lila bradford author at My Family Travels
Article
This Hidden Indiana Spot Proves Hand-Breaded Fried Chicken Alone Can Build A Devoted Following

Some restaurants earn their reputation through flashy marketing. Others earn it one plate at a time, year after year, simply by doing one thing exceptionally well.

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This Massive Indiana Candy Factory Store Is A Willy Wonka Paradise Worth The Day Trip

Somewhere off Interstate 65 in Northwest Indiana, there is a place that makes candy lovers stop everything and take a detour. A famous candy factory store in Merrillville is one...

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10 Indiana’s Most Beautiful and Overlooked Historic Estate Grounds

Indiana holds secrets that most people drive right past. I have spent years exploring this state, and nothing surprised me more than discovering how many breathtaking historic...

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8 Historic Indiana Covered Bridges You Can Drive Across In A Single Scenic Afternoon

I never expected a single afternoon drive through rural Indiana to leave me completely speechless. But the moment I rolled my car through the first dark wooden tunnel of a covered...

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This Unique Indiana Food Market Comes With An Old Mill Site Overlooking A Beautiful River View

Not many parks can offer you fresh stone-ground flour and a stunning river view all in the same afternoon. A historic county park in Bristol, Indiana is one of those rare places...

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The Most Authentic Japanese Garden In Indiana Is A Breathtaking Paradise Tucked Away In A Quiet Local Suburb

Most people drive right past Mishawaka, Indiana without knowing one of the most peaceful places in the state is waiting just off the road.

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This Cozy Indiana Diner Is Famous For A Mind-Blowing $15 All-You-Can-Eat Fish Special

Fort Wayne has a lot of great places to eat, but few have the kind of loyal following that a longtime local fish diner on Wells Street has built over the years. Known for its relaxed,...

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10 Magical Indiana State Park Trails That Feel Like A Real-Life Fantasy Movie

I never expected Indiana to take my breath away the way it did the first time I wandered into one of its state parks. There is something quietly spectacular about this place, something...

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This Spectacular Hidden Pioneer Village In Indiana Is The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Historic Adventure

Somewhere in Salem, Indiana, history comes alive in a way that most people never expect. A recreated 1830s pioneer village invites visitors to step into the early days of statehood,...

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This 6.0-Mile Indiana Hike Loops Around A Gorgeous Hidden Lake With A Beach You Can Swim At

If you are looking for a place where hiking, swimming, and nature all come together in one spot, a state recreation area in Borden is worth every step.

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This Gorgeous Indiana Botanical Garden Was Named The Absolute Best In The Entire Country

Imagine walking through over 20 themed gardens, surrounded by clear streams, elegant sculptures, and blooming flowers in every direction.

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This Cozy Indiana Small-Batch Bakery Creates Incredible Farm-Fresh Pies Using Local Ingredients

Some bakeries sell pies. A woman-owned pie shop in Indianapolis, Indiana tells a story through every crust and filling. Located...

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This Huge Indiana Western Store Is A Pure Wonderland For Horse Lovers & Riders

If you love horses, western gear, or simply want to explore a store that feels like it was built just for riders, a family-owned tack and apparel shop in Mishawaka is a place worth...

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This Sprawling 12,000-Sq-Ft Indiana Salvage Warehouse Houses Thousands of Rare Antique Treasures

Somewhere in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a massive 12,000-square-foot warehouse holds thousands of antique pieces salvaged from old homes, historic buildings, and forgotten spaces. This...

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This Enchanting Hidden Stone Canyon In Indiana Holds Breathtaking Hand-Carved Pioneer History

Somewhere in west-central Indiana, a landscape so dramatic and unexpected waits that most people drive right past it without knowing it exists.

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This Sprawling Indiana Antique Shop Takes Hours For Serious Collectors To Fully Explore

If you have ever wanted to spend an entire day hunting for hidden treasures, a massive antique marketplace in Highland, Indiana might be exactly what you are looking for.

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This Cozy Indiana Cafe Looks Like A Storybook Cottage And Serves The Ultimate Old-School Brunch

Some restaurants just feed you. Others make you feel like you never want to leave. A café and bakery in Danville, Indiana...

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This Historic Indiana Tavern Serves A Legendary Steak In A Haunting Ghost Town

Deep in the hills of Brown County, Indiana, sits a village that time largely forgot. Founded in the mid-1800s, this tiny historic community has been carefully preserved, offering...

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This Indiana Food Stall Is Secretly Serving Day-Boat Seafood That Rivals Maine

Somewhere in the heart of Indianapolis, Indiana, a seafood experience is waiting that feels nothing like the Midwest. A local seafood market and eatery brings the bold, briny spirit...

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This Stunning Indiana City Is A Certified Green Paradise Packed With Over 80 Parks

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is not your average Midwestern city. Located where three rivers come together, this vibrant community has quietly become one of the most appealing destinations...

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9 Spectacular Dog-Friendly Trails In Indiana For The Ultimate Outdoor Weekend Trip

I have spent more weekends than I can count loading up the car with my dog, a water bottle, and a rough idea of where we were headed. Indiana surprised me.

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This Sleepy Small Town In Indiana Is Secretly Becoming The Data Center Capital Of The Midwest

Most people drive right past a small town in northern Indiana without a second glance. With fewer than 2,000 residents, this quiet St. Joseph County community looks like any other...

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This Unique Vintage Market In Indiana Features A Lounge Packed With Adorable Rescue Cats

Some businesses exist simply to sell products, but the most memorable destinations are built around a larger purpose. Deep inside a vibrant Indiana college town, a truly unexpected...

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This Hidden Indiana Car Collection Holds Rarest Million-Dollar Vintage Muscle Cars

Somewhere in Greenwood, Indiana, behind a busy commercial area, sits a private car collection that many visitors never expect to find.

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This Breathtaking Tropical Rainforest In Indiana Costs Absolutely Nothing To Visit

Muncie, Indiana holds a quiet natural escape that many visitors pass by without realizing it is there. Tucked along the edge of a university campus, a preserved woodland and greenhouse...

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8 Free Indiana Splash Pads That Will Make You Forget About Expensive $80 Waterparks

I’ll be honest, I almost spent a small fortune taking the kids to a waterpark last summer before a friend told me about a free splash pad just a short drive away. That one message...

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This Quirky Indiana Bookstore Specializes In Banned Books And Challenged Literature

Not every bookstore is bold enough to stock the books someone else tried to hide from you. In Indianapolis, Indiana, a small independent shop has built its identity around exactly...

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This Giant Saturday Market Is Rated One Of The Best Farmers Markets In Indiana

Some Saturday mornings just feel different, and this one will remind you why weekends exist in the first place. A beloved Indiana farmers market draws crowds of locals and visitors...

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This Entire Indiana Ghost Town Is A Restored 1800s Time Capsule, And You Can Sleep In It

The entire town has a population of three. The guests usually outnumber the residents, and that is exactly the point. In the...

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This Spectacular Indiana Eatery Is Officially One Of The Best Seafood Spots In The State

The fish case sparkles with tuna that arrived on a plane, not a truck. That is the first clue that this spectacular Indiana eatery has earned its reputation as one of the best...

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8 Hidden Indiana Buffets That Serve Real Homemade Comfort Food Just Like Your Grandma

Indiana has a quiet tradition of feeding people well. Across the state, small family restaurants and Amish-country buffets have been piling plates high with the kind of food most...

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This Wild, Hidden Indiana Curiosity Shop Is Packed Full Of Bizarre Secrets To Uncover

The second you start looking into Fae's Cabinet in Fort Wayne, you get that little chill that something strange is waiting inside, and I mean that in the best way, because the...

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This Quiet Indiana Town Is Becoming One Of The Loveliest Places To Retire For Peaceful Living

Jasper, Indiana sits quietly along the Patoka River in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, and more people are starting to take notice. This small city carries a strong German...

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This Futuristic Indiana Restaurant Zooms Food To Your Table On A High-Speed Track

Indiana has no shortage of great places to eat, but every once in a while a restaurant comes along that feels like something from another world entirely. This Fishers sushi spot...

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This Scenic Lazy River in Indiana is the Ultimate Paradise for a Summer Float

Indiana has a hidden gem that most people outside the region have never heard of. This quiet river winds through the southern part of the state, offering one of the most relaxed...

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This Laid-Back Indiana Diner Features Fresh Seafood Locals Obsess Over

Fort Wayne, Indiana is not exactly where most people would expect to find some of the freshest oysters in the Midwest. Yet this longtime seafood restaurant has been proving those...

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The Hidden Indiana Bison Ranch Where You Ride A Tractor Wagon Directly Into A Roaming Herd

Northern Indiana has a lot of surprises, but few match the thrill of riding a covered wagon directly into a roaming herd of American bison. This ranch in Wolcottville is that kind...

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You Need to Visit This Historic Indiana Joint for a Legendary All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry

Some restaurants earn their reputation over decades, and a legendary dining destination in northeast Indiana is exactly that kind of place. Rooted in Hoosier tradition, this beloved...

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This Pine-Shrouded Indiana Lake Feels Plucked From the Mountains

Most people don’t think of Indiana when they picture pine-draped ridges, sweeping forest views, and a calm lake tucked between wooded hills. This southwestern Indiana forest...

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9 Little-Known Indiana Beaches That Are So Beautiful We Almost Kept Them Completely Secret

Indiana is not the first place most people picture when they think of beaches, but that assumption sells this state seriously short. Scattered across the northern lakeshores, southern...

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This Hidden Indiana Lavender Farm Smells Like Pure Heaven From The Moment You Arrive

There is something quietly magical about a place that slows you down the moment you arrive. This Indiana lavender farm is exactly that kind of place.

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Steaming Baskets Of Seafood Are Dumped Right On The Table At This Messy Indiana Spot

Indiana is not the first place most people think of when they want fresh, bold seafood. But this South Bend Cajun seafood spot has been quietly changing that perception.

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This Indiana Lake Keeps Shrinking And Locals Are Starting To Worry About What’s Happening

This lake in Monticello, Indiana has long been a beloved escape for families, anglers, and water lovers across the Midwest. But lately, something feels different.

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Indiana Is Home To The Longest Historic Covered Bridge In The United States

Some places carry a kind of quiet power that stops you in your tracks. This historic covered bridge in Jackson County, Indiana is one of those places.

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This 40-Acre Indiana Jungle Is The Ultimate Deep-Woods Escape For Mudding & Off-Road Trails

Indiana has a lot going on beneath its quiet surface, and this off-road park near South Bend is proof of that. Spread across roughly 40 acres of raw, untamed terrain, it feels...

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The Tiny Indiana Bookshop Inside A Historic Home Feels Like A Secret Literary Escape

Some bookshops feel like they were built for people who truly love books, not just for people who buy them. This Westfield, Indiana bookstore is exactly that kind of place.

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This Bottomless Indiana Blue Hole Is Shrouded in Eerie Urban Legends That Keep Locals Right on Edge

There is something about the Blue Hole in Prairieton, Indiana, that pulls people in even before they fully understand what they are looking at. The water sits unnaturally still,...

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The Only Diner In Indiana Serving All-You-Can-Eat Fried Chicken Livers

Some restaurants earn a reputation that stretches far beyond their zip code, and this Poseyville, Indiana spot is exactly that kind of place. Sitting just off Interstate 64, it...

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This Massive Multi-Million Dollar Gated Car Village Is Driving Indiana Car Lovers Crazy

There is a place in Westfield, Indiana, that car lovers are talking about with serious excitement. This gated luxury garage community is built entirely around the passion for automobiles,...

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The Overlooked Indiana Town That Feel Way More Like Chicago Than The Rest Of The State

Most people drive right past Munster without a second thought, which honestly makes it one of Indiana's best-kept secrets. Sitting just 26 to 30 miles from the Chicago Loop, this...

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This Jaw-Dropping Backroad Route In Indiana Combines Haunting Covered Bridges With Countryside Magic

Parke County, Indiana holds a kind of quiet magic that most people never stumble across unless they go looking for it. This historic village near Rockville feels like the countryside...

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This Hidden Indiana Diner’s Friday Amish Buffet Is Packed With Catfish and Homemade Cobbler

Some places earn their reputation one plate at a time, and this small-town diner in Odon, Indiana is exactly that kind of spot. Nestled in the heart of Amish country, it draws...

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The Most Expensive Restaurants In Indiana, And Which Ones Locals Actually Recommend

Indiana might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about high-end dining, but the state has a surprisingly vibrant fine dining scene that can rival cities far...

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The Abandoned Indiana Concrete Train Depot That Looks Like An Apocalyptic Movie Set

This early 20th-century transportation hub in Gary, Indiana once moved thousands of steel workers, travelers, and mail through Northwest Indiana during the height of the city’s...

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This Hidden Indiana Adults-Only Suite Features a Private Indoor Pool, Waterfall, and a Whirlpool Tub

Some places just make you feel like the rest of the world has been put on pause. This Indianapolis, Indiana adults-only getaway is exactly that kind of place, offering couples...

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This Secret Small-Town Indiana Steakhouse Serves Legendary Cuts at Unbelievable Prices

Some of the best meals in Indiana are not found in big city restaurants or trendy downtown spots. They are found in small towns where the food is honest, the portions are generous,...

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This Forgotten Indiana Lake Gives You All The Nature Of A State Park With Zero Crowds

Most people driving through Huntington County, Indiana have no idea there is a vast natural area sitting quietly just off the highway. This large fish and wildlife area, centered...

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The Massive Homemade Peanut Butter Pie At This Legendary Indiana Smokehouse Is A Total Local Secret

LaGrange, Indiana has a quiet little secret that locals have been enjoying for years, and it goes far beyond just smoked meats. This downtown tavern has built a devoted following...

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This Indiana Rooftop Spot Gives You A Skyline View Most Locals Still Haven’t Found

Most people walking through downtown Indianapolis have no idea there is a rooftop experience sitting high above the city, quietly offering one of the most striking skyline views...

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This Tiny, 50-Year-Old Indiana Bakery Has Made Over 20 Million Doughnuts By Hand

Some places earn their reputation one doughnut at a time, and this Brownsburg, Indiana bakery has been doing exactly that since 1974. Over more than five decades, it has quietly...

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