elena ryder author at My Family Travels
Article
10 Fast Casual Dining Spots in Wyoming Worth a Special Trip

I chase easygoing meals across wide roads and big skies, and Wyoming keeps surprising me. Fast casual here means counter service with heart, real ingredients, and kitchens that...

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Why Colorado’s Antique Shops Are Drawing Travelers From Everywhere

I travel for stories, and Colorado keeps handing me good ones. Antique shops across the state feel lively, well stocked, and easy to pair with scenic road time. I keep finding...

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Why Travelers in Nevada Swear the Best Halloween Finds Are in Local Thrift Shops

Nevada’s bright lights and casinos might grab the headlines, but in October, the state’s real treasures hide in thrift stores. From Las Vegas to Reno and the quiet desert towns...

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The Kansas City, Missouri Buffet So Good Locals Keep It Off Social Media

In a city known for barbecue, one buffet quietly competes with the best of them, Peachtree Buffet & Cafeteria in Kansas City, Missouri. It doesn’t rely on hashtags, neon...

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The Texas Amusement Park That Ended, but Never Really Left

I stood at the fence line at dawn, where wind and memory still trade whispers. In West Texas, Joyland Amusement Park may be gone, but its presence lingers like the echo of laughter...

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The Weird Laws in Florida Tourists Keep Breaking Without Even Knowing

Florida welcomes millions of visitors every year, but some end up bending the rules without realizing it. The state’s mix of old ordinances, wildlife protections, and local quirks...

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10 Most Boring Cities in Utah With Shockingly Wild Local Legends

Utah’s small cities often appear uneventful, quiet grids of tidy homes, wide streets, and little to do after dark. But ask locals what really happens there, and the stories change...

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The Blueberry Muffins at This New Hampshire Café Are the Best in New England

I stopped at Hoaty’s in Hampton, New Hampshire, after hearing travelers talk about its blueberry muffins. They weren’t exaggerating. The café looks unassuming from the road,...

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The Tennessee All You Can Eat Ribs Spot That’s Turning Into a Legend

Every town in the Smokies claims to have the best ribs, but only one spot makes people line up before sunset like they’re waiting for a show. Wood Grill Buffet in Pigeon Forge...

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9 Most Boring Cities in Arizona That Tourists Accidentally Fall in Love With

Some towns in Arizona look quiet from the highway, yet they sneak up on you with small joys and steady charm. I chase those places because they reward time, not haste. Give them...

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Planning a Trip? New York’s Night Sky About to Host a Rare ‘Meteor Storm’ Show

If you’re heading to New York soon, keep your eyes on the skies: the Orionid meteor shower is predicted to peak overnight on October 20-21, 2025, and conditions are favorable...

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9 Hidden California Kebab Spots Every Traveler Should Visit

Hey fellow food explorers! I've been on a mission to uncover California's most mouthwatering kebab treasures, and boy, have I struck gold! There's something magical about perfectly...

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Why Colorado Locals Can’t Help Laughing at How Tourists Handle the Mountains

Living in Colorado teaches you things about altitude, weather, and common sense that don’t come printed in guidebooks. I still smile when I watch newcomers learn mountain lessons...

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9 Must-Visit Diners In Washington Open Around The Clock

Hey fellow night owls and early birds! I've spent countless sleepless nights exploring Washington's round-the-clock dining scene, and boy, do I have some greasy spoon gems to share...

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Why North Carolinians Keep These 9 All You Can Eat Buffets to Themselves

I’ve eaten my way through North Carolina, and locals are right, the best buffets aren’t always on the highway signs. Many sit in modest buildings, serving food that feels closer...

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6 Hidden Ohio Gastropubs Worth the Drive This Weekend

I chase small-town menus and neighborhood spots that cook with care and keep a humble profile. This weekend list pulls together places that locals recommend and travelers often...

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9 Texas Thrift Stores Locals Don’t Want Tourists to Discover

I chase the kinds of Texas thrift stores locals swap in hushed tones. These spots feel friendly and practical, with shelves that turn over fast and staff who know their neighborhoods....

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9 Ohio’s Lost Attractions Tourists Once Loved

Ohio was once a playground with attractions that captured the hearts of many. These places, now memories, remind us of the joy and excitement of past times. Join me on a journey...

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Road Trippers Can’t Stop Talking About The Brisket At This Texas Smokehouse

Texas is a land where the love for barbecue runs deep. Among the many smokehouses that dot this great state, one stands out for its brisket that people just can't stop raving about....

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5 Reasons Virginia’s Historic Sites Don’t Feel Special Anymore

I love roaming old streets and tracing stories through bricks and floorboards, but lately something feels off. The places I once called time machines now read like curated sets....

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California’s Redwoods Suffering From Too Many Tourists

I go back to the redwoods every year because they steady my mind. Lately I see more cars, fuller trailheads, and paths pressed flat where ferns once grew. The trees still awe me,...

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7 Oregon Getaways Locals Avoid Because of Tourists

Oregon is a beautiful state, rich with natural landscapes and cultural gems. However, some places have become a bit too popular for their own good. As a local, I know there are...

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Why California Supermarkets Became Travel Hotspots for Meat Lovers

California’s supermarkets have evolved beyond basic grocery stops. For meat lovers, they’ve become unexpected travel destinations, places where culinary passion meets craftsmanship....

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8 Ways Wisconsin’s Lake Country Isn’t the Same After Tourist Crowds

If you’ve spent summers in Wisconsin’s Lake Country, you might have noticed subtle but undeniable changes, especially in the wake of surging visitor numbers. This region, known...

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Why Las Vegas Locals Say Tourism Made Everyday Life Unaffordable

As someone who grew up in Nevada and still calls the Silver State home, I’ve watched Las Vegas transform at a dizzying pace. While the city’s legendary lights, world-class...

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8 Idaho Mountain Towns That Tourists Turned Into Busy Hotspots

Idaho’s mountain towns really aren’t what they used to be. Not long ago, these places felt like secret getaways where locals welcomed visitors with a wink and a wave. Now,...

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The Secret All You Can Eat Pizza Spot Locals Love in New York

If you ask people from New York State about their favorite hidden pizza place, you might be surprised by the answers. While many outsiders think of New York City, those in the...

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9 California Vegetarian Restaurants Too Good to Skip

California has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to plant-based dining. With its farm-fresh produce, inventive chefs, and diverse food culture, the state offers vegetarian...

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Lassen Volcano in California: A Lunar Like Journey on Earth

California is full of surprises, but Lassen Volcanic National Park stands out for its raw, almost alien beauty. I’ve explored plenty of wild places, and few compare to the stark,...

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The California Avocado Toast Tourists Ruined by Making It an Instagram Trend

If you’ve spent time in California over the past decade, you’ve probably noticed how avocado toast shifted from a simple breakfast to a social media obsession. What started...

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Cherry Pies Worth the Journey to Michigan’s Summer Festivals

Cherry pie fans know summer in Michigan is something special. Every summer, towns across Michigan put cherries at the center of their biggest celebrations. I spent a season exploring...

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Seattle’s Next Big Rain: What to Expect and When

Seattle, Washington always seems to have a story about rain. After years of watching clouds roll in from the Puget Sound, you learn that the weather here can still surprise even...

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8 California Grocery Stores Known for the Best Meat Departments

California’s diverse food culture shows up even in its grocery stores. From independent butchers to large markets with carefully sourced cuts, shoppers across the state have...

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10 Florida Small Town Festivals That Feel Like Pure Magic

You know that moment when you’re standing in the middle of a crowd, music in the air, and you catch yourself grinning for no reason? That’s what these Florida small-town...

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What a Cross Country Train Trip Looked Like in 1930s in California

Before interstate highways and widespread air travel, long-distance trains carried travelers across the country in comfort and style. In 1930s California, boarding a streamliner...

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Discovering 7 of Utah’s Wild West Landscapes Seen in Hollywood Classics

Utah has played a starring role in some of Hollywood’s most iconic Westerns. Long before computer effects, directors used its red cliffs, open deserts, and winding canyons to...

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6 Nevada Soul Food Restaurants Serving Up True Comfort

Nevada might be known for its casinos and desert landscapes, but the state also has a steady soul food presence. I looked for restaurants that keep plates rooted in tradition,...

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California BBQ Joints Everyone Agrees Are Worth the Wait

You and I both know the real reason people wait in line for barbecue: hope. Not hope for world peace or a promotion, but the raw, hungry faith that the first bite will actually...

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10 California Mountain Towns That Outsiders Rarely Discover

You ever notice how every travel list says “hidden gems,” but they all mean the same three places your aunt already Snapchatted? We’re not doing that. This is for when you...

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Best Outfits for Exploring New York During Chilly Fall Evenings

Fall in New York has a special kind of energy. The air is crisp, the city lights feel brighter, and strolling through neighborhoods or heading to rooftop bars calls for outfits...

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7 Sandwich Spots in Massachusetts Locals Share by Word of Mouth

Massachusetts is filled with delis, cafés, and hole-in-the-wall spots where the sandwiches are so good people can’t help but tell their friends. These aren’t always the places...

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7 Best Corn Mazes in Illinois That Locals Line Up For Every Year

Illinois does fall right. Along with pumpkin patches and apple cider, the state has a reputation for over-the-top corn mazes that draw families back year after year. Some are designed...

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The 5th Happy Valley Latin Festival Brought Culture, Music, and Fun to Town

Every September, State College, Pennsylvania, comes alive with a celebration few communities can match. The 5th Annual Happy Valley Latin Festival on Sept. 20, 2025, wasn’t just...

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7 Hidden Florida Springs Locals Say Tourists Have Spoiled

Florida’s freshwater springs used to feel like secret escapes, quiet spots where you could swim in clear water, kayak under cypress trees, or just sit on the bank without crowds....

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6 Weekend Trips in Texas That Lead to Legendary BBQ and Buffets

Texas road trips almost always come with a food stop. For me, weekends in the state often turn into short journeys built around barbecue joints and all-you-can-eat buffets that...

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Oyster Season in Washington: 7 Best Restaurants to Visit

Oysters are woven into Washington's story. The state's brisk waters, especially in Hood Canal, Willapa Bay, and Puget Sound, bring out unique flavors in each variety. Every year...

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You Won’t Believe These Abandoned Amusement Parks in Washington Still Exist

Washington is full of natural beauty, but tucked away behind forests and highways are reminders of another kind of escape: amusement parks that once drew families on weekends and...

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Texas City Haunted Attraction Terror Isle Returns for a Spooky Fifth Season

Ghosts, curses, and scares: Terror Isle, Texas City’s immersive haunted attraction, is back for its fifth season. If you’re the sort of person who enjoys getting creeped out...

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9 Underrated State Parks in Texas

Texas holds countless natural wonders, and many travelers miss out on some of its quieter corners. These nine underrated state parks, spread across prairies, canyons, lakes, and...

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Atlanta Takes Bold Step To Fight Hunger With New Grocery Store

Have you heard about Atlanta's latest effort to tackle food deserts? I recently visited the Azalea Fresh Market, a groundbreaking new grocery store designed specifically to combat...

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