julian hayes author at My Family Travels
Article
Why Tourists in Alaska Are Paying Big for Illegal Drone Footage of Glaciers

Alaska’s glaciers hold a magnetism few places can match. From the blue ice walls of Mendenhall to the jagged flow of Exit Glacier, these landscapes look almost otherworldly....

Read More    6 min read

Article
Why North Dakota Locals Laugh at How Tourists Handle the Cold

I came to North Dakota for the frost and stayed for the lessons. Winter here feels alive, like a trickster that tests gear, plans, and patience. Locals laugh, not to mock, but...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Lost New York Amusement Park That No One Wants to Talk About

New York has seen its share of grand amusement parks, Coney Island, Rye Playland, and Adventureland still draw crowds, but one park has almost vanished from public memory. Freedomland...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Why Tourists in Colorado Keep Breaking a Law They Didn’t Know Existed

Colorado’s mountains attract millions of visitors every year, but many of them don’t realize they’re breaking one of the state’s most misunderstood laws, rules designed...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This North Carolina Smokehouse Serves Pork That Locals Swear Can’t Be Matched

In a state famous for barbecue rivalries, one small-town spot earns loyalty that crosses county lines. Lexington Barbecue, in the city of Lexington, North Carolina, has become...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why Hawaii’s Locals Say Tourism Has Crossed the Line

Hawaii has welcomed visitors for generations, but many residents now say the balance has tipped too far. What once felt like a respectful exchange has become overwhelming pressure...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Tiny Rhode Island Seafood Shack Serves Clam Cakes Worth the Trip

Rhode Island’s coast is full of seafood spots, but Evelyn’s Drive-In in Tiverton has earned a reputation that stretches well beyond its size. For decades, this roadside shack...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Halloween Streets in Georgia Locals Say You Have to See to Believe

I spent the past few Octobers crisscrossing Georgia to see which streets locals praise for Halloween magic. I found several streets and neighborhoods in Georgia that locals say...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Tourists Reveal What is Like to Drive Through West Virginia at Night

Night drives in West Virginia feel personal in a way daylight never does. I’ve gathered stories from tourists and locals who know these roads and their hush. Their accounts balance...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Pennsylvania Waterfronts That Lost What Made Them Special

When I talk to old timers in Pennsylvania river towns, their stories often begin with docks, steamers, factories, whistles, things gone. These waterfronts didn’t vanish all at...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Hidden Georgia BBQ Spot Serving Endless Ribs No One Talks About

Tucked in the North Georgia mountains, Jim’s Smokin’ Que doesn’t look like much from the road, just a small building off U.S. 19 with a gravel lot that’s full by lunchtime....

Read More    4 min read

Article
Passenger Captures Eerie Aerial View of Hurricane Erin From Flight Out of Miami

A passenger’s late-night TikTok from a flight leaving Miami turned a routine climb to cruising altitude into a front-row seat to nature’s theater. Lightning stitched the horizon...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Classic American Diners In New York Open 24 Hours For Travelers

Ever found yourself wandering the streets of New York at 3 AM, stomach growling and nowhere to go? Fear not, fellow night owls and jet-lagged travelers! I've spent countless sleepless...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Best Local Farmers’ Markets in Virginia

Good food lovers will find that Virginia keeps surprising with fresh flavors and friendly charm. These markets feel personal, with vendors who know their soil and what the season...

Read More    6 min read

Article
7 Nevada Desert Villages You’ll Want To Discover

Hidden among the vast, sun-scorched landscapes of Nevada lie charming little villages that time seems to have forgotten. I've spent years exploring these dusty gems, each with...

Read More    6 min read

Article
New York Teacher’s Viral TikTok Captures a Double Rainbow While Swimming at the Edge of Victoria Falls

A quiet moment on the edge of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls has become one of 2025’s most unexpected viral sensations. In a 60-second TikTok, a New York teacher,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 California’s Middle Eastern Flavors That Make The Journey Worthwhile

California's food scene has always been a melting pot of cultures, but the Middle Eastern influence truly stands out. From the bustling streets of San Francisco to the sun-soaked...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Fun Things to Do in Arizona This Weekend You’ll Want on Your List

I planned a weekend across Arizona that mixes big tent fun with quiet, creative moments. You’ll find festivals, art, nature, and one very cool museum that always teaches me something...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Mac And Cheese At This Ohio Restaurant Is So Creamy, It’s Unreal

You’re not wrong to insist the mac and cheese at Hoggy’s Restaurant & Catering in Columbus is special. Locals, and even casual diners, bring it up more than once. Here’s...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Locals Say This Ohio Restaurant Serves the Most Delicious Meatloaf Around

In the charming town of Middlefield, Ohio, nestled within Geauga County, lies a culinary gem that locals can't stop raving about. Mary Yoder’s Amish Kitchen is more than just...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Washington’s Retro Diners You Didn’t Know Existed

I chase old neon wherever I travel, and Washington keeps surprising me. Behind freeway exits and in quiet neighborhoods, I keep finding time capsules where chrome, counters, and...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Reasons Everyone Travels to Kentucky for Grocery Store Meat

I travel for food, and Kentucky keeps pulling me back for one simple reason. Grocery store meat here tastes fresh, clean, and deeply local. I find honest cuts, helpful butchers,...

Read More    7 min read

Article
6 Georgia Gastropubs Serving Comfort Food That Shocks Travelers

Georgia's gastropub scene is a delightful blend of flavors, combining traditional Southern comfort food with innovative twists that leave travelers pleasantly surprised. From bustling...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Surprising Reason Tourists Head to Wisconsin for Grocery Store Meat

Tourists sometimes visit Wisconsin grocery stores for a reason that might surprise outsiders: not for the steaks, cheeses, or craft beers the state is famous for, but for its unique...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Travelers Warned: Icy Conditions Impact Northern Vermont Roads

Winter in Vermont feels both magical and unpredictable. As someone who has driven countless miles across the state, I know firsthand how quickly the weather can shift in the mountains....

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Illinois Vegan Bakeries That Will Make You Forget Store Bought Desserts

Illinois surprises me every time with its ever-growing vegan food scene, and bakeries here have become a real highlight for anyone craving plant-based sweets. When I started seeking...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 California Coastal Spots Tourists Transformed Into All Night Party Hotspots

California’s legendary coast means more than sunshine and surf. Over the years, several seaside towns have shifted from peaceful hideaways to round-the-clock hotspots pulsing...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Hidden Gluten Free Dessert Shops in Florida That Will Blow Your Mind

If you dig gluten-free desserts, Florida has hidden gems you might never stumble on by accident. From Italian bakeries to creative beachside spots, these shops offer a taste of...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Illinois Attractions That Shut Down Forever

Illinois has no shortage of museums, roadside stops, and quirky destinations, but not all of them have stood the test of time. Some once drew crowds of families and travelers before...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Pennsylvania Middle Eastern Cuisine Worth the Road Trip

Pennsylvania holds surprises for anyone hungry for Middle Eastern flavors. Across the state, you’ll find restaurants that don’t just serve the basics, but go out of their way...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Florida Beaches Tourists Ruined With Trash and Overcrowding

Florida has so many stunning beaches that people flock there year-round. But where tourists pour in, many beaches show strain, trash piles, crowding, worn dunes, clogged parking,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
One Day Train Trip in Massachusetts Where Boston Baked Beans Are the Reward

Some trips are about the destination, but this one is all about the journey and that iconic, sweet-savory finish. There’s something comforting about knowing a train ride through...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Alabama BBQ and Southern Buffets You Can’t Miss This Year

Alabama’s food culture leans heavily on barbecue and soul food, and a handful of buffets across the state bring both together in one stop. From smoked ribs to fried catfish and...

Read More    5 min read

Article
8 Florida Breakfast Restaurants That Will Completely Change the Way You Start Your Day

Florida mornings can feel busy, but the right breakfast spot has a way of slowing things down. Across the state, locals point to cafés and diners that make the first meal of the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Tourist Hotspots in Arizona That Locals Skip

Once, I nearly lost a sandal in the tourist hive at Havasu Falls, only to find it three hours later dangling from a stranger’s backpack. Arizona rolls out the red carpet...

Read More    4 min read

Article
9 Underrated New York Lakes That Beat the Crowds

New York has no shortage of lakes, but some get so much attention that finding a quiet stretch of shoreline feels impossible. I started looking for places where you can enjoy the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why Train Travel Across Colorado Is Making a Comeback

When I tell friends about my trips across Colorado by rail, they usually look surprised. Yet, today, more travelers are trading their car keys for tickets and rediscovering the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Florida Seafood Restaurants Locals Say Are Better Than Fancy Resorts

Florida’s coastline means seafood is never far, but locals often skip the resort dining rooms and head to smaller spots that focus on freshness and comfort. I looked for restaurants...

Read More    5 min read

Article
All You Can Eat Buffets in Nevada That Actually Deliver

You know that moment when you open your fridge, see a shriveled lemon, and realize your dinner plans just became a problem to solve? That’s the story every time you want the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
10 Hidden Ranch and Retreat Stays in Texas for a Peaceful Getaway

You’re not running away, you’re running toward something quieter, softer, and, let’s be real, somewhere no one will ask about your five-year plan. Remember that time we both...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Why People From California Are Obsessed With Road Trips

Ask a Californian about travel, and chances are a road trip will come up. With coastal highways, desert routes, and mountain passes, the state seems designed for exploring by car....

Read More    4 min read

Article
8 Arkansas Restaurants Serving Soul Food Just Like Home

Soul food in Arkansas is more than just a meal, it’s a connection to family tables, Sunday dinners, and recipes passed down through generations. Across the state, you’ll find...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Hidden Cheesesteak Spots in Philly That Even Locals Keep Secret

Everyone knows Pat’s, Geno’s, and Dalessandro’s. But Philadelphia’s cheesesteak culture runs much deeper than the big names. In quiet corners of the city, neighborhood...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Nevada’s 8 Best Kept Picnic Secrets

Nevada may be known for its deserts and casinos, but if you take the time to look, you’ll find quiet corners perfect for a simple picnic.

Read More    5 min read

Article
The 7 Spookiest Road Trips in Texas With Abandoned Landmarks

Texas is full of wide-open roads and small towns with more history than you might expect. Some of that history lingers in places left behind, abandoned buildings, ghost towns,...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Ohio Road Trips Perfect for Families This Fall

Ohio is easy to cross by car, which makes it perfect for family trips. The state has a mix of small towns, outdoor adventures, and history that can keep kids and adults happy....

Read More    6 min read

Article
California’s 8 Secret Scenic Drives You’ll Want to Explore

California’s highways get plenty of attention, but some of the state’s most rewarding drives are the ones less talked about. Over the years, I’ve found that smaller backroads...

Read More    5 min read

Article
6 Arizona Buffets With Seafood Spreads You Wouldn’t Expect in the Desert

Arizona isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of seafood, but several buffets across the state are proving it’s possible to find quality spreads far from...

Read More    4 min read

Article
6 Underground Film Festivals in Washington State

Washington State has a lively film culture that stretches well beyond the big theaters. Some of the most interesting screenings happen in smaller, lesser-known festivals where...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Charming Alpine Cabins in Colorado for a Quick Retreat

Colorado’s alpine cabins tell their own stories, some echo with history, others feel like tomorrow’s cozy hideaway. I love how each one brings out something different in me....

Read More    5 min read