clara rivers author at My Family Travels
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New York City Spots Serving the Most Authentic Soul Food

New York State holds countless flavors, but the city turns soul food into a full neighborhood experience with history and heart in every bite. You are about to meet the places...

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The “Nothing-To-Do” Rhode Island Town With the State’s Best Farm Breakfasts

You have heard the joke that there is nothing to do in Middletown, yet the quiet roads and salty air whisper a different story waiting for you to follow. Rhode Island rewards unhurried...

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9 Retro Burger Joints in California That Don’t Want to Modernize

California still shelters burger counters where neon hums, chrome gleams, and time seems to pause just long enough for you to taste a memory. You are about to tour the state through...

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Where Ohio’s Modern Highways Suddenly Turn Into Amish Dirt Roads

You think you know Ohio until the asphalt fades and the rhythm of hooves replaces the hum of tires. Modern highways hand off to quiet gravel lanes, and the state’s countryside...

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10 Iowa Villages With Classic Old-Fashioned Christmas Atmosphere

If you crave an old fashioned Christmas wrapped in candlelit windows, creaking wooden floors, and snow touched streets, Iowa delivers it with heart. These villages lean into heritage,...

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10 Pennsylvania Lakeside Towns Locals Believe Tourists Have Overrun

Pennsylvania lake towns look serene from a distance, yet the closer you get, the more you notice the churn of weekend traffic and packed shorelines. Locals see sunrise calm turn...

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Why This Small North Carolina Town Stands Out as America’s Best-Kept Secret

You think you know North Carolina mountain towns, then Blowing Rock quietly rewrites the script with scenery that feels cinematic yet wonderfully close at hand. This village on...

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Reasons Cochiti Village Is New Mexico’s Hidden Sacred Gem

New Mexico holds places that feel timeless, and Cochiti Village is one of those rare sanctuaries where tradition greets you quietly. You sense a living story in the adobe walls,...

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Historic Villages in Ohio Worth a Short Trip

If Ohio road trips call your name, these small towns deliver history you can actually touch. Each village pairs timeless architecture with easygoing walks and friendly faces, so...

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Things Tourists Learn About Slow Living in Oregon’s Small Towns

Slow living in Oregon invites you to trade rush hour for river breezes and porch conversations. Small towns here move at a human pace, and you feel it the moment your shoulders...

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Snow Makes This Idaho Town a Different Kind of Iconic

Snow in McCall, Idaho turns everyday moments into scenes you want to step into and stay awhile. You feel it the second the pines go white and Payette Lake grows still, inviting...

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Alaska Has a Valley Town More Gorgeous in Snow Than Summer

Snow turns Girdwood into a quiet valley of silver light, where spruce forests glow and mountains sharpen under a white crown. Summer still shines here, with trails, waterfalls,...

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A Tiny Coastal Town with the Friendliest Locals in Maine

You arrive in Camden and immediately feel the easy rhythm of a town where mountains meet the sea and neighbors still wave from porches. The harbor glitters with white sails, the...

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The Ultimate Snowy Road Trip Through Idaho’s Hidden Gems

Winter in Idaho's Sun Valley invites you into a snow globe where mountains glow pink at sunrise and trails whisper with fresh powder. Every mile of this road trip unlocks hidden...

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9 Wild Stories About Colorado’s Cliffside Casinos

Gather 'round, fellow adventurers, as we embark on a journey through Colorado’s cliffside casinos. These tales are not for the faint-hearted. Let’s explore the spookiest, quirkiest,...

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6 Alabama Rules That Make Visitors Do A Double Take

Welcome to Alabama, where the charm is as deep as the sweet tea, and the rules are as unique as the scenery. Buckle up, dear traveler, because navigating the quirks of Southern...

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10 Pennsylvania Amish Routes Perfect For A Slow Scenic Drive

Ah, Pennsylvania; the land where time slows and the roads are as scenic as a Sunday afternoon nap. If you've ever wanted to explore the quieter side of life, the Amish routes of...

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11 Cool Places to Check Out While Driving Through Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city built around the car, and exploring it by road offers access to cultural landmarks, neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints that highlight its diversity. Distances...

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Family Drive From Orlando to Miami: 13 Fun Places to Visit and Grab a Bite

You know that moment when everyone’s hangry and you’re six minutes from mutiny, but then you spot a kitschy roadside sign promising gators, dinosaurs, or milkshakes the size...

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The Old-Fashioned Rituals That Make Iowa Villages a True Holiday Time Capsule

The villages of Iowa are known for their enchanting holiday traditions that transport visitors back in time. During December, these small communities come alive with rituals steeped...

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9 Georgia Dessert Diners That Make Every Day Sweeter

Grab your forks, my friends, because we're about to embark on a sugar-laden journey across the Peach State. Georgia is home to some of the most delectable dessert diners, each...

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Why You Could Get Fined for Carrying an Ice Cream Cone in Your Back Pocket in Alabama

If you're exploring Alabama and happen to slip an ice cream cone into your back pocket, you might think you're breaking the law... but there's more to this legend than meets the...

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10 Hole-in-the-Wall BBQ Kitchens in West Virginia Locals Love

West Virginia is a treasure trove of hidden barbecue gems, each offering a unique taste of the state's rich culinary tradition. These hole-in-the-wall kitchens are beloved by locals...

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Why This “Forgettable” Pennsylvania Town Has the Country’s Sweetest Bakeries

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, this unassuming town is a treasure trove for bakery lovers. Despite being off the beaten path, the town's bakeries reveal a...

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The Most Scenic North Carolina Drive That Locals Call “The Ribbon Through Heaven”

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a mesmerizing drive often referred to as “The Ribbon Through Heaven,” stretching 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands. Connecting the Shenandoah...

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The Forgotten Mountain Carnival In Tennessee That Echoes Its Own Laughter

Nestled in the scenic hills of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the forgotten Fun Mountain carnival whispers tales of laughter and joy. Once a vibrant amusement park, it now stands as a...

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10 Sleepiest Towns In Kansas You’ll Somehow Want To Visit Anyway

If you’re traveling through Kansas, sometimes the smallest, quietest towns hold the most unexpected delights. These “sleepy” towns may seem uneventful at first glance, but...

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The Deserted Prison In Pennsylvania Where Visitors Hear Chains In The Dark

If you’re traveling through Pennsylvania and crave history wrapped in spine-tingling mystery, Eastern State Penitentiary is a must-visit. This deserted prison, with its Gothic...

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Charming Hole-In-The-Wall Candy Shops In Ohio That Feel Truly Nostalgic

If you’re traveling through Ohio and have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the charming hole-in-the-wall candy shops scattered across the state. From historic fudge houses to family-run...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall French Toast Cafés In Massachusetts Worth Every Bite

If you’re traveling through Massachusetts and want a breakfast that feels like the perfect morning hug, these tiny cafés - tucked into Boston neighborhoods, Cape Cod towns,...

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10 Ways To Experience Cowboy Culture In Wyoming Ranch Country

If you’re traveling to Wyoming, the best way to understand the spirit of the West is to step into the life of a cowboy. From working cattle ranches to rodeos, horseback riding,...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Morning Diners In Michigan Worth The Drive

If you’re traveling through Michigan and crave authentic, hearty breakfasts served with local charm, these hidden gem diners are worth seeking out. From Detroit classics to cozy...

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8 Cozy Wyoming Cabin Escapes Hidden In The Mountains

I packed my flannel, whispered a promise to my inbox to behave, and aimed my compass toward Wyoming’s tall-shouldered mountains. You want crackling fireplaces, snow-dusted trails,...

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The Seasonal Magic That Makes North Carolina Mountain Towns Feel Eternal

If you’re traveling to North Carolina’s mountains, you’ll quickly notice a sense of timelessness that stretches beyond the calendar. From the first snow dusting the peaks...

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The Hidden Risks Of Nevada’s Desert Shortcuts That Tourists Often Overlook

If you’re traveling through Nevada, the desert may tempt you with shortcuts that seem like time-savers. But locals know better: these routes can be risky, and unprepared visitors...

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Strange Traditions Outsiders Misunderstand Visiting Ohio’s Amish Country

If you’re traveling through Ohio’s Amish Country - perhaps cruising the backroads of Holmes County or stopping at a roadside bakery near Sugarcreek - you might feel like you’ve...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Pancake Houses In California Worth Every Bite

If you’re traveling through California, forget the trendy brunch chains and head straight for the old-school pancake houses that locals have loved for generations. From retro...

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The Georgia Town With A Year-Round Christmas Store You Have To See

Tucked in the North Georgia mountains, Hiawassee is where Christmas never ends and cozy Southern charm sparkles year-round. This lakeside town pairs breezy mountain mornings with...

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Where To Get The Best Thanksgiving Pies In Kentucky

Steer your holiday road trip by the scent of butter and spice drifting from Kentucky’s best bake shops. From Louisville’s bustling pie counters to Lexington’s cozy staples...

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Arizona’s Night Secrets Are Redefining Desert Travel

As the sun dips below the horizon, Arizona’s deserts reveal a hidden world of nocturnal wonders. Under a blanket of stars, travelers can explore canyons, sand dunes, and historic...

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The Weird Laws In Montana That Could Cost You A Fine For Smiling

If you’re heading to Montana, remember: smile all you want - just don’t do it while folfing after dark, leaving your sheep unattended, or refusing someone a glass of water....

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The Haunted Illinois Amusement Pier That Plays Music With No Power

Chicago’s Navy Pier is famous for Ferris wheels, lakefront views, and… ghostly music that plays with no power? Visitors flock here for rides and food, but beneath the fun lies...

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The Strange Rules In Minnesota Tourists Break Without Even Knowing

If you’re planning a road trip through Minnesota, you might want to brush up on more than just your winter driving skills - because the North Star State has some unusually specific...

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10 Louisiana Buffet Restaurants Every Traveler Should Try

If you’re traveling through Louisiana, your taste buds are in for a treat. From New Orleans’ French Quarter to small towns off the beaten path, the state’s buffet restaurants...

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The Old Prison In Georgia Locals Say Is Haunted By Its Last Warden

If you’re traveling through Savannah - a city already known for its haunted mansions and ghostly legends - there’s one place locals say even seasoned ghost hunters hesitate...

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The Forgotten Idaho Hotel Where Mirrors Still Reflect Old Guests

Step into Boise’s past at the Idanha Hotel, where historic grandeur meets eerie whispers, and the mirrors seem to reflect guests from another era. Opened in 1901, this landmark...

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The Haunted Montana Lodge Locals Claim Was Built On An Old Train Route

Under Montana’s wide sky, stories ride the wind like phantom whistles drifting over timber and snow. Travelers whisper about a century-old lodge where the past still checks in...

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How A New York Traveler Accidentally Found The Best Airline Hack

One happy mistake, two clicks, and a fare that dropped like a rock. This is the story of a New York traveler who reversed origin and destination by accident - and uncovered a cheaper,...

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The Ghostly Washington Lodge That Locals Hear Music From Each Winter

Winter drapes Index, Washington in quiet snow, and that’s when the Bush House Inn begins to whisper. Locals swear they hear distant strains of music floating from the historic...

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Tourists Say This All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Restaurant In Oklahoma “Should Be Illegal”

On the Oklahoma plains, a red barn-style smokehouse is luring Route 66 travelers off the highway with a scent so irresistible it feels like a roadside siren. They say the BBQ “should...

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