mason hale author at My Family Travels
Article
7 Underrated New York Villages Worth Visiting

Real talk: sometimes you just need to escape New York’s noisy, overachieving cities and find somewhere that asks nothing of you but to stroll, breathe, and maybe eat an ice cream...

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8 Hidden Kayaking Spots in New York State

New York State’s waterways extend far beyond the Hudson River and Adirondack lakes. Tucked into state parks, wetlands, and quiet river valleys are paddling routes that remain...

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7 Taco Stands in California That Locals Swear By

California’s taco culture is deeply rooted in Mexican food traditions, blending street food authenticity with regional variety. From coastal fish tacos to late-night carne asada,...

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8 Maine Lobster Shacks Where the Rolls Outshine the View

Maine’s rocky coastlines and harbors often set the backdrop for lobster shacks, but in many places, the food itself is what keeps people coming back. The state’s signature...

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7 Historic Towns in Washington State Off the Map

Washington State’s history isn’t found only in its big cities or well-known landmarks. Scattered across the mountains, valleys, and coastlines are smaller towns that reflect...

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7 Georgia Smokehouses Where Peach Tea Outshines the Meat

Barbecue in Georgia is known for smoked pork, ribs, and chicken, but many local smokehouses also take pride in their drinks. Sweet tea is nearly universal, and in Georgia, adding...

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10 Historic Villages in Michigan Perfect for a Weekend Escape

Michigan’s small villages are more than quiet getaways; many are rooted in the state’s maritime, mining, and agricultural history. These places preserve architecture, traditions,...

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7 Local Music Festivals Across Nevada Including Las Vegas

Nevada’s music scene extends well beyond the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip. This guide now features seven carefully selected local festivals, from desert gatherings to capital-city...

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7 Memphis Smokehouses Where Dry-Rub Ribs Steal the Stage

Memphis is internationally recognized for its barbecue, and ribs are at the center of that tradition. While some cities emphasize sauce-heavy styles, Memphis is especially proud...

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Colorado Road Trip: 10 Family-Friendly Mountain Towns To Visit

Ready for an unforgettable adventure through Colorado's stunning Rocky Mountains? Pack up the minivan, grab the kids, and hit the road for memories that'll last a lifetime! I've...

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6 Old Lighthouses in New York State Worth Visiting

New York State’s waterways have long depended on lighthouses for safe navigation. From the Atlantic coastline to the Great Lakes and the Hudson River, these historic beacons...

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6 Food & Drink Festivals in Colorado You Can’t Miss

Colorado’s food and drink culture is shaped by its mountain towns, farming communities, and craft brewing heritage. Throughout the year, festivals across the state celebrate...

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8 Small Breweries in Texas Off the Beaten Path

Texas has no shortage of well-known craft breweries in cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas. But away from the busiest taprooms, smaller breweries are quietly shaping the state’s...

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8 Secret Waterfalls in California Worth the Trek

California’s waterfalls are often associated with crowded national parks, but many of the most rewarding ones are tucked away on quieter trails. Some spill directly into the...

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8 Hidden Gardens in Florida Perfect for a Day Trip

Florida is often associated with beaches and theme parks, but the state also has a quieter side rooted in botanical and historic gardens. Many of these spaces are less publicized...

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8 Georgia Spots Where Peach Cobbler Makes Every Meal Feel Like Home

Georgia’s identity as the “Peach State” is more than a nickname. Peaches have played a central role in its agriculture and culinary traditions for generations. Among the...

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5 Illinois Steakhouse Chains That Fall Short and 5 That Serve Steaks You’ll Love

Illinois has no shortage of steakhouses, ranging from upscale Chicago dining rooms to casual family chains across the state. While some chains maintain a loyal following, not all...

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6 Road Closures in Washington State That Could Affect Your Trip

Whether you're planning a mountain retreat, a coastal visit, or a cross-state adventure, knowing about current road closures can save you time and frustration. Below are key situations,...

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9 Family-Run Mexican Spots in North Carolina That Keep Locals Coming Back

North Carolina’s food scene reflects a blend of Southern traditions and international influences. Family-run Mexican restaurants stand out as community staples, providing continuity...

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8 Arizona Buffets That Keep Diners Coming Back for More

Arizona’s dining scene includes a mix of Southwestern flavors, international cuisine, and classic American fare. Buffets remain popular across the state, offering variety and...

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11 North Carolina Foods You Might Be Saying Wrong

Food traditions in North Carolina reflect a blend of Southern, Appalachian, and coastal influences. Many dishes, brands, and ingredients carry names rooted in local history or...

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North Carolina Grocery Stores: 7 That Nail Meat and 7 That Fall Short

Grocery shopping in North Carolina reflects the state’s mix of national retailers, regional chains, and independent markets. While price and convenience matter, the quality of...

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9 Florida Restaurants That Stay Off the Radar but Never Empty

Florida’s dining scene often draws attention to waterfront spots, celebrity chefs, or trendy openings. Yet many long-standing restaurants operate quietly without much national...

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9 Offbeat Roadside Stops in Texas Loved by Locals

Texas highways cover vast stretches of landscape, linking small towns, cities, and open country. Along the way, travelers encounter a variety of roadside attractions that range...

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7 Brewery Tours in Oregon That Locals Actually Enjoy

Oregon has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s craft beer hubs, with breweries ranging from large operations to small, experimental producers. While visitors often seek...

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9 State Parks in Michigan You Probably Haven’t Explored Yet

Michigan’s state park system is among the largest in the country, spanning shorelines, forests, islands, and inland lakes. While some parks such as Tahquamenon Falls and Sleeping...

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9 Museums in Washington D.C. Worth Visiting Again

Washington D.C. is home to one of the most extensive collections of museums in the world, ranging from national institutions to specialized collections. Many visitors experience...

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9 Weekend Getaways in North Carolina Within 2 Hours Drive

North Carolina’s central position in the Southeast allows easy access to a variety of weekend escapes. Within about two hours by car, travelers can reach mountain communities,...

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7 Summer Fairs in Iowa That Are Actually Worth Visiting

Summer in Iowa is closely tied to local fairs and festivals, where agriculture, food, music, and community traditions come together. While nearly every county hosts a fair, some...

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8 Annoying Things About Driving in California and 6 Reasons It’s Still the Best State for Road Trips

California offers some of the most varied and scenic driving experiences in the United States. Travelers can explore beaches, deserts, forests, and mountain ranges within a single...

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11 Best BBQ Spots in Texas That Only Locals Know About

Texas barbecue is internationally recognized, but the state’s food culture is not defined solely by the well-known names in Austin or Lockhart. Across small towns and lesser-known...

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7 Overrated Pizza Places in New Jersey and 5 Hidden Gems Locals Swear By

New Jersey has a long-standing reputation for its pizza culture, with both classic New York-influenced slices and unique local styles. Some pizzerias attract large crowds thanks...

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6 Overcrowded Austin Attractions That Frustrate Kids and 6 Offbeat Adventures They’ll Love

Austin is a city known for its live music, food culture, and outdoor spaces, making it an attractive destination for families. Yet some of its most famous attractions are so popular...

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6 Overhyped Chicago Attractions and 6 Hidden Gems To Visit Instead

Chicago is a city with a strong reputation for architecture, food, and cultural institutions. Many of its landmarks are well-known, but not every experience matches visitor expectations....

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10 Charming Small Towns in New York State Perfect for a Weekend Escape

New York State is often associated with New York City, but beyond the metropolitan area lies a wide range of small towns that highlight the state’s history, culture, and natural...

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Oregon’s Coastline Road Trip That Looks Straight Out of a Postcard

Oregon’s Pacific coastline extends for 363 miles, most of which is accessible to the public thanks to the state’s landmark “Beach Bill.” This unique legislation ensures...

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Big Bend National Park: The Ultimate Texas Road Adventure

Big Bend National Park, covering more than 800,000 acres in southwest Texas, is among the country’s largest and least crowded national parks. Its varied terrain, shaped by the...

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Exploring Los Angeles by Car: 11 Cool Stops Along the Way

Los Angeles is a city built around the car, and exploring it by road offers access to cultural landmarks, neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints that highlight its diversity. Distances...

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This Oregon Road Trip Combines Beaches, Forests, and Mountains

Oregon’s terrain weaves together seaside cliffs, evergreen forests, and rugged mountains. Along a single road trip, travelers can witness this diversity firsthand, moving from...

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Exploring Everglades National Park: A Florida Adventure

Everglades National Park in southern Florida protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Covering more than 1.5 million acres, it is recognized as a UNESCO...

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Adirondack Mountains: The Best Hikes and Views in New York State

The Adirondack Mountains cover more than six million acres in northern New York, encompassing forests, lakes, and peaks that attract hikers year-round. Unlike many other U.S. mountain...

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9 Must-Try Roadside Diners in New Mexico That Locals Swear By

New Mexico’s highways connect desert plateaus, mountain ranges, and historic towns, making roadside dining an integral part of travel. Diners here often reflect the state’s...

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Must-Try Beachside Restaurants in Florida

Florida’s long coastline makes beachside dining a defining part of its food culture. From the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, restaurants along the shore serve a mix of seafood,...

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Iconic New York Restaurants Worth Traveling For

New York’s dining culture is shaped by an extraordinary blend of heritage, innovation, and international flavors. Beyond the fleeting appeal of new restaurants, certain establishments...

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11 U.S. Places to Visit in September and Extend the Summer

In many parts of the United States, September marks the transition from summer to fall. For travelers who want to enjoy warm weather a little longer, several destinations provide...

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12 Scenic Villages in the United States

Across the United States, small villages reflect local traditions, landscapes, and histories. Unlike larger towns or cities, villages often maintain compact layouts, walkable centers,...

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California Nightlife and Sights: 10 Cities to Explore After Dark

California’s major cities and regional hubs offer varied nightlife options, from music venues and cultural performances to late-night dining and waterfront strolls. The state’s...

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11 Hot Springs in Oregon Worth Visiting for Relaxation

Oregon’s varied landscape includes volcanic geology that produces numerous natural hot springs. Some are developed with pools and facilities, while others remain in more natural,...

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9 Underrated U.S. National Parks You Might Want to Visit

The United States maintains more than 60 designated national parks, many of which attract millions of visitors each year. While well-known parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and...

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11 Notable Road Trips Across California’s Landscapes

California’s diverse geography makes it one of the most varied states for road travel in the United States. From deserts and vineyards to coastal cliffs and mountain passes,...

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