elena ryder author at My Family Travels
Article
7 Lakefront Blossoms Found Only in Michigan Perfect Gentle Trips

Michigan’s freshwater shorelines create unique habitats where rare wildflowers and lakefront blossoms grow. These blooms, found only within the Great Lakes region, flourish thanks...

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7 Florida Water Lily Gardens That Offer Benches, Shade, and Stunning Views

Florida’s climate makes it an ideal setting for aquatic gardens, and water lilies thrive in ponds across the state. More than ornamental plants, these flowers provide color,...

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8 Florida Restaurants You’ll Only Hear About If a Local Trusts You

Florida is full of well-known dining spots, especially in tourist centers like Miami, Orlando, and Key West. But beyond the guidebook highlights are restaurants that locals keep...

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8 Hidden Parks in Los Angeles You Haven’t Seen Yet

Here’s a real talk moment: Even in a city packed with palm trees and yoga studios, finding a truly peaceful spot in Los Angeles can feel like trying to get the last everything...

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8 Public Caves in Arkansas You Can Explore

Real talk: there’s something oddly grounding about crawling around under a chunk of the Ozarks. Maybe it’s the cool air, maybe it’s the fact that your phone...

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7 Unique Ohio Grocery Chains You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Ohio’s grocery landscape blends national retailers with smaller regional and independent chains that reflect local shopping habits. These Ohio-based chains often highlight fresh...

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How Colorado Locals Really Prepare for Tourist Season

Tourism is a major part of Colorado’s economy, drawing millions each year for skiing, hiking, national parks, and mountain towns. For locals, the arrival of visitors brings both...

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7 Texas Grocery Chains Where BBQ Counters Rival Real Smokehouses

In Texas, barbecue is as common at roadside smokehouses as it is inside grocery stores. Some supermarkets have turned their deli counters into full-fledged smokehouses, where brisket,...

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8 Iconic Grocery Stores in Michigan That Locals Treat Like Landmarks

In Michigan, grocery stores are more than just places to shop, some have become community fixtures and even regional landmarks. They often reflect local history, carry specialty...

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8 Ohio Pizzerias Locals Think Rival New York’s Best

Ohio may not be the first place people think of for pizza, but the state has developed its own strong traditions. Regional chains, many of them family-founded, have built loyal...

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8 California Restaurant Chains Locals Secretly Prefer Over Big Names

California is home to some of the country’s largest restaurant brands, but many residents prefer smaller, regional chains for their everyday meals. These local spots often emphasize...

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8 Tiny Road Trips in Texas You Can Do in Under 3 Hours

Texas is known for its wide-open highways and long drives, but not every road trip requires days of travel. Across the state, there are short routes that can be done in three hours...

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7 Underground Missouri Attractions Locals Visit Most

Real talk: Sometimes you just need to get away from all the noise, both the literal and the constant "shoulds" in your head. Missouri, with its secret world beneath...

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9 Easy Weekend Road Trips from Atlanta

Do you ever sit on your couch Saturday morning, coffee in hand, and just feel a little itchy; like your life needs a new playlist, and the current one is stuck on repeat? That’s...

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8 Coastal Maine Spots Where Clam Chowder Rules the Table

Along Maine’s coast, seafood is central to the dining experience, and few dishes are as closely tied to the region as clam chowder. Traditionally made with clams, potatoes, onions,...

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7 Rustic Ranch Stays in Upstate New York

Upstate New York offers wide-open landscapes, rolling hills, and historic farmlands that make it well-suited for ranch-style getaways. While the region is better known for the...

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8 Quirky Monuments in Washington State

Washington State is known for its mountains, forests, and coastlines, but scattered among its natural landmarks are monuments that lean more toward the unusual. Built by communities,...

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7 New Mexico Joints Where Red Chile Takes Center Stage

In New Mexico, red chile is more than a sauce; it’s a tradition. Made by drying ripened green chiles and transforming them into a rich, earthy sauce, red chile delivers a flavor...

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8 Small Art Communities in Michigan Off the Tourist Path

Michigan’s art scene is not limited to Detroit’s galleries or the large museums in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Across the state, small towns and villages have built reputations...

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7 Alabama Smokehouses Where Smoked Chicken Rules the Plate

Barbecue traditions in Alabama are as varied as the state itself, but smoked chicken holds a special place on the menu. Paired with the state’s signature white sauce, a tangy,...

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9 Summer Outdoor Concerts in Ohio

Summer in Ohio means music drifting into the open air. From big-name tours to hometown bands, stages pop up in parks, amphitheaters, and neighborhood squares across the state....

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8 Charming Day-Trip Towns in Pennsylvania for Locals

You know that feeling when your group chat is a mess of "What do we even do this weekend?" and you just want something that feels both fresh and comfortingly local? Well,...

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9 Local Museums in New York State Few Tourists Know

New York State is home to world-famous institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, but beyond those headline attractions are smaller...

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9 Small Town Cultural Events in Colorado This Season

Colorado’s small towns host more than scenic views and outdoor recreation, they also serve as gathering places for cultural traditions, festivals, and seasonal celebrations....

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6 Secret Taco Trucks in Texas Cities

Texas is famous for its tacos, and while restaurants often get the spotlight, some of the state’s best flavors come from taco trucks parked on busy corners or tucked into neighborhood...

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6 Desert Canyons in California for Adventure Seekers

California’s deserts hold some of the state’s most striking landscapes, shaped by erosion, wind, and water over thousands of years. While national parks like Death Valley and...

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6 Lesser-Known Islands in Florida Worth Visiting

Florida’s coastline and inland waters are dotted with islands, many of which remain outside the spotlight of the state’s most visited beaches. These smaller or less-publicized...

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7 Small Villages in Florida for a Peaceful Escape

Florida’s quieter side is found in its smaller villages, where a slower pace and distinctive character invite visitors to explore beyond the usual destinations. For those seeking...

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9 Construction Projects in Washington State Highways to Avoid

Travelers across Washington State should be aware of several ongoing and upcoming highway construction projects that may impact their journeys in 2025. These projects are part...

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8 California Bakeries That Make Every Mile Worth It

California’s bakery scene is shaped by its cultural diversity, agricultural abundance, and long-standing artisan traditions. From sourdough bread in San Francisco to Mexican...

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Illinois Grocery Stores: 5 That Miss on the Meat Department and 5 That Impress

Illinois offers a diverse supermarket landscape, ranging from large national retailers to locally owned neighborhood shops. For many consumers, the quality of the meat department...

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10 Tennessee Buffets You’ll Travel Miles to Taste

Buffets remain popular dining options across Tennessee, offering variety, convenience, and hearty portions. From Southern comfort food to international selections, the state’s...

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Florida Grocery Showdown: 5 Stores That Disappoint vs. 5 That Get Meat Right

Grocery shopping in Florida offers a wide range of options, from large national chains to regional favorites and specialty markets. For many shoppers, the quality of the meat department...

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8 Overpriced Georgia Steakhouse Chains That Fall Short

Steakhouses remain a popular dining option in Georgia, from Atlanta to smaller cities across the state. While many independent restaurants emphasize quality cuts and regional sourcing,...

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7 Fall Foliage Spots in Vermont That Make Locals Come Back Every Year

Vermont’s blend of mountains, valleys, and historic villages makes it an enduring destination for autumn travelers. Rather than seeking novelty, many locals prefer to revisit...

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10 Lakes in Minnesota Perfect for Kayaking This Weekend

Minnesota, often called the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," offers endless opportunities for paddling. While larger lakes attract motorboats and crowds, many smaller or mid-sized lakes...

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8 Civil War Sites in Virginia Every History Buff Should See

Virginia was the heart of the Civil War, witnessing more than 120 major battles, more than any other state. From the war’s uncertain beginnings to its final days, campaigns across...

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7 Hidden Sushi Spots in California Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

California’s dining culture is strongly influenced by Japanese cuisine, with sushi playing a central role. While well-known establishments in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and...

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8 Playgrounds in Massachusetts That Are Worth the Drive

Playgrounds can be more than just neighborhood spots for families. In Massachusetts, several standout parks combine creative design, accessibility, and scenic settings that make...

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11 Lakes in Michigan Perfect for a Day Trip With Family

Michigan is home to more freshwater lakes than any other state in the United States, making it a natural destination for family outings. While the Great Lakes are the most famous,...

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10 Underrated Coffee Shops in Ohio That Locals Love

Ohio’s coffee culture thrives not just in its well-known downtown cafés but also in the smaller, often overlooked shops that locals cherish. While national chains and trendy...

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5 Crowded Tourist Restaurants in California That Don’t Impress and 5 Local Gems That Foodies Will Love

California is known worldwide for its dining culture, from fresh coastal seafood to farm-to-table innovation. However, not every restaurant that draws large tourist crowds delivers...

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7 Overcrowded Theme Park Rides in Florida and 5 Hidden Attractions Worth Visiting

Florida’s theme parks attract millions of visitors annually, offering an impressive assortment of rides and shows. However, certain attractions become challenging, particularly...

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Niagara Falls Road Trip: 10 Stops to Make on the New York Side

Niagara Falls is one of the most visited natural landmarks in the United States, but the surrounding region on the New York side offers much more than views of the falls. A road...

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Driving Alaska’s Seward Highway Feels Like Another World

The Seward Highway, spanning 127 miles between Anchorage and Seward, serves as both a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. It seamlessly connects Alaska’s largest...

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Exploring Colorado by Car? Here’s Where to Grab a Juicy Burger

Colorado’s highways connect mountain towns, high plains, and urban centers, making road trips a practical way to experience the state’s geographic variety. Burgers are a popular...

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Travel Texas Highways: Must-Try Tacos and Tex-Mex Spots

Texas highways connect diverse regions where food traditions reflect Mexican, Tejano, and broader Southwestern influences. Along these routes, taco stands, diners, and Tex-Mex...

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12 Charming Main Streets to Visit in Texas

Main streets across Texas highlight the state’s local history, cultural diversity, and evolving communities. Often anchored by historic buildings, shops, and public spaces, these...

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11 U.S. Cities Notable for Their Music Scenes

Music has long shaped the cultural identity of U.S. cities, with local scenes influencing both regional traditions and national trends. From jazz and blues to country, rock, and...

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10 Michigan Hotels That Fell Into Abandonment

Across Michigan, a number of once-prominent hotels have faced abandonment at some point in their history. Some still stand vacant, others have been repurposed through redevelopment,...

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