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Sandy Allen

Sandy is a freelance writer based in Richmond, Virginia. She enjoys traveling to islands, natural attractions, theme parks and haunted spots. She has a lofty goal of visiting every park (national and theme) in the U.S. Her interests range from food, fun and outdoor activities to celebrity restaurants, Vegas and Broadway shows and grand hotels. Her work has appeared at AFAR, MapQuest Travel and Better Boat. When she’s not doing any of the above, she can be found reading, bicycling or trying to do yoga.

Articles

LATEST ARTICLES

Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando End Temperature Checks

There’s one less queue to go through at Florida theme parks.

Smithsonian Launches Educational Cruises That Bring History to Life

Smithsonian has partnered with Ponant Cruise Line to offer unforgettable cruise experiences.

Different Types of Car Tires: Which Is Right for You?

Do you know the differences in car tires? Check 'em out. Choosing the right type of tire is key.

West Virginia Wants to Pay You to Live There, and We’re Getting Our Application Ready

Pack up your laptop and head to the mountains! West Virginia just launched the nation’s premiere remote work program.

5 of the Strangest Things People Used Before Toilet Paper

You thought 2020’s toilet paper shortage was inconvenient. Check out some of the things people used before this miracle innovation.

Ways to Celebrate Earth Day at Home

Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. Created to raise awareness about protecting our planet, the first Earth Day led to the passage of environmental laws such as the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts. The theme for Earth Day 2021 is restore our earth.

The Virginia State Fair Is Back for 2021, and We Couldn’t Be Happier

Get ready for funnel cake and cotton candy. The State Fair of Virginia is planning its comeback in 2021!

How to Order a ‘WandaVision’ Frappuccino From Starbucks’ Secret Menu

Having a hard time waiting a week for a new episode of "WandaVision"? Satisfy your Wanda withdrawals at Starbucks.

The Food & Wine Festival Is Back for 2021 at Busch Gardens!

Canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is back for 2021. Along with favorites from previous years, there will be new flavors of internationally inspired food and beverage choices.

The Best Doughnuts in the DMV

Are you craving a puffy pastry of sweet and sticky goodness? So are we!

Accidental Imposters and Mistaken Identities: The Black Prince’s Ruby

The Black Prince’s Ruby is one of the most beautiful aspects of the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom. It’s positioned front and center in the cross pattée above the Cullinan II diamond.

The Jewel of Germany: The Dresden Green Diamond

The Dresden Green Diamond, also known as the Dresden Green, is a 41-carat natural green gemstone. Green diamonds are among the most valuable and rare gems in the world.

Check Out What’s Coming to Disney Theme Parks in 2021

Get ready for new and exciting attractions at Disneyland and Disney World Parks in 2021 (when we can go, of course).

How COVID-19 Brought Back the Road Trip

COVID-19 put restrictions on travel and brought back the road trip, leaving that European vacation on hold and hitting the open road in good old-fashioned road trip style.

Sclerotherapy: Help for the Pain & Appearance of Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy is a procedure that’s used to treat blood vessels and blood vessel malformations as well as problems with the lymphatic system. It’s commonly used to treat varicose veins and spider veins.

Burglars, Bandits, and Pink Panthers: Famous Jewelry Heists

Jewelry heists aren’t just for the big screen. Sometimes they happen in real life. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous jewelry heists to happen in the last 20 years.

Make Meals Inspired by ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Mandalorian,’ and More

Looking for ways to get the kids interested in cooking? CozyMeal has you covered with these pop-culture fan favorites.

Top 5 Things to Always Have in Your RV

Stay prepared during life on the road by keeping your RV stocked with these key items.

West Virginia’s New River Gorge Just Became Our Newest National Park

It’s wild. It’s wonderful. It’s a new US National Park in West Virginia!

Busch Gardens Announces Winter Weekends and Mardi Gras Limited Capacity Events

Busch Gardens is planning new and exciting events for January, February, and early March for the first time ever.

Baltimore and Morgan State Played a Part in the Creation of Netflix's ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’

D.C. native David E. Talbert brings the wonder of Christmas magic to Netflix (with a little bit of Baltimore and Morgan State in the mix).

Joe and Jill Biden Will Bring Dogs Back to the White House

Along with President-Elect Joe Biden and his wife Jill’s upcoming move to D.C., there will be a couple of additional residents. The Bidens' two German shepherds, Major and Champ, will be joining them at Pennsylvania Avenue.

New Arena Proposed for Former Best Products Site in Henrico County

For those missing the Richmond Coliseum, an arena-anchored mixed-use complex is in the works for Henrico County.

Ocean City’s Penguin Swim to Go on as Planned on New Year’s Day 2021

Get ready to jump into the Atlantic Ocean and "wash away 2020” at Ocean City’s Penguin Swim.

Maryland Polar Bear Plunge to Go Online for This Year's Event

Plunge from anywhere with the virtual polar plunge.

Adventures in Virginia: Weird and Wonderful Roadside Attractions

Offbeat, obscure, and downright weird—maybe even a little bit haunted—we’ve got the Virginia road trip adventure for you and your crew.

Oreo Cookie-Scented Candles Are a Thing, and They’re on All of Our Christmas Lists This Year

Fill your home with the sweet smell of Oreo cookies without opening a single sleeve.

Understanding the Difference in Telemedicine, Telehealth, and Telecare

Have you been wondering what telemedicine, telehealth, and telecare mean? Find out now.

List of Pop-Ups in DC That You Can Still Check Out During the Pandemic

While there were plenty of pop-ups in D.C. before the pandemic hit, the district’s restaurants have gone all out to utilize creative ways to stay open. Restaurants in neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Navy Yard, and Foggy Bottom are offering limited deals and pop-up events.

The Koh-I-Noor Diamond: From the Mines of India to the Crown of England

The Koh-I-Noor diamond is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world.

Have a Holly Jolly Time at Busch Gardens' Limited Capacity Christmas Celebration

Christmas at Busch Gardens really is the most wonderful time of the year. And no pandemic is going to stop it.

World's Largest Seagrass Restoration Project Is a Success Off Virginia Coast

Where once there was nothing, there are now lush meadows and thriving marine life.

Succulent Christmas Trees Put an Adorable Spin on Holiday Decor

Spruce up your holiday tabletop this year with a succulent Christmas tree.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter Weather

We’ve got some tips to help keep your vehicle running in good shape over the winter.

José Andrés Is Bringing 'Spanish Diner' to Bethesda

We’re switching tapas for comfort food with the addition of Spanish Diner in the DMV.

Halloween-Themed Skincare Making Classes for Kids at Elodie's Naturals

Your kids can make their own skincare products at Elodie’s Naturals.

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