elias vaughn author at My Family Travels
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This Beloved Historic Indiana Bakery Has Served Legendary Scratch-Made Sweet Treats For Decades

You are not supposed to be thinking about donuts at five in the morning. Then you smell the glaze. That is usually the end...

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This Quiet Indiana Backroad Marks the Only Time the Civil War Invaded the State

The odds were terrible. Roughly 400 local volunteers had thrown together a makeshift defensive line when a Confederate force nearly six times larger came toward them.

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This Historic Small-Town Bakery Crafts Fresh $1 Glazed Doughnuts Hand-Rolled On 80-Year-Old Wooden Tables

There is a very simple way to start a morning badly. Arrive after the glazed doughnuts are gone. That possibility seems to keep...

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10 Stunning Indiana Churches Which Feature Architecture That Feels Straight Out Of Europe

The outside says “small-town Indiana.” The inside says something entirely different. There are stained-glass windows that look imported from Bavaria, altars covered in intricate...

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This Sprawling Indiana Asian Market Packs A Kitchen And A Huge Grocery Under One Roof

The plan was to be in and out. Forty minutes later, the cart was still moving. Somewhere between the ramen shelves and the...

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This Indiana Town Gets So Swamped With Fall Visitors That Locals Avoid Downtown on Weekends

My first mistake was thinking Saturday morning would be quiet. My second was thinking there would still be a parking spot. By...

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11 Hidden Indiana Hiking Trails Leading Directly To A Spectacular Wilderness View

You reach the top expecting to see a few trees and maybe another cornfield. Instead, the forest suddenly drops away, and there is a whole valley stretched out below you.

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This Historic Indiana Diner Still Crafts The Juiciest Old-School Smash Burgers In The County

Miss the light. It might improve your lunch. At the corner of U.S. 50 and Chestnut Street, the smell coming off the griddle...

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You Could Get Lost For Hours Digging Through This Massive Hidden Indoor Marketplace In Indiana

My friend found a lamp. I found a box of baseball cards. Neither of us came looking for either one. That is the problem with...

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This Indiana Museum Has a Free Sculpture Garden Hiding Behind a Historic Mansion

My first thought was that the mansion looked like the interesting part. Then I went around back. Three acres of trees opened...

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This Indiana Small Town Hides A Historic Round Barn Still Standing After 100 Years

Why did farmers build a barn without corners? That is probably the first question that pops into your head when you see this enormous white building sitting beside the countryside.

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You Can Actually Drive Exotic Supercars With Zero Speed Limits On This Massive Indiana Racetrack

Your brain says, “This is probably where someone tells you to slow down.” Then you look around and realize nobody is saying it. Instead, you are sitting behind the wheel of...

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9 Indiana General Stores That Have Survived Since The 1800s

Wooden floors that creak, candy jars lined up like soldiers, and screen doors that slap shut behind every visitor: Indiana still keeps places like this alive.

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This Scenic Indiana Farm Serves Rich Artisan Hot Chocolate in a Historic 19th-Century Barn

I almost drove past the turnoff twice. There was no big sign, no crowd, just a gravel road cutting through Indiana farmland that felt forgotten by time.

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This Metal-Building Indiana BBQ Spot Is Keeping A Delicious Secret From Most Of The State

Hickory smoke drifts across a quiet neighborhood, giving away exactly what's happening inside a plain metal building somewhere in Indiana. No flashy sign.

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This Indiana Diner’s Breakfast Draws Crowds, But Locals Insist Its Mexican Food Is The Real Reason To Go

You walk in thinking pancakes. Then you spot tamales. That is the funny thing about this little Indiana diner. Breakfast starts...

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This Indiana Lake Feels Like A Private Escape Locals Want To Keep Secret

A 66-acre lake stays off most travel radars, hidden somewhere in the farmland of Indiana. Goats and a donkey wander the campground roads most mornings, which explains why the posted...

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This Overlooked Indiana State Forest’s Fire Tower Climb Rewards Hikers With A Panoramic View

You pull off a narrow country road in southern Indiana expecting a quick stretch of the legs, and end up staying most of the day. This state forest sits in the rolling hills near...

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This Massive Indiana Bin Warehouse Marks Down Everything To Exactly $1 For A Wild Clearance Event

I had no plan, and ten minutes later I was holding storage bins, puck lights, and a pair of scrubs I definitely did not need. That is the strange magic of a discount warehouse...

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This Historic Indiana City Park Features an Easy Boardwalk Trail to a Hidden Waterfall

What if you could reach a hidden waterfall without having to tackle a difficult hike? One historic Indiana city park makes the journey surprisingly easy with a boardwalk trail...

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8 Giant Indiana Liquidation Stores Featuring Crazy Closeout Deals

What if your next shopping trip felt more like a treasure hunt than a trip to the store? Liquidation shopping has a special kind of excitement because you never quite know what...

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9 Under-the-Radar Indiana Nature Parks That Feel Like You’ve Left the Midwest Entirely

Who decided the Midwest had to look like endless fields and flat roads? Indiana has a few natural surprises that can make you question where you actually are, from towering dunes...

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This Secret Indiana Creek Bed Is Packed With Hundreds Of Ancient Geodes Waiting To Be Found

What if a quiet creek bed was hiding hundreds of ancient treasures in plain sight? One secret Indiana creek has become a fascinating destination for anyone who loves discovering...

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This Massive Old-Growth Indiana Forest is the Largest Ancient, Virgin Jungle Hidden Inside a US City

What if you could step off a city street and suddenly find yourself surrounded by centuries-old trees? It is easy to assume that truly wild forests are far removed from busy communities,...

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This Indiana Farm-To-Table Cafe Features An Underground Nightclub Tucked Secretly Below The Dining Room

Some restaurants have secrets that are impossible to guess from the dining room alone. One Indiana farm-to-table café is a perfect example, offering a welcoming place to eat while...

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10 Incredible Indiana Bike Trails That Offer The Most Beautiful Views In The Whole Midwest

Have you ever taken a bike ride that made you forget you were supposed to be watching the miles? The best trails are not just about reaching the end, but about everything you notice...

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8 Massive Indiana Antique Malls You Seriously Need a Map to Navigate

What makes an antique mall worth planning a trip around? Sometimes it is the sheer size, the endless displays, and the feeling that something interesting could be waiting around...

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The Scenic Indiana Creek Hides Secret 300-Million-Year-Old Crystal Geodes

Most hikes end with photos. This one could end with a geological treasure in your pocket. Along a scenic Indiana creek, visitors...

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This Secret Indiana Lakeside Tavern Serves Up The Crispiest, Most Legendary Broasted Chicken In The State

How far would you drive for a meal people cannot stop talking about? Sometimes the most unforgettable restaurants are tucked away in places you would never expect, quietly building...

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This Authentic Indiana Polish Deli Has A $5 Hot Bar Special That Sells Out In Minutes

Some meals are memorable because of the price. Others stay with you because of the story behind the food. This Indiana Polish...

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This Legendary Indiana Meat Market Packs The Best Fully Cooked BBQ To Take Home

What if the best BBQ meal you had this week came straight from a meat market instead of a restaurant? Across Indiana, one longtime favorite has become a go-to stop for people who...

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This Dreamy Indiana Flower Farm Lets You Cut Your Own Colorful Summer Bouquets

When was the last time you picked something fresh straight from where it was grown? There is something special about spending a summer day surrounded by rows of flowers and choosing...

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This Popular Indiana Italian Restaurant May Be The Toughest Reservation In 2026

How badly do you want to try a restaurant when getting a table becomes part of the challenge? You may have to plan ahead for this Indiana Italian kitchen, where the growing buzz...

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This Scenic Indiana Diner Serves Legendary Old-School Burgers Worth Driving For Miles For

Roadside diners in Indiana always seem to promise a good meal, but every now and then one completely exceeds expectations. Pulling in, you get that familiar mix of sizzling burgers,...

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8 Sprawling Alabama Antique Malls Packing Miles of Retro Collectibles And Forgotten Keepsakes

I never understood the excitement of antique shopping until I found places where every corner seemed to offer a new surprise. Alabama...

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This Forest Hike In Alabama Leads To A Forgotten Ghost Town In The Woods

Not every hike leaves you wondering what stood beneath your feet a hundred or two hundred years ago. Alabama has one that turns an ordinary walk into a journey through a long-forgotten...

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This Hidden Indiana Tasting Room Is A Secret Gem Where You Can Sample Fresh Artisan Olive Oil

Past the art galleries and antique shops in this Indiana town, a little place sits waiting to change how you think about olive oil. The moment you step inside, the air smells rich,...

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This Authentic German Deli In Alabama Feels Like A Hidden European Market

Smoked meats and warm spices drift out before the door even opens, setting the tone for a German-inspired deli tucked into Alabama. Inside, handcrafted sausages line the counter...

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This Untouched Historic Indiana Island Has No Paved Roads, No Cars, And Wild Nature To Explore

Booming amusement park in the nineteen twenties, drawing over a hundred thousand visitors a year with roller coasters, a zoo, and a dance hall. Then the flood of nineteen thirty...

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8 Must-Visit Indiana Fabric Stores For Every Creative Mind

The right fabric can be the beginning of an idea you have not even imagined yet. For quilters, sewists, and anyone who enjoys creating something by hand, walking into a well-stocked...

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This Small-Batch Indiana Bakery Hand-Crafts Award-Winning Traditional Sugar Cream Pies

Blue ribbons at state and national competitions, a Food Network feature, and a top ten pie shop nod from a national publication. All from a small roadside bakery in Indiana.

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This Hidden Indiana Paper Haven Stocks Japanese Stationery You Cannot Find Anywhere Else In The State

When was the last time a simple notebook or pen made you excited to start a new project? For stationery lovers, finding a shop filled with thoughtfully designed paper goods can...

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The Homemade Chicken Salad At This Indiana Amish Gem Will Permanently Ruin All Others Anywhere Else

Everyone has that one comfort food they never expected to become their favorite. For some people, it turns out to be a simple scoop of homemade chicken salad served the way it...

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Unwind At A Luxury Indiana Timber Cabin Surrounded By A 46-Acre Free-Roaming Goat Sanctuary

Forget the typical cabin getaway where relaxation means doing the same old thing in a different place. In Indiana, there is a unique retreat where a cozy timber cabin stay comes...

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Indiana’s Grand Tudor-Gothic Masterpiece Doubles As One Of The World’s Largest Masonic Buildings

Some buildings do more than just stand tall. A remarkable cathedral in Indianapolis, Indiana is one of those rare places that genuinely stops you in your tracks.

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This Historic Indiana Restaurant Features A Weekly German Buffet That Has Locals Returning Every Wednesday

Why wait until the weekend for a meal worth looking forward to? Every Wednesday, one Indiana restaurant changes up the usual dinner routine with a German buffet that has become...

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This Former Indiana Skating Rink Has Been Turned Into a Treasure-Filled Vintage Market

Remember when shopping meant searching for something unique instead of grabbing the same things everyone else has? A former...

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This Is Officially The Best Burger In Indiana According To Reviews, Is It Worth It?

A burger can be a pretty simple meal, but every once in a while, a place comes along that makes people rethink what a great burger can be. In Indiana, there is a spot known for...

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This Beloved Indiana Bakery Serves Up The Absolute Fluffiest, Crispiest Buttermilk Bars In The Entire State

Some food spots become local favorites not because they are flashy, but because they get the simple things exactly right. In Indiana, a neighborhood bakery can turn a regular morning...

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These Surreal Indiana Highlands Hide 14,000-Year-Old Glacial Ridges Frozen In The Plains

Most people think of Indiana as flat farmland stretching endlessly to the horizon. But in the northern part of the state, something remarkable breaks that expectation wide open.

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This Whimsical Indiana Garden Market Feels Straight Out Of A Fairytale With Its Lush, Dreamy Pathways

Some places have a way of stopping you in your tracks and making the whole world feel a little more magical. A beloved garden shop in Indianapolis, Indiana is one of those rare...

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One Of Indiana’s Oldest And Largest Oak Trees Is Hidden In This Historic Neighborhood Lot

Somewhere along a quiet residential street in Indianapolis, Indiana sits a tree that has been standing since long before the United States even existed. A massive bur oak in the...

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This Hidden Indiana Haven Sprawls Across Multiple Buildings Packed With Rare Architectural Antiques

Some places look ordinary from the outside but hold something truly remarkable inside. A family-owned architectural salvage shop in Indianapolis, Indiana is exactly that kind of...

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This Hidden Indiana Mercantile Shows How A 120-Year-Old Amish Tailoring Shop Outlasts Fast Fashion

Over 120 years of tradition sit quietly in an Indiana store where clothes are sewn on-site and fabrics are sold by the yard. I...

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This Hidden Indiana Airpark Is A Seriously Cool Spot Featuring Rare Jets For Flight Fans

Fort Wayne, Indiana has a spot that most people drive past without ever stopping, and that is a real shame. A unique aviation park beside an active military airfield holds a collection...

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This Stunning Indiana Rooftop Eatery Pairs Premium Steaks With Breathtaking Pine Lake Views

Imagine sitting above a glittering lake, watching boats drift by while a fire-grilled steak arrives at your table. That is exactly the kind of evening a lakeside restaurant in...

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This Unique 8,800-Acre Indiana Lake Lets You Cruise On A Boat Right Past Active Eagle Habitats

Patoka Lake in southern Indiana is not your average weekend getaway. Stretching across 8,800 acres of sparkling water, this massive reservoir is home to bald eagles, osprey, herons,...

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The Wild Story Behind The Haunted Shipwreck Resting At The Bottom Of This Indiana State Park

Beneath the sparkling surface of Lake Michigan, just off the shoreline near Indiana Dunes State Park, rests a 154-foot wooden steamship that has been sitting on the lake floor...

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This 12,000-Sq-Ft Thrift Store In Indiana Will Completely Make You Rethink What $25 Buys

Most people walk past a thrift store without a second thought, assuming the finds inside are nothing special. But a sprawling resale shop in Evansville, Indiana is changing that...

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This 76-Year-Old Indiana Drive-In Movie Theater Is Expanding To Save A Dying American Tradition

Some places carry history in every frame they project onto the screen. A classic drive-in theater in Shelbyville, Indiana has been delighting moviegoers since 1950, making it one...

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