dylan mercer author at My Family Travels
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Michigan Festivals Overrun By Tourists

Michigan’s festival calendar is packed, and word has spread far beyond the Great Lakes. Visitors arrive early, stay late, and fill small towns and big cities alike, chasing music,...

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The Michigan Hotspots That Became Tourist Chaos

Michigan’s most beloved places have seen visitor numbers swell, especially in peak season. That growth brings energy and jobs, but it also strains parking, trails, and small-town...

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Haunted Cemeteries In Georgia That Draw Curious Travelers Every October

October in Georgia brings cooler air, longer shadows, and a surge of travelers curious about the state’s storied burial grounds. These cemeteries mix verifiable history with...

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Texas Vegetarian Restaurants Foodies Must Visit

Texas keeps surprising travelers who care about plant-forward cooking. Across the state, kitchens are rethinking comfort food, global street fare, and seasonal produce with care...

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What Happens When Tourists Poach Lobsters In Massachusetts Waters

Tourists flock to Massachusetts for lighthouse views and fresh seafood, but many are surprised to learn how tightly regulated lobster harvesting is. Grabbing a lobster off a jetty...

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The Hidden Dangers Of Illegal Cliff Diving Tourists Attempt In Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s rugged shoreline draws travelers with dramatic ledges and secret coves, but some visitors chase risky thrills that local officials continuously warn against. Illegal...

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All You Can Eat Restaurants In Michigan Only Locals Visit

Travelers often miss the quieter, community-loved all you can eat spots that Michigan residents return to week after week. This guide highlights places where value meets consistency,...

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Why Ohio Locals Guard These All You Can Eat Restaurants

Ohio’s buffet culture is rooted in family traditions, community fundraisers, and road-trip stops where value meets genuine hospitality. Locals often speak about these spots with...

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The Oregon Coast Highway Spots That Tourists Overran And Locals Now Avoid

Highway 101 threads along Oregon’s wild edge, linking towns that once felt sleepy and secluded. In recent years, social media and road trip playlists brought crowds that changed...

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The Florida Steakhouse Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Find

Tucked away in Parkland, Florida, Malbec Grill has quietly become one of South Florida’s most respected steakhouses. Known for its Argentine-inspired menu, precise grilling techniques,...

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Why Travelers Say Ohio Has The Best Meat Departments In The Midwest

Travelers who plan meals on the road often discover that Ohio’s grocery meat counters and old-school butcher shops punch above their weight. From meticulous house aging to regional...

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The Hidden Secret That Makes Georgia Grocery Stores A Must For Meat Shopping

Georgia’s grocery stores have earned a quiet reputation among chefs and travelers for offering some of the freshest and most diverse meat selections in the Southeast. From locally...

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The Best Family Friendly Pumpkin Patches In Ohio

Fall in Ohio means crisp air, colorful leaves, and my favorite tradition – pumpkin patch adventures! As a mom of three little pumpkin-pickers, I've spent years exploring the...

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7 Historic Theaters In Colorado Still In Use

Colorado’s historic theaters are more than performance spaces - they’re cultural landmarks that preserve the stories of communities across the state. From mountain towns to...

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Houston’s Vegetarian Restaurants That Will Surprise You

Houston, Texas might be known for its BBQ and steakhouses, but the city's vegetarian scene is quietly revolutionizing how Texans think about meatless dining. As someone who's explored...

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Iconic Restaurants Every Tourist Should Visit In Western New York

Western New York serves up a delicious slice of culinary history that goes far beyond its famous Buffalo wings. This region boasts a rich tapestry of flavors shaped by generations...

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Food Lovers Drive Hours To Eat At This Famous Texas Restaurant

Hidden away in the small town of Tomball, Texas, Mel's Country Cafe has become a legendary dining destination that food enthusiasts simply can't resist. People from across the...

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Tourists Flock Back To New York As Summer Weather Returns To Tri State Area

Warm weather is returning to the New York tri-state area, bringing clear skies and mild conditions ideal for outdoor activity before cooler temperatures arrive. Parks, waterfronts,...

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Why Texas Chili Alone Is Worth The Journey To The Lone Star State

Texas chili isn't just food – it's a state treasure with a story as rich as its flavor. This legendary bowl of red has been warming Texan hearts since the 1800s, with its perfect...

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Oregon Towns Locals Say Tourists Have Taken Over Completely

Oregon's breathtaking landscapes and charming small towns have always attracted visitors, but in recent years, some communities have experienced overwhelming tourism growth. Locals...

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The NJ Destination That Generations Of Families Return To Regularly

Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, New Jersey has become a treasured family tradition spanning decades. This castle-themed dinner attraction transports visitors back to the 11th century...

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Museums Worth Visiting In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh might be known for its steel industry history, but the city also boasts incredible museums that showcase art, science, and culture. These fascinating places offer both...

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Best Gyro Shops To Visit In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has become a hotspot for authentic Greek cuisine, with gyro shops popping up across the state serving delicious pita-wrapped delights. These savory sandwiches, filled...

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How To Handle California’s Fall Tourist Crowds Like A Local

Fall in California brings perfect weather, stunning scenery, and unfortunately, huge crowds of tourists. From Napa Valley to San Francisco's fog-free days, visitors flock to the...

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Why Visiting Florida In Winter Is Cheaper And Better

Florida's appeal is undeniable during the winter months. While much of the country battles snow and freezing temperatures, the Sunshine State provides mild, comfortable weather...

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Texas Roadside Motels That Became Movie Sets

Texas highways stretch across vast landscapes dotted with quirky roadside motels that have caught Hollywood's eye over the years. These humble establishments, with their neon signs...

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Relaxing Hudson River Cruises For Tourists Over 60 Perfect For Fall

The Hudson River transforms into a magical waterway during fall, with colorful foliage painting the shorelines in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. For travelers over 60 seeking...

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9 Secret Hiking Trails In Ohio You Haven’t Explored

Ohio's landscape holds secret treasures for hikers willing to venture off the beaten path. Beyond the crowded state parks lie hidden trails with breathtaking views, peaceful waterfalls,...

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Florida’s Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find Driving Toward Georgia

Heading north through Florida toward Georgia reveals a fascinating transformation from sunny beaches to lush pine forests. Along this journey, you'll discover quirky roadside attractions...

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10 Must See Route 66 Attractions In Missouri Kansas And Oklahoma

Route 66, America's historic highway, winds through the heartland states of Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma like a ribbon of adventure. This legendary road trip route offers travelers...

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New England’s Best Fall Road Trips According To Travel Gurus

Fall in New England transforms ordinary roads into magical ribbons of gold, crimson, and amber. As leaves change and temperatures cool, thousands of travelers hit the highway in...

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8 Florida Soul Food Spots Where Comfort Food Feels Like Home

Nothing warms the heart quite like a plate of authentic soul food. Across Florida, family-owned kitchens are serving up generous helpings of traditional recipes passed down through...

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6 Rustic Ranch Stays In Washington State

Washington State offers more than just bustling cities and coastal views – it's also home to some amazing ranch stays tucked away in its diverse landscapes. From remote wilderness...

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6 Small Art Fairs In New Jersey

New Jersey's art scene is bursting with creativity through its smaller, more intimate art fairs. These events showcase local talent, handmade crafts, and cultural traditions that...

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Where To Find The Coziest Fall Cafes In Boston Massachusetts

When autumn leaves start swirling and that crisp New England chill fills the air, there's nothing better than ducking into a warm, inviting café. Boston transforms during fall,...

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10 Bonfire Spots In Colorado For Toasting Marshmallows And Spooky Stories

When the mountain air turns crisp and stars pepper the night sky, nothing beats gathering around a crackling bonfire in Colorado's wilderness. I've spent countless evenings roasting...

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Dining At This Central Jersey Restaurant Feels Just Like Visiting An Old Friend

Tucked away in Raritan, New Jersey, there's a culinary gem that has been warming hearts and filling bellies for decades. Espo's Italian Restaurant isn't just a place to eat –...

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The Bargains At This Pennsylvania Flea Market Will Have You Shopping For Hours

Tucked away in Pennsylvania's charming Lehigh Valley sits a treasure hunter's paradise - the Wind Gap Indoor Flea Market. If you've never experienced the thrill of uncovering one-of-a-kind...

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8 Small California Towns That Turn Magical In Fall

When you think of California, palm trees and beaches might come to mind first. But hidden among the Golden State's famous coastlines and bustling cities are charming small towns...

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10 Local Coffee Roasters In California That Outbrew Starbucks

California's coffee scene has exploded beyond the predictable green mermaid logo we all recognize. As a devoted coffee explorer who's sipped my way from NorCal to SoCal, I've discovered...

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12 Family Friendly Perks That Make Florida A Top Travel Pick

Florida's magical mix of sunshine, beaches, and attractions makes it a paradise for families seeking unforgettable vacation experiences. From world-famous theme parks to natural...

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Don’t Miss The Hidden Wonder Waiting In This Little Known California State Park

Ever heard of Pinnacles National Park? If not, you're missing out on one of California's best-kept secrets. Tucked away in central California, this stunning landscape features...

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The Best Homestyle Breakfast In Ohio Might Just Be At This Amish Inspired Diner

Tucked away in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country sits a breakfast gem that locals have treasured for generations. Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant in Berlin, Ohio serves up morning...

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Menlo Park’s Beloved Go To Spot For Authentic Middle Eastern Flavors And Timeless Hospitality

Tucked away in the heart of Menlo Park, Sultana Mediterranean stands as a culinary gem that's captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This family-owned eatery brings...

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This Unassuming Diner Serves A Turkey Club Worth Traveling For In Delaware

Hidden in the heart of Dover, Delaware, The Countrie Eatery doesn't look like much from the outside. But locals know this modest diner holds a culinary treasure that's worth the...

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Orlando Florida’s 11 Best Dinner Shows You Can’t Miss

Ever wondered where you can feast your eyes and stomach at the same time? Orlando isn't just about theme parks and sunshine – it's also home to some of the most entertaining...

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9 Best Places To Swim With Dolphins In Florida

Florida's crystal-clear waters offer some of the most magical experiences you can imagine – swimming alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat! Nothing beats the thrill...

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9 Best Date Ideas In Las Vegas Recommended By A Local

Looking for a romantic adventure in Sin City? As a Vegas local for over a decade, I've discovered there's way more to this town than casinos and buffets. Whether you're celebrating...

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September Stargazing In California With The Supermoon And Planets

Grab your telescope and head outside this September - California's night skies are putting on quite a show! The combination of clear autumn air, minimal light pollution in many...

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Free Parking Options In Northern California You Should Know About

Finding free parking in Northern California can feel like striking gold in the Sierra Nevada. Whether you're exploring San Francisco's iconic streets, hiking in Yosemite, or beach-hopping...

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