mason hale author at My Family Travels
Article
Why Everyone in Texas Is Taking Slow Weekend Drives Through Hill Country

Texas is big enough for every kind of adventure, but lately, locals are trading speed for scenery. Across the state, people are spending weekends winding through the Texas Hill...

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Why Locals Say This North Carolina Mountain Village Is the Most Peaceful Spot in the State

I went looking for quiet in the mountains and found a village that treats stillness like a neighbor. Bryson City sits close to deep forest and moving water, yet it feels easy to...

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7 Hidden Thrift Markets in Oregon That Locals Keep Quiet About

Oregon’s thrift scene isn’t just about Portland’s famous vintage stores. Across the state, tucked behind main streets and in small towns, locals browse markets that rarely...

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Inside the Ohio Town Where Every House Competes for the Most Over the Top Halloween Decorations

If you think of Halloween as just pumpkins and orange lights, meet Parma, Ohio, where whole blocks wage friendly war over the flashiest spooks. The city organizes a Spooky Showdown...

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9 Hidden Antique Stores in Tennessee Worth the Road Trip

I planned a slow road trip across Tennessee and built it around small-town antique hunting. Every stop felt different, with smart curation, friendly owners, and local history baked...

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9 Pennsylvania River Towns Overrun by Tourism

I chase river towns because water tells honest stories. In Pennsylvania, those stories now include packed sidewalks, busy boat launches, and locals adapting on the fly. I still...

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10 Oregon Coast Spots That Became Instagram-Worthy Escapes

The Oregon coast is a photographer's dream come true with its rugged cliffs, misty beaches, and moody sunsets. I've spent years hunting down the perfect shots along this stunning...

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Why Florida Travelers Say These Steakhouses Are Bucket List Worthy

Florida’s food scene stretches well beyond seafood. Across the state, locals and travelers share one passion: perfectly cooked steak. Some of these steakhouses sit in small towns,...

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10 Hidden Hiking Trails In Ohio Worth Exploring

Ohio's natural beauty is a well-kept secret, with countless hidden trails waiting for adventurous souls to discover them. As someone who's worn out three pairs of hiking boots...

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These Pennsylvania Apple Dumplings Are the Definition of Comfort Food

I planned a quick stop and stayed long enough to watch trays vanish as fast as they cooled. The first bite told me why people in Pennsylvania keep a favorite fork in the car. Warm...

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This Cozy Pennsylvania Bakery Has Sticky Buns You’ll Drive Miles To Taste

I chase bakeries like some people chase sunrise trails, and few places reward the hunt like a quiet shop in Camp Hill. The Pennsylvania Bakery feels cozy and grounded, with the...

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10 Unbelievable (But True) Things People Have Witnessed in Florida

Florida keeps surprising me. Every road trip reveals scenes I wouldn’t believe if I hadn’t stood there myself. These aren’t rumors, they’re documented oddities and verified...

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Viral TikTok Turns a Flight Over Florida Into a Warning About the Everglades

A 15-second TikTok shot from a plane window by @hausofsavage...

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What Tourists in Florida Say They’ll Never Do Again After Visiting

I love Florida and keep returning, but each trip teaches me something I won’t repeat. The sun, storms, and spread-out roads reward people who plan and pay attention. I collected...

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Why Locals in New York Warn Tourists About the Tunnel That Whispers

If you’ve wandered through New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, you may have overheard hushed mentions of a “tunnel that whispers.” Some describe it like a secret magic...

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Travel Alert: Freeze Warnings in Effect for Parts of Pennsylvania

As the chillier months approach, Pennsylvania travelers need to stay informed. Freeze warnings across the state could impact your travel plans. Whether you're exploring northern...

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Planning a Trip to Indiana? Expect Cooler Weather and Some Rain as a Cold Front Moves Into Fort Wayne

I’m heading to Fort Wayne with a flexible plan and a packable shell because a sharp cold front is sliding across Indiana. Cooler days and crisp nights meet bursts of rain, which...

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The Illegal Boating That Keeps Getting Tourists in Trouble in Michigan

I love Michigan’s water, but I’ve learned that a sunny day can go sideways fast if you skip the rules. I keep meeting travelers who thought a casual cruise meant casual laws....

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Washington’s 7 Top Fast Casual Restaurants Every Traveler Should Visit

Washington pairs mountain views with quick, memorable meals. The state’s fast-casual scene focuses on focused menus, fresh prep, and prices that fit a road-trip budget. Order...

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7 Reasons Kansas Is Worth a Road Trip and 2 That Aren’t

Kansas, often seen as a passage rather than a destination, holds surprises worth exploring. Whether you’re drawn to its expansive landscapes or curious about its history, this...

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8 Colorado Mountain Towns Too Pricey for Locals After Tourism Exploded

Colorado’s mountain towns once gave locals a place to set down roots, but explosive tourism has shifted the landscape. As I travel through these iconic spots in the state, I...

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8 Haunted Houses in New York Every Traveler Needs to Visit This Halloween

There’s something about New York State in October that pulls me toward its haunted houses. Each year, I search for experiences that blend fright with fun, history with heart,...

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8 Florida Casual Dining Restaurants Every Traveler Should Try

If you’re planning to experience Florida beyond the beaches and amusement parks, let me share something personal. I always make it a point to find local restaurants that offer...

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7 Texas Old School Diners That Surprise Every Visitor

If you’re traveling in Texas and want real flavor and character, here are 7 old-school diners that surprise visitors with their food, history, and personality. These are places...

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6 Hidden Fast Food Spots in Ohio Loved by Locals

Ohio has a knack for keeping its best flavors a little under the radar. As someone who loves exploring backroads and sampling what locals truly crave, I’ve discovered that the...

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6 Iconic New York Bagels Tourists Turned Into Instagram Food

Every year, visitors to New York State flock to iconic bagel shops, hoping to snap a photo that captures the flavor and spirit of the city. Over time, a handful of these bagels...

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Why Travelers Say Texas Is One of the Hardest States to Road Trip Through

If you ask travelers who have clocked miles across Texas highways, many will tell you there’s something uniquely tough about a road trip here. This state has a reputation for...

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8 Hidden All You Can Eat Gems in Austin, Houston, and Dallas You Need to Try

Texas is known for barbecue and Tex-Mex, but its big cities also hide a surprising number of all-you-can-eat spots. Some are small neighborhood buffets, others are sit-down restaurants...

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8 Best Brunch Places in Miami and Orlando That Locals Swear By

Florida does brunch differently. In Miami and Orlando, locals look for spots that balance strong menus with a welcoming vibe, whether that’s tropical flavors, Southern comfort,...

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New York’s First Snow: When Will the City See White Streets?

Every year, I find myself checking the forecast and scanning the sidewalks for those first snowflakes in New York City. There’s something special about seeing white dust gather...

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This Arizona Steakhouse Has a Prime Rib That Locals Swear By

Picture this: You set down your phone, just tired enough to be honest, and say to yourself, "Let’s get real, comfort isn’t something you find, it’s something you taste."...

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9 Rainy Day Indoor Attractions Every Traveler Should See in Washington

Washington State is known for its forests, coastlines, and mountain trails, but rain can easily shift plans. I’ve had trips where the weather pushed me indoors, and I was glad...

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Discovering Detroit, Michigan Through Its Forgotten Buildings

Detroit’s skyline tells two stories at once. On one side, you see the glass towers of new investment. On the other, you find old buildings that speak to an industrial past. Some...

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Fresh Starts: One Price Chopper Closes, Two New Grocery Stores Open in Colonie

You know that moment when your favorite grocery store shuts its grimy automatic doors for the last time and you swear, "I cannot deal with more change this year"? Then, before...

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10 Florida Springs That Locals Say Are Getting Too Crowded

You ever show up somewhere, picnic basket in hand, ready for a peaceful float, only to realize half of Florida had the exact same idea? That’s how it feels at some of our most...

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This Arizona Town Between Phoenix and Tucson Is a Must for Mexican Food Lovers

Mesa may not get as much attention as Phoenix or Tucson, but for anyone who loves Mexican food, it’s worth the stop. Sitting right between Arizona’s two largest cities, Mesa...

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8 I-90 Stops in South Dakota That Make the Perfect Road Trip Itinerary

Interstate 90 cuts through the entire state of South Dakota, connecting towns, wild spaces, and historic landmarks in one ribbon of pavement. Every stop along this route tells...

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8 Pennsylvania Day Trips to Small Villages With Must Try Hidden Restaurants

Pennsylvania has no shortage of big-name food destinations, but some of the most rewarding meals are tucked away in small villages. These places don’t always make the guidebooks,...

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9 Peaceful Villages Across Nevada

Nevada is best known for the buzz of Las Vegas or the wide-open deserts, but scattered across the state are small towns and villages that feel calm and inviting. They’re the...

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7 Soul Food Buffets in Arizona That Will Surprise You

Arizona isn’t the first place you’d expect to find Southern-style buffets, but they do exist if you know where to look. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed more spots blending...

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Exploring 7 Forgotten Gold Rush Landmarks on a California Road Trip

California’s Gold Rush shaped towns, roads, and even the state’s identity. Many travelers head straight to the well-known spots, but I’ve found that some of the most interesting...

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This Iconic Maryland Chicken Spot Has People Traveling From Miles Away

Tucked along scenic roads in the heart of Maryland, Dickerson Market draws crowds that don’t mind a drive. Whether you’re from Washington, D.C., Virginia, Delaware, or Pennsylvania,...

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6 Juice Bars in Washington State Perfect for a Refreshing Break

Washington may be better known for coffee, but juice bars across the state are quietly building their own following. On road trips, I’ve found that a good juice or smoothie stop...

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Victor Valley’s Food and Shopping Scene Is About to Get Bigger

Victor Valley, set along the High Desert of Southern California, has long been a hub for people traveling between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Over the past few years, I’ve noticed...

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7 Hidden Countryside Inns Across Ohio

Tranquility can be tough to find, even on vacation. That’s why I set out to explore seven countryside inns scattered across Ohio’s quiet backroads. Each one feels wonderfully...

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This Massive Flea Market In Tennessee Is A Bargain Hunter’s Paradise

Y'all won't believe what I stumbled upon last weekend! The Tri-Cities Flea Market in Bluff City, Tennessee is hands-down the most incredible treasure trove I've ever explored....

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This Tiny SC Restaurant Serves Shrimp That Locals Can’t Stop Talking About

Tucked away in the sleepy fishing village of Awendaw, South Carolina, sits a culinary gem that's been making waves with seafood lovers for decades. See Wee Restaurant might not...

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9 Michigan Burger Joints Locals Pick Over the Big Chains

Michigan’s burger scene is packed with character, flavor, and local love. If you ask Michiganders where they go for a real burger, most will skip the national chains for places...

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7 Oregon Small Town Pizza Places That Rival the Big Cities

Pizza means more than just cheese and crust. In Oregon’s small towns, you find local flavor, history, and a sense of community with every bite. While some might think city pizza...

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7 Illinois Small Town Restaurants Still Cooking the Classics

Illinois has no shortage of restaurants that stick to the roots. If you’re searching for a meal that brings back memories or just need a hearty plate after a day out, these seven...

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