iris callahan author at My Family Travels
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This Friendly Indiana Cafe Serves A Unique Fusion Of American, Mexican, And Indian Cuisine

There is a moment when you realize the menu is not joking. Biscuits and gravy. Carnitas. Chicken curry.

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This Cozy Indiana Coffee House Invites Cat Lovers To Cuddle Cute Cage-Free Adoptables

A soft purr mixes right in with the hiss of a steam wand here, which tells you exactly what kind of coffee shop you've walked into. Imagine that combination!

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This Small Indiana Sushi Restaurant Serves One Of The Only Halal Sushi Menus In The State

I once opened a sushi menu, found something that looked perfect, and then spent the next five minutes figuring out whether I could actually order it. That little bit of detective...

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This Rural Indiana Country Store Doubles As A Massive Taxidermy Museum

I stopped for what I thought would be a quick grocery run and ended up wandering around for nearly two hours. The first clue that this was not an ordinary country store was a horse...

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This Rugged Indiana Forest Trail Hides Millions Of Prehistoric Geodes Right In Its Ancient Creek Beds

I picked up a lumpy gray rock in a creek bed, and it turned out to be a fossilized time capsule. A friend cracked it open with a rock hammer, revealing quartz crystals sealed inside...

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This Indiana Bakery Is Famous For Cinnamon Rolls So Soft They Practically Dissolve

You can smell the warm dough before you even see the door, drifting out into a town that wakes up hungry most mornings. That's how you know you're close.

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This Amish-Run Indiana Bakery In A Town Most Travelers Skip Sells Out Of Fried Pies By Noon

A screen door creaks open at exactly 7 a.m., and the smell reaches the parking lot before the first customer does. Warm bread. Sugar....

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This Circus-Obsessed Indiana Museum Preserves The Golden Age Of The Big Top

Elephants once spent their winters in Indiana. That was the detail I could not stop thinking about as I wandered through a collection of old circus barns in the middle of the countryside.

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9 Historic Indiana Landmarks You’ve Passed A Million Times But Never Visited

Indiana hides its best stories right beside the highway, and I drove past most of them for years without ever slowing down. Then one autumn afternoon I finally pulled off at one...

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This Small-Town Indiana Tavern Fries Up Hand-Breaded Pork Tenderloins Twice the Bun Size

Forget neat little sandwiches that disappear into the bun. This pork tenderloin practically demands its own zip code. Hand-breaded...

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This Epic Indiana Farm Features Giant Tractor Racing and a 10-Mile Maze Families Love

Forget the usual family outing. What if everyone could climb aboard a tractor and race? One Indiana agritourism destination...

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This Vibrant Indiana Restaurant Serves Up An All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Featuring Authentic Himalayan Favorites and Goat Curry

How often does a buffet let you travel across the Himalayas without leaving Indiana? This vibrant restaurant brings authentic Nepalese and Himalayan flavors to the table, with...

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This Secret Utopian Village Hidden In Indiana Looks Like A European Fairy Tale

Someone once decided the world needed a better place to live and tried to build it here. That experiment eventually left behind...

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This Waterfront Indiana Seafood Shack Serves Up Massive Baskets Of Freshly Battered Fish

Can a seafood shack serve a basket of fish big enough to turn lunch into an event? One Indiana waterfront favorite certainly gives it a shot, with freshly battered fish served...

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This Secret Indiana Limestone Gorge Path Features Stunning Hidden Waterfalls and 75-Foot Vertical Cliffs

What if a quiet woodland trail suddenly opened into a dramatic limestone gorge? Some hikes surprise you with a beautiful view at the end, while others keep revealing something...

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This Indiana Tool Liquidator Has Deep Discounts On Name-Brand Hardware

What if the tools you need are sitting on a shelf for far less than you expected to pay? Finding a great deal on quality hardware can make a routine shopping trip feel like a genuine...

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This Hidden Indiana Treehouse Nest Lets You Sleep 30 Feet Up In The Canopy Under Starlit Skies

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fall asleep surrounded by nothing but the sounds of the forest? Some overnight escapes offer luxury, while others create unforgettable...

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This Historic Indiana Town Is Home To The Oldest Gothic Revival Masterpiece In The State

Some buildings have a way of making you stop the moment they come into view. Long before you step inside, the intricate details, soaring design, and remarkable craftsmanship hint...

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8 Indiana Swimming Spots With Crystal-Clear Water Perfect For Summer 2026

What makes a swimming spot worth planning an entire summer day around? Sometimes it is the water itself, especially when it is clear enough to see the scenery beneath the surface.

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This Tiny Indiana Town Feels Like A Magical European Village Tucked Into The Rolling Hoosier Hills

Have you ever stumbled across a town that made you slow down the moment you arrived? Some places have a way of making everyday life feel a little farther away, replacing busy streets...

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This Magical Indiana Library Packs Free 3D Printing and Media Labs For Everyone

What if your local library offered far more than books? Imagine walking through the doors and discovering creative spaces filled with 3D printers, recording equipment, media labs,...

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This Mind-Boggling Indiana Geode Grotto Was Built Out Of Millions Of Glowing Crystals

The most memorable places are often the ones that make you stop and ask, "How did someone build this?" That sense of curiosity...

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This Secret Indiana High Tea Parlor Looks Like A Luxury Set Straight Out Of Bridgeton

What if your next afternoon out felt a little more elegant than usual? Delicate teacups, beautifully presented treats, and refined surroundings come together at one Indiana tea...

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10 Hidden Diners In Alabama With The Best Burgers You’ve Ever Tasted

Alabama’s best burgers are often found in places you might drive past without a second glance. Small diners, family-run spots, and old-school counters across the state are still...

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This Secret 1950s Indiana Drive-In Is Tucked Amid Beautiful, Tree-Lined Hoosier Hills

Somewhere along a quiet stretch of highway in Indiana, hidden between rolling hills and dense woodland, a drive-in theater has been welcoming families since 1950. This classic...

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This Massive 62-Mile Indiana Rail-Trail Is The Longest Continuous Fitness Paradise In The Whole State

First impressions matter, and this Indiana trail makes a great one before you even take your first step. An eye-catching historic landmark welcomes visitors at the starting point,...

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This Humble Indiana BBQ Joint Routinely Beats Out Sprawling, Fancy Restaurants For The City’s Best Catfish

A great food stop does not always come with a flashy sign or a huge dining room. Sometimes, it is the kind of place that wins people over one plate at a time. I love finding spots...

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10 Hidden Small-Towns In Indiana That You Absolutely Must Add To Your Bucket List

Small towns can reveal a side of Indiana that busy highways and city attractions often miss. Quiet streets, historic buildings, local shops, and scenic surroundings create experiences...

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This Premier Indiana Fabric Oasis Holds Over 30,000 Yards Of Gorgeous In-Stock Materials

Fabric stores can become unexpected sources of inspiration when colors, patterns, and textures fill the space around you. Indiana has creative destinations where designers, decorators,...

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This Giant Indiana Fabric Wonderland Is Getting Attention From Crafters Everywhere

I remember pulling up to what looked like a simple roadside Indiana building and thinking it would be a quick stop at best. The moment I stepped inside, that idea disappeared.

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This Hidden Indiana Park Is One Of The Only Places Where You Can Stand Beside A 500-Year-Old Tree

Ancient history is not always locked behind museum glass. In Indiana, one living landmark has quietly outlasted wars, generations, and the birth of an entire state, all while standing...

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This Giant Indiana Roadside Destination Is Packed With Mind-Blowing Discount Closeout Deals and Cheap Home Goods

What if your next shopping trip felt more like a treasure hunt? This Indiana roadside destination is filled with shelves of discounted goods, household finds, and unexpected items...

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10 Peaceful Small Towns In Alabama That Offer The Ultimate Slow-Paced Weekend Escape

Alabama has a way of slowing everything down, and honestly, that is exactly what most of us need. I stumbled onto my first small-town Alabama weekend almost by accident, and I...

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10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Indiana Every Local Pet Owner Needs To Visit This Summer

Summer in Indiana hits different when you have a dog tugging at the leash, nose pointed toward the water. Watching my dog sprint across the sand for the first time made every mile...

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This Historic Alabama Dragway Has Been A Racing Landmark Since The Early 60s

Alabama has a long motorsports tradition that extends well beyond major speedways, with historic drag strips playing an important role in the state's racing culture for generations....

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This Former Indiana Quarry Is a Crystal-Blue Swimming Hole With an Above-Water Playground

What if a place built from stone became one of the most unexpected spots to cool off? This Indiana destination has transformed a former quarry into a clear-blue swimming area where...

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This Immersive Indiana Simulation Room Simulates The True Raw Power Of A Midwest Tornado

What does it actually feel like to stand near the force of a tornado? One Indiana attraction gives visitors a chance to experience a powerful storm simulation while learning more...

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This Indiana Country Diner Is Where Small-Town Comfort Food Still Means Made-From-Scratch, Not a Trend

When was the last time you had a meal that felt homemade instead of just made quickly? One Indiana country diner has kept things simple by sticking with made-from-scratch comfort...

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This Indiana Town Tops Happiness For Schools, Short Commutes & Old-World Historic Charm

There is something special about an Indiana community that seems to balance the best parts of the past with the conveniences people look for today. Some towns manage to keep their...

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One Small Town Bakery In Indiana Prepares The Most Mouthwatering Donuts You’ll Ever Taste

Some mornings call for a donut, while others make you willing to drive a little farther to find a really good one. That is exactly what keeps people stopping by one small-town...

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This Indiana Pizzeria Is So Good Food Critics Say You Have To Drive And Try It

How far would you drive for a pizza that people cannot stop talking about? You might have plenty of pizza options closer to home, but this Indiana pizzeria has built a reputation...

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This Major Indiana City Has A Healthcare System So Advanced It’s Ranked Among America’s Elite

When it comes to choosing a place to live, work, or visit, having access to top-quality healthcare can make a bigger difference than most people realize.

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This 50-Year-Old Indiana Literary Haven Features Tall Ladders And Secret Stacks Of Rare Books

There are bookstores, and then there are the ones that feel like they have their own little world hidden inside. In Indiana, some bookshops go far beyond rows of new releases and...

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This Surreal Indiana Trail Leads To A Sunken Ice-Age Basin Guarded By Carnivorous Plants

Hidden in LaPorte, Indiana, a trail winds through ancient forest toward one of the strangest landscapes in the Midwest. This unique natural area is part of Indiana Dunes National...

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This Unique Indiana Garden Market Feels Straight Out Of A Fairytale Greenhouse Landscape

Fort Wayne, Indiana has a hidden gem that plant lovers and curious explorers keep coming back to. A longtime garden center tucked away in the city has been growing flowers and...

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This Hidden Indiana Fish Eatery Has Been Serving Legendary Fried Dinners For Many Decades

Some restaurants earn their reputation one plate at a time, and a legendary fish restaurant in Indiana has been doing exactly that since 1956. Tucked away along the back roads...

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Feast Next To A Glacial Lake At This Historic Indiana State Park Brunch Buffet

Imagine sitting down to a full brunch spread with a stunning glacial lake right outside the window. That is exactly what you get at a historic inn inside a state park in Angola,...

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This Famous Indiana Shop Is A Fascinating Market Blending Rare Oddities With Spooky Decor

Some shops sell products. Others sell experiences you genuinely cannot find anywhere else. A one-of-a-kind store in Evansville,...

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This Scenic Indiana Trail Leads To One Of The States Most Intriguing Ancient Earthwork Sites

Some trails take you through forests and fields, but one remarkable path in Anderson, Indiana does something far more extraordinary. It leads visitors into a landscape shaped more...

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This Iconic Indiana Dairy Bar Serves Some Of The Tallest Ice Cream Cones Around

Some places just stick with you long after you leave. A longtime dairy bar in Livonia, Indiana is exactly that kind of spot. Since...

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9 Legendary Indiana Steakhouses Every Local Foodie Needs To Try At Least Once

I have eaten my way through a lot of Indiana, and nothing gets me more excited than a great steakhouse with real history behind it. From small-town gems to downtown institutions,...

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The Indiana State Park Where Scenic Falls And A Suspension Bridge Create A Perfect Day Trip

Not every great adventure requires a long drive or a packed itinerary. One of the Midwest's most spectacular state parks offers something rare: deep sandstone canyons, seasonal...

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This Legendary Indiana Restaurant Serves Up An Iconic All-You-Can-Eat Feast & Famous Fried Chicken

Some restaurants are more than just a place to eat. They carry decades of history, family pride, and flavors that keep people coming back year after year.

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8 Fast-Growing Indiana Cities Becoming Massive High-Tech Hubs For Global Data Centers

Indiana is quietly becoming one of the most exciting tech destinations in the entire country, and watching it happen in real time is something else. Cities across the state are...

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This Vibrant Downtown Plaza In Indiana Lets You Watch Free Movies Under The Stars All Summer Long

Imagine spreading out a blanket on a warm summer evening, looking up at a giant screen, and watching a movie for free with your whole family. That is exactly what happens at a...

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This Cozy Indiana Bookshop Mixes Vinyl Records, Used Books, and Craft Coffee

Some places just have a way of pulling you in and making you want to stay a little longer. A cozy independent bookshop in Jasper, Indiana is exactly that kind of spot.

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This Indiana 100% Free-Roam Sanctuary Is Going Viral For Rescuing Senior Pets

Somewhere in Chesterton, Indiana, a 10-acre sanctuary is quietly changing the lives of senior and special needs dogs one wagging tail at a time. This nonprofit rescue has spent...

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This Massive Indiana Berry Farm Features Huge Fields Where You Can Pick Fruit For Next To Nothing

Somewhere in DeMotte, Indiana, there is a farm where rows of blueberry bushes stretch toward the horizon. This longtime family-run destination has welcomed visitors for generations,...

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This Spectacular Indiana Spot Makes Gluten-Free Comfort Food That Tastes Completely Authentic

Finding a restaurant where you can order almost anything on the menu without worry is rare. A dedicated allergy-friendly eatery in Lafayette, Indiana has built something truly...

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This Breathtaking Gothic Revival Church In Indiana Looks Straight Out Of Medieval Europe

Hidden in plain sight in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana stands a church so grand it feels like it belongs in a European city rather than the Midwest.

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