My Family Travels | Latest Articles
Article
Louisiana’s Festival Season Has Tourists Learning the Hard Way

Louisiana doesn’t just host festivals, it lives them. From New Orleans to Lafayette to Shreveport, music, food, and parades spill into the streets for months each year. For visitors,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This North Carolina Smokehouse Serves Pork That Locals Swear Can’t Be Matched

In a state famous for barbecue rivalries, one small-town spot earns loyalty that crosses county lines. Lexington Barbecue, in the city of Lexington, North Carolina, has become...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Catfish at This Arkansas Café Is So Good, Tourists Don’t Share the Address

Arkansas has no shortage of catfish joints, but one small café has become a quiet legend. Tucked off a county road near Lake Village, Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales and Pies Café...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Quiet Virginia Beach Town That Feels Like a Secret Getaway

Virginia’s coastline has its share of busy boardwalks and packed summer crowds, but one small town manages to stay calm no matter the season. Cape Charles, tucked along the Chesapeake...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Why Everyone in Texas Is Taking Slow Weekend Drives Through Hill Country

Texas is big enough for every kind of adventure, but lately, locals are trading speed for scenery. Across the state, people are spending weekends winding through the Texas Hill...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The All You Can Eat Diner in Nebraska Locals Call “Unlimited Happiness”

In a state known for hearty meals and unhurried hospitality, Penny’s Diner in North Platte, Nebraska, has quietly earned a cheerful nickname among locals, “Unlimited Happiness.”...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Locals Say This Connecticut Buffet Is the State’s Best Kept Food Secret

Connecticut has plenty of fine dining spots, but locals say one humble buffet delivers the kind of comfort food that keeps them coming back year after year, the Pacific Buffet...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Why Tourists in California Get Fined for Doing the Most Normal Things

California’s beaches, trails, and cities draw millions of visitors every year, but many leave lighter in the wallet. Across the state, travelers find out too late that “normal”...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Weird Laws in Florida Tourists Keep Breaking Without Even Knowing

Florida welcomes millions of visitors every year, but some end up bending the rules without realizing it. The state’s mix of old ordinances, wildlife protections, and local quirks...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Small Pennsylvania River Town Made for Lazy Sunday Afternoons

Tucked between forested hills and a wide bend of the Susquehanna River, Marietta, Pennsylvania, moves at a pace that feels designed for slow days. It’s the kind of town where...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Why California Locals Don’t Go Near the Beaches Anymore

California’s beaches built the state’s image, surfboards, sunsets, and endless summer. But talk to longtime residents, and you’ll hear a quieter truth: many don’t spend...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Secret Reason Tourists Drive to North Dakota Just for Fresh Cut Meat

North Dakota might not top most travel lists, but those who make the trip know its quiet secret, some of the best fresh-cut meat in the Midwest. Road-trippers, hunters, and food...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Why Everyone in Montana Swears Their Local Butchers Beat Any Steakhouse

Montana is cattle country, but locals will tell you the best beef isn’t served under chandeliers. It’s wrapped in butcher paper, handed over a counter, and cooked at home....

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why Hawaii’s Locals Say Tourism Has Crossed the Line

Hawaii has welcomed visitors for generations, but many residents now say the balance has tipped too far. What once felt like a respectful exchange has become overwhelming pressure...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Real Reason Locals in Arizona Wish Tourists Would Stop Coming

Arizona’s landscapes draw millions every year, towering canyons, saguaro forests, red rock valleys, and desert sunsets that seem made for postcards. But behind the welcome signs,...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Why Locals Say This North Carolina Mountain Village Is the Most Peaceful Spot in the State

I went looking for quiet in the mountains and found a village that treats stillness like a neighbor. Bryson City sits close to deep forest and moving water, yet it feels easy to...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Coastal Rhode Island Restaurants Perfect For Seafood Lovers

Rhode Island, where the ocean's whispers beckon and the scent of the sea fills the air! Known as the Ocean State, it’s a paradise for seafood enthusiasts. Allow me to guide you...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Hidden Thrift Spots In Ohio Every Collector Should Visit

Ohio is a treasure chest of hidden gems, and if you're as obsessed with thrift shops as I am, this list is your new best friend. Each spot offers its own unique charm, from vintage...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Forgotten Parks In Washington With Eerie Histories

Greetings, intrepid explorer! If you're seeking adventure, a touch of mystery, and perhaps a ghostly whisper or two, Washington's forgotten parks await your brave footsteps. Packed...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Washington Towns That Go All Out For Halloween

Picture this: the chilly breeze of October rustling through your hair as you stroll down a street lined with cobwebbed lampposts and jack-o'-lanterns grinning from every doorstep....

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Utah BBQ Places Road Trippers Say Are Worth Every Mile

Utah might be known for its stunning landscapes, but what truly drives a foodie like me across hundreds of miles is the smoky allure of BBQ. Buckle up your taste buds as we embark...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Small Oregon Towns Made For A Peaceful Autumn Weekend

Alright, fellow wanderers! Grab your scarves and pumpkin spice lattes because we're about to embark on an autumnal adventure through Oregon's hidden gems. Imagine towns where the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Things Everyone Realizes After Visiting Oregon

Ah, Oregon! A state where nature and quirky culture collide in the most harmonious of ways. Whether you're a fan of lush forests, rugged coastlines, or vibrant urban life, there's...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Lessons Tourists Learn After Staying Out Too Late In Las Vegas

Ah, Las Vegas! A city where time seems to melt away like ice in a cocktail glass. I’ve found myself wandering its neon-lit streets at all hours, and trust me, the night can teach...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Things Only Locals Know About North Carolina’s Mountains

Ah, North Carolina’s mountains; a magical place where waterfalls whisper secrets and trails twist through ancient forests. As a seasoned traveler and a self-proclaimed adventurer,...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Things Georgia Locals Wish Tourists Knew About Southern Charm

Ah, Georgia; the peachy state where Southern charm flows as sweetly as the sweet tea they pour. If you’re planning a visit, you might think you've got it all figured out: a bit...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Eerie New York Attractions Locals Say To Skip After Dark

Ah, New York City! The city that never sleeps... or should I say, the city you shouldn't wander into some parts of after dark. While NYC is bursting with energy, culture, and mouth-watering...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Ways Travelers Keep Breaking Rules With Drones In Wyoming

Ah, Wyoming: land of sweeping plains, towering mountains, and... drone enthusiasts soaring into trouble! As a travel influencer who has danced with the winds of Wyoming, let me...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Things Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Kentucky’s Derby Sites

Howdy, fellow travelers! If you’re gearing up for a trip to the heart of horse country, there's a trove of treasures awaiting at Kentucky’s Derby sites. While you might have...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Alaska Seafood Feasts Travelers Say Are Worth The Trip

Ah, Alaska! Land of untamed wilderness, majestic glaciers, and, most importantly, seafood so fresh it practically swims onto your plate. If you’re a traveler with a ravenous...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Hidden Breakfast Buffets In New Mexico You’ll Want To Try

New Mexico is a land of enchantment, with breathtaking landscapes and culinary adventures that are nothing short of magical. As someone who has roamed this beautiful state with...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Coastal North Carolina Spots Known For Epic Seafood Spreads

Ahoy, seafood aficionados! If your taste buds dance at the thought of shrimp, crab, and oysters, then you've washed ashore at the right blog. We're setting sail along the North...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 South Carolina Experiences Tourists Would Skip Next Time

Ah, South Carolina! A state known for its Southern charm, rich history, and the kind of hospitality that wraps you up like a warm hug. But, let's face it, not every experience...

Read More    5 min read

Article
9 Surprises Waiting At Virginia’s Most Famous Landmarks

Have you ever wondered what hidden gems might be lurking in the shadow of Virginia’s iconic landmarks? Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of the unexpected surprises waiting...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Surprising Facts About Florida’s Wildlife

Hey there, fellow explorers! Buckle up as we embark on a thrilling journey through the vibrant world of Florida's wildlife. From the peculiar to the downright astonishing, this...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 South Carolina Beaches Tourists Love But Locals Don’t

Ah, South Carolina! A charming blend of Southern hospitality, rich history, and breathtaking coastlines. But let's be real; those beaches everyone raves about? The locals might...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Kentucky Thrift Shops Worth The Road Trip

Grab your road maps and your sense of adventure, because we're about to embark on a treasure hunt through the Bluegrass State. Forget the big-box stores; the real gems are hidden...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Oklahoma Markets Perfect For Vintage Treasure Hunters

Ever find yourself itching for a treasure hunt that doesn’t involve a map or a pirate ship? Oklahoma offers the perfect playground for vintage enthusiasts, where every nook hides...

Read More    5 min read

Article
9 Coastal Massachusetts Stops For Fresh Clam Chowder

Ah, coastal Massachusetts! A land of salty breezes, charming harbors, and a clam chowder so divine, it makes the angels sing. Join me on this delicious journey to nine unforgettable...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Roadside Nevada Stops Where Burgers Steal The Show

Welcome to the ultimate burger road trip across Nevada! As I strapped myself in for this culinary journey, I couldn’t help but anticipate the savory delights awaiting me at each...

Read More    5 min read

Article
9 Small Vermont Breakfast Spots Worth The Trip North

Vermont, the land of maple syrup and more rolling hills than you can count, is also home to some of the quirkiest and coziest breakfast nooks you'll ever stumble upon. Whether...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Texas BBQ Buffets So Good Locals Travel Miles To Visit

Howdy, BBQ lovers! Texas, the land of wide open spaces, cowboy boots, and, of course, some of the most finger-lickin’ barbecue buffets you’ll ever find. Grab your bib because...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 All You Can Eat Seafood Spots In Florida Locals Wish Stayed Secret

Ahoy, seafood enthusiasts! Florida might be known for its sun-kissed beaches and thrilling theme parks, but let me let you in on a little secret; it's also a hidden paradise for...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Things Tourists Don’t Realize About Florida’s Wildlife Laws

Welcome to Florida, the land of sunshine, oranges, and wildlife laws you never knew existed! Now, before you throw on your flip-flops and wander into the Everglades, let's uncover...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Common Mistakes Getting Tourists Arrested On California Park Trails

Ah, the great Californian outdoors! Where the sun kisses the mountains and the trails lead you to nature's heart. But beware, dear traveler, for the path is fraught with pitfalls...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Kansas Grocery Stores Known For Legendary BBQ Counters

As a self-proclaimed BBQ enthusiast with a penchant for smoky flavors and tangy sauces, I embarked on a deliciously adventurous quest through the heart of Kansas. My mission? To...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Tennessee Butcher Shops Travelers Can’t Stop Visiting

Greetings, fellow meat enthusiasts! Ever found yourself in Tennessee, tummy rumbling, seeking the perfect cut of meat? Look no further! Here's a list of ten butcher shops in the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Ways Tourists Are Changing Daily Life For Locals In Colorado

Ah, Colorado; the land of majestic mountains, endless skies, and now, hordes of tourists flocking to experience its allure. While the locals appreciate the economic boost, they’ve...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Coastal Shacks In California Locals Can’t Stop Recommending

Ah, California! A golden stretch of coastline peppered with shacks that serve up more than just salt and air. These rustic retreats are where culinary dreams meet oceanic bliss....

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Maine Harbor Markets That Keep Tourists Coming Back

Ah, Maine! Land of lighthouses, lobsters, and legendary harbor markets that lasso tourists back year after year. If you’ve got a hankering for fresh seafood, artisan goods, or...

Read More    4 min read