amelia cross author at My Family Travels
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Locals Can’t Get Enough Of This Laid-Back Virginia Mountain Town

Ever wondered why hikers keep coming back to the same mountain peak over and over again? McAfee Knob sits high above Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, offering one of the most photographed...

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This Hidden Gem In Virginia Is A Peaceful Escape From Everyday Stress

Tucked away in the rolling hills of northern Virginia, Warrenton is one of those places that feels like a secret you want to keep all to yourself. This charming town offers a much-needed...

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This Restaurant In Virginia Is Known For Southern Comfort Food Done Right

Picture this: you're strolling through Richmond, Virginia, stomach rumbling, craving the kind of food that feels like a warm hug from your favorite aunt. Enter Mama J's Kitchen,...

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This Small-Town Virginia Restaurant Is A Favorite For Prime Rib Lovers

Tucked away in Virginia Beach, Aberdeen Barn Steakhouse has been serving hungry diners since the late sixties. This classic restaurant has built a loyal following over the decades,...

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Locals Love To Learn And Picnic In This Civil War Park In Virginia

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park stands as one of Virginia's most treasured historical landmarks, preserving the stories of four major Civil War battles that...

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A Virginia Pizza Place Locals Recommend For Thin Crust Perfection

Richmond, Virginia has become a surprising haven for pizza lovers craving authentic New York style thin crust pies. Piezoni's NYC Pizza brings the flavors of the Big Apple straight...

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These 9 Quaint Coastal Towns In Virginia Offer More Than Just A Beach

Virginia's coastline stretches along sparkling waters where history meets natural beauty in the most unexpected ways. Beyond sandy shores and ocean breezes, charming small towns...

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Escape To 10 Lesser-Known Islands In Virginia For A Peaceful Getaway

Virginia's coastline holds secrets that most travelers never discover. Beyond the crowded beaches and popular resort towns, a collection of quiet islands waits to be explored.

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A Farm-To-Table Restaurant In Virginia Locals Say Highlights Local Flavors

Tucked away on South Coalter Street in the heart of Staunton, Virginia, The Shack has quietly become one of the most talked about dining spots in the state.

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11 Virginia Sites That Tell The Untold Stories Of Early America You Won’t Want To Miss

Virginia holds a treasure trove of history that goes far beyond the famous stories taught in classrooms. Hidden within its landscapes...

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Locals Always Bring Friends To These 11 Virginia Stops

Virginia holds a treasure trove of places that locals keep coming back to, time and again. These aren't the overcrowded tourist...

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These Are The 10 Hidden Gems In California Grocery Aisles Locals Don’t Tell Tourists About

California grocery stores hide some incredible treasures that locals have been keeping under wraps for years. While tourists...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Bakeries In Oklahoma Beloved By Locals

Oklahoma is home to some incredible bakeries that locals treasure but visitors often overlook. These small, unassuming spots...

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10 Alabama Coastal Spots Locals Prefer To Keep Low-Key

Alabama's coastline stretches far beyond the crowded boardwalks and busy beaches that tourists flock to every summer. Hidden...

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10 Oregon Catfish Kitchens Locals Keep Coming Back To

Oregon might be famous for its salmon and craft beer, but there's a hidden culinary treasure that locals can't stop raving about: perfectly fried catfish.

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10 Oregon Breakfast Places That Locals Keep Recommending

Oregon has earned a reputation for incredible breakfast spots that go far beyond the usual chain restaurants. Locals know where...

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10 Coffee Shops In Oklahoma That Locals Recommend

Oklahoma's coffee culture has grown into something truly special over the years. From bustling city hubs to quiet small-town...

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10 Oklahoma Road Trip Restaurants Suitable For Kids

Road trips across Oklahoma can be a thrilling adventure for families, but finding the right place to stop and refuel with hungry kids in tow can sometimes feel like a challenge.

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10 Indiana Quaint Towns You’ll Want To Wander In Winter

Indiana in winter invites slow wanderers, quiet streets, and the kind of cozy that settles into your shoulders the moment you step outside.

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10 Coastal Nature Reserves In Texas With Boardwalk Trails

Texas coastline stretches for hundreds of miles along the Gulf of Mexico, creating some of the most diverse wetland habitats in North America.

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10 West Virginia’s Secret Mountain Villages Wrapped In Winter Magic

Winter changes how West Virginia feels, turning quiet streets and ridge top hamlets into soft scenes of light and frost. You...

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10 New Mexico’s Mysterious Winter Mountain Villages

Winter in New Mexico slips in quietly, turning mountain villages into hushed worlds of snow and adobe glow. 1. Jemez...

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10 Small BBQ Kitchens In Delaware Worth Stopping For

Delaware might be small, but its barbecue scene packs a serious punch. Tucked away in neighborhoods, parked along highways,...

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9 Montana Places Shaped By Long Distances

Montana is a land where distance defines daily life in ways most Americans can barely imagine. Here, a trip to the grocery...

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10 Things To Know Before Visiting New Mexico For The First Time

New Mexico offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else in America. This southwestern state blends ancient Native American...

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10 Florida Locations That Reward Travelers Willing To Slow Down

Florida is famous for its theme parks and bustling beaches, but some of the state's best experiences happen when you step off the fast track.

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10 Quiet California Beaches Worth The Extra Effort

California is famous for its stunning coastline, but the most popular beaches often come with crowds, noise, and parking headaches.

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10 Arizona Towns That Blend History And Landscape

Arizona is famous for its breathtaking desert landscapes, towering red rocks, and rugged mountain ranges. But beyond the natural...

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10 Delicious Places In Oklahoma Worth Traveling For

Oklahoma might surprise you with its incredible food scene. From sizzling steakhouses rooted in cowboy tradition to quirky...

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10 Scenic Overlooks In Utah That Make Perfect Photo Stops

Utah holds some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country. From red rock canyons carved by ancient rivers to towering...

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10 Scenic River Piers In North Carolina Ideal For Sunrise

Watching the sunrise from a peaceful river pier is one of the most magical experiences you can have in North Carolina. The...

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10 Iowa Railroad Museums With Outdoor Displays You Can Explore

Iowa's railroad heritage runs deep through the Heartland, connecting small towns and big cities for generations. The state...

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10 Rustic Fishing Harbors In Alaska With Working Docks

Alaska's coastline stretches for thousands of miles, creating countless opportunities for fishing communities to thrive. These...

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10 Small Town Cultural Centers In Mississippi Preserving Local History

Mississippi holds countless stories waiting to be discovered in its charming small towns. These communities understand the...

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10 Small Town Historic Hotels In Montana Still Hosting Guests

Montana holds a special place in American history, and nowhere is that more evident than in its charming small towns. These...

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10 Remote Border Towns In Texas With Unique Local Culture

Texas stretches across hundreds of miles along the Mexican border, creating a landscape where cultures blend in fascinating ways.

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10 Houston Buffet Spots Perfect For Family Dining

Houston, Texas is a city that knows how to satisfy every appetite, especially when it comes to family dining. Buffet restaurants...

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10 Nevada All-You-Can-Eat Buffets That Live Up To Expectations

Nevada has become famous for something beyond its desert landscapes and bright lights. The state hosts some of the most impressive...

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10 Peaceful Day Trips From Chicago Perfect For A Calm Escape

Chicago buzzes with energy, but sometimes you need a break from the noise and crowds. Luckily, Illinois and the surrounding...

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10 Hidden Dessert Bistros In Hawaii Worth Every Sweet Bite

Hawaii is famous for its stunning beaches, tropical sunsets, and delicious food, but there's a whole world of sweet treats waiting to be discovered beyond the tourist hotspots.

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10 Nevada Ghost Towns With Jaw-Dropping Desert Scenery

Nevada holds secrets from a wilder time, scattered across its vast desert landscapes. Ghost towns stand as weathered monuments...

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10 Texas Steakhouses & BBQ Spots That Don’t Want to Modernize But Locals Still Love Them

Texas holds tight to its culinary traditions, especially when it comes to steakhouses and barbecue joints. While other restaurants...

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10 Florida Barbecue Spots Every Meat Lover Needs To Visit

Florida might be famous for its beaches and theme parks, but the Sunshine State has become a serious destination for barbecue lovers across the country.

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10 North Carolina Winter Mountain Villages Locals Keep Secret All Year

North Carolina holds treasures tucked away in its mountain ranges that most travelers never discover. While tourists flock...

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10 New Jersey Beach Towns With Surprisingly Peaceful Atmospheres

New Jersey's coastline stretches for miles, offering more than just crowded boardwalks and bustling summer hotspots. Hidden...

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10 Buffets To Try On A Slow Drive Through Kentucky’s Countryside

Rolling hills, winding backroads, and the promise of a hearty meal await you in the heart of Kentucky. The Bluegrass State...

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Why Winter Travel in Wisconsin Feels Amish-style Timeless

Winter in Wisconsin invites you to slow your pace until the world feels gentle again. Snow hushes the landscape, and everyday...

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10 Mountain Holiday Fairs In Colorado Residents Prefer Not To Advertise

You found the list locals whisper about, the mountain holiday fairs in Colorado that feel too good to broadcast loudly. Each...

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10 Alabama Villages That Locals Wish Tourists Would Skip

Some corners of Alabama hold a quiet kind of magic that locals fiercely protect. You will find small towns where time slows,...

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10 Weekend Getaways to Ohio’s Charming Small Towns

Weekends in Ohio can feel brand new when you trade city noise for brick streets and leafy trails. 1. Yellow Springs

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