mason hale author at My Family Travels
Article
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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This Florida Restaurant is Famous for Its Incredibly Juicy Prime Rib

Some restaurants in Florida build their reputation one plate at a time. Peter Pan Diner in Oakland Park has done exactly that since the 1970s. This family-owned spot serves classic...

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7 Surf Competitions in California to Watch

California’s surf culture runs deep, and some of the sport’s most exciting competitions take place along its coastline. From legendary breaks to community-driven events, these...

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7 Creepiest Attractions in California That Will Give You Chills

California’s sunshine hides plenty of darker corners. From haunted hotels to mysterious ruins, the state has no shortage of places where history feels a little heavier. I’ve...

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9 California Restaurants With Views So Stunning You’ll Never Want to Leave

One of my favorite things about California is how often a meal comes with a view. From coastlines to mountain lakes, the scenery feels like part of the menu. Over the years, I’ve...

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6 Peaceful Waterfall Hideaways in the Adirondacks You’ll Love

The Adirondacks in upstate New York cover more than six million acres, but some of its most soothing spots are tucked away along streams and forest trails. Waterfalls here aren’t...

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7 Quiet Lakeside Towns in California Ideal for Relaxation

When the California coast feels too crowded or the cities too fast, I find myself looking inland toward the state’s lakes. Tucked away in valleys and mountain basins, these towns...

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This Hidden BBQ Gem In Ohio Serves The Hearty Smoked Meats You’re Craving

If you're hankering for mouthwatering barbecue that'll make your taste buds dance, look no further than Spuddy's in Ohio. This unassuming roadside spot has been smoking up some...

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Chick fil A’s Chicken Takeover In Ohio Just Got Bigger With 30 New Locations

Ohio chicken lovers, get ready to celebrate! Chick-fil-A has announced a massive expansion across the Buckeye State with 30 brand new locations opening soon. This ambitious growth...

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Whataburger NC Debut Is the Burger Party You’ve Been Waiting For

Y'all, the wait is finally over! Whataburger has planted its orange-and-white striped flag in North Carolina soil, and burger lovers across the state are losing their minds (myself...

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9 Washington Cultural Centers Keeping Local Traditions Alive

Across Washington, cultural centers quietly shape communities by preserving deep-rooted customs, languages, and family stories. These places offer a window into the past, but they’re...

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6 Florida Eateries Where the Menu Hasn’t Changed in Decades

When I travel across Florida, I look for places where time seems to stand still. The state’s ever-changing food scene has plenty of trendy newcomers, but there’s something...

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6 Forgotten Historic Houses in Florida

Florida’s story isn’t all beaches and theme parks. Some of its most fascinating chapters hide inside houses that history nearly passed by. These places stand as reminders that...

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8 Coastal Cliffside Escapes in California You’ll Want to Find

California is dotted with coastline that’s less about sand castles and more about soul-stirring vistas. These eight locations deliver cliffside magic, perfect for walks, photos,...

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Pinellas Park’s Vietnamese Buffet: Endless Eats, Huge Lines

Nestled on Park Boulevard, Quan Ngon Bistro has quietly become a must-visit spot for fans of Vietnamese cuisine in Pinellas Park. As the area’s first Vietnamese all-you-can-eat...

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8 Michigan Burger Joints So Good You’ll Want to Chase Down

If you’re hungry for a road trip that’s equal parts nostalgia and flavor, Michigan’s burger joints will surprise you. I’ve spent weekends combing highways and backstreets,...

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What to Eat at Taste of Chicago (And How to Do It Right)

If you’re looking to make every bite count at Taste of Chicago, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing a mix of classic crowd-pleasers, adventurous flavors, and practical...

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10 Remote Beaches In Washington State

Washington's rugged coastline hides some amazing secret beaches that most tourists never find. I've spent years exploring these hidden gems, often hiking through dense forests...

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10 California Coastal Towns That Feel Like A Breath Of Ocean Air

California's coastline stretches over 800 miles, dotted with charming towns where salty air mingles with laid-back vibes. I've spent years exploring these seaside gems, discovering...

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6 Small Music Events In Florida Worth Attending

Florida's music scene isn't just about the big-name concerts that roll through Miami or Orlando. Hidden throughout the Sunshine State are intimate musical gatherings that offer...

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From Tacos To Tamales: 7 Arizona Spots Food Lovers Need To Try

Arizona's food scene is a sizzling fiesta of flavors that goes way beyond the expected Southwestern fare. I've spent years exploring the hidden gems and famous haunts across the...

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6 Ohio Bakeries Serving Up Treats You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Ohio holds more than a few surprises for dessert lovers. While it’s easy to find a good cookie or cupcake across the state, some bakeries go far beyond the expected. These spots...

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8 Historic Bridges in California You Should See

California’s landscape isn’t just defined by mountains, coasts, and valleys, it’s also crossed by bridges that tell stories of engineering feats and local history.

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6 Georgia Grocery Stores Locals Swear By

When it comes to grocery shopping in Georgia, locals know exactly where to go. These six stores have earned loyal followings for their fresh selections, friendly service, and strong...

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Where Michigan Locals Go for Seafood: 7 Coastal Spots You Should Try

Michigan may not border an ocean, but its lakeshores offer some of the Midwest’s freshest seafood and most memorable waterside dining. From cozy shacks in quiet villages to lively...

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Carolinas Join Forces: Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive Fights Hunger This September

There’s something deeply satisfying about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s the way both spreads come together to make a meal that’s...

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Locals Say This Is the Best Pork Chop in California, and You’ll Never Forget It

Hidden in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Tack Room Restaurant & Bar in Penn Valley isn't flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. Locals and food lovers swear its grilled pork...

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Eat Your Way Through November: California’s Best Food Festivals

November in California carries a certain excitement for food lovers. The harvest winds down, but the state’s appetite for coming together around good food is just getting started....

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Georgia’s Most Delicious Nachos Are Tucked Away In This Legendary Spot

Y'all won't believe what I stumbled upon during my road trip through Georgia! Just off Interstate 95 in Brunswick sits a hidden gem that's redefining nacho perfection.

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How Michigan Winters Reveal The Toughest Side Of Local Living To Travelers

Michigan winters aren't for the faint of heart! When the snow starts piling up and temperatures plummet, visitors quickly discover what locals have known forever, surviving here...

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7 Georgia Roadside Oddities Too Weird to Ignore

Georgia does quirky better than most. I’ve found that the strangest stops often become the most memorable ones. From forests overtaken by classic cars to a giant chicken that’s...

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9 Farmers Markets in Colorado You Didn’t Know Existed

When you think of Colorado, you might picture towering peaks and bluebird skies, but there’s a different side to this state that only locals and curious travelers discover. The...

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9 Ohio’s Top Mexican Restaurants You Can’t Miss

Ohio’s Mexican food scene is richer than many realize. Across every major city, you’ll find spots that lean into tradition, fuse new flavors, and offer inviting atmospheres...

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8 Soul Food Spots in New York State That Locals Can’t Stop Raving About

If you’re hungry for soul food in New York State, you’ve got options that stretch far beyond the usual tourist lists. I’ve spent years exploring neighborhoods and talking...

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8 Florida Coastal Destinations Overrun by Tourists

Florida’s coastline has always drawn travelers with its beaches, nightlife, and historic charm. But lately, some destinations feel stretched to their limits. As someone who loves...

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California’s Sticky Buns At This Restaurant Are So Good, You’ll Want to Plan a Trip Around Them

If sweet, gooey sticky buns can inspire a road trip, Old West Cinnamon Rolls in California is the place to prove it. Known for perfectly caramelized tops, tender dough, and just...

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Sandwich Lovers Flock to San Jose’s Beloved Sourdough Eatery

I walked into Sourdough Eatery recently, expecting a quick sandwich, and left with an experience I can’t stop thinking about. This isn’t just a place to grab lunch, it’s...

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Healthy Lifestyle Habits Inspired By Locals In Hawaii’s Island Culture

Hawaii isn't just a paradise for tourists, it's home to some of the healthiest and happiest people in America. The locals have mastered the art of balanced living through centuries-old...

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Slow Living Lessons From Small Towns In Oregon That Tourists Take Home

When I escaped the city buzz for Oregon's quaint small towns, I never expected to completely transform my daily rhythm. These hidden gems, tucked between misty mountains and peaceful...

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Why California’s Coastal Living Is Inspiring Retirees To Rethink Their Lifestyle

Retirement dreams are shifting toward the sunny shores of California. More seniors are trading traditional retirement communities for vibrant coastal towns along the Golden State's...

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7 Scenic Canals in Florida You Can Paddle

Florida’s waterways offer more than just sandy beaches and ocean views. For paddlers like me who crave a closer look at the state’s diverse ecosystems, its scenic canals provide...

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8 Michigan BBQ Joints You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Barbecue in Michigan often flies under the national radar, but those of us who’ve crisscrossed the state know there’s plenty to discover. From small roadside shacks to beloved...

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Why Everyone in the Bay Area Is Talking About This Rotisserie Chicken

In a place as food-focused as the Bay Area, it takes something special to get everyone talking. Lately, Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, sometimes called pollo a la brasa, has...

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Locals Say the Best Chicken and Waffles in California Are at This Oakland Diner

There’s a reason locals say the best chicken and waffles in California live right here in Oakland. Chicken and waffles can be tricky. You need a crisp, savory fried chicken,...

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10 BBQ Stops in Ohio So Good It Belongs on Your Travel List

If you think barbecue is just a southern specialty, Ohio may change your mind. Across the state, pitmasters serve up flavors that reflect family traditions, creative twists, and...

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9 Cultural Centers in Colorado That Celebrate Local Heritage

Colorado’s story is anything but one-note. Across the state, cultural centers bring heritage alive through art, music, hands-on exhibits, and personal histories. As someone who’s...

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7 Small Villages in California With Stunning Views

California has a way of hiding breathtaking beauty in its small towns, places brimming with charm, character, and vistas that linger long after you leave. Here are 7 small villages...

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The Top Cave Tours For Families Visiting Kentucky

Kentucky's underground landscape is a wonderland of stunning caves and fascinating formations waiting to be explored. From massive caverns with cathedral-like ceilings to narrow...

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Oregon’s Hidden Hot Springs That Don’t Appear On Tourist Maps

Oregon is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with its hidden hot springs being some of the most magical discoveries for adventurous travelers. These steaming pools nestled in...

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6 Secret Waterfalls In The Cascades

The Cascade Mountains hide some of nature's most spectacular secrets - waterfalls that tumble through lush forests far from tourist crowds. I've spent years exploring these misty...

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