mason hale author at My Family Travels
Article
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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Spirits on the Menu: 9 Most Haunted Restaurants in California

California’s culinary landscape isn’t just about flavor, it’s also rich in stories that linger well after the plates are cleared. A handful of restaurants across the state...

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7 Small Pizza Places in Connecticut Serving Big Flavor

Connecticut’s pizza reputation stretches far beyond its cities, yet some of the state’s boldest flavors hide in small, welcoming pizzerias. Over the years, I’ve tasted my...

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9 California Seafood Buffets That’ll Have You Swimming Back for Seconds

If you’re searching for the freshest seafood spreads in California, you’re in luck. I’ve spent real time exploring all-you-can-eat hot spots up and down the state, and honestly,...

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The Most Legendary Fried Chicken Spots In Georgia According To Locals

Georgia knows fried chicken like nobody's business. From Atlanta's bustling streets to quiet country roads, the Peach State has perfected the art of crispy, juicy chicken that...

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6 Family Restaurants With Healthy Kids Menus In California

Finding restaurants that offer both tasty and nutritious options for kids can be a challenge for health-conscious parents. Luckily, California leads the way with family-friendly...

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Florida’s Hidden Gem for Coconut Shrimp That You’ll Dream About

Tucked away from Florida’s busier dining strips sits a spot that doesn’t just serve coconut shrimp, it perfects it. Golden, crispy, and kissed with just the right touch of...

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The Juiciest Pastrami in California Might Just Be at This Century Old Long Beach Landmark

If you’ve ever wandered through Long Beach in search of a bite that captures local flavor, history, and that elusive quality people call "character," you’ve likely landed at...

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10 Oregon Hidden Coastal Ice Cream Shops Worth the Drive

If you think Oregon’s coast is just about windswept beaches and lighthouses, you’re missing one of its sweetest features: ice cream shops scattered in coastal towns. I’ve...

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6 New York Upstate Diners That Make You Feel Like It’s 1955

Upstate New York holds more than rolling hills and winding roads, it delivers a portal to the golden age of the American diner. Some of these spots were built in the 1920s or ’40s,...

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7 Florida Small Town BBQ Festivals That Locals Count Down For

When it comes to barbecue, Florida’s small towns know how to put on a show. Each year, locals mark their calendars for festivals that blend smoky ribs, inventive bacon bites,...

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6 Pennsylvania Riverside Restaurants That Combine History and Flavor

Dining by the river in Pennsylvania is about more than the food. It’s a chance to savor local flavors while soaking up the stories and scenery that come with centuries-old buildings...

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5 Small Town Soda Fountains in California Still Serving Classics

There’s a special kind of magic in an old-fashioned soda fountain. The marble counters, the chrome stools, and the sweet fizz of a hand-mixed phosphate call up memories of a...

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8 Florida Asian Buffets That Serve More Than Just Sushi

There’s more to Florida’s Asian buffets than sushi rolls and sashimi trays. Across the state, you’ll find spots that mix in hibachi grills, fresh seafood, hearty Chinese-American...

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Locals Say These 7 Georgia Burger Joints Prove Simple Is Best

Have you ever noticed how the best burgers don’t come with a side of overthinking? You can keep your truffle aioli and gold leaf buns, give me beef, cheese, and a story I’ll...

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Road Trip Worthy: Tennessee’s Under The Radar Chicken Sandwich Gem

You know that moment when you’re starving, stuck in traffic an hour outside of Nashville, and every drive-thru in sight feels like culinary déjà vu?

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Where to Find 9 of Georgia’s Juiciest, Most Flavorful Steaks

Georgia’s steakhouse scene has a little something for everyone, from historic institutions to flashy newcomers. As someone who loves a good steak, I know how tough it can be...

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7 Portland’s Top Oyster Bars You’ll Want to Try

Portland’s oyster scene has grown into something truly special, showcasing the best of Oregon’s cold-Pacific bounty. Whether you’re new to shellfish or a longtime fan, there’s...

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9 Hidden Gem Museums in Texas Worth Discovering

Texas has no shortage of world-famous museums, but the real adventure begins when you look beyond the big names. Over the years, I’ve found that some of the state’s most rewarding...

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7 Buffets in South Carolina That Locals Keep Returning To

South Carolina’s buffet culture is more than a feast, it’s a way communities gather and celebrate good food. Over the years, I’ve found that locals are loyal for a reason:...

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9 Hidden Paddling Rivers in Ohio

I’ve spent years chasing peaceful stretches of water across Ohio, but the best trips always come from those out-of-the-way rivers you hear about from locals. From shaded banks...

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7 Historic Theaters in California Still Operating

California’s history isn’t just in its museums or landmarks, it’s in the theaters that have survived decades of change. I’ve traveled across the state, and every time I...

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7 Stunning Coastal Spots in Oregon You’ll Want to See for Yourself

Oregon’s coastline has its own energy. There’s the salt in the air, the hush of the waves, and a string of destinations where the scenery never quite feels the same from one...

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8 Redwood Groves in California That Few Tourists Visit

Look, sometimes you just want to stand in a forest and feel like no one will ask you about your five-year plan. If you’ve ever felt like the more crowded the trail, the less...

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6 Remote Camping Spots in Texas

You ever notice how the best conversations happen when you’re miles from cell service and the only background noise is cicadas arguing about who’s louder? There’s...

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9 Family Owned Restaurants in California Full of Charm

Okay, real talk: finding a place to eat where the food is honest and the smiles are real? That’s as rare as a decent parking spot in downtown LA. But you know what’s...

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Orlando Welcomes Florida’s Very First H Mart

Orlando is about to get a new landmark, and it isn’t a theme park or another sunny resort. On September 25, 2025, H Mart opens its doors at 10 a.m., officially making its Florida...

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7 Legendary BBQ Festivals in North Carolina That Bring the Heat

Barbecue is more than food in North Carolina. It’s a living tradition, shaped by passionate pitmasters and hungry communities. Every year, towns across the state fire up their...

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The Donuts at These California Shops Sell Out Before Noon

There’s something about donuts in California that makes morning routines feel like a celebration. Across the state, certain bakeries have turned the humble donut into a local...

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6 Bizarre Indiana Attractions That Make for the Best Road Trips

If you're looking to make your next road trip in Indiana unforgettable, you might want to trade the usual stops for something out of the ordinary. Across the state, you'll find...

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6 Ohio Coastal Destinations Perfect for a Relaxing Escape

Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline is an underappreciated stretch that calls out to anyone seeking peace, natural beauty, and a break from crowds. I’ve explored every nook along the...

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A Historic Los Angeles Deli Still Serving Sandwiches the Old School Way

If you care about tradition, flavor, and a sense of history in every bite, Langer’s Delicatessen-Restaurant delivers exactly that. I’ve been drawn to its reputation for decades,...

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6 Napa’s Hidden Gems Where Country Locals Go for BBQ

Barbecue in Napa Valley, California, isn’t just about smoky flavors, it's a tradition woven through generations, especially in hidden spots where locals gather. While tourism...

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8 Best Buffets in New York State That Keep People Coming Back

Finding a buffet in New York State that stands out is tougher than you’d think. With so many choices, from traditional American spreads to inventive global tables, it’s easy...

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Colorado Bridge Closures and Travel Alerts You Need Before Your Next Road Trip

You know the feeling. That weird, gut-level dread when your GPS reroutes for the fourth time and suddenly you’re crawling behind a hundred brake lights on some backroad you’ve...

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Where to Find the Most Authentic Vietnamese Food in California

You know that moment when a bite of food makes you close your eyes (just for a second) because it tastes like home, or at least the home you wish you had growing up? That’s...

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Homegrown Philly Pizzeria Chain Expands Across the Greater Philadelphia Area

There’s something special about a pizza place that starts in your own backyard and grows into a hometown favorite. That’s exactly the story behind this Philly-born pizzeria...

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