As we welcome a new year, many of us will make resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. More and more research indicates that living in a walkable neighborhood is good for you. From better health to reduced crime rates to increased social interactions, walkable urban living has many far reaching benefits. The studies show:

There's no better place to do your holiday shopping than the vibrant retail district at Downtown Silver Spring. From fashionable to athletic to gourmet, the shops at Downtown Silver Spring offer something for everyone on your list. Stop by this Saturday, December 13th and enjoy holiday music from 2 PM - 4 PM on the plaza and snap a unique holiday photo in front of the 35'-holiday tree. Downtown Silver Spring is just steps from EYA's new townhomes in Silver Spring at Chelsea Heights.

Photo by @Cliff1066 Flickr. This holiday season, venture off King Street to nearby Carlyle District for Alexandria’s acclaimed Holiday Market. Located just three blocks from King Street Metro station in John Carlyle Square, the event is a lively European-inspired Holiday Market, complete with arts, crafts, gifts, European fare, sweet treats, specialty beverages, Santa appearances, kids’ activities and live entertainment.

It’s coming! The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade will make its way through downtown Silver Spring on Saturday, November 22nd. The parade will feature over 100 attractions including floats, giant balloons, fire engines, classic cars, marching bands, colorful dance troupes and more. This year, a brand new 12-foot inflatable turkey will make its debut and as usual, the parade will conclude with a special appearance by Santa.

Photo courtesy of Flickr's tawest64. Looking for some Halloween fun? From the Silver Spring Zombie Walk to trick-or-treating at the local boutiques, check out these ghoulishly good events taking place in your EYA neighborhood.

On Saturday, September 13th and Sunday, September 14th, Old Town’s acclaimed King Street will be transformed into a world-class outdoor art gallery. The 12th Annual King Street Art Festival will showcase over 200 artists from the U.S. and abroad featuring more than $15 million worth of handcrafted art and one-of-a-kind wares!