beckett lawson author at My Family Travels
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The California Town That Turns Into A Haunted Wonderland Every October

California knows how to celebrate spooky season, and nowhere does it better than a dusty desert town with a haunted past. Calico Ghost Town, tucked away in the Mojave Desert near...

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This South Dakota Buffet Has Locals Lining Up Every Weekend

South Dakota might be famous for Mount Rushmore and wide-open prairies, but locals know the real treasure lies inside the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex...

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The Secret Reason Arkansas Has Some Of The South’s Best Catfish Restaurants

Arkansas sits at the heart of the nation's catfish country, where miles of Delta farmland meet crystal-clear rivers and lakes. For generations, hardworking farmers have raised...

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Why Connecticut’s Thrift Shops Are A Hidden Haven For Collectors

Connecticut's charming towns and wealthy neighborhoods create a perfect storm for thrift store treasure hunting. Historic estates and upscale communities mean donations often include...

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Tourists Say This Illinois All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Buffet Is Worth The Chaos

Walk into a packed CiCi’s Pizza in Illinois and you’re instantly swept into a whirlwind of energy. Kids laugh between bites, trays clatter as fresh pizzas hit the buffet, and...

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The Secret North Carolina Thrift Shops With The Coolest Halloween Outfits

North Carolina is a hidden treasure for Halloween costume hunters who want unique outfits without spending a fortune. The state mixes vintage culture, creative communities, and...

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11 Michigan Beach Retreats Locals Say Aren’t The Same

Michigan's stunning shoreline has drawn beach lovers for generations, with its crystal-clear waters and sandy stretches offering the perfect escape from everyday life. But locals...

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12 Hidden Thrift Stores In California Where Travelers Find The Best Halloween Costumes

California is a treasure trove of vintage fashion and quirky finds, especially when Halloween rolls around. Travelers exploring the Golden State discover that some of the best...

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The Illegal Selfies Tourists Risk Jail Time For In Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. attracts millions of visitors every year who come to see its stunning monuments, memorials, and government buildings. Many tourists want to capture the perfect...

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9 Hidden Texas Steakhouses Worth The Road Trip This Weekend

Texas is famous for its barbecue, Tex-Mex, and of course, incredible steaks. While big-name steakhouses in Dallas and Houston often steal the spotlight, some of the best beef in...

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Sky-High Drama: New York Passenger Loses It Over Neighbor’s Audacious Behavior

Buckle up, because this flight story takes turbulence to a whole new level. One passenger’s sky-high encounter with a sock-wielding seatmate has the internet gasping, gagging,...

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Beloved Buffet Dining Spot In Pennsylvania Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and felt like you stepped into a food lover's dream? That's exactly what happens when you visit Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl, Pennsylvania....

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9 Of The Best Thrift Stores In Oregon That Make The Trip Worth It

Oregon’s thrift scene rewards treasure hunters with character, quality, and prices that make road-tripping absolutely worth it. From sprawling multi-vendor vintage emporiums...

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10 Ohio Small Towns That Don’t Feel Local Anymore

Ohio’s coziest corners aren’t so quiet anymore. As a travel addict chasing charm, I’ve watched postcard-perfect villages transform under the weight of weekenders, Instagrammers,...

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These 10 Texas Sandwich Counters Are Protected By Locals Who Refuse To Share

Texans guard their favorite sandwich counters the way treasure hunters guard maps - tight-lipped and fiercely loyal. As a hungry traveler, I chased whispers, followed barbecue...

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Where Locals In Pennsylvania Really Go For Endless Plates

Traveling hungry across Pennsylvania is a sport, and the locals play to win. Endless plates are more than a bargain here, they are a beloved tradition, woven through farm country...

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12 Illegal Hikes That Tourists Risk Everything For In Arizona

Arizona’s wild beauty is irresistible, but some trails come with a rebellious twist. From forbidden canyon scrambles to off-limits desert ridgelines, these hikes aren’t on...

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The Creepiest Ghost Tours In New York That Tourists Can’t Stop Talking About

New York City's dark history comes alive after sunset when ghost tours take brave visitors through haunted streets and buildings. These spooky walking adventures reveal chilling...

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What Travelers Should Know About Wisconsin’s First Snowfall

Planning a trip to Wisconsin in the fall means walking a fine line between autumn color and the first dustings of snow. The state’s snowfall season doesn’t typically begin...

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Better Bundle Up Because Cold Temperature Alerts In NNY Could Change Your Trip

Attention winter travelers heading to Northern New York! Cold temperature alerts here are not a reason to cancel your trip, but a signal to bundle up and embrace the season like...

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The Great Lakes Getaways That Don’t Feel Local Anymore

The Great Lakes region has long been a treasure trove of charming getaway spots for Midwesterners seeking relaxation. But in recent years, some beloved destinations have transformed...

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Michigan Has Incredible Lakes But A Short Travel Season

As a lifelong Michigan explorer, I've fallen head over heels for our state's stunning lakes. Michigan boasts over 11,000 inland lakes plus the magnificent Great Lakes that shape...

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This California BBQ Spot Serves A Tri-Tip Sandwich That’s Definitely Worth The Road Trip

Nestled in the heart of California, Salty’s BBQ & Catering in Bakersfield is a haven for barbecue lovers. Known throughout the region for its exceptional barbecue offerings,...

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10 California Fast Food Restaurants That Redefine Quick Dining

California has revolutionized the fast food landscape with unique chains that go beyond ordinary quick eats. The Golden State's innovative approach combines fresh ingredients,...

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8 Incredible And 3 Disappointing Things About Exploring Arizona

Arizona is a state of breathtaking contrasts, from dusty deserts to snow-capped mountains. I've spent countless days wandering through this southwestern treasure, discovering both...

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8 Illinois Hotspots Swarming With Visitors

Illinois offers some incredible destinations that draw millions of visitors each year. From breathtaking natural wonders to world-class museums and cultural landmarks, the Prairie...

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7 Awesome Indoor Adventures To Beat The Desert Heat In Arizona

Arizona may be known for its sun-soaked deserts, but when the temperature rises, it's time to seek refuge indoors. Fortunately, the state offers a fantastic array of indoor activities...

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8 Hawaii Beaches Locals Say Are Destroyed By Overtourism

Hawaii's breathtaking beaches have long been a paradise for visitors seeking sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters. But behind the picture-perfect postcards lies a growing problem....

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8 Caribbean Restaurants In New Jersey Bringing Island Flavor Home

New Jersey's food scene features amazing Caribbean restaurants that transport your taste buds straight to the islands. These vibrant eateries blend traditional cooking methods...

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Florida Spot Serving Fettuccine Alfredo Everyone Talks About

Since 1983, Dixie Crossroads has been serving seafood and comfort food to locals and road-trippers alike. The restaurant sits in Titusville, just a short drive from the Indian...

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6 Gold Rush Towns In California Worth Visiting

Gold Rush towns in California are like storybooks that never closed, each page still alive with clinking hammers and whispered legends. Instead of dusty ruins, you find vibrant...

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The South Carolina Flea Market So Big It Feels Like Its Own Town

Hidden in the heart of South Carolina sits a treasure hunter's paradise so vast it has its own zip code in the minds of locals. The Anderson Jockey Lot and Farmers Market sprawls...

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6 South Dakota Restaurants That Nail Buffalo Burgers And Bison Steaks

South Dakota's rugged landscape is home to some of America's most magnificent bison herds. These majestic animals don't just roam the plains; they also star on menus across the...

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8 New England Fall Festivals That Locals Swear Are Better Than Halloween

New England is renowned for its vibrant autumn celebrations. As the leaves turn, communities come alive with festivals that offer a unique charm beyond the typical Halloween festivities....

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6 New Dining And Retail Spots Headed To Victor Valley

A wave of fresh energy is arriving in Victor Valley, as six new dining and retail spots prepare to open their doors. From fresh produce markets to unique dining experiences, there's...

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6 Seasonal Craft Fairs That Celebrate Nevada’s Creative Spirit

If Nevada's spirit had a color, it would be kaleidoscopic, shimmering with creativity and a dash of desert magic. How do you capture such vibrant artistry? By diving into the heart...

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7 Haunted Road Trips In Washington State

Washington state isn't just known for its lush forests and stunning mountain views, it's also home to some seriously spooky spots perfect for brave road-trippers. As someone who's...

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6 Secret Washington Wildlife Spots You’ll Want On Your List

Washington state hides some amazing wildlife spots that most tourists never find. Beyond the famous national parks lie peaceful refuges where you can spot eagles, elk, and even...

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7 New York Grocery Stores With The Best Meat Departments

When it comes to finding quality cuts of meat in the Big Apple, not all grocery stores are created equal. New York City boasts some incredible meat departments where skilled butchers...

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