My Family Travels | Latest Articles
Article
One Small Bakery In Washington Bakes The Most Incredible Donuts Of Your Entire Life

That aroma, warm, sweet, and yeasty, weaving through the market's arcades will stop you mid-stride long before you find its source.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Giant Crystal Lagoon Near Houston Feels Like A Beach Vacation Without Leaving Texas Soil

You want a beach day but you do not want to drive for hours or fight ocean waves. This place gives you the best of both. The...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Texas Rescue Center Is Giving Sea Turtles a Second Chance at Life in the Wild

You expect to see sick turtles in a rehab center, but you do not expect to see them floating in kiddie pools with little life jackets on. That is how they recover from getting...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Oklahoma Highway Cafe Serves Homestyle Breakfast Plates and Bottomless Coffee That Keep Early Crowds Rolling In

The sun is barely up, the highway is quiet, and the parking lot at this small town Oklahoma cafe is already half full. That is how you know you found the right spot.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Mesmerizing West Virginia Crystal Shops For Collectors, Seekers, And Dreamers Alike

Somewhere between picking up a shimmering rose quartz and accidentally spending two hours in a shop the size of a closet, I became officially obsessed with crystal hunting.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Indiana Bin Store Refills Every Friday With High-End Tech For Deeply Discounted Finds

If you love the thrill of finding something amazing at a price that feels almost too good to be true, this liquidation bin store in Portage, Indiana might become your new favorite...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Tavern Is Known For A Breakfast Pile That Feeds You Twice

Some spots just feel like they belong to a neighborhood in a way no chain restaurant ever could. This east side Indianapolis, Indiana tavern is exactly that kind of place.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Spot Serves Hand-Pressed Smash Burgers For $5, But Only If You Beat The Clock

There are places you visit once and forget, and then there are places that pull you back every single time. This Indianapolis, Indiana sports pub is firmly in that second category...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Texas’ 11 Best Hidden Gems Every Foodie Must Try

You open your food app and see the same ten places over and over. The real good stuff never shows up there. These hidden gems...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Quirky Small Oklahoma Town Is Known for Antlers, Diners, and Big Personality

Some towns have fancy boutiques and art galleries. This one has antlers. Lots and lots of antlers. Local tradition says deer...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Pack A Picnic And Hit This Oregon Scenic Byway That Just Reopened For The Season

The road took its time melting out but now it is finally welcoming drivers again. A scenic byway with more lakes than anyone can count on their fingers easily.

Read More    7 min read

Article
Everything at This Oklahoma Restaurant Costs Less Than $10, And the Portions Are Huge

You read that right. Ten dollars. For everything. In a world where a sad desk lunch costs fifteen bucks and a fast food combo...

Read More    8 min read

Article
13 Botanical Gardens And Arboretums In New Jersey To Explore This May

Somewhere between getting lost on a winding path and accidentally stepping into what felt like a scene from a fairy tale, I realized that spring in New Jersey hits differently....

Read More    10 min read

Article
This Hidden New Hampshire Breakfast Spot Feels Like Home From The First Bite

You know that feeling when you walk into a restaurant for the first time and within five minutes you are already relaxed, like you have been coming here for years instead of just...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Bakery In New Jersey Serves Up Freshly Baked Buns Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

This New Jersey bakery started as a pandemic whim and a single Facebook post asking if anyone wanted cinnamon buns. Five years...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Famous Arizona Shop Along Route 66 Houses A Treasure Trove Of Nostalgic Stories And Rare Finds

You can still smell the old barber's talc when you step through the door, a ghost of the days when this was just a simple pool hall and a barbershop. But something remarkable happened...

Read More    8 min read

Article
8 State Parks In Maryland That Feel Like National Parks But With Way Fewer People

You love the idea of a grand national park but hate the traffic jam to get to the trailhead. Same here. These parks deliver the...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Renowned Minnesota Supper Club Where The Friday Fish Fry Draws Hundreds Every Week

The parking lot looks like a small city council meeting every Friday night somehow. Hundreds of people show up for the same fish fry week after week endlessly.

Read More    7 min read

Article
9 Magical Oklahoma State Parks for People Who Hate Crowds

Oklahoma has a quiet side that most people never get to see. While the big tourist spots fill up fast on long weekends, there are state parks scattered across this state that feel...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Peaceful New Hampshire Boardwalk Opens Onto A Strange Ancient Floating World

I did not expect to feel like I had stepped back in time when I walked onto a boardwalk in New Hampshire, but this place is different from anything else I have seen in the state....

Read More    8 min read

Article
This 75-Year-Old Missouri Steakhouse Is a True Small-Town Institution Still Serving Massive Comfort Meals

Some restaurants barely survive a decade. This one has been going strong since before your grandparents probably met. In the...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Most Popular Food Hall In New York Is Tucked Away Featuring Dozens Of Diverse Food And Drink Spots

The iron gates of a former biscuit factory still stand at the entrance, a quiet nod to the millions of Oreos once baked on this very spot.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Market In West Virginia Is A Local Favorite For Fresh Finds And Community Spirit

What do you get when you turn an old freight depot into a food lover's paradise? This West Virginia market.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Wildlife Area In New Jersey Is A Haven For Hikers And Nature Lovers

Imagine a place in New Jersey where the loudest noise is a frog belching. That's this wildlife area. With over 12,000 acres...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Stunning State Park In South Carolina That Is Perfect For Challenging Mountain Summit Day Trips

Your legs are already burning, and you have only just passed the trailhead sign. That is the honest welcome at this stunning South Carolina state park, where a 2,000 foot climb...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Slow Decline Of A Forgotten Michigan Park

You know that feeling when a place doesn’t announce itself, it just sits there quietly and you can sense the story under your feet?

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Legendary Tomato Pie At This Alabama Cafe Has A Cult Following

Some places earn their reputation one plate at a time, and this small mountain cafe atop Lookout Mountain is exactly that kind of place. Perched in a quiet, charming town, it has...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Giant Thrift Store In Minnesota Where A Full Cart Costs Just 30$

Walking in with a twenty dollar bill felt like bringing a spoon to a food fight honestly. The shelves go on forever with clothes and lamps and weird little ceramic frogs everywhere.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Secret New Hampshire Swimming Hole Glows With Emerald-Green Water

I have seen plenty of swimming holes in New Hampshire that are nice enough, clear and cold and good for a hot afternoon, but I have never seen water that actually glows green like...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Hampshire Hangout Mixes Great Food With Live Music That Takes Over The Night

There are plenty of places in New Hampshire where you can get a good meal, and there are plenty of places where you can hear live music, but finding a spot that does both well...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Small Washington Town Lures Visitors From Across The State With Antiques On Nearly Every Corner

You might recognize its name from the state’s antique capital acronym, a nine-letter hint that this small Washington town is brimming with vintage treasures.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Half and Half Crab Soup At This Restaurant In Maryland Is So Good, It’s Worth Traveling For

Ordering soup usually means making a choice. Creamy or clear? Thick or brothy? This place refuses to make you pick.

Read More    6 min read

Article
12 Cities In Florida That Leave Tourists Wanting More

What makes a city leave tourists wanting more? In Florida, it’s not just the hidden towns off the beaten path. It’s also...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Spring Park Restaurant Has Been Serving The Same Legendary Walleye Sandwich Since 1968

The walleye sandwich has not changed one single bit since 1968 arrives on my plate. I took a bite and understood why people keep coming back for decades endlessly.

Read More    6 min read

Article
With Two Locations In Minnesota This Western Style Restaurant Is A Local Favorite

The walls are covered with old saddles and dusty cowboy boots everywhere inside. A giant longhorn skull stares down at every table like a silent dinner guest.

Read More    6 min read

Article
8 Old-School Oklahoma Hot Dog Joints Where a Full Meal Costs Under $13

Somewhere between a gas station and a greasy dream, I found myself standing in front of a tiny window ordering the best hot dog of my entire life. Nobody warned me that Oklahoma...

Read More    8 min read

Article
12 Picturesque Spots in Missouri You Need on Your Bucket List

Missouri has a secret. Actually, it has about a dozen of them. People drive through this state on their way to somewhere else,...

Read More    9 min read

Article
One Legendary Bakery In Rhode Island Prepares The Most Mouthwatering Seasonal Donuts Of Your Whole Life

The fluorescent sprinkles on a sugar-glazed yeast doughnut, scattered haphazardly across your car seat on a summer Sunday morning.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Scenic Train Ride In West Virginia Chugs Its Way To Jaw-Dropping High Country Views

West Virginia doesn't do small when it comes to mountain views. This historic train ride proves it. Powered by an authentic...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Jewelry Store In New Jersey Has Been Crafting Custom Pieces For Generations

Some family heirlooms arrive by accident. This New Jersey family business builds them on purpose, one custom piece at a time. We're...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Enormous Flea Market In West Virginia That Keeps You Walking And Browsing All Day Long

You know that feeling when you walk into a store planning to spend ten minutes and emerge five hours later clutching a vintage fishing lure, a handmade quilt, and absolutely no...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Ohio Playground For Adults Provides The Ultimate Way To Reignite Your Inner Child

You have a fistful of arcade tokens, a go-kart helmet under your arm, and zero interest in acting your age. That is the correct attitude for this Ohio playground built specifically...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Why Nebraska’s Peaceful Spots Aren’t Peaceful Anymore

Have you noticed how some of Nebraska’s quiet getaways don’t feel so quiet anymore? Places that used to be perfect for...

Read More    8 min read

Article
You’ll Want To Move To This Charming Alabama Town The Second You Arrive

I did not expect a small Alabama town to stop me in my tracks the way this one did. From the moment I stepped onto its flower-lined streets and caught a glimpse of Mobile Bay glittering...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Oregon’s Adults-Only Soaking Pool With A Swim-Up Bar And Endless Relaxation

No kids splashing or screaming cannonballs anywhere near my peaceful soak today. The warm water wrapped around me as I floated toward the little swim up bar.

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Fresh-Boiled Whole Lobster At This Unassuming Massachusetts Harbor Shack Is A Coastal Tradition

The slick feel of a plastic bib and the weight of a wooden mallet in your hand signal a messy, wonderful meal is coming. You've stepped into a narrow, shingled outpost on a rocky...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Haunted Drive In Virginia Is Wrapped In Chilling Legends

Some roads take you where you need to go. This Virginia road takes you somewhere else. Crawford Road has a reputation, the kind...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Hidden BBQ Stop In Virginia Is Known For Apple Cider Donuts

You walk in for the barbecue. That is the plan, anyway. The brisket looks good, the pulled pork is tempting, and the whole place...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Easy Virginia Mountain Trail Leads To Breathtaking Views

Not every hike needs to be a workout. Some should just be pretty, short, and easy enough that you can bring anyone along. That...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Why Ohio Back Roads Delight And Frustrate Travelers

Back roads in Ohio can be full of surprises. One minute you’re cruising past wide cornfields and quiet barns, and the next you’re stuck behind a tractor or wondering if your...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Family-Owned New Jersey Burger Joint Uses A Special Blend Of Chuck, Short Rib, And Brisket In Every Patty

Most family secrets involve awkward reunions. This New Jersey family secret involves beef. Three cuts. One glorious patty.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Massive Second Hand Shop In Maryland Turns $50 Into a Loaded Cart

You hand over two twenties and a ten and suddenly you own half the store. That is the kind of math that works here. The place...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Arizona Hotel Is A Former Hospital Where Ghosts Still Make The Rounds.

You check into this Arizona hotel and the room looks normal. Nice even. But the hallway feels different. Long.

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Gluten Free Pancakes At This Oregon Restaurant Are So Good Locals Drive Over Just For Breakfast

Gluten free pancakes usually taste like cardboard pretending to be breakfast food honestly. I ordered them here expecting the same sad pile of disappointment again.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Seafood Spot In New York Is Redefining Local Dining

Ever tried a restaurant that completely changes the way you think about dining out? That’s exactly what’s happening at Dame in New York’s Greenwich Village.

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Things No One Tells You About Moving to Oklahoma

You have probably seen the memes about Oklahoma. The tornadoes, the musical, the endless plains that supposedly stretch all the way to "eh."

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Missouri Diner Serves a Pork Tenderloin So Big It Dwarfs the Bun

You have been warned about the size. You have probably seen the photos online. But nothing, absolutely nothing, prepares you...

Read More    5 min read

Article
These Are The Pennsylvania Restaurants Travelers Rarely Find

Most travelers think they’ve seen Pennsylvania’s food scene once they’ve hit the big-name spots in Philly or Pittsburgh. But the truth is, some of the best restaurants are...

Read More    7 min read

Article
13 Incredible Crystal-Hunting Spots In New Jersey That Every Rockhound Should Explore

New Jersey: famous for traffic, diners, and... digging your own treasure? That’s right. Forget the shore for a second. We...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Alabama BBQ Joint Covers Chicken In A Famous White Sauce People Can’t Stop Craving

Some places earn their reputation one plate at a time, and Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama, has been doing exactly that since 1925.

Read More    7 min read