marissa lockwood author at My Family Travels
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Montana’s Abandoned Railroad Town Swallowed by Forest and Fog

Fog drifts between dark pines as wooden walls loom from the slope like ribs of a vanished beast. Coolidge sits quiet in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, where wind hums...

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The North Carolina Smokehouse Locals Claim Makes the Best Pork Around

If you have ever chased the perfect bite of pork, the kind that whispers smoke and snaps with a peppery tang, Lexington Barbecue in North Carolina makes the search feel like destiny....

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A Snowy Village in Pennsylvania Perfect For Hot Chocolate and Old-Fashioned Winter Walks

Winter in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania wraps every street in a hush that feels timeless, with lights glinting off snow and footsteps tapping softly on old stone. The city’s Moravian...

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11 California Coastal Towns Locals Claim Tourism Has Ruined

California’s coast looks like a dream until you try to live in the places everyone wants to visit. Locals keep saying the charm is fading under crowds, traffic, and sky high...

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10 New York Villages That Turn Into Storybook Christmas Towns Each December

December in New York transforms small villages into living snow globes, where lights glow against brick facades and carols float through crisp air. You can stroll historic streets,...

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Illinois Brings a Massive Crowd to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket in This Must-Visit Holiday Hotspot

You can feel the season the moment you step into Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, where the lights glow against Daley Plaza and the air smells like roasted nuts and cinnamon. Crowds...

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7 Arizona Villages Locals Say Have Lost Their Peace Due to Tourists

Arizona holds unforgettable landscapes, but some small communities say the quiet that once defined them is slipping away. You will hear about traffic, parking gridlock, and homes...

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10 Georgia Barbecue Spots Famous for Their Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew tells a Georgia story before you ever take a bite, and these spots have mastered the chapter that keeps locals loyal. You will find smoky pits, friendly counters,...

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Local Snowy Picnic Pull-Overs in North Carolina That Feel Vintage

Snow makes North Carolina feel like a postcard, and the right pull over turns that magic into a memory you can carry home. You will find quiet overlooks, historic corners, and...

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10 Ohio Grocery Stores Known for Their Outstanding Meat Departments

You came to Ohio hungry for more than scenery, and the Buckeye State delivers with grocery stores that treat the meat counter like a destination. From Cincinnati to Cleveland,...

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A California Town Wrapped Like a Holiday Gift Every Winter

Big Bear Village in California feels like a storybook square once winter arrives, with twinkling lights, fresh pine scent, and shop windows dressed like presents. You can stroll...

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North Carolina Coastlines That Hit Differently in Winter, And Why Locals Prefer it That Way

Winter reveals a softer side of North Carolina, where ocean light turns silvery and calm mornings stretch for miles. You get room to breathe, time to wander, and a chance to see...

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A Hidden Mountain Village in Colorado That Feels Like a Fairy Tale

Tucked into a sheer-walled box canyon and crowned with silver-blue peaks, Telluride feels like a secret you are lucky to discover. The streets glow under soft mountain light while...

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The Winter Market in New York That Feels Like Christmas All Year

You are about to step into a New York tradition that feels like Christmas every single day you remember it. The Union Square Holiday Market by Urbanspace surrounds you with lights,...

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8 Hidden Nevada Seafood Taverns Locals Say Beat The Big Chains

Ahoy, seafood adventurers! If you thought Nevada was all about desert landscapes and glitzy casinos, prepare to have your seafood-loving heart set aflame. Nestled off the beaten...

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10 Nostalgic Oregon Candy Shops Hidden In Plain Sight

Oregon is a treasure chest brimming with sweet surprises. Nestled within its vibrant cities and quaint towns are candy shops that will transport you back in time.

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The Haunted Vermont College Where History and Haunting Collide

Nestled in Montpelier, Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA) holds more than just academic prestige; it harbors a mysterious past that intertwines historical events with chilling...

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The Forgotten South Dakota Theme Park That Still Moves in Silence

Just off the beaten path, nestled in Buffalo Ridge, South Dakota, lies an enigmatic relic of Americana: Cowboy Town. This once-thriving roadside attraction captures the spirit...

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The “Nothing Happens Here” Texas Town That’s Building a Cultural Comeback

Marfa, Texas, once dismissed as a "nothing happens here" town, has reinvented itself as a vibrant hub for art and culture. Nestled in the remote West Texas desert, Marfa attracts...

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The Lost New Hampshire Amusement Grounds Where Time Repeats

In the heart of New Hampshire, whispers of forgotten amusement grounds captivate the adventurous and the nostalgic alike. These tales intertwine real history and legend, creating...

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10 Hole-in-the-Wall Crab Shacks in Florida Locals Don’t Want Tourists to Find

Florida’s coastline is a treasure trove of hidden seafood gems that locals cherish and often keep to themselves. These hole-in-the-wall crab shacks offer authentic experiences...

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10 Hole-in-the-Wall Diner Breakfasts in Colorado That’ll Warm You Up

When the chill of a Colorado morning bites, nothing beats the comfort of a hearty breakfast in a cozy diner. Here’s a list of ten hole-in-the-wall gems across the state, each...

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10 Hole-in-the-Wall Comfort Food Spots In Kentucky Perfect For A Chilly Night

When the chill of a Kentucky night bites through your coat, there's nothing more inviting than a warm, hearty meal from a local gem. Kentucky is dotted with hole-in-the-wall spots...

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Hidden Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Kitchens In Montana Locals Recommend

Montana may be better known for ranching and mountain lakes than seafood, but scattered across the state are small markets, food trucks, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants sourcing...

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10 Surprisingly Chill Cities In Oklahoma You Need To See

If you’re traveling through Oklahoma, forget the typical city hustle. From historic towns with cobblestone streets to serene lakeside retreats, the state is dotted with surprisingly...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Saloons In Arizona Locals Swear By

If you’re traveling through Arizona and crave smoky, tender barbecue, forget the chains and head straight to the local favorites. From Phoenix patios to Flagstaff hideaways and...

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The Forgotten Tavern In New York Where Drinks Refill On Their Own

If you’re traveling through New York City and enjoy history with a hint of the supernatural, few places are as captivating as the Ear Inn in Manhattan. Housed in a landmarked...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Crab Houses In Ohio That Are Totally Worth It

If you're traveling through Ohio and craving crab or fresh seafood, you might not expect to find many options this far from the ocean. But the Buckeye State is full of surprising,...

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The Desert Ghost Town In California Where Music Plays Without Musicians

If you’re traveling through California’s Mojave Desert and crave a mix of history, mystery, and offbeat adventure, Calico Ghost Town is a must-visit. Once a bustling silver...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Seafood Restaurants In Virginia You’ll Want To Try

If you're traveling along Virginia’s coast or exploring its inland towns, locals know that the real seafood gems aren’t always in glossy, touristy restaurants. From casual...

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The Abandoned Mining Town In Alaska That Time Froze

Nestled within the expansive wilderness of Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, Kennecott, Alaska, is a mesmerizing ghost town where history seems to stand still. Once a bustling...

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Why Austin, Texas Could Be Your Next Dream City To Call Home

If you’re traveling through Texas, chances are you’ll find yourself enchanted by Austin, a city that effortlessly blends urban energy with outdoor adventure. Known as the “Live...

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This Hidden Maryland Crab Buffet Feels Like A Coastal Myth Come True

If you’re traveling Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you’ll soon find yourself in Rock Hall, a quiet harbor town that feels frozen in time. On the edge of the Chesapeake lies a...

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Tourists Keep Missing This Endless Rib Night In The Colorado Foothills

BBQ pilgrims, take note: the Colorado Foothills hide midweek rib feasts that locals swear by - and travelers routinely miss. Between shifting weekday schedules, low-key promotions,...

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The Underrated Wisconsin Lake Town That Comes Alive In Winter

Nestled in southeastern Wisconsin, Lake Geneva trades sun-soaked piers for sparkling snowdrifts and glowing lakefronts when winter arrives. The town turns into a festive basecamp...

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The Most Boring Cities In Vermont That Artists Keep Moving To

If you’re wandering Vermont in search of neon, you’ll miss its brightest glow. Here, the muse lives in hush: dirt roads, dim libraries, and rivers whispering under covered...

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The Eerie Lake Cabin In Minnesota Where Guests Claim To Hear Laughter At Night

If you're traveling to Walker, Minnesota, and find yourself by the tranquil waters of Leech Lake, you might stumble upon a cabin where the wind whispers through the pines - and...

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The Hole-In-The-Wall Maryland Crab Shack Serving Platters That Never End

Tucked quietly along the docks of Arnold, Maryland, sits a seafood secret locals whisper about only after the second beer. Maryland is famous for its crabs, but Donnelly’s Dockside...

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The Illegal Campfires Tourists Start In Montana’s Glacier Region

Planning a campfire under Montana’s starry skies? Not so fast - Glacier National Park is breathtaking, but one spark can flip your dream trip into a wildfire headline. Tourists...

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How Nomads Are Quietly Transforming Small-Town Life In Colorado

If you’re traveling through Colorado’s mountain towns or quiet plains communities, you might sense a soft shift in the air. Laptops glow in century-old cafes, co-working lofts...

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10 Boring Cities In Minnesota That Turn Stunning Every Autumn

If you’re traveling through Minnesota in autumn, don’t be fooled by its quiet towns - they hold secret bursts of color that turn sleepy streets into golden, fiery escapes....

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Inside The Old Mental Asylum In Pennsylvania That’s Said To Be Haunted

If you’re venturing through southeastern Pennsylvania and crave a brush with the eerie, one name keeps surfacing among locals after dark - Pennhurst. Part haunted site, part...

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The Most Boring Cities In Alabama That Tourists Can’t Believe Exist

If you travel through Alabama expecting big cities and noise, here’s where you’ll find the opposite - and probably a few surprises you didn’t see coming. Picture two-lane...

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Melissa In South Florida? Here’s Why It’s Not On The Cards

Hurricane headlines can rattle even the most seasoned traveler, and Melissa is no exception. If you’re visiting South Florida, you’re likely wondering whether to cancel plans...

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10 Most Boring Towns In Washington That Feel Like Movie Sets From The ’50s

Forget adrenaline and neon - these quiet Washington towns slow the frame rate until every creak of a boardwalk and bell of a courthouse clock feels cinematic. “Boring” here...

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This North Carolina Mountain Village Is The Kind Of Place You Fall In Love Twice

Tucked along a shimmering bend of the French Broad River, Marshall, North Carolina blends mountain quiet with a playful creative pulse. Visitors often say they fall in love twice:...

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10 Shocking Utah Laws Tourists Learn The Hard Way

If you’re planning a trip to Utah, here’s what locals say you absolutely need to know - some laws are stranger than the scenery! Between red-rock cathedrals, powdery ski slopes,...

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This New York Hotel Is So Fantastical, Travelers Say It Feels Like Sleeping Inside A Fairytale Fever Dream

There’s a place in the Catskills where cedar-scented steam curls into mountain air and design dreams feel blissfully real. Urban Cowboy Lodge blends rustic romance with whimsical...

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Whispers About A New Hampshire Diner Serving The Most Mysterious French Toast Ever

Tucked away in the scenic White Mountains of New Hampshire sits a breakfast spot that has locals and travelers buzzing with excitement. Polly's Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill has...

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The Haunted Highway In New York Where Ghost Lights Still Appear

If you're traveling through Long Island and are fascinated by the supernatural, Mount Misery Road and Sweet Hollow Road in West Hills are must-visits. Locals have reported mysterious...

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