esme whitman author at My Family Travels
Article
Only The Bravest Visitors Explored This New Jersey Asylum Before It Was Demolished In 2015

Let's be honest: exploring an abandoned asylum takes a certain kind of bravery, the slightly questionable kind. This New Jersey...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Underrated Town In West Virginia That’s Ideal For A Relaxing Weekend Escape

Some West Virginia towns rush you. This one does the opposite. Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains with a national forest...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Tiny Restaurant In West Virginia Will Serve You Burgers You’ll Dream About For Days

West Virginia has a way of hiding its best treasures. This tiny spot on the side of the road is one of them. Do not let the...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Parking Lot Is Where Locals Go To Cool Off In A Natural Swimming Hole

New Jersey's best kept secret isn't a speakeasy. It's a parking lot. Seriously. Locals park their cars here, lace up their...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Wildlife Area Is A Quiet Escape With Sand Roads And Four Ponds

The roads are made of sand in this New Jersey hideaway, so every drive crunches like breakfast cereal while four sparkling ponds host frog concerts you did not buy tickets for....

Read More    6 min read

Article
11 Huge Flea Markets And Antique Malls In West Virginia That Every Treasure Hunter Should Explore

Let us be honest. Your living room needs that weird lamp you have not found yet. West Virginia knows this.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This New Jersey General Store Hosts A Pay-What-You-Can Art Supply Outpost In Its Lower Level

There is a general store in New Jersey where the upstairs smells like fresh bread and local honey, but the real magic lives downstairs.

Read More    6 min read

Article
13 Family-Friendly Hikes In New Jersey Where The Trails Are Short And The Payoffs Are Big

Short hikes, big rewards. That is the promise of these New Jersey trails. Think boardwalks over marshland, fairy houses hidden...

Read More    9 min read

Article
The 3.5 Mile New Jersey Greenway Where You Can Walk, Bike, Or Jog Under A Canopy Of Trees Without Traffic Noise

Shh. Do you hear that? It is the sound of no traffic. This 3.5 mile paved path in New Jersey used to haul coal trains, but...

Read More    6 min read

Article
New Jersey’s Most Underrated Lake Is The Ideal Getaway To Explore This May

Most people drive right past the unassuming entrance on a quiet county road. They have no idea they are missing a spring fed...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Texas Wiener Joint Turned New Jersey’s Clifton Into A Flavorful Stop On The Map

The chili here is not the sweet Texas stuff you find in a can. It is a savory, seasoned gravy that regulars have been craving for decades.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Classic Jersey Shore Boardwalk Grill Has Been Serving Legendary Cheesesteaks And Sausage Sandwiches For Decades

What do you get when you mix a yellow and green boardwalk beacon, decades of salty air, and a flat top that never cools down? The...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Airport Restaurant Serves Homemade Comfort Food With A Side Of Runway Views And WWII History

That green building at the back of a South Jersey airport used to guard planes during World War II. Now it guards your lunch.

Read More    6 min read

Article
A Spring Walk Through This New Jersey Park Means Fresh Greens, Still Ponds, And A Few Small Waterfalls

Leaf it to New Jersey to hide one of its prettiest spring walks in a state park named after a Native American word for "place within the hills."

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Speedboat Tour Gets You So Close To Dolphins You Can Almost Touch Them

Hold on tight, because this New Jersey speedboat does not just find dolphins. It makes them surf. The specially designed catamaran...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Jersey Park Transforms Into A Pink Paradise Every Spring

You do not need a passport to see cherry blossoms this good. This small New Jersey park erupts into a cloud of pink every...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Old-School New Jersey Candy Shop Has Been Handcrafting Fudge In Phillipsburg For Decades

It started at a kitchen table in 1961 with little more than faith and hustle. Today, that same family-run New Jersey candy...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Wild And Rugged Coastal Forest Is Actually New Jersey’s Last Truly Untamed Beach

New Jersey has a "wild" beach? I didn't believe it either, until I showed up and realized the only thing louder than the waves...

Read More    6 min read

Article
One Of The Last Remaining 1950s Silk City Diners Is Hiding In Small-Town New Jersey

Some New Jersey diners claim to be old school, but this one is the real deal. It is a genuine 1950s Silk City diner, one of...

Read More    6 min read

Article
You Haven’t Tasted Real Pizza Until You’ve Traveled This New Jersey Route

Grab a napkin. You are going to need it. Across New Jersey, hidden in strip malls and tucked into corner taverns, these pizza...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This 130-Mile Drive Through New Jersey Is A Scenic Journey From Ancient Forests To Historic Coastal Villages

Alright, buckle up because New Jersey is about to flex its weirdest, wildest, most beautiful self for 130 straight miles. You'll...

Read More    7 min read

Article
New Jersey’s Most Heartwarming Resale Shop Is The Best Place To Score Unique Finds

I know most people picture resale shops as dusty racks and forgotten sweaters, but this one rewrites the story. Its mission...

Read More    7 min read

Article
New Jersey’s Most Authentic Puerto Rican Food Truck Is Hidden In A Spot Only Locals Know

You know that feeling when someone whispers about a food spot like it's classified government information? That's exactly...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Why This New Jersey Hamlet Is Still The Shore’s Best Secret In 2026 (Despite The Beach Emergency)

New Jersey has plenty of beach towns, but one little hamlet still feels like the Shore’s best-kept secret. Even with the...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Massive New Jersey Salvage Yard Where You’ll Find 12,000 Square Feet Of Incredible Architectural Antiques

Somewhere between a museum, a time machine, and the world's most satisfying scavenger hunt, there exists a New Jersey place that makes your jaw drop the second you step through...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Why This New Jersey Diner Is The King Of The Route 22 Breakfast

Route 22’s breakfast royalty doesn’t just serve food; it serves personality. The diner piles pancakes so high you’ll...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This All-Vegetarian New Jersey Indian Buffet Is A Total Spice Jackpot Even For Meat-Eaters

New Jersey has plenty of Indian restaurants, but this buffet is a whole different level of indulgence. As you could guess,...

Read More    7 min read

Article
New Jersey’s Most Significant Battlefield Is Also Its Most Peaceful Place For A Walk

What if the most decisive ground in New Jersey history is now its calmest retreat? The fields where soldiers once clashed...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Cozy New Jersey Eatery Inside An Old Train Station Serves Comfort Food Done Right

There is something almost magical about walking into a restaurant and realizing the building used to be a train station. The...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Historic New Jersey Library Is A 1901 Brownstone Sanctuary Hiding A Century Of Secret Stories

If you think libraries are just quiet rooms for dusty encyclopedias, you clearly haven’t stepped inside this 1901 brownstone "Humble Legend" that feels more like a set from a...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Stunning Boardwalk Hike Is New Jersey’s Best Kept Secret For Explorers

You walk in with a plan. Just a stroll, nothing more. Then the boardwalk stretches ahead, twisting into marshland like a secret...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Small Town In New Jersey Is A Secret Sanctuary For Those Who Want To Embrace A Simpler Lifestyle

Sometimes the best escapes aren’t far-flung; they’re hidden right in New Jersey. Imagine a town where life slows down enough for you to actually hear yourself think.

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Family-Owned New Jersey Landmark Crafting Homemade Ice Cream And Chocolates Since 1981

New Jersey has plenty of landmarks, but few smell this good. This place has been whipping up homemade ice cream and chocolates...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Low-Key New Jersey Restaurant Turning Pierogies Into A Statewide Obsession

Pierogies might sound like a humble comfort food, but this low-key Jersey spot has turned them into the state’s latest obsession.

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Humble Restaurants In New Jersey Where Locals Claim Steaks Are Second To None

At these humble New Jersey restaurants, steak isn’t just a meal; it’s a local legend. With sizzling cuts grilled to perfection,...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This New Jersey Park Is A 1,700-Acre Ghost City Where Nature Is Reclaiming WWI Ruins

Wander through a 1,700-acre stretch in New Jersey where nature is busy rewriting history, one root at a time. Crumbling ruins...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Inside The Rustic New Jersey Hall Where The Music Comes Alive Every Saturday Night

Did you know there is a rustic New Jersey barn where the music is so lively, even the hay bales start tapping their toes? The...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Small-Town New Jersey Eatery Has Everyone Talking About Its Classic Pizza

So here’s the deal: in one small New Jersey town, there’s a pizza spot everyone seems to be buzzing about. You know how...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Dog-Friendly Café In New Jersey Specializes In $2 Puppuccinos For Your Pup

New Jersey has a coffee spot that treats dogs like royalty. Instead of just water bowls, they whip up $2 puppuccinos that make tails wag.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Jersey Shore Town Features A 1.5-Mile Promenade Built For Sunrise Coffee Runs

I’ve always felt that a New Jersey sunrise hits differently when you’re watching it from a 1.5-mile stretch of asphalt that feels like a private runway for early birds.

Read More    6 min read

Article
9 Historic Ruins In New Jersey That Deserve A Spot On Your Bucket List

I never thought I'd get this excited about crumbling walls and overgrown foundations, but here we are. There's something wildly...

Read More    9 min read

Article
The New Jersey Pizzeria Where Locals Have Been Obsessed With The Same Secret Sauce For Over Four Decades

There are moments in life when you stumble onto something so unexpectedly good that you feel personally offended it took you this long to find it.

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Hole-In-The-Wall Diners In New Jersey Where You Can Eat Well On $12

Nobody warned me that a tiny burger shack with no sign, no website, and three parking spots could completely ruin every other meal I'd ever eat.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This New Jersey Staple Lets You Experience 50 Years Of Pizza Mastery And Prime Steak Specialties Under One Roof

There are moments in life when you walk into a restaurant and immediately feel like you have been missing out on something truly special for years.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Elevated New Jersey Park Features A Secret View Of The Manhattan Skyline Without The Tourist Crowds

The Garden State has plenty of skyline views, but this one feels like a secret handshake with the city. Instead of dodging...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Iconic Seaside Fortress In New Jersey Is A Must For History Lovers

Did you know New Jersey has a seaside fortress that feels like stepping into a time machine, with cannons and old barracks whispering stories of the past?

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Vibrant New Jersey Grill Is Famous For Its One-Of-A-Kind Signature Sweet Potato Corn Muffins

What’s the difference between a regular muffin and the ones at Sea Bar 2 Grill & Spirits? One is a snack, but the other is basically a New Jersey legend in a wrapper!

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Underrated New Jersey Trail Hides A Roaring Water Phenomenon In A Lush Forest Ravine

New Jersey has plenty of trails, but this one feels like nature decided to throw in a surprise party. You’re walking along,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The French Toast In New Jersey That Could Ruin Your Diet (In The Best Way)

Some mornings, you wake up with absolutely zero intention of eating something life-changing, and then the universe has other plans.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Hidden New Jersey Town Mixes Rustic Streets With Stories, Shops, And Scenic Paths

New Jersey has towns that feel like they were plucked straight out of a storybook, and this one is no exception. The streets...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The New Jersey Mansion Where Ghost Stories Still Whisper

So, tell me, do you believe in ghosts, or do you just love a good story? In New Jersey, there’s a mansion where whispers of the past still float through the halls.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Jersey Wilderness Will Surround You With Over 200 Species Of Birds

Did you know New Jersey is home to a wild corner where birds practically outnumber people? Over 200 species flutter through, making it feel like you’ve stumbled into a feathery...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Top 10 New Jersey Restaurants That Prove The Best Food Is South Of Trenton

Everyone always talks about North Jersey like it invented food, and honestly, I used to believe them. T hen I drove south past...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Welcoming New Jersey Diner Serves Polish Comfort Food That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

New Jersey diners are already legendary, but this one takes things up a notch with Polish comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The New Jersey Diner Where Comfort Food And Community Come Together Every Day

Ever notice how diners in New Jersey feel like second homes? You slide into a booth and suddenly you’re part of the daily rhythm.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Tranquil New Jersey Point Where Freshwater Ponds And Coastal Dunes Rule The Landscape

New Jersey has a stretch of coast that feels alive with energy. The dunes roll like soft waves of sand, inviting you to climb, wander, and take in the view.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Homemade Pies At This Spot In New Jersey Are So Irresistible, They Deserve A Journey Of Their Own

New Jersey has a little orchard spot that turns pie into the main attraction, and honestly, that’s all the reason you need to go.

Read More    7 min read

Article
New Jersey’s Dreamy Bubble Wonderland That Lets You Float Into Fun

Ever wished you could tumble into a sea of shimmering bubbles and never look back? New Jersey’s newest immersive playground...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The New Jersey Spot Famous For Steaks, Seafood, And Comfort Done Right

New Jersey isn’t shy about good food, but this rustic spot has been serving comfort with a side of class for decades. Steaks...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This New Jersey Restaurant Serves Dim Sum And Shrimp Shumai Worth The Trip

Why did the dumpling join a comedy club? Because it wanted to be “filled” with laughter, of course! In a friendly nook...

Read More    6 min read