Carmen Varner

Verified

(She/Her)

Food, Lifestyle and Travel Writer, Freelance

Oceanside, San Diego

Food and Dining, Travel

As seen in: MSN, Yahoo Life, Business Insider, Issuu, Yahoo Canada, Yahoo News Australia, Yahoo News Malaysia, Aol, Flipboard, Yahoo Sports Australia and

Covers: Food, Beverage, Travel, Luxury, Disney

Food, Lifestyle, Travel Writer since 2011. 💻 Published in Locale Magazine, 22 Words, and more. 👩🏻‍💻 Contact Me: carmenvarner@gmail.com

Get in touch with Carmen

Contact Carmen, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.

Learn more about Muck Rack

Actions

Share this page

Carmen Varner’s Biography

Read Full Bio →

Carmen Varner is a North County San Diego-based writer and editor. She writes about food, beverage, lifestyle, and travel. You can find her tending to her patio garden, sipping on Earl Grey tea, or looking up a fun place to visit.

Carmen Varner’s Journalist Portfolio

See all 15 portfolio items →

San Diego Valentine’s Day Date Ideas (And a Couple of Gift Ideas, Too)

View article →

QuesaBirria Tacos from Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill at Disneyland California Adventure

Trying the QuesaBirria Tacos from Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill at Disneyland California Adventure.

View article →

Unique and Bold Liquors to Jazz Up Your Next Cocktail

There are plenty of delectable liquors and liqueurs available to suit any taste, whether you like smooth or s…

View article →

Family-Friendly Rooms and Amenities at the Newly Renovated Hyatt Regency Irvine

The Hyatt Regency Irvine is wrapping up a $55 million renovation, including upgrades to the lobby, guestrooms…

View article →

Family Fun in Gaslamp District - Extended Weekend Getaways - April 2024 Issue

While the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego may be known for its buzzing nightlife and club scene, it’s t…

View article →

Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Hotel's Dazzling Transformation

On June 29, 2023, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter in Southern California completed a $22.5M million-dollar r…

View article →

Articles

10 Candies That Taste Better Frozen

Aug 20, 2026 |

By Carmen Varner

| Yahoo Life

Who doesn't enjoy a tasty little sweet treat? Whether you save it for after a filling dinner or want one randomly in the middle of the day is completely up to you. No one's judging here. One thing we want to put you on to, however, is freezing your candy. This simple step changes the entire experience and gives it a new texture and taste, unlike your average candy bar.

Open in Who Shared

I Tried Panera's New Fall Menu Items, And They're Far From Pumpkin Perfection

Aug 19, 2026 |

By Carmen Varner

| Tasting Table

I Tried Panera's New Fall Menu Items, And They're Far From Pumpkin Perfection Carmen Varner / Tasting Table I don't care if liking pumpkin and pumpkin spice is basic. If that's the case, I genuinely don't mind being basic. That said, though, it should have an appropriate level of spice; otherwise, it might as well just be cinnamon — which is perfectly acceptable to eat all year long.

Open in Who Shared

I Tried Panera's New Fall Menu Items, And They're Far From Pumpkin Perfection

Aug 19, 2026 |

By Carmen Varner

| Aol

I don't care if liking pumpkin and pumpkin spice is basic. If that's the case, I genuinely don't mind being basic. That said, though, it should have an appropriate level of spice; otherwise, it might as well just be cinnamon — which is perfectly acceptable to eat all year long. In my ever-evolving hunt for the best pumpkin products, I went to Panera to test out its four new limited-time items: Pumpkin Spice Iced Coffee, Pumpkin Spice Frozen Java, Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll, and Caramel Pumpkin Slice.