eli grant author at My Family Travels
Article
9 Most Boring Towns in Colorado Where Time Seems to Stand Still

Not every corner of Colorado is about ski lifts or concert crowds. Beyond the mountain resorts and city skylines are small towns that move at their own speed, slow, steady, and...

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This Hidden Illinois Spot Serves Italian Beef Sandwiches Worth the Wait

I came to Elmwood Park for a quick bite and stayed in line longer than I planned. The first whiff of peppers and broth told me I made the right call. Illinois prides itself on...

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The Clam Bake at This Rhode Island Beach Spot Is a True East Coast Legend

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it has perfected one of New England’s biggest traditions, the seaside clam bake. And no place captures that coastal magic better than...

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A Tranquil Day Trip From Chicago Where You Can Just Breathe

Chicago moves fast, traffic, noise, and endless schedules. But less than two hours away, there’s a stretch of calm that feels like an exhale you didn’t know you needed. Starved...

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Why Tourists in California Get Fined for Doing the Most Normal Things

California’s beaches, trails, and cities draw millions of visitors every year, but many leave lighter in the wallet. Across the state, travelers find out too late that “normal”...

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10 Most Boring Towns in Wyoming That Travelers Keep Coming Back To

Wyoming’s small towns often look quiet, flat, and uneventful from the highway. Many travelers stop for gas, stretch their legs, and move on. Yet those who linger discover subtle...

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Why New Jersey Locals Stay Away From the Boardwalks Tourists Love

Every summer, crowds pour into New Jersey’s beaches for fried food, flashing lights, and seaside music. I grew up loving that buzz, yet I step around it when the season peaks....

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Locals Warn Tourists Never to Tell Anyone About This South Carolina Shrimp Buffet

I’d heard whispers before I ever set foot in Myrtle Beach. “There’s a buffet here that locals don’t like to talk about,” someone told me, half joking, half serious. The...

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Why Travelers in Colorado Can’t Stop Talking About the State’s Butcher Counters

I travel for flavor, and in Colorado I keep finding it at butcher counters that feel like mini field guides to the land. Skilled butchers talk about breeds, pastures, and weather...

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10 Florida Murals That Turned Into Must-See Photo Spots

Hello, fellow wanderlusters and Instagram aficionados! Florida isn't just about beaches and theme parks; it’s a canvas of vibrant street art waiting to be discovered. Let’s...

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BBQ Lovers Are Flocking to This Missouri Smokehouse for Its Famous Ribs

If there’s one smell that defines St. Louis, it’s hickory smoke rolling through the air just before lunch. I went to Pappy’s Smokehouse to see why this local landmark keeps...

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Couple Spends 8 Years Sailing From Alaska Across the World, Calling the Ocean Their Backyard

They swapped commutes for currents and made the horizon their address. This is the story of a couple who turned a 45-year-old sailboat into a self-sufficient home and sailed past...

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8 Pennsylvania’s Classic 24 Hour Diners Everyone Should Try Once

I chase great late night plates across Pennsylvania, and these 24 hour classics keep pulling me back. If you love bottomless coffee, chrome counters, and menus that never sleep,...

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9 Rainy Night Steakhouses In Washington Worth The Trip

There's something magical about the patter of raindrops against windows while you're cozied up inside, knife in hand, ready to slice into a perfectly seared steak. Washington state,...

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Viral TikTok Shows Alaska Earthquake That Sent Families Running for Higher Ground

A shaking living room. Sirens echoing through rain. A low aircraft crossing a gray Aleutian sky while families scramble uphill. A new viral TikTok from King Cove, Alaska, turned...

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Why Travelers Say Ohio’s Gastropubs Are Underrated Gems

I’ve eaten my way across the Midwest, and Ohio keeps surprising me. The state doesn’t shout about its food scene, but what it offers feels grounded and real. Its gastropubs...

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8 Hidden Gem Retro Diners in Texas You’ll Want to Find

I chase the kind of diners where chrome stools squeak, neon hums, and plates land hot and honest. Texas hides plenty of those spots in plain sight, and each one tells a different...

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How a Famous Musician’s Stay Made This Nevada Hotel a Ghost Story

Nestled on the scenic border of Nevada and California, the Cal Neva Lodge holds a unique place in American history. This legendary resort was once a glamorous playground for Hollywood’s...

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5 Days Exploring Georgia’s Untold Legends

Embark on a captivating five-day journey through Georgia, exploring its mysterious legends and folklore. Each day uncovers a unique tale rooted deep in local history, offering...

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8 Amazing and 3 Frustrating Things About Traveling in Virginia

I’ve road tripped across Virginia more times than I can count, and it still surprises me. The mix of mountains, shore, and layered history creates a rhythm that never gets old....

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9 Kentucky Fast Casual Spots Reinventing Comfort Food

I hit the road across Kentucky looking for fast casual spots that treat comfort food with respect and a spark of fun. I wanted places where the line moves, the flavors pop, and...

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6 Pennsylvania Mountain Towns That Don’t Feel Local Anymore

Pennsylvania’s mountain towns have long captured the imagination of travelers, offering a blend of scenic beauty, history, and small-town warmth. Nestled among rolling hills...

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7 Illinois Restaurants Serving Gluten Free Pastries Worth Traveling For

Exploring Illinois means uncovering some incredible gems for food lovers. As someone who's always on the hunt for delicious and safe gluten-free options, I've found several spots...

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The Mississippi Burger Spot Everyone’s Talking About

Mississippi’s burger scene is packed with contenders, but one spot in Jackson keeps coming up in every conversation, Stamps Super Burgers. Since the 1980s, this family-run eatery...

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Travelers Warned About Winter Delays at Chicago O’Hare in Illinois

Winter in Illinois often feels like nature’s own obstacle course, especially if you’re traveling through Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Each year, the airport makes...

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7 Ways Idaho’s Natural Beauty Has Been Overrun by Tourists

Idaho used to feel like the state nobody talked about. When I first started exploring here, I felt like I’d stumbled onto a secret. Now the secret is out. More travelers arrive...

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6 Michigan Gluten Free Bakeries You Can’t Miss This Year

Traveling or living with a gluten-free diet can feel limiting, but Michigan has a growing number of bakeries proving that flavor doesn’t have to be sacrificed. From cookies and...

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7 Reasons California Travel Isn’t the Same After Tourists Took Over

Traveling across California, I’ve seen its golden coast, famous parks, and quirky small towns change a lot in recent years. The state’s legendary beauty and iconic sights still...

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7 Georgia Foods That Prove the South Is a Foodie Paradise

When I travel through Georgia, I always find something delicious at every stop. This state’s food scene reflects a true mix of tradition and local pride. Each dish tells a story,...

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Philly Cheesesteak Worth Every Mile of Travel to Pennsylvania

Every so often, a food comes along that doesn't just satisfy a craving but anchors a whole travel adventure. For me, the Philly cheesesteak stands out as a must-try, not just for...

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8 All You Can Eat Pancake Houses in Florida

Florida mornings often start with fresh coffee, ocean air, and stacks of pancakes. A few restaurants across the state go further by offering unlimited refills of flapjacks, often...

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Publix Brought a Pop Up to Miami With Free Tastings and Store Specials

Publix hosted a large-scale pop-up tasting event at its Riviera Plaza location in Miami on Saturday, September 27, 2025. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the store welcomed customers with...

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Upstate New York’s First Snowfall: What Locals Need to Know

Growing up in Upstate New York, the first snowfall always brings a mix of excitement and preparation. The unpredictability of weather here keeps everyone on their toes, whether...

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How To Have A Memorable Fall Weekend In Nashville Tennessee

Fall in Nashville transforms Music City into a colorful playground of autumn delights. The crisp air mingles with the scent of pumpkin spice while trees paint the landscape in...

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9 Oregon Coastal Restaurants Locals Don’t Want Tourists Finding

You know that feeling when someone asks for your favorite hidden spot, and your gut says, “No way am I giving that up”? That’s the Oregon Coast for locals, full of places...

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7 Rainy Day Museums Every Traveler Should Visit in Pennsylvania

When the weather in Pennsylvania turns wet, museums become the best way to spend the day. The state has a wide range, from art and science to industry and history. Each one offers...

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8 New York Burger Restaurants That Changed the Game

New York has no shortage of burgers, but a few restaurants shifted the way people think about them. Some introduced new styles, while others focused on quality and consistency...

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8 Low Key Florida Hot Dog Joints Serving Big Flavor

You know that moment when you bite into something so unexpectedly good, you nearly forget your own name? That’s the magic of a truly great hot dog from a place that doesn’t...

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7 Meatloaf Diners in Ohio Locals Say Are Still the Best

You step out of the rain, hair plastered to your forehead and mascara threatening mutiny, and the scent of meatloaf, real, honest, unapologetic, hits you. It smells like someone...

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The Ultimate Packing List for Travelers Heading to Alaska This Fall

Fall in Alaska is short but stunning. September through early October brings fiery foliage, crisp air, and fewer crowds. But the weather shifts quickly, sometimes warm enough for...

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8 Louisiana’s Secret Tucked Away Eateries Worth Finding

Louisiana’s food scene gets plenty of love for New Orleans and Baton Rouge, but some of the most rewarding meals are hiding in plain sight. Tucked into small towns, side streets,...

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7 Romantic Fall Destinations in Pennsylvania for Couples Who Love Scenic Drives

Pennsylvania’s rolling hills, covered bridges, and mountain ridges turn into a painter’s palette each fall. For couples, it’s an ideal setting for a road trip. The best part...

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Travel Advisory: Kern County Roads Reopen Following Flooding, CHP Confirms Safety

Kern County, California has faced a challenging start to 2025, with powerful storms transforming familiar roadways into unexpected rivers. As a travel blogger who’s spent time...

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6 Hawaii Waterfalls That Lost Their Magic to Crowds

Waterfalls are part of the dream of visiting Hawaii. They’re on postcards, travel posters, and Instagram feeds. But some of the most famous falls have become so popular that...

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6 New York Road Trips That Pass Through Ghost Towns

When you think about New York State, you probably imagine city lights or lakeside vineyards. But the state has another side, entire communities that now stand quiet, their stories...

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7 California Buffets Where You Can Feast Like a King for Under $25

Buffets often spark mixed feelings. Some people chase value, others seek variety, and a few just want to eat until their jeans protest. I’ve found California offers its fair...

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6 Hidden Holiday Events in Colorado

Colorado is full of big, well-known holiday festivals, but some of the most enjoyable ones fly under the radar. I’ve made it a habit to look for smaller gatherings that feel...

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Houston Post Hosted Its Inaugural Free Diwali Festival of Lights

Houston just experienced a bright new tradition as POST Houston hosted its very first HTX Diwali 2025, Shine Your Light Over Houston. Held on September 13, 2025, at the iconic...

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7 Underrated Small Towns in Michigan Worth Exploring

Michigan is full of places that don’t often make it into guidebooks but are worth your time. I’ve spent years wandering the state, and I’ve found that small towns can surprise...

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