chloe hartwell author at My Family Travels
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7 Oklahoma Deserted Motels With Scary Legends

Oklahoma, with its vast stretches of Route 66 and rich history, holds within it stories that chill the spine. Deserted motels, once bustling with travelers, now stand silent, enveloped...

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5 Texas Motels With Stories Stranger Than Fiction

Texas is home to numerous motels that have become infamous for their unique stories and histories. From ghostly encounters to vintage charm, these motels offer more than just a...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Shacks In New Mexico Worth Finding

New Mexico is famous for its red and green chile, but there's another flavor treasure hiding in plain sight across the state. Tucked away in small towns and quiet corners, some...

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11 Hole-In-The-Wall Coffee & Biscuit Spots In South Carolina Worth Every Mile

South Carolina is famous for sweet tea, beaches, and southern hospitality, but hidden across the state are tiny coffee shops and biscuit joints that locals swear by. These aren't...

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Hole-in-the-Wall Cheesecake Shops in Alaska Worth the Flight

Alaska might be famous for glaciers and wildlife, but it hides some seriously amazing cheesecake spots that most visitors never find.

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Hole-In-The-Wall Pastry Houses In South Dakota Worth Visiting

South Dakota might be famous for Mount Rushmore and rolling prairies, but tucked away in its towns and cities are some seriously delicious pastry shops that deserve just as much...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Bistros In Hawaii That Locals Keep Quiet

Hawaii is famous for stunning beaches and gorgeous sunsets, but there's another side to the islands that most tourists never discover. Hidden away from the crowded resorts and...

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The Abandoned Roadside Mall In Texas Where Small-Town Shopping Faded Away

Palestine Mall sits quietly along the Texas highway, a relic of a time when shopping malls were the heartbeat of small-town life. Once filled with families, teenagers, and shoppers...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Pubs In South Dakota Worth The Stop

South Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of seafood, but this landlocked state has some seriously tasty surprises waiting for you. Tucked away...

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The Forgotten Lakeside Carnival In Michigan That Reflects Different Skies

Silver Beach Amusement Park once stood as a shining jewel along the shores of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph. For decades, families flocked to this lakeside carnival to ride thrilling...

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The Abandoned Island Resort In Louisiana That Rings Its Bell Hourly

Off the coast of Louisiana lies a hauntingly beautiful place that once thrived with laughter and joy but now stands silent except for one mysterious sound. Last Island, also known...

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The Deserted River Hotel In Arizona That Floods Without Rain

Deep in the Arizona wilderness lies a place where history, nature, and mystery collide in the most unexpected way. The Verde Hot Springs Resort, once a bustling riverside hotel,...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Taverns In Pennsylvania That Locals Love

Pennsylvania might not have ocean views, but it sure knows how to serve up incredible seafood. Tucked away in neighborhoods and small towns across the state, you'll find hidden...

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The Cozy Hole-In-The-Wall Bakeries In Massachusetts That Feel Like Home

Massachusetts is a treasure trove of hidden gems, especially when it comes to bakeries. Nestled in quaint neighborhoods and bustling city corners are bakeries that evoke a sense...

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The Forgotten Hills Lodge In Vermont Where Guests Vanish After Check-In

Tucked away in the serene hills of Sudbury, Vermont, lies a relic of history - The Forgotten Hills Lodge. Known locally as Hyde Manor or Hyde’s Hotel, this once-grand destination...

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9 Hawaii Cities That Stay Under The Tourist Radar

Aloha, fellow wanderers! If you're like me, always on the hunt for those secretive spots away from the bustling tourist crowds, then buckle up because we're heading on a Hawaiian...

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The Desert Village In Arizona Where Christmas Was Left Behind

In the heart of the Arizona desert lies a tiny village that once promised endless holiday cheer. Santa Claus, Arizona, was a whimsical creation, intended to attract visitors and...

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The “Dull” Nebraska City That’s A Dream For Travelers Who Hate Crowds

Omaha, Nebraska often flies under the radar as a travel destination, but for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, it's a hidden gem. This city offers a blend of culture,...

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The Hidden Alaska Seafood Restaurant That Serves Dinner Beside Glaciers

Imagine stepping into a tram that climbs high above Alaska's rugged wilderness, then sitting down to a gourmet dinner with seven glaciers sparkling in the distance. That's exactly...

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The Secret Nevada Seafood Buffet Locals Call “The Ocean Underground”

Locals whisper about a Friday-night ritual on the far south end of Las Vegas Boulevard, tucked inside the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa. They call it “The Ocean Underground,”...

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The Abandoned Alaska Attraction That Time Froze In Place

Along a lonely stretch of the George Parks Highway in Alaska sits a towering four-story structure shaped like an igloo, abandoned and slowly crumbling into history.

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This Hidden Tennessee Rib Spot Has Become A Local Legend

Down a narrow alley in downtown Memphis, behind a nondescript door, lies one of the most celebrated barbecue joints in the entire South. Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous has been serving...

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Most Boring Towns In Connecticut That Feel Like Living In A Painting

Connecticut is full of surprises, from bustling cities to quiet countryside. Some towns here move at such a slow pace that they feel frozen in time, like stepping into a painting...

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The Small Tennessee Mountain Town Where Love Returns Every Autumn

Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg transforms into a magical wonderland every fall. Couples flock to this charming Tennessee town as the leaves turn...

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The South Carolina Island Resort That Locals Say Vanished From Maps After One Storm

Along the sandy shores of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, there's a story that has puzzled locals and historians for decades. McKenzie Beach, once a bustling island resort destination,...

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The Haunted Washington Oceanfront Resort That Locals Swear Still Hosts Guests

Perched along the rugged Washington coastline, the Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort has earned a reputation for more than just breathtaking ocean views and cozy accommodations.

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The Weird Laws In New Jersey Tourists Keep Breaking Without Even Knowing

New Jersey might be famous for its boardwalks, beaches, and incredible pizza, but it also has some of the strangest laws you'll ever hear about. Many visitors accidentally break...

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10 Free Adventures In Seattle That Are Perfect For Curious Travelers On A Budget

Seattle offers countless ways to explore without spending a dime, making it an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the city's unique culture and natural beauty...

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The Ultimate List Of Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants In Nevada You’ll Want To Visit

Nevada is famous for its bright lights and big casinos, but some of the best food in the state hides in plain sight. Tucked away on side streets and in strip malls, hole-in-the-wall...

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The Realities Of Life On The Road Across Nevada’s Endless Highways

Nevada's highways stretch for miles and miles, cutting through some of the most remote and beautiful landscapes in America. Driving across this vast state means embracing solitude,...

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Oklahoma Route 66 Stops That Became Tourist Theme Parks

Route 66 cuts through the heart of Oklahoma, and along this legendary highway, roadside attractions grew from simple stops into full-blown tourist destinations.

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The Real Reasons Locals In Washington Avoid The Trails Tourists Love Most

Washington State boasts some of the most stunning hiking trails in the country, from alpine meadows to coastal rainforests. But...

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This Cozy Washington Town Feels Like A Movie You Never Want To End

Tucked away in the stunning Methow Valley, Winthrop is a charming Washington town that looks like it stepped straight out of an Old West film.

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Rhode Island Beach Villages Locals Say Are Tourist Traps Now

Rhode Island's coastline once offered quiet escapes where locals could enjoy sandy shores without crowds. Over the years, many of these charming beach villages have transformed...

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The Hidden South Carolina Town That Comes Alive With Lights And Cocoa

Tucked away near the border of two states sits a tiny gem that transforms into a magical wonderland every December. McAdenville, North Carolina, despite what the title suggests,...

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The Peach Ice Cream At This South Carolina Farm Café Alone Is Worth The Drive

Nestled in the rolling hills of Chesnee, South Carolina, Strawberry Hill USA has become a destination where families and food lovers come together to celebrate farm-fresh flavors...

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This All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Buffet In Indiana Is A Hidden Midwest Treasure

The Midwest is packed with underrated food treasures that often fly under the radar, especially when it comes to comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly.

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The Lost New York Water Park Hidden Beneath The Woods

New York is full of forgotten attractions and abandoned places that once brought endless joy to families and travelers. From old amusement parks to roadside wonders, these spots...

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What Washington Travelers Get Right About Flying To Europe

Washington travelers have earned a reputation for being savvy when it comes to crossing the Atlantic. With Seattle-Tacoma International Airport serving as a major gateway to Europe,...

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This Haunted Apple Orchard In Oregon Is The Ultimate Fall Experience

Picture this: crisp autumn air, rustling corn stalks towering over your head, and the unmistakable feeling that something is watching you from the shadows. Welcome to Bella Organic...

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Tennessee Festivals Locals Say Tourists Took Over

Tennessee is home to some of the most beloved festivals in the South, from music celebrations to quirky food fairs. But over the years, many of these local traditions have exploded...

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Tourists Can’t Find This Hidden All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Spot In Alabama

Looking for a Gulf Coast secret that locals already love? Undertow in Orange Beach serves up a hard-to-spot all-you-can-eat shrimp deal that keeps regulars returning. Tucked just...

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Why Tourists Flock To This New York Eatery After Spotting It On TV

Katz's Delicatessen has been serving up towering pastrami sandwiches on New York's Lower East Side since 1888, but it wasn't just the food that made this deli world-famous. When...

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Classic American Diner In California Serving Comfort Food 24/7

California's diner culture thrives in Los Angeles, where chrome-trimmed booths and sizzling griddles keep the spirit of mid-century America alive. Astro Family Restaurant stands...

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The Small Town In Georgia That Feels Trapped In The 1800s

Madison, Georgia is like stepping into a living museum where time slows down and history comes alive around every corner. This charming town, located about an hour east of Atlanta,...

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The Strange California Desert Diner Locals Swear Is Haunted

If you’ve ever driven through the California desert and thought, “This place could use a haunted diner,” congratulations - you’ve found it. Desert Center isn’t just a...

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The Crawfish At This Louisiana Bay Café Make It The State’s Best Hidden Spot

Follow the steam and spice to a little slice of Cajun heaven, where the bayou hums and the pots never stop bubbling. In Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Cajun Café on the Bayou turns...

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Illegal Off-Road Adventures That Keep Getting Drivers Arrested In New Mexico

New Mexico’s wild backroads look like invitations to adventure, but the wrong detour can end with flashing lights and a costly citation. From fragile desert crusts to sacred...

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The Truth About Idaho’s Wilderness That Tourists Always Misread

Idaho's wilderness holds secrets that most tourists completely overlook or misunderstand during their visits. From surprising wildlife encounters to unexpected weather patterns,...

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The Surprising Reason Tourists Drive To Alaska For Its Waterfront Fish Markets

Alaska isn’t just a bucket-list destination for glaciers and grizzlies, it’s a seafood lover’s paradise. Tourists from across the country drive thousands of miles to experience...

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