dorian hayes author at My Family Travels
Article
This Virginia Restaurant Serves Deviled Eggs So Good Locals Never Skip Them

Deviled eggs are often an afterthought, a side dish that gets pushed to the edge of the plate. But at this Virginia restaurant, they are the main event.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Affordable Virginia Places To Beat The Summer Heat

Summer in Virginia can be brutal. The heat rises, the humidity settles in, and the days feel longer than they should. But finding...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Virginia Waterfall Loop Takes You Past Multiple Gorgeous Cascades In Just 1.5 Miles

Some waterfall hikes make you work for every single view, punishing your legs on the way down and then demanding double the effort on the way back. But this Virginia trail offers...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Virginia Joint Was Voted Best Slices By Hundreds Of Virginia Tech Students

College students know pizza. They eat a lot of it, and they have strong opinions about where to get the best slice. When hundreds...

Read More    8 min read

Article
11 Summer Day Trips In Virginia That Feel Like A Vacation Without The Airport Lines

Summer is the season for getting away, but not everyone has the time or the budget for a full vacation. The good news is that you do not need a plane ticket to feel like you have...

Read More    10 min read

Article
This Virginia Roadside Gem Serves Big Portions And Even Bigger Southern Hospitality

The building is unassuming, the parking lot is gravel, and the sign is the kind that has been there so long that locals do not even see it anymore. But they see the food.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This World-Class Virginia Art Museum Is Open And Completely Free To Visit 365 Days A Year

Art museums are often expensive. You pay for parking, pay for admission, and then pay for the audio guide. But this Virginia...

Read More    8 min read

Article
9 Virginia Springs To Visit This Summer, According To Locals

Summer in Virginia means heat, humidity, and the search for something cool and refreshing. The best answer is always a spring, a natural pool of water that stays cold even in the...

Read More    9 min read

Article
Food Experts Identified This Unassuming Virginia Cuban Cafe One Of America’s Top Places To Eat

You could easily drive past it and never think twice. The storefront is plain, the sign is simple, and the building does not scream "award winner" from the outside.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Tiny Virginia Mountain Town Has A Bakery So Good It’s Becoming A Local Road Trip Tradition

You smell it before you see it. Butter, sugar, and apples baking into something golden. This tiny Virginia mountain town has...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Fresh Peach Ice Cream Keeps Summer Crowds Coming Back to One Famous Virginia Orchard

The peaches are ripe, the sun is hot, and the line at the ice cream stand is long. Fresh peach ice cream keeps summer crowds coming back to one famous Virginia orchard, a seasonal...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Virginia Spot Earned High Praise From The Culinary World And We’re Not Surprised

When the culinary world takes notice, you pay attention. And this Virginia destination has earned high praise from some of the most respected voices in food.

Read More    7 min read

Article
An Iconic Virginia Cheese Shop That Dairy Lovers Will Absolutely Adore

You look into the eyepiece and the world falls away. Stars that have been burning for billions of years come into focus, distant planets and galaxies that feel impossibly close.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Waterfront Virginia Seafood Spot Serves Stunning Views, But The Fried Catfish Steals The Show

The views are stunning. Water stretching to the horizon, boats drifting past, and a breeze that carries the smell of salt. But...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Everyone Goes to Virginia Beach, But This Nearby Coastal Town Might Be Even Better

Virginia Beach gets the crowds. The boardwalk, the hotels, the traffic. But just a short drive away, there is a coastal town...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Specialized Virginia Museum Is The Only One In The United States Dedicated Entirely To The Peanut

You have eaten peanuts. You have probably used peanut butter. But have you ever learned about the history of the peanut? This...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Virginia’s Favorite Upscale Dining Oasis Where You Dine Inside A Restored 1830s Gristmill

The water wheel is still there, quiet now, a reminder of the building's past. The stone walls are thick, the ceilings are high, and the atmosphere is warm and elegant.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Massive Virginia Brazilian Steakhouse Serves Continuous Tableside Meat For One Fixed Price

The meat keeps coming. Slices of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, carved tableside by gauchos who move with practiced efficiency. This...

Read More    8 min read

Article
11 Hidden Beaches in Virginia Perfect for a Quiet Escape

The crowded beaches are easy to find. But the quiet ones take effort. These hidden beaches in Virginia are for people who want...

Read More    9 min read

Article
9 Overrated Virginia Shore Towns That Have Become Way Too Overpacked And Crowded In Summer

The secret is out. These Virginia shore towns were once peaceful escapes, places where you could relax without fighting for a parking spot.

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Best Free Farm Zoo In Virginia Is An Absolute Hidden Gem

The animals are friendly, the grounds are clean, and the price is impossible to beat. This free farm zoo in Virginia is an absolute hidden gem, a place where families can spend...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Stunning Virginia Exhibit Features A Living Masterpiece That Is Over 125 Years Old

It has been growing for 125 years, a living masterpiece that changes with the seasons. This stunning new Virginia exhibit features a living treasure that has been alive since the...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Tiny Virginia Diner Counter Never Closes And Serves Icons From Scratch

The neon sign glows through the night, a beacon for anyone who needs a meal at any hour. This tiny Virginia diner counter never closes, serving icons from scratch to hungry travelers,...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Virginia State Park Has One of the Most Epic Hiking Trails in the Mid-Atlantic

You start the hike through fields of wild ponies, their manes blowing in the wind. The trail climbs, and the views open up, mountain after mountain fading into the distance.

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Virginia Museum Is Home to a Legendary Civil War Warhorse Frozen in Time

The horse stands motionless in its glass case, preserved for more than a century. It does not look real at first, the dark coat, the alert stance, the saddle still in place.

Read More    7 min read

Article
9 Overrated Virginia Summer Towns That Have Become Way Too Overpacked And Crowded In 2026

The secret is out. These Virginia summer towns were once quiet escapes, places where you could relax without fighting for a parking spot.

Read More    9 min read

Article
10 Hidden Gems in Virginia You Won’t Find in Guidebooks

The guidebooks always mention the same places. Monticello, Virginia Beach, the Blue Ridge Parkway. But some of the best spots...

Read More    9 min read

Article
These 9 Epic Scenic Overlooks in Virginia Do Not Require a Hike

Some views require a long hike and a lot of sweat. But the overlooks on this list do not. You can park, walk a few steps, and...

Read More    9 min read

Article
The Best Legendary Cheeseburger In Virginia Is Found Inside This Tiny Hole-In-The-Wall Diner

The building is small, the menu is short, and the seating is limited. But the cheeseburger is legendary. This tiny Virginia diner...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Giant Virginia Farmers Market And Flea Market You’ll Want To Explore Again And Again

You walk through the gates and immediately realize that one visit will not be enough. The aisles stretch in every direction, lined with vendors selling everything from fresh produce...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Virginia Southern-Style Buffet That Locals Call The Greatest All-You-Can-Eat Destination In The State

The line starts forming before the doors open. Families, couples, and solo diners with empty stomachs and high expectations. This...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Hilltop Cross In Virginia Is One Of The East Coast’s Most Striking Landmarks

You see it from the road, a white cross rising against the sky, standing on a hilltop as if watching over the valley below. This Virginia landmark is one of the East Coast's most...

Read More    8 min read

Article
8 Virginia Outdoor Festival Trips That Will Make Your Summer Weekends Something To Remember

Summer weekends in Virginia are meant for outdoor festivals. The kind where you wake up early, pack a cooler, and spend the day outside, surrounded by music, food, and the beauty...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Tiny Historical Virginia Town Feels Frozen In Time With A Creekside Main Street And Storybook Woods

You cross a bridge over a creek, and suddenly the world slows down. The main street is lined with old buildings, their brick facades weathered by centuries.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Seasonal Virginia Beach Park Has Free Admission, Classic Rides, And The Best Boardwalk Food In The State

The boardwalk is crowded, the ocean is sparkling, and the smell of funnel cake hangs in the air. This seasonal Virginia beach park has free admission, classic rides, and the best...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Stunning Boardwalk Hike Takes You Through Virginia’s Wetlands

There is a certain kind of walk that resets your brain. The kind where you are surrounded by water and sky and the only sounds are birds and wind.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Little-Known Virginia Overlook Might Just Have The State’s Most Spectacular View

Most people drive past this overlook without knowing it exists. The sign is small, the parking lot is gravel, and the turnoff is easy to miss.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Giant Italian Wonderland In Virginia Makes Fresh Pasta Daily And Serves Wall-To-Wall Comfort

You walk in and the smell hits you. Garlic, tomatoes, and something baking. The shelves are packed with imported olive oils,...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Virginia Restaurants Offering Stunning Views Worth The Trip In June

A great meal is one thing. A great meal with a stunning view is something else entirely. The food tastes better when you are...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Winding 3.5-Mile Natural Lazy River in Virginia Is The Absolute Best Way To Float Your Afternoon Away

Floating down a river is one of the great simple pleasures. You sit in a tube, push off from the shore, and let the current do the work.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Virginia Drive-In Theatre Resurrects The 1950s Golden Age With Neon Lights And Retro Snacks

Forget streaming services and overpriced multiplexes. There is a place tucked into the rolling countryside of Virginia where the magic of movies still flickers under an open sky,...

Read More    8 min read

Article
These 10 Secluded Virginia Cabins Are Locals’ Favorite Off-Season Getaway

When summer crowds fade and temperatures drop, locals across Virginia know exactly where to find peace. Secluded cabins tucked...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Massive Virginia Vintage Store Is A Goldmine For Rare Home Décor At Unbelievable Prices

Vintage shopping usually means digging. You sort through dusty shelves and crowded racks, hoping to find something good. But...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Shockingly Affordable Virginia Cabins That Feel Illegal To Rent

Cabins are supposed to be expensive. You pay for the privacy, the views, the chance to wake up in the woods. But the cabins...

Read More    10 min read

Article
10 Absurdly Specific Virginia Museums That Should Not Exist But Do

Some museums make perfect sense. Art, history, science, the usual subjects. But Virginia has another kind of museum, the kind...

Read More    9 min read

Article
These 10 Majestic Mountain Towns in Virginia Will Steal Your Heart

There is something about a mountain town that gets under your skin. Maybe it is the air, crisp and clean at higher elevations. Maybe...

Read More    9 min read

Article
10 Top Rated Free Activities For The Perfect Virginia Weekend

You do not need to spend a lot of money to have a great weekend in Virginia. Some of the best experiences here cost absolutely nothing.

Read More    9 min read

Article
You Won’t Believe These 10 Stunning Natural Wonders Are Actually In Virginia

When people think of natural wonders, they picture the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, maybe Niagara Falls. But Virginia? Most people...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Virginia Potato Chip Factory Window Viewing Is Worth Taking For A Surprisingly Cool Day Trip

A day trip to a potato chip factory sounds strange. But this Virginia spot is surprisingly cool. The chips are made in small...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Virginia Swamp And Its Mysterious Lake Hide An Ancient Native American Legend

There is a place in Virginia where the trees grow close, the water is dark, and the silence feels heavy. The Great Dismal Swamp is not like other parks.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Virginia Fine Dining Spot Perfected Regional Italian Cuisine

Italian food in America often means red sauce and meatballs, hearty and delicious but not exactly regional. This Virginia restaurant takes a different approach.

Read More    7 min read

Article
People Travel From Across Virginia Just For The Crab-Stuffed Mushroom Caps At This Old School Supper Club

Old school supper clubs have a certain vibe. Dark wood, low lighting, waiters who have been there forever, and a menu that does not change much because no one wants it to.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Virginia Swimming Holes That Are Dangerously Beautiful And Totally Worth It

There is a certain kind of swimming hole that makes you sign a waiver in your head. The rocks are slippery. The current is strong....

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Virginia State Park Features A Riverbank Where You Can Search For Ancient Shark Teeth

Most people go to state parks for hiking, camping, or picnicking. This Virginia park offers something else entirely. A riverbank...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Shockingly Intact Virginia Historic Sites With Zero Gift Shops

You know the drill at most historic sites. You park, pay an entrance fee, walk through a roped-off house, and end up in a gift shop full of magnet and postcards.

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Historic Virginia Farm Is Where The Story Of George Washington Truly Began

Everyone knows Washington slept here, there, and everywhere. But this Virginia farm is different. This is not just a stop on...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Historic Virginia Restaurants Where Southern Flavor Still Feels Classic

Southern cooking has a way of sticking with you. Not just the flavors, but the feeling, the warmth, the sense that someone in the kitchen actually cares whether you leave happy.

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Scenic Virginia Drive Winds Past Mountain Views And Charming Towns

Interstates are not supposed to be pretty. They are for getting from one place to another, fast and efficient, with nothing but guardrails and exit signs to keep you company.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Massive Virginia Market Offers A Sensory Walk Through International Flavors From Across The Globe

You can buy rice anywhere. But can you buy rice from three different countries, a jar of kimchi, fresh durian, and a bag of ube cookies all in the same trip?

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Stunning State Park In New Hampshire Is So Little-Known, It Feels Like Your Own Private Escape

I have learned over the years that the best state parks in New Hampshire are usually not the ones with the biggest parking lots or the most famous trailheads. This one is so quiet...

Read More    8 min read