holden chase author at My Family Travels
Article
Oregon Has a Pizza Place That Puts Wildly Unexpected Toppings on the Menu

Predictable toppings don't stand a chance on this Oregon menu. Whoever's running the kitchen clearly gets bored easily, and pizza benefits from it.

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Oregon Has a Restaurant With More Than 1,000 Feet of Model Railroad Tracks Running Through It

Waiting for food rarely comes with entertainment this elaborate. Here, model trains circle the entire restaurant while diners wait, tracks stretching over a thousand feet through...

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An Oregon Beach Has a Secret History Involving a Famous Expedition

Most beachgoers walk right past a small stone marker without realizing what happened on this exact spot centuries ago. History...

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11 Wildlife Conservation Programs In Oregon Where You Can Volunteer Or Learn

A checklist and a pair of gloves can go a lot further than most people assume. Programs scattered across Oregon prove that point regularly, turning curious visitors into actual...

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This Oregon Cabin Resort Shuttles You Upriver So You Can Float Back To Your Cabin

Most cabin stays end with a quiet evening and not much else happening beyond dinner and sleep. This resort adds something nobody expects, a shuttle ride upriver so guests can float...

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One Oregon Restaurant Is Famous for Turning Wild Mushrooms Into Fine Dining

Foraged ingredients rarely make it onto fine dining menus without losing something in translation. This Oregon restaurant somehow keeps that wild character intact, plating mushrooms...

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Oregon Has a Restaurant Where the Building Is Almost as Famous as the Food

Some restaurants get remembered for what's on the plate. This one gets remembered for both the plate and the building holding it.

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This Oregon Lake Shore Is Getting Too Snake-Infested For Its Own Good

Swimming here used to mean worrying about cold water and crowded docks. Lately, something else has locals and visitors thinking twice before wading in.

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This Legendary Seafood Spot in Oregon Sells the Freshest Wild-Caught Gulf Shrimp Right Off the Boat

Boats pull in, coolers open, and word travels down the dock faster than anyone can shout it. That's how you know shrimp season just started at this spot in Oregon.

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This Oregon Italian Restaurant Takes Chicken Parm To A Seriously Delicious Level

We all have that one dish we order on repeat without hesitation. At this Oregon Italian spot, chicken parm is the reason people clear their schedules and make the drive. Crispy...

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One Of America’s Largest Zoos Is Right In Oregon And It Is Absolutely Magical

Some attractions are famous for a reason. With nearly 3,000 animals across 64 acres, this Oregon zoo offers one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in the country.

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This Oregon Town Is Home to a Giant Underground Fossil Bed

In a quiet corner of Oregon, the earth has cracked open a window into a world that vanished millions of years ago. This isn't a museum of dusty bones behind glass. It's a sprawling...

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This Overlooked Oregon Mountain Town Has The Views Without The Crowds Or The Prices

You know those towns that show up on every "must-visit" list, and by the time you get there, you're fighting for parking? This Oregon mountain town isn't that place. It has the...

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This Oregon Seafood Shack Serves Warm Buttered Lobster Rolls Worth Every Mile

You know that moment when you take a bite of something so good that the drive instantly becomes worth it? This Oregon seafood shack delivers exactly that feeling. The lobster rolls...

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The Underrated Oregon Zoo That Deserves A Lot More Attention

Most people drive right past the giant leopard sign, assuming it's just another tourist trap. But that would be a mistake. Hidden along a scenic highway is a 10-acre sanctuary...

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Oregon Locals Brave Outrageous Morning Lines For This Diner’s Legendary Brunch And Never Regret It

The alarm goes off before the sun even thinks about rising, and you still beat the crowd - just barely. That's the ritual at this Oregon diner, where the wait for brunch has become...

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This Cozy Oregon Joint Was Recently Opened By A Michelin-Starred Chef

You've heard of chefs with impressive resumes, but this is different. The person behind this cozy Oregon joint didn't just train at Michelin-starred kitchens - they earned two...

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12 Oregon Old-School Delis That Are Worth Every Mile Of The Drive

You know that feeling when you bite into a sandwich and instantly understand why people drive hours for it? These Oregon delis inspire exactly that kind of devotion. Old-school...

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The Oregon Beach Where Sea Glass Is Surprisingly Easy To Find This Year

There's something quietly thrilling about scanning the shoreline and spotting that smooth, frosted piece of glass glinting in the sunlight. This year, Oregon's coast is proving...

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This Oregon Restaurant Is Built Inside an Old Coast Guard Vassel

Ever eaten a meal inside a piece of history? This Oregon restaurant offers exactly that - a dining experience inside a retired Coast Guard vessel permanently docked along the riverfront....

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An Oregon Town Just Took the Title of America’s Best Small Mountain Town

You know that feeling when a place you already love suddenly gets the recognition it deserves? That's exactly what's happening with this Oregon town right now.

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12 Cash-Only Oregon Breakfast Spots Where The Pancakes Are Worth The ATM Trip

You know that moment when you reach for your card and the cashier gives you that apologetic smile? We've all been there. At these Oregon breakfast spots, the pancakes are so good...

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This Minnesota Gem Serves Up Perfect Saturday Tacos That Keep Locals Coming Back

Saturday mornings have a rhythm here, and it starts with the smell of sizzling tortillas and seasoned meat. This Minnesota spot has turned taco Saturday into something of a local...

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Fresh Fried Catfish Is Always Great, But This Minnesota Spot Takes It to the Next Level

You know that feeling when you bite into something and instantly realize you have found your new favorite spot? That is exactly what happens here, from the very first piece of...

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12 Minnesota Gluten-Free Bakeries Serving Cakes, Cookies, and Pastries Worth the Drive in 2026

You know that sinking feeling when someone says gluten free and you immediately picture cardboard textured muffins and sad, crumbly cookies? We have all been there, staring at...

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This Peaceful Minnesota State Park Hardly Ever Sees Any Crowds

You can walk for miles and hear nothing but birdsong and the rustle of leaves overhead. That is the gift of this quiet state park, a place that feels like your own private wilderness.

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10 Dreamlike State Parks in Minnesota That Feel Too Stunning to Be Real

Some places look so beautiful that you wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you. Minnesota has several state parks that fall into that dreamlike category.

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You’ll Find Minnesota’s Finest Ribeye Tucked Inside a Charming Vintage Supper Club

Dark wood paneling and soft candlelight set the stage for a ribeye that arrives sizzling on a warm plate. I sat down in a cozy red booth and the familiar comfort of an old school...

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A Forest Service Cabin Sits Next To These Oregon Hot Springs And You Can Rent It For $40 A Night With A Wood Stove Inside

The river rushes right alongside the pools, and the surrounding forest is so thick and green it practically glows. This Oregon hot springs has no fancy changing rooms or lifeguards,...

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11 Beloved Breakfast Spots In Oregon That Are Incredibly Good

Morning routines are sacred, and these Oregon breakfast spots have earned a devoted following for good reason. The kind of places where regulars don't even need to order anymore,...

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This Under-The-Radar Oregon Park Might Be The Best Place To See A Moose In The Wild

That crisp Oregon morning carried the scent of pine and damp earth, a quiet invitation. I gripped my thermos, breath visible in the cool dawn, and felt genuine anticipation as...

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This Is The Best Flea Market In Oregon For Affordable Antiques

Rows of vintage treasures stretch out before you, each booth holding the promise of a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This is the kind of place where you wander in for one...

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11 Classic Oregon Cafeterias Where You Can Still Eat For Surprisingly Cheap

Remember when eating out didn't require taking out a small loan? Those days are still alive and well at certain old-school spots in this state. I promise your wallet will thank...

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The Sunset Train Ride Through Oregon Locals Try To Keep Secret

Imagine coasting along rugged shores as the sky explodes into shades of orange and pink. That's exactly what awaits on this hidden train journey through the state. Locals have...

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This Once-Laid-Back Oregon Lake Town Is Buckling Under Its Summer Crowds

Remember when finding a parking spot here actually felt possible? Those days are fading fast for this once-quiet Oregon lake town. Summer weekends have transformed this peaceful...

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The Best Award-Winning Meal In The Pacific Northwest Is Hiding In This Small-Town Oregon Landmark

Inside a charming historic house, a culinary genius is quietly creating magic. This small-town Oregon landmark has earned accolades that would make big-city chefs envious. One...

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The No-Frills Oregon Seafood Shack Coastal Locals Swear By

Forget the white tablecloths and candlelit vibes. The best seafood on the Oregon coast comes from a humble little shack where the paper plates are plentiful and the flavours are...

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One of Oregon’s Most Stunning Botanical Gardens That Hardly Anyone Knows About

Most people drive right past this place without ever knowing it exists. A stunning botanical garden hides just minutes from the city, yet hardly anyone in this state seems to have...

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This Oregon Swimming Park Feels Like A Beach Getaway Without The Shore

Who says you need ocean waves for a perfect summer escape? This swimming park in the state delivers all the sandy, splashy goodness you crave without the coastal crowds. I promise...

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This 200-Acre Oregon Reserve Has Easy Trails and a Birdwatching Gazebo

Let me tell you about a place where nature puts on a show every single day, and you don't even need to break a sweat to enjoy it. This stunning reserve spans over two hundred acres...

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This Award-Winning Oregon Waterpark Just Doubled in Size After an Eco-Friendly Renovation

A local gem has just doubled its splash factor. After a major renovation, this pool facility reopened with a big expansion and a major award to prove it.

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This Oregon Bakery Is One Of The Best Gluten-Free Spots In The State

For over a decade, this Oregon bakery has been quietly proving that gluten-free doesn't mean flavor-free. It's a fully dedicated facility, meaning everything from the bread to...

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This Oregon Waterfront Cafe Overlooking the Harbor Is Famous for Its Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

Memorable food stops can turn an ordinary day into something worth talking about, especially when the setting is just as impressive as the menu. Oregon has plenty of places where...

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This Minnesota Cafe Serves Up To 1,000 Customers A Day With Its Famous Hoagies And Cozy Vibes

The line stretches out the door, and the cozy dining room hums with the buzz of happy customers. This Minnesota cafe serves up to a thousand people a day, all drawn by famous hoagies...

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This Oregon Hike Leads to a Famous Tunnel Where You Can Walk Directly Behind a Thundering Waterfall

The roar of the falls grows louder with each step, a promise of the reward waiting just ahead. The path itself is a thrilling cliffside trail, carved into the rock with cables...

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This Oregon Ice Cream Shop Is A Sweet Summer Tradition Worth The Drive

The line forms early and stretches down the street, but everyone waits with a smile. This Oregon ice cream shop has become a sweet summer tradition that people happily drive miles...

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This Minnesota Cafe Is A Safe Haven For Delicious Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Comfort Food

You walk in and the menu is filled with comfort food classics, only they all happen to be gluten-free and dairy-free. This Minnesota cafe has become a safe haven for anyone who...

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12 Northern Minnesota Lake Towns That Stay Cooler Than The Rest Of The State

The secret to a cooler summer in Minnesota isn't a mystery - it's just a matter of following the breeze off Lake Superior. Towns along the North Shore rarely see temperatures climb...

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This Incredible Minnesota Vintage Shop Has Endless Steals Just Waiting to Be Found

The door creaks open and you are greeted by a treasure trove of vintage finds. This incredible Minnesota shop is packed with endless steals just waiting to be discovered.

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Czech Heritage Comes Alive Through Hand-Folded Kolaches at This Beloved Minnesota Bakery

The scent of butter and sweet yeast fills the air, and the display case is a work of art. This beloved bakery has been keeping Czech heritage alive through hand-folded pastries...

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This Minnesota Eatery in an 1885 Building Serves Legendary Wings That Have a Cult Following

A historic building from 1885 houses some of the most legendary wings in Minnesota. The menu has earned a devoted cult following that spans generations.

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Locals Swear the Best Sandwiches in Oregon Are Hiding in This Unassuming Spot (And They’re Right)

The exterior is easy to miss, a plain building in a small coastal town. But locals know exactly where to go for some of the best sandwiches in Oregon.

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This Homey Oregon Restaurant Serves Grilled Steaks and Seafood With Panoramic Ocean Views

Steam rises from a perfectly grilled steak, and the Pacific stretches out like a living painting. This Oregon restaurant serves up comfort food with a side of breathtaking scenery.

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This Minnesota Lakeside Lodge Has Been a Go-To Spot for the State’s Most Famous Fish Dish Since 1968

The walleye arrives golden and flaky, with a squeeze of lemon and a view of the water. This Minnesota lakeside lodge has been serving its famous fish dish since 1968, and locals...

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This Minnesota Bakery Has Been Serving Flaky Danishes and Donuts for Over 70 Years (They’re Still Perfect)

The display case shines with rows of golden pastries, and the smell of butter and sugar pulls you in from the street. This Minnesota bakery has been serving flaky danishes and...

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A Plain Exterior, But a Flavor Explosion Awaits Inside This Northern Minnesota Bar

A plain exterior hides a flavor explosion that has locals talking for miles. This Northern Minnesota bar does not look like much from the street, but the food tells a completely...

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This Minnesota Restaurant Has Served Massive Hand-Rolled Meatballs Since 1933

The meatballs are the size of your fist. They have been hand-rolled since 1933, and Minnesota has been obsessed ever since. This...

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This Minnesota Spot Has Been Serving the Crispiest, Juiciest Fried Chicken for Over 56 Years

The skin shatters with every bite, and the meat stays impossibly juicy beneath. This Minnesota institution has been serving up some of the best fried chicken in the state for over...

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Oregon’s Oldest Standing Water-Powered Grain Mill Is Still Standing After More Than 160 Years

The water rushes through the flume with the same urgency it did back in 1858, a sound that has echoed here for more than 160 years. This is Oregon's oldest standing water-powered...

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A Former Coast Guard Cutter in Oregon Now Serves Seafood, Sandwiches and More

A ship that once patrolled the high seas now sits quietly at the dock, serving up seafood instead of searching for it. This former Coast Guard cutter has traded its rescue gear...

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