esme whitman author at My Family Travels
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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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The Colorado Boutique Town That’s A Dream For Holiday Shoppers

Tucked into the Rocky Mountains at over 8,500 feet, Georgetown is a charming Victorian town that feels like stepping into a snow globe. Its historic main street is lined with colorful...

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The Strange Laws In Hawaii That Can Ruin Your Beach Day

Hawaii is paradise on Earth, with its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and warm island breezes that make you forget about everything back home. But before you pack your sunscreen...

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The Haunted Nebraska Park That Never Closed Its Gates

Tucked away in the hills of North Omaha, Hummel Park has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Nebraska. For decades, visitors have shared spine-tingling stories...

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The Strange Law In Virginia That Still Shock First-Time Visitors

Virginia holds onto a legal rule so unusual that visitors and newcomers often cannot believe it still exists. Called contributory negligence, this law says that if you are even...

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Florida Nights: Bioluminescent Bays And Midnight Kayaks

Imagine paddling through dark waters as every stroke of your paddle creates a burst of glowing blue light. Florida's bioluminescent bays offer one of nature's most magical shows,...

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The Weird Laws In North Dakota That Locals Pretend Don’t Exist

North Dakota might be known for its wide prairies and friendly folks, but buried in its legal books are some truly bizarre laws that'll make you scratch your head. Many of these...

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11 Castles In Texas You Won’t Believe Exist

When you think of Texas, castles probably don't come to mind. Most people picture wide open plains, cowboy boots, and barbecue joints. But hidden across the Lone Star State are...

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This Louisiana Seafood Buffet Is So Good, Locals Try To Keep It Off GPS

Tucked away in Louisiana, Hollis Seafood Buffet is one of those rare finds that locals whisper about with pride and a little bit of secrecy. This hidden gem serves up some of the...

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The Most Instagrammable Stranger Things Spots You Can Visit In Georgia

Georgia has become a hotspot for fans of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, with many iconic filming locations scattered throughout the state. From the eerie Hawkins Lab to...

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The Forgotten New Mexico Carnival Buried Beneath The Desert Sand

Picture a place where laughter once echoed across the desert, where families gathered for thrills and cotton candy, and where a small carnival town brought joy to travelers along...

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Maryland Buffet Restaurants Every Traveler Should Try

Maryland offers more than just crab cakes and harbor views. The state is home to some incredible buffet restaurants where variety meets value, giving travelers a chance to sample...

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The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet In West Virginia That Feels Like Family

If your road trip takes you along I-79 in central West Virginia, make a tasty detour into Sutton for an all-you-can-eat experience that feels welcoming from the first hello.

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The Abandoned Nevada Casino Hotel Where Clocks Stopped At Midnight

Somewhere between Las Vegas and the California border sits a ghost of the past that refuses to fade quietly. Terrible's Hotel...

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The All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry In Mississippi That Locals Call A Weekly Religion

Every Friday night in Florence, Mississippi, something magical happens at Berry's Seafood & Catfish House. Locals gather for an all-you-can-eat fish fry that has become more...

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Florida’s Jamaican Community Rallies For Storm-Struck Homeland

When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, it brought with it 185 mph winds and widespread devastation. As the strongest storm to hit the island in over...

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10 Small Minnesota Towns With Halloween Lights Worth The Trip

Ah, Minnesota! Land of lakes, loons, and legendary Halloween light displays. As you prepare for a hauntingly delightful road trip, let me be your ghostly guide. These ten small...

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This Texas Spot Serves Smoked Turkey Sandwiches So Good They Deserve A Pilgrimage

Deep in the heart of Dallas, where street art splashes across brick walls and music fills the air, sits a barbecue joint that has become a legend. Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum is...

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The Small Town In Vermont That Feels Straight Out Of A Hallmark Christmas Movie

Have you ever wondered if those charming little towns in Hallmark Christmas movies actually exist? Good news: they do, and Woodstock, Vermont is proof. Nestled in the heart of...

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Why Locals In Wisconsin Say This Tunnel Is A Passage Between Worlds

Wisconsin hides some incredible secrets among its rolling hills and charming small towns, and Stewart Tunnel near New Glarus ranks as one of the most mysterious. This 1,200-foot-long...

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The Maple Cream Pie At This Vermont Bakery Alone Is Worth The Flight

Picture yourself on a crisp Vermont morning, stepping into a warm diner booth where the scent of maple syrup hangs in the air like a sweet promise. For over a century, Wayside...

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The Mississippi All-You-Can-Eat Fish Buffet That’s Worth Every Mile

Picture yourself rolling down the highway on a Friday evening, windows down, the promise of crispy catfish and endless hush puppies waiting at the end of the road. Mack's On the...

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The Real Reasons Locals In New Mexico Want Tourists To Stop “Discovering” Their Towns

New Mexico has always been a land of enchantment, with its sweeping deserts, ancient pueblos, and small mountain towns tucked away from the hustle of modern life. But lately, these...

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The Michigan Beach Town Locals Say Tourists Have Ruined

Traverse City has long been one of Michigan's most beloved summer destinations. With its sparkling beaches, cherry orchards, and small-town charm, this lakeside gem draws thousands...

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The Peach State Towns Locals Say Tourists Made Miserable

Georgia's natural beauty and Southern hospitality draw millions of visitors every year, from mountain retreats to coastal escapes. However, in some towns across the Peach State,...

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