clara rivers author at My Family Travels
Article
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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This Texas Bridge Turns Into A Ghostly Gathering Spot Each October

If you’re traveling through Texas this October, here’s what you should know about the haunted bridge locals say comes alive with ghosts once the sun goes down. On the backroads...

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The Lost Minnesota Fairground That Nature Refused To Bury

Tucked in Sibley County, the former Gaylord Fairgrounds once rang with carousel music, livestock calls, and summer laughter. Today, its memory lingers like a half-heard melody...

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The Haunted Bridge In North Carolina Said To Be Watched Over By A Phantom Dog

Deep in the misty Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina lies a small bridge in Valle Crucis that carries more than just travelers - it holds one of the South's most chilling legends....

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Road Trippers Say This South Dakota Café Has The Best Buffalo Burgers

If you're road-tripping through South Dakota and your stomach starts rumbling somewhere near Custer, pull over - because locals and travelers agree: Black Hills Burger & Pizza...

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The Haunted Hayrides At This Ohio Spooky Ranch Are Worth The Trip

If you're planning a fall getaway near Cleveland, Ohio, Spooky Ranch at Rockin' R Ranch is a Halloween destination that delivers thrills, chills, and fun for the whole family....

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Florida’s Best Buffet Dining Spot Worth The Trip

When you're traveling through Florida and craving a meal that feels like home, there's one buffet spot that stands out from all the rest. Nestled in Sarasota's charming Pinecraft...

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Why Tourists In Alaska Keep Getting Ticketed For Wildlife Selfies

Alaska's wild beauty attracts millions of visitors every year, eager to capture stunning photos of bears, moose, and other incredible creatures. Unfortunately, many tourists end...

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The Haunted Remains Of An Old Arkansas Carnival Hidden By The Forest

Deep in the Arkansas Ozarks, a forgotten amusement park lies swallowed by trees and time. Dogpatch USA once buzzed with laughter and music, but now its crumbling structures whisper...

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What Happens When Tourists Swim In Nevada’s Off-Limits Lakes

Nevada's lakes are absolutely stunning, with sparkling waters that can tempt any visitor to jump right in. But some areas are marked off-limits for very serious reasons. When tourists...

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12 Washington Hotspots That Don’t Feel Local Anymore

Washington State used to be filled with hidden gems where locals could enjoy peaceful weekends and authentic community vibes. Over the years, many of these beloved spots have transformed...

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This Alaska Smokehouse Serves Some Of The Freshest Salmon In The Country

Imagine biting into salmon so fresh, it was swimming in Alaskan waters just hours ago. Kodiak Island Smokehouse in Kodiak, Alaska, makes that dream a reality for seafood lovers...

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Locals In Delaware Are Shocked Tourists Discovered Their Favorite Endless Buffet

For years, Delaware locals have quietly enjoyed one of the state's best-kept dining secrets: an endless buffet that serves up mountains of fresh seafood, authentic Asian cuisine,...

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Travelers Can’t Stop Talking About The Prime Rib At This Hidden Colorado Tavern

Colorado's mountain towns offer more than stunning scenery and outdoor adventure - they're home to some of the most memorable dining experiences you'll ever have. Tucked away in...

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