mason hale author at My Family Travels
Article
Smoked, Sauced, and Savory: 8 Tennessee BBQ Joints Worth the Drive

Tennessee doesn’t play around when it comes to barbecue. From Memphis’s smoky alleyways to mountain pit stops with a view, the state’s joints serve up traditions as rich...

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9 Scenic Canyons and Cliffs in Michigan You Might Have Missed

Michigan may be famous for the endless shorelines of its Great Lakes, but there’s a wilder side to its landscape. Deep in the woods and along the water, sculpted cliffs, winding...

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California Wildfire Safety Alerts for Travelers

California’s breathtaking scenery comes with a seasonal reality: wildfires. For travelers, staying informed about current fire activity, park closures, and air-quality alerts...

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9 Wildlife Watching Spots in Texas

Texas never runs out of surprises for wildlife enthusiasts. From the rugged desert canyons of West Texas to the lush wetlands of the Gulf Coast, the state is home to an astonishing...

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8 Local Nature Reserves in Florida That Are Often Missed

Florida is famous for its beaches and theme parks, but some of its most inspiring places are far quieter. Across the state, nature preserves protect rare scrub, wetlands, and coastal...

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California’s Coastline Is Home to 8 Seafood Shacks You’ll Love

There’s something about a seafood shack by the ocean that just feels right, casual tables, salty air, and plates piled high with the day’s catch. California’s coastline is...

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9 Smart Tips for Navigating Nevada’s Harsh Desert Highways

Driving across Nevada can feel liberating, the horizon stretches endlessly, and the desert has a stark beauty all its own. But it’s also a place that demands respect.

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5 Washington’s Top Grocery Stores for Fresh, Flavorful Meat

Washington State has no shortage of exceptional grocery stores and butcher shops for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful meat. As a longtime resident and food enthusiast, I’ve...

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8 Midwest Spots In Wisconsin Where Butter Burgers Make Diets Impossible

Wisconsin's love affair with butter burgers borders on legendary status. These juicy, messy masterpieces feature beef patties slathered with creamy Wisconsin butter that melts...

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8 Kansas City Joints Where Sweet & Spicy Sauce Steals The Spotlight

Kansas City's barbecue scene isn't just about the meat, it's about that magical elixir that brings everything together: the sauce! I've spent years hunting down the joints where...

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8 Irresistible Ways This Winter Getaway Recharges Busy Parents

When the calendar fills, the laundry piles, and the cold weather sets in, I know firsthand how difficult it is for parents to find a true reset. Yet that's exactly what I discovered...

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How Two Renowned Chefs Breathe New Life Into a Historic Woodside Eatery

I’ve scaled the Redwood-side road to dining spots before, but walking into The Mountain House is something else. Tucked into a 100-year-old vermilion cabin atop Kings Mountain,...

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9 Old Lighthouses in Florida Locals Recommend

Florida's coastline has always drawn me in, not just for its beaches but for the lighthouses that stand as quiet witnesses to centuries of maritime history. Each...

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10 Florida Getaways Boomers Keep Coming Back To

Looking for trusted escapes that combine good company, meaningful memories, and that perfect Florida feel? Here are 10 Florida getaways boomer travelers keep coming back to, each...

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The 10 Best Pizza Spots Across Tennessee You Need to Try

Here’s a cozy and mouthwatering guide to the 10 best pizza spots across Tennessee, places I’ve been savoring in my mind ever since I first tried them. Each one is backed by...

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8 Local Art Installations in Florida

Traveling through Florida, I’m always struck by the endless ways art finds its place in the world, sometimes beneath the waves, sometimes towering overhead, and often in the...

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6 Small Bakeries in Michigan With Unique Treats

Michigan’s food scene is full of surprises, and small bakeries scattered across the state are a shining example. From family-run kitchens to creative city spots, these bakeries...

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7 Nevada Late-Night Eats That Feel Like Only-In-Vegas Secrets

Vegas never sleeps, and neither does my appetite! When the neon lights shine brightest and most kitchens have closed their doors, a whole underground food scene comes alive in...

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7 Local Rock Climbing Spots in Florida

Let’s be real for a sec: Florida isn’t exactly known for its towering peaks or alpine adventures. But honestly, that’s what makes finding good climbing spots...

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Nevada Road Closures That Could Affect Your Trip

Ever planned the perfect escape just to hit a wall: literally, orange cones and all? You’re not alone. We both know the only thing more humbling than GPS rerouting for the third...

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The Pirate Themed Florida Restaurant Where Adventure Floats to Your Table

I walked into Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando thinking I’d just get a themed meal, maybe a couple of pirate hats, and some sea shanties in the background. Instead, I found...

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South Carolina’s Coziest Spot Serves Jambalaya Worth the Trip

When I sat down at 82 Queen in Charleston, I expected solid Lowcountry food. What I didn’t expect was jambalaya so layered and comforting that I immediately understood why people...

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Things to Know About the New Grocery Chain Coming to This Alabama City

Curious about the new grocery option coming to Madison, Alabama? I’ve gathered the latest details to help you get the most out of Aldi’s arrival. Here’s everything you need...

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Pancho’s Mexican Buffet Spots Still Serving Texas Favorites

Pancho’s Mexican Buffet holds a rare kind of nostalgia,the kind you can still taste, even as the years pass and the restaurant locations dwindle. For those of us who remember...

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Economic Slump Forces 5 Texas Grocery Stores to Close Suddenly

A recent string of abrupt closures, from grocers rooted in their communities to major players, has quietly reshaped local access to food in parts of Texas. Here's what we know,...

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7 Quirky Tennessee Roadside Stops You Won’t Believe Exist

Driving across Tennessee, I’ve realized that the highways offer more than the usual rest stops and familiar chains. Between the big cities and scenic byways, I’ve run into...

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7 California Retreats That Seem Overhyped But Actually Live Up To Every Word

California has no shortage of retreats promising peace, beauty, and unforgettable experiences, but let’s be honest, some sound a little too good to be true. Between glossy brochures...

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8 Illinois Trips That Sound Like A Waste Of Time But End Up Stealing Your Heart

Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t see coming. Illinois has its fair share of destinations that, at first glance, might seem too small, too quiet, or too quirky...

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Article
8 California Farmers Markets Locals Love

You know those days when you wake up craving something real; the kind of morning when a perfect peach or a crusty loaf of bread can turn your mood around? California’s...

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7 Hidden Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks

Do you ever have that moment where you just want to vanish for the day: no phone, no small talk, just breeze, dirt, and the suspicious crunch of last year’s leaves? Me too.

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The California Grocery Meat Test: 5 Fails vs. 5 Winners

California’s grocery stores offer a range of experiences. From bustling national chains to community markets, no two stores are quite alike. Shoppers across the state often judge...

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10 Weekend Getaways to Ohio’s Charming Small Towns

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just chewed you up and spit you out? If you’ve ever fantasized about vanishing with your favorite playlist and a suitcase...

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7 Illegal Tour Routes in Hawaii That Can Get You Fined

Hawaii’s stunning landscapes draw visitors from across the globe, but not every trail, road, or shoreline is open to the public. Some areas are closed to protect fragile ecosystems...

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7 Under-the-radar North Carolina Restaurant That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

North Carolina’s food scene ranges from coastal seafood to mountain comfort cooking, with barbecue and Southern staples in between. While many well-known restaurants draw visitors,...

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7 Illegal Trails in Colorado That Hikers Should Avoid

Colorado’s mountains and public lands draw hikers from every corner of the world, but not every well-worn path is legal or safe to explore. Some trails cross into private property,...

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Article
8 Wildflowers You Can Only See in Texas Perfect for Senior Day Trips

Texas is home to a dazzling array of wildflowers, many of which exist only within its vast and varied landscapes. Thanks to the state’s size and ecological diversity, each region...

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7 Michigan Lakefront Restaurants Only Shared Among Locals’ Closest Friends

With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, Michigan is full of dining spots where water views and local flavor go hand-in-hand. While some restaurants draw crowds from far and wide, others...

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6 Texas Riverwalks Perfect for a Stroll

Have you ever noticed how the right walk at the right time can solve almost anything? Not the kind of walk you squeeze in between errands, but one where you actually have space...

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7 Zipline Parks in West Virginia for Adventure Seekers

You know that feeling when your morning coffee just doesn’t cut it and you crave something truly electrifying? West Virginia gets it.

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8 Washington Wineries Perfect for a Day Out

Your best friend probably won’t say it, but I will: some days, you crave more than just another weekend brunch. Maybe you want to taste something that reminds you you’re...

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6 Michigan Diners Where Neon Signs Outshine the Menu

Michigan’s diners are often as memorable for their atmosphere as for the food. Across the state, glowing neon signs still light up highways and main streets, signaling places...

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9 Annoying Travel Mistakes First Timers Make in Washington State

Washington State attracts visitors with its blend of mountainous landscapes, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant cities. For newcomers, the variety is appealing, but...

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10 Spots in Washington State Where Sunsets Are the Main Event

Washington State’s varied landscapes, from ocean shores and mountain ridges to river valleys and urban waterfronts, make it a strong setting for memorable sunsets. The light...

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Article
9 Vermont Small Towns That Smell Like Fresh-Baked Bread

Vermont’s small towns are recognized for their historic charm, close-knit communities, and a strong appreciation for local food traditions. Among these traditions, the making...

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9 Family Vacations in Wisconsin That Actually Keep Teens Interested

Planning a family vacation that appeals to teenagers can be a challenge. In Wisconsin, however, destinations balance outdoor recreation, hands-on activities, and cultural attractions...

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Article
7 Perfect Florida Destinations for Empty Nesters Rediscovering Freedom

For many parents, the transition to an empty nest marks a chance to travel differently, with more flexibility, fewer schedules, and time to focus on personal interests. Florida,...

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6 Unusual Day Trips in Ohio That Start With a Single Train Ride

Ohio’s railroads once powered industry and commerce, and a few of those lines still run today, not for freight, but for travelers looking to experience the state at a slower,...

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10 Michigan Destinations That Spark Childhood Nostalgia

For a lot of people, Michigan is more than a place on the map, it’s tied to summer road trips, weekends at the lake, and the simple rituals of growing up. Think classic amusement...

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10 Native American Heritage Sites in New Mexico to See

You know that feeling when you finally let yourself slow down and realize you’ve got ancient history right under your sneakers?

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9 Scenic Coastal Drives in California Locals Love

Sometimes you crave the kind of escape that makes your soul exhale. You don’t want another Instagram trap or a bumper-to-bumper parade. You want the kind of...

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