dorian hayes author at My Family Travels
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This Virginia Coastal Spot Influencers Ruined – Locals Just Walk Away

Social media has turned one of Virginia's most serene coastal sanctuaries into a circus. What was once a peaceful escape where locals spent quiet mornings watching wild ponies...

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11 Haunted Hotel Stays Across Virginia That Promise An Eerie Adventure

Virginia's haunted hotels blend history with spine-tingling supernatural encounters that'll make even skeptics question reality. From grand coastal resorts where tragic spirits...

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Top 10 Destinations Serving The Best Lasagna In Virginia

Virginia might be famous for peanuts and country ham, but there’s another comfort food quietly stealing the spotlight. Across...

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10 Virginia’s Dog-Friendly Eateries That Serve Up More Than Just Food

Bringing your dog to brunch in Virginia is no longer an afterthought. It is practically a sport. Across the state, restaurants...

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We Went On A Gravy-Fueled Odyssey For Virginia’s Most Legendary Chicken-Fried Steak

Think you've tasted the ultimate chicken-fried steak? Picture a crispy golden crust that stays crunchy even under a blanket of creamy peppered gravy, paired with eggs cooked just...

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Why Schnitzel At This Virginia Tavern Feels Like A Trip To Bavaria Without The Flight

Think authentic German food requires a transatlantic flight? Madison has a secret that locals have been hoarding for decades. There...

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Virginia All-You-Can-Eat Gem So Good, It Deserves A Visit In 2026

What if the ultimate feast existed right in Alexandria, Virginia, serving whole lobsters, fresh sushi, and hibachi grills that sizzle on demand? This buffet has locals buzzing...

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This Ultimate Virginia Pit Stop For Paws And Pours Is A Must-Visit In 2026

Picture this: a coffee shop where ping pong tables sit alongside cozy seating, local art decorates the walls, and the beach is just a short stroll away. Java Surf Cafe & Espresso...

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This Virginia Diner Serves The Holy Grail Of Southern Breakfasts Worth Crossing State Lines For

All roadside diners might blur together after a while, but The Pink Cadillac Diner in Natural Bridge refuses to be just another highway stop. Parked along South Lee Highway, this...

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This Virginia Landmark Lets You Eat Like A Founding Father In The 1700s

Ever wondered what dining might have felt like in George Washington’s era? At Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia, guests can experience colonial-style fare inside a building...

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This Virginia Lake Is A Tranquil Gem Waiting To Be Discovered

Think your local swimming hole is impressive? Wait until you see what Virginia's been hiding in its southwestern corner. South...

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Step Back In Time To 1607 At This Historic Virginia Landmark

Jamestown Settlement Pier sits quietly along the James River, and it's one of those rare places where history doesn't just whisper, it shouts. Walking onto this pier feels like...

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This Family-Friendly Amusement Park Is Perfect For A Weekend Getaway

Looking for a place where kids can lose their minds with joy while parents actually get to relax? Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg delivers an experience that combines indoor water...

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This Virginia Historic Estate Shows How Wealth Defined Identity

Think grand estates are just pretty buildings with nice gardens? Think again. Morven Park in Leesburg tells a much deeper story...

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This Virginia State Park Reminds Visitors There’s More Than One Past

Think Virginia history is just colonial wigs and battlefield cannons? Chippokes State Park in Surry County flips that script like nobody's business.

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This Eerie Virginia Ghost Town Lets Visitors Step Back In Time

Think a town with fewer than two hundred souls can't hold mysteries? Think again. Union Level sits quietly in the rolling countryside...

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This Historic Store In Virginia’s Mountains Offers A Glimpse Of The Past

Tucked into the folds of Highland County, Virginia, the Sugar Tree Country Store isn't just selling nostalgia. It's living it. This...

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This Virginia Forest Trail Leads To A Hidden Mountain Lake

Think you know Virginia's best state parks? Think again. Tucked into Bath County's Allegheny Mountains sits a lake that shouldn't...

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These 9 Floating Cabins In Virginia Create A One-Of-A-Kind Waterfront Getaway

Think you've seen every type of vacation rental Virginia has to offer? Think again. Tucked away on tranquil lakes and rivers...

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This Striking Norfolk Pier Is A Record-Breaking Paradise For East Coast Anglers

I thought I had seen every fishing spot Virginia could throw at me, then I spent time on Ocean View Fishing Pier and realized how wrong I was.

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This Virginia Neighborhood Is A Cultural Mashup You Won’t Forget

Think your town has history? Old Town Alexandria has been throwing legendary block parties since before America was even a thing. Cobblestone...

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This Underrated Virginia Thrift Store Turns $20 Into A Cart Full Of Finds

Tucked away in Alexandria, Virginia, Prime Thrift is rewriting the rulebook on secondhand shopping. This sprawling treasure trove at 3115 Sherwood Hall Lane proves that smart shoppers...

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This Mountain Town In Virginia Feels Frozen In The Golden Age Of Hollywood

Ever stumble upon a place that looks like it was plucked straight from a classic movie set? Big Stone Gap in Virginia pulls off that magic trick without even trying.

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This Tiny Virginia Café Serves Crêpes That Feel Straight Off A Paris Side Street

Stumbled upon a café that makes you question whether you accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up in the Latin Quarter? Clifton Cafe in historic Clifton, Virginia pulls off...

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This All-You-Can-Eat Mexican Spot In Virginia Is A Local Favorite For Good Reason

Ever wonder where locals flock when they're craving unlimited Mexican food without breaking the bank? Tucked away in Yorktown, Virginia, Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant has been...

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These 9 Scenic Waterfront Cabins In Virginia Turn A Weekend Into An Island Escape

Virginia's waterfront is calling, and it's bringing cabin vibes that'll make you forget about city stress faster than you can say "lake life." Tucked along shimmering shores and...

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11 Virginia Towns Every Southern Culture Lover Must Visit

Virginia is where history whispers through cobblestone streets and Southern hospitality wraps around you like a warm hug. From Revolutionary War battlefields to charming Main Streets...

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10 Virginia Hidden Gems Locals Love But Say Social Media Is Ruining

Virginia holds secrets that most tourists never find. Tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic coast, the state is home to waterfalls, swimming holes, trails, and...

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The Crab Cake At This No-Frills Virginia Restaurant Is Worth A Road Trip

Picture this: you're cruising down Richmond Road in Virginia, stomach rumbling, craving something seriously special. Suddenly, you spot a humble little shack that doesn't look...

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This Restaurant In Virginia Is Known For Some Of The Best Barbecue In The State

Richmond, Virginia has a secret weapon in the barbecue game, and it's turning heads from Texas to the Carolinas. ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque isn't just another smokehouse slinging...

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This Hidden Virginia Gem Is Known For Its Legendary Southern Fried Catfish

Picture a place where Southern comfort meets Virginia hospitality, and every plate tells a story of tradition and flavor. Tucked away in the heart of the Old Dominion, The Fishin'...

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Virginia’s Most Storybook Waterfall Is Tucked Along This Quiet Trail

Picture this: a storybook waterfall tumbling down moss-covered rocks, surrounded by lush forest that looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. That's Dark Hollow Falls...

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This Virginia Antique Shop Turns Every Aisle Into A Treasure Hunt

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Loudoun County, Virginia, sits a charming relic from the past that's anything but forgotten. The Old Lucketts Store has been casting its spell...

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Locals Recommend These 10 Virginia Winter Walks And Views

Winter in Virginia transforms the landscape into a wonderland of frost-kissed trails and breathtaking vistas that'll make you forget all about hibernating indoors. From the misty...

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This Unassuming Virginia Bakeshop Is Known For Its Standout Pecan Pie

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Virginia, Woodruff's Cafe and Pie Shop in Monroe has been serving up homemade comfort and unforgettable pecan pie for generations. This family-owned...

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Locals Prefer These 11 Virginia Spots Outside Peak Season

Virginia transforms into something special when the crowds thin out. Summer tourists pack beaches and historic sites, but locals know the real magic happens during quieter months.

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Locals Regularly Visit These 11 Virginia Town Centers

Virginia's town centers pulse with life, drawing residents back time and again for shopping, dining, and community connection. These beloved gathering spots blend historical architecture...

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A Town In Virginia Locals Say Blends Arts, Shops, And Old-Town Charm

Old Town Alexandria sits along the Potomac River in Virginia, offering visitors a glimpse into America's past while buzzing with modern energy.

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Locals Keep Going Back To These 10 Pizza Places In Virginia

Virginia has become a surprising hotspot for pizza lovers who crave everything from authentic Neapolitan pies to towering New York slices.

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Locals Recommend These 10 Virginia Attractions That Are Actually Worth It

Virginia holds a special place in American history and natural beauty, drawing millions of visitors each year. But not every...

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These 10 Virginia Towns Are Every Photographer’s Dream

Virginia holds countless treasures for anyone who loves capturing beauty through a lens. From misty mountain peaks to cobblestone...

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10 Virginia State Parks You Should Explore At Least Once

Virginia's state parks are a treasure trove of natural wonders and adventure, offering a captivating mix of landscapes, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the serene Chesapeake...

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These Are The 10 Seafood Shacks In New York State Locals Love

New York State offers more than just city lights and skyscrapers. From the sandy shores of Long Island to the peaceful Finger...

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These 10 Hidden Tennessee Restaurants Fly Way Under The Radar

Tennessee is famous for its music, mountains, and of course, its food. But beyond the well-known hot chicken joints and barbecue...

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11 Iconic Pennsylvania Historic Sites Overrun By Eager Tourists

Pennsylvania holds a special place in American history, with countless landmarks that shaped the nation we know today. From...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Salmon Spots In Idaho Loved By Locals

Idaho's rivers run wild with salmon, and the state's local restaurants know exactly how to serve them up right. From bustling...

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10 Oregon Small Towns Where Walking Makes Travel Simple

Oregon offers some of the most charming small towns in the Pacific Northwest, where you can leave your car behind and explore everything on foot.

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10 Oklahoma Pancake Spots Known Mostly To Locals

Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about pancakes, but locals know better. Hidden across...

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10 Wisconsin Roadside Restaurants To Add To Your Route

Wisconsin roads wind through charming small towns, rolling farmland, and scenic lakeshores, offering travelers more than just beautiful views.

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8 Florida Restaurants Worth Planning A Road Trip Around

Florida is home to some of the most unique and memorable dining destinations in the country. From quirky roadside spots covered...

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