asa whitlock author at My Family Travels
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10 Oklahoma Lake Towns Locals Say Tourism Has Ruined

Oklahoma's lake country has long been a peaceful refuge where locals enjoyed quiet weekends by the water, fishing in solitude, and gathering at small-town diners without waiting...

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8 Oregon Towns That Lost Their Quiet After Being Discovered

Oregon has always been a place of rugged beauty, from its windswept coastline to its forested valleys and charming small towns tucked between mountains and sea.

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What Tourists Never See Inside Pennsylvania’s Amish Communities

Lancaster County sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where rolling farmland stretches beneath wide open skies and horse-drawn buggies share the roads with modern cars.

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10 Idaho Small Towns Feeling the Strain of Seasonal Tourism

Idaho's small towns have become incredibly popular destinations for travelers seeking mountain adventures, pristine lakes, and peaceful escapes from busy city life.

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The Most Romantic Places for Couples in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about romance, but this vibrant capital has plenty of hidden gems perfect for couples looking to create...

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The Texas Town So Quiet It Feels Like the Map Forgot to Include It

Tucked away in the far southwestern corner of Texas, near the Rio Grande and the border with Mexico, lies Terlingua, a ghost town that time seems to have bypassed entirely.

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9 California Craft Fairs Pushing the Limits of Handmade Creativity

California has long been a haven for artists, makers, and creative souls who transform raw materials into extraordinary works of art.

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10 Florida Coastal Destinations Locals Avoid During Peak Season

Florida's coastline stretches over 1,350 miles, offering some of the most stunning beaches and waterfront towns in America. During...

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7 Illinois Small Town Restaurants Where Classic Recipes Never Changed

Small towns across Illinois hold onto something precious that many big cities have lost: restaurants where recipes haven't changed in decades.

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11 Florida Small Towns That Feel Ordinary Until Festival Season Arrives

Florida's small towns often appear quiet and unassuming throughout most of the year, with their charming streets and friendly locals creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds...

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The Most Unexpectedly Magical Georgia Christmas Town in America

Dahlonega transforms into a surprisingly enchanting holiday destination each year, offering a Christmas atmosphere that feels far larger than its small-town size.

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Hidden Mountain Cafés in North Carolina Perfect for Snowy Travel Mornings

North Carolina’s mountain regions offer a quiet kind of beauty during snowy mornings, when winding roads lead to warm interiors filled with the scent of fresh coffee and baked...

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The Most Peaceful Spot to Disconnect in Tennessee (No Wi-Fi Needed)

Cades Cove, Tennessee sits like a quiet bowl of green inside the Great Smoky Mountains, where bars and notifications fade into birdsong and wind.

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A 736 Person Utah Place That Makes Winter Feel Peaceful

Nestled in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, Timber Lakes in Utah is a hidden gem that captures the essence of winter tranquility.

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10 Hole in the Wall Omelette Houses in Wyoming Locals Love and Travelers Hunt For

Wyoming is not just about wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes; it's also home to some hidden culinary gems. Tucked away...

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The Old Vermont Ski Area Travelers Still Search for in the Snow

Nestled in the heart of Winhall, Vermont, Snow Valley Ski Resort draws curiosity and exploration even decades after its closure.

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The Old Hotel in Wyoming That Carries Stories in Every Hall

Nestled in the charming town of Buffalo, 10 N Main St, Wyoming, the Occidental Hotel stands as a captivating testament to the Old West.

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7 California Old Theaters Locals Swear Are Still Alive

If walls could talk, California's historic theaters would have some wild tales to tell. Each one is a gateway to the past, offering a cozy seat for your imagination. Let's explore...

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10 Forgotten Ohio Malls Travelers Still Explore

Ah, Ohio! Known for its rock and roll, football, and, of course, its forgotten shopping paradises. These once-bustling malls now echo with stories of the past, drawing curious...

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10 Haunted Maryland Funfairs With Unsettling Legends

Maryland, the land of crab feasts and maritime lore, is also home to some thrillingly eerie funfairs. Each spot is a labyrinth of chilling tales, promising goosebumps and a hefty...

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10 Washington Laws Still Active In Small Towns

Washington State, a land of evergreen forests and tech giants, holds a treasure trove of peculiar laws that remain active in its quaint small towns. From shielding mythical creatures...

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The Most Boring City in Michigan Has the Best Pie You’ll Ever Eat

Jackson, Michigan may not scream excitement at first glance. With its unpretentious charm and tranquil streets, it’s often overlooked by those seeking vibrant city life.

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The Pennsylvania Town With More Charm Than Residents Admit

Scranton, Pennsylvania, often underestimated, reveals a charm that surprises even the most skeptical visitors. With its rich...

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This Place Is Considered to Be the Most Haunted Place in Oregon

Nestled in the heart of Portland, McMenamins White Eagle Saloon & Hotel offers more than just a place to rest. It's a window into Oregon's past, a tapestry woven with ghostly...

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The Georgia Restaurant That Locals Call One of the State’s Oldest Haunts

Nestled in the historic heart of Savannah, The Pirates’ House is a captivating destination that combines culinary delight with rich history.

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The Haunted Harbor Park in Maine Where Ghost Stories Drift With the Tide

Nestled along the Penobscot River, Bucksport Harbor Park is a place where history and mystery intertwine. This small Maine town holds an array of ghost stories that seem to drift...

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The Abandoned Historic California Hotel Preserved in Dust and Stillness

The Wheaton and Hollis Hotel, nestled in the ghost town of Bodie, California, stands as a haunting relic of a bygone era. Preserved in a state known as "arrested decay," this historic...

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The Desert Grill in Utah That Welcomes Travelers With Classic Roadside Comfort

In the high plains of southern Utah, just outside the historic center of Panguitch, sits a humble roadside stop known as the Desert Grill.

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Travelers Say This “Boring” Town in Minnesota Is the Best Place to Hear Yourself Think

Lanesboro, Minnesota, often labeled as a "boring" town, is a hidden gem for those seeking peace and quiet. Nestled along the Root River, this small town offers a unique opportunity...

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The Abandoned Illinois Diner Frozen in a Perfect 1950s Scene

In the heart of Illinois, an abandoned diner stands as a time capsule, capturing the essence of the 1950s. This diner, once a bustling hub on the roadside, now offers a unique...

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The Flooded Village in Vermont That Locals Say Still Echoes Beneath the Lake

Nestled within the scenic beauty of Vermont lies a mystery that few travelers know. Ricker Basin, once a bustling village, now rests silently beneath the Waterbury Reservoir.

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7 Small Washington Sweet Spots Travelers Rarely Find

Washington State is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but its culinary scene holds some delightful surprises, especially when it comes to desserts.

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The Haunted Restaurant in Florida Where Plates Spin on Their Own

Ashley’s Restaurant in Rockledge, Florida, beckons those intrigued by the paranormal. Known for its eerie happenings, the restaurant's mysterious charm attracts visitors from...

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The Pennsylvania Resort That Disappeared Into the Woods

In the heart of the Pocono Mountains lies a story shrouded in mystery and nature's relentless embrace. Penn Hills Resort, once a beacon for honeymooners, now whispers tales of...

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The Vermont Village Where Old Fashioned Winter Traditions Are Still Alive

Nestled in the serene landscapes of New England, Grafton, Vermont, is a charming village where time seems to stand still. With its preserved architecture, snow-covered streets,...

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Why Travelers Feel Watched at This Creepy Coastal Delaware Inn

Travelers arrive at a shingled inn that seems to watch the shoreline as carefully as the waves watch it back. Stories echo along the porches, where sea air carries scraps of history...

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The Haunted Montana Hotel Built on the Depths of a Mine

A quiet lodge in Butte sits above the old workings that once powered a legendary mining town. Step inside and the wood creaks like a whispered memory, while lamplight paints a...

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The 8 Best Southern Thanksgiving Buffets You’ll Only Find in Mississippi

Mississippi is home to some of the most welcoming and heartwarming Thanksgiving buffets in the South. These culinary havens...

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10 Cozy New York Restaurants Perfect for Thanksgiving Date Nights

Discover the charm of New York's most intimate dining spaces, perfect for a romantic Thanksgiving celebration. From the bustling...

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The Historic Tennessee Hotel Guests Say It’s Definitely Haunted

Nestled in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee, The Read House Hotel has long been a beacon of Southern elegance and enigma. This historic landmark is renowned not only for its...

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The Forgotten Motel in Montana Locals Say Still Holds a Presence

Nestled in the remote hills of Garnet, Montana, the JK Wells Motel stands as a silent sentinel of a bygone era. Once a bustling part of a thriving mining town, it now whispers...

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8 Underrated Oklahoma Places That Make Perfect Weekend Escapes

Oklahoma offers hidden gems that are perfect for weekend getaways. From charming historic towns to breathtaking natural landscapes, these underrated destinations provide unique...

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The Montana Ski Resort That’s Named the Best Hidden Bargain in the U.S.

Nestled in the heart of Montana's breathtaking Beartooth Mountains lies Red Lodge Mountain, a ski resort that perfectly embodies the spirit of authentic winter adventure. Unlike...

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The Dangerous Tourist Trend Florida Officials Can’t Stop

Florida's diverse marine life is a key attraction for tourists worldwide. However, the state's officials face a growing concern: the allure of shark feeding.

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The Hidden Oasis in California That Holds the World’s Rarest Desert Plants You Have To See

Nestled in San Marino, California, the Huntington Desert Garden is a sanctuary for desert plant enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Covering over a dozen acres, this oasis offers...

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“You Can Always Spot a Tourist Here”: Texans Share Their Honest Reactions

Every Texan seems to have a radar for tourists. From bustling city streets to quiet country diners, the signs are unmistakable. Whether it’s the wide-eyed wonder at the landscapes...

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The Abandoned Connecticut Lakehouse Resort That Time Left Untouched

Nestled in the quiet town of East Haddam, Connecticut, Sunrise Resort stands as a haunting tribute to a bygone era. Once a bustling escape for city dwellers seeking tranquility...

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The Hidden Utah Desert That Became a Crowd Magnet

Southern Utah's deserts once cradled a delicate silence, their red rock formations standing as timeless sentinels. This tranquil beauty, however, has drawn a surge of visitors....

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The Coziest Hidden Diners in New York Worth the Detour

New York City is renowned for its vibrant food scene, but some of its most cherished culinary treasures are hidden in plain sight.

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The Hidden Alabama Gem That Glows With Holiday Spirit

Nestled along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Fairhope shines as a magical holiday retreat. This charming town is renowned for its warm community spirit, dazzling decorations, and festive...

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