My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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10 Things Minnesota Locals Wish Tourists Knew About Lake Season

Hey there, fellow adventurer! If you're ready to explore Minnesota's lake season, you're in for a treat. However, before you hop on your trusty paddleboard, let’s dive into some...

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10 Hidden Escapes Near New York Perfect For Relaxation

Ah, New York! The city that never sleeps. But even the most die-hard urbanites need a breather from the concrete jungle. Fear not, weary traveler! Just a stone's throw away, hidden...

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9 Underrated Vermont Destinations Finally Getting Attention

Vermont, a land of maple syrup dreams and lush green mountains, holds secrets that only the most curious travelers uncover. While many flock to Stowe or Burlington, there are corners...

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10 Quiet Maine Towns Perfect For A Peaceful Getaway

Ready to escape the chaos and find tranquility? Let me share with you my favorite secret hideaways in Maine. These towns are the epitome of peace, where stress vanishes like a...

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10 Kansas BBQ Spots Worth Traveling Across The Country For

Hold onto your napkins, folks, because we're about to embark on a saucy adventure through the heart of Kansas BBQ. As someone who’s tasted brisket from coast to coast, let me...

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10 Massachusetts Lobster Shacks Travelers Visit Every Summer

Ah, Massachusetts in the summer; a place where the sea breeze mingles with the scent of fresh lobster, and everyone seems to have a bib with a crustacean on it. As a self-proclaimed...

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10 Coastal Oregon Eateries Perfect For Seafood Lovers

Ah, the Oregon coast; a mesmerizing stretch of rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and, of course, some of the best seafood you'll ever taste. Whether you're a crab enthusiast or a die-hard...

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8 Hidden Buffets In Idaho Worth The Long Drive

Idaho, known for its stunning landscapes and famous potatoes, is also home to some truly memorable dining experiences. Forget the regular eateries; we're diving fork-first into...

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10 Eerie Abandoned Places In Pennsylvania Worth A Visit

Ah, Pennsylvania! Home of the Liberty Bell, cheesesteaks, and some of the most delightfully spooky abandoned sites you'll ever encounter. As a self-proclaimed explorer of the eerie...

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10 Peaceful California Road Trips Perfect For A Relaxed Weekend

Ah, California! Where the sun kisses the sea and the roads stretch like welcoming arms. If you're itching for a weekend escape that whispers tranquility, you've come to the right...

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10 Picturesque Country Towns In California Worth Slowing Down For

Ah, California! The land of surf, sun, and stunning country towns that could charm the socks off a cactus. Forget the bustling cities; the real gems are hidden in the nooks and...

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The Texas Amusement Park That Ended, but Never Really Left

I stood at the fence line at dawn, where wind and memory still trade whispers. In West Texas, Joyland Amusement Park may be gone, but its presence lingers like the echo of laughter...

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How Indiana’s Thrift Stores Became a Must Stop on Every Road Trip

I plan road days around little red Thrift signs now, and Indiana keeps rewarding the habit. The stores feel personal, the finds feel useful, and the conversations stick with me...

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7 Secret Thrift Corners in Nebraska Every Bargain Hunter Should Know

Nebraska’s secondhand scene doesn’t scream for attention, but locals know it hides some of the best deals in the Midwest. From small-town basements to community-run barns,...

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A Tranquil Day Trip From Chicago Where You Can Just Breathe

Chicago moves fast, traffic, noise, and endless schedules. But less than two hours away, there’s a stretch of calm that feels like an exhale you didn’t know you needed. Starved...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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.”...

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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...

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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”...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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