MARYLAND - When you think of "state sports," images of baseball, basketball, or even football might come to mind. But in Maryland, the official state sport takes a fascinating leap back in time to the age of knights and chivalry: jousting.

Philadelphia, PA - Queen of Haunt reviewed attractions that made the most of haunting and safety to give haunt enthusiasts the top 13 Terrifying Haunts in the U.S.

Philadelphia, PA -  Halloween in Philadelphia. From haunted houses to Boozy events where the spirits mostly drink, Philadelphia has something for everyone to do, and even a Halloween costume party for your four-legged friends

PENNSYLVANIA STATE - Pennsylvania is a haven for Halloween enthusiasts, with spooky attractions scattered across the state. Here are some of the best, spanning from east to west:

The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that in 2023, the victimization rate for general violence stands at 22.5 per 1,000 individuals 12 years of age and older. The violent victimization incidents include rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.

Motorcycles are 3% of US vehicles, but they cause 15.5% of deaths and 3.4% of injuries in road accidents, according to data up to 2023. Texas reports the worst motorcycle fatality rates, averaging 13.69 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.

VIRGINIA - Virginia is a state steeped in history, and with that history comes a tapestry of town and county names derived from Native American languages, British figures, and French settlers. For outsiders, navigating this linguistic landscape can be a minefield. While there are plenty of contenders, one name almost universally trips up newcomers: Staunton.

The Clear Winner: Staunton

If you want to immediately identify yourself as "not from around here," just pronounce this city in the Shenandoah Valley the way it's spelled.

• How Outsiders Say It: "STAWN-ton" or "STOW-ton"
• How Virginians Say It: "STAN-ton"

That's right, the "au" is pronounced as a simple, flat "a," just like in the name "Stan." This pronunciation is a classic shibboleth—a linguistic test that separates locals from visitors. The city, which is the birthplace of President Woodrow Wilson and home to the American Shakespeare Center, holds firm to its unique pronunciation, much to the confusion of tourists.

The Honorable Mentions: Other Virginia Tongue-Twisters

While Staunton often takes the top prize, it's far from the only challenge. Here are a few other names that will have visitors scratching their heads.

Norfolk

This is perhaps the second most famous offender, known for its myriad of local pronunciations. The one thing everyone agrees on is how not to say it.

• How Outsiders Say It: "Nor-FOLK" (pronouncing the "L" and hitting the "folk" hard)
• How Locals Say It: "NAW-fok" or "NOR-fok" (The "L" is completely silent, and the second syllable is minimized.)

Wytheville

Located in Southwest Virginia, this town's name seems straightforward until you try it.

• How Outsiders Say It: "WHY-th-vil" or "WITH-ee-vil"
• How Locals Say It: "WITH-vil" (The "y" is pronounced like a short "i," and the "e" at the end is silent.)

Fauquier

This county in Northern Virginia is a remnant of its French roots.

• How Outsiders Say It: "Faw-KWEER" or "Faw-kee-ay"
• How Locals Say It: "Faw-KEER"

Botetourt

Another county with a French name that has been thoroughly Virginian-ized over the centuries.

• How Outsiders Say It: "Bo-teh-TORT" or "Bot-a-TOUR"
• How Locals Say It: "BOT-a-tot" (It rhymes with "what-a-tot.")

From Chincoteague ("SHIN-ko-teeg") to Goochland ("GOOCH-land"), the list goes on. But if you want to master just one, start with Staunton. Getting that one right is the first step to sounding like a true Virginian.

Philadelphia, PA—Philly has become something of a burger city lately. Everywhere you look nowadays, taverns, gastropubs, and restaurants have added unique burgers to the menu. The Burger has even entered some of the city's high-end steakhouses. Hence, we've decided to list our favorites throughout the city.

MARYLAND - When you think of "state sports," images of baseball, basketball, or even football might come to mind. But in Maryland, the official state sport takes a fascinating leap back in time to the age of knights and chivalry: jousting.

PENNSYLVANIA - The modern oil industry began in Titusville, Pennsylvania, not because oil was first found there (Native Americans had used it for centuries), but because it was the first place oil was commercially drilled. In 1859, Edwin L. Drake, facing ridicule and technical failures, successfully drilled a 69.5-foot well. This breakthrough, known as "Drake's Folly" before its success, solved a growing energy crisis by providing a cheap replacement for whale oil. The discovery launched the "Pennsylvania Oil Rush," creating boomtowns and establishing the foundation for the global petroleum industry.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that in 2023, the victimization rate for general violence stands at 22.5 per 1,000 individuals 12 years of age and older. The violent victimization incidents include rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.

Motorcycles are 3% of US vehicles, but they cause 15.5% of deaths and 3.4% of injuries in road accidents, according to data up to 2023. Texas reports the worst motorcycle fatality rates, averaging 13.69 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles.