mason hale author at My Family Travels
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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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Smoked, Sauced, and Savory: 8 Tennessee BBQ Joints Worth the Drive

Tennessee doesn’t play around when it comes to barbecue. From Memphis’s smoky alleyways to mountain pit stops with a view, the state’s joints serve up traditions as rich...

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9 Scenic Canyons and Cliffs in Michigan You Might Have Missed

Michigan may be famous for the endless shorelines of its Great Lakes, but there’s a wilder side to its landscape. Deep in the woods and along the water, sculpted cliffs, winding...

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California Wildfire Safety Alerts for Travelers

California’s breathtaking scenery comes with a seasonal reality: wildfires. For travelers, staying informed about current fire activity, park closures, and air-quality alerts...

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9 Wildlife Watching Spots in Texas

Texas never runs out of surprises for wildlife enthusiasts. From the rugged desert canyons of West Texas to the lush wetlands of the Gulf Coast, the state is home to an astonishing...

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8 Local Nature Reserves in Florida That Are Often Missed

Florida is famous for its beaches and theme parks, but some of its most inspiring places are far quieter. Across the state, nature preserves protect rare scrub, wetlands, and coastal...

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California’s Coastline Is Home to 8 Seafood Shacks You’ll Love

There’s something about a seafood shack by the ocean that just feels right, casual tables, salty air, and plates piled high with the day’s catch. California’s coastline is...

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9 Smart Tips for Navigating Nevada’s Harsh Desert Highways

Driving across Nevada can feel liberating, the horizon stretches endlessly, and the desert has a stark beauty all its own. But it’s also a place that demands respect.

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5 Washington’s Top Grocery Stores for Fresh, Flavorful Meat

Washington State has no shortage of exceptional grocery stores and butcher shops for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful meat. As a longtime resident and food enthusiast, I’ve...

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8 Midwest Spots In Wisconsin Where Butter Burgers Make Diets Impossible

Wisconsin's love affair with butter burgers borders on legendary status. These juicy, messy masterpieces feature beef patties slathered with creamy Wisconsin butter that melts...

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8 Kansas City Joints Where Sweet & Spicy Sauce Steals The Spotlight

Kansas City's barbecue scene isn't just about the meat, it's about that magical elixir that brings everything together: the sauce! I've spent years hunting down the joints where...

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8 Irresistible Ways This Winter Getaway Recharges Busy Parents

When the calendar fills, the laundry piles, and the cold weather sets in, I know firsthand how difficult it is for parents to find a true reset. Yet that's exactly what I discovered...

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How Two Renowned Chefs Breathe New Life Into a Historic Woodside Eatery

I’ve scaled the Redwood-side road to dining spots before, but walking into The Mountain House is something else. Tucked into a 100-year-old vermilion cabin atop Kings Mountain,...

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