marissa lockwood author at My Family Travels
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Everyone Heads To This Arizona Desert Café For Its Legendary Pie

Nestled along the dusty highway between Phoenix and Flagstaff sits a true Arizona treasure that's been satisfying sweet tooths for generations. Rock Springs Café in Black Canyon...

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People Travel From Across Texas Just To Taste This Tiny Barbecue Shack

Hidden in the small town of Lexington, Texas sits a barbecue joint so special that folks drive for hours just to get a taste. Snow's BBQ might look like a simple shack from the...

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8 California Organic Markets Branded As Elitist But Constantly Crowded

California's organic market scene is both fascinating and contradictory. These high-end grocery destinations often face criticism for their steep prices and exclusive atmosphere,...

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7 Illinois Corner Stores Locals Warn Are Shady But End Up Visiting Anyway

Illinois corner stores have a special place in local culture, even when they come with a side of suspicion. From dingy lighting to strange midnight customers, these spots might...

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9 Florida Grocery Stores Rumored To Be Pricey Yet Still Packed With Shoppers

Florida shoppers face a peculiar paradox at the checkout line. Despite rumors of inflated prices and questionable value, certain grocery chains continue to draw massive crowds...

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9 North Carolina Fried Chicken Chains That Feel Greasy But Hit The Spot Every Time

North Carolina takes fried chicken seriously, with spots ranging from famous chains to beloved local institutions. When that craving for crispy, juicy chicken hits, nothing else...

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9 Texas Barbecue That Locals Swear By But Leaves Travelers Waiting Hours In Line

Texas barbecue isn't just food – it's a way of life that brings folks together around smoky pits and sauce-stained tables. From Austin to Houston, legendary pitmasters have perfected...

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10 Florida Seafood Shacks That Don’t Show Up On Tourist Maps

Florida's coastline hides seafood treasures that locals guard jealously. Away from crowded tourist spots, authentic seafood shacks serve the freshest catches in humble, no-frills...

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8 Hidden BBQ Joints In Texas You’d Never Stumble On Without A Local

Texas is famous for its mouthwatering barbecue, but beyond the famous spots tourists flock to, there's a world of hidden BBQ treasures. These small, often family-owned joints serve...

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8 Michigan Restaurants That Rely On Word Of Mouth, Not Billboards

Some of Michigan's most beloved eateries don't need flashy advertisements to draw crowds. These hidden gems have built loyal followings through something more powerful than any...

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10 Michigan Tourist Traps That Locals Avoid Like The Plague

Michigan offers countless attractions for visitors, but not all destinations live up to the hype. While tourists flock to certain spots because of clever marketing or historical...

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10 New York Upstate Getaways That Sound Peaceful But Aren’t

Upstate New York is famous for its charming towns and scenic landscapes that promise a tranquil escape from city life. However, not all seemingly peaceful retreats deliver the...

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10 Michigan Waterfront Spots That Look Scenic But Smell Awful

Michigan's water-rich landscape offers some of the most stunning views in the Midwest. Shimmering lakes, winding rivers, and pristine shorelines draw thousands of visitors each...

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10 Colorado Burger Shacks That Don’t Advertise But Always Have A Line

Hidden across Colorado's mountains, cities, and small towns are burger treasures that locals guard zealously. These unassuming joints don't bother with flashy marketing campaigns...

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10 Ohio Pizza Places Locals Swear By But Tourists Rarely Find

Ohio's pizza scene is a hidden treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Beyond the chain restaurants that dot the landscape, there's a world of family-owned pizzerias serving unique...

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10 Texas BBQ Joints That Nobody Talks About But Always Stay Packed

Texas barbecue isn't just food - it's practically a religion in the Lone Star State. While famous spots like Franklin Barbecue grab headlines, some incredible BBQ joints fly under...

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8 Reasons Why Colorado Small Towns Feel Overrun And Unwelcoming

Colorado's picturesque mountain towns once offered peaceful getaways from city life. Now, many locals feel their communities are bursting at the seams. The charm that made these...

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9 Hidden Parking Fines In Upstate New York Towns

Parking in Upstate New York can be trickier than navigating a snowstorm in January. Many towns have sneaky parking rules that catch drivers off guard and leave them with unexpected...

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9 Summer Detours In Michigan That Turn Road Trips Into Nightmares

Summer road trips through Michigan promise beautiful lakeshores and charming towns, but certain detours can quickly derail your vacation plans. Construction season hits the Great...

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The 10 Bridges In Washington That Tourists Don’t Realize Are Traffic Traps

Visiting Washington state offers breathtaking views and incredible driving experiences, but some scenic routes come with unexpected challenges. The bridges connecting Washington's...

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13 Historic Towns In Washington State Perfect For A Weekend Escape

Washington State is a treasure trove of charming historic towns that tell stories of America's past. From coastal settlements with Victorian architecture to mining communities...

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6 Buffets In Tennessee Locals Love And 6 That Miss The Mark

Tennessee's buffet scene offers hungry diners a taste of Southern hospitality alongside global flavors. From mouthwatering country cooking to international cuisine, these all-you-can-eat...

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7 Heatwave Warnings In Nevada That Could Impact Your Vegas Plans

Planning a trip to Las Vegas during the scorching Nevada summer? You might want to check those weather forecasts before packing your bags. Nevada is currently experiencing an extreme...

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8 Unique Roadside Attractions In Central Illinois

Central Illinois might seem like endless cornfields to passing travelers, but hidden among the prairie landscape are some truly bizarre and wonderful roadside attractions. These...

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12 Grocery Stores In Texas That Travelers Actually Love To Visit

Texas offers more than just stunning landscapes and rich history – it's also home to some incredible grocery stores worth exploring. When road-tripping through the Lone Star...

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10 Hidden Beaches Along California’s Coastline

California's stunning coastline stretches for over 800 miles, hiding countless secret beaches away from the tourist crowds. While famous spots like Santa Monica and Venice Beach...

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9 Hidden Texas BBQ Shacks Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Find

Texas is famous for its mouthwatering BBQ, but beyond the famous spots lies a world of hidden gems. These secret BBQ shacks serve up some of the most incredible smoked meats you'll...

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10 Hidden Ghost Towns In Colorado Full Of History

Colorado's rugged mountains hide dozens of abandoned towns from the mining boom era. These ghost towns tell stories of wild success and heartbreaking failure during the gold and...

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10 Hidden Waterfalls In Colorado Only Locals Know About

Colorado's mountains hide natural treasures that many tourists never discover. Beyond the famous cascades lie secret waterfalls nestled in remote valleys and tucked behind rugged...

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12 Ohio Breweries Pouring Creativity Into Every Pint

Ohio's craft beer scene has exploded with creativity in recent years, turning the Buckeye State into a must-visit destination for beer lovers. From small-town taprooms to urban...

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5 Road Closures In Texas That Could Affect Your Weekend Plans

Planning a weekend getaway in the Lone Star State? You might want to check your route before hitting the road. Several major highways and streets across Texas are currently under...

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12 Safety Tips For Driving Through Rural Illinois Roads

Rural Illinois roads offer beautiful scenery but come with unique driving challenges. From narrow lanes and limited lighting to unexpected wildlife and farm equipment, these country...

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10 Roadside Diners In Illinois Serving Iconic Comfort Food

Illinois highways are dotted with charming roadside diners that serve up nostalgic comfort food with a side of local history. These beloved establishments have been feeding hungry...

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9 Hidden Gardens In Texas Loved By Locals

Texas holds many natural treasures beyond its famous landmarks and busy cities. Tucked away in unexpected corners of the Lone Star State are peaceful gardens where locals escape...

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7 High Wind Warnings In Texas That Could Affect Driving

Texas drivers face unique challenges when high winds sweep across the Lone Star State. These powerful gusts can transform a routine drive into a white-knuckle experience, especially...

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9 Charming Mountain Cabins In California For A Quick Escape

California's mountains hide some of the most enchanting cabin getaways you could imagine. From the snow-capped Sierra Nevada to the towering redwoods, these rustic retreats offer...

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11 Local Craft Fairs In Florida

Florida's craft fair scene is bursting with creativity and local talent. From handmade jewelry to unique home decor, these events showcase the best artisans and makers across the...

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12 Michigan Lakefront Cafés Made For Slow Summer Mornings

Michigan's stunning lakes create the perfect backdrop for a leisurely summer breakfast. From the Great Lakes to smaller inland waters, these waterfront cafés combine delicious...

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10 Weekend Escapes Across Nevada, Including Hidden Spots Near Las Vegas

Nevada offers much more than the bright lights of Las Vegas. The Silver State hides stunning natural wonders, historic towns, and peaceful retreats across its vast desert landscape....

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10 Hidden Lakes In Ohio Worth Visiting

Ohio's landscape hides some truly spectacular lakes that many travelers overlook. Beyond the popular spots like Lake Erie, the Buckeye State harbors serene bodies of water tucked...

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11 Hidden Museums In Michigan Few Locals Know

Michigan hides some amazing museums that even longtime residents haven't discovered yet. Beyond the famous Henry Ford Museum and Detroit Institute of Arts lie fascinating collections...

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Exploring 11 Hidden Coastal Towns In Washington State Over A Weekend

Washington State's coastline hides charming towns most travelers miss while rushing to popular destinations. These seaside gems offer everything from fresh seafood and local art...

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11 Secret Art Fairs In Colorado Worth Checking Out

Colorado's art scene goes far beyond the famous galleries of Denver and Aspen. Hidden throughout the state are incredible art fairs that showcase local talent, unique crafts, and...

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11 Local Music Festivals In California Worth Attending

California's music scene offers incredible festivals throughout the year, from beachside jams to desert celebrations. These local gatherings showcase amazing talent while capturing...

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9 Secret Hiking Trails In Colorado With Stunning Views

Colorado's mountains hide some amazing trails that most tourists never find. Beyond the popular paths lie secret routes with jaw-dropping views of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows,...

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11 Weekend Escapes To New York State’s Hidden Finger Lakes Towns

The Finger Lakes region of New York State is a treasure trove of charming small towns, stunning lakes, and vineyard-covered hills that many travelers overlook. These peaceful communities...

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12 Weekend Road Trips From Chicago You Can Do Without A Hotel Stay

Living in the Windy City has its perks, including easy access to amazing destinations perfect for quick getaways. When you need a break from city life but don't want the hassle...

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10 Infamous Crime Scenes You Can Visit In California

California's dark history has left behind locations marked by notorious crimes that still fascinate the public today. From Hollywood murders to political assassinations, these...

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10 Architectural Marvels In Illinois That Will Amaze You

Illinois has some of the most stunning buildings in America. From soaring skyscrapers to historic homes, these structures showcase incredible design and engineering. Whether you...

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10 Rest Stops In Nevada That Became Local Legends

Traveling across Nevada's vast desert highways can be a long, dusty adventure. Between major cities, unique rest stops have sprung up over the decades, becoming more than just...

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