holden chase author at My Family Travels
Article
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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This Minnesota Steakhouse Is in the Middle of Farmland, but Its Steaks Hold Their Own Against Any Big-City Chain

The cornfields stretch for miles in every direction, and suddenly a glowing sign appears on the horizon. This steakhouse sits in the middle of nowhere, yet it serves steaks that...

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This Southwestern Minnesota Gem Is One of the State’s Best-Kept Secrets

The trails wind through deep wooded ravines that feel miles away from any road. This Minnesota hideaway sits tucked in the southwest corner of the state, and it somehow remains...

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This Whimsical Minnesota Tea Parlour Is an Alice in Wonderland Escape That’s Truly Unbelievable

The moment you step through the door, you are no longer in Minnesota. You are tumbling down a rabbit hole into a world of mismatched china, curious trinkets, and tea so fragrant...

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A 60-Year-Old Dive Bar in Minnesota Is Home to One of the State’s Best Burgers

Neon buzzes faintly in the window, and the door groans like it has seen a few decades. This place has been pouring drinks and flipping patties since the 1960s, and it has never...

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This Legendary Minnesota Dive Bar Invented the Jucy Lucy, and Locals Have Been Lining Up Ever Since

The legend starts right here, in a tiny dive bar where the cheese is always molten and the rivalry is always simmering. Locals have been lining up at this Minnesota staple since...

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This Minnesota Cafe Is a Breakfast Dream With Monster Omelets and Perfect Eggs Benedict

The coffee is always fresh, the portions are enormous, and the line out the door tells you everything you need to know. This Minnesota cafe has earned a loyal following by serving...

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Hiking, Fishing and Wildflowers Make This Minnesota Park a Best-Kept Secret

The rush of the Redwood River greets you the moment you step out of the car, its sound a constant, soothing presence throughout the park. This Minnesota hideaway is not on most...

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This Gorgeous Minnesota Lighthouse Is So Hidden It’s Nearly Forgotten

Perched on a cliff of ancient rock, this beacon keeps its silent watch over vast, moody waters. Most people know it from postcards, but few realize the story hidden within its...

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This Minnesota Meat Market Is So Incredible It’s Worth a Special Trip

This place is a temple of smoke, spice, and perfectly butchered meat, the kind of spot that makes you glad you have a cooler in the trunk. People drive from hours away just to...

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Minnesota Is Home to Mysterious Ruins That Most People Don’t Know Exist

Shallow water lapping at a shoreline, just an arm's reach away from the main path, and yet the story is far deeper than it looks. This crumbling structure is a local secret, the...

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This Secluded Minnesota Waterfall Might Be the State’s Most Beautiful Spot

Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that take a little effort to reach, and this waterfall is exactly that. Tucked away from the main roads, it rewards those who make the...

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This 1-Acre Indoor Adult Playground In Minnesota Is Worth The Drive

You know that feeling when you just want to run, jump, and act like a kid again without anyone judging you? This place gives you full permission to do exactly that, no questions...

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This Minnesota Amish Buffet Piles On Endless Plates of Country Cooking

A limestone building from 1854 offers endless plates of hearty country cooking. This Minnesota buffet piles on classic Amish-style dishes that keep visitors coming for more.

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This Giant Minnesota Sunflower Field Is a Bright Summer Detour Worth the Trip

Thousands of bright yellow blooms stretch across acres of farmland like a sunlit ocean. That is the sight that greets you at this Minnesota farm during the late summer sunflower...

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These Minnesota Lavender Farms and Flower Fields Are Perfect for a Peaceful and Vibrant Summer Day

A dirt path winds between rows of purple lavender while the sweet scent hangs heavy in the warm summer air. That is the scene at Minnesota's lavender farms, where peaceful fields...

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The Best Spaghetti You’ll Ever Taste Is Hiding in This Tiny Minnesota Restaurant

A small building tucked away in a quiet corner of town. Warm light spills out of the windows and the unmistakable aroma of garlic and slow simmered tomatoes drifts onto the sidewalk.

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One Trip to This Surreal Minnesota State Park and You’ll Think You’ve Walked Into a Fantasy Film

Limestone bluffs rise up from the forest floor like ancient castle walls. Cold clear streams cut through deep ravines. A wooden...

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The Milkshakes At This Minnesota Restaurant Are So Good, You’ll Think About Them For Days

A milkshake should be thick enough to challenge your straw but not so thick that you give up entirely. This Minnesota drive in has perfected that balance and people drive for miles...

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