My Family Travels | Latest Articles
Article
This Maryland Meat Market Is So Incredible It’s Worth a Dedicated Visit

A good meat market is hard to find. A great one is worth a dedicated trip. This Maryland spot falls into the second category....

Read More    7 min read

Article
Locals Call This Minnesota Farmers Market the Best in Town With Prices Half of What You’d Pay at the Supermarket

The tents go up before the sun, and by mid-morning, the aisles are packed with people hunting for bargains. This farmers market has earned a reputation that stretches across the...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Changing Minnesota City Where Lifelong Residents Say They No Longer Feel Welcome

You can feel it in the way lifelong residents talk about their city, a sense of loss beyond rising rents and new coffee shops. They speak of a place they no longer recognize, a...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Oklahoma Amish Market Where Baked Goods, Bulk Finds, And Deli Treats Make A Backroads Stop Worth It

The best stops on a road trip are the ones you do not plan for. A backroad in Oklahoma leads to an Amish market where the smell of fresh baked goods hits you before you even park.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Missouri Reservoir Is A Kayaker’s Paradise With Glassy Morning Waters And Herons Gliding By

The surface is so still at dawn that the trees on the far shore are reflected perfectly, each branch a mirror image in the glassy water.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This West Virginia Shop Sells Solid Wood Amish Furniture That Will Last A Lifetime

A place where "they don't make them like they used to" is not just a saying, it is the entire business model. This unassuming...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Festival Is The Oldest Continuously Running Italian-American Festival In The United States

What started in the late 1800s with a small group of grateful immigrants praying in a farmhouse has become the oldest continuous Italian-American festival in the United States....

Read More    6 min read

Article
People Drive From All Over West Virginia For The Legendary Chicken At This Chinese Restaurant

Could a humble, no-frills Chinese joint really be worth a road trip across the state? Apparently, yes, because people keep...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Historic Coastal Gateway Town Is The Antique Capital Of Alabama

Foley, Alabama is one of those places that surprises you the moment you arrive. Sitting just a short drive from the Gulf Coast, this small city carries a big personality rooted...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Psychedelic Pizzeria in Southern Oregon Is a Colorful Slice of Heaven

The walls are a swirling burst of neon, the lights are low and colorful, and the music makes you want to move. This is not your average pizza joint, this is a full sensory experience...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Virginia Waterfront Marina Grill Is Where You Can Watch Ships Pass By While Enjoying The Freshest Catch Around

The ships glide past in the distance, large and slow, carrying cargo across the bay. Meanwhile, you are sitting on a deck, cracking open oysters and sipping a cold drink.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Luxury Waterfront Virginia Coastal Resort Turns A Shore Stay Into A Dream Escape

The water is right outside your window. The breeze is constant. And the service is impeccable. This luxury waterfront Virginia...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Historic New Jersey General Store Has Been Serving The Community Since 1925

What happens when a grist mill built in 1925 turns into a breakfast spot that serves sandwiches all day long? You get a historic...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Locals Say This Once-Quiet Maryland Lake Town Is Now Overrun by Tourists

There was a time when this Maryland lake town was quiet. Peaceful, uncrowded, and easy to enjoy. Locals remember those days...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Highly Rated Oregon Riverfront Eatery Is Famous for Its Excellent Local Seafood

The river moves past the window at a steady pace, and the seafood on your plate has come from the waters just beyond. This is the kind of place in Oregon where the menu is as honest...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Oklahoma Sausage Factory Serves Schnitzel, Reubens, And Deli-Case Classics Like An Old-World Lunch Feast

he Reuben comes piled with corned beef and sauerkraut, and the schnitzel is breaded and fried until it is golden and crisp. That is the kind of lunch waiting at this Oklahoma sausage...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Quaint Polish Cafe in Missouri Serves Comfort Food Worth Coming Back For

A Polish cafe in Missouri does not sound like a place that would be hard to forget. But the first bite of stuffed cabbage and the warmth of the room make it clear that this spot...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Jersey Bookshop Is The State’s Only Dedicated Romance-Only Bookstore

What happens when a bookshop decides to dedicate every single shelf to love stories? You get the only romance-only bookstore...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This All-You-Can-Eat Alabama Mexican Buffet Is A Total Paradise Packed With Authentic Eats

Some restaurants are worth driving miles out of your way for, and one hidden gem in Central Alabama is exactly that kind of place.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Two-Screen Vintage Alabama Drive In Still Shows Movies Under The Stars Every Summer

Some places hold onto the past in the best possible way. A classic drive-in theater in Gu-Win, Alabama has been welcoming families, couples, and movie lovers for decades, offering...

Read More    6 min read

Article
11 Beaches In Virginia Facing Jellyfish Advisory Alerts This Summer

Summer in Virginia means beach days. But this year, swimmers need to pay attention. Eleven beaches in Virginia are facing jellyfish...

Read More    9 min read

Article
Everyone Goes to Virginia Beach, But This Nearby Coastal Town Might Be Even Better

Virginia Beach gets the crowds. The boardwalk, the hotels, the traffic. But just a short drive away, there is a coastal town...

Read More    8 min read

Article
12 Highest-Rated Seafood Restaurants in All of Maryland

Maryland is known for seafood. That is no secret. But finding the best of the best? That takes a little digging.

Read More    11 min read

Article
A Year-Round Lakeside Getaway in Oregon Surrounded by National Forests and Endless Outdoor Activities

Some places feel like they were designed for escape, and this one sits right at the heart of that feeling. Tucked between towering pines and crystal clear water, it offers a front...

Read More    7 min read

Article
More Than 100 Species Of Butterflies Visit This Texas Nature Preserve Throughout The Year

A nature preserve that hosts more than 100 species of butterflies is a colorful wonder. This Texas spot is a haven for these delicate insects.

Read More    9 min read

Article
9 Legendary Indiana Steakhouses Every Local Foodie Needs To Try At Least Once

I have eaten my way through a lot of Indiana, and nothing gets me more excited than a great steakhouse with real history behind it. From small-town gems to downtown institutions,...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Remote Indiana Canyon Is Known As The Grand Canyon Of The State

Most people think of Indiana as flat farmland, but there is a place in Parke County that will completely change that idea. A protected area within a well-known state park features...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Hidden Indiana Arboretum Offers A Magical Blend Of Wild Forests And Sculpted Gardens

Most people drive through Hazleton without ever knowing what waits just off the road. A privately owned arboretum and botanical garden in Indiana is one of those rare places that...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Over-100-Year-Old Virginia Country Store Has Locals Swearing Off Chain Grocery Meat for Good

The wooden floors creak under your feet. The shelves are stocked with items that look like they have been there for decades. And...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Why This Virginia Lake Is Often Called The ‘Bermuda Triangle Of The Commonwealth’

Strange things have been reported in this Virginia lake. Boats that drift off course. Compasses that spin without reason. A...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Most People Don’t Know Oregon Is the Birthplace of a Legendary Pancake Empire

Everyone knows about the big pancake chains with their cartoon mascots and frozen batters. But the real story, the one most people have never heard, started right here, in a modest...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Everyone Goes to Galveston, but This Nearby Texas Town Might Be Even Better

While many flock to the more well-known beaches, a nearby town offers its own unique brand of coastal charm. This Texas town has a distinct personality.

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Stunning Oregon Garden Was Nominated as One of the Best in the U.S.

A carpet of pink and magenta unfolds beneath towering firs, with blooms so dense they look like they have been painted on. This place has earned national recognition, a nomination...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The World’s Largest Honky Tonk Covers Nearly 100,000 Square Feet Right Here In Texas

A honky tonk that covers nearly 100,000 square feet is a Texas landmark. This spot is not just a bar; it is an experience. The...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Texas Italian Market Is Packed with Imported Goods Straight from Italy

A market that transports a person to Italy without a plane ticket is a special find. This Texas spot is packed with imported goods.

Read More    7 min read

Article
8 Hidden Texas Buffets That Serve Real Homemade Comfort Food Just Like Grandma Used to Make

A buffet can be a gamble, but some spots are worth the risk. These hidden Texas buffets are known for their homemade comfort food, the kind that tastes like it came from a family...

Read More    10 min read

Article
This Hidden Oklahoma Fabric Shop Is a Quilter’s Dream Packed With Endless Prints, Patterns, and Cozy Inspiration

You walk in for a quarter-yard of fabric and walk out two hours later with a trunk full of ideas. That is the danger of this small-town Oklahoma shop.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Secret Is Out About This West Virginia Lake That Is Becoming A Summer Favorite

For years, locals called this 10-mile-long lake their hidden treasure, but the secret is definitely out now. Set in the Allegheny...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Unique 8,800-Acre Indiana Lake Lets You Cruise On A Boat Right Past Active Eagle Habitats

Patoka Lake in southern Indiana is not your average weekend getaway. Stretching across 8,800 acres of sparkling water, this massive reservoir is home to bald eagles, osprey, herons,...

Read More    5 min read

Article
This Cozy Indiana Diner Is Famous For A Mind-Blowing $15 All-You-Can-Eat Fish Special

Fort Wayne has a lot of great places to eat, but few have the kind of loyal following that a longtime local fish diner on Wells Street has built over the years. Known for its relaxed,...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana Bakery Is Making Waves With Organic Flour, Scratch Pastries, And Zero Preservatives

Not all bakeries are created equal, and a sourdough-focused bakery in Indiana is proving that point one loaf at a time. Opened in the spring of 2025, this community favorite has...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Texas Swimming Hole Stays A Refreshing 72 Degrees All Year Long

A swimming hole that stays 72 degrees year round is a rare luxury. This Texas spot offers the ideal escape, no matter the season.

Read More    8 min read

Article
9 Oklahoma Steakhouses Tucked Inside Timeless Barnhouses and Rural Ranches Worth Every Mile of the Drive

Oklahoma has a ranching history that goes back generations, and the best steaks in the state are often found in barns and ranch houses that have been serving beef for decades....

Read More    8 min read

Article
Cannon Beach Gets All the Attention, But This Oregon Town Might Be Even Better

The famous neighbor gets all the postcards and the crowds, but this quieter spot offers something the tourists miss. It sits just south of the chaos, with wide open beaches and...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Missouri Discount Warehouse Has Prices So Low Shoppers Think It’s A Glitch

A coffee maker for three dollars. A roll of shelf liner for a few cents. That is the kind of pricing that makes shoppers at this Missouri discount warehouse wonder if the register...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The One Summer Destination In Oklahoma That Feels Like The Caribbean

The water is so clear and blue that it feels more like the Caribbean than the Sooner State, and the pine-covered hills rise around it like a forgotten coastline.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Jersey Institution Has Been Serving Made-From-The-Heart Cuisine Since 1988

The year was 1988, and a woman with a simple philosophy opened a small dining room with just ten tables. Cook like you mean...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Jersey Cemetery Houses A Mausoleum With Over $5 Million In Sculptures And Mosaics

A cemetery is probably not the first place you would think to go for an art tour. But this New Jersey landmark flips that...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Ohio Downtown Market Blends Global Food Counters, Bakery Cases, And Weekend Energy Into A Photo-Worthy Morning

What does a great food market offer that a grocery store cannot? It is the energy, the variety, and the chance to taste something new without committing to a full meal.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This North Carolina Biscuit Spot Serves Drive-Through Breakfast So Beloved The Morning Rush Feels Like A High Point Tradition

What makes a breakfast spot a local tradition? In North Carolina, the answer comes wrapped in a brown bag and handed through a drive-through window.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This North Carolina Barbecue Classic Turns Lexington-Style Pork, Hushpuppies, And Small-Town Tradition Into A Must-Visit Feast

The smell of wood smoke hits you before you even see the building, and that is your first sign that this North Carolina barbecue spot is the real deal. The pit has been burning...

Read More    8 min read

Article
If You Love Seafood, This New Hampshire Waterfront Restaurant Is Worth The Trip

I have eaten at a lot of seafood restaurants in my life, but I have never eaten at one quite like this. The setting is stunning, with the water right there at your feet and the...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Homemade Ice Cream at This New Hampshire Dairy Farm Is Worth Every Mile of the Drive

I have driven a long way for food before, but I have never driven a long way for ice cream. Until now. This New Hampshire dairy...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Pennsylvania Indoor Waterpark Resort Brings Glass-Roof Slides, Warm Pools, And Mountain Family Energy Year-Round

A Pennsylvania waterpark resort keeps summer alive all year with glass-roof slides, warm pools, and family energy that never fades.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Festival Is Home To A Major League Eating Pork Roll Championship

There is a sacred food in New Jersey that inspires fierce loyalty, passionate arguments, and now, a full-blown eating championship.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This West Virginia Fairgrounds Comes Alive Every Summer With Food, Fireworks, And Family Fun

If you think summer is just about sunshine and tan lines, this West Virginia fairground is here to "fair-ly" blow your mind. It...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This California Fabric Store Feels Like A Color-Packed Wonderland For Sewists, Designers, And DIY Dreamers

The colors hit you first, row after row of fabric in every shade you can imagine. This California store has been a destination for sewists, designers, and DIY lovers for decades,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Pennsylvania Sandwich Shop Piles Fries, Slaw, And Overstuffed Fillings Into A Road-Trip Lunch Worth The Detour

Some sandwiches are meant to be eaten with a knife and fork. This one requires both hands and a complete surrender to the mess. A...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Florida Flea Market Turns Market Days Into An Indoor-Outdoor Treasure Hunt With Bargains, Food, And Vintage Finds

You never really know what you might find at a Florida flea market, and that is exactly the point. One booth might have vintage tools, the next could be overflowing with fresh...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Historic New Jersey Trestle Has Been Standing Over The Rockaway River Since The 1860s

Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when a friend casually mentioned an old railroad bridge hiding inside a park in New Jersey.

Read More    7 min read