chloe hartwell author at My Family Travels
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10 Grocery Stores In New Jersey Famous For Their Top-Notch Meat Departments

New Jersey might be famous for its diners and boardwalks, but ask any local where they get their steaks, chops, and roasts, and you'll hear about the incredible meat departments...

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Locals Line Up Every Night At This New Jersey Restaurant Just To Have A Taste Of Their BBQ Ribs

When hunger strikes and only the best barbecue will do, locals in Matawan know exactly where to head. Big Ed's Barbecue at 305...

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This New Jersey Restaurant Serves Fried Clams That’ll Stay On Your Mind All Week

Boulevard Clams sits quietly on Long Beach Boulevard in Surf City, New Jersey, but locals know this unassuming seafood market and restaurant is one of the shore's best-kept secrets....

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9 Historic Villages In New Jersey That Transport You To The Past

New Jersey might be famous for its boardwalks and beaches, but in the corners across the Garden State are historic villages that feel like stepping into a time machine.

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The Burgers At These 10 Humble Restaurants In New Jersey Are Worth The Drive From Anywhere In The State

New Jersey has always been a haven for burger lovers who appreciate quality over flash. Hidden across the state are humble spots where the focus is on perfectly seasoned patties,...

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The Largest Hindu Temple In The Western Hemisphere Stands Proudly In New Jersey

New Jersey might be famous for its beaches and boardwalks, but tucked away in the quiet township of Robbinsville stands something far more extraordinary.

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The Massive Outlet Mall In New Jersey Where A Few Bucks Stretch Amazingly Far

Just minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport at 651 Kapkowski Rd in Elizabeth, New Jersey, The Mills at Jersey Gardens stands as one of the most impressive outlet shopping...

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The Humble New Jersey Restaurant Serving Deli Sandwiches Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover

How big can a deli get before it becomes legend? On King Georges Post Road in Edison sits Harold’s New York Deli (1173 King Georges Post Rd, Edison, NJ 08837), a spot locals...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Eateries In New Jersey Locals Never Tell Tourists About

New Jersey has a reputation for loud highways and crowded boardwalks, but tucked between all that hustle are some of the most delicious spots you'll never see on a tourist map....

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The Abandoned New Jersey Theme Park Locals Still Photograph More Than Anywhere Else

Deep in the heart of New Jersey lies a place where nature reclaimed what humans abandoned, creating one of the most hauntingly beautiful spots in the Garden State. Warner Bros.

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Locals Swear The Best Breakfast In The Mid-Atlantic Is Found At This Unassuming New Jersey Spot

Tucked along the Black Horse Pike in Pleasantville, New Jersey, sits a breakfast gem that has locals raving and visitors coming back for seconds. Essl's Family Restaurant, affectionately...

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The Huge Thrift Shop In New Jersey Where Every Corner Holds A Surprise

Hidden in the hills of northwestern New Jersey sits Scranberry Loft, the thrift store equivalent of Disneyland for treasure hunters.

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Next-Level Dessert Bars Putting New Jersey On The Sweet Map

New Jersey has quietly become one of the most exciting dessert destinations on the East Coast, with creative pastry chefs and dessert artists opening up shops that rival anything...

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Why Locals In New Jersey’s Tiny Shore Towns Get Annoyed When Tourists Show Up

New Jersey's small shore towns transform into bustling hubs every summer, drawing thousands of visitors eager to soak up sun, sand, and saltwater taffy.

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The Winter Shore Escapes In New Jersey Locals Protect For Themselves

New Jersey's shoreline transforms into something magical once summer fades and the crowds retreat back inland. The boardwalks...

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Why This Regional Staple Is Worth A Stop In Oklahoma

Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store in Oklahoma City is more than just a place to grab dessert; it’s a regional tradition. Known...

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9 Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Pubs In South Dakota Worth Stopping By

South Dakota is not the first place most travelers think of for memorable seafood, yet that is exactly why the hunt is so fun. You...

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A Scenic Escape In Western New York Worth Visiting

You are about to discover why Letchworth State Park is often called the Grand Canyon of the East, and why it deserves a prime spot on your 2026 travel list.

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Oregon’s Coastal State Park Known For Cozy Campsites And Outdoor Fun

Tucked along Oregon’s rugged coast, Fort Stevens State Park blends history with outdoor adventure. Visitors can pitch a...

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New York’s Forgotten Oddity Might Be The Attraction Worth Visiting More Than Once

You can feel New York history shift under your feet the moment the Smallpox Memorial Hospital appears in the mist across the East River.

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Missouri Grocery Meat Rankings Reveal The Freshest Cuts For Shoppers

Missouri shoppers know that the meat counter can feel like a treasure hunt. From sizzling steaks to tender roasts, every cut...

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This Texas Ghost Town Serves Up Chili And Charm Every Year

Terlingua sits at the edge of Big Bend country, where the desert glows gold and the stories feel close enough to touch. You...

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Florida’s Oldest City Is Becoming The New Weekend Hotspot

Weekends feel different the moment you cross into St. Augustine, where brick lanes, palm shade, and salty air lead you toward adventure.

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The Quiet Kansas Town Travelers Call The Best Place To Reset

Small towns hit differently when you need a true reset, and Lindsborg in Kansas delivers that peaceful pause with heart. You...

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Weird Holiday Traditions You’ll Only Find In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a knack for keeping the holidays delightfully quirky. From towns that drop giant pretzels instead of glittering...

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10 Festive Christmas Cafés In Maine Serving Classic Egg Nog

Maine sparkles in December, and cozy cafés become the places where twinkle lights meet warm chatter. You want festive corners...

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Your Guide To Seeing Virgil The Turtle At Florida’s Blue Grotto Dive Resort

You are about to meet a local legend who just happens to be a charismatic turtle named Virgil, and the journey starts in crystal spring water.

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Ohio’s Famous Prison Is More Than Just A Movie Set, It’s A Haunted Legend

Step inside a fortress of stone where Hollywood magic meets living history, and you will feel the chill that has nothing to do with the weather.

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Arizona’s Mining Heritage Transforms Into A Hub For Artists

Perched high on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome invites you to wander narrow streets where mining grit meets creative flair. The town’s...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Grills In Idaho That Locals Can’t Stop Praising

Idaho loves quiet barbecue joints that feel like secrets you only whisper to friends. You can smell the smoke before you spot...

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10 Oregon Towns That Are The Cutest In The Pacific Northwest

You want small town charm that still feels real and wonderfully alive. Oregon delivers that sweet spot with coastal gems, historic main streets, and mountain towns that invite...

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From Roller Coasters To Cotton Candy: Washington’s Parks Serving Thrills Daily

You want real thrills, bright lights, and the sweet whirl of cotton candy melting as fast as your plans change, and Washington delivers daily with style.

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Illinois Transforms The Magnificent Mile Into A Holiday Phenomenon You Won’t Believe

Chicago turns The Magnificent Mile into a glittering corridor each holiday season, and you can feel the excitement from the first step.

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Arkansas Small Towns Where Locals Avoid Downtown Because Of Nonstop Crowds

You have probably felt that mix of excitement and hesitation when a charming town becomes the place everyone wants to be. Arkansas...

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Colorado Shocks Travelers With Aspen’s Luxurious Holiday Scene Everyone Wants This Year

Aspen, Colorado is dazzling travelers this holiday season with a scene straight out of a winter dream. Snow-covered peaks frame streets lined with twinkling lights and luxury boutiques....

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The All You Can Eat Diner In Nebraska Locals Call “Unlimited Happiness”

You came for the comfort of a small-town diner, and you will stay for the easygoing rhythm that makes every visit feel like a victory lap.

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Texas’s Desert Town That Refused To Die After Everyone Left

You are about to meet a tiny desert town that should have vanished, yet it greets you with dusty charm and stubborn heart. Terlingua...

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Why Boston Locals Complain About Tourists Overrunning Faneuil Hall Holiday Markets

Boston in winter glows with lights, music, and the kind of festive energy that draws you into the action. Faneuil Hall Marketplace...

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Forgotten Pennsylvania Coal Towns Tourists Rarely Visit

You are about to wander into the quiet corners of Pennsylvania where coal once fueled busy streets and midnight shifts. These...

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Christmas Villages In North Carolina That Feel Straight Out Of A Winter Movie

North Carolina shines brightest when twinkle lights meet mountain air and coastal breezes, and this list is your shortcut to the merriest scenes in the state.

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10 Incredible Spots In Alaska To See Wildlife In Action

Alaska calls to anyone who craves the thrill of seeing wild creatures where they truly belong. Glaciers, fjords, and endless...

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12 Oregon Small Town Pizza Places That Rival The Big Cities

Oregon’s small towns may look sleepy, but their pizza game is wide awake. Forget skyscrapers - these pies stack flavor higher...

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Why Locals In This Washington Island Town Keep It Off Travel Guides

Friday Harbor is the main town on San Juan Island in Washington State. It serves as the county seat of San Juan County and is a hub for island transportation.

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Skip The Crowds And Discover Wisconsin’s Hidden Coastal Escape

Skip the crowds and discover Wisconsin’s hidden coastal escape in Door County. This peninsula offers a quieter side of Lake Michigan that many visitors overlook.

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The Coolest Mountain Town In Colorado You Won’t Stop Dreaming About After Visiting

You can feel Breckenridge the moment the mountain air brushes your face and the Tenmile Range fills your view. The streets...

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The Perfect Family Escape Awaits at Colorado’s High-Altitude Wildlife Haven

I woke my family before sunrise, promising them an adventure unlike any other in Colorado Springs. The drive up Cheyenne Mountain felt like climbing into a secret world where animals...

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Travelers Keep Breaking Rules In Indiana Amish villages – Here’s A Travel Lesson Angle

Indiana's Amish villages offer a peaceful glimpse into a simpler way of life, but many travelers unknowingly cross important boundaries.

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The Haunted Montana Resort That Breathes Through Cracked Windows

Tucked along the banks of the Missouri River in Fort Benton, Montana, stands a hotel where the past never quite left. The...

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Why The “Sleepiest” City In Maryland Is A Hidden Gem For Antique Hunters

New Market might look quiet at first glance, but that calm is exactly what makes treasure hunting here so rewarding. Stroll...

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Two Days Of Georgia Winter Backroads, Bonfire Stops, And Frost-Touched Small-Town Diner Stories

Picture yourself winding through misty mountain roads, sipping pine-scented coffee by a crackling bonfire, and ending each day in a cozy cabin tucked deep in the Georgia woods....

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