elodie fraser author at My Family Travels
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The Colorado Mountain Road That Locals Avoid When Fog Rolls In

When the fog rolls in across the San Juan Mountains, even the most seasoned locals know - it’s time to pull over. The Million Dollar Highway might be one of the most scenic drives...

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10 Most Boring Places In Georgia That Hide The State’s Strangest Traditions

Georgia’s backroads look sleepy until you actually stop the car. In towns where the loudest sound is a screen door sighing, you’ll find possums descending in glitter, cars...

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This Colorado Mountain Road Has A History Too Dark To Forget

If you're a road-tripper craving breathtaking scenery with a side of spine-tingling history, Colorado's Million Dollar Highway is a must-drive. Winding through the San Juan Mountains,...

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The All-You-Can-Eat Fish Buffet In Wisconsin That’s Worth The Road Trip

Wisconsin is famous for its Friday fish fry tradition, and few places capture this culinary ritual better than Fox & Hounds Restaurant & Tavern in Hubertus. Nestled in...

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The Hidden All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Buffet In Iowa Locals Say “Can’t Be Real”

If you're road-tripping through Iowa and think small-town dining can't surprise you, locals will tell you otherwise - Breitbach's Country Dining in Sherrill will. Hidden in a quiet...

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The Hidden All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet In Colorado That Locals Won’t Share

Every foodie in Colorado has their secret spot - the one they hesitate to share because it's just too good to stay hidden. In the mountain town of Black Hawk, about an hour from...

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12 Boring Cities In Virginia That Tourists Keep Misjudging

Planning a trip to Virginia? You've probably heard about Williamsburg, Richmond, or the beaches - but what about the towns everyone calls boring? Those quiet, overlooked cities...

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How Tourists Took Over This Peaceful Washington Town

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth was once a quiet logging town where everyone knew their neighbors and life moved at a slower pace. In the 1960s, everything changed...

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10 Things Only Locals In Arkansas Know About Their “Natural State”

Arkansas earned its nickname "The Natural State" for good reason, with stunning forests, rivers, and caves around every corner. But beyond the guidebooks and tourist brochures,...

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This Oregon Bay Café Serves Fish Chowder Tourists Say Is Worth Flying For

Nestled along Newport's historic bayfront, the Chowder Bowl has earned a reputation that stretches far beyond Oregon's coastline. Travelers from across the country plan entire...

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12 Illinois Destinations Locals Say Aren’t The Same Anymore

Illinois is packed with incredible places that draw visitors from around the world, but not everyone is thrilled about how things have changed. Many locals feel their favorite...

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The Burnt Ends At This Missouri BBQ Joint Alone Are Worth The Detour

Kansas City, Missouri, is famous for its barbecue culture, and one restaurant stands tall above the rest: Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. This legendary spot has been serving up smoky,...

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This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet In Montana Might Be The Coziest In America

If you're traveling through Montana and craving something that feels like home - without breaking the bank - there's one spot locals can't stop talking about. In the historic mining...

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10 Secret Flea Markets In Louisiana That Tourists Can’t Believe Are Real

Louisiana is famous for jazz, gumbo, and Mardi Gras, but there's another side to the state that most tourists never discover. Scattered across parishes from New Orleans to Dubach...

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The Hidden Dangers Of Tourists Sneaking Into Active Volcano Sites In Hawaii

Hawaii's active volcanoes are breathtaking natural wonders that draw millions of visitors each year. While the glowing lava and dramatic landscapes look incredible on social media,...

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Why Wyoming Locals Don’t Visit Yellowstone In Peak Season

If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, here's what you need to know - because while millions of tourists rush to see geysers and bison every summer, many Wyoming...

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10 Thrift Stores In Utah Locals Wish Tourists Wouldn’t Find

Utah might be famous for its stunning national parks and world-class skiing, but locals know there's another treasure hidden in plain sight: the thrift stores. From Salt Lake City...

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10 Utah Meat Counters So Good, Travelers Are Changing Their Plans

Utah is famous for its red rock canyons and world-class ski resorts, but there's another side to this state that's catching travelers by surprise. Tucked between mountain towns...

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Tourists Reveal What Surprised Them Most About Arkansas Hospitality

Arkansas might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but visitors are consistently blown away by the warmth they encounter in the Natural State. From...

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The Washington Sushi Buffet That Locals Have Been Trying To Hide

Ever wonder where locals go when they want unlimited sushi without the tourist crowds? Tucked away in Silverdale, Washington, there's a sushi spot that residents have been keeping...

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12 Georgia Destinations Locals Avoid Because Of Tourists

If you're planning a trip across Georgia, you might be drawn to its charming towns, scenic mountains, and bustling attractions. But there's a flip side: many locals actively avoid...

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8 Snowmobile Trails That Tourists Can’t Resist In Idaho

If you're traveling through Idaho this winter and craving that perfect mix of adventure, adrenaline, and alpine scenery, snowmobiling should be at the top of your list. The Gem...

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9 Missouri Steakhouses Serving Legendary Cuts Locals Swear By

Traveling through Missouri and craving a perfectly grilled steak? You're in luck because this state is home to some incredible steakhouses that locals have trusted for generations....

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Soft, Chewy, And Irresistible: Pretzels At This Pennsylvania Spot

Planning a trip to Pennsylvania's Amish Country? You absolutely need to stop by Immergut Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels in Intercourse, Pennsylvania. Every pretzel here is made fresh...

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10 Forgotten Cities In Texas That Tourists Never See

If you're planning a Texas road trip, there are cities most tourists never see. Far from the crowds of Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio, these towns have quietly preserved their...

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8 Buffet Dining Gems In Colorado That Locals Love

If you're traveling through Colorado and your idea of a perfect stop includes endless plates of great food, you're in for a treat. Locals across the state swear by these buffet...

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8 All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Arizona Locals Don’t Share

Arizona isn't just about desert landscapes and stunning sunsets - it's also home to some incredible all-you-can-eat buffets that locals love but rarely talk about. While tourists...

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This Roadside BBQ Spot In Georgia Belongs On Every Traveler’s Bucket List

If you're planning a trip to St. Simons Island, Georgia, there's one stop you absolutely can't miss. Southern Soul Barbeque is more than just a place to grab lunch - it's a full-blown...

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10 Secret All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants In Nevada Only Insiders Know

If you're planning a trip to Nevada and think you've already seen the best buffets on the Las Vegas Strip, think again. Beyond the neon lights and big-name resorts, locals know...

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The Pizza At This Ohio Pizzeria Is So Good, You’ll Be Craving It For Days

If you're planning a trip to Ohio, here's what you need to know about Il Rione, a pizzeria Cleveland locals rave about for its crave-worthy New York-style pizza. Since opening...

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6 Michigan’s Lost Attractions Now Overgrown

Michigan was once a wonderland of roadside attractions, amusement parks, and quirky family destinations that drew travelers from across the Midwest. Families piled into station...

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10 Illinois Gastropubs Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Find

Illinois has more to offer than deep-dish pizza and crowded downtown restaurants. Tucked away in neighborhoods, suburbs, and small towns across the state are gastropubs that locals...

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Florida Opens Universal Epic Universe With 5 New Worlds

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its newest and most ambitious theme park yet: Epic Universe. This massive expansion opened on May 22, 2025, bringing five incredible themed...

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Why Washington’s Coffee Shops Go All-Out For Pumpkin Spice Season

If you're traveling through Washington in the fall, you'll notice something special happening at nearly every coffee shop you pass. From bustling Seattle cafes to cozy small-town...

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7 Best And 3 Worst Things About Traveling In Louisiana

Louisiana is like nowhere else in America. With its mix of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures, this southern state serves up unforgettable experiences around every corner....

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10 Washington’s Best Sushi Restaurants Every Traveler Needs To Experience

Washington offers some of the most extraordinary sushi experiences in America, from D.C.'s Michelin-starred establishments to Seattle's historic seafood gems. The state's proximity...

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10 Must Visit Casual Dining Spots In Illinois

Illinois offers more than just stunning architecture and scenic landscapes – it's a paradise for food lovers seeking memorable casual dining experiences. From Chicago's iconic...

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9 Reasons Tennessee’s Music Scene Feels Overrun by Tourists

Tennessee's legendary music heritage has shaped American culture for generations, from the soulful blues of Memphis to Nashville's country songwriting legacy. This rich musical...

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10 Texas Spots With Gluten-Free Desserts That Will Amaze You

Texas is famous for its barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine, but there's a sweet side to the Lone Star State that's often overlooked. For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease,...

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How Tennessee’s Mountain Towns Got Overrun By Tourists

The sleepy mountain towns of Tennessee have transformed dramatically over the past few decades. Places like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, once quiet gateways to natural beauty,...

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10 Hidden Gluten-Free Dessert Spots In Oregon You Can’t Miss

Oregon's food scene has a sweet secret: amazing gluten-free dessert spots that even regular dessert lovers can't get enough of. From Portland's bustling streets to charming small...

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8 Reasons Tourists Complain About Washington State Weather

Washington State's stunning landscapes draw visitors from around the world, but its weather often leaves tourists feeling unprepared and disappointed. From the misty rainforests...

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10 Ohio Vegetarian Restaurants That Every Traveler Needs To Know

Ohio might surprise you with its vibrant plant-based dining scene. From Columbus to Cleveland and Cincinnati to Dayton, the Buckeye State serves up incredible vegetarian and vegan...

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Severe Storms With Large Hail And Powerful Winds Forecast For Florida

Florida residents should brace for dangerous weather conditions as severe storms approach the state. Meteorologists are tracking a powerful weather system expected to bring large...

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10 Hidden Breakfast Cafes In Alabama That Will Instantly Become Your Favorites

Alabama's breakfast scene holds some amazing secrets waiting to be discovered by hungry food lovers. Beyond the chain restaurants and tourist spots, local cafes are cooking up...

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Seattle Waterfront No Longer Feels Local Thanks To Crowds

Seattle's iconic waterfront has undergone a dramatic makeover in recent years. The replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a sprawling 20-acre park and the new Overlook Walk...

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8 Arizona Mexican Restaurants That Locals Keep To Themselves

Arizona's Mexican food scene goes way beyond tourist hotspots. Tucked in neighborhoods across Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson are authentic gems where locals gather for family recipes...

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8 Things To Do In Oswego That Make Early Autumn Special

Autumn transforms Oswego into a magical destination where Lake Ontario's shoreline meets fiery fall foliage. As summer heat fades and crisp air settles in, this charming lakeside...

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8 Texas Hill Country Spots Locals Claim Are Ruined

The Texas Hill Country, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural richness, has become a sought-after destination for tourists from all over the world. While the influx...

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Rare Vintage Photos Of Ohio’s Amusement Parks Before They Were Abandoned

Step back in time with these captivating vintage photographs of Ohio's once-thriving amusement parks. Before they became overgrown ruins and faded memories, these magical places...

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