mason hale author at My Family Travels
Article
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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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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Article
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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Article
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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Article
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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