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Discover Adelia's inspiring journey - a dedicated Second Life Resident from Sweden. Battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) since 2010, her condition has progressively confined her indoors. Yet, her spirit remains unshaken as she spearheads the "Forget ME Not" project in Second Life since May 2023. What is the purpose of the “Forget ME Not” project here in SL? Forget ME not wants to raise awareness about the serious, debilitating, chronic illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and to fundraise for the much needed M.E research in support of Open Medicine Foundation. It is a disease that has existed for decades but is still poorly understood and neglected. Can you describe what M.E is in a bit more detail? M.E is a complex multi-system disease with many symptoms that may change over time and differ from patient to patient. The most common symptoms of M.E are post-exertional malaise (worsening of symptoms upon even minimal exertion – this is the hallmark symptom that you won’t find in most other diseases), cognitive impairment (such as brain fog, short-term memory loss etc) and severe body pain. Due to a symptom set that overlaps with several other diseases, clinical assessment and symptoms and the exclusion of other diseases are necessary for accurate diagnosis. The cause of M.E is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors appear to be relevant. The majority gets sick after a viral infection and they simply never recover. Over 20 million people around the world are affected. Nobody is immune. Unfortunately, it also affects children. What are you doing to bring awareness to the issue with your SL based project? So far we have had several events with live musicians and DJs throughout and raised some money for research. I also arranged a patient exhibit, bringing real-life patient stories into SL and we participated in SL20B in July with an enhanced version. The point of the exhibit is to let people who know nothing or very little about M.E get an insight according to those affected. Most of these people are unable to work and live a normal life because their condition is so severe. The city scene symbolizes the many people who are forced to live an isolated life in their homes all around the world, and can't participate in the active life outside anymore, due to M.E. We also scheduled a shopping event to mark the “Severe M.E Day”, the forget ME not Fair, that will be running from August 8 until August 29. My future plans are to keep having these events in May and August. We hope to serve as a safe and supportive space where those affected, their loved ones, their carers - can talk about M.E, or just hang out without the judgment we so often have to face from society in general. What does Second Life mean to you? Second Life is in no way a miracle pill for me, but I have to say it has been a life saver many times because it helps me cope with the isolation and limitations this illness so often brings. I am still limited in SL. I have to choose my activities wisely. I can’t be socially interactive for very long without draining all of my mental energy. But the fact that I can visit a beach and go surfing, or go dancing, or have a conversation with a person who is half-way across the globe, or be creative – it's all of these little moments that keep me going and most of these things are impossible for me in real life. You could say SL is like a short term painkiller that gets me through another day. It has just opened up a whole new world for me and in these moments I feel free. I have a tiny Marketplace shop and enjoy creating tattoos. I plan on including shapes at some point since I enjoy styling avatars. I also have many pets! Let’s just say I do a little bit of everything. Why limit myself more than I already am, in a world where I can be anyone and do almost anything? In your estimation so far as a relative newbie: Is SL for everyone? I would like to say yes, but no, I have to say that SL is for “most” people. There are many who are too sick and disabled to go online or even look at a screen, like some of the most severely affected by M.E. But I’d say that as long as you have the ability, the time and the willingness/patience to learn (SL does have a slight learning curve) then absolutely it can be for you. Follow Forget ME Not socials for more info: Website Facebook YouTube Flickr Video Production by Draxtor Despres Forget ME Not Forget ME Not was created to raise awareness about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, an extremely debilitating, life-changing, and complex chronic disease. Through various events, Forget ME Not aims to raise awareness and serve as a safe space for the affected people. Learn more at forgetmenotsl.com More Info Teleport

Pictured: Peaceful Moments - Cotton Candy Bay Enjoy a sun-kissed virtual vacation without packing a suitcase! Second Life has some of the most beautiful sandy beaches, glistening waters, and picturesque sunsets. Grab a swimsuit and teleport through the Beaches category on the Second Life Destination Guide for the perfect summer photo ops! Second Life beaches await! Peaceful Moments - Cotton Candy Bay Serene shorelines kissed by the soft glow of the setting sun. Tranquil waves caress powdery pink sands, while gentle breezes carry a sweet floral scent. A haven of tranquility where time stands still and worries dissolve into the calm embrace of nature. More Info Teleport Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Pictured: Bay City's 15th Anniversary Looking for something to do this weekend in Second Life? The month of May is full of special events. Check out some of them in our Featured Events category, as well as our Community Events page. Here are 10 you don't want to miss! Bay City's 15th Anniversary Bay City, the first mainland community created by the Linden Department of Public Works, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this Sunday, with a parade down Route 66 followed by a four-hour long concert featuring DJ GoSpeed of KONA Stream, Jesie Janick, Maximillion Kleene, and AleyKat! Visit the Bay City Fairgrounds this Sunday, May 21st from 12:30-4:30 pm PT for all the fun! More Info Teleport Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Pictured: Circle Mental Health Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to take the time to recognize the importance of this topic and share some resources that offer support to those in the Second Life community who are struggling. Take a moment to explore these destinations, which offer a safe and meaningful space to reflect on your mental health and help find your inner peace. Mental Health Symposium at Virtual Ability Island The Virtual Ability community in Second Life presents their 12th annual Mental Health Symposium. The theme of this symposium is “Self-Identity and Mental Health.” It will be held on Friday, May 12th, 2023 at the Sojourner Auditorium on Virtual Ability Island. Learn more at virtualability.org/mental-health-symposia/mental-health-symposium-2023 More Info Teleport Find more supportive communities and spiritual destinations in the following two categories: Discussions & Communities Spirituality & Belief Be mindful and take care of yourself. ❤️ Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Pictured: Szystrum Synod Region at Fantasy Faire 2023 Explore these fantastic events and enchanting destinations in Second Life this weekend! Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Fantasy Faire 2023 The Fairelands have returned! From the 20th of April to the 7th of May, 22 incredible regions of extraordinary beauty bring the magic of Fantasy Faire to life once more, all in support of Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society's goal of a world without cancer. For eighteen days become immersed in a world of enchantment where you can shop, enjoy fantasy art and performances, discover roleplay opportunities, and hear award-winning fantasy authors all to a soundtrack provided by Fantasy Faire Radio. Come to the Faire, become part of the story, before the Fairelands once again recede into the mists for another year! Follow all the events at fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com More Info Teleport Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Photo Cafe Photo Cafe' is a meeting place for all SL Photographers (at any level) to gather and share experiences, hints, tips and tricks, landmarks or contests (inworld or Flickr), and whatever else comes to mind! The fortnightly meetings - every other Saturday at 12 PM SLT - are moderated and held via text chat (not on voice) so as to be accessible to everyone. Learn more at photocafe.news More Info Teleport Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Since we launched the new look of the Destination Guide, we’ve received a lot of feedback from the community and have been doing our best to curate all the suggestions and slowly implement them. Keep an eye out for many more improvements coming soon, including the ability to see and sort by real-time population counts! You will also notice some changes coming to the in-viewer Destinations floater very soon too! As a reminder, with the new look, you need to be logged into the Destination Guide to be able to access the teleport button. Look for the "Sign in" link at the top right of the page and once logged in, you'll have a teleport button. The view on map feature is embedded in the meatball button (horizontal three-dot menu) which is right beside the 'Join Now' or 'Teleport' button at any destination link. If you have more feedback and suggestions for us, or if you notice any destinations that have disappeared or need updating, please reach out to the Destination Guide team at editor@lindenlab.com. Here are some of the latest destinations and updates to the Destination Guide! Are you looking for the perfect date spot? Check out the Romantic Spots category: Nederlandse Bergen Nederlanse Bergee is a beautiful island, ideal to get away from everything. It's a place to explore, discover, enjoy, relax, and spend a romantic time with your loved one. It is owned by Aloriana Shadowstar and landscaped by Marie Nova. More Info Teleport There is always something to do in Second Life. So click over to the Destination Guide and start exploring this weekend! Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Have you noticed? The web version of the Destination Guide now has a new look - and we want your feedback on how we can continue to improve Second Life’s leading directory of cool and interesting places to explore! The latest version of the Destination Guide offers a modern design refresh (the first since 2010!), while also adding some useful new features that enable easier discovery of Second Life events and experiences. Web visitors may welcome the addition of a much-requested Search bar so that you can better seek and find the places that interest you, while category and search result pages now also have a “Sort by” option in the upper-right corner that allows users to filter the directory by “Newest” entries and alphabetically (A-Z or Z-A). Mobile users will notice that the Destination Guide is now much easier to browse and explore while on the go – which may come in handy to accompany our forthcoming Mobile Viewer. Want to share a Destination on your blog and/or view it on the overall Second Life Map? Logged-in users on Secondlife.com can click the three dots on the detail page to find these additional options. …and there’s more to come! Work is continuing as we seek to add even more improvements to the web-based Destination Guide including the ability to see and sort by real-time population counts, while also enhancing access to the full Destination Guide within the Second Life Viewer. The latest changes are a far cry from the early origins of the Destination Guide, which go all the way back to late 2005 when a small Developer Showcase section on Secondlife.com editorially highlighted a handful of noteworthy community builds and initiatives. That section soon morphed into Showcase, a small directory highlighting the best in Arts & Culture, Fashion and Music. In 2010, Showcase formally transitioned into the full-fledged Destination Guide directory with about 16 top-level categories before expanding over the next decade to include closer to 50 categories and many more sub-categories across a wide variety of genres spanning everything from A to Z (or Anime to Zombies, if you will). What features would you like to see in the Destination Guide? Share your thoughts and feedback with us directly at editor@lindenlab.com. Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria and guidelines and increase your chances of being featured in Editors’ Picks!

Inspired by Hashima Island in Japan, discover the strange world of Hashima in Second Life, once a coal mine community, prison, and film set. Creator Titus Palmira shares the background behind Hashima Island. What does Second Life mean to you? I have been in SL for 13 years and have done many things, each adding to the overall experience, but it really boils down to this: SL is a place where I can do what I want, be what I want, how I want, and all done within a shared experience with interesting people from all over the (real) world. What is the background of Hashima Island? Is there a story in your head that you wanted expressed in this form? I have always been interested in ghost towns. I feel they have a poignancy about them, the life that resided there once removed leaves a trace that soaks into the fabric of the abandoned buildings. There are government facilities here in the UK that have taken over entire villages, mining ghost towns in Australia, empty towns in Spain due to the greed of property developers, or ex-Soviet era towns in Eastern Europe. I found the Latvian town of Skrunda. It was used by the USSR army as a radar facility and also hosted the soldiers' families. The melancholy of it all struck me as being very profound. That gave me the idea of replicating this somehow in Second Life and the sim "Skrunda 2" was created, this was repeated the year with "Skrunda 3". We took the ideas and concepts behind Skrunda and moved the whole thing to Japan. Hashima island is almost the perfect real-life destination to be converted into a Second Life / Skrunda sim. It's small, has a defined identity, and has been abandoned, so a great ghost town. It has a rich history, it was a coal mine, a camp for POWs, and was a set for one of the scenes in the James Bond movie Skyfall which I thought people would find interesting. How would you explain SL or what you do to a “skeptic” among friends and family? That's a tough question, how do you describe something with almost endless possibilities? It's not a video game, so it has no beginning, middle, or end, but it sort of looks like one. I would say it's a virtual world, which in part you create yourself, a world where you get out, what you put in. If you don't socialize and make an effort to be involved, you will spend it alone and you will probably leave SL soon after, there is only so much shopping one can do before it gets tiring. Do you think avatar expression is a vital part of SL or are the experiences and places more important? I think the two things go hand in hand. As in real-life our "look" is the outer manifestation of who we want to be seen as and the message(s) we want to give out, but there is no point in having an amazing looking avatar, if there is no one to show it off to or great places for it to be seen in. Interesting sims of any kind, shopping experiences, clubs, photographic sims, role-play worlds, adventures, etc.. require effort and money to create. Not all sims are created to create a return on investment. I think what we try to do, is to offer something to the communal "pot" for everyone in SL to enjoy with no expectation of anything back. This is my way of paying it forward. How would you recommend folks who are new to SL and feel they have no building skills become creative residents that contribute to the wonderful mosaic that is SL? Youtube is your friend, failing that, have some real friends who are experts in this area. My good friend Sofie Janic (an accomplished SL builder of multiple sims) introduced me to Megan Prumier, another amazing builder. Like most things in life, it's best to just "give it a go", it might seem a bit fiddly at first, but you will be surprised at the things you can create quite quickly. There are so many great stores that sell such great components for sims, buildings, vehicles, plants and trees, assorted bits, and pieces, etc. Start off with a small Homestead, rez a shack, create a garden or a beach, add some waves and a deck chair, and you are there! Video Production by Draxtor Despres Hashima Island Welcome to Hashima Island, a new destination from the Skrunda team. Take your first step onto the island from the rickety old ferry and be transported into the strange world of Hashima, an ex coal mine community, prison, and film set. The people have gone but the feeling of their humanity remains. Inspired by Hashima Island in Japan. Visit in Second Life

Pictured: Wandering New York Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we’d highlight a few of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Wandering New York Wandering New York is a first-of-its-kind New York themed community roleplay destination, and it is completely MyStory compatible! The goal is to develop an active and flourishing community with many roleplaying activities, live entertainment, music, restaurants, and sports activities/competitions while all being a picture-worthy blog spot! Visit in Second Life Plumpton on Sea Explore Plumpton on Sea, a fun welcoming Photography hangout to relax, chat and take photos. All are welcome! Visit in Second Life Lone Tree Yoga Studio & Meditation Garden Welcome to Lone Tree Yoga Studio & Meditation Garden! Delight in the present as you find your breath and journey toward self-discovery through the practices of yoga and guided meditation and more. Come wander the meditation garden and practice Tai Chi or sit and meditate and be one with the sights and sounds around you. All are loved and all are welcome. Add your images to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/lone-tree-yoga Visit in Second Life Sanskrit Funeral pyres of the Ganges surrounded by the Himalaya. Explore and walk on water. Visit in Second Life Moosehead Lake at Paisley Pines Exploring Moosehead Lake is an adventure you won't soon forget! Situated in the scenic Paisley Pines, this tranquil lake offers great fishing and recreational activities. Be sure to make a stop at the charming Blue Moose Cafe, perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee before continuing on your journey! Visit in Second Life And if you're looking for a shopping fix, check out the following two events before they end, and find even more in our Shopping Events category: SL Living Expo The SL Living Expo, a mega event for the Relay For Life of Second Life, runs March 3rd through March 12th. Expanding upon the theme of home and garden and refreshing it in new and exciting ways, this event features shopping, entertainment, contests, beautiful photo opportunities and so much more. For more information, visit their website: sl-living-expo.org Visit in Second Life Skin Fair 2023 Juniper Events and Lelutka are proud to present the 2023 Skin Fair event. Are you ready for a total avatar makeover? The Skin Fair runs from March 10th to the 27th and is packed with hand-selected Creators showcasing the best new looks, styles, and avatar mesh add-ons. For more information, visit: juniperevents.net Visit in Second Life Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Pictured: Hashima Island Venture out and explore some of the newest destinations added to the Second Life Destination Guide this week! Hashima Island Welcome to Hashima Island, a new destination from the Skrunda team. Take your first step onto the island from the rickety old ferry and be transported into the strange world of Hashima, an ex coal mine community, prison, and film set. The people have gone but the feeling of their humanity remains. Visit in Second Life Kaleidoscope - Monarch Education Project Kaleidoscope, a Monarch Education Project, brought to you by MORPH Productions and SPARK Project, is an experience for the mind, heart, and soul. Follow the nature hike to learn about the importance of this beautiful butterfly and experience the breathtaking views of the monarch wintering grounds. Immerse in the butterfly experience while cuddling your beloved. Visit in Second Life Vice Islands Explore the new Vice Islands region, part of Le Chateau estate, inspired by Scarface and Miami with a funky neons retro decor, roads to ride your 80s muscle car, a beach, a mall, and pools! The perfect spot for your Miami-inspired photo. Visit in Second Life Islands of New England New England Islands is inspired and modeled on the real-life US Cape Cod Islands. Visit and reclaim your childhood memories of seashells, reeds-covered tiny coiling marsh channels, and endless ocean waterways for relaxing great sailing while passing by lovely handcrafted dunes, beach shores, and cranberry bogs to savor the scenic beauty. Please visit and consider making this community your home. Visit in Second Life Grand Garden at Salerio At the Grand Garden in Salerio you will find twelve intimate waterfront locations surrounded by gardens, three grand gardens to admire and walk in peaceful nature alone or with friends, one playground, and a rezzer station for boats. It is an enchanting place near the Blake Sea. Take a walk in the gardens, relax, and have fun. Visit in Second Life Calland Countryside A rustic and peaceful rural area with natural elements. Come wander a bit, shop in town, go fishing, hang out by the lighthouse, or go up to the mountain cabin. Bring your camera and find that perfect photo! Visit in Second Life The Janus Manor Home of the Clip Collection of artworks collected by Chuck Clip and Jewell. With over 70 SL artists represented in their collection, Chuck and Jewell have opened their home to the public, offering plenty of opportunities to hang out, role-play, play games, and most of all explore some of the best art created by your fellow SL residents. Visit in Second Life Secrets at Secret Secrets on the Secret region is a fantasy destination where all are welcome. Gather with fantasy creatures, dance at the fairy circle, visit the tavern, join the elven drum circle, or go ice skating at Ever Winter! It is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Visit in Second Life Le Petit Paris Le Petit Paris is a region-wide living museum that consists of the Musee Nissim de Camondo, the famous Petit Trianon, and all the wonder of discovery throughout. For photographers, you will find an array of captures from the beautiful landscape to the intricate details behind every corner. Visit in Second Life Glo's Bayou Lounge & Restaurant Glo's Bayou Lounge & Restaurant is a Louisiana inspired R&B only lounge and restaurant. The lounge is open Tuesdays and Fridays. Please join the group for details and special notices of parties and upcoming events. Enjoy a roleplay experience and amazing music and vibes. Visit in Second Life Baja Coast 2 Experience the timeless, vintage beauty of Baja Coast 2 and wander this nostalgic, romantic tropical beach environment. Explore the coast and islands of this photogenic white sand tropical beach and take in the sights and sounds of nature with your friends and family, grab a beach home if that's what you're looking for, or maybe you just want some peaceful time alone. Don't forget your camera! Visit in Second Life Happy place by Cica Ghost ''If there ever comes a day, when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever.'' - Winnie the Pooh Visit in Second Life Find even more in the Recently Added category! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Learn how you can make a difference at What the Buzz, an interactive bee and pollinator reserve in Second Life, and the catalyst for The Nature Collective by Emmalee Evergarden. Emmalee shares her inspiration behind What the Buzz and The Nature Collective: “I've always been a nature lover. I'm usually the one stopping to look at a plant or flower, insects, birds, or trees while everyone else is hurrying along, and saving the bees has always been a passion of mine. When I joined SL a couple of years ago, I felt it was the perfect way to create a way for people to become immersed in nature and learn about what they can do to help save the bees and other pollinators. I hope they visit What the Buzz and walk away with some ideas on small changes they can implement in their day-to-day lives to help make a difference. I got sick a couple of years ago and it affected my ability to do a lot of the things I was once physically able to do. Creating What the Buzz has helped me heal and given me a way to get out into nature, even if in the virtual world. In a way the bees saved me, so it only seems right that I do what I can to help save them right back. What the Buzz has also been the catalyst for my other project, The Nature Collective which has grown in leaps and bounds over the past year. I founded the group with the idea of creating a community of like minded nature loving people. TNC now has over 130 member locations and over 1100 group members. We have organized events with the Mainland Community Alliance. We have group SLRR rides, horseback rides, and group sails. We also have our own book club where we read and meet up to discuss nature-themed and related books. All of this is because of the bees and because Second Life has given me the platform to build and create. It truly is a magical place!” Video Production by Draxtor Despres What the Buzz Bee & Pollinator Reserve What the Buzz is an interactive bee and pollinator reserve where you can embark on a quest to find lost scientific journal pages and learn about different ways you can help save the bees. Stop by the farmers market and gift shop, and visit the Field Research Station where you can learn more about bees and what is causing their decline. There are even beehives you can help tend to! Visit in Second Life

Pictured: Healing Muse September is Self Care Awareness Month, take a moment to explore these destinations that offer opportunities for healing through meditation, reflection, support groups, and more. Healing Muse The Healing Muse destination is a serene healing community beautifully landscaped with rolling hills and lovely shade trees, intermixed with locations for self-guided meditations and areas of quiet reflection and learning. These include a library and group meditation areas where daily meditations occur along with weekly spiritual study events such as "The Bhagavad Gita for Beginners" and much more. Visit in Second Life Mindful Cove Mindful Cove exists to provide both an entry point into Second Life, and an ongoing community region for newcomers and long-time residents alike, based on the core principle that SL can be an excellent place to engage in activities that support emotional and mental well-being. Visit in Second Life Center for Mindfulness Mindfulness can literally transform your entire world from the inside out and for the millions of mindfulness practitioners around the world, it’s doing just that! Come and discover the most incredible and wonderful surprise: everything you’ve been searching for ‘out there’ feelings of fulfillment, peace, and wholeness, have been within you all along. The Center for Mindfulness is a beautiful and calming place to come meditate and learn a few mindful tricks. Learn more at mindfulnessinsl.blogspot.com Visit in Second Life The Lighthouse The Lighthouse is a support group and meeting place, focused on mental health and wellness. They provide support group meetings on topics including depression, anxiety, and addiction, as well as social activities and meditation sessions. They are a laid-back peer support community where you can connect with like-minded people. Visit in Second Life Circle Mental Health Circle Mental Health is a Peer Support Group. They are here to give help and support to those suffering from mental health. It's okay to struggle and they, as a community, are there and listening! Join their group for more information. All of their services are free! Visit in Second Life Fearless Nation PTSD Support Fearless Nation PTSD Support is an RL 501c3 Nonprofit Organization for people with PTSD, their families, partners, children, and communities. They provide education, support, and advocacy. Since 2009 they've had a virtual online community that spans distance, with a small carbon footprint bringing people together for peer support, education, and advocacy for people with PTSD. Visit in Second Life Transgender Resource Center The TRC is a safe place for Transgender people and their allies to join and talk about the issues they face. Weekly Support Groups are available. Visit in Second Life EchoVets EchoVets.org Band of Brothers non-profit is a new destination for all Veterans. They have current, up-to-date information that benefits YOU the Veteran, and the Veterans' families! Lots to do and see here! Stacy Maracas is a Female Desert Storm Combat Veteran, US Army, and has the knowledge of the systems in place to help Veterans and their family members. Come to EchoVets for camaraderie, answers, live help, brotherhood, and sisterhood. All Veterans are welcome! Visit in Second Life Find more supportive communities and spiritual destinations in the following two categories: Discussions & Communities Spirituality & Belief Be mindful and take care of yourself. ❤️ For more exploration ideas, check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | LinkedIn

Pictured: Hypnotic Romance Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away! Grab your date and head over to one of these romantic spots on the Destination Guide! Hypnotic Romance Hypnotic is a special place for love and romance with couples dances and secluded places to cuddle and kiss. Hidden throughout are special romantic animations. Can you find them? Bring your partner, lover or date...or come alone to meet someone with romance on their mind. Visit in Second Life Love Valley Visit Love Valley for all your romance in a photogenic environment. Take a romantic horse ride through the woods, find the many cuddle places, and discover the secret love caves. Hang out with your lover, or friends, or find your true love at Love Valley. Take a romantic dance in the flower fields, or find the gala venue. Immerse yourself in this nature-themed environment for an experience you'll never forget! Visit in Second Life Love Garden The Love Garden is a German club and romantic garden that offers you live music, shows, and romantic evenings in a wonderful environment that is divided into two regions. On different stages and locations that have been lovingly built, you will be offered exactly what many places are missing. A feeling of coming home. Live concerts usually take place on weekends. Visit in Second Life Crystal Line Romantic Ballroom Crystal Line is a beautiful romantic ballroom waiting for a couple to come spend some quality time here. It's open 24 hours, and once you land, don't forget to turn on the music and enjoy dancing together. The dress code is formal. On the ground, there is an airfield "SLZI". Visit in Second Life Calas Galadhon Escape to the vast estate and nature park of Calas Galadhon, a peaceful, romantic place to enjoy the beauty of the natural world brought into Second Life. Explore by horse, buggy, boat or balloon. Visit in Second Life Or skip the romance and take your date to one of the fun festivals and live performances this weekend! Joshua Vox - SL International Symphony Joshua Vox sings Opera with SL International Symphony Orchestra, on Jan 28, 2023 at 12 PM PT! Joshua is an amazing singer with RL and SL experience! SL ISO features symphonic works and aims to provide a real music experience by creating a real-life concert-type atmosphere, as well as providing a visual feast for Second Life listeners. With Joshua and SL ISO, this is a must-attend performance! Visit in Second Life Burn2 Winterburn Wonderland Let yourself be inspired by the various facets of wonder, the child-like wonder of discovery for the first time. Come to Burn2's Winterburn Wonderland from January 27th to 29th, 2023! Experience BURN2, the annual festival of community, art, and fire that brings the culture and cool of Burning Man to the metaverse. Learn more at www.burn2.org Visit in Second Life SMOKEFEST SMOKEFEST 2023 is an immersive music festival surrounded by the beauty of red rocks and custom artwork. Every Saturday in January is a new mix of artists, singers, and DJs performing on a unique stage featuring dancers and a synched light show. Patrons can also shop festival exclusives, enjoy the waterpark and have fun taking photos at their leisure. More info at facebook.com/SMOKEFESTSL Visit in Second Life And if you don’t have a date yet, get more info about these dating apps and agencies in Second Life! Thundr Thundr is the premier dating app for Second Life users, making it easy and fun to connect with like-minded individuals in Second Life. You can create a profile, browse other users, and start chatting with potential matches. The intuitive interface and user-friendly features make it easy to connect with others, whether you're looking for friendship, romance, or something in between. More info at thundr.info/faqs Visit in Second Life Actually Love Dating Agency The Actually Love Dating Agency is a place to hang out, chill, and maybe meet someone special. They have ad boards, games, and a hangout area. Place your personal ad for L$1 and find the one you actually love! Actually Love is inclusive and LGBTQ+ Friendly. Visit in Second Life Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

This Veterans Day and beyond, Veterans and their families can find camaraderie, answers, live help, and more at EchoVets in Second Life. Stacy Maracas is a female Desert Storm combat veteran, who is heading up a Second Life operation to help veterans around the world. She tells us more about EchoVet: “Echo Group, a Real Life 5013C, Band of Brothers is dedicated to our veteran community. We currently have our main group in California on the Central Coast and chapters in Arizona, Tennessee, and the Metaverse. We are working closely on initiatives that directly affect the veteran community, such as the Veteran Homeless Crisis as well as the 22 a day initiative. On our sim, we have kiosks providing up-to-date Veteran’s Affairs system information for veterans and family members. We have live classes on Veteran Suicide Awareness Training, PTSD Awareness Training, group camaraderie sessions, and club events at our Club Echo. Numerous garden areas and places to just be and relax, we even have a farm tucked in the corner. And of course our famous aquarium. We are getting our sim ready to become a Gateway in Second Life. Our Veterans will be available via scheduling to aid new Residents, and it will help the veteran earn their red, white, and blue jersey.” When asked what Second Life means to her, Stacy said, “Second Life literally is my other life. I have been here for over 18 years. In my early years after leaving the military, Second Life was a place I could socialize at my own pace. Many people do not understand how simple things like large crowds, noise, and traffic, are serious triggers for some combat veterans. Second Life was a safe space, to start my baby steps to venturing back out into society.” The EchoVets SL leadership team consists of: President – Stacy Maracas, US Army Vice-President – Rave Absinthe, US Navy Executive Officer – Suta Northman – US Navy Outreach Commissioner – SouthernRebelGrl (Teyla) Family Support Ambassador – Marahjean Resident (MJ) Networking/Recruitment Ambassador – Soldier Waverider Veteran’s Affairs Lead Ambassador - Theremes Langdon-Tone Ambassador PTSD/Mental Health Support - Evelynn Evergarden Learn more about Echovets at the following links: Echovets.org Band of Brothers – California - https://www.facebook.com/EchoGroup805 Band of Brothers – Arizona - https://www.facebook.com/echovetsaz Band of Brothers – Tennessee - https://www.facebook.com/groups/391784402943337 If you’re a veteran looking for support and want to be part of a caring community, visit EchoVets today. Video Production by Draxtor Despres EchoVets EchoVets.org Band of Brothers non-profit is a new destination for all Veterans. They have current, up-to-date information that benefits YOU the Veteran, and the Veterans' families! Lots to do and see here! Stacy Maracas is a Female Desert Storm Combat Veteran, US Army, and has the knowledge of the systems in place to help Veterans and their family members. Come to EchoVets for camaraderie, answers, live help, brotherhood, and sisterhood. All Veterans are welcome! Visit in Second Life

Take a trip to Kawaii City, a cyberpunk metropolis where you can gaze at skyscrapers while relaxing at the cafe. Builder and owner of Kawaii City, Naru Darkwatch, shares her inspiration for this photogenic destination: “Somebody asked me what inspired me to build Kawaii City. To answer that question, I must explain some of the background I have had in my Second Life journey. I joined this fantastic world because of the roleplaying environment and the freedom it gave you to create a character almost 100%, just as you want it to be. But as Real Life took more and more of my time, I came to SL more for the friends, music, and to relax with a little building; it started with Kawaii Café so we could all have coffee in the mornings before work and not get yelled at by a GM because we were not all in character. Little by little, a city began to take form as more land became available to buy. The cafe and city have always been open to the public as I wanted to make a home for those who did not have a place to go, where you could be who you wanted to be but still be in a cyberpunk environment and not be forced to roleplay all the time. Eventually, it took some convincing from friends to list it in the destination guide as I’m quite critical of my creations, but many said I should, so now it’s there. Many have asked if I will open it up for RP, but my goal for the city is to keep on building it, improving it, and not to set up rules on who can visit and what to do there.” If you’re looking for a cyberpunk destination to explore without roleplay requirements and other restrictions, teleport over to Kawaii City now. Video Production by Draxtor Despres Kawaii City A photogenic cyberpunk/dystopic city to walk around, eat some Asian food, have some delicious coffee, explore the bars and clubs or find a place with that special somebody and snuggle a little. Visit in Second Life

Pictured: Wild Pack Space Adventure Amusement Park Take an immersive trip into cyberspace this weekend and experience adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster rides at the many amusement parks in Second Life! Wild Pack Space Adventure Amusement Park The future is waiting for you! This full-region amusement park offers the visitor an immersive trip into space. Float through a galaxy at zero gravity, experience adrenaline-producing rides, race a light cycle, land on planet Azura, and take part in Robot Smackdown. Fun for the whole Family. Visit in Second Life Astralia x Hello Kitty Theme Park Visit the Hello Kitty theme park by Astralia in Second Life. With three regions of fun, you can play interactive games and shop. Details on astraliaworld.com Visit in Second Life World Fair Peace Haven Communities proudly presents World Fair, a full region for your enjoyment! Attractions include unique rides, Pandora River Cruise, Wheel of Time, and many old-time favorites. All new for the new year - it's a carnival, it's an amusement park, it's a circus, it's a World Fair! Visit in Second Life Mountain Lion Night Club & Amusement Park Established in 2017, Mountain Lion is a full region amusement park and club featuring Live DJs and singers. There is a shopping mall with lucky chairs, ten roller coasters to enjoy, a ferris wheel, and many fun rides! You will also be able to bowl, mini-golf, play games and so much more! Come explore the ever-changing landscape. It is family-friendly and all avatars are welcome. Visit in Second Life Whimsy Shores - Seaside Amusement Park From roller coasters to carousels and so much more; Whimsy Shores is the perfect destination for a fun family outing or an exciting night out! Visit in Second Life Wonderpark Theme Park Wonderpark is an inclusive, safe, family-friendly theme park experience created for imagination, joy, and fun! There's plenty to see, do, and experience at Wonderpark, a roller coaster and 15 thrilling rides, games and live experiences, prizes and shops, and of course, theme park food! Have a wonderful time! Visit in Second Life MadPea Leveraging the development capability and social interaction of Virtual Worlds, MadPea Productions constantly seeks to create games that are beyond anything currently out there. Encompassing a talented crew of designers, writers, developers, and artists from all around the world, MadPea is creating a premier line of games based around original mysteries. MadPea strives to provide experiences that are as immersive and thrilling as absolutely possible within the parameters. More info at madpeagames.com Visit in Second Life Or if you're looking to party this weekend... Drop by The Wastelands for their 16th-anniversary celebrations running from January 20th to 22nd with music, games, combat, stories, trading, roleplay, movies, game shows, and more! More info on their Twitter. The Wastelands The Wastelands is a post-apocalyptic community almost as old as Second Life itself. Despite their frightening outward appearances, their friendly and outgoing community is the core reason they've lasted so long. Whether you want to role-play, hang out and chat, or play the mini-mmo games they have; everything is free, and opt-in at your own pace. It is also a photo-friendly destination! Learn more at the-wastelands.org Visit in Second Life The party also continues at the SmokeFest Music Festival every Saturday for the whole month of January. Check their Facebook page for more info. SMOKEFEST SMOKEFEST 2023 is an immersive music festival surrounded by the beauty of red rocks and custom artwork. Every Saturday in January is a new mix of artists, singers, and DJs performing on a unique stage featuring dancers and a synched light show. Patrons can also shop festival exclusives, enjoy the waterpark and have fun taking photos at their leisure. More info at facebook.com/SMOKEFESTSL Visit in Second Life Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Embark on a spiritual journey and visit Elephant Island, a wildlife adventure park in Second Life! Builder and owner of Elephant Island, Syx Toshi, shares his vision for this stress-relieving destination: “I’ve been in SL a long time and seen the amazing amount of progress with the influx of mesh. It has opened a new world of more realistic builds. In my more recent builds, I have tried to provide people with destinations that provide multiple options to enjoy the environment, whether it is hiking, climbing, scuba diving, kayaking, or just sitting and listening to nature. I want people to really have a sense of exploring. You may have noticed that Elephant Island not only has elephants, but we also have a completely immersive environment down to flies and ants. If you stand in one place long enough, you will see just about everything you would see in RL. My partner Bryn Toshi and I have a few rules for these builds: first and foremost is that there is no music on the region unless it’s coming from an old radio in one of the shacks. Once you pass that shack you will only hear nature. This is important to me because there is so much noise in SL. Even at nature destinations they are streaming music. I think that takes away from the experience. I have been building since day one in SL, but only after I met my partner did I want to build as a team. Bryn’s input is the finishing touch to every build. She has an excellent eye for design. We are a great team and have been for over 10 years. We both love SL for its creative outlet and the opportunity to stay connected in a unique way. We both love creating for people’s enjoyment that’s why you will never see a tip jar on any of our builds. Our hope is that our builds provide an escape for people from the stress of RL. Not everyone has the budget in RL to visit the places we try to duplicate in our builds.” Take some time to escape from the daily grind and enjoy the breathtaking colors of nature at Elephant Island. Video Production by Draxtor Despres Elephant Island Elephant Island is an adventurous destination and wildlife above and under the water is abundant. Come prepared to explore and have fun! Visit in Second Life

Pictured: Warehouse 21 Get ready for non-stop partying this weekend at these popular and newcomer-friendly Music Clubs and Festivals in Second Life! Find even more parties in the Music Category on the Destination Guide and our Community Events page. Warehouse 21 Warehouse 21 is an Industrial/Steampunk themed underground music club. They have live DJs performing every day of the week! For DJ sets and live music gigs, see their calendar: tinyurl.com/yde4hjpy Visit in Second Life SMOKEFEST SMOKEFEST 2023 is an immersive music festival surrounded by the beauty of red rocks and custom artwork. Every Saturday in January is a new mix of artists, singers, and DJs performing on a unique stage featuring dancers and a synched light show. Patrons can also shop festival exclusives, enjoy the waterpark and have fun taking photos at their leisure. More info at facebook.com/SMOKEFESTSL Visit in Second Life Peak Lounge Established in 2014, Peak Lounge has been providing a fun and relaxed place for Residents that enjoy music and dancing. Peace, love, and music is their motto! There are live DJs from all over the world playing a variety of music from different genres. Come by and make new friends! Visit in Second Life Exhale Dance Club Exhale Dance Club features live mix DJs 24/7 from all around the world. There's a variety of music genres including EDM, trap, hip hop, electro, techno, house, and trance. Exhale provides music shows and special themed events including DJ battles. These DJs bring everyone together for the love of music and the social experience. Visit in Second Life Voodoo Dance Club Voodoo Dance Club is a fun and friendly EDM Dance club with nonstop live DJs, hosts, and VIPs from around the world 24/7. Join real people and make real friends! Visit in Second Life Cafe Musique Welcome to Cafe Musique, where friends meet and new friendships are formed. New and established artists as well as the passionate staff work together for tips only. Music for music lovers by music lovers! Cafe Musique has been helping new artists in SL since Feb 2015, at no cost to them. Visit in Second Life KPOP Island KPOP Island is a community-based tropical getaway that brings the ultimate idol experience inspired by the BTS Island Game. Enjoy the best DJs at Club Cypher with tribute concerts and events! Visit in Second Life Totally 80s Club A warm cozy club where 80's music reigns all the time! Chat with the DJs, staff, and other fans of the 80s music in this fun club filled with dancing and other activities. For more info, visit: www.totally80sclub.com Visit in Second Life Club D-Block Club D-Block is one of the hottest clubs on the grid with a variety of DJs playing the best in Hip-Hop, Dance, and twerk music! Visit in Second Life Big Daddy's Rock Club Big Daddy's Rock Club has been bringing good music and good times to Second Life for over a decade! Visit in Second Life Furzona Furzona is a community based, cyberpunk-themed hangout with multiple areas to explore, including a Cyberpunk themed skybox known as The Mainframe, with holo-deck like simulations available to relax in. With Live DJ's and Hosts, Furzona specializes in live video displays and laser shows, showing off the capabilities of Second Life's engine. Visit in Second Life Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Love knows no boundaries, and neither does Second Life! Your dream virtual wedding awaits at Costa Bella Weddings. Costa Bella Weddings is a full-service wedding provider with four beautiful and very different venues to choose from: Country, Winter, The Beach, and Black Tie Affair. You also get a choice of three full-region honeymoon locations: Brampton Island, Las Brisas Island, and Isola Dell Amore. With a capacity of 100 guests and an average of 30, celebrate big or small. At the bigger end of the spectrum, the wedding of Kacee and Fang featured at the start of the video had 75 people attending. Longtime resident JenJen Sommerfleck, a photographer for 14 years, has been working at Costa Bella for the last 2 years. She and her team provide all planning services, including rehearsal, ceremony, photography, officiant service, DJ, and more. Jen shares her personal story in the video with us - as someone who can not have children in real life, she adopted kids in SL over the years and even had a pregnancy and is now caring for a Zooby baby. In regards to her job and the history of the wedding business in SL, Jen adds: “In my 14 years of experience, I have seen the industry grow and evolve in many ways. From simplistic, rudimentary setups of yesteryear to the complex, gorgeous productions of today. While still enjoying the hands-on of the wedding process in many aspects, my most enjoyable role is as manager here at Costa Bella. I have the great privilege of working closely with our amazing owners, Robin and Ian Moonkill. They operate Costa Bella on the premise of seeing people happy and in love, not as a money-making venture. That is something that is rare in the wedding industry. I love what I do here and I love how it ties into the most important part of my SL: family.” Celebrate now, with loved ones near and far. There are no post-party regrets in the virtual world! Video Production by Draxtor Despres Costa Bella Weddings Costa Bella Weddings is a full-service wedding provider. They walk you through the wedding process from beginning to end. They provide planning services, pre-ceremony coordination, rehearsal, in-ceremony coordination, photography, officiant service, DJ, and Venue choice of one of their beautifully decorated locations along with a choice of three full region honeymoon locations. Their services are provided from the heart because weddings are their passion. They look forward to creating the wedding of your dreams! Visit in Second Life

Pictured: Cloud Edge Get rid of the winter blues and have your virtual camera ready as you explore these photogenic destinations in Second Life this weekend! Cloud Edge Cloud Edge is a high-ground environment based above the clouds, surrounded by mountains. A place to escape, relax and enjoy the views. Add your photos to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/bananabuilds Visit in Second Life Kawaii City A photogenic cyberpunk/dystopic city to walk around, eat some Asian food, have some delicious coffee, explore the bars and clubs or find a place with that special somebody and snuggle a little. Visit in Second Life Green Story Green story is a beautiful, calm, and peaceful place for everyone. It's a place to relax or have a romantic time with a loved one. A perfect place to take pictures and create memories. Visit in Second Life Elvion Enjoy beautiful vistas while exploring this magical paradise. From stunning ocean views to fantasy scenes. Elvion is an ideal place for photographers, bloggers, and couples. Visit in Second Life Chateau de Chantilly Palace by TONAL The Château de Chantilly has had many names over its lifetime. This beautiful display of craftsmanship and passion is now open to the public for exploration, photography, events, vacations, dining, equine lifestyle, and exploration. Visit in Second Life The Hanging Gardens of Babylon The Hanging Gardens of Babylon is an amazing estate filled with magical places that will amaze you. Created by Patch Thibaud and adapted as a residence, this is a true work of art. Majestic beyond words, you must experience this to fully appreciate it! Let the gondola guide you to your arrival then explore this romantic creation. Visit in Second Life Pillars Of Hercules For over five years Scottie Menges and Caleb Bruun ran the first Pillars Of Hercules open from 2009-2014. Now after ten months of building, Pillar of Hercules returns in 2022 as a public park open to anyone looking for a romantic and neoclassical fantasy destination where you can learn about Greek and Roman mythology. Visit in Second Life Lyric Lyric is inspired by the Caribbean Islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines, where the architecture of different eras meet the uniqueness of the Island's natural landscape. It is composed of three regions streamed together to offer its residents and visitors an opportunity to sail between them. Come live, love, and play! Visit in Second Life Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media. Signup for the Second Life Weekly Email Newsletter.

Start your 2023 by enjoying the sea breeze at Butter in Second Life, a rustic little seaside town where you can relax on the beach or add some adventure to the new year by going camping, hiking, or more! Owner of Butter, Mona Molinaxil, shares her motivation for creating it: “My motivation for Butter is watching other people's creations and then feeling an urge to actually create something myself. I started adding all the things I like in the region first: Food, puppies, coffee, good music, dances, clutter, and rustic buildings. All with a bit of quirk to it. Butter is by no means a finished project. Things are always changing. New items are added, and areas that I get tired of or don’t like are changed. Being limited by LI limits forces some choices to be made. And that is not a bad thing, really. If you want something new, you might have to remove something old. Currently, a part of the region is closed off for construction. One day it will be and it will be open to the public again. I did not want private homes or rentals on Butter, because one of the most annoying things I know when exploring SL is to run into ban lines and being kicked out by security systems. I wanted furnished and decorated houses where people could hang out and explore without feeling like they are trespassing. And by the way: visitors can change the music stream and group members can rez their photo props. Basically, Butter is made to be a place where I would like to hang out myself. I just hope other people like it too.” When asked what Second Life means to her, Mona says: “I have been in SL for many many years. I did leave at some point but came back (Who was I kidding? I have made great friends and I have always been creating something.) I want my SL to be relaxing and fun, not a chore. SL is where I can escape, relax and do some low-key socializing when I have free time, like going to live concerts or special events around the grid. With a full-time job, I have never had the time and energy to learn how to make my own mesh but creativity is one of the big perks in SL for me. And I can still be very creative by designing regions like Butter. Both the opportunity to create something of my own and watching other people create things, and getting inspired by them, that is what SL means to me. There is something for everyone out there.” The start of a new year is a time of new beginnings, so why not take some time to check out Butter in Second Life? Video Production by Draxtor Despres Butter Butter is a rustic, little seaside town. Relax on the beach, go camping, hiking, or dancing. Visit the docks or the farm to meet the locals. There are plenty of places to eat, drink, and hang out. Refresh your pixels at the spa and don't forget to bring your camera! If you look a bit closer there are also several cozy hideaways. Visit in Second Life

Spend time with friends in Second Life and enjoy winter activities at Grey Magic this holiday season. Grey Magic is a photogenic destination in Second Life that changes with the seasons. It is owned and run by Kimma Rayna and Dan Grey, who also offer rentals for those that want to make it a home. Dan shares how he feels about Second Life and his purpose for creating Grey Magic: “My first avatar is from 2006. I can hear you wonder, 16 years SL you must have seen it all? Yes! I have seen it all and yet Second Life is still a great place to be. Over the years I made many (RL) friends from all over the world; Ireland, USA, UK, Italy, Jordan, Germany. These friends I call my family for real. The realness in this Second Life world is what makes me want to stay in SL. And having your own sim of course too. My passion for Grey Magic lies in creating the feeling of home. I love when people can relate to this home feeling and to create the perfect one for tenants is the cherry on the pie. Grey Magic is for everyone to enjoy. There are always public houses for people to enter and parks to hangout. Kimma and I are not interested in traffic, we are interested in people that want to explore and feel welcome.” Kimma feels that Second Life’s name suits it well: “One of many passions Dan and I share is our love of creative spaces. Dan is hands down, the genius behind Grey Magic. As I’ve joked before, he is the Picasso and I happily clean his brushes! Having friends from all over the world is a gift you can only have in a place like Second Life. How could you not be drawn to it and return over and over again? I would be lost without the connections I’ve made through the years here. Second Life is actually a great name with real meaning. For so many of us, it could easily be called Blended Life as it bleeds into and blends with our real or first lives. How lucky we are to have such a magical place to share with others!” Experience the magic of the season at Grey Magic. Residents featured in the video: Haley Golightly Grey Linealrise Jana Guynot Legolas Baxton Meihel Baxto ᐺĖNUϟ ᐺӨṈ  ĐẸĖP Nᴀᴀɴᴀᴀ Gʀᴇʏ-Cᴀᴘᴇʟᴏ Video Production by Draxtor Despres Grey Magic Grey Magic is the perfect place to skate or hang out in one of the public houses. Or maybe a nice visit to the friendly pub? Catch the train and come to Grey Magic because it's snowing and Christmas is around the corner. Add your images to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/14698900@N23 Visit in Second Life

Pictured: Under the Northern Lights Make the most of this festive season at incredible winter destinations in Second Life. Under the Northern Lights Lemon Fox Estates welcomes you to a Winter under the Northern Lights! Grab your friends for some holiday-themed mini-golf or challenge them to a board game while you sit nestled by the fireplace. Explore the vast, snowy outdoors, stop by the tree farm, or put on your ice skates and visit the rink. Enchanting Dome rentals are also available with amazing views of the Northern Lights. Visit in Second Life Stillness Of Heart - Winter Winter is the perfect season. You feel like a child again, look with your heart, feel, relax and enjoy. Have a look at this Winter themed spot. Come alone or with your loved ones. Enjoy the games, the cuddle areas, enjoy a dance, or friendly conversations. Have a joyful holiday season and add your images to their Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/14820866@N20 Visit in Second Life I'll Be Home For Christmas Inspired by the nostalgia of memories long past, I’ll Be Home For Christmas is a winter destination that captures a fondness for the holiday season. There is an ice skating rink, a tobogganing and snowboarding hill, a Santa sleigh tour of the region, a Christmas Village with eight holiday stores (each designer providing a gift to visitors), a winter neighborhood with twenty-three uniquely decorated homes, and more! Visit in Second Life Flyte at FlyGearZ Beautiful vistas await the visitor at every turn and include spots that are ideal for quiet moments as well as more community fun-oriented spots. Steampunky by nature, Flyte doesn't end at ground level, instead, visitors will be encouraged to take the Flyte Tour upon arrival where they will see the entire region can be skated, and that there are cocoa stands, and many photo/cuddle spots. Visit in Second Life A Who-Christmas "Every Who down in Whoville liked Christmas a lot, but the Grinch, who lived just north of Whoville - did not." Whether you're Team Who or Team Grinch, you'll have fun exploring "A Who-Christmas!" Experience the magic and joy - wander the town, scale Mt. Crumpit and visit the Grinch's cave, stop by the tree farm and take home your own holiday tree! Inspired by childhood memories of Christmas jammies and Whoville. Visit in Second Life Winterset Hollow Winterset Hollow is a Frogmore Christmas Region. A vintage Swedish village with charming tiny shoppes, warm winter cabins, and glowing holiday fires, surrounded by a deep snowy valley. Everyone is welcome so come for the views and stay for the hot cocoa and Christmas treasures. Group members have rezz rights so bring your cameras and create amazing holiday memories. Visit in Second Life Coeur Lac d'Annecy Ski Resort The Coeur Lac d'Annecy Ski Resort has two slopes for timed skiing. The scoreboard on the western slope shows your best 3 runs, while the eastern slope scoreboard tracks up to 8 skiers at a time. There is a ski lift to the summit or take the cable car in the lower lodge to the ground for cross country skiing or ice skating over 6 regions. Visit in Second Life Winter at Four Bridges Project It's Winter at the Four Bridges Project and the air is cold. Not to worry, there are fires aplenty to warm you, and activities galore to distract you. Come get your skates and enjoy one of the many rinks or do a little downhill skiing and sledding. Whatever you do, bring your friends, or that special someone, or come alone and explore, enjoy, and find some peace. Grab the HUD from the landing point and away you go! Visit in Second Life North Pole Sleigh Ride Adventure Celebrating their 12th year, The North Pole Sleigh Ride Adventure is back with all of the magic of Christmas! Experience an SL winter tradition! Sleigh ride, skating, sledding, shopping, restaurants, Santa, and more! Come celebrate Christmas! Visit in Second Life And stop by for a snowball showdown on Monday! Linden & Resident Snowball Fight Get in the winter spirit for the most epic snowball fight in Second Life. Come with a group of friends and meet new people - either way, you're sure to have a blast as you toss snowballs at other Residents and even Lindens! The annual Snowball Fight event will be held on Monday, December 19th at 10am to 11am PT and another one at 2pm to 3pm PT. Visit in Second Life Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots! Connect with Second Life on Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Flickr | Pinterest | TikTok | LinkedIn

Hang out at Jet No Mori, a gothic-themed garden, complete with monsters and a vampire princess at the top of a tower! Created by Miss Jetcat Despres for a gothic-themed photo session with friends, Jet No Mori was made public for all to enjoy. Jetcat hails from Japan and joined Second Life when she saw coverage of SL on Japanese TV in 2007. She says, “Back then, they presented it as a game where you could fly and swim, and they called it the Metaverse.” Jetcat did step away from the OG Metaverse for almost 10 years as she got busy in the physical world, but she says she just could not forget about Second Life and became more active again about two years ago. Jetcat now runs a blog and has a little plot in-world which she calls her garden. In fact, she herself identifies as a gardener, changing up the looks of her public land to go with the seasons. Jetcat shares how she feels about Second Life and what her future plans are in this virtual world: “Second Life is a place where anything is possible and anything can be created. This world is full of beautiful things, all created by people with their own ideas. There are many ways to enjoy this world, to explore it, to play in it, to be what you want to be. I'm going to keep enjoying it! It is after all a game where you can fly and swim! And it's still very very meta today. It's like the times are repeating themselves, aren’t they?” Jetcat’s friends who participated in this video include: SaraUsami Ruby O'Kelly Noa Cloud Video Production by Draxtor Despres Jet No Mori Jet No Mori is a gothic party that was created for you to have a great time. Now it is a garden with monsters who enjoy the gothic atmosphere and party every night. Watch out for the vampire princess on top of the tower! Visit in Second Life