lydia harper author at My Family Travels
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The Reasons Locals In Vermont Say They’ve Had Enough Of Visitors

Vermont is a place where maple syrup drips from sugar shacks, covered bridges cross gentle streams, and autumn leaves paint the hills in fiery reds and golds. For decades, tourists...

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The Shrimp Boil At This Louisiana Restaurant Is So Good Tourists Plan Trips Around It

New Orleans is a city that knows how to celebrate food, and nowhere is that more obvious than at Boil Seafood House. Tucked in the vibrant Garden District, this restaurant has...

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The Peaceful South Carolina Getaway That Feels A World Away From The Crowds

South Carolina's coast is famous for its bustling beaches and historic cities, but tucked away from the tourist crowds lies a collection of peaceful getaways that offer something...

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10 Most Boring Cities In Vermont That Tourists Are Starting To Notice

Vermont is famous for its stunning fall foliage, maple syrup, and charming covered bridges, but not every town here is a buzzing tourist hotspot. Some cities fly under the radar...

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12 Boring Towns In Maine That Locals Say Are Perfect Escapes

Maine isn't all about bustling tourist hotspots and crowded beaches. Locals know that some of the state's most rewarding experiences happen in towns that outsiders might call "boring."...

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7 Most Boring Places In Nebraska That Tourists Secretly Enjoy

Nebraska might not top everyone's bucket list, but this Midwestern state holds surprising secrets in its quietest corners. Small towns across the state have earned reputations...

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This Wisconsin Supper Club’s Endless Fish Fry Fridays Leave Tourists Stunned

Friday nights in Wisconsin mean one thing: fish fry. At Colonial House Supper Club in Kaukauna, this beloved tradition transforms into an all-you-can-eat feast that leaves both...

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8 San Juan Islands That Locals Say Lost Their Magic

The San Juan Islands off Washington's coast used to be a quiet paradise where locals enjoyed untouched beaches, peaceful trails, and charming small-town vibes. But as word spread...

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11 Boring Spots In Arkansas That Are Weirder Than They Look

Arkansas might not be the first place that pops into your mind when you think about weird and wild adventures, but you'd be surprised what's hiding in its quieter corners. Towns...

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Wisconsin Supper Club With A Friday Fish Fry Road Trippers Love

Wisconsin's supper clubs are magical places where food, history, and community come together. Road trippers from all over the country flock to these classic establishments, especially...

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8 Michigan Parks That Nature Took Back

If you're traveling through Michigan and think you've seen all its natural beauty, think again. Some of the state's most fascinating landscapes aren't the ones that were born wild...

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12 Buffet Dining Spots In Oklahoma Worth A Special Trip

Oklahoma offers more than just quick eats; its buffet scene is a surprising mix of homestyle comfort, global flavors, and casino dining experiences. From Southern fried catfish...

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12 Boring Towns In Texas – And The Strange Stories They Hide

If you're driving through Texas, it's easy to zoom past its quieter towns - those sleepy Main Streets, faded gas stations, and empty diners that barely show up on the map. But...

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Top 10 Activities In California This Weekend (October 18–19)

California this October weekend is bursting with fall festivals, live music, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're craving coastal charm, urban culture,...

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The Avocado Toast At This California Café Lives Up To The Hype

If you're traveling through Los Angeles and chasing the city's most talked-about bites, one stop you can't skip is Sqirl in Silver Lake - the café that turned avocado toast into...

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10 New York Small Towns That Became Tourist Traps

If you're traveling through New York State, here's what you need to know: some of the state's most charming small towns are no longer the quiet escapes they once were. Tourism...

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The Catfish At This Alabama Spot Is So Good, Locals Keep It A Secret

Hidden away in Alabama, there's a restaurant serving catfish so delicious that locals hesitate to share it with outsiders. The Fish Creel has been a beloved community treasure...

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How Tourism Has Changed Massachusetts: 8 Ways Local Charm Is Fading

Massachusetts has always been a magnet for travelers seeking history, culture, and coastal beauty. But as visitor numbers climb year after year, the state's authentic character...

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10 Pennsylvania Restaurants With Gluten-Free Pastries Everyone Loves

If you're planning a trip to Pennsylvania and follow a gluten-free lifestyle - or just love great pastries - here's what you need to know. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and the...

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9 All-You-Can-Eat Places In New Mexico Only Locals Visit

New Mexico's culinary landscape offers much more than just roadside chile stands and tourist-trap restaurants. Hidden throughout the state are incredible all-you-can-eat spots...

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9 Texas Amusement Parks That Shut Down For Good

Texas has always been home to some of the most exciting amusement parks in the country, but not all of them stood the test of time. Over the decades, many beloved attractions have...

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8 California Road Trips That Reveal Abandoned Movie Sets In The Desert

California's vast deserts hide amazing treasures from Hollywood's golden age. Scattered across these sandy landscapes are forgotten movie sets where classic films once came to...

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11 Chicago Neighborhoods Overrun By Tourists

Chicago is one of America's most visited cities, attracting millions of tourists every year who come to experience its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and diverse neighborhoods....

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8 Florida Old-School Diners Worth Visiting For Every Traveler

If you're traveling through Florida, don't miss the chance to step back in time at some of the state's most charming old-school diners. Each one offers a unique slice of history,...

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Texas Hill Country Spots Where Tourism Is Driving Locals Away

The Texas Hill Country, with its rolling landscapes and charming small towns, has become a victim of its own beauty. Tourists flock to this region for its wineries, swimming holes,...

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10 Arizona Fast Food Places Every Foodie Must Visit

Arizona's food scene goes way beyond cacti and desert landscapes. This southwestern state offers a treasure trove of fast food gems that blend local flavors with quick-service...

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10 Unique Roadside Attractions In Colorado

Colorado's highways hide treasures beyond the famous mountain views and ski slopes. Scattered across the state are peculiar, handcrafted, and downright bizarre attractions that...

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Vermont’s First Snow: Your Travel Forecast Guide

Vermont's first snowfall transforms the Green Mountain State into a magical winter wonderland that draws visitors from across the country. As the white blanket covers rolling hills...

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10 Spots In Upstate NY To See Fall Colors Away From The Crowds

When autumn blankets Upstate New York, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking canvas of crimson, amber, and gold. While popular destinations like Lake Placid and Hudson Valley...

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8 Abandoned Theme Parks Hidden Across Ohio

Ohio's landscape holds secrets from a bygone era of thrills and laughter. Scattered throughout the Buckeye State are the skeletal remains of once-vibrant amusement parks, now silent...

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9 Foods In Texas That Leave Travelers Speechless

When you visit the Lone Star State, your taste buds are in for an unforgettable adventure. Texas doesn't just do food - it creates edible masterpieces that defy expectations in...

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10 Iconic Louisiana Foods That Belong On Every Foodie’s Bucket List

Louisiana's kitchen is where magic happens! Blending French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences, the Bayou State serves up some of America's most distinctive and...

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California’s First Big Rains Of The Season: What To Expect

After months of dry, sunny days, California is bracing for its first major rainfall of the season. These early autumn storms mark a critical transition period for the Golden State,...

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8 Broward & Miami-Dade Eateries With No Health Violations

When it comes to eating out, food safety should never be an afterthought. Across South Florida, certain restaurants stand out not just for their delicious food but for their spotless...

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Oklahoma’s Tornado Season: Would You Chase The Storms?

Every spring, Oklahoma transforms into nature's most dramatic theater as powerful tornadoes rip across its plains. The state sits in the heart of Tornado Alley, where warm Gulf...

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9 Miami Areas That Locals Avoid Because Of Tourists

Miami's sun-soaked streets and vibrant culture draw millions of visitors each year, transforming parts of this paradise into crowded hotspots that locals have learned to sidestep....

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New York Eats: 5 Pizza Places And 5 Italian Restaurants Worth Visiting

New York City has long been the unofficial pizza capital of America, with Italian culinary traditions deeply woven into the city's food scene. From historic coal-fired ovens that...

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Barrio Logan In San Diego Stands Out As One Of America’s Most Vibrant Mexican-American Neighborhoods

Nestled in south-central San Diego, Barrio Logan pulses with the heartbeat of Mexican-American culture. This historic neighborhood emerged from struggle and resilience to become...

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9 Small Bakeries In Nevada With Incredible Treats

Nevada's desert landscape holds sweet surprises in the form of small, family-owned bakeries creating mouthwatering treats. From vegan pastries to European-inspired delicacies,...

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Seattle’s Floating Bridge Welcomes Historic Electric Train

Something extraordinary happened on Lake Washington in September 2025. Under the cover of night, steel met water in a way never before seen anywhere in the world: an electric train...

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9 Ways Couples Can Enjoy A Romantic Time In Las Vegas

Las Vegas isn't just for gamblers and party-goers – it's also a perfect destination for couples seeking romance. Beyond the bright casino lights and bustling crowds, the city...

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8 Fall Foliage Spots In New York Tourists Always Miss

When autumn paints New York with fiery reds and golden yellows, most tourists flock to Central Park or the Catskills. But beyond these popular destinations lie secret spots where...

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8 Secret Botanical Gardens In Colorado

Colorado isn't just about mountains and ski resorts. Tucked away across the state are amazing botanical gardens that many visitors and even locals don't know about. These hidden...

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Top 10 Family Friendly Restaurants In Orlando For Kids And Adults

Orlando isn't just about thrilling rides and magical characters – it's also home to some amazing family-friendly eateries! Whether you're refueling after a day at the parks or...

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9 Secret Lookout Points Across Michigan

Michigan's landscape hides some incredible viewpoints that most tourists never discover. From towering sand dunes to historic lighthouses, these hidden gems offer breathtaking...

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A 531 Acre State Park In Ohio That Many Travelers Have Yet To Discover

Tucked away in Champaign County, Ohio lies a hidden gem that even many locals haven't fully explored. Kiser Lake State Park spans 531 acres of natural beauty, featuring a pristine...

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