esme whitman author at My Family Travels
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This Unassuming New Jersey Eatery Serves Breakfast You’ll Never Forget

I’ve been on a long hunt for the kind of diner breakfast that feels like pure New Jersey, and the trail finally led me to All Seasons Diner II in Freehold.

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This Peaceful Side Of New Jersey Remains A Favorite Quiet Place For Locals

Ever wonder if the Jersey Shore has a chill side where you don’t have to dodge fist-pumpers or overpriced boardwalk pizza? I did, and that’s how I stumbled into Avon-By-The-Sea.

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10 Fascinating Geological Wonders In New Jersey You Can’t Miss In 2026

When most people think of New Jersey, they picture traffic on the Turnpike or funnel cakes on the boardwalk. But here’s...

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Inside New Jersey’s Beloved Seafood Joint, Where Tradition Still Tastes Fresh

I've been chasing down the best seafood spots across New Jersey for years, and let me tell you, Biggie's at 430 NJ-17 in Carlstadt is one of those places that just gets it right....

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9 New Jersey Restaurants Serving The Best Hoagie You’ll Ever Try

I've spent years chasing the perfect hoagie across New Jersey, and I can tell you that this state takes its sandwich game seriously.

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This Rustic New Jersey Steakhouse Is Known For Seriously Big Grilled Steaks

Ever seen a ribeye so big you start calculating how many friends you’ll need to finish it? That’s Rails Steakhouse in Towaco, New Jersey.

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The Luxurious New Jersey Resort Where Locals Escape For Everyday Bliss

I’ll admit, when someone says “luxury resort,” New Jersey isn’t the first place that pops into my head. But then I found myself tucked away in the rolling hills of Vernon...

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The Unassuming New Jersey Spot Serving Pepperoni Pizza Locals Call The Best In The State

Have you ever stumbled on a place so legendary you wonder how you almost missed it? Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza at 639 S...

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8 Perfect One-Day Train Trips To New Jersey That Make Escaping Easy

New Jersey might get teased as just a pass-through state, but those who hop on a train and actually explore it discover a treasure trove of charming towns, vibrant waterfronts,...

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People Travel Across New Jersey Just For These 11 Homemade Pie Spots

Have you ever driven an extra hour just for a slice of pie? I have, and in New Jersey, it’s always worth it. Here, homemade...

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This Cozy Café In New Jersey Serves Coffee With A Side Of Cats

Imagine sipping a warm cup of coffee while a fluffy feline curls up beside you, purring away all your worries. Welcome to Calico...

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This Restored New Jersey Landmark From The 1920s Is Pure Architectural Magic

Have you ever wished you could step straight into another era without leaving New Jersey? I know I have - and walking into Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Jersey City felt exactly like...

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9 Fish Markets In New Jersey Serving The Freshest Catch Around

New Jersey boasts some of the most incredible coastline along the Eastern Seaboard, which means access to some of the freshest seafood you'll find anywhere.

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Why These Amish Vendors In New Jersey Still Win Locals Over With Tradition

Route 70 in Medford, New Jersey hides a little treasure that locals have been raving about for years. Tucked into a modest building...

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The Mom-And-Pop New Jersey Diner Serving Homemade Pies That Locals Call Unmatched

Along the scenic stretch of US Route 206 in Hammonton, New Jersey, sits a charming red barn that has been drawing pie lovers and breakfast enthusiasts for years.

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11 Scenic New Jersey Lakes To Add To Your Bucket List Before They Get Overrun

New Jersey is home to some of the most stunning and underappreciated lakes in the entire Northeast, offering crystal-clear waters, peaceful trails, and breathtaking views that...

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The Creepiest Haunted Restaurants In New Jersey Where Solo Dining Isn’t Recommended

New Jersey might be famous for its boardwalks and diners, but lurking beneath the charm are restaurants with a darker side. Across...

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The Enormous Dollar Store In New Jersey That Shoppers Say Is Unbeatable

Jersey City has a treasure that budget-conscious shoppers have been raving about for years, and it's tucked right along Newark Avenue.

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This Eerie Train Graveyard In New Jersey Feels Unsettling Even To Locals

Hidden in Boonton, New Jersey, there’s a place where vintage locomotives and passenger cars sit frozen in time, waiting for their next chapter.

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The Tiny New Jersey Diner Serving Homemade Breakfast Locals Can’t Stop Raving About

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Main Street in Barnegat, New Jersey, sits a breakfast spot that has locals lining up before the doors even open.

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The Haunted New Jersey Museum Where Paranormal Secrets Refuse To Stay Buried

On Cookman Avenue in the vibrant coastal town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, sits a mysterious destination where the living meet the unexplained and the supernatural refuses to rest...

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The Old-School Restaurants In New Jersey That Locals Guard Like Family Recipes

New Jersey holds a treasure trove of dining spots that have survived the test of time, serving up the same beloved dishes for generations.

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New Jersey Beach Towns That Seem Ordinary But Hide Unexpected Charm

New Jersey's coastline stretches over 130 miles, offering dozens of beach towns that draw millions of visitors every summer. While...

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Oversized New Jersey Thrift Shop Packed With Unbelievable Finds

Walking into 2nd Ave Thrift Superstore at 2661 Morris Ave in Union feels less like entering a secondhand shop and more like stepping into a treasure hunter's playground.

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The Relaxing New Jersey City That Turns Weekend Drives Into Mini Vacations

Sitting along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Lambertville is a charming little city that feels like stepping into a storybook. With a population hovering around...

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The Unique New Jersey Experience Locals Guard With Pride

Tucked away in West Berlin, New Jersey, sits a theme park so wonderfully weird that locals whisper about it like a treasured secret.

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Why Locals Flock To Pine Barrens Towns In New Jersey To Explore Folklore And Legends

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a sprawling million-acre wilderness that stretches across the southern part of the state, and it holds more than just scenic trails and quiet forests.

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Visiting The Final Piece Of Movie Rental History In Oregon

Stepping into the last Blockbuster in Oregon feels like rewinding to a simpler time. Rows of DVDs and VHS tapes line the shelves,...

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9 Texas Fast Food Restaurants To Explore On A Road Trip

Texas is big, bold, and full of flavor - and its fast-food scene is no exception. Beyond the familiar chains, you’ll find...

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Seasonal Scenery And Trails In Colorado To Consider For Your Bucket List

Looking for a trail that feels like stepping into another planet? Paint Mines Interpretive Park delivers with its candy-colored...

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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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