know that the Taste NY Marketplace will once again be back! Attendees will sample food and beverage products made right in New York State. The fair kicks off in late August and will conclude in early September.

5. Tulsa State Fair (1.15 million visitors)

You may be thinking that Tulsa isn’t a state… and you’d be right. Oklahoma has two state fairs each year, the Tulsa State Fair and its smaller rival, the Oklahoma State Fair. What began as the Tulsa County Free Fair has evolved into Oklahoma’s biggest family event of the year! The Tulsa State Fair runs for eleven days and hosts educational experiences, along with good ol’ fashioned family fun! To kick off the fair, Disney on Ice will perform in the Pavillion!

6. Arizona State Fair (1.14 million visitors)

The Arizona State Fair was established in 1905 with the intent of being a gathering place for the community. Growing to over one million attendees annually, people from all corners of the state come together during this three-week fair.  With numerous concerts, live entertainment, festival rides, fair food, and educational exhibitions, this southwest state fair takes place in Phoenix at the beginning of October.

7. Iowa State Fair (1.13 million visitors)

The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in the entire state and celebrates Iowa’s agriculture,  industry, entertainment, and achievement. This fair is even claimed to be the inspiration for a novel and three movies! Rated as one of the best state fairs in the nation, the Iowa State Fairgrounds gates welcome more than a million local, regional, and international visitors annually.

On top of free entertainment and attractions, the Iowa State Fair offers a wide variety good eats, including their 50+ “mobile food on a stick” options!

Fun fact: Iowa’s State Fair is home to the world-famous Butter Cow, weighing about 600 pounds and standing 5.5 feet tall, a tradition started in 1911 that has been carried on by only five sculptors over the years.

8. Wisconsin State Fair (1.03 million visitors)

The Wisconsin State Fair occurs for eleven days each year at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Take a ride on the Wonderfair Wheel (North America’s largest traveling Ferris Wheel), browse art exhibits, wander through Exploratory Park, or visit the House of Moo to learn more about Wisconsin’s dairy industry.

If you find yourself heading to the fair this August, be sure to try their famous cream puffs! According to the Wisconsin State Fair website, the puffs have been sold since 1924, and an average of 350,000 are consumed annually. The Sporkies, the Wisconsin State Fair annual food competition, tests out some of the newest foods featured at the fair. Looking to try something new? The Crazy Grazin’ days allow you to sample smaller portions of food at 50+ vendors.

9. North Carolina State Fair (1.01 million visitors)

Hosted in Raleigh, North Carolina, The North Carolina State Fair highlights the state’s agriculture through both educational and interactive exhibits. The fair features rides, numerous competitions ranging from graphic design to horse shows, and flaunts entertainment events, including their Folk Festival. There’s 100+ free things to do at the fair, as well as new food options, and is a perfect fall activity for the whole family!

10. Washington State Fair (1 million visitors)

The Washington State Fair has just over one million attendees annually, and has grown significantly since the very first fair in 1900. Originally the Valley Fair, later the Puyallup Fair, and eventually the Washington State Fair, this fair may have held several names, but its mission has not changed: providing an experience centered on animals, agriculture, and education.

As fair-goers “do the Puyallup” they can participate in farming simulations; watch rodeos, parades, and stunt shows; listen to free music and a knockout concert series; and view firework shows on Friday nights! If you’re lucky enough, you might get to meet Big Washington, the fair’s elusive bigfoot mascot!

*Please note that we only included state fairs, and did not include county fairs, etc.

The Brayton Folding Reading Sunglasses

The newest style in The Jet Setter Collection, The Brayton Folding Reading Sunglasses are perfect for vacation or everyday use! Fully magnified tinted lenses will protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Our favorite part? This trendy round pair of reading sunglasses folds up to fit perfectly in its matching case and is available in bold or traditional colors. 

The Vancouver Bifocal

This bifocal reader is a classic shape with spring hinges for a comfortable fit, which is why it’s one of our most popular styles to date. Bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses.

The Edinburgh Folding Reader

This non-bifocal reader can fit just about anywhere! With a folding temple and bridge, The Edinburgh Folding Reader fits into a small, zip-around case to be easily transported to your destination.

The Atlas

You’ll never lose your way with The Atlas! This semi-rimless frame allows you to see over the top of the frame without obstruction, and the fully magnified lenses keep your vision sharp.

The Jet Setter

The namesake of our collection, The Jet Setter is a browline frame with larger, fully magnified lenses available in a wide range of powers!

Shop The Jet Setter Collection ›

Disclaimer: All references to “bifocals” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.

At Readers.com, we heavily research behind-the-scenes on what is said to be popular in the near future and we’ve shared some of the most popular trends this year below. We believe that you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.

The Power of Red
While some of you have loved the color red for years, it is officially the color of fall for 2017.  Whether you prefer round or square glasses, we have a lot to offer. Take for instance The Melody. Not only is this frame apart of our new arrivals, but it makes a statement on the scene as you’re getting the classic tortoise with a hint of red. Maybe you are just looking for something that is a little more classic. In that case, frames like The Mint or The Tilly will be right up your ally.

Vintage Inspired
It’s nothing new that the vintage look is always present. From thrift shop coats or even bellbottoms that you remember wearing in the 70s, everyone is wanting to dress like Cher and Cyndi Lauper. Don’t let the vintage movement limit you only to clothing, though. If you’re feeling inspired, try glasses like The Fern, The Paulina, or The Eclair. All styles will make you feel as though you belong in a different decade with a twist.

Fall/Winter Florals
Women, we’re talking to you. One of the biggest trends this season are all of the patterns including: bright and bold florals. Even if you’re not a gardener but love this trend, we offer subtle and bold frames that you’ll enjoy. Glasses like  The Nala, The Bouquet, or The Buttercup are a perfect introduction to this trend and with the wide array of shapes, we guarantee you can find something to fit your face.

Chocolate for Your Face
Not only is red a popular color this fall, but the neutrals are also making a statement. While you may not be new to wearing brown and neutral colors, chocolate items have been listed as yet another color to watch out for this fall.While tortoise is a popular frame color for glasses, we want to remind you that you can get different varieties of chocolate brown and tortoise. Coming in as one of our best sellers, The Dean is a versatile and classic pair of reading glasses that is great for just about everyone in the family. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not try The Franco or The Garland? Providing some pattern with a striped and marbled look, these two glasses are a perfect fall accessory.

Mixed Metals
Last, but definitely not least, mixed metals pop up quite frequently when it comes to popular pieces that everyone seems to love. Whether you prefer gold or silver, there are accessories (and yes even clothes) that can feed into your personal taste. Not limited to the ones we recommend, as we have multiple reading glasses in all colors, but some of our favorites include: The Sonoma, The Opal, and The Teddy. All pairs are classic, yet sophisticated enough that you can wear while reading a book or even reading the price tag to a pair of shoes that will match your glasses.

Even if you didn’t find your perfect pair in this post, we have hundreds of other reading glasses that we know will fit your style. Visit our site to see everything we have to offer and enjoy all of the goodness that fall brings to you this year!

Many of us book lovers have been in similar situations. Luckily, Readers.com offers reading sunglasses! These are sunglasses with reading glasses powers all in one. If you already have a favorite frame style of glasses, the same style can be found in reading sunglasses. If not, check out our Face Shape Guide to figure out which frame looks best with your face shape.

Here are some of our best selling Sun Readers ® by style:

1. Aviators

The Hendrix Bifocal Reading Sunglasses

Aviators are very popular this season. They’re stylish yet practical and are worn by many Baby Boomer actors.

2. Browline

The Cayman Reading Sunglasses

Browline readers are trending this summer, which means a pair of these will keep you in-style.

3. Cat Eye

The Pearl Bifocal Reading Sunglasses

Cat eye frames are a perfect mixture of fun and practicality. They can spice up an outfit while allowing you to feel comfortable as you read a book.

4. Oval

The Agent Bifocal Reading Sunglasses

Oval frames are known for their functionality and style, plus they’re worn by influential actors.

5. Rectangle

The Shandy Reading Sunglasses

Rectangle frames are great for people that want something simple and easy for everyday wear.

6. Retro Square

The Declan Flexible Reading Sunglasses

Retro square readers are great for everyday reading. They’re simple and perfect for either gender, no matter your age.

7. Round

The Drama Bifocal Reading Sunglasses

Achieve Ivy League status with our classy round reading glasses!

8. Square

The Randy Reading Sunglasses

Square shaped frames are great for everyday wear. They especially look good on people with rounder face shapes.

9. Oversized

The Vale Bifocal Reading Sunglasses

Oversized frames are always a glamorous look that have been donned by countless celebrities. Make a chic statement with this perfect summer accessory.

This summer, don’t let the sunlight keep you from reading a great book outside. Pick out your favorite style of reading sunglasses to make your reading experience more comfortable and stylish. Happy reading!

Disclaimer: All references to “bifocals” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.

Step 1: Measure Your Face Width

The first step to finding the perfect pair of readers is to measure the width of your face. Don’t have a ruler handy? No problem. To make things easier for you, we’ve created a printable ruler! You can download the ruler by clicking here. When printing, make sure that you select “Actual Size” in the printing settings. This will ensure that the ruler is not cropped or altered.

Once you print the ruler, cut along the dotted lines. You will use this paper ruler to measure the distance between your temples, which will be needed to find your glasses size.

Step 2: Select Readers That Match Your Face Size

Once you find the distance between your temples in millimeters, determine which reading glasses size will fit you best! At Readers.com, we use millimeters to define the following reading glasses sizes:

Very Narrow: 123mm and under
Narrow: 124-129mm
Average: 130-136mm
Wide: 137-140mm
Very Wide: 141mm and over

Look at how wide your face is in millimeters. Under which size does it fall? If the number is close to multiple categories, you might be able to wear readers that fall under both groups. Most online retailers include glasses measurements on their product pages, so be on the lookout! Some retailers might even allow you to filter glasses by frame widths, which makes sorting through the selection easier.

Once you know your reading glasses size, check out our face shape guide to help find glasses that will complement your features. Happy browsing!

Most of us have heard of or know someone who has had LASIK eye surgery to improve their vision. Now’s your chance! This fall we’re paying for one lucky winner to get LASIK eye surgery. At Readers.com we’re dedicated to improving eyesight and making our customers happy. From how to enter the giveaway to information about LASIK eye surgery, here’s what you need to know.

What is LASIK eye surgery?

LASIK eye surgery is a surgical procedure that improves vision and decreases dependence on contact lenses and prescription eyewear. Thousands of people have the procedure done every year to correct eyesight problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

The procedure itself is pretty quick — it only takes about 15 minutes total to operate on both eyes! The surgeon uses a laser to reshape your cornea so that light is correctly focused when hitting the retina. To see if you are a good candidate for LASIK eye surgery, take this quiz.

How do I enter the LASIK eye surgery giveaway?

You can apply to win LASIK eye surgery by going to our entry page. No purchase is necessary to win and the cutoff date to enter the giveaway is November 13th, 2016. If you are looking for more information about life after LASIK eye surgery, check out our blog post. Good luck!

1. Flexible Reading Glasses

Rough on your readers? We suggest trying a pair of flexible reading glasses! This type of frame is made from a strong, thin material that bends and twists without breaking. Flexible readers are also durable and lightweight, which makes them a great option for people those who are constantly on-the-go.

2. Reading Sunglasses

Reading Sunglasses are just like your regular pair of reading glasses except they have tinted lenses to protect your eyes from harsh UV rays. Like sunglasses, reading sunglasses are available in a wide variety of tints. We even carry polarized options! If you enjoy reading outside or are planning your next tropical vacation, we suggest picking up a pair today.

3. Computer Reading Glasses

According to an article by CNN, Americans spend over 10 hours a day in front of screens. This massive amount of time staring at your iPhone, tablet, etc., can take a toll on your eyes. Computer readers help relieve eye strain by filtering out harmful blue light that is emitted from electronic screens. You can learn more about the benefits of computer readers here.

4. Folding Reading Glasses

Hauling around readers with a big, bulky case can be incredibly annoying. If you’re looking for convenience, try a pair of folding readers. These collapsible reading glasses fold perfectly into a small case that won’t clutter your purse when you’re on the move.

5. High Power Reading Glasses

If your eyes need a little more help than they used to, drugstore readers just won’t cut it. As you age, your eyesight will inevitably get worse. You even might start to realize that your eyesight changes more quickly than it used to. Don’t worry, you just need readers with a stronger power. While high power reading glasses can be difficult to find at the store, there are a ton of options online.

6. Makeup Reading Glasses

Makeup readers? You better believe it. These nifty readers are specifically designed to help apply makeup. Work on one eye, then simply slide the magnification over to the other eye when you’re ready. For tips on how to wear makeup with glasses, check out our guide here.

Disclaimer: All references to “bifocals” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.

The good news is that even though having twitchy eyes is annoying, the condition is rarely serious and often goes away by itself after a few hours or after a good night’s sleep. It’s also easy to lessen the frequency and duration of twitches. Keep reading for how-to tips!

Avoid Eyestrain

Staring at a computer screen for hours on end can cause your eye muscles to protest. Try holding a hand outstretched and keep it perfectly still. It won’t be long before your arm muscles tense and protest, then begin to quiver and twitch. The same thing happens to your eye muscles if you stare too long at a screen, or if you keep your eyes focused straight ahead for hours at a time, squinting to make out glare or small print text.

Download Eyes Relax or another timer application for your computer that will remind you to take vision breaks. Also, consider a pair of computer reading glasses (more on that here) that will help with glare. For more ways to beat eyestrain, check out these 10 tips to ease the pain.

Relax

Stress can also cause eye twitches and tics, which is why they always seem to happen at the worst possible time — like just before you’re scheduled to give a presentation or need to meet a deadline. Avoid last-minute reviews of your text. The combination of normal stress and eyestrain can cause your lids to flutter awry.

Treat Your Body Right

Fatigue can definitely bring on a bout of twitchy eye, as can the overuse of alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine. Staying well hydrated can help mitigate their effects and keep the electrolytes that control muscle action in balance.

Stop Twitches Before They Start

Keep a bottle of artificial tears on hand and use them when your eyes start feeling scratchy due to allergens, smog, or other environmental irritants. Giving your temples an occasional finger massage can be another good source of prevention.

If the Twitching Continues

Most eye twitches are harmless. But if they last more than a few days or spread to the corner of your mouth or other facial muscles, consult your eye doctor or physician. You may have an eye infection or another treatable condition.

For even more on how to ease daily eyestrain and eye twitching, read up on these special tips on making your smartphone and tablet easier on your eyes.

The Best Apples for Baking (and Pie)

There’s nothing better than a slice of warm apple pie topped with some vanilla ice cream. It’s okay to let your mouth water a little bit.

When baking, you need to pick an apple with the appropriate texture. Spending time on perfecting a fall apple dish only to take a bite of mushy apple is, to say the least, quite a disappointment! To avoid this, make sure that you pick an apple that is crisp enough to withstand the oven, and that has a good balance of sweet and tart taste.

Remember, you can also mix multiple types of apples to create a variety of flavors — it never hurts to experiment a little!

Recommended Apples —

• Granny Smith
• Golden Delicious
• Honeycrisp
• Cortland
• Empire
• Jonathan

The Best Apples for Cider

One of our favorite parts about fall is when we see cider hit the stands in the grocery store. The sweet and spicy combination that’s unique to apple cider is the perfect companion to a crisp fall day. This year, we challenge you to make a batch of your own!

In order to get all the right flavors for a balanced cider (sweet, bitter, sharp), apple cider typically requires a blend of apples. This chart shows a standard ration of the three flavors to use when making a hearty cider. If it’s your first time making cider, try this simple recipe.

Recommended Apples —

• Gala
• Fuji
• Winesap
• McIntosh
• Cortland
• Honeycrisp

The Best Apples for Applesauce

You can really use any apples you would like when making applesauce, but for convenience we recommend soft apples. Not only will they be easier to cut, but they’ll also cook faster than harder apples.

Applesauce is one of our favorite fall treats because you can adjust your recipe as needed, adding more cinnamon here, a little nutmeg there. Make a big batch, refrigerate, and enjoy!

Recommended Apples —

• Cortland
• Jonagold
• Winesap
• Fuji
• Granny Smith

The Best Apples to Eat Raw

There’s nothing worse than biting into a subpar apple. Although fall is the time in which apples are in season, some are more tasty when eaten raw, whereas other apples might be better in applesauces or pies.

The first thing to remember is that certain apples are in season during certain months. So, for the freshest taste, pick apples that are at their peak.

Recommended Apples —

• Honeycrisp
• Braeburn
• Fuji
• Gala
• Golden Delicious
• McIntosh
• Empire

Apple Varieties by Season

We all know that apples are in season in the fall, but what some might not know is which part of fall. Some varieties are best in late August, whereas others are at their peak in November. Below are different apple varieties, organized by when they’re in season.

Summer Apples (poor storage apples) —

• Earligold
  • In season:mid- to-late-July
  • Flavor: tart
  • Must refrigerate
• Hawaii
  • In season: mid- to-late-July
  • Flavor: tart
  • Must refrigerate
• Rambo
  • In season:mid- to-late-July
  • Flavor: tart
  • Must refrigerate
• Akane
  • In season: late July to late August
  • Flavor: tart
• Mollie’s Delicious
  • In season: mid-August to mid-September
  • Flavor: sweet

Fall Apples (good storage apples) —

• Gala
  • In season: mid-August to late October
  • Flavor: sweet
• Honeycrisp
  • In season: mid-August to late September
  • Flavor: sweet + tart
• Empire
  • In season: late August to mid-October
  • Flavor: sweet
• Jonathan
  • In season: early September to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart
• Cortland
  • In season: early September to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet
• Red Delicious
  • In season: mid-September to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet
• Jonagold:
  • In season: mid-September to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet

Winter Apples (best storage apples) —

• Melrose
  • In season: mid-September to late October
  • Flavor: tart
• Ida Red
  • In season: mid-September to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart
• Turley Winesap
  • In season: late September to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart
• Mutsu
  • In season: late September to late October
  • Flavor: sweet + tart
• Stayman Winesap
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet + tart
• Fuji
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: sweet
• Granny Smith
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: sour
• Black Twig
  • In season: early October to mid-November
  • Flavor: tart

Mouth watering? Check out our Holiday Cookbook for over 40 recipes >>

1. Two Tone Frames

Twice the color, twice the fun. If you’re looking to add a little zest to your wardrobe, but don’t want to experiment with crazy shapes or textures, two tone frames might be of interest to you. Flaunting classic shapes, our two tone readers are a fun and wearable trend to try.

2. Mixed Material Frames

Who says plastic and metal don’t go together? One of our favorite reading glasses trends this season is mixed material frames — reading glasses that contain two or more materials. If you’re looking for a more modern, polished look, then you’ll love our mixed material readers.

3. Printed Frames

If you thought prints were just for scarves and wallpaper, guess again. From floral to marble, our printed readers are quickly becoming a customer favorite, and rightfully so. To lighten up any outfit, try a pair of our wide variety of printed reading glasses.

Shop The Buttercup

4. Retro-Inspired Frames

Look familiar? One trend that we’ve been seeing in reading glasses is the resurgence of retro style glasses. From wiry metals readers, to bold thick frames, our retro-inspired reading glasses are a playful nod to the past.

Shop The Topaz Reading Sunglasses

5. Gadget Reading Glasses

Reading glasses of the 21st century! Not only are these modern readers stylish, they’re also extremely convenient. Two frames we think you’ll find handy are The Anchor, which flaunts a detachable neck cord, and The Peace Polarized Magnetic Bifocal Reading Sunglasses, a style that uses magnets to connect polarized lenses!

Disclaimer: All references to “bifocals” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.