asher bennett author at My Family Travels
Article
The Creepy Remains of a Long Closed Michigan Fairground Locals Avoid After Sunset

I spent an afternoon tracing the story of a long-closed fairground on Lake Superior, and it got under my skin in the best way. The place once sparkled with summer crowds, but today...

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The Secret Halloween Costume Gems Found in Colorado’s Thrift Stores

Colorado might be known for mountains and ski gear, but locals know its thrift stores hide another treasure, some of the best Halloween costume finds in the Rockies. From Denver’s...

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8 Hidden Seafood Counters in Pennsylvania That Shock First Time Visitors

Pennsylvania might be better known for farms and diners than fish markets, but tucked inside small grocery stores and family delis are seafood counters that surprise even lifelong...

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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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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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The All You Can Eat Steakhouse in Colorado Everyone Pretends Doesn’t Exist

Fort Collins is known for craft food and mountain views, but hidden among its downtown restaurants is a place locals whisper about only after a meal, Rodizio Grill. It’s the...

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10 California’s Most Decorated Neighborhoods That Look Straight Out of a Horror Movie

I chase Halloween neighborhoods the way some folks chase fall foliage. California rewards the hunt with streets that flip to spooky after sunset and feel lifted from a classic...

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Truth About Tourists Climbing Restricted Lighthouses in Maine

I love lighthouse days in Maine, but the rules confuse many visitors. Some towers open rarely, others never, and the reasons vary more than you might expect. I wrote this to share...

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What Locals in Florida Really Think About Tourists Flooding Their Beaches

I live for salt air and sandy walks, yet Florida crowds test my patience and my plans. Locals tell me the same story with fresh details every season, and I keep hearing a mix of...

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Florida’s Brightline Train Changed How I Travel the State

I thought I knew Florida by highway exits and rest stops. Then I started threading my trips with Brightline and the map felt new. The rhythm of stations, timetables, and walkable...

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10 Supposedly Boring Vermont Towns Hiding Some Truly Strange Landmarks

I keep hearing that small Vermont towns feel sleepy, and I never buy it. Each trip reveals a corner that bends history just enough to feel new. I planned short detours and found...

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Article
Why Tourists in Texas Keep Getting Arrested for Illegal Street Drinking

Every year, visitors to Texas end up in trouble over one of the state’s simplest and strictest rules. What seems harmless in one city can lead to a citation or a night in custody...

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10 Hidden Vegan Dessert Shops In Florida You Need To Try

Florida's sunny shores aren't just famous for beaches and theme parks; they're also home to some amazing vegan dessert spots that fly under the radar! As someone who's eaten my...

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These Are the 11 Most Overcrowded Tourist States in America, Hawaii Comes Out on Top

Crowded doesn’t always mean bad; it often tells you a place offers something special. Still, some states feel packed because of limited space, fragile environments, or short...

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9 Illinois Steakhouses So Good, Locals Keep Them Secret

I chase steak memories across Illinois and keep a short list close. These spots rarely shout and the regulars prefer it that way. I look for skill on the grill, lived-in charm,...

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10 Florida’s Most Underrated Beaches, According to Locals

I chase quiet stretches of coast where locals nod hello and the soundtrack stays soft. Florida still holds those places if you know where to look. This list blends wild islands,...

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10 Georgia Fast-Casual Eats Every Foodie Should Experience

Y'all, Georgia isn't just peaches and Southern hospitality – it's a goldmine of mouthwatering fast-casual joints that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance! As someone who's...

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Why New York’s Thrift Scene Is the Hottest Thing for Travelers Right Now

I travel to New York for the thrift stores as much as the skyline. The hunt tells real stories about the city and the people who dress it. If you want style, culture, and a grounded...

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This Hidden Colorado Restaurant Serves Trout Worth Planning A Detour For

Nestled in the serene Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado lies The Tipsy Trout, a gem that may not be on your radar yet but deserves a special spot on your travel itinerary. Known...

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7 Ohio Amusement Parks That Closed Forever

Ohio has long been a center of amusement and recreation, filled with roller coasters, fairground lights, and the echoes of summer laughter. For decades, its parks defined leisure...

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8 Georgia Gastropubs Serving Burgers and Brews Worth the Hype

I chase great burgers across Georgia and keep a short list for repeat visits. These eight gastropubs earn their buzz with attention to detail, steady service, and menus that balance...

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Travelers Say These 7 Are Pennsylvania’s Best Fast Food Stops

I chase quick, memorable bites wherever the road takes me, and Pennsylvania keeps surprising me. The state mixes heritage sandwiches, clever gas station counters, and buffet speed...

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8 Pennsylvania Steakhouses Serving Juicy Steaks Worth the Trip

Pennsylvania has a rich culinary landscape, and its steakhouses are no exception. Whether you're a local or a traveler, these eight spots offer delectable steaks that are truly...

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Article
The Risk Tourists Take Driving Off Road in Arizona’s Deserts

Off-roading through Arizona’s vast desert landscapes is a dream for many adventure seekers. The mix of dramatic canyons, sand dunes, and rugged trails promises a thrilling experience...

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7 Reasons West Virginia’s Small Town Magic Is Fading With Tourism

Small towns tucked away in West Virginia have always felt like treasured secrets. Their charm comes from quiet mornings, friendly neighbors, and scenery you just can’t find anywhere...

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Article
6 Hidden Fast Food Restaurants in Illinois Locals Love

Illinois has always had a knack for fast food that captures the hearts of locals. As someone who’s spent years exploring this state, I can say with confidence that some of the...

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8 New York Gastropubs Serving Burgers Worth the Hype

There’s something special about the burger scene in New York state. Having spent years exploring gastropubs across the city, I’ve seen how each one brings its own personality...

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7 Florida Beach Towns Where Locals Can’t Afford to Stay Because of Tourists

Florida’s coastlines attract millions of visitors every year, but the popularity comes with a cost. In many beach towns, hotel rates, vacation rentals, and even restaurant prices...

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Article
7 Abandoned California Attractions You Can Still See

California has many abandoned sites that still stand as haunting, evocative reminders of past ambitions. You can visit many of these (legally or in permissible areas) if you go...

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8 Florida’s Creepy Abandoned Theme Parks Still Standing

Florida is famous for its lively theme parks, but it also hides a shadowy side few visitors get to see. Scattered across the state are forgotten amusements, strange relics left...

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Soft Pretzels That Turn Pennsylvania Into a Must Visit for Food Lovers

Soft pretzels aren’t just a snack in Pennsylvania, they are a doorway to understanding the state’s culture, history, and culinary creativity. Whether you’re strolling the...

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Locals Say Tourists Changed These Georgia Beach Towns Forever

Georgia's coastline, with its charming towns and wide beaches, has long been a favorite for both travelers and locals. In recent years, though, those of us who call these places...

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The BBQ Spot in Miami Serving Ribs Locals Call the Best in Florida

When I first heard Miami locals raving about Apocalypse BBQ, I was skeptical. Barbecue in Florida has always been something of a wildcard. The state has no single tradition to...

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8 All You Can Eat Sushi Restaurants in California Locals Love

California has no shortage of sushi spots, but only a handful stand out for solid all-you-can-eat menus. These restaurants keep locals coming back by balancing variety, freshness,...

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Article
10 Fast Food Menu Items Texans Can’t Believe Existed

Picture this: You’re standing in line at a blistering-hot drive-thru, AC blasting, window halfway down, remembering the taste of something you haven’t seen on a menu in years....

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9 Vintage Photos Reveal Florida’s Lost, Transformed, and Enduring Beach Hotels

Florida’s coastlines have always drawn travelers looking for sun and sea, but many of the hotels that once defined its beaches are now only memories. In their heyday, these hotels...

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Article
Flying Across Florida Has Never Been This Cheap

If you thought Florida was expensive to cross by air, think again. This year, a wave of low-cost routes and airline competition has driven fares down, so much so that flying from...

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Article
Visiting 8 Breaking Bad Landmarks in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque has a special spot in the world of television. Anyone who’s watched Breaking Bad or Better Call Saul knows how the city’s neighborhoods and businesses became central...

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Article
Dine Local: 8 Family-Owned Restaurants in Washington State Worth the Trip

Here’s the truth: sometimes you just want a meal that feels like a secret handshake, something that says, “You belong here.” No QR code menus, no fake smiles, just real food...

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Article
7 Weird Roadside Stays in New Mexico Stuck in the Past

You ever book a motel because the neon sign made you feel something? Not logic, not safety, not even nostalgia. Just the wild urge to park under a buzzing pink glow and wonder...

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Article
8 Phoenix Dining Spots Perfect for Families, and Parents Who Need a Break

Phoenix is packed with restaurants, but not every spot works well for families. Parents often look for two things: food kids will actually eat and a chance to relax for a little...

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Oahu for First Timers: 7 Rookie Mistakes You Don’t Want to Repeat

Oahu is often the first Hawaiian island visitors choose, and with good reason. It blends natural beauty with cultural sites, famous beaches, and easy access from Honolulu’s airport....

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Article
Date Night in Philly: 7 Romantic Spots and Experiences for Couples

Philadelphia might be known for its history and cheesesteaks, but the city also knows how to set the mood for a night out. Whether you’re planning a first date or celebrating...

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Article
Morton, Illinois: The Pumpkin Capital of the World You Need to See This Fall

When fall rolls around, Morton, Illinois, transforms into a true celebration of pumpkins. Known as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” this small town in central Illinois has...

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Article
6 Jersey Boardwalks Locals Say Are Overrun by Tourists

For many New Jersey families, the boardwalk is a summer tradition. It’s where generations have strolled for funnel cakes, carnival rides, and ocean breezes. But some of the state’s...

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8 Pennsylvania Tourist Spots So Crowded You’ll Wait Hours to Enter

Pennsylvania has no shortage of attractions, but some of the most popular ones can truly test your patience. I’ve learned firsthand that at certain places, crowds are simply...

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Article
California Road Closures You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Here are some recent, confirmed road closures and alerts in California to know before you plan your trip. Routes can change fast, always double-check sources like Caltrans, 511,...

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Article
Unexpectedly Delicious Eats at 7 Iowa Roadside Diners

Iowa’s highways may look quiet, but stop at the right roadside diner and you’ll find food that sticks with you long after the drive. Over the years, I’ve made a habit of...

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NYC’s Top October Events You Won’t Want to Miss

October in New York City isn’t just another month; it’s an energetic celebration that transforms every corner into a stage, gallery, or playground. I always find myself wishing...

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California Diner Serving Pumpkin Pancakes You Can’t Stop Thinking About

If you ever wind up in Bakersfield, California, I suggest carving out time for 24th Street Cafe. This iconic diner isn’t just a pit stop, it’s a destination for those in search...

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