julian hayes author at My Family Travels
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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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,...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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....

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