holden chase author at My Family Travels
Article
There’s a 20-Foot Crow Statue in This Minnesota Town and It’s Exactly as Odd as It Sounds

Some towns have water towers. This one has a giant bird. Minnesota is no stranger to roadside oddities, but a twenty foot crow...

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An Abandoned Gravel Mine in Minnesota Became One of America’s Best Ice Climbing Destinations

An old gravel mine does not sound like a tourist destination. Unless you have ice axes and a sense of adventure. Minnesota took...

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The Small-Town Restaurant In Minnesota With $28 Steaks That Locals Swear Are the Best In The State

Twenty eight dollars for a steak in a small town restaurant. That sounds either impossible or suspicious. Minnesota locals will...

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This 2-Mile Minnesota Boardwalk Trail Takes You Through A Hidden Bird Sanctuary Most People Drive Past

Drivers zoom past this spot every single day without a clue. The entrance is easy to miss, which is honestly part of its charm. A...

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This Minnesota Rooftop Bar Offers Skyline Views and a Heated Pool Retreat

A Minnesota rooftop bar takes things up a level - literally. Skyline views stretch out in every direction, giving the whole city that golden-hour glow from above.

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The Massive “Hidden City” In Minnesota Where You’ll Find The Best Papaya Salad In America

A massive “hidden city” feel runs through this pocket of Minnesota, where culture, food, and everyday life stack together in the most unexpected way. From the outside, it doesn’t...

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Minnesota Has A Bin Store Where The Prices Feel Like Somebody Forgot A Decimal Point

You walk in and immediately think something is wrong. The prices are that low. Like, did they mean to add another zero low....

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This Historic Minnesota National Park Remains One of the Country’s Best-Kept Secrets

A historic Minnesota national park sits quietly on the map. But once you’re inside, it feels like you’ve stepped into something most people completely overlook.

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This Oregon Diner Serves Giant Pancakes So Big They Hang Off the Plate

A classic Oregon diner flips breakfast into something almost theatrical the moment those pancakes hit the table. They don’t just sit on the plate - they spill over the edges...

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The Clam Chowder at This Middle-of-Nowhere Oregon Diner Is Seriously Out of This World

Middle of nowhere, Oregon - and somehow that’s exactly where one of the best bowls of clam chowder is hiding. This diner doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step in...

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This Foggy Oregon Coastal Town Feels Exactly Like A Scandinavian Fishing Village

A thick coastal fog rolls in and suddenly this Oregon town doesn’t feel quite like Oregon anymore. Weathered docks, muted colors, and quiet streets give it an unmistakably Scandinavian...

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This Legendary Oregon Smokehouse Draws Diners From All Over the State for Its Famous Smoked Meats

A smoky haze greets you before you even open the door, and just like that, you know you’ve arrived somewhere serious about meat.

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This Scenic Oregon Coast Park Is Back Open With a Forest Trail Leading to a Peaceful Beach

A forest trail slowly opens up toward the ocean, and suddenly you realize this Oregon coast park is back in full magic mode. Tall trees frame the path, guiding you toward a beach...

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10 Historic Monuments in Oregon That Tell the State’s Most Fascinating Stories

Oregon isn’t just forests, coastlines, and mountains - it’s also a state full of stories carved into stone, metal, and memory. These historic monuments aren’t just markers...

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10 Minnesota Restaurants Serving the Best Tater Tot Hotdish in the State

A bubbling casserole dish comes out of the oven, and suddenly you understand why Minnesota takes its hotdish so seriously. This isn’t just comfort food - it’s a full-on regional...

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This Old-School Oregon Seafood Shack Serves Fresh Ocean-Caught Favorites

A weathered shack by the coast greets you before you even step out of the car. Salty air drifts through the parking lot, carrying the unmistakable smell of the ocean straight to...

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The Most Breathtaking Wheelchair-Friendly Trail in Oregon That Redefine Accessible Adventure

I didn’t expect a trail in Oregon to completely reshape how I think about accessible adventure, but this one did exactly that. From the very first stretch, it feels open, inviting,...

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10 Small-Town Steakhouses in Oregon Serving Huge Steaks With Unforgettable Views

Small-town Oregon knows exactly how to do steak - go big, keep it simple, and let the view handle the rest. I walk into places where the grill does all the talking and the portions...

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This Oregon-Based Store Has Been a Go-To Spot for Farm, Ranch, and Outdoor Gear Since the 1960s

Oregon has a store that feels like it’s been built for anyone who actually lives outdoors. I walk in and it’s immediately clear - this isn’t a trend spot, it’s a workhorse...

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This Oregon Seafood Buffet Features A Massive Spread And All The Crab Legs You Can Eat

This Oregon seafood buffet doesn’t believe in holding back. I walk in and the first thing I see is a massive spread that already feels like a challenge.

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This Tiny Oregon Market Features Italian Cuisine, Fresh Pasta, and Imported Goods

This tiny Oregon market feels more like a little slice of Italy tucked between aisles. I walk in and the smell of fresh pasta hits before I even see the counter.

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10 Hidden Oregon Beaches So Stunning They Feel Like Secret Getaways

Oregon doesn’t just have beaches - it hides them like secrets waiting to be found. I hit the first one and immediately understand why people keep these spots quiet.

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This Oregon 1,040-Acre Wildlife Spot Lets You See Massive Elk Herds Up Close Year-Round

An Oregon wildlife spot this big doesn’t feel like a destination - it feels like stepping into someone else’s world. I arrive and instantly realize the landscape stretches...

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This Eclectic Oregon Shop Is Filled With Nearly Every Toy You’ve Ever Forgotten You Loved

Oregon hides a shop that feels like stepping straight into childhood memory overload. I walk in and it’s instant chaos - in the best way.

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10 Hiking Hacks for Exploring Oregon Trails Like a Pro

Oregon trails look easy… until you realize they’ve got their own personality. I’ve learned pretty fast that hiking here isn’t just about walking - it’s about knowing...

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This Oregon Spot Serves Creative Ramen, Sushi, and Robata in a Cool Warehouse Setting

Oregon’s warehouse ramen, sushi, and robata spot feels like a flavor lab gone deliciously right. I walk in and get hit with steam, smoke, and the kind of energy that tells you...

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The Oregon Airport Diner Where You Can Eat a $10 Breakfast While Small Planes Land 20 Feet from Your Window

Ever had pancakes with a side of jet engines? This Oregon airport diner serves up $10 breakfasts while small planes land just 20 feet from your window.

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This Oregon Ice Cream Spot Kicks Off 40th Year With Early Scoops and Sweet Celebrations

Celebrating 40 years of scoops, this Oregon ice cream spot knows how to throw a sweet party. I showed up early and was instantly hit with the smell of fresh cones and sugar that...

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This Easy Oregon Waterfall Stop Is Just Steps From the Road and Seriously Stunning

Who says you need a long hike to see something jaw-dropping? This Oregon waterfall is basically a “walk out your car and wow” kind of spot.

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The Charming Restaurant In Oregon Locals Swear Serves The State’s Most Irresistible Chicken Pot Pies

Walking into this Oregon restaurant, I immediately understood why locals rave about it. The chicken pot pies aren’t just food - they’re little golden pockets of pure happiness.

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The Easy Oregon Hike Where You Can Check Four Massive Waterfalls Off Your Bucket List In One Afternoon

Who knew you could knock four massive waterfalls off your bucket list without breaking a sweat? This Oregon hike somehow packs all that jaw-dropping water drama into just a single...

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One Of The Highest Lakes In Oregon Is Ready To Be Your Dramatic Springtime Retreat

What would happen if you swapped the usual weekend grind for a sunrise over one of Oregon’s highest lakes? The idea alone feels like a reset.

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The Rugged Oregon Hike That’s More Stunning Than You’d Ever Expect

What if the most breathtaking scenery in Oregon came wrapped in a challenge you’d normally reserve for seasoned trekkers? Imagine a narrow ridge that suddenly opens to a panorama...

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This Historic 1913 Trolley In Oregon Offers Charming Waterfront Rides Through Town

There’s a quiet thrill in boarding a trolley that’s been cruising the same riverfront route for more than a hundred years. I can’t help but smile every time the bell rings.

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8 Oregon Campgrounds Where You Can Wake Up Right Next To The Water

There is something deeply satisfying about unzipping your tent and seeing water right in front of you. No drive needed. No long...

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A Hidden Oregon Theme Park That Feels Like A Dreamy Family Adventure

I just discovered a little-known gem in Oregon that feels like stepping into a storybook with the kids. From the moment we...

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This Magical Old-Growth Hike In Oregon Feels Like Walking Through A Storybook Forest

There’s something magical about walking among trees that have stood for centuries, and Oregon gave me that exact feeling on my recent adventure. I followed a narrow trail that...

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A Oregon Thrift Store Where $16 Can Completely Upgrade Your Wardrobe

I’ve always loved the thrill of hunting for a perfect piece that feels tailor-made for you, and last month I found an Oregon thrift store that turned that hobby into a full-on...

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This Wild West Train Ride In Oregon Comes With A Live Old-Timey Train Robbery Show

Ever wished you could step back in time and experience a little bit of the Wild West firsthand? Well, buckle up, because there's an incredible adventure waiting for you right here...

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The Legendary Breakfast Restaurant In Oregon Where A Huge Breakfast Costs Less Than $12

There’s nothing like starting your day with a massive, delicious breakfast - especially when it doesn’t cost a fortune. In...

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Oregon Has A Hidden Cave With Its Own Beach, And February Is The Time To Go

There is a spot on the Oregon Coast that feels like it was pulled straight out of a fantasy novel, and I stumbled onto it almost by accident. Tucked inside the cliffs of a small...

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This Oregon Mountain Lake Is Clearest in Late Spring and Hardly Anyone Knows

I still remember the first time I paddled out onto Waldo Lake's glassy surface and looked straight down through what felt like liquid air. The water was so transparent that I could...

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The Ultimate List of Oregon’s 10 Highest Rated Buffets for 2026

Oregon's buffet scene has quietly become one of the most exciting dining experiences in the Pacific Northwest. From elegant waterfront spreads to international flavor journeys,...

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Locals Say This Oregon Buffet Is the Ultimate Cheat Day Destination

Crab legs piled high, sushi rolls gliding past on display, and the sizzle of custom stir-fry hitting a blazing grill. The energy is loud, bright, and unapologetically indulgent.

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A Ghostly 2,000-Year-Old Forest Rises From the Tides on This Oregon Beach Every February

Walking along the Oregon coast, I never expected to stumble upon something that felt like stepping into another world. The Neskowin Ghost Forest appears like ancient sentinels...

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This Oregon Castle Has Ghosts That Locals Swear Are Real

I’ve wandered through my fair share of supposedly haunted spots in Oregon, but one moss-covered ruin in Forest Park genuinely caught me off guard.

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This Oregon Lavender Farm Is the Secret Spring Paradise Locals Don’t Want You to Know About

I stumbled onto Tumalo Lavender by complete accident one spring afternoon while winding down the quiet backroads near Bend. What I discovered was a ten-acre expanse of purple blooms...

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The Best Oregon Weekend Getaways to Visit This February

February in Oregon is when the state shows off its winter personality. You get snow-covered mountains begging for skis and snowboards, coastal storms that put on a show, and crisp...

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This Cozy Oregon Waterfront Eatery Is a Dungeness Crab Paradise

Crab lovers searching for the ultimate coastal dining experience will find their match at Local Ocean Seafoods in Newport, Oregon.

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This Oregon Trail Looks Ordinary Until You Reach the Jaw-Dropping February View

Last February, I thought I was just signing up for another muddy forest walk when I stumbled onto the Cape Falcon Trail in Oswald West State Park.

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This Oregon Town Feels Like You Accidentally Stumbled Into a Movie

The first time rolling into Cannon Beach felt unreal, like I’d wandered onto a film set before the director called action. Fog...

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This Low-Key Oregon Coast Spot Is Quietly Serving Next-Level Halibut

Some days on the Oregon coast feel like they’re meant for surprises, and finding J’s Fish & Chips in Lincoln City was exactly that kind of day.

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This Lesser Known Oregon Escape Is the One People Regret Sharing

Stumbling upon Tamolitch Falls in Oregon’s Willamette National Forest felt like finding a hidden portal. This isn’t just another waterfall - it’s a mesmerizing blue pool...

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This Oregon Breakfast Spot Serves Mornings Better Than Anyone Else

Breakfast along the Oregon coast has taken me to more cafés than I can count, but nothing comes close to the tiny, magical world inside Lazy Susan Cafe in Cannon Beach. This cash-only...

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8 Hole in the Wall Restaurants in Oregon That Pack a Bite Bigger Than They Look

I’ve spent years eating my way across Oregon, and the best meals almost always show up where you least expect them. The tiny spots tucked into strip malls.

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This Hidden Oregon Trail Takes You on a Walk That’s Basically a Forest Float

I didn’t plan on hiking Drift Creek Falls Trail 1378, but Oregon has a funny way of pulling you into places you didn’t know you needed. Near Otis, Oregon, I wandered into a...

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8 Unassuming All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants in Oregon That Quietly Win People Over

I stumbled upon some of the most unassuming all-you-can-eat restaurants in Oregon, and honestly, they changed my entire perspective on buffet dining. You know that feeling when...

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8 Oregon’s Hidden Hole-in-the-Wall Spots Where Flavor Comes First

Oregon has always been a foodie paradise, but the real magic happens when you wander off the beaten path and stumble upon those unassuming little joints where flavor reigns supreme....

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The Story of How an Oregon Town Became the State’s Largest Night Market Hub

Portland has quietly transformed into Oregon's most vibrant night market destination, and the story behind this metamorphosis is as captivating as the market itself.

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An Oregon Coast Train Ride With Ocean Vistas You Won’t Catch From the Highway

Cruising down Highway 101 along the Oregon coast delivers postcard-perfect views, but there's a whole world of coastal magic hiding just beyond the asphalt.

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