elena ryder author at My Family Travels
Article
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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These 9 Flea Markets In Texas Are Full Of Hidden Treasures

Texas isn't just about BBQ, cowboys, and wide-open spaces, it's also a treasure hunter's paradise! From dusty antiques to handcrafted gems, the Lone Star State boasts some of the...

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8 Kayaking Spots in Texas Few Locals Know About

Texas holds far more for kayakers than crowded launches or rivers everyone knows by heart. If you enjoy discovering fresh routes and quiet coves, you’ll appreciate these lesser-known...

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8 Attractions in Georgia That Combine History and Adventure

Georgia offers more than just beautiful scenery, it brings together centuries-old stories and outdoor adventures in equal measure. I set out to discover places where the past comes...

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7 Scenic Riverfront Towns in Michigan

Michigan’s riverfront towns offer more than just views, they’re places where history, local culture, and the pace of the water all shape daily life. Each spot on this list...

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7 Roadside Oddities in Ohio That Make the Drive More Fun

Every long drive through Ohio holds the promise of surprise. Between rolling fields and small-town stretches, you’ll find an array of offbeat attractions that break up the miles...

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8 Hidden Waterfalls in Texas Worth Exploring

Most people don’t imagine Texas as a waterfall state, but tucked away across its vast landscapes are natural surprises waiting to be found. I’ve spent years chasing quiet trails...

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The Best Ramen Spots In Seattle Only Locals Know About

Seattle's rainy days call for steaming bowls of ramen, but forget those tourist traps downtown! As a ramen-obsessed local who's slurped my way through every neighborhood, I've...

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Why This Tiny Donut Shop In Florida Sells Out By 9 AM Daily

I stumbled upon The Donut Hole in Destin, Florida last summer and couldn't believe my eyes, a line wrapped around the block at 7 AM! This unassuming little bakery sells out of...

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The Iconic San Francisco Hot Dog Landmark You Can Still Visit Today

If you're hunting for a true taste of San Francisco's quirky food scene, I've got just the spot for you! Tucked away in the vibrant streets of the city is Doggie Diner, a hot dog...

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Simple, Juicy, Perfect: Roast Beef Sandwich at This Low Key Pennsylvania Tavern Is a Must Try

If you ever find yourself craving something that tastes like home, but better, Ye Olde Ale House in Lafayette Hill has you covered. Their roast beef sandwich is a local legend,...

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7 Florida Hidden Key West Restaurants That Aren’t Packed With Tourists

When I visit Key West, I look for restaurants where locals gather and the food feels like a true slice of the island’s soul. Tourist-heavy spots get all the buzz, but tucked...

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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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