iris callahan author at My Family Travels
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The New Jersey Town That Feels Like a Walkable Storybook

Red Bank sits along the Navesink River in Monmouth County, offering visitors a rare blend of small-town charm and big-city culture.

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Utah’s Silent Pioneer Town That Still Feels Frozen in the 1800s

Nestled in the heart of Utah, Silver Reef is a town that whispers stories of a bygone era. Once a bustling hub during the...

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New Mexico’s Silent Ghost Town Locals Avoid After Dark

Lake Valley sits in the high desert of southern New Mexico, where windswept silence has replaced the bustling energy of its silver-mining heyday.

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Wisconsin Locals Admit There’s One Coffee Shop They’d Rather Keep Quiet

Madison, Wisconsin has no shortage of coffee shops, but there's one spot that locals would rather keep as their little secret. Broken...

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A Quiet Lake Village In Michigan Perfect For Hot Chocolate And Frosty Lakeside Strolls

Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a charming village that transforms into a winter wonderland when the cold months arrive.

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Estes Park In Colorado Becomes A Festive Christmas Destination Drawing Huge Crowds

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Estes Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland each holiday season, attracting thousands of visitors who seek the perfect blend of mountain...

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7 Autumn Events in New York That Residents Count Down Every Year

When the leaves start changing colors and the air gets crisp, New Yorkers know that some of the city's most exciting events are just around the corner.

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This Colorado Mountain Town Is The Kind Of Place You Fall In Love Twice

Nestled in a dramatic box canyon surrounded by towering peaks in Colorado's San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a mountain town that captures hearts not just once, but twice.

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8 Festive Mountain Villages And in Colorado That Shine Bright in December

Colorado's mountain villages transform into magical winter wonderlands each December, drawing visitors from around the world to experience their unique holiday charm.

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8 Virginia Small Towns That Keep Showing Up on Travel Lists

Virginia's charming small towns have become favorite destinations for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from crowded cities.

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The Cozy Diner Trail of North Carolina for Early-Riser Food Lovers

Imagine starting your morning with the smell of fresh coffee brewing and the sound of bacon sizzling on a griddle. The cozy...

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The Oregon Coastal Town That Turns Foggy Mornings Into Pure Wonder

Bandon is a small coastal city in southern Oregon where fog rolls in like a soft blanket and transforms ordinary mornings into something magical.

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The Ohio Adventure That’s Secretly Everyone’s Favorite Adrenaline Rush

Cedar Point has earned its reputation as one of the most thrilling amusement parks in the entire world. Located at 1 Cedar...

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The Hidden Winter Traditions That Make This Maine Village Pure Holiday Magic

Kennebunkport transforms into a magical winter wonderland when the cold months arrive, blending coastal charm with festive holiday spirit.

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2-Day Idaho Winter Road Trip to Quiet Grain-Town Cafés

Snow dusts the Snake River Plain, turning grain elevators and rail sidings into quiet landmarks that feel timeless. This winter...

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10 Indiana Amish Craft Villages Worth Exploring

Ever found yourself yearning for a simpler time? Somewhere the air feels a little crisper, and life isn’t dictated by the tick-tock of a clock? Well, dear reader, Indiana’s...

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The Haunted Arizona Hotel Where the Clocks Still Tick Backward

High on a windswept Arizona hillside sits a building that refuses to let go of its past. The Jerome Grand Hotel, once a bustling...

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The Once-Boring Kansas City That Now Hosts the State’s Biggest Food Truck Rally

Kansas City, Missouri wasn't always the buzzing food destination it is today. For decades, downtown KCMO felt empty and lifeless, with people fleeing to the suburbs and leaving...

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10 Mississippi River Cafés Worth A Scenic Stop

Ah, the Mississippi River! It’s not just a waterway; it’s a lifeline that stitches together tales of adventure, history, and scrumptious bites. If you’re cruising down this...

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The Hidden Cupcake Cafés in Washington That Define Holiday Sweetness

Washington State is home to some of the most creative and delicious bakeries in the country, and when the holidays arrive, these cafés transform into wonderlands of sweetness....

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The Mississippi Ghost Town Whose Death Was Declared When the River Ran Away

Imagine a town so busy that steamboats crowded its docks day and night, bringing wealth and travelers from across the South. Then...

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10 Hole-in-the-Wall Dessert Shops in Missouri Worth the Detour

Missouri's back roads and small towns hide some of the sweetest secrets around. From thick frozen custard served upside down...

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The Texas Attraction Where Every Exit Is Just Another Reflection

San Antonio offers thrill-seekers a unique challenge at the Amazing Mirror Maze Escape, where reality bends and reflections trick your every move.

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10 Hole-in-the-Wall Breakfast Joints in Nebraska That Taste Like Home

Nebraska is full of small breakfast places that serve food just like your grandma would make. These cozy spots don't have...

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The Florida City Where Seafood Markets and Jazz Festivals Collide

Pompano Beach has earned its reputation as a special coastal city where the authentic charm of a fishing community meets the soulful sounds of live jazz music.

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The Abandoned Building Obsession in Michigan That Tourists Keep Getting Arrested For

The abandoned Packard Automotive Plant in Detroit has become one of the most infamous urban exploration sites in America. This...

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The Elite New York Resort Where the Clock Stopped and the Proprietor Vanished

The Thousand Islands region of New York is famous for its beautiful scenery and peaceful waters, but one place stands out for darker reasons.

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The Legendary Iowa Eatery Where “Happiness” Comes on a Plate

Hungry for honest Midwestern comfort food with a story behind every bite? The Machine Shed Restaurant in Iowa brings farm-to-table...

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Locals Say This Florida Keys Fish Fry Is the Closest Thing to Heaven

Craving Old Key West vibes with a side of seriously fresh seafood? Tucked on a working harbor at 6810 Front St, Hogfish Bar & Grill serves up the island’s namesake fish with...

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The Ice Fishing Spots in Wisconsin Locals Swear By

Wisconsin winters transform into a fisherman's paradise when the lakes freeze solid. From the legendary sturgeon runs to trophy...

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The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Florida for a Thanksgiving Dinner with a View

Thanksgiving in Florida doesn't mean you have to give up amazing views while enjoying your holiday feast. The Sunshine State...

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This Washington Seafood Shack Serves Endless Oysters With A View Of The Bay

Tucked away on the shores of Hood Canal in tiny Lilliwaup, Washington, the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon offers an unforgettable coastal dining experience.

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New Hampshire’s Greatest Disappearance: The Abandoned Luxury Of The North Woods

Deep in the snowy mountains of northern New Hampshire sits a massive, silent giant. The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel once sparkled with life, hosting presidents and wealthy guests...

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This Coveted Dock-To-Table Seafood Spot In Oregon Draws Crowds For Its Incredibly Fresh Catches

Newport, Oregon is home to one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved seafood destinations. Local Ocean Seafoods sits right...

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The Truth About Tourists In Iowa Breaking Laws At Covered Bridges

Iowa's famous covered bridges attract thousands of tourists every year, but not all visitors respect these historic treasures. From...

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South Dakota Destinations Overwhelmed By Tourists

South Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of tourist traffic jams, but this prairie state is home to some seriously popular attractions.

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The Haunted Inn In Maine That Still Has Guests From Another Era

The Kennebunk Inn sits quietly in coastal Maine, but its walls hold more than just history. Guests and staff have reported...

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This California Town Might Have The Most Photogenic Streets In The U.S.

San Francisco is a city built on hills, wrapped in fog, and painted in every color imaginable. Its streets tell stories through...

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Why Tourists In Delaware Keep Getting Ticketed For Beach Camping

Delaware's beautiful beaches attract thousands of visitors every summer, but many tourists find themselves facing unexpected fines for beach camping.

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10 Quaint Arkansas Villages Straight From A Hallmark Script

Arkansas, a hidden gem of the South, might just have secret passageways leading straight into a Hallmark movie. Picture this: cozy streets, smiling locals, and more charm than...

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The Soulful Weekend Brunch Spot In Minneapolis That Locals Treat Like A Celebration

Minneapolis has no shortage of brunch spots, but the Breakfast Bar in the North Loop stands out for all the right reasons. This weekend-only gem combines soulful Southern comfort...

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The Most Boring Cities In Tennessee That Turn Magical After Dark

Tennessee has plenty of towns that seem quiet and ordinary during daylight hours. But when the sun goes down, these same places reveal a completely different side filled with live...

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The Old Farmhouse In Iowa Where Chairs Move On Their Own

Nestled in the quiet town of Villisca, Iowa, stands a small white house with a terrifying past. In 1912, eight people were brutally killed there with an ax, and the crime was never...

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10 Wharfside Eateries In Louisiana Serving Gumbo That Defines Comfort

Ah, gumbo! The quintessential dish that defines comfort in Louisiana. If you're on a quest to find the best wharfside eateries serving this beloved dish, you've hit the jackpot....

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This All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Feast In Alaska Feels Straight Out Of A Dream

Nestled in the wilderness of Alaska's Tongass National Forest, George Inlet Lodge offers one of the most unique dining experiences you'll find anywhere in the Last Frontier. This...

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The Eerie Remains Of A Lost Utah Resort Hidden In Sand

Deep in the Utah desert, the ghostly ruins of what was once a grand lakeside resort now sit eerily stranded in a vast expanse of salt and sand. The Great Salt Lake's famous Saltair...

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Utah’s National Park Towns Tourists Completely Overran

Utah's stunning national parks draw millions of visitors every year, bringing life and energy to nearby towns. However, this popularity has come at a cost.

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Locals Swear This Washington Orchard Becomes Haunted Every October

Stalker Farms in Snohomish, Washington, transforms into one of the most thrilling haunted attractions every fall season. This isn't your typical Halloween experience, it's a carefully...

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Coastal Maine Restaurants Locals Hope You Never Find

Maine's rugged coastline hides culinary treasures that locals guard fiercely. These restaurants serve outstanding seafood in remote locations, far from typical tourist routes....

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The Tennessee Backroad Where Cars Stall Every Halloween Night

Every small town has its ghost story, but Rockvale, Tennessee holds one that drivers dread each October. Hay Lane, a narrow backroad winding through dark woods, has earned a chilling...

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