elena ryder author at My Family Travels
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7 Florida Day Trips You Can Take With Just One Train Ride

Sometimes the best Florida adventures don’t require a long drive, or a car at all. Thanks to the state’s rail connections, you can hop on a train and be whisked to lively cities,...

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7 North Carolina Pizza Places Worth Every Slice

Pizza lovers, take note, North Carolina knows how to deliver when it comes to a perfect pie. Across the state, you’ll find pizzerias that win fans with everything from thin,...

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Florida Beaches That Are Always Buzzing: 8 Spots to Know

I’ve spent enough time along Florida’s coast to recognize when a beach town tips into “too much.” These eight destinations showcase their popularity front and center, even...

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7 All You Can Eat Spots in Ohio Locals Say Are Totally Worth the Calories

Ohio’s all-you-can-eat scene covers everything from homey Amish classics to international flavors, each with a story and a loyal following. After talking with locals and checking...

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Arizona Locals Swear by the Green Chile Beef at This Unassuming Mexican Spot

Tucked into a modest blue building on 7th Avenue in Phoenix, El Norteño doesn’t aim for flash. Instead, it quietly earns its reputation for authenticity, food made with care,...

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The Ultimate Guide To Oregon’s Best Breakfast Places

Nothing beats starting your day with a mouthwatering breakfast at one of Oregon's finest morning eateries. From fluffy pancakes to savory omelets, the Beaver State offers breakfast...

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Why Everyday Life In Illinois’ Industrial Towns Feels Miles Away From The Tourist Brochures

Ever wondered what life's really like in those old factory towns across Illinois? While Chicago's gleaming skyline and Springfield's Lincoln sites fill the glossy travel guides,...

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The Harsh Reality Of Daily Life In Nevada’s Desert Towns That Tourists Don’t Expect

When you picture Nevada, you might imagine the dazzling lights of Las Vegas or the breathtaking vistas of Red Rock Canyon. But beyond these tourist hotspots lies a different Nevada,...

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5 California Beach Towns Locals Say Lost Their Charm to Tourism

California’s coastline has always called to travelers, promising sun, surf, and small-town warmth. But for those of us lucky enough to call these beach towns home, the changes...

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7 Overlooked but Delicious Pizza Spots in Las Vegas and Nevada Towns

Pizza in Nevada isn’t just about the big names on the Strip or downtown. There’s a whole world of flavor tucked away in neighborhoods, small towns, and unexpected corners....

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5 Tennessee Smokehouses Locals Only Share With Friends

Some smokehouses feel like open secrets, tucked behind backroads or hidden in the heart of small towns. Tennessee’s barbecue scene runs deep, with pitmasters who keep their recipes,...

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Rising Costs Hit California Eateries: Which Spots Are Temporarily Closing

Many beloved California restaurants have recently hit pause, closing their doors while owners regroup, renovate, or search for new locations. These temporary closures show both...

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7 California’s Most Creative Craft Fairs

I’ve picked fairs that diverge from the usual crowd-pleasers. These aren’t just events where you walk by the same row of stalls each year. Each one brings a fresh twist, a...

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This Italian Restaurant in Orlando Comes From a Family With Deep Culinary Roots

Step inside Nonno’s Italian Restaurant in Orlando, and you’ll feel the warmth of a family’s culinary legacy. With recipes and techniques passed down through generations,...

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Michelin-Starred Chef Surprises With Wagyu Burgers in His Small Town

When I hear the name Thomas Keller, I usually picture precision, white tablecloths, and the kind of dining where every detail is choreographed. So stepping into his latest project...

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Raising Cane’s Is Bringing Its Famous Chicken to 4 Bay Area Cities

I have watched Raising Cane’s fan base grow steadily here in Northern California. The chain’s signature chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Cane’s sauce have built a...

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What Visiting Texas Ranches Teaches You About Simplicity And Daily Living

There's something magical about spending time on a Texas ranch that changes your perspective on life. Away from city lights and constant notifications, these sprawling properties...

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The Morning Rituals Locals In Vermont Swear By And What Travelers Can Learn

Vermont mornings have a magic all their own. Between misty mountain views and the smell of maple syrup wafting through small-town diners, locals have perfected their morning routines...

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8 Peaceful Desert Retreats in California Perfect for a Weekend

California’s desert has a way of slowing life down. I’ve found that in these wide, sun-warmed landscapes, there’s a hush that lets you breathe a little deeper. If you crave...

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7 California Restaurants Locals Say Have the Freshest Fish

California's coastline isn’t just about scenic drives, it’s a living pantry for those who crave seafood at its freshest. As someone who’s spent years listening to locals...

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7 Craft Markets in the Hudson Valley You’ll Want to Visit

The Hudson Valley has always been a magnet for creative minds. Whether you’re a longtime local or a weekend visitor, the region’s craft markets offer a window into the vibrant...

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7 California Spots Serving the Juiciest Fried Chicken

California’s fried chicken scene brings together regional flavor, local pride, and a love for comfort food. I set out to find seven spots that serve chicken so juicy, folks talk...

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Exploring Michigan’s Abandoned Lighthouses Before They Vanish For Good

Michigan's shoreline is dotted with historic lighthouses that once guided ships safely through treacherous waters. Sadly, many of these magnificent structures now stand abandoned,...

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7 Finger Lakes Wineries You’ll Want to Visit in New York

There’s something about the Finger Lakes region of New York that makes it irresistible to wine lovers. From the rolling vineyards to the glimmer of sunlight on the lakes, each...

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7 Quiet Lakeside Retreats in Texas for the Weekend

If you crave a peaceful weekend with cool breezes and gentle water, Texas has more than a few lakeside spots to surprise you. Some hide in the trees, others welcome you with wide...

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8 Autumn Food Festivals in Florida

When autumn rolls into Florida, the festival season bursts alive. I love how each region brings its own flavor to the table, whether that means fresh-off-the-boat seafood or creative...

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Why Seniors Are Falling In Love With River Cruises Along The Mississippi In Missouri

Remember when vacations meant endless planning, cramped car rides, and sore feet from walking all day? Those days are gone! I've discovered why so many of us silver-haired adventurers...

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9 Iconic Texas BBQ Plates That Tell The State’s Story

Texas BBQ isn't just food, it's a smoky chapter in the state's history book. From the cattle drives of the 1800s to modern-day pit masters, the Lone Star State's barbecue tradition...

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8 Forgotten Ranches in Colorado

Colorado’s ranching heritage runs deeper than cattle drives and cowboy tales. Across the state, historic ranches preserve log homesteads, adobe walls, and family legacies that...

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9 Florida Farmers Markets Locals Actually Go To

Florida is full of farmers markets, but the ones locals actually return to week after week offer more than just fresh produce. From handmade goods to regional specialties, these...

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11 Tastiest Pizza Spots Washington Locals Swear By

From blistered, wood-fired Neapolitan pies to gooey, cheese-laden Detroit-style squares, Washington’s pizza scene is a feast for every kind of slice lover. These 11 spots have...

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9 Quirky California Parades You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

California loves a spectacle, but some of its best parades don’t come with confetti cannons and corporate sponsors. From satirical spins on tradition to kid-powered processions...

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8 Hidden Wineries in Tennessee

Tennessee’s rolling hills and fertile valleys have long been home to orchards, vineyards, and farms. Over the past few decades, the state has cultivated a thriving wine scene,...

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9 Cultural Centers in Michigan Celebrating Local Heritage

Michigan isn’t just lakes and lighthouses, it’s a state layered with stories. From Indigenous traditions and immigrant histories to artistic treasures and civil rights milestones,...

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10 Iconic Music Venues in Tennessee Boomers Remember Well

Tennessee's rich musical heritage is etched in legendary venues that have shaped the sounds of generations. From Nashville’s vibrant stages to Memphis’s soulful landmarks,...

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8 Unique Local Traditions In Ohio

Ohio isn't just about cornfields and football, it's a treasure trove of quirky traditions that make this Midwestern state truly special! I've spent years exploring the Buckeye...

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9 Louisiana Restaurants Where Gumbo Warms The Soul More Than The Jazz

Louisiana's heartbeat isn't just found in its jazz rhythms, it's simmering in pots of rich, aromatic gumbo across the state. From roux so dark it'll make your mama weep to seafood...

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9 Memphis BBQ Joints Where Pulled Pork Sandwiches Are Legendary

Memphis is the undisputed capital of pulled pork sandwiches, where smoke-kissed meat and tangy slaw create magic between two buns. I've spent years sampling these saucy delights...

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9 Memphis Spots Serving Authentic Mexican Flavors You Can’t Miss

Authentic Mexican cuisine has a special place in Memphis, and the city’s diverse culinary landscape reflects a genuine appreciation for time-honored recipes and local...

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California’s Pirate Bar With Exotic Cocktails and Nautical Vibes

If you like your cocktails with a sense of adventure, Smuggler’s Cove feels like stepping below deck on a centuries-old pirate ship. Instead of neon and sleek lines, it’s all...

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6 Washington Food and Drink Festivals Locals Don’t Want You to Miss

Washington State serves up more than just famous seafood and apples. If you know where to look, you can find festivals that are as eclectic as they are delicious, drawing...

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8 Instagrammable California Spots Every Gen Z Traveler Knows

California’s landscape feels made for sharing. From coastal icons to urban art, every corner offers something surprising for your feed. As someone who loves discovering photo-worthy...

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8 Ohio-Born Restaurant Chains That Took the State by Storm

When I think about Ohio’s influence on America’s dining scene, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride. From quirky drive-ins to iconic comfort food joints, Ohio’s homegrown...

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7 Texas Hill Country Drives with Stunning Views

Driving through the Texas Hill Country never fails to surprise me. Each route reveals its own blend of rolling hills, winding rivers, and rugged limestone outcrops, making every...

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6 Historic Villages in Ohio Worth a Short Trip

If you're craving a short getaway filled with charm, history, and hidden stories, Ohio’s historic villages deliver, minus the crowds of big tourist hubs. Here are six historic...

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5 Secluded Lakefront Cabins in New York State

Looking for that perfect escape where water lapping against the shore is your daily soundtrack? Here are some of the coziest, most secluded lakefront cabins in New York State,...

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8 Scenic Picnic Trails in Florida

Here’s an emotional nugget: sometimes you just want to run away to the woods (or a beach, or a spring) and eat a sandwich surrounded by birds instead of emails. Florida...

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8 Quirky Monuments in Upstate New York

Sometimes the most honest thing you can do is admit that you want to see something weird, or at least different enough to jolt you out of your day. Upstate New...

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Offbeat South Carolina Attraction You Have to See to Believe

When you’re cruising I-95 near the North Carolina border, it’s hard to miss the towering sombrero sign telling you you’re near South of the Border. Located in Dillon, this...

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The Milwaukee Spy Cafe Where Solving Codes Is Part of Your Meal

Walking into this Milwaukee café, I didn’t expect to be handed a mission along with my menu. But that’s exactly what happens at SafeHouse, a restaurant that has been serving...

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