This week, my mind’s been on Ms. Samantha. I’d never met her before, but she needed a seat at a rock and mineral show I attended last weekend—and call it journalistic instinct, but it’s just kind of my nature to help folks find what they’re looking for.
A nearby vendor handed me a bottle of water to give to Ms. Samantha, which she gratefully accepted. I sat with her a while to make sure she was alright. You see, Ms. Samantha was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which often shows up with symptoms like numbness, weakness, and fatigue.
But do you know what else? Ms. Samantha is an avid rock fan—in more ways than one. She started collecting the shiny stones at age five, and attended her first musical concert a while after that. The rock ’n’ roller used to sit in the nosebleeds when her favorite bands came to town, but when she goes to see Foreigner in Bristol this fall, she said she got the good-good seats.
“It might date me a bit, but I’ve loved Foreigner since the band formed 50 years ago, and this is their final tour,” Ms. Samantha said. “I’m at the age where I’m not buying bad seats anymore. I want to live right in the action.”
My hope for all of us is that we live right in the action, too. And what better way to do that than exploring and comparing Virginia’s two biggest theme parks? We’ve got all the info in today’s lead story, and I’m so glad you’re here to enjoy it.
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A view of Intimidator 305 and Anaconda from the Eiffel Tower at Kings Dominion. (C.E. Beavers/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
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By Ellery Weil
Here’s what you need to know: Choosing between a trip to Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion? Read a personal take on the two biggest theme parks in Virginia.
Top facts:
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Excitement is the name of the game at Kings Dominion, which is home to a water park, flying swings, an enormous drop tower, and, of course, roller coasters. In fact, the theme park is home to the Pantherian, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters on the East Coast.
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At Busch Gardens, the park is divided into separate sections themed after different European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, as well as Fort New France, which is themed after a Canadian lumber camp. Each section has its own unique architecture, soundtrack, and themed rides and attractions.
- Remember to check with your family about what they want out of a theme park trip before making a decision. Some families love thrills and spills and will likely be happiest at Kings Dominion. On the other hand, if your party is looking for a park that’s as pretty to look at as it is fun to experience, Busch Gardens will likely be a major hit.
Ready to ride? Both parks have their perks, and we’re breaking down the details at the link below.
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By Michael O’Connor
Gov. Abigail Spanberger was in Richmond recently for a ceremonial bill signing focused on legislation to help with the high cost of childcare in Virginia.
Here’s what she had to say…
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I’m 99% sure I gasped when I saw this beautiful piece of ocean jasper for only $12. (Amie Knowles/Dogwood)
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By Amie Knowles
My husband took our son and me to a rock show last weekend. Except, it wasn’t that type of rock show. Instead of epic music, this one had incredible gems.
I’ve loved rocks all my life. Grandma Ruth got me into them, thanks to her love of shiny natural objects. We’d go rock hunting in her front yard to find pretty stones to set around her tulip patch—and living in Southside, there was no lack of dazzling quartz, sparkling mica, and even an occasional purple amethyst sticking right up out of the ground.
However, last weekend in Salem, they were all right there in front of me—no digging in the dirt required. I picked up some cool ones to add to my little collection. Agates are my all-time favorite, and I brought home a green and milky tree agate for the first time. Granted, the star of the show for me was a $12 piece of ocean jasper with a beautiful dark green and white lacy contrast.
Colton, age 8, had his mind set on finding a geode. Not only did he select the perfect one for only $5, but he also got to crack it right there at the show. Special thanks and shout out to the folks at Bradley Prospecting for making our boy’s day.
Want to get in on the rock show action? There’s another one coming up the weekend before Thanksgiving at the Salem Civic Center.
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Virginia native Pharrell Williams has not only eaten at but also collaborated with many restaurants like Feather ‘n’ Fin when putting together festivals and other big events. (Lev Radin/Shutterstock)
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By Dorothy Scott
If you’re hungry for poultry or fish, Feather ‘n’ Fin in Virginia Beach has you covered. But don’t just take our word for it—it’s a restaurant that performer and producer Pharrell Williams famously loves. The Virginia Beach native listed the eatery during an August 2023 interview with Penta when asked about his favorite establishments in the area, adding that he’s not only eaten at but also collaborated with many restaurants like Feather ‘n’ Fin when putting together festivals and other big events.
The cheekily named Feather ‘n’ Fin has a few other locations, including two in Norfolk and one in Suffolk, but you’ll need to head to the Virginia Beach storefront if you want to meet the same crew that’s partnered with the “Happy” singer. There, you can sample Southern staples like gizzards and sweet potato pie, crunch your way through fried fish and chicken bites, and sink your teeth into delectable BLT chicken sandwiches. This is an after-church type of establishment in the best way.
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Ellery Weil, Michael O’Connor, and Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Paula Solis.
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