iris callahan author at My Family Travels
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Take This Picturesque Indiana Train Ride for a Spring Day Trip That Might Just Outshine the Indy 500

I've lived in Indiana long enough to know that when May rolls around, everyone's talking about the Indy 500. But let me tell you about something that might just steal your heart...

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10 Lesser-Known Hikes In Indiana To Add To Your 2026 Bucket List

I’ve spent years exploring Indiana’s trails, and I can tell you that some of the best hikes in the state are the ones most people drive right past without a second thought....

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This Indiana Ramen Spot Hits the Japanese Flavors You’d Expect in Tokyo

I still remember the first time I walked through the doors at Kizuki Ramen and heard the chorus of "Irasshaimase!" from the open kitchen. That traditional Japanese greeting made...

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This Old-Fashioned Diner In Indiana Has Burgers That Live Up to the Hype

I've driven past The Lemon Drop on Mounds Road in Anderson more times than I can count, and I'll admit something: for years, I thought it was just another roadside burger joint....

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This Scenic Wetland Trail In Indiana Lets You Reconnect With Nature Away From the Hustle

I still remember the first time I walked through Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve on a crisp autumn morning, and the stress of city life just melted away with every step. The sound...

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This Indiana College Town Quietly Turned Into a Foodie Haven You Didn’t See Coming

I never thought I would call Bloomington a culinary destination. Growing up in Indiana, I always knew it as a college town; home to Indiana University, lined with limestone buildings,...

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All the Sushi, Seafood, and Japanese Favorites You Can Eat at This Indiana Buffet

I still remember the first time someone told me about an all-you-can-eat sushi and seafood buffet on the northeast side of Indianapolis. I was skeptical because buffets and fresh...

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Indiana Is Home to 8 Down-Home Restaurants Where Fried Chicken Is Legendary

I grew up in a state where fried chicken is more than just food. It is a tradition that brings families together around tables covered in checkered cloths.

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This Indiana State Park Is Famous for Its “Ghostly” White Forest Every February

I still remember the first time I drove through Prophetstown State Park on a crisp February morning and felt my breath catch at the sight of the white sycamore trees standing like...

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This Indiana Asian Fusion Food Crawl Is a Must-Try in 2026

I remember the first time I walked past the unassuming storefront at 1844 E 10th Street, just north of Woodruff Place in Indianapolis. The buzz around Beholder had been building...

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10 Indiana Towns With Unexpected Waterfront Views

I never thought I'd find myself standing on a cliff overlooking the Ohio River, watching the sunset paint the water gold, right here in Indiana. Growing up in the Hoosier State,...

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This Indiana Ravine Hike Rewards You With Stunning Views

I stumbled upon Charlestown State Park on a humid July morning when I needed to escape the noise of everyday life. What started as a casual Saturday hike turned into one of my...

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This Indiana Restaurant Is Keeping a Classic Alive in Small-Town Indiana

I've driven past the unincorporated town of Ireland, Indiana more times than I can count, and for years I wondered about the little restaurant that seemed frozen in time. The Chicken...

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This No-Frills Indiana Spot Has Locals Queuing for the Best Barbecue in the Country

I pulled into the parking lot off Ridge Road in Munster and had to circle around back to find the entrance. That's when I knew I'd stumbled onto something special.

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This Indiana Ice Cream Parlor Has Been Doing Things the Same Way for Decades, and Locals Love It

I've been visiting Zaharakos since I was a kid, and honestly, walking through those doors at 329 Washington Street feels like stepping into a time machine every single time. The...

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This Indiana State Fair Food Experience Is a Rite of Passage for Locals

Walking through the gates of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the smell of fried food hits me instantly. It’s unmistakable and impossible to ignore.

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10 Indiana Cities Worth a Food-Filled Road Trip

Indiana might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about food destinations, but this Midwestern gem is packed with cities serving incredible flavors and memorable...

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This Indiana BBQ Spot Sells Out Before You’d Expect

Tucked away in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis, Half Liter BBQ has become one of the city's most talked-about barbecue destinations. What started as a laid-back spot...

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The Hash Browns at This Small Indiana Cafe Are Simply Unforgettable

I've eaten my way through countless breakfast spots across Indianapolis, but nothing quite prepared me for what I found at Mornings Breakfast & Brunch on Lake Circle Drive....

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This Indiana Farm Offers a Cozy Winter Café and Indoor Paint Parties That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

I discovered Driving Wind Berry Farm on a quiet Tuesday morning when I was searching for something different to do with my kids. We had driven past the sign on Michigan Road a...

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This Indiana City Has Earned a Reputation for Its Brunch Scene and Local Favorites

Evansville sits along the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana, quietly building a reputation that goes way beyond its riverboat history and Angel Mounds. While most folks know it...

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This Easygoing Indiana Restaurant Serves Lobsters That Will Blow Your Mind

Tucked away on East US Highway 36 in Avon, Indiana, sits a seafood gem that has been winning over locals and travelers alike. Ugly Crab might have a quirky name, but its reputation...

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This Retro Route 66–Themed Spot Has Become a Road-Trip Destination in Indiana

Tucked away on Brookville Road in Indianapolis, Rock-Cola 50's Cafe is not your typical breakfast and lunch spot. This nostalgic diner has transformed from a local gem into a must-visit...

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This Indiana Eatery’s Crab Cakes Are the Secret Everyone Shouldn’t Know

Hidden away in the tiny hamlet of Perkinsville, Indiana, at 9830 W 280 N, Anderson, IN 46011, sits a culinary treasure that locals have been trying to keep secret for decades....

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10 Indiana Shops Where Locals Find the Best Pre-Loved Fashion

Indiana has become a hidden gem for thrift shoppers and vintage lovers who crave unique fashion finds without the hefty price tags. From bustling Indianapolis neighborhoods to...

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Indiana’s Unassuming Spot Serves Fried Chicken So Good, People Talk About It Across the Country

Gray Brothers Cafeteria officially closed its long-standing Mooresville location at 555 S Indiana St, Mooresville, IN 46158 on June 8, 2025, after 80 years of operation. While...

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Indiana’s Pizza Spot Where Even Locals Secretly Line Up Twice

Tucked away in Bremen, Indiana, The Wooden Peel has quietly become one of Marshall County's most beloved pizza destinations. This unassuming spot at 108 W Plymouth St might not...

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This Tiny Café in Bloomington Is Serving the Best Cinnamon Rolls in Indiana

Tucked away on North College Avenue in Bloomington, Indiana, sits a cozy gem that has locals and visitors alike raving about its baked goods. Crumble Coffee and Bakery has earned...

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Hidden Indiana Lakeside Towns Locals Visit For A Peaceful Getaway

Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about lakeside retreats, but this Midwestern state hides some truly special waterfront gems.

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Indiana’s South Bend Chocolate Shop Turns Sweet Into an Event

Tucked away in South Bend, Indiana, the South Bend Chocolate Company offers more than just sweet treats; it delivers an entire experience that transforms a simple chocolate shop...

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The Hoosier Roadside Museum In Indiana You Won’t Believe Exists Inside a One-Room Building

Hidden away in the vibrant Factory Arts District of Indianapolis sits one of the quirkiest roadside attractions you'll ever encounter. Indy’s Teeny Statue of Liberty Museum is...

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This Tiny Indiana Town Claims the World’s Largest Ball of Paint

Tucked away in Monroe Township, Madison County, you'll find Alexandria, Indiana; a small city with a population hovering around 5,000 people.

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Why Shipshewana, Indiana Still Feels Like the Heart of Amish Country

Tucked away in northeastern Indiana, Shipshewana is a small town that feels like stepping back in time. Horse-drawn buggies clip-clop down the streets, handmade quilts hang from...

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The Untold Story of Indiana’s Abandoned Mining Town

Deep in southern Indiana lies a forgotten place that most people have never heard of. Farnsworth was once a bustling mining town...

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An All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken Spot in Indiana Locals Guard Like a Secret

Hidden away in the rolling hills of southern Indiana sits a restaurant that locals have been keeping to themselves for years. Gasthof...

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An Unassuming Indiana Field Houses a 72,000-Square-Foot Labyrinth of Antiques and Oddities

Hidden just off the highway in southern Indiana, an ordinary-looking building becomes extraordinary the moment you step inside. What...

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New York Buffets That Are Popular With Locals

New York City offers some of the most incredible dining experiences in the world, and buffets remain a favorite choice for locals who crave variety and value.

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This Boston, Massachusetts Interactive Grill Offers a Variety of Options to Satisfy Every Appetite

Imagine walking into a restaurant where you become the chef, choosing exactly what goes into your meal from fresh meats to colorful vegetables to bold sauces from around the world....

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Oregon Coastal Towns Where Locals Say Tourists Have Overwhelmed the Community

Oregon's stunning coastline draws millions of visitors each year, eager to experience its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming seaside communities.

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How Increasing Visitors Have Changed the Small-Town Charm of Key West, Florida

Key West has always felt like a place where time moves a little slower, where neighbors know each other by name, and where the rhythm of island life keeps everyone grounded.

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Oregon Towns Where Local Rules Have an Unexpected Effect on Tourists

Oregon is full of charming small towns that draw visitors from around the world, but some of these communities have quirky local laws that catch tourists completely off guard.

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High-Traffic Florida Beaches Where Tourist Crowds and Litter Are Noticeable

Florida's beaches are famous for their stunning sunsets, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters that attract millions of visitors every year.

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Exploring Classic Dining Spots Across Oklahoma

Oklahoma has always been a place where food tells stories of heritage, community, and tradition. Across the state, classic...

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How Tourism Has Shaped Small Town Life in Oklahoma

Small towns across Oklahoma have experienced remarkable transformations as visitors from near and far discover their unique charm and character.

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Scenic Overlooks and Nature Walks Across Oregon

Oregon is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the entire Pacific Northwest region. From towering coastal cliffs...

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Nevada Roadside Stops That Are Totally Instagram-Worthy

Nevada is more than just bright lights and bustling casinos. The Silver State hides incredible roadside gems that make every...

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What Makes This Georgia Town a Hidden Local Treasure

Tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Dahlonega offers visitors a charming escape that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life.

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Underrated Breakfast Cafes In New York Locals Don’t Talk About

New York City has thousands of breakfast spots, but most tourists and even some locals flock to the same crowded brunch places with long waiting lists and high prices.

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Oregon Areas with Forest Walking Trails

Oregon's forests offer some of the most breathtaking walking trails in the Pacific Northwest, where towering trees create natural cathedrals and moss-covered landscapes feel almost...

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Unique Food Experiences and Farmers Markets in Austin, Texas

Austin has earned its reputation as one of America's most exciting food destinations, where innovative chefs blend traditional Texas flavors with global influences.

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