iris callahan author at My Family Travels
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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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7 Rivers That Whisper Through Missouri’s Hidden Corners

Missouri holds secrets most travelers never discover, and some of the best ones flow quietly through forests, valleys, and rocky bluffs far from busy highways.

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Where to Find the Best Outdoor Trails in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers some of the most stunning and diverse outdoor trails in the country, perfect for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

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Texas Cities That Surprise First-Time Visitors

Most people think Texas is all about cowboys, oil fields, and endless stretches of desert. While the Lone Star State certainly...

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7 Oregon Trails That Might Be Hiding a Portal to Adventure

Oregon is full of surprises waiting around every bend, especially when you lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Some...

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A Slow Road Trip Through Michigan’s Lakeside Towns

Michigan's lakeside towns offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where time seems to slow down and nature takes center stage.

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Tennessee’s Hidden Music Spots Beyond Nashville

Tennessee's music scene stretches far beyond the neon lights and honky-tonks of Nashville's Broadway. Across the state, hidden...

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7 Minnesota Lakes That Make You Forget the Noise

Minnesota holds a special place in the hearts of nature lovers, and it's easy to see why. With over 10,000 lakes scattered...

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Weekend Ideas for Exploring North Dakota

North Dakota might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a weekend adventure, but this hidden gem offers incredible experiences waiting to be discovered.

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Discover Hidden Beaches in California You’ve Never Seen

California is famous for its stunning coastline, but not all of its beaches are crowded with tourists and surfers. Tucked...

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7 Charming Vermont Spots That Make You Forget the Calendar

Vermont holds a special kind of magic that pulls you out of your everyday routine and into a world where time feels different. Whether...

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Closed-Down Pennsylvania Attractions Road-Trippers Still Photograph

Pennsylvania holds countless memories within its borders, from bustling cities to quiet countryside roads. Many attractions...

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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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