EDGE New York City

As Christmas approaches, thoughts turn to Christmas markets. And, nowhere are they more beautiful than in SouthWest Germany. From the Black Forest region to Heidelberg, Mannheim and Stuttgart, SouthWest Germany’s Christmas markets are magical.

Fortunately for those whose budgets and schedules preclude the trip, there is plenty to do - and drink - in the U.S. during the fall beer festival season. Think of it as Oktoberfest in America.

There’s nothing like having someone live with you for a year to forge a lifelong friendship. But you can’t just drop by for coffee when that person lives across the Atlantic Ocean.