esme whitman author at My Family Travels
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Alabama’s Historic Ironworks Stands As An Industrial Site To Visit

You are about to step into a living chapter of American industry where fire, iron, and grit shaped a city and helped fuel the South.

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Paulina Lake Offers Stunning Views And Outdoor Fun In Oregon’s Volcanic Landscape

You are standing on a pumice shore where cobalt water mirrors a sky so clear it almost hums, and every ripple hints at ancient fire beneath your feet.

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How Returning To The Same Breakfast Spots In Oregon Says More About Your Routines Than You Think

Oregon mornings have a way of pulling people back to their favorite breakfast spots.It’s not just the pancakes or the perfectly brewed coffee; it’s the ritual.Returning...

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Nevada’s Desert Wonder Might Be The Attraction Worth Visiting More Than Once

You roll south of Las Vegas and suddenly the Mojave horizon pops with towering neon boulders that look like a dream you forgot to finish.

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The California Desert Lake That’s Haunting Yet Beautiful

You arrive at the Salton Sea expecting a quiet desert lake, then the wind shifts and everything feels cinematic and strangely beautiful.

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Hidden Coastal Gems In Oregon Worth Visiting In 2026

You are about to discover ten quiet stretches of the Oregon coast that feel custom built for a full reset. These hidden places...

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10 Illinois Bakeries That Turn Into Gingerbread Wonderlands

You love the moment when the first twinkle lights go up and the air smells like sugar and spice, and Illinois turns that feeling into a full season of wonder.

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10 Seasonal Corners Across Wisconsin Offering Christmas Charm

Wisconsin knows how to sparkle when the holidays roll around. From small towns draped in twinkling lights to bustling markets...

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Best Lobster Shacks In Rural Maine With Scenic Coastal Settings

Coastal Maine delivers a special kind of calm that pairs perfectly with a buttery lobster roll and the smell of salt on the breeze.

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Turner Falls Park Welcomes Visitors To Oklahoma’s Tallest Waterfall

Turner Falls Park in Davis, Oklahoma, makes day tripping feel like a full vacation with its soaring waterfall, emerald pools, and honeycombed cliffs.

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How To Navigate NY’s Busiest Tourist Spots Without Losing Your Cool

New York moves fast, and you can glide with it when you know a few insider rhythms. I have spent years weaving through the...

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Oklahoma Travel Recap 2025: Where To Go And What’s New

Oklahoma is having a moment in 2025, and you can feel the energy on every block in Oklahoma City. New attractions are opening,...

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Oklahoma’s Historic Boutique Hotels That Still Impress Every Guest

Historic hotels in Oklahoma turn every check in into a story you can feel from the lobby tiles to the skyline views. You get...

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10 California Hotspots With Air Quality Risks You Need To Know

Oh, California! The land of sun-kissed beaches, towering redwoods, and Hollywood dreams. A place where the open road calls,...

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A Cozy Hillside Resort In Utah Perfect For Hot Chocolate And Peaceful Winter Hikes

You want winter peace that still feels alive, and Snowbird knows exactly how to deliver it with quiet trails and steaming mugs that warm cold hands.

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Oklahoma Grocery Stores Known For The Best Meat Departments

Oklahoma’s grocery scene hides a delicious secret in its meat departments. Shoppers know these counters deliver more than...

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The Michigan Mountain Retreat Locals Guard While Travelers Seek Instagram-Worthy Views

You are about to step into a Michigan mountain playground where locals carve their secret lines while visitors chase the perfect panoramic shot from a swaying sky bridge.

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What Visitors To New York Realize Too Late About The City That Never Sleeps

You think New York City moves fast until you try to cross a Midtown avenue at rush hour and realize the rhythm is its own language.

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10 Arizona Dune Parks Worth Exploring This Season

Arizona has a surprising lineup of dunes and sandy playgrounds that deliver big adventure with short travel times. You can...

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Why Small-Town Vermont Villagers Are Irritated By Overcrowded Christmas Fairs

Small-town Vermont sparkles with holiday cheer, but not everyone is feeling festive. Villagers love their cozy Christmas fairs,...

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Florida Grocery Meat Rankings Reveal the Freshest Cuts For Shoppers

You are about to see how Florida grocery counters stack up when it comes to freshness, value, and service that actually helps you cook better.

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Best Winter Villages In New York That Feel Untouched By Time

Winter in New York has a way of turning small villages into storybook scenes that feel wonderfully preserved. You can wander...

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9 Old-Fashioned Holiday Villages In Vermont Perfect For A Winter Getaway

Snow turns Vermont into a postcard scene, and these old-fashioned villages make the season feel timeless. You will find lit...

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New York Villages That Sparkle With Holiday Cheer

New York’s villages transform into dazzling wonderlands when the holiday season arrives. Twinkling lights drape historic...

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10 Illinois Small Towns That Feel Like A Hallmark Holiday Movie

Illinois is filled with charming small towns that look like they were plucked straight from a Hallmark holiday movie. These...

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Michigan’s Amish Meals Beyond The Tourist Gaze

Michigan’s Amish and conservative Mennonite communities form a quiet constellation across the state, and following the aromas of fresh bread, woodsmoke, and slow-simmered soups...

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11 Eerie And Enchanting Small-Towns In Arizona That Aren’t Sedona

Arizona hides dozens of small towns where moonlit streets glow and canyon winds whisper your name. Each one carries a mix...

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Arizona’s Old Mining Town That Became A Colorful Bohemian Escape

Bisbee, Arizona, began as a rugged mining camp carved into the Mule Mountains. Copper once fueled its boom, drawing workers...

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The Minnesota Winter Cabins Serving Amish Classics Locals Love

Minnesota winters bring more than just snow and ice. They bring a craving for hearty, homestyle meals that warm you from the inside out.

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The Secret North Dakota Prairie Village Locals Treat Like Sacred Ground

Tucked away in the heart of Rugby, North Dakota, sits a place where time stands still and history breathes through weathered wooden walls.

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Two-Day Winter Escape In Utah Through Frost-Dusted Desert Lookouts

Utah's desert transforms into a magical wonderland when winter arrives, painting red rock formations with delicate frost and creating views you won't find anywhere else.

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The Hidden Montana Valley Town Locals Want To Keep Frozen In Time

Tucked in a quiet Montana valley, Garnet sits like a time capsule you can actually walk through. Weathered storefronts and...

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10 Utah Red Rock Road Trips Worth Every Mile

Ah, Utah! Land of endless horizons, where red rocks stand like ancient sentinels, whispering secrets of eons past. Whether...

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10 Utah Destinations Perfect For A Digital Detox

Prepare to unplug and find yourself in the heart of Utah's most serene and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you're seeking solitude among towering rock formations or tranquility...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Bakeries In California That Go All Out For The Holidays

California is home to some of the most magical bakeries that transform into winter wonderlands when the holiday season arrives. From...

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The Haunted Sands Resort In New Mexico Where The Ground Shifts Beneath You

Santa Fe holds a special kind of magic, where ancient history meets modern comfort in surprising ways. La Posada de Santa Fe, a historic resort nestled in the heart of New Mexico's...

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The Most Boring City In Ohio Is Quietly Becoming The Next Creative Hub

Dayton, Ohio has long been the punchline of jokes about boring Midwestern cities, but something exciting is happening in this overlooked corner of the state. Once known primarily...

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12 Hole-In-The-Wall Sweet Spots In New Mexico That Feel Magical

New Mexico has always been a place where tradition meets creativity, and nowhere is that more delicious than in its hidden sweet shops. Tucked away in neighborhoods, plazas, and...

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Oklahoma’s Toxic Legacy: The Mining Catastrophe That Created A Ghost Town

Picher, Oklahoma, once buzzed with life as a booming mining town, but today it stands silent and abandoned, a haunting reminder of environmental disaster. For decades, miners dug...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Taverns In Massachusetts Worth Every Bite

Massachusetts may be famous for clam chowder and lobster rolls, but the state has a growing number of hidden BBQ spots that rival anything you'd find down South.

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Dessert Pubs In Wisconsin Worth The Calories

Wisconsin has a sweet secret hiding in plain sight. Tucked between rolling farmland and bustling city streets, there are charming little spots where dessert takes center stage...

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Ohio’s Amish Heartland: Secret Spots Tourists Rarely Discover

Ohio's Amish Country holds more than meets the eye. Beyond the popular tourist stops and bustling markets lies a quieter, more authentic side that few visitors ever experience....

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The “Sleepiest” City In Illinois That Built A World-Class Art Museum

Rockford, Illinois might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of world-class art, but this unassuming city has quietly built something extraordinary. Often...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Candy Stores In North Carolina That Feel Nostalgic

North Carolina holds a special place in the hearts of candy lovers who crave the charm of simpler times. Across the state, small candy shops tucked away in historic buildings and...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Taverns In Virginia That Locals Keep Quiet

Virginia’s breakfast scene is brimming with hidden gems that only the locals cherish. These quaint spots often lie tucked away, offering warmth and comfort in every bite. From...

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12 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Pits In Louisiana That Serve The Real Deal

Louisiana is a haven for BBQ lovers. Tucked away in corners of this vibrant state are spots that serve smoky goodness you'll never forget.

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The Deserted Cliff Hotel In California Where Curtains Move Without Wind

Tucked away in the heart of California, the Byron Hot Springs Hotel stands as a relic of a bygone era. Known locally as the Deserted Cliff Hotel, this mysterious venue is an enigma...

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The Hidden Montana BBQ Lodge That Serves Until The Fire Dies

Nestled in the picturesque town of Gardiner, Montana, Cowboy's Lodge and Grille is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known for serving mouth-watering BBQ until the fire dies,...

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Hidden Christmas Cafés You Need To Visit In Vermont This Winter

Vermont transforms into a winter wonderland when the holidays arrive, with snow-dusted mountains and twinkling lights decorating every corner. Tucked away in charming villages...

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Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Shacks In Maine Only Locals Know About

Maine's rugged coastline hides some of the best seafood spots you'll ever taste, tucked away from the tourist crowds. These hole-in-the-wall shacks serve up lobster rolls, clam...

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