My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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8 Lakeside Picnics in Florida for a Relaxing Day

Florida may be famous for its beaches, but its lakes offer just as many opportunities to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Spread across the state, lakeside parks give visitors...

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7 Arizona Restaurants You’ll Only Find If a Local Points the Way

Arizona's culinary landscape is dotted with hidden gems, each offering a unique taste of local flavor far removed from the well-trodden tourist path. These eateries are cherished...

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9 Local Street Fairs Across Michigan

Michigan offers a vibrant tapestry of street fairs spread across the state, showcasing local art, culture, and community spirit. These events provide a unique opportunity to explore...

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5 Texas Buffets That Prove Everything Really Is Bigger

Texas is famous for its grand buffets that offer more than just a meal; they provide an experience. These culinary havens celebrate the notion that everything is bigger in Texas,...

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7 Florida Food & Wine Festivals That Locals Love

Florida is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse food and wine festivals in the country. These events celebrate the abundance of local produce, culinary creativity, and...

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10 Charming California Villages You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

California’s big cities attract most of the attention, but tucked into its mountains, coastlines, and valleys are villages with a different rhythm. These communities balance...

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9 Weekend Adventures Near Ohio’s State Parks

Ohio’s state parks are more than natural getaways. Around them, small towns, cabins, and cultural attractions give travelers plenty to do on a weekend trip.

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7 Florida Small-Town Restaurants That Outsiders Rarely Discover

Exploring Florida's small towns reveals a treasure trove of hidden culinary gems that offer authentic flavors and unique dining experiences. These seven restaurants, known mostly...

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7 North Carolina Smokehouses Where Banana Pudding Outshines The Pork

Y'all know North Carolina for its legendary barbecue, but there's a sweet secret hiding at these smokehouses. While pitmasters slow-cook pork to perfection, they're also whipping...

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9 North Carolina Barbecue Spots Where Vinegar Sauce Runs The Show

When it comes to barbecue, North Carolina has a style all its own, where tangy vinegar-based sauce reigns supreme. This isn't your typical sweet and sticky sauce – it's a thin,...

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10 Texas Smokehouses Where Brisket Burnt Ends Are King

There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth brisket burnt end. These flavorful morsels – the crispy, caramelized ends of a smoked...

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8 Texas Pitmasters Keeping Old-Fashioned BBQ Alive

Texas barbecue isn't just food - it's a cultural treasure with roots deep as mesquite trees. Across the Lone Star State, a special group of pitmasters keeps traditional smoking...

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8 Small-Town Texas Smokehouses Serving Flavor You’ll Never Forget

There's something magical about driving down a dusty Texas road and stumbling upon a smokehouse that changes your life forever. The Lone Star State hides its best barbecue treasures...

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9 Memphis Spots Serving Authentic Mexican Flavors You Can’t Miss

Authentic Mexican cuisine has a special place in Memphis, and the city’s diverse culinary landscape reflects a genuine appreciation for time-honored recipes and local...

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8 Irresistible Ways This Winter Getaway Recharges Busy Parents

When the calendar fills, the laundry piles, and the cold weather sets in, I know firsthand how difficult it is for parents to find a true reset. Yet that's exactly what I discovered...

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California’s Pirate Bar With Exotic Cocktails and Nautical Vibes

If you like your cocktails with a sense of adventure, Smuggler’s Cove feels like stepping below deck on a centuries-old pirate ship. Instead of neon and sleek lines, it’s all...

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How Two Renowned Chefs Breathe New Life Into a Historic Woodside Eatery

I’ve scaled the Redwood-side road to dining spots before, but walking into The Mountain House is something else. Tucked into a 100-year-old vermilion cabin atop Kings Mountain,...

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6 Washington Food and Drink Festivals Locals Don’t Want You to Miss

Washington State serves up more than just famous seafood and apples. If you know where to look, you can find festivals that are as eclectic as they are delicious, drawing...

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9 Old Lighthouses in Florida Locals Recommend

Florida's coastline has always drawn me in, not just for its beaches but for the lighthouses that stand as quiet witnesses to centuries of maritime history. Each...

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8 Instagrammable California Spots Every Gen Z Traveler Knows

California’s landscape feels made for sharing. From coastal icons to urban art, every corner offers something surprising for your feed. As someone who loves discovering photo-worthy...

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10 Florida Getaways Boomers Keep Coming Back To

Looking for trusted escapes that combine good company, meaningful memories, and that perfect Florida feel? Here are 10 Florida getaways boomer travelers keep coming back to, each...

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8 Ohio-Born Restaurant Chains That Took the State by Storm

When I think about Ohio’s influence on America’s dining scene, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride. From quirky drive-ins to iconic comfort food joints, Ohio’s homegrown...

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The 10 Best Pizza Spots Across Tennessee You Need to Try

Here’s a cozy and mouthwatering guide to the 10 best pizza spots across Tennessee, places I’ve been savoring in my mind ever since I first tried them. Each one is backed by...

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7 Texas Hill Country Drives with Stunning Views

Driving through the Texas Hill Country never fails to surprise me. Each route reveals its own blend of rolling hills, winding rivers, and rugged limestone outcrops, making every...

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8 Local Art Installations in Florida

Traveling through Florida, I’m always struck by the endless ways art finds its place in the world, sometimes beneath the waves, sometimes towering overhead, and often in the...

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6 Historic Villages in Ohio Worth a Short Trip

If you're craving a short getaway filled with charm, history, and hidden stories, Ohio’s historic villages deliver, minus the crowds of big tourist hubs. Here are six historic...

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6 Small Bakeries in Michigan With Unique Treats

Michigan’s food scene is full of surprises, and small bakeries scattered across the state are a shining example. From family-run kitchens to creative city spots, these bakeries...

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5 Secluded Lakefront Cabins in New York State

Looking for that perfect escape where water lapping against the shore is your daily soundtrack? Here are some of the coziest, most secluded lakefront cabins in New York State,...

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7 Nevada Late-Night Eats That Feel Like Only-In-Vegas Secrets

Vegas never sleeps, and neither does my appetite! When the neon lights shine brightest and most kitchens have closed their doors, a whole underground food scene comes alive in...

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8 Scenic Picnic Trails in Florida

Here’s an emotional nugget: sometimes you just want to run away to the woods (or a beach, or a spring) and eat a sandwich surrounded by birds instead of emails. Florida...

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7 Local Rock Climbing Spots in Florida

Let’s be real for a sec: Florida isn’t exactly known for its towering peaks or alpine adventures. But honestly, that’s what makes finding good climbing spots...

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8 Quirky Monuments in Upstate New York

Sometimes the most honest thing you can do is admit that you want to see something weird, or at least different enough to jolt you out of your day. Upstate New...

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Nevada Road Closures That Could Affect Your Trip

Ever planned the perfect escape just to hit a wall: literally, orange cones and all? You’re not alone. We both know the only thing more humbling than GPS rerouting for the third...

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The Orlando Pirate Tavern Where Every Meal Feels Like a Treasure Hunt

Orlando is full of themed dining, but one experience takes guests straight onto a pirate ship. Pirates Dinner Adventure combines live theater, interactive games, and hearty meals...

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Enter the Los Angeles Jungle Restaurant Where Exotic Surprises Lurk Around Every Corner

Explore an enchanting jungle-themed dining experience at the Rainforest Café in Downtown Disney Anaheim, where exotic surprises await at every turn.

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9 Florida Weekend Getaways That Look Ordinary At First But Turn Into Pure Magic

Not every Florida destination shines in travel guides, but some of the state’s best escapes reveal themselves slowly. Small towns, historic neighborhoods, and quiet harbors often...

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10 Texas Weekend Getaways So Unbelievable You’ll Want To Pack Right Now

Explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultures of Texas with these incredible weekend getaways. Each location promises a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural...

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The Rise, Fall, and Return of Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant in Missouri

Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant has a rich history of triumphs and challenges. Founded in 1975, it became a beloved name in Mexican dining across the United States. From its initial...

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5 McDonald’s Menu Items Iowans Rarely Order

Explore a fascinating glimpse into the culinary choices of Iowans, focusing on the McDonald's menu items they tend to overlook. This...

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Florida Fruit Stand That Surprises Visitors With Legendary Shakes

Explore the hidden gem of Homestead, Florida, the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand. Known for its legendary shakes and rich history, this unique spot offers more than just refreshing...

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7 Florida Restaurants Closed or Temporarily Pausing Due to Rising Costs

South Florida, a vibrant culinary hub, faces a crisis as several beloved restaurants shutter due to skyrocketing costs. The closure of these establishments, which have been integral...

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This Tropical San Francisco Spot Serves Drinks While the Rain Falls Around You

Nestled within the historic Fairmont San Francisco, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar offers a unique tropical escape complete with simulated rainstorms and tiki cocktails.

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7 Illinois Jazz Bars That Feel Like Stepping Into The 1920s

Chicago's jazz scene has been sizzling since the Prohibition era, when speakeasies offered both illicit drinks and revolutionary sounds. While Al Capone's reign is long gone, the...

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8 Scenic Drives Across Nevada Including Red Rock Canyon

Nevada's open roads offer some of the most breathtaking drives in America. From rugged desert landscapes to alpine mountain passes, the Silver State hides incredible beauty beyond...

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8 Hidden Waterfalls Across Nevada

Nevada might be known for its vast deserts and neon-lit casinos, but tucked away in its rugged landscapes are some truly magical waterfalls that few travelers ever discover. I've...

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7 Scenic Drives Across Michigan Including Lakeshores

Michigan's roads offer some of the most breathtaking views in America, winding through forests, hugging Great Lakes shorelines, and connecting charming small towns. As someone...

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7 Hidden Waterfalls In Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula hides some of the most breathtaking waterfalls you'll ever see. While tourists flock to the famous Tahquamenon Falls, savvy explorers know there's much...

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The Pirate Themed Florida Restaurant Where Adventure Floats to Your Table

I walked into Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando thinking I’d just get a themed meal, maybe a couple of pirate hats, and some sea shanties in the background. Instead, I found...

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Offbeat South Carolina Attraction You Have to See to Believe

When you’re cruising I-95 near the North Carolina border, it’s hard to miss the towering sombrero sign telling you you’re near South of the Border. Located in Dillon, this...

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South Carolina’s Coziest Spot Serves Jambalaya Worth the Trip

When I sat down at 82 Queen in Charleston, I expected solid Lowcountry food. What I didn’t expect was jambalaya so layered and comforting that I immediately understood why people...

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