chloe hartwell author at My Family Travels
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7 Underrated Coastal Towns In Texas Worth Exploring

Texas beaches aren’t just about Galveston crowds and South Padre blowouts; there’s a whole coastline of towns quietly minding their own business and serving up charm by the...

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Why Sudden Closures Are Hitting Georgia Mom-And-Pop Shops Hard

Picture this: You walk into your favorite breakfast spot in West Midtown on a sleepy Sunday, expecting cheese grits and the barista who always calls everyone “sugar.” But the...

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6 Louisiana Taco Joints Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

Louisiana might be famous for gumbo and jambalaya, but the Bayou State's taco scene is heating up faster than a pot of crawfish boil. From authentic Mexican street food to creative...

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10 Unusual New Mexico Attractions That Redefine Roadside Weird

New Mexico's highways hide some of the strangest roadside oddities you'll ever encounter. From giant food sculptures to alien museums, the Land of Enchantment lives up to its name...

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6 Hidden Hill Country Restaurants In Texas That Locals Need To Discover

The Texas Hill Country, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, is also home to some culinary gems that remain undiscovered by the masses.

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7 Small-Town Steakhouses In Texas That Outsiders Almost Never Hear About

Texas is renowned for its large cities and sprawling landscapes, but hidden within its small towns are steakhouses that serve up flavors as big as the state itself.

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Why Everyone Wants To Visit This Florida Attraction But Few Ever Do

Nestled about 70 miles west of Key West lies Dry Tortugas National Park, a hidden gem that captures the imagination of travelers worldwide. This remote paradise combines crystal-clear...

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6 Texas Road Trips That Lead To Forgotten Amusement Parks

Texas highways hold secrets beyond bluebonnets and BBQ joints - they lead to ghostly remnants of once-thriving amusement parks. These forgotten playgrounds whisper stories of summer...

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9 California Seafood Buffets That Belong On Your Travel List

California's coastline offers some of the freshest seafood around, and what better way to enjoy it than at an all-you-can-eat buffet? From San Diego to Sacramento, the Golden State...

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8 Remote Campgrounds In California Away From The Crowds

Ever dreamed of camping under starlit skies without the noisy neighbors and packed parking lots? California's vast wilderness offers incredible hidden gems for those willing to...

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9 Wildlife Observation Points In Florida

Florida's unique ecosystem makes it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. From alligator-filled swamps to bird-rich coastlines, the Sunshine State offers incredible opportunities...

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10 Quiet Ohio Communities Where Life Moves At A Softer Pace

Have you ever longed to escape the chaos of big city living? As a travel enthusiast who's zigzagged across the Buckeye State, I've discovered Ohio's hidden treasures – cities...

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6 Tiny Texas Theaters That Still Whisper Stories From The Golden Age

Tucked away in small Texas towns are magical movie palaces that transport visitors back to Hollywood's golden era. These historic gems have survived decades of change, from silent...

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6 Hidden Botanical Gardens In Ohio That Feel Like Secret Worlds

Ohio hides some of the most enchanting botanical gardens you've never heard about. These verdant sanctuaries offer peaceful retreats from bustling city life, with winding paths...

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8 Quirky Historical Monuments In Michigan

Michigan hides some truly offbeat historical markers that most tourists zoom right past. From giant breakfast foods to tributes to fictional characters, these monuments tell stories...

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10 Charming Mountain Cabins In The Cascades For A Quick Retreat

Nestled among towering pines and rugged peaks, the Cascade Mountains offer perfect escape spots for nature lovers. These hidden cabins combine rustic charm with stunning wilderness...

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6 Hidden Hot Springs In Nevada, Close To Las Vegas

Just a short drive from the neon lights of Las Vegas, hidden pockets of geothermal wonder await adventurous travelers. Nevada's landscape conceals natural hot springs where you...

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9 Best Buffets In Ohio Perfect For A Family Night Out

Ohio is a treasure trove of amazing buffet restaurants where families can enjoy delicious meals together. From Amish country comfort food to international cuisine, these all-you-can-eat...

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8 Forgotten Drive-In Theaters In Pennsylvania Still Standing Today

Remember the magic of watching movies under the stars? Pennsylvania once boasted over 180 drive-in theaters during their heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, only a handful remain...

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7 Florida Beach Towns With Old School Charm You Won’t Forget

Florida's coastline holds secret pockets of time where salty air mingles with nostalgia. While high-rises and theme parks dominate many tourist brochures, I've discovered gems...

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11 Georgia Beach Towns That Make For The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Georgia's coastline might not be as famous as Florida's, but trust me, it's hiding some absolute gems! I've spent countless weekends exploring these charming beach towns, each...

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10 Seafood Shacks In Rhode Island That Punch Way Above Their Weight

Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but it packs a mighty punch when it comes to seafood. Along its 400 miles of coastline, you'll find humble shacks serving up some of the...

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8 Small Art Festivals In Texas Loved By Locals

Texas is home to some amazing art festivals that fly under the radar of big tourist guides. These hidden gems showcase local talent, handmade crafts, and the unique cultural flavors...

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8 Vermont Mountain Towns Where Maple Syrup Is Still Made The Old-Fashioned Way

Vermont's mountains hide sweet treasures in the form of traditional maple syrup production. While modern technology has transformed much of the industry, some charming mountain...

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6 Peaceful River Walks In Ohio Towns

Ohio's winding rivers offer some of the most tranquil escapes you'll find in the Midwest. I've spent countless weekends exploring these hidden gems, where the gentle sound of flowing...

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8 Secluded Beach Lodges Along Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan's shores hide some of the most stunning and peaceful getaways in the Midwest. These secluded beach lodges offer the perfect escape from busy city life, with pristine...

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10 Texas Historic Towns Worth Packing A Weekend Bag For

Texas holds centuries of fascinating history within its charming small towns. From Spanish colonial settlements to Wild West outposts and Victorian-era gems, these historic destinations...

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BBQ Road Trip: California Spots Serving Smoke, Sauce, and Adventure

You know that moment you realize your car smells like woodsmoke, sunscreen, and freedom? That’s when you know you’re finally on a real California BBQ road trip. There’s...

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Tucked-Away Coastal Escapes in Long Island, New York

You know that feeling when you’re sitting on your living room floor, to-go coffee abandoned, half-watching true crime, and suddenly the city’s noise feels like it’s pressing...

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9 Local Street Fairs in Texas Worth Discovering

Have you ever had one of those weekends where you just need out; out of routine, out of your own overthinking? That’s when you grab your most spontaneous friend and hit a street...

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9 Off-the-Beaten-Path State Parks in Florida

Sometimes, Florida feels like an endless Instagram grid of crowded beaches and mouse ears. But you and I both know she’s hiding her best places in plain sight, the kind...

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8 Remote Camping Spots Across Michigan

You crave the kind of quiet that makes you notice your own heartbeat. That’s what Michigan’s secret campsites deliver: a blend of solitude, wild beauty, and a break from the...

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5 Roadside Attractions in Arizona Boomers Still Talk About

You know that bittersweet tingle when an old song or crumpled postcard makes you pause? That’s Arizona’s highways for you: not just miles of sunbaked pavement, but...

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Community First at Noonie’s In Vallejo, California

Picture this: You walk into a restaurant and immediately get the sense you’re not just there to eat. You’re there to be seen, to be remembered next Sunday, and maybe even have...

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9 Best Weekend Escapes in Texas Hill Country

You know the weekend’s gone sideways when you’re eating cold pizza in pajamas at 2 p.m. and doomscrolling through your ex’s new engagement photos. Sometimes, a spontaneous...

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9 Illinois Botanical Gardens Perfect for a Weekend Walk

Let’s be real. Sometimes, you just need to stroll somewhere beautiful and pretend you’re the protagonist in a BBC drama. Illinois delivers with its gardens; each one...

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10 Free Things to Do in Portland That Locals Love

Here’s the honest truth: everyone wants to feel like a local, but no one likes feeling like they’re just following the herd, especially when your wallet’s whispering sweet...

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6 Hidden Waterfalls in Washington State

You know the feeling when you’re standing somewhere beautiful, and you realize your phone actually can’t capture it? That’s Washington’s hidden waterfalls for you:...

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7 Hidden Museums in Nevada (Including Las Vegas)

There’s something about a hidden museum that feels like a dare. Most people walk right past the best stories because they’re too busy looking for neon signs or, let’s...

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6 Small California Breweries Loved by Locals

You know that feeling when you take your first sip and realize, oh, this isn’t just beer; this is someone’s actual best idea, bottled? Welcome to California’s small-batch...

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Adventure Awaits: 14 Best Rocky Mountain Hikes for Thrill-Seekers

You know that nagging, insistent itch that says, "Maybe my real life starts where the cell signal ends"? I do. It’s 2AM, you’re up again, scrolling, and there’s...

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Where Seniors Love to Dine: 11 Classic Restaurants in Illinois

No one tells you how much family drama can unravel at a restaurant table; especially if your grandma has a running scorecard for every bowl of soup in Illinois. You know what I...

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Wine Without the Fuss: 10 Senior-Friendly California Vineyards

Have you ever watched your mom squint at a wine list and wish she could just sit somewhere beautiful, sip something delicious, and not worry about stairs, weird chairs, or feeling...

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10 Southern River Cruises Perfect for Retired Travelers

You know that feeling when you realize you don’t have to answer to anyone’s schedule but your own anymore? That’s retirement magic. Suddenly, the world opens...

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7 Oregon’s Coastal Drives for the Laid-Back Explorer

Do you ever find yourself stuck in traffic, forehead pressed to the window, wondering if you’re secretly allergic to stress? Same. The antidote? Oregon’s coast....

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9 Roadside Pubs & Pizza Gems Along Wisconsin’s I-90

You ever get that feeling halfway through a long drive; when your playlist just hits the sad songs and your stomach starts growling louder than the wind? That’s when...

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Seafood & Scenery: 11 Best Coastal Eats on California’s Highway 1

Sometimes you just need the ocean to remind you how small you are and a buttery lobster roll to remind you how grateful you can be for small comforts. Highway 1 doesn’t...

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Lobster Rolls & Views: Best Stops on Maine’s I-95

You know that achy feeling you get when you realize your life needs both carbs and a little more adventure? I-95 through Maine is basically therapy with a side of melted...

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13 Best Roadside Stops From Denver to Estes Park

You know that feeling at 2AM when you’re wide awake, honesty flooding in, and you realize your best memories rarely happen at the destination?

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Northern California Road Trip: Waterfalls, Lakes, and Scenic Byways

You know that moment when it’s 2AM, you’re lying on your back, and suddenly you realize that everything you actually want (peace, wonder, the high of the unexpected) can’t...

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