lila bradford author at My Family Travels
Article
This Indiana Two-Story Fabric Mecca Is a 30,000-Square-Foot Paradise

I have visited a lot of fabric stores over the years, but nothing quite prepared me for walking into one massive fabric destination in Shipshewana, Indiana. This place is not just...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Indiana’s Vibrant Spring Market Hidden at a Picturesque Lavender Farmstead

There is something quietly magical about discovering a place that feels like it belongs in a storybook, right here in Indiana. Tucked along a country road, a working lavender farm...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Hidden Indiana Restaurants That Every Food Lover Needs to Try

I have spent more time than I care to admit driving down Indiana back roads, following tips from locals, and showing up at places with no sign out front and a line out the door....

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Indiana Ridge Trail Is the Only Place to Stand on a Backbone Above the Clouds

There are places in Indiana that stop you cold, and the Backbone at Pine Hills inside Shades State Park is one of them. I grew up hearing people talk about Turkey Run, but nobody...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Little-Known Indiana State Park Is So Quiet, You’ll Hear Only Nature Everywhere You Hike

I still remember the first time I pulled off the road and into Harmonie State Park in Posey County, and the silence hit me like a warm blanket on a cold morning. No traffic noise,...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Historic Indiana Market Transforms a Small Farm into a 500-Vendor Treasure Hunt Every Wednesday Morning

I still remember the first time I pulled off Holland Road on a Wednesday morning and saw hundreds of cars already lined up before sunrise. The smell of fresh baked goods hit me...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Library Has a Secret Door That Leads to a Hidden 1920s-Style World

I never expected to find one of the most extraordinary experiences in Indiana tucked behind a secret door inside a busy college pub on Kirkwood Avenue. The Dunnkirk Library in...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Chocolate Factory Feels Like a Real-Life Willy Wonka and Is the Midwest’s Must-Visit Sweet Spot

I'll be honest, I never expected a chocolate shop in Indianapolis to stop me in my tracks the way DeBrand Fine Chocolates did. Walking through those doors feels like crossing into...

Read More    6 min read

Article
8 Indiana State Escapes So Stunning, You’ll Swear They’re National Parks

I'll be honest with you. Before I started exploring Indiana's state parks, I assumed the best outdoor experiences required a long road trip to places like the Smokies or the Rockies.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana Eatery is Hidden Inside a Restored 1870s Catholic Church

I never expected a Tuesday afternoon in Indianapolis to leave me genuinely speechless, but walking through the doors of St. Joseph Brewery on North College Avenue did exactly that....

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Park Hides a Secret World Beneath Your Feet

I still remember the first time I walked into Spring Mill State Park and felt like I had stepped into two completely different worlds at once.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana Bakery Serves a Perfect $2 Donut That Draws Crowds From Across the Midwest

I have driven past a lot of bakeries in Indiana, but nothing quite stopped me in my tracks like Concannon's Pastry Shop in Muncie. The second you walk in, you’re met with rows...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Indiana’s Dessert Spot That’s Basically a Dentist’s Worst Nightmare for Its Overloaded, Sugar-Packed Creations

I'll be honest, I drove past Shelby Street more times than I care to admit before I finally stopped in at The Cavity Factory. Something about the name, the buzz on Facebook, and...

Read More    6 min read

Article
8 Huge Indiana Thrift Stores Where You Can Stock a Cart for Just $25

I’ve spent countless weekends diving headfirst into Indiana’s thrift scene, and let me tell you, nothing beats the thrill of pushing a cart overflowing with goodies without...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Indiana Residents Are Flocking to This Massive Furniture Store for Crazy Discounts

I remember the first time I drove past Indiana Furniture and Mattress on East Lincolnway in Valparaiso. The massive building caught my attention immediately, and I wondered what...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Serves a Cheeseburger So Legendary It Puts Your Favorite Fair Food to Shame

I grew up hearing stories about Miner-Dunn from my parents, and when I finally walked through those doors myself, I understood why this place has been a Highland institution since...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Best Fish And Chips In Indiana Are Found At This Grocery Store Counter With A Near-Perfect 4.8 Rating

I never thought I'd find my new favorite fried fish spot inside a grocery store, but here we are. Grill and Fry, tucked right inside Saraga International Grocery on Indianapolis's...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Laid-Back Indiana Towns Where $1,200 a Month Is Enough to Retire in Comfort

I've spent years exploring Indiana's small towns, and I can tell you that retiring on a tight budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life.

Read More    8 min read

Article
10 Budget-Friendly Date Night Ideas Across Indiana

Finding affordable ways to spend quality time with someone special can feel like a challenge, especially when you want to make the evening memorable without emptying your wallet....

Read More    10 min read

Article
10 Overlooked Indiana Towns Where You Can Stretch Your Budget and Enjoy Excellent Healthcare

I've spent years exploring Indiana's hidden corners, and I've discovered something remarkable. While everyone flocks to Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, some of our state's best-kept...

Read More    9 min read

Article
People Drive From All Over Indiana For The Delicious Cinnamon Rolls At This Bakery That Uses A Secret 100-Year-Old Amish Recipe

I remember the first time someone told me about a bakery in New Haven where people drive from all corners of Indiana just for cinnamon rolls. I thought they were exaggerating.

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Towns In Indiana Where You Can Actually Live On Nothing But Social Security And Never Worry About Money

Living on a fixed income doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort, fun, or peace of mind. In Indiana, there are some of the most budget-friendly towns in the country; places...

Read More    10 min read

Article
This Indiana Park Hides A Natural Well Where You Can Savor The State’s Crispest Water

I never expected to find one of Indiana's most refreshing secrets right off a busy Carmel street. Flowing Well Park has been quietly serving up crystal-clear spring water for over...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Everyone Says This Mom-And-Pop Diner in Indiana Serves Breakfast That Locals Can’t Stop Raving About

I've eaten breakfast at more diners across Indiana than I care to admit, but nothing quite compares to the magic happening inside Cindy's Diner on West Berry Street in Fort Wayne....

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Underrated Car Museum In Indiana Is a Must-Visit for Gearheads

I never thought a museum could make me feel like I was standing in a 1936 Ford showroom, but that’s exactly what happened when I walked into the Early Ford V-8 Museum in Auburn....

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Amish Market Is Where $25 Can Stretch Surprisingly Far

I've driven past countless roadside markets in Indiana, but few have stopped me in my tracks quite like Rentown Country Store in Bremen.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Bakery Has Been Hiding a Massive “Cannonball” Pastry for Over 90 Years

I grew up hearing stories about the old bakeries in Indianapolis, the ones that have been around longer than most of us can remember. Boyden's Southside Bakery on South Meridian...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Nature Preserve Feels Like a Hidden Gem Every Season

I remember the first time I turned off Vernal Pike and parked along the narrow roadside entrance to Porter West Preserve. The preserve felt like a secret someone had whispered...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Simple Indiana Restaurant Turns Spaghetti Into an Unforgettable Meal

I've eaten at more Italian restaurants around Indianapolis than I can count, but there's something about Iaria's that keeps pulling me back. Located at 317 S College Ave in downtown...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Cat Café Lets You Sip Coffee With Furry Friends

I never thought I'd find myself sipping a butter pecan latte while a tabby named Chai curled up beside me, but that's exactly what happened during my first visit to The Cat Lady...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Restaurant’s Meatloaf Is Proof Small Towns Still Eat Better

I pulled into Elwood on a random Tuesday afternoon, stomach growling and expectations modest. Small town restaurants can go either way, but something about The Tin Plate at 2233...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Cozy Indiana Spot Serves Shepherd’s Pie You Can’t Stop Thinking About

I first stumbled into Nine Irish Brothers on State Route 38 in Lafayette on one of those gray Indiana afternoons when comfort food felt like a necessity rather than a choice. The...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Places in Indiana That Prove the State Is Way More Interesting Than People Think

I used to think Indiana was all about cornfields and racetracks until I started exploring the state with fresh eyes. What I discovered completely changed my perspective and turned...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Thai Spot Has Authentic Dishes Locals Swear By

The moment you walk into BODHI on Massachusetts Avenue, the air hits you with an irresistible mix of lemongrass, basil, and something sweet-savory that makes your stomach growl....

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Restaurant Is Famous for Its “Grown-Up” Brunch

Tucked away in a beautifully renovated 1924 warehouse, Bluebeard has become one of Indianapolis's most celebrated dining destinations.

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Haunting Indiana Landmark Where Hollywood Stars Come to Play

Abandoned churches rarely capture the imagination quite like City Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana. This towering Gothic Revival masterpiece once served thousands of worshippers...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Nature Spot Is Serving Glacial Lakes No One Talks About

I'll admit something that might surprise you. Growing up in Indiana, I drove past Kosciusko County countless times without ever realizing what treasures hid just off the highway.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Little-Known Indiana Museum Is a Must-See for Superhero Fans

I’ve always loved superheroes, but visiting the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Indiana, located at 1915 Cassopolis Street, Elkhart, IN 46514, completely exceeded my expectations....

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Hidden Mineral Spa in Indiana Is Perfect for a Relaxing Escape

French Lick Springs sits quietly in southern Indiana, a place where mineral waters once drew visitors from across the country seeking healing and relaxation. The town built its...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana City Has Hidden Gems That Even Locals Forget About

LaPorte, Indiana sits quietly along the northern edge of the state, just a short drive from Lake Michigan. Many travelers rush past this charming city on their way to bigger destinations.

Read More    7 min read

Article
Indiana’s Hidden Forest Trails Are Perfect for a Weekend Escape

Tucked away in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Yellowwood State Forest offers a peaceful retreat from the everyday rush of life. This hidden gem sits just minutes from the...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Restaurant Makes Deep-Fried Cod Worth Guarding Like Gold

Fort Wayne holds a treasure that seafood lovers guard fiercely, and it's not hard to see why. Big Eyed Fish, located at 1502 N Wells St, has been serving up some of the most crave-worthy...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Historic Indiana Mansion Looks Like It Was Plucked From Europe

Along the scenic banks of the Ohio River sits a mansion so grand and elegant that it looks like it belongs in the countryside of ancient Greece rather than the heart of small-town...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Indiana Landmark That Shows How a Self-Made Female Millionaire Changed History

Madam C.J. Walker built an empire from nothing and became America's first self-made female millionaire. Her story is one of determination...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Bizarre Indiana Treehouse You Can Actually Stay In

Have you ever dreamed of waking up among the treetops with nothing but forest views stretching as far as the eye can see? Treetop Retreat in Nashville, Indiana offers exactly that...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana Town Goes All Out for a Giant Pie Every Summer

Every summer, something truly special happens in the heart of Northern Indiana that draws visitors from all over the Midwest. Nappanee transforms into a celebration of community,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Indiana’s 220-Year-Old Farmstead Feels Straight Out of a Storybook

Tucked away along Indiana's scenic Ohio River Valley, the Venoge Farmstead offers a journey into America's early 19th-century past. It stands as one of the few surviving examples...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Strange Gravity Illusion in Indiana Will Make Your Car Roll Uphill

Have you ever heard of a place where cars seem to roll uphill all by themselves? Gravity Hill in Mooresville, Indiana is one of those mysterious spots that has puzzled visitors...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Underground Tunnel System Beneath an Indiana City Has a Wild Backstory

Beneath the bustling streets of downtown Indianapolis lies a hidden world that most people walk over without ever knowing it exists.

Read More    7 min read

Article
Indiana’s James Dean Museum Shows a Side of Hollywood Most Miss

Tucked away in the small town of Fairmount, Indiana, the James Dean Museum stands as a remarkable tribute to one of Hollywood's most iconic figures. This isn't just another celebrity...

Read More    6 min read