elena ryder author at My Family Travels
Article
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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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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Article
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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