freya benson author at My Family Travels
Article
The One Thing Kansas Locals Say Tourists Never Get Right About The State

Kansas has a reputation problem, and it all starts with one stubborn myth that just won't quit. Tourists rolling through on highways often leave convinced the state is nothing...

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Why Everyone’s Talking About Connecticut’s Old-School Butcher Markets

Connecticut might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about amazing food destinations, but its old-school butcher markets are changing that story fast. These...

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This Quiet Washington Coastal Town Is What Slow Travel Dreams Are Made Of

Tucked along the Swinomish Channel in northwest Washington, La Conner is a charming waterfront town that invites you to slow down and savor every moment. With its historic storefronts,...

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What Tourists In Illinois Say About Navigating Chicago For The First Time

Chicago welcomes millions of first-time visitors every year, and many arrive expecting to feel overwhelmed by its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and complex transit systems....

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Travelers Swear This Tiny Alaska Diner Has The Freshest Halibut In The State

Picture a small wooden building perched on the edge of a calm bay, surrounded by towering mountains and thick forests. The air smells like saltwater and pine, and the only sounds...

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The Spookiest Cities In The U.S. Including Haunted Salem, Massachusetts

America has a dark side filled with ghost stories, haunted houses, and mysterious legends that send shivers down your spine. From colonial towns where witches were once tried to...

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Why Tennessee Locals Avoid The Bars Tourists Love Most

Tennessee is famous for its lively music scene and bustling nightlife, drawing millions of visitors every year. But if you ask locals where they like to spend their evenings, you...

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Why Locals In Virginia Keep This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet A Secret

Tucked away in Petersburg, Virginia, there's a dining treasure that locals have been quietly enjoying for years. Nanny's Southern Style Restaurant serves up an all-you-can-eat...

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How North Carolina’s Small-Town Thrift Shops Became Collector Heaven

North Carolina's quiet small towns hide a secret that vintage lovers and collectors have been whispering about for years. Tucked away on main streets and side roads, charming thrift...

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Why Meat Lovers Are Flocking To North Carolina Grocery Stores This Year

North Carolina has quietly become a paradise for meat enthusiasts, and grocery stores across the state are buzzing with excitement. From viral TikTok deals to premium butcher counters,...

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10 All-You-Can-Eat-Dining Gems In Ohio That Tourists Rarely Find

Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of amazing all-you-can-eat restaurants, but this Midwestern state is hiding some incredible buffet treasures....

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12 Of The Most Boring Cities In Mississippi – Or Are They?

Mississippi gets a bad rap sometimes. People think of it as a sleepy state with nothing much happening, especially in its smaller cities. But that reputation overlooks the rich...

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This Beachside Florida Shack Serves Shrimp So Fresh, You’ll Swear It Jumped Off The Boat

If you ever dream of eating shrimp so fresh it practically waves hello, head straight to Jacksonville Beach. There’s a little shack called Beachside Seafood that’s turning...

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10 Reasons Montana’s Wilderness Has Been Damaged By Tourists

Montana's wild lands are some of the most breathtaking places in America, with towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately,...

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8 Most Boring Towns In Indiana That Hide Weird Traditions

Indiana’s quietest towns are the ones you speed past on your way to somewhere louder - big mistake. Beneath their sleepy sidewalks and polite porches, these places host traditions...

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5 Days In Texas That Could Change The Way You See The State Forever

Texas surprised me from the first mile, and by the end, I realized I barely knew it at all. I chased flavor, music, desert horizons, and Gulf breezes while meeting people who turned...

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How Six Flags AstroWorld Amusement Park Became A Texas Memory

Remember the first time you heard the roar of a coaster and smelled fresh funnel cake drifting on a Texas breeze? AstroWorld wasn’t just a park; it was a rite of passage, a soundtrack...

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Travelers In Florida Warned Of Flood Risk As Storm Systems Bring Heavy Rain

Florida’s sunshine can quickly shift to heavy rain, especially during October when lingering tropical moisture and late-season fronts overlap. Forecasts from the National Weather...

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10 Hidden Fast Food Gems In Oklahoma Worth Finding

Road-tripping across Oklahoma is pure joy when you know where to pull over for something quick, local, and downright tasty. I’ve spent more miles than I’ll admit chasing the...

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How Alaska’s Extreme Cold Shapes Every Traveler’s Experience

Alaska's legendary cold isn't just a weather condition – it's a force that transforms every visitor's journey. From the way you pack to how you experience the wilderness, the...

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9 Reasons Hawaii’s Paradise Is Being Destroyed By Tourists

Hawaii's breathtaking beaches and lush landscapes have long made it a dream destination for travelers worldwide. As a passionate explorer who's visited these magical islands multiple...

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This Peaceful California Town Is A Dream You Can Actually Visit

Nestled in the heart of California's Central Coast, Arroyo Grande offers a slice of small-town paradise that feels like stepping into a dream. This charming village combines historic...

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Indiana Travelers Navigate New Traffic Flow Shifts As I-469 And US 24 Patterns Launch

The I-469 and US 24 interchange in Allen County, Indiana, is in the middle of a major transformation. INDOT has begun a two-season project that will replace stoplight intersections...

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7 Pennsylvania Foods That Put The State On The Map And Where To Eat Them

Pennsylvania's culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography, from the bustling streets of Philadelphia to the rolling farmlands of Amish country. The Keystone State boasts...

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11 Michigan Foods That Make The Midwest Worth Visiting

Michigan's food scene offers a delicious journey through the state's rich cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. From Great Lakes fish to immigrant-influenced dishes,...

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Washington Apples Every Traveler Should Taste On A Fall Journey

Fall in Washington State brings a special treat for travelers: apple harvest season! The Evergreen State produces some of the most delicious apples in the world, with orchards...

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Ohio Buckeyes Candy That Makes The State A Sweet Travel Destination

When you think of Ohio, buckeye candy often comes to mind – those delicious peanut butter fudge balls partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nuts from Ohio’s state tree....

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7 Florida Grocery Stores With The Best Meat Departments

Florida, known for its beautiful beaches and thrilling theme parks, is also home to some of the finest grocery stores with exceptional meat departments. Whether you're a local...

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Trader Joe’s Opens New Washington Stores: Greenwood Now, Bellingham And Woodinville Next

Trader Joe’s fans in Washington have reason to celebrate with not one but three new store announcements. The Greenwood neighborhood in Seattle just welcomed its own location,...

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8 Indian Curry Houses In Massachusetts That Locals Call Legendary

Massachusetts might not be the first place that comes to mind for authentic Indian cuisine, but locals know better. Hidden throughout the Bay State are curry houses that transport...

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8 Texas Soul Food Restaurants Serving Plates That Feel Like Home

Nothing compares to the comfort of authentic soul food in the Lone Star State. Texas offers some of the most heartwarming, stick-to-your-ribs cooking that brings back memories...

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Potrero Hill’s Cajun Gem Serving The Bay’s Best Southern Eats

San Francisco loves to reinvent classics, but every so often the remix is just as good as the original. That’s exactly what happens at Po’Boys Kitchen on Potrero Hill, where...

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7 Hidden Farmers Markets In Vermont That Feel Frozen In Time

Skip the fluorescent aisles and step into Vermont’s greens, where farmers markets remain central to community life. These places are not just for buying food; they are meeting...

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10 Ways To Spend An Unforgettable Weekend In Shreveport

Shreveport, Louisiana offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, cultural attractions, and entertainment options for weekend visitors. This vibrant city along the Red River boasts...

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5 Minnesota Hot Dish Havens Serving Up Pure Midwestern Comfort

When winter winds howl across Minnesota, locals know exactly where to find warmth - in a bubbling hot dish! This beloved casserole tradition is more than just food; it's a Minnesota...

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9 Florida’s Forgotten Monuments That Tourists Rarely Visit But Locals Should

Florida is not just about pristine beaches or bustling theme parks. There are also historical monuments that quietly tell the tales of the past. Scattered across the state, these...

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9 Peaceful Forest Trails In Northern Wisconsin

Northern Wisconsin offers a serene escape into nature with its array of peaceful forest trails. Each path provides a unique glimpse into the region's rich natural beauty, offering...

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10 Spots New York Quietly Keeps Hidden From Tourists

New York City isn't just Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. Beyond the famous landmarks lies a secret New York that locals treasure and protect from tourist...

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7 Ohio Day Trips For Seafood And Small-Town Charm

Looking for a perfect getaway without the long drive? Ohio's quaint coastal towns offer amazing seafood and small-town vibes that will make you feel like you've traveled much farther...

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6 Mountain Bakeries In Colorado With Unique Treats

Colorado's mountains aren't just famous for skiing and hiking; they're also home to some incredible bakeries. Tucked between peaks and valleys, these mountain town bakeries craft...

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10 Underrated Ski Towns In Colorado Perfect For A Short Getaway

Colorado offers more than just the famous ski resorts you've heard about. Hidden throughout the Rocky Mountains are charming towns with amazing slopes, fewer crowds, and authentic...

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Step Into This Old Fashioned Indiana Restaurant For Unforgettable Nachos

Hidden in the heart of New Haven, Indiana, Rack & Helen's Bar and Grill stands as a beloved local treasure. This family-owned establishment has been serving up mouthwatering...

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