dylan mercer author at My Family Travels
Article
Tourists Keep Hitting The Road For The Prime Rib At This Hidden Virginia Restaurant

Tucked away along Leesburg Pike in Vienna, Virginia, Randy's Prime Seafood and Steaks has become the kind of place people drive hours to visit. Travelers from all over make special...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Virginia Spots Locals Keep Secret And Warn Against Visiting Alone

Virginia hides secrets in its forests, along its winding roads, and within its historic walls. Locals know these places carry stories of isolation, danger, and the unexplained.

Read More    13 min read

Article
This Is The Riverside Town In Virginia Locals Don’t Promote Online

Tucked along the Pagan River in Virginia, Smithfield is one of those charming riverside gems that doesn't exactly shout for attention, but it should. Famous for its world-renowned...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Enormous Thrift Store In Virginia Makes Black Friday Look Overpriced

Ready to experience thrifting like you've never seen it before? Tucked behind the Goodwill office building at 6301 Midlothian Tpke in Richmond, Virginia, sits a treasure hunter's...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Virginia Mountain Town Feels Like A Step Back In Time

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Southwest Virginia, Abingdon feels like you've stepped through a portal into a gentler, slower time. With its brick-lined streets, historic...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Locals Recommend This Virginia Restaurant For Its Classic Oysters Rockefeller

Tucked away in a quiet Virginia Beach neighborhood sits a true local treasure that has stood the test of time. Steinhilber's Restaurant has been serving exceptional cuisine in...

Read More    8 min read

Article
Locals Say This Town In Virginia Has The Best Small-Town Vibes

Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Virginia, Galax is a charming independent city that captures the heart of small-town America. With a population hovering around seven...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Locals Say This Virginia Town Has The Most Charming Main Street

Staunton stands out as one of Virginia's most captivating destinations, where history meets modern charm in perfect harmony. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, this independent...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Wildlife And Nature Experiences In Virginia That Most Tourists Don’t Know About

Virginia holds countless natural treasures beyond the typical tourist trail. While most visitors flock to well-known parks and popular hiking spots, the state shelters remarkable...

Read More    10 min read

Article
Pick Fruit Or Flowers At These 9 Virginia Farms That Make You Feel At Home

Virginia's countryside offers a special kind of escape from everyday life, where rolling hills meet charming family-run farms that welcome visitors with open arms. Picking fresh...

Read More    10 min read

Article
A Virginia Italian Restaurant Locals Recommend For Homemade Pasta

Nestled in the charming town of Clifton, Virginia, Trattoria Villagio has become a favorite spot for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine without leaving the state. Locals...

Read More    9 min read

Article
9 Hidden Lakes In Virginia Perfect For A Quiet Escape From The Crowds

Virginia offers countless opportunities to escape the noise and chaos of everyday life, especially if you know where to look. Tucked...

Read More    8 min read

Article
9 Pastry Shops In Virginia That Will Make Your Sweet Tooth Rejoice

Virginia has become a paradise for anyone who loves fresh pastries, flaky croissants, and decadent desserts. From the historic...

Read More    10 min read

Article
These Are 10 New York State Ice Cream Shops Off The Beaten Path

New York State has more to offer than just the bright lights and busy streets of its famous cities. Hidden throughout the countryside...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Hidden New Jersey Fast-Casual Restaurants Tourists Often Miss

New Jersey offers far more than just boardwalks and beaches for hungry travelers. Scattered across the state are remarkable...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Hole-In-The-Wall Oyster Houses In Mississippi Locals Love

Mississippi's Gulf Coast hides some of the best oyster spots you'll ever find. These aren't fancy restaurants with white tablecloths...

Read More    9 min read

Article
10 Peaceful Oregon River Villages Locals Hope Tourists Skip

Oregon hides some of its most charming secrets along quiet riverbanks where locals prefer to keep things peaceful. These small...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Hidden Oklahoma Breakfast Places Locals Swear By

Oklahoma holds some of the most charming breakfast spots you'll ever discover, tucked away from the usual tourist trails and beloved by those who call this state home.

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Pennsylvania Landmarks Worth Visiting At Least Once

Pennsylvania stands as one of the most historically rich states in America, offering visitors a chance to walk through centuries of compelling stories.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Roadside Diners In New Mexico Locals Recommend

New Mexico offers some of the most authentic roadside dining experiences you will ever find in the American Southwest. From...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Must-Try Restaurants in Oregon This Season

Oregon has become a culinary destination where chefs celebrate the bounty of each season with creativity and passion. From...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Florida Regions That Reveal The State’s Rural Side

Most people picture Florida as a land of theme parks, crowded beaches, and neon-lit cities. But beyond the tourist hotspots...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Thing To Know Before Visiting Oklahoma’s Lake Towns

Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of waterfront getaways, but this state is home to some truly charming lake towns that offer unforgettable...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Arizona Dining Spots You’re Likely To Hear About From Locals

Arizona's food scene goes way beyond the tourist traps and chain restaurants you'll find near major attractions. Locals know...

Read More    9 min read

Article
10 Montana Locations Where Cell Service Disappears And Calm Takes Over

Montana's vast wilderness and remote terrain naturally create zones where cellular signals fail. These disconnected spaces...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 California Restaurant Chains Locals Secretly Prefer Over Big Names

California's food scene is famous around the world, but not all the best spots are the ones tourists flock to. While visitors...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 California Locations You’ll Want To Walk Through Slowly

California isn't just about rushing from one famous landmark to another. Some places in this beautiful state are meant to be...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Relaxing New Hampshire Weekend Getaways You Can Take Year-Round

New Hampshire is a state filled with natural beauty, charming towns, and endless opportunities for rest and adventure. Whether...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Quiet Lakeside Spots In Michigan Perfect For Unplugging

Michigan offers some of the most peaceful lakeside escapes in the country, where you can truly disconnect from the noise of everyday life.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 New Jersey Shore Towns Beyond The Boardwalks

When most people think of the New Jersey Shore, images of bustling boardwalks, arcade games, and carnival rides come to mind. But...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 California Filming Locations From Modern Family

Modern Family captured hearts for over a decade with its hilarious portrayal of three interconnected families navigating life in sunny California.

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 West Virginia Scenic Roads That Reward Every Turn

West Virginia is a paradise for anyone who loves a good road trip. The state's rolling mountains and lush valleys create some...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Quiet Island Communities In Alaska Accessible By Ferry

Alaska's vast coastline hides some of the most peaceful island communities in the United States, each offering a unique glimpse into life at the edge of wilderness.

Read More    9 min read

Article
10 Small Town Heritage Homes In Indiana Open For Tours

Indiana holds treasures from the past that tell stories of wealth, creativity, and courage. Scattered across charming small...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Desert Canyon Towns In Utah Built Around The Landscape

Utah's desert canyon towns offer a glimpse into communities where nature isn't just a backdrop, it's the foundation of daily life.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Classic Harbor Towns In Connecticut With Walkable Centers

Connecticut's coastline hides some of the most charming harbor towns you'll ever explore on foot. These coastal gems combine...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Hotel Buffets In Washington Where Locals Actually Eat

Washington offers a surprising array of hotel buffets that attract not just tourists but also discerning locals who know where to find quality and value.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Forgotten Oklahoma Motel Where Everything Was Left Exactly As It Was

Along the legendary Route 66 in Afton, Oklahoma, sits a forgotten piece of American travel history that has captured the imagination of explorers and history lovers alike.

Read More    9 min read

Article
The Dullest Mountain Village In Colorado That Looks Frozen In Another Century

Creede sits quietly in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, almost forgotten by time. This tiny town of fewer than three hundred...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Dullest Desert Town in Arizona That Locals Say Has a Strange Energy

Tucked away in the remote desert of Mohave County sits a place where time seems to move differently. Chloride, Arizona, barely...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Alabama Winter Spots With Underrated Natural Beauty

Alabama holds secrets that most travelers overlook, especially during the colder months. Winter transforms this southern state...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Meatloaf Diners In Ohio Locals Say Are The Best

Ohio has always been a place where comfort food reigns supreme, and nothing says home cooking quite like a perfectly seasoned meatloaf.

Read More    8 min read

Article
Explore 10 Michigan’s Abandoned Lighthouses Before They Vanish For Good

Michigan's shoreline holds secrets that most people never get to see. Scattered along the Great Lakes, forgotten lighthouses...

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Most Picturesque Utah Villages For Holiday Travelers

Utah transforms into a magical winter escape when the holiday season arrives. Small villages scattered across the state offer...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Small Christmas Towns In Arkansas Perfect For A Festive Escape

Arkansas transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with charming small towns that capture the magic of Christmas in ways that feel straight out of a storybook.

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Delaware Coastal Villages Perfect for A Quiet Winter Escape

You want a quiet place where the ocean breathes slowly and the streets feel yours alone. Winter along the Delaware coast offers...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Lakeside Winter Markets In Michigan Locals Avoid Mentioning To Outsiders

You are about to step into Michigan’s lakeside season when local markets glow under crisp skies and quiet shorelines. These...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Nevada Desert Villages You’ll Want To Discover

You came to Nevada for wide horizons, but the real magic hides in its small desert towns. Each village on this list offers...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Texas Small-Town Music Festivals Loved By Locals

Small towns in Texas know how to throw a music party that feels like it was made just for you.These festivals blend intimate vibes, stellar musicianship, and plenty of Hill...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Quiet Countryside Villages to Wander In Eastern Washington

Eastern Washington holds quiet towns where the pace softens and the sky feels wider. You can wander main streets lined with...

Read More    8 min read