freya benson author at My Family Travels
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11 Breathtaking Nature Escapes To Savor In New Jersey Throughout 2026

New Jersey has always surprised me with its wild side, and after years of exploring every corner of the Garden State, I can confidently say 2026 is the perfect time to discover...

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This New Jersey BBQ Spot Serves Smoked Brisket Bigger Than Your Cravings

Barbecue lovers in New Jersey, I’ve found the holy grail, and it’s called Red White & Que Smokehouse. This place has...

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Why This New Jersey Restaurant Is The Gold Standard For Authentic Northern Italian Flavors

Cedar Grove might not be the first place you’d expect to find authentic Northern Italian dining, but the moment I stepped into Lu Nello on Stevens Ave, I knew this place was...

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This Picturesque State Park In New Jersey Is So Little Known, Even Locals Rarely Stumble Across It

I thought I’d seen it all when it comes to New Jersey parks… until I wandered into the rolling hills of Sussex County and stumbled on a secret most locals don’t even know...

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Top 10 Chinese Restaurants In New Jersey That Never Disappoint

Ever notice how finding a truly great Chinese restaurant feels like discovering buried treasure? You walk in, the aromas hit you, and suddenly you're wondering why you ever settled...

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New Jersey’s Iconic Sweet Shop Where Ice Cream Meets Rich Hot Chocolate

If you’ve ever wandered through Princeton’s Palmer Square, you’ve probably noticed the line. It stretches down the sidewalk, sometimes even in the dead of winter when snowflakes...

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The New Jersey Feast Locals Keep Off The Tourist Map

Hidden in a Walmart plaza along Route 66 in Tinton Falls is a foodie jackpot most tourists speed past without even noticing. Golden...

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9 New Jersey Restaurants That Make Dining With Kids A Breeze

I've spent countless weekends hunting down the perfect family dining spots across New Jersey, and let me tell you, finding places where kids can be kids while parents actually...

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This Floating Tiki Bar In New Jersey Brings A Taste Of Island Life To Anyone Craving A Tropical Escape

Ever thought you’d celebrate a birthday on a tiki boat in Jersey? That’s exactly the kind of adventure Cruisin’ Tiki...

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Spend Spring Days At A Stunning Historic Park In New Jersey For Just $5

Spring in New Jersey always feels like the state is showing off: flowers bursting open, sunshine warming the trails, and the perfect excuse to get outside without spending much....

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The Classic New Jersey Deli That’s Been a Local Legend Since 1976

I still remember the first time I walked into Kosher Nosh Deli on Prospect Street in Glen Rock and felt like I'd stepped through a time portal straight into old-school New Jersey...

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This Hidden New Jersey Woodland Feels Like A Fairies’ Village

I wandered into Millburn, NJ, thinking I was just going for a hike, and suddenly I’m in what feels like a storybook. The Fairy Trail at South Mountain Reservation isn’t your...

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The Legendary Italian Hot Dog Joint New Jersey Locals Will Gladly Tell You About

Newark has given the world jazz, incredible history, and one food you won’t find anywhere else: the Italian hot dog. At...

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A Lesser-Known New Jersey State Park That Deserves Your Attention

I’ll admit it - the first time I heard about Cheesequake State Park, I thought someone was joking. But in Middlesex County, this New Jersey park is one of the state’s best-kept...

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The Oldest Rodeo In New Jersey Still Draws Crowds Week After Week

In the rolling farmlands of southern New Jersey sits a slice of the American West that has been thrilling audiences since 1929. Cowtown...

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11 Ghost Towns In New Jersey That Tell Forgotten Stories

New Jersey holds more secrets than most people realize, tucked away in forgotten corners where time seems to stand still. Scattered...

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10 Kosher Dining Favorites New Jersey Locals Urge Visitors To Try

I’ll admit it, the first time I went hunting for kosher eats in New Jersey I thought I’d just find a bagel and call it a day.

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The Iconic New Jersey Sandwich Shop Where Subs Come With Attitude

Ever walked into a sandwich shop where the staff doesn't take nonsense and the subs are bigger than your head? I'm talking...

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These Relaxing New Jersey Trails Take You To Secluded Hideaways

New Jersey might be famous for its beaches and boardwalks, but hidden within this small state are trails that lead to some of the most peaceful, untouched corners you could imagine....

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Inside The Giant New Jersey Thrift Shop That Eats Up Your Afternoon

Walking into MyUnique Thrift in South Plainfield feels like stepping into a treasure hunt where every aisle holds a surprise. Located...

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11 Under-The-Radar New Jersey State Parks To Add To Your 2026 Bucket List

New Jersey might be famous for its boardwalks and beaches, but tucked away from the crowds are some seriously underrated state parks that most travelers overlook.

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10 Must-Visit Vegan Restaurants In New Jersey Celebrated For Their Outstanding Reputation

New Jersey has quietly become one of the most exciting destinations for plant-based food lovers, with vegan eateries popping up from the shore towns to the bustling cities.

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This Classic Candy Store In New Jersey Will Take You Back To The Good Old Days

Stepping into Aunt Charlotte's Candies feels like walking through a portal to a simpler, sweeter time. Located at 5 W Maple...

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Locals Say The Crab Cakes At This New Jersey Seafood Shack Are Simply Unforgettable

Manahawkin, New Jersey is home to a seafood paradise that has locals buzzing with praise. Mud City Crab House has earned a reputation...

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This Year-Round Flea Market In New Jersey Is A Treasure Hunters Dream

Cowtown Farmers Market at 780 Harding Highway in Pilesgrove, New Jersey has been delighting bargain hunters, collectors, and curious visitors for decades with its nostalgic charm...

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This Restaurant In New Jersey Serves A Strip Steak Locals Say Is Worth Every Penny

Along the scenic bayfront of Margate City, New Jersey, sits a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors for years.

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The Eerie Abandoned Factory Ruins In New Jersey That Locals Won’t Mention Unless You Ask

In the heart of Manchester Township, New Jersey, crumbling brick walls rise from the forest floor like forgotten monuments to industry.

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This Little New Jersey Hot Dog Stand Serves A Legendary Secret Relish That Keeps People Coming Back

Along a busy stretch of River Road in Clifton, New Jersey, sits a legendary hot dog joint that has been feeding locals and travelers since 1928.

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People Drive Hours Across New Jersey For This Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Spot

On Main Street in Toms River, New Jersey, there's a quirky little breakfast joint that has become the stuff of legend. Shut Up and Eat isn't your typical diner with the same old...

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This Timeless New Jersey Restaurant Serves Pizza That Locals Say Defines The State

Star Tavern sits proudly at 400 High St, Orange, NJ 07050, serving up thin-crust pizza magic that has locals raving for decades. This casual neighborhood spot has earned a legendary...

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

Tucked away in the charming town of Mount Arlington, New Jersey, sits a restaurant that has quietly become the talk of the state. Pub 199, located at 199 Howard Blvd, Mt Arlington,...

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The Quirky New Jersey Spots Locals Secretly Love But Hate To Admit

New Jersey locals carry a secret they rarely share with outsiders. Scattered across the Garden State are quirky attractions that feel too campy, too touristy, or just plain weird...

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The Historic New Jersey Railroad Museum That’s Ideal For Easygoing Day Trips

In Morris County, New Jersey, the Whippany Railway Museum stands as a living tribute to the golden age of American railroading. This charming museum at 1 Railroad Plaza in Whippany...

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The Crispiest Fried Shrimp In New Jersey Is Served At This Humble Buffet Spot

Tucked away in a bustling shopping plaza along Route 10 in East Hanover, New Jersey, sits a buffet restaurant that has quietly earned a reputation for serving some of the crispiest,...

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This New Jersey Haunted Spot Will Send Chills Down Your Spine

Brighton Asylum in Passaic, New Jersey, stands as one of the Garden State's most talked-about haunted attractions, drawing thrill-seekers from across the region year after year.

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The Charming New Jersey Town That Looks Ordinary Until You See Its Hallmark-Perfect Magic

Clinton, New Jersey is one of those places that might look like any other small town when you first drive through, but stick around for a little while and you'll quickly realize...

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Historic Small Towns In Central New Jersey Locals Visit For Colonial Charm

Central New Jersey holds a treasure trove of small towns where history comes alive on every corner. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old...

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The Small New Jersey Villages Locals Try To Keep Off The Tourist Map

New Jersey might be famous for its boardwalks and beaches, but tucked between highways and suburbs are tiny villages that feel frozen in time.

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Why This Coffee Stand Is Worth Visiting In Oregon

Dutch Bros Coffee isn’t just a stand; it’s a full-on vibe in Oregon. Known for its energetic baristas and creative drinks, every visit feels like a mini party.

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California National Parks That Feel Different With Growing Crowds

California keeps drawing bigger park crowds, and the magic shifts in ways you can feel the moment your boots hit the trail. You...

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Massachusetts Quarry Ruins Provide A Unique Stop To Visit

Tucked away in Northampton’s woods, Mineral Hills Quarry feels like a secret waiting to be rediscovered. Once a hub of stone...

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Photographic Highlights Of Gorge Landscapes At Watkins Glen State Park In New York

You are here for gorge drama, and Watkins Glen State Park delivers with sculpted cliffs, whispering spray, and staircases that climb into misty light.

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This Forgotten Oregon Beach Town May Be The Coast’s Most Surprising Gem

You found a pocket of the Oregon Coast where cliffs, coves, and a tiny hillside village feel wonderfully unhurried. Oceanside,...

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10 North Carolina Buffets Locals Can’t Stop Going Back To

You love a good buffet that feels local, lively, and worth a second plate, and North Carolina delivers in spades. This curated...

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Nevada’s Semi-Ghost Town Keeps Coming Back To Life With Quirky Restorations

Goldfield, Nevada, may look like a ghost town at first glance, but it refuses to fade away. Once a booming mining hub, its...

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Family Weekend Getaways To This Michigan Treasure Deliver Lakeside Fun For Everyone

Traverse City mixes easygoing lakeside vibes with a surprising amount of year-round fun for families. You get sandy beaches,...

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10 Hidden Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Carveries In New Jersey Worth The Stop

You are about to meet the New Jersey barbecue carveries that locals whisper about on road trips and rave about to hungry friends.

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10 Historic Theaters In New York Hosting Magical Holiday Performances

New York glitters in winter, and its historic theaters light the way with pageantry, live music, and stories that make the season feel close to the heart.

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9 Places To Shop Personalized Gifts In California

California is a treasure map for thoughtful shoppers who want every gift to feel personal and memorable. You will find design...

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Why Black Elk Peak Is South Dakota’s Most Photographed Trail

You look at the photos and feel the pull, then you realize Black Elk Peak Trail is the kind of place that turns a simple hike into a story you will tell for years.

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