maya sinclair author at My Family Travels
Article
Why Everyone in Montana Swears Their Local Butchers Beat Any Steakhouse

Montana is cattle country, but locals will tell you the best beef isn’t served under chandeliers. It’s wrapped in butcher paper, handed over a counter, and cooked at home....

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Why Arkansas’ Thrift Shops Are the South’s Best Hidden Shopping Secret

Arkansas doesn’t advertise its thrift scene, but locals and road-trippers know it’s special. From mountain towns to river cities, the state hides antique corners, charity stores,...

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Tourists Confess the Real Reason They’ll Never Forget Their Trip to Kansas

I went to Kansas expecting quiet miles and found stories that kept me up late. Locals shared directions, legends, and shortcuts with an easy smile that felt like an invitation....

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Why Washington Locals Cringe at How Tourists Handle Rainy Days

Rain shapes daily life here, and I’ve learned it the soggy way. In Washington, especially around Seattle, the drizzle writes the schedule and sets the mood. If you match your...

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Forgotten Amusement Parks Scattered Across South Carolina

I chase stories that cling to the corners of maps, and South Carolina keeps handing me good ones. These parks once buzzed with summer noise and now sit quiet or repurposed, still...

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Why No Road Trip Through Tennessee Is Complete Without a Stop for Biscuits and Gravy

I plan my Tennessee drives around breakfast, and biscuits and gravy always set the tone. The plate tells me where I am and what the day might bring. Pull off at the right diner...

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8 Hidden Butcher Shops in South Carolina That Foodies Are Traveling For

I plan trips around great meat counters, and South Carolina keeps surprising me. Small shops tucked into neighborhoods and crossroads keep drawing me back with smart sourcing and...

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The Illegal Selfies Tourists Keep Taking on South Dakota’s Monuments

South Dakota’s monuments and memorials draw thousands of visitors each year, but not everyone follows the rules once the camera comes out. Rangers and local guides say the same...

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The Key Lime Pie At This Florida Café Is So Good, You’ll Order A Second Slice

I’ve had more than my share of Key lime pies in Florida, but the one at Moondog Café in Key West stands apart. This bright, easygoing café sits just off Whitehead Street, close...

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10 Breathtaking Waterfalls Hiding In Ohio’s State Parks

Hey there, fellow wanderlust enthusiasts! Buckle up because we’re about to dive into the hidden watery wonders of Ohio's state parks. Yes, Ohio! Where you might not expect cascading...

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Only Locals Know About These Truly Haunted Places in Texas

I chase ghost stories the same way I chase good road tacos, with a map, a tank of gas, and a healthy dose of respect. Locals across Texas kept slipping me directions to places...

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Tourists in Colorado Airbnb Stumble on a Secret Door And What They Found Shocked Them

A couple’s stay at a Colorado Airbnb took an unexpected turn after they discovered a hidden door and a mysterious third floor inside their rental. The story, first shared by...

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Tourists Confess What Really Happens When You Get Lost in the Arizona Desert

I have been turned around in open country, and Arizona sharpened every lesson I thought I knew. Heat rises fast. Shade crawls. Confidence shrinks between trail markers. These true...

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10 Top Restaurants To Try in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's culinary scene is buzzing with excitement, offering a delightful array of flavors that reflect the city’s diverse culture. Known for its rich history and vibrant...

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You’ll Find Ohio’s Best Stuffed Shells Inside This Unassuming Little Restaurant

Tucked away on Monroe Street, Incorvaia's Bene Italiano in Toledo, Ohio, surprises with its understated charm. This little spot doesn’t boast flashy signs or loud advertisements....

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7 Hidden All You Can Eat Buffets in New Jersey Only Insiders Know

I spent months chasing tips from cooks, servers, and hungry locals across New Jersey, and I found AYCE spots that rarely hit tourist lists. These places feel personal, run by teams...

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9 Best Leaf Peeping Spots in New Hampshire Travelers Can’t Miss

I chase foliage across New Hampshire every fall because the colors feel personal here. Mountains, lakes, and old byways turn into a moving gallery that changes by the hour. If...

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7 Fast Casual Dining Gems in Montana That Locals Keep Secret

Montana’s dining scene reflects its rugged beauty, unpretentious, hearty, and quietly outstanding. Beyond the steakhouses and diners travelers expect, locals know of small, fast-casual...

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Where to Find the Most Over the Top Pumpkin Spice Treats in Florida

Florida is bursting with pumpkin spice creativity this fall. As a lover of all things autumn, I set out to find the most extravagant pumpkin spice treats the Sunshine State has...

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8 Amazing and 3 Annoying Things About Traveling in Wisconsin

Traveling in Wisconsin is a journey packed with surprises, delights, and a handful of quirky challenges. As someone who’s wandered the state year-round, I’ve found that its...

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6 Best and 2 Worst Surprises for Travelers in West Virginia

West Virginia always had a certain reputation in my mind, but nothing could have prepared me for the mix of delight and challenge that awaited. Traveling across the state, I encountered...

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7 Vermont Small Towns Tourists Discovered and Locals Say Lost Their Peace

Travelers have always been drawn to Vermont for quiet towns, stunning scenery, and a feeling of timelessness. But in the last few years, some of these small communities have felt...

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8 Florida’s Best Gluten Free Bakeries You Need to Visit Before They Sell Out

If you love gluten-free (GF) baked goods, these Florida bakeries are worth tracking down. I picked ones with strong reputations, dedicated GF facilities (or near to it), and unique...

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8 Hidden Gluten Free Dessert Shops in Michigan That Locals Swear By

Michigan has no shortage of places to find a sweet treat, but when you’re gluten free, the hunt takes on a whole new meaning. I’ve spent months crisscrossing the state, chatting...

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The Most Unique Bridge in California Comes With a Story Locals Never Forgot

No bridge in California captures imaginations quite like the Golden Gate Bridge. With its International Orange towers and breathtaking span across the San Francisco Bay, it’s...

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7 California’s Lost Theme Parks That Nature Reclaimed

California has more than its share of theme parks reclaimed by nature. Below are a few of the more haunting examples. Many are unsafe, off-limits, or largely erased, but their...

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Travelers Say Boston Tops U.S. Cities for Public Transit, Here’s Why

Boston often surprises first-time visitors with just how navigable it is without a car. Over the years, I’ve watched travelers (myself included) skip the rental counter and still...

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Stormy Weather Ahead in Houston, Capture It With Click2Pins

Houston, Texas is no stranger to weather swings, but the end of September 2025 has brought something different: heat, sun, and very little rain. Forecasts from the National Weather...

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8 Coney Dogs That Make Michigan Worth Traveling Across the Midwest For

In Michigan, the Coney dog isn’t just a hot dog topped with chili, it’s a tradition with roots more than a century deep. Detroit, Flint, and Jackson each claim to have started...

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10 Scenic Riverfront Getaways in Washington State

You ever notice how staring at moving water can make your brain stop doomscrolling for just long enough to feel almost sane? Washington State is, frankly, showing off with...

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6 Quiet Parks in New York State Cities

When I need a break from traffic and long days, I often head to a city park. New York State cities have plenty of parks, but not all are loud or crowded. Some are tucked into neighborhoods...

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7 Michigan Amusement Parks Locals Miss More Than Anything

Michigan summers once meant wooden coasters by the lake, family-owned parks, and quirky roadside attractions. Many of those places have since closed, but locals still share memories...

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7 Nevada Hot Springs Locals Say Were Better Before Tourists

Nevada’s desert hides dozens of natural hot springs. Some are developed, others remain rugged, but many locals say the experience has changed as more travelers found them. Increased...

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Florida Diners Locals Swear Disappeared Fast

You know that feeling when you drive past a place that practically raised you and find a “For Lease” sign duct-taped to the window? Yeah. That’s the emotional gut-punch I...

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7 Pennsylvania Battlefields That Feel More Park Than Monument

You know that feeling when you’re out for a walk, soaking in the sun, and suddenly you realize you’re standing on ground where actual history unfolded, like, real people with...

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Why Washington, D.C. Is One of the Easiest U.S. Cities for Tourists to Navigate

Washington, D.C. might look overwhelming when you first check the map, the iconic Capitol dome, endless museums, and busy avenues can seem to stretch in every direction. But the...

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7 Best Burgers in Nebraska You’ll Want to Road Trip For

Nebraska is cattle country, so it’s no surprise the state knows how to make a good burger. From small-town cafés to long-running drive-ins, you’ll find patties that locals...

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7 Underrated Romantic Fall Spots in New York Worth a Road Trip

New York is famous for fall foliage in the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley, but those big-name destinations can feel crowded and pricey. For couples looking for quieter corners and...

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Taste Testing 9 Cheesesteaks in Pennsylvania to Find the Best

The cheesesteak is Pennsylvania’s most famous sandwich, and while Philadelphia gets most of the spotlight, the truth is you’ll find great versions across the state.

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6 Texas State Parks Locals Claim Aren’t the Same Anymore

Texas has some of the best state parks in the country, but ask people who’ve been visiting for years and you’ll hear a common refrain: some places don’t feel the way they...

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4 Abandoned Amusement Parks in Arizona You Can Still Visit

Arizona doesn’t have many abandoned amusement parks compared to other states, but the ones that remain are worth noting. Some sit quietly in the desert as ruins, while others...

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7 Fall Food Truck Festivals in Texas

Food trucks have become a fall tradition across Texas, offering flavors you can’t always find in a restaurant. This year, the state’s calendar feels especially packed with...

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8 Unique Coffee Shops in Nevada Off the Strip

When most people think of Nevada, the Las Vegas Strip dominates the picture. But outside the casinos and neon lights, the state has a growing number of independent coffee shops...

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Miccosukee Tribe Brings Heritage to Life at American Indian Day Festival

The American Indian Day Festival at the Miccosukee Indian Village in Miami, Florida, isn’t an ordinary event. Each year, the Miccosukee Tribe invites visitors to witness their...

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8 New York State Waterfalls You Won’t Believe Are Still Hidden

When you think of New York waterfalls, icons like Niagara or Watkins Glen might come to mind. But there are dozens of lesser-known falls scattered through the state, tucked behind...

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