lila merrick author at My Family Travels
Article
7 Haunted Cliffside Inns In Washington Where The Wind Still Whispers

If you've ever dreamt of spending a night where the only thing more chilling than the breeze is a whisper from the past, then welcome to the mysterious cliffside inns of Washington....

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10 Eerie Beach Parks In New Jersey With A Haunting Glow

New Jersey, known for its bustling boardwalks and sun-drenched shores, hides a secret: a collection of beach parks that come alive with an eerie glow after dark.

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8 Things You Didn’t Know About Taking Sand Dunes Home In South Carolina

Ah, the allure of South Carolina's sun-kissed beaches, where the sand tickles your toes and the waves serenade your soul. But...

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10 Things Locals Wish Tourists Knew About Life In Oregon

Welcome, wanderers, to the land of towering trees, quirky towns, and a rain-soaked wardrobe staple. Oregon is not just a state; it’s a state of mind. Buckle up as we venture...

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10 Simple Nebraska Towns Keeping Life Just As It Was

Ah, Nebraska! Where the horizon stretches wider than a toddler's smile and the towns are as charming as your grandma's quilt. Ever thought about taking a trip back in time without...

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7 Reasons Austin, Texas Has Become The Digital Nomad Capital

Ah, Austin! The land where cowboy boots meet tech startups, and breakfast tacos are a way of life. As a card-carrying digital nomad, I've cartwheeled across countless cities, but...

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10 Utah Steakhouses Locals Call Heaven On Earth

Ever dreamt of savoring a steak so divine it makes angels weep? Utah is a carnivore's paradise, brimming with steakhouses that locals swear are otherworldly.

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7 Haunted Mountain Lodges In Oregon You Can Actually Visit

Ah, Oregon; a place where the mountains are tall, the forests are dense, and the lodges are, well, haunted. As an adventurer with a penchant for the paranormal, I'm here to introduce...

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10 Alaska Dockside Grills Serving Salmon Worth The Cold

If you're brave enough to face the icy breath of Alaska, you're in for a tantalizing treat. Nestled along the frosty docks, where the smell of sea salt mingles with the smoky aroma...

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This Hidden Maine Bakery Serves Blueberry Pie That Locals Call Perfection

Nestled in the heart of Maine, The Bread & Roses Bakery has quietly earned a devoted following for its exceptional blueberry pie. Known among locals as a perfect balance of...

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How A Small Italian Eatery In Chicago Illinois Became A Local Legend Across Generations

Chicago loves a good origin story, and few are as enduring as The Village, the Capitanini family’s Italian restaurant that opened in 1927 and never lost its sparkle. Step inside...

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Ohio Small Towns That Seem Straight Out Of A Hallmark Movie

Ohio’s small towns deliver a cozy blend of historic streets, friendly storefronts, and seasonal traditions that feel instantly familiar. If you’re planning a quiet trip with...

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The Drive That Will Make You Fall In Love With Maryland

Maryland rewards unhurried travelers with a route that connects mountain overlooks, historic towns, and peaceful shoreline roads. This drive blends well-marked byways and short...

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Why Iowa Locals Avoid The Festivals Tourists Flock To

Iowa’s festivals often draw national attention, but locals sometimes take a different route when the crowds roll in. The reasons are practical, thoughtful, and rooted in day-to-day...

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The Hidden Colorado Mountain Town With The Creepiest Halloween Parade In America

Tucked at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado, Manitou Springs might look like a peaceful mountain town - but every October, it transforms into something much stranger. Each year,...

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Foodies Swear The Brisket Sandwiches At This Texas Smokehouse Are The Best In America

When you walk into Terry Black’s Barbecue in Austin, Texas, you’re joining a pilgrimage of flavor. The air is rich with the aroma of wood smoked beef, and the star of the show...

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This Hidden Florida Seafood Shack Serves Grouper So Fresh It Barely Hits The Plate

Tucked along a quiet stretch of marina in St. Augustine, Florida, The Grouper Shack is one of those rare seafood joints that seems to exist just under the radar, yet has an undeniable...

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Georgia Attractions That Nature Took Back

Georgia’s landscapes often blur the line between past and present, where roots pull at bricks and vines soften concrete edges. This list explores places where the Peach State’s...

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The Funny Photos From Kentucky That Tourists Can’t Stop Sharing

Kentucky has a practical streak, but it also has a sly sense of humor that pops up in roadside art, museum corners, and hometown oddities. Travelers keep stumbling on scenes that...

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Why Utah’s Winter Weather Creates Both Magic And Travel Chaos

Utah’s winters create powder so light it feels unreal, and storms so sudden that travel plans can flip in an afternoon. The same meteorology that draws skiers from around the...

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Pennsylvania’s Snowy Mountains That Make Travel Worth The Chill

Pennsylvania’s mountains turn winter into a reason to go outside, not stay in. From well-groomed ski slopes to quiet forested ridges, the state offers diverse cold-season escapes...

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The Shocking Fines Tourists Face For Illegal Fireworks In Nevada

Tourists flock to Nevada for bright lights, but the biggest sparks can bring real trouble. Fireworks rules change by county, season, and product type, and violations can lead to...

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Pennsylvania Vegan Bakeries That Will Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth

Pennsylvania’s vegan bakery scene has range, depth, and real craft, from neighborhood shops in Philadelphia to beloved destinations across the state. If you want desserts made...

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This Tiny Alabama Restaurant Serves Banana Pudding Worth The Drive

In Alabama, where barbecue traditions run deep, Dreamland Bar-B-Que stands out for more than its smoky ribs and tangy sauce. This beloved restaurant, founded in Tuscaloosa in 1958...

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No Trip To Florida Is Complete Without A Slice Of Key Lime Pie From This Café

Tucked along the Overseas Highway in Tavernier, Florida, lies Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, a destination that has become synonymous with authentic Key lime pie. This cheerful...

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The Surprising Reason Georgia Tourists Keep Getting Fined For Drone Footage

Tourists in Georgia (U.S. state) often assume drone filming is low-risk, but many end up fined unintentionally. Georgia enforces both federal aviation rules and state laws that...

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How Tourists In Massachusetts End Up Vandalizing Colonial Landmarks

Massachusetts welcomes curious travelers to walk streets where pivotal chapters of American history unfolded. Yet many visitors unintentionally harm the very sites they came to...

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Texas Buffet Restaurants That Surprise Every Visitor

Texas loves big flavors, but its buffet scene offers more than volume. Across the state, you’ll find spots that highlight regional cooking, careful sourcing, and smart operations...

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6 Ways Rhode Island’s Beaches Lost Their Charm To Tourists

Rhode Island still has some of New England’s prettiest shoreline, yet many travelers say the experience feels different than it did a few years ago. Crowding, coastal change,...

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The Famous Iowa Sandwich You Have To Try

Canteen Lunch in the Alley, located in Ottumwa, Iowa, has been a beloved institution since 1927. Known for its simple but iconic loose meat sandwich, this tiny diner has earned...

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The Most Unsafe Hours To Be On Florida Roads

Florida's sunny roads can turn treacherous during specific hours of the day. As someone who regularly travels across the Sunshine State, I've noticed patterns in traffic flow and...

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10 Ways New Mexico’s Natural Beauty Has Been Ruined By Tourists

New Mexico's breathtaking landscapes have drawn visitors for centuries with their rugged mountains, painted deserts, and ancient cultural sites. The Land of Enchantment offers...

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6 Reasons Colorado Is A Dream Trip And 6 That Might Ruin It

Colorado stands as one of America's most breathtaking destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year with its majestic mountains and vibrant culture. From snow-capped peaks...

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One Day Train Trip In Wisconsin That’s All About Cheese Curds

Wisconsin isn’t just America’s Dairyland in name - it’s a way of life. Known for producing over 3 billion pounds of cheese annually, the state is home to more than 1,200...

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Fried Chicken That Turns Georgia Into A Must Visit For Food Travelers

Georgia's fried chicken scene is a flavor-packed wonderland that food travelers can't afford to miss. From small-town diners to big-city institutions, the state offers crispy,...

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Texas Spots Locals Want Tourists To Skip

Texas draws millions of visitors each year with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cities. While the Lone Star State has plenty to offer tourists, some popular destinations...

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Secret California Villages Locals Think Tourists Have Overrun

California's hidden gems aren't staying hidden for long. Once-sleepy villages now buzz with tourists seeking that perfect photo or authentic experience. Locals who once enjoyed...

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Famous Arizona Filming Locations Of Classic Westerns

Arizona's rugged landscapes have played a starring role in Western films for decades. The state's vast deserts, towering rock formations, and authentic frontier towns provided...

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When Can Tourists And Locals Except The First Snowfall In Oregon This Year

Winter's magical touch is just around the corner for Oregon, bringing the year's first blanket of snow to our beautiful state. From the majestic Cascades to the eastern plains,...

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New York Dessert Restaurants Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

New York City is a paradise for dessert lovers with sweet spots tucked into every neighborhood. From century-old bakeries to modern confectionery labs, the city offers endless...

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California Greek Restaurants That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

California's love affair with Mediterranean cuisine has given rise to some incredible Greek restaurants across the state. From family-owned tavernas to modern eateries with ocean...

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Georgia’s Lost Theme Parks From The Past

Remember when summer meant piling into the family car for a day of thrills at your favorite Georgia theme park? Sadly, many beloved amusement destinations that once delighted generations...

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Inside Georgia’s Abandoned Parks Time Left Behind

Hidden across Georgia are parks that once bustled with visitors but now stand silent, forgotten by time. These abandoned recreation spots tell stories of changing economies, natural...

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The Local’s Guide To Taking It Easy In Haleiwa

Tucked away on Oahu's North Shore, Haleiwa offers a perfect escape from the hustle of Honolulu. This charming surf town blends laid-back island vibes with stunning natural beauty...

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Where To Find Authentic Greek Comfort Food In Boston

Boston's vibrant food scene hides some amazing Greek treasures that bring the warm flavors of the Mediterranean right to New England. When winter winds blow or you're just craving...

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10 Hidden Hot Springs In New Mexico For A Relaxing Weekend

New Mexico hides a treasure trove of natural hot springs that bubble up from deep within the earth. These geothermal wonders offer a perfect escape from everyday stress, letting...

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Small Art Villages In Colorado That Inspire Creativity

Colorado's majestic mountains and sweeping valleys aren't just home to outdoor adventures - they also nurture some of America's most vibrant artistic communities. Tucked between...

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9 Holiday Parades In Texas Towns

Texas knows how to celebrate the holidays with some serious flair! From tiny towns to bustling cities, the Lone Star State lights up during the festive season with spectacular...

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Dangerous Rip Current Alerts For Florida This Month

Florida’s beautiful beaches are facing a serious safety issue this month, with multiple rip current alerts issued across the state. According to weather and ocean safety experts,...

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6 Abandoned Buildings In Michigan You Can Still Explore

Discover Michigan’s fascinating historic sites that are safe, accessible, and perfect for exploration. From iconic lighthouses to preserved forts, these destinations offer rich...

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