amara blake author at My Family Travels
Article
The Maine Harbor Village That Feels Like Stepping Into A History Book

On the rugged coastline of Maine, Camden stands as a harbor village where the past remains vividly alive. Weathered wharves, historic storefronts, and timeless maritime traditions...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why This Vintage Italian Restaurant In New Jersey Still Draws Crowds After 70 Years

New Jersey diners swap tips about where to find real-deal red-sauce classics, and the Belmont Tavern in Belleville comes up again and again. For seven decades, locals and travelers...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Hidden Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Bars In Tennessee Locals Love

Tennessee mornings reward those who wander a little off the main road. Beyond the marquee brunch spots, locals lean on unpretentious counters, worn booths, and kitchens that care...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Hidden South Carolina Island Where Time Has Stopped

Daufuskie Island sits quietly between Hilton Head and Savannah, yet it feels worlds away from the usual coastal rush. Reached only by boat, this South Carolina hideaway trades...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Hidden Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Joints Along Florida’s Gulf Coast

The Florida Gulf Coast rewards those who wander off the main drag. Beyond the glossy waterfronts are modest porches, aging docks, and family-run counters serving seafood that locals...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Breathtaking Garden Inn In North Carolina Where Every Corner Bursts With Color

Tucked along Main Street in Blowing Rock, the Azalea Garden Inn offers a calm, garden-forward stay that feels rooted in North Carolina’s mountain charm. Travelers come for the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Hidden Maryland Crab Feasts Worth The Drive

Hello, fellow adventurers and crab enthusiasts! If you're like me, then you know that Maryland is the place to be for indulging in the finest crab feasts. But beyond the well-trodden...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Peaceful North Carolina Towns That Smell Like Pine And Rain

If you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for the smell of pine and rain, and North Carolina is the place to find it. Here,...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Strange California Laws Still Catching Tourists Off Guard

California is known for its sun-kissed beaches, glitzy Hollywood scene, and vibrant culture, but hidden beneath the palm trees are some truly bizarre laws that might catch any...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 New England Destinations That Shine During Thanksgiving

New England during Thanksgiving is like stepping into a postcard, complete with crisp air, cozy fires, and traditions older than your grandma’s cranberry sauce recipe.

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Missouri Cave Laws Every Traveler Should Know Before Exploring Underground

Hello, fellow adventurers! If you’re planning to explore the mysterious underground world of Missouri's caves, hold onto your helmets. These subterranean wonders are more than...

Read More    3 min read

Article
10 Stranger Things Filming Spots You Can Visit In Georgia

Ever wondered where the Upside Down meets Southern charm? Georgia, the Peach State, is home to some of the most iconic filming spots from the beloved series "Stranger Things."...

Read More    5 min read

Article
9 New Mexico Towns That Bored Everyone Except Artists

There’s something about New Mexico that whispers to the creative soul, beckoning artists with its vast landscapes and quirky charm.

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Secret Spots In Alabama For Authentic Southern Comfort Food

Ready to embark on a delicious journey through Alabama's hidden culinary gems? As a self-proclaimed expert in the art of Southern comfort, I invite you to join me on this mouthwatering...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Pennsylvania Villages That Turn Into Snow Globes Each December

Ah, Pennsylvania in December; a magical wonderland where quaint villages transform into mesmerizing snow globes. As someone who's wandered through these wintery havens more than...

Read More    4 min read

Article
This Cozy New Hampshire Tavern Serves Seafood Chowder That Locals Call Magic

Peter Christian’s Tavern in New London, New Hampshire, is a beloved spot where locals gather for hearty, comforting meals in a welcoming setting. Among its offerings, the seafood...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Chili Dogs At This Ohio Drive In Are A Classic You Can’t Skip

Swensons Drive-In in Akron, Ohio, is a nostalgic gem that has delighted generations of diners with its classic carhop service and iconic menu. Among its many beloved items, the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
What Texas Locals Say Tourists Always Misinterpret About “Big” Living

Everything in Texas is said to be big, but locals will tell you that bigness is more layered than it looks from the highway. Visitors often chase size and miss the nuance that...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Truth About Florida’s Hidden Towns That Tourists Rarely Find

Florida is more than beaches and theme parks; it is a patchwork of small towns where real life sets the pace. Travelers who seek quiet streets, preserved nature, and local history...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Most Boring Towns In Arizona That Tourists Keep Finding By Accident

Arizona draws travelers with red rock vistas and storied highways, yet many visitors end up in quiet towns that feel more like rest stops than destinations. These places are not...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Hidden Antique Shops In Alabama Locals Keep To Themselves

Alabama’s back roads and small towns are full of treasure troves that fly under the radar. Off route antique shops invite curious travelers and local insiders alike to explore...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Hidden Butcher Counters In New Hampshire That Foodies Drive Miles For

I spend a lot of weekends chasing great food across New Hampshire, and the state keeps surprising me. Small butcher counters tucked into quiet streets or farm markets turn routine...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why Vermont Grocery Stores Are Now A Pilgrimage Spot For Meat Lovers

I’ve been road tripping across Vermont with a cooler in the trunk and a shortlist of grocery stores worth a detour. In this state, meat often carries the same respect as local...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Green Chili At This Colorado Restaurant Is So Spicy Yet Impossible To Resist

In Denver, few dishes define local flavor better than a steaming bowl of green chili from El Taco de Mexico. This no-frills taqueria on Santa Fe Drive has been serving traditional...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The BBQ At This Georgia Roadside Spot Is So Good You’ll Lick The Plate Clean

Georgia’s highways are dotted with barbecue joints, but few carry the history and flavor of Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson. This classic roadside spot has been serving hickory-smoked...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why Travelers Are Falling In Love With Washington DC’s Steakhouses

Washington, D.C.’s steakhouses blend timeless tradition with modern precision, creating dining experiences that travelers remember long after their visit. From historic power...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Washington Steakhouse Locals Say Beats Any Chain

In a region known for innovation and seafood, one independent steakhouse has quietly built a reputation that rivals national names. Jak’s Grill, with long-standing locations...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Maine Grocery Stores With The Best Meat Departments

Maine’s grocery scene rewards careful shoppers who value traceable sourcing and skilled butchery. From family-run counters to cooperative markets, the state hosts a range of...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Hidden All You Can Eat Restaurants In North Carolina That Tourists Rarely Find

North Carolina hides a surprising number of all you can eat spots that locals love and travelers often miss. This guide spotlights lesser-known buffets and family-run institutions...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Fried Pickles At This Hidden Ohio Bar Will Blow Your Mind

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar in Upper Arlington, just outside downtown Columbus, has built a reputation for turning simple Southern staples into unforgettable comfort...

Read More    4 min read

Article
8 Ways Oregon’s Natural Wonders Are Being Destroyed By Tourists

Oregon’s landscapes pull in visitors for good reason, but heavy foot traffic is leaving marks that are hard to erase. Trail erosion, litter, and overcrowding are changing how...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Classic Diner Gems In New York Tourists Often Miss

New York State shelters hundreds of diners, but many visitors never wander past the headline spots. This list focuses on places that locals actually return to, where chrome, counter...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Chicago’s Top Old School Diners Worth The Wait

Old-school diners still shape how Chicago eats, and the best ones feel both familiar and fresh. This guide highlights ten enduring spots where hospitality, history, and honest...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Illegal Tourist Photos Everyone Is Taking In New York

New York is endlessly photogenic, which is why visitors sometimes stretch rules for that “only-in-NYC” shot. But a surprising number of trending images are taken from places...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Hidden Cost Of Camping on Florida’s Protected Beaches

Curious about pitching a tent on Florida’s wild shores? Protected beaches look like easy escapes, yet the rules, logistics, and natural realities can catch travelers off guard....

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Georgia Steakhouse Foodies Say Is The Real Deal

Kevin Rathbun Steak in Atlanta remains one of Georgia’s top dining spots in 2025, drawing locals and travelers for its mix of quality, comfort, and service. Created by chef Kevin...

Read More    4 min read

Article
6 Georgia Steakhouses Serving Comfort Food That Locals Love

Georgia’s steakhouse scene blends Southern comfort with classic flavor. Across the state, locals flock to spots that serve hearty cuts, warm sides, and true hospitality. From...

Read More    5 min read

Article
New York Neighborhoods Locals Abandoned After Tourists Took Over The Nightlife

New York City's vibrant nightlife has always been a defining feature of the Big Apple, drawing locals to its diverse scenes across different neighborhoods. But in recent years,...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Why Texas Lake Towns Lost Their Charm When Tourists Made Them Party Destinations

Texas lake towns once offered peaceful retreats where families could enjoy fishing, boating, and simple country living away from city life. These hidden gems featured crystal-clear...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Fall Outdoor Concerts In Ohio

As autumn leaves transform Ohio's landscape into a colorful canvas, the state's music scene heats up with amazing outdoor concerts. These fall performances blend crisp air, gorgeous...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Galveston’s Must See Fall Events This October

Fall brings a magical transformation to Galveston Island, with cooler breezes replacing summer heat and exciting seasonal events popping up across town. October fills the historic...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Hidden Colorado Destinations That Lost Their Magic Because Of Visitors

Colorado's breathtaking landscapes once harbored secret spots known only to locals and adventurous souls. These hidden gems offered peaceful escapes from the hustle of everyday...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Over The Top All You Can Eat Buffets In Kentucky That Shock First Time Visitors

Kentucky isn't just famous for horse racing and bourbon – it's also home to some truly jaw-dropping buffet experiences. From massive Asian food selections to down-home country...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Best Brunch Cafes In Manhattan And Brooklyn You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Brunch in New York City isn't just a meal - it's practically a weekend religion. From fluffy pancake stacks to perfect eggs benedict, the brunch scene across Manhattan and Brooklyn...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Beginner Friendly Camping Areas In Alaska

Alaska's breathtaking wilderness calls to adventure seekers, but can seem overwhelming for camping beginners. The vast, untamed landscapes might look intimidating at first glance....

Read More    3 min read

Article
Oregon Trails Locals Say Were Better Before Tourists

Oregon's breathtaking wilderness has long been a treasure for locals who cherish the peace and natural beauty of their hiking trails. In recent years, social media and travel blogs...

Read More    3 min read

Article
California National Parks That Lost Their Magic To Crowds

California's stunning national parks once offered peaceful escapes into nature's embrace. Sadly, many of these treasured spaces have become victims of their own beauty, drawing...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Why Flying Out Of Texas Once Felt Like Attending A Fashion Show

Back in the mid-20th century, Texas airports weren't just transportation hubs - they were runways of a different kind. Passengers dressed to impress in their finest attire, treating...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Why Mount Dora Is The Perfect Florida Weekend Escape

Nestled in Central Florida just 40 minutes northwest of Orlando sits a charming small town that feels worlds away from the tourist bustle. Mount Dora offers visitors a refreshing...

Read More    3 min read

Article
The Best Prime Rib In Indiana Comes From This Unexpected Place

Indiana has plenty of great steakhouses, but when it comes to prime rib, one place stands head and shoulders above the rest. Hidden in a tiny town that most folks drive right past...

Read More    3 min read