elena ryder author at My Family Travels
Article
9 Florida Amusement Parks That Aren’t Disney or Universal

Florida offers far more than the mega-resorts everyone knows. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds or want something just a little different, the state’s amusement parks beyond...

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7 California Buffets Where the Variety Never Disappoints

Buffet lovers know California offers more than just abundance, it delivers serious variety. Over the past year, I set out to explore the buffet scene around the state, searching...

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8 Abandoned Amusement Parks in New York That Time Forgot

There’s something hauntingly fascinating about abandoned amusement parks. These forgotten spaces once buzzed with laughter, neon lights, and the scent of popcorn. Now, some stand...

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7 Tennessee Small Town Buffets That Feel Like Sunday Supper

There’s something unmistakably comforting about a real Southern buffet in a small Tennessee town. I’ve sought out the ones that feel closest to a Sunday family gathering, where...

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6 New Mexico Family Owned Mexican Restaurants That Serve Recipes Older Than the State

Some recipes carry the weight of history in every bite. In New Mexico, family-owned Mexican restaurants aren’t just serving food, they’re preserving traditions that stretch...

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8 Secret Coastal Walks in Florida

You know that feeling when you just need to walk until your brain goes quiet? Florida’s coast has more to offer than those headline-grabbing beaches where sunscreen salesmen...

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Locals Swear These Are Wisconsin’s Best Hash Browns

There’s nothing quite like that moment when you realize your favorite breakfast spot knows exactly how you like your hash browns: shatteringly crisp, a little salty, maybe a...

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6 Small Villages in Florida Full of History

Some places never try to impress you, they just are. Florida’s best historic villages wear their years like your favorite jeans: soft, a little mysterious, and stubbornly...

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Oregon’s Most Crave Worthy Cheeseburger Comes From a Humble Local Spot

The Pacific Northwest serves up memorable meals, but when it comes to cheeseburgers, Oregon’s small-town diners and old-school haunts truly shine. One humble spot, the Skyline...

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7 Flavor Packed Meat and Three Restaurants in South Carolina

South Carolina’s “meat and three” restaurants offer more than just hearty food, they serve up a generous slice of local culture on every plate. Each spot on this list has...

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8 Buffets in Nevada Perfect for Groups, Gatherings, and Hungry Travelers

Nevada holds a special place in the world of buffets, and for good reason. From the glittering neon lights of Las Vegas to the more relaxed vibes of Reno and Mesquite, Nevada offers...

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9 Local Street Fairs And Festivals in Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley

Every year, Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley come alive with fairs that celebrate food, art, music, and community. Some close down historic streets for neighborhood block...

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7 Virginia’s Top Places for Fresh Lobster and Seafood

If you love fresh lobster and seafood, Virginia has more to offer than many people realize. From raw bars in the mountains to oyster farms on the Chesapeake and bustling restaurants...

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7 Best Buffets in Virginia for Comfort Food and Variety

Virginia is quietly home to a buffet scene that surprises many visitors. From seafood feasts to classic American comfort spreads, there’s a little something for everyone. I’ve...

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8 Washington Soul Food Spots Serving Flavors That Taste Like Tradition

Washington State’s soul food scene holds flavors that feel like home. Across Seattle, Tacoma and beyond, family-run kitchens and cozy diners serve up recipes that remain true...

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8 Best Farmers Markets Across Pennsylvania for Fresh Finds and Local Flavor

Looking for the most memorable and rewarding farmers market experiences in Pennsylvania? I’ve explored markets big and small across the state, and I’m excited to share my top...

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Washington Local Bakeries With One of a Kind Treats

You know that moment when you bite into something so good you immediately stop talking, eyes wide like you just heard a secret? That’s the exact sensation you chase, sometimes...

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5 Secluded Forest Cabins in East Texas

You know that moment when your soul just needs to disappear, preferably somewhere with trees, a porch swing, and WiFi strong enough to check your email but weak enough that you...

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The Lobster Quesadilla at This Arizona Eatery Deserves a Special Trip

Tucked away behind a coral-red facade in Central Phoenix, Casa Corazón doesn’t need to shout about its lobster quesadilla, it lets the food do the talking. Word travels quickly...

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7 Must Visit Amish Towns in Ohio for Incredible Homemade Fare

Ohio’s Amish Country isn’t just a pretty scene of rolling hills and horse-drawn buggies. For me, it’s one of the best places to slow down and taste tradition, bite by bite....

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10 Florida Buffets So Good, You’ll Be Back for Seconds

Florida’s buffet scene isn’t just about quantity, it’s a celebration of diverse flavors, cultures, and culinary traditions. From lavish seafood spreads to international feasts,...

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A Tiny Oakland Café Serving Cinnamon Rolls the Size of Your Head

Nestled inside the bustling Oakland Food Hall, Cinnamom Bakery isn’t flashy, but it certainly earns attention. The first time I walked in, I saw people eyeing these massive pastries,...

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7 Family Friendly Buffets in Tennessee Everyone Will Enjoy

Nothing beats watching your family find their favorite dishes, chatting over a hearty plate, and seeing faces light up at classic flavors. Tennessee has buffets that do this well,...

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7 California All You Can Eat Spots Perfect for Families

When traveling with family, finding a restaurant that pleases everyone can be a challenge, especially in a state as diverse as California. All-you-can-eat spots are my favorite...

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This Beachside Shack in Florida Has Fish Tacos Worth the Wait

I always trust local reviews when looking for a memorable meal in Florida. That’s how I found The Shack in Fort Walton Beach, a spot that continues to attract praise from both...

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6 Old Lighthouses in Washington State Worth Visiting

You know those days when you want to run somewhere windswept and dramatic, but you also crave a little history and zero sand in your sandwich? Washington’s old lighthouses...

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7 Buffets in New Jersey Diners That Locals Keep Coming Back To

Here’s the thing about buffets in New Jersey: they’re not just about plates piled high, or arguing with yourself about whether a fourth trip to the dessert table constitutes...

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6 Creepiest Abandoned Places in Ohio You Can Still Visit on Halloween

It’s not every day you admit you’re here for the goosebumps, right? But here’s the thing: Halloween is the one time a year you can fully lean into that itch for the unsettling....

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8 All You Can Eat Restaurants In Indiana With Outrageously Delicious Food

Finding an all-you-can-eat restaurant that actually delivers on taste can be tough, but Indiana makes it surprisingly easy. Over the years, I've scoured this state for memorable...

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West Phoenix Gets Its Buffet Back: Lin’s Grand Buffet Set to Reopen

Lin’s Grand Buffet is back, and that’s big news for West Phoenix, Arizona. This isn’t just another restaurant flipping its sign to "open", it’s a familiar spot with old...

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Georgia’s Coastal Gems: 8 Spots You’ll Want on Your Travel List

Georgia’s coast may be short compared to some states, but it’s full of character. Over the years, I’ve found that the charm here isn’t about flashy resorts, it’s in the...

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8 Florida Restaurants That Serve Great Food With Even Better Views

One of the joys of eating out in Florida is how often the scenery competes with the food. From waterfront patios to rooftop decks, these restaurants remind me that a meal can feel...

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7 Peaceful Lakes in Washington State for Kayaking

When I think about kayaking in Washington, I picture calm water, mountain reflections, and the quiet rhythm of paddles dipping into the lake. While the state has no shortage of...

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6 Florida Art Galleries Flying Under the Radar

Florida’s art scene isn’t all about Miami’s Wynwood or big-name museums. Tucked into smaller towns and less-traveled neighborhoods are galleries that quietly showcase bold...

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6 Florida Spots Serving Lobster Tacos Locals Say Are the Best

Florida’s coastline isn’t short on seafood, but finding a truly good lobster taco isn’t as easy as you’d think. Over the past few years, I’ve made it a point to ask locals,...

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7 Best Cuban Restaurants in Florida You Need on Your List

Florida’s Cuban food scene runs deep, shaped by migration, tradition, and communities that built restaurants into gathering places. From Miami’s vibrant cafeterias to Tampa’s...

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Ohio’s Best Prime Rib Is Served Where History Meets Flavor

Ever wondered where to find the most mouthwatering prime rib in the Buckeye State? Look no further than The Golden Lamb in Lebanon, Ohio, where history and flavor have been dancing...

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This Small Town’s Seafood Has North Carolinians Taking Road Trips For A Taste

Down on the southern tip of North Carolina sits a tiny fishing village that's become a culinary legend. Calabash might be small in size, but its seafood reputation is enormous...

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8 Ice Cream Parlors in Florida Off the Beaten Path

Florida’s heat calls for a cold treat, but sometimes the best scoops hide far from typical tourist routes. I’ve spent the last year asking locals, following foodie tips, and...

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7 California Diners Serving Comfort Food With a Twist

California’s diner scene isn’t just about chrome stools and bottomless coffee. I’ve traveled up and down the coast, searching for those rare spots where comfort food traditions...

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8 Scenic California Picnic Spots That Turn Weekends Into Mini Vacations

California rewards those who slow down with a picnic basket in hand. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right spot can turn even a routine weekend into a memory. These eight...

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7 Coastal Style Seafood Spots in Colorado (Yes, Really)

You might expect seafood joints to hug ocean shores, but Colorado proves otherwise. These seven restaurants deliver fresh, sustainable seafood and coastal flair all tucked into...

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People Travel Across Michigan for This Legendary Corned Beef Sandwich

Tucked into a modest strip mall in Madison Heights, Charlie’s Restaurant serves what many Michiganders call the best corned beef sandwich in the state. Locals, and even families...

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This Berkeley Comfort Food Window Beat the Odds and Became a Staple

Tucked off San Pablo Avenue in West Berkeley, just steps from neighborhood shops and studios, Cali Alley has woven itself into the city’s fabric without flashy signs or exaggerated...

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The Secret’s Out: New Jersey’s Best Apple Cider Donuts Live Here

There are certain foods that mark the arrival of a season, and in New Jersey, apple cider donuts might be the most iconic of all. They’re not just a sweet treat to enjoy with...

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Colorado Gets Its First Taste of This Chicken Chain, With Freebies

Denver’s food scene is buzzing this fall. Starbird Chicken is landing in Colorado for the first time, giving locals a shot at the famed California-based brand known for its chef-inspired...

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Where To Find The Best Cuts: Tennessee Grocery Stores Ranked For Meat Lovers

Ever wondered where to score the juiciest steaks or freshest ground beef in Tennessee without breaking the bank? As a dedicated carnivore who's spent years exploring meat departments...

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10 Coastal Style Seafood Spots In Northern Ohio

Who says you need an ocean to enjoy amazing seafood with coastal vibes? Northern Ohio might be landlocked, but Lake Erie provides the perfect backdrop for seafood spots that'll...

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7 Historic Downtown Areas in Texas Worth Walking

Some Texas downtowns don’t just preserve the past, they invite you to wander through it. You’ll find each one unique, humming with local businesses, original architecture,...

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7 Picturesque Coastal Gems in New York State You’ll Love

New York State surprises you with its coastal wonders. Beyond the famous city skylines, there are hidden beaches, quaint villages, and waterfront escapes that make you want to...

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