Angela DiLoreto, Author at

Cryptic Ciphers, Treasure, Duels: The Life of Thomas Jefferson Beale

February 23, 2024July 24, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Thomas Jefferson Beale. It’s the name you likely have not heard, but the name behind a story you’ve seen a version of on the big screen. A 200-year-old mystery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia begins with TJ Beale. He is credited as the author of the Beale Papers (also known as Beale Ciphers). They are the “treasure map” to the Beale Treasure worth an estimated $65 million. Consisting of three ciphers explaining what the treasure is, where it is and who is entitled to it the ciphers have never been fully decoded. The cipher explaining what the treasure consists of was decoded using the Declaration of Independence n the late 1800s. Does that sound familiar? The movie National Treasure is said to be loosely based on the story. Now it is time to tell the real story of Thomas Jefferson Beale.

6 Things to do in Safety Harbor, Florida

September 26, 2023July 22, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Tocobaga Indian Mounds - Safety Harbor, Florida

Nestled into the northwest corner of Tampa Bay sits Safety Harbor. While the name originates from the time pirates ruled the Gulf of Mexico you will find a deeper history along its shores. Including the mounds of the Tocobaga, healing mineral springs, and a vibrant art community today.

22 Places in the United States to Find the Best Fall Colors

August 30, 2023July 18, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Travel Writers Share the Best Places for Leaf Peeping in the USA

Traveling to view the amazing colors of autumn makes a great start to the fall season. But where do you go to see the best colors? We asked 22 travel writers for their suggestions. Get out your calendar and start booking trips because you won’t want to miss these views!

Experiencing the Plains of the Serengeti in Florida’s Tampa Bay

May 15, 2025July 15, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

The 1950s were a time of innocence, post-war booms, moving to the suburbs and free beer. Well, free beer at Busch Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1959 as an admission-free hospitality center for the Tampa Anheuser-Busch brewery. Visitors were welcomed for their brewery tour with bird shows in a tropical setting and beer.

Mayberry to Mt. Airy: Step Back in Time to When Life was Simple and Carefree

September 26, 2023July 11, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

This fictional town had it all. But what if it wasn’t purely fictional? What if Mayberry did exist? At least, in some capacity. Well, it does. Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Hometown to Andy Griffith, the star of The Andy Griffith Show and the inspiration for Mayberry.

Delightful Dunedin Florida: Home to Local Breweries and Picturesque Beaches

May 15, 2025July 8, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast is the picturesque town of Dunedin. This hidden gem of Florida should be on your must-see list. The wooded sub-tropical setting offers nearly four waterfront miles. Nearly weekly celebrations fill the delightful downtown. The surrounding streets are filled with sherbet-colored houses and a typical relaxed Florida lifestyle. Dunedin’s 29 city parks offer the community 270 acres of green space. While support for the locally-owned shops and restaurants offers a welcome reprieve from the all too common large chain stores with their commercial signs.

Wandering the streets of Dunedin you will find smiles everywhere while its residents enjoy the outdoors. Golf carts are a common sight. The golf carts are decorated for the closest holiday or favorite team. The trees of homes often display handmade “chandeliers” of solar lights. This delightful town is filled with personality!