miles donovan author at My Family Travels
Article
This Breathtaking Alabama Greek-Revival Mansion Features a Massive Collection of Pre-Civil War Relics

What can a historic home reveal that a textbook never could? Often, it is the small details that bring the past to life, from original design elements to collections that show...

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This Sprawling Alabama Flea Market Is Famous For Servin’ Up The Best Boiled Peanuts In The State

Right off a major highway in Dothan, Alabama, sits one of the South’s most popular weekend flea markets. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, this large outdoor marketplace brings...

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This Is The Only Place In Alabama Where You Can See Bison Roaming Free And Buy Their Meat On Site

The last thing I expected to see while driving through Alabama was a herd of towering bison casually grazing across open fields. One turn off the main road completely changed the...

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This Historic Indiana Park Houses A 100-Year-Old Bronze Statue Built To Openly Intimidate A Wealthy Local Family

I never expected a walk through an Indiana park to come with such an unusual story behind it. Beyond the trails, open spaces, and peaceful scenery is a piece of local history that...

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This Alabama Smokehouse Earned Elite Global Praise And We’re Not Surprised

Some restaurants just have a way of pulling you in and never letting go. A beloved barbecue and soul food spot in Birmingham, Alabama is exactly that kind of place.

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10 Nostalgic Old-School Diners In Indiana That Cook Up The Absolute Best Comfort Food

Comfort food always seems to taste better inside a classic diner where the coffee is hot, the grill never seems to stop, and friendly conversations fill the room. Indiana is packed...

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This Small-Town Indiana Restaurant Is Known For Steaks People Will Drive Miles For

A great steak dinner has a way of turning an ordinary evening into something worth remembering. Indiana is full of local restaurants where quality ingredients, welcoming service,...

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8 Beautiful Indiana Lake Resorts Perfect For A Scenic And Relaxing Summer Family Getaway

Summer in Indiana feels different once a lake is involved. Mornings start a little slower, afternoons seem to last longer, and somehow nobody is in a hurry to check the time.

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This Coastal Indiana Restaurant Serves Shrimp That Tastes Better Right By The Blue Water

Fresh seafood is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when people think about Indiana, and that is exactly why this waterfront meal feels like such a surprise.

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This 100 Year Old Haunted Hotel Stay In Alabama Will Keep You Awake All Night

The lobby sets the tone the second you walk in, all marble, height, and a kind of old-world confidence that feels unchanged by time. Built in the early 1900s, this Alabama hotel...

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This Spectacular Boat-Only White-Sand Coastal Sanctuary Is The Ultimate Alabama Summer Hotspot

What if the best beach day started with a boat ride instead of a walk from the parking lot? Just off Alabama's coast is a stretch of white sand that's only accessible by water,...

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This Bike Path In Alabama Combines Waterfront Beauty With Skyline Magic

Green spaces in the middle of a city can completely reset how a place feels. In Alabama, a looping trail runs through wide lawns and shifting water features, where reflections...

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Dig Through Bins of Hidden Deals in Alabama Where Everything Drops To Just 50 Cents

How much would you pay for something you might normally see at a much higher price? That is the question that keeps bargain hunters searching through the bins at this Alabama discount...

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This 14-Acre Alabama Arboretum Has Miles Of Nature Trails That Are 100% Free To Explore Every Day

What if one of your next outdoor adventures did not require a ticket, a reservation, or a big travel plan? This Alabama arboretum...

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This Secluded Lakeside Restaurant In Alabama Is Only Accessible If You Know Where To Look

Some restaurants are easy to find, while others feel like a discovery you have to earn. Hidden along the water, this Alabama dining spot gives you the feeling of stumbling across...

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This Hidden 1,100-Acre Alabama Preserve Is Packed With Secret Caves And Waterfall Trails

What if your next outdoor adventure led you somewhere that felt completely removed from everyday life? In Alabama, there is a massive natural escape where winding trails, hidden...

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You’ve Never Had A Hot Dog Like The Ones Slung At This Classic Alabama Diner

Everyone has an opinion about what makes the perfect hot dog. Is it the toppings, the seasoning, the snap of the first bite, or the place where you order it?

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This Hidden Alabama Antique Market Inside A Restored Schoolhouse Draws Crowds From Hours Away

A schoolhouse might not be the first place you would expect to find a day of antique hunting, but that is exactly what makes this destination so interesting.

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This Massive Alabama Asian Supermarket Is A Hidden Food Wonderland

Walking into a great Asian supermarket can feel like stepping into a whole new world of flavors, ingredients, and discoveries. In Alabama, there is a massive food destination where...

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8 Alabama Vegan Restaurants That Are An Absolute Must Try For Plant-Based Foodies

Alabama has a way of surprising you, especially when you start looking beyond the dishes it is best known for. Across the state, you can discover a growing plant-based food scene...

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This Innovative Alabama Farmstead Crafts Exceptional Award-Winning Cheeses From Its Own Sheep Herd

Nestled in a peaceful valley among the rolling foothills of northeast Alabama, a family-owned farm in Gallant is something truly special. Recognized as the state's first and only...

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This No-Frills Sub Shop In Alabama Serves Up The Kind Of Smoked Meat Locals Dream About For Weeks

Some barbecue spots are fancy, and some are legendary. A longtime barbecue joint in Tuscaloosa, Alabama falls firmly into the second category.

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The Stunning 1-Mile Alabama Boardwalk Trail Hidden Inside A Protected Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary

Not every great outdoor experience requires a long drive or a strenuous hike. A peaceful coastal trail in Gulf Shores, Alabama sits inside a protected wildlife refuge and packs...

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This Gorgeous Tasting Room In Alabama Lets You Sample The World’s Freshest Small Batch Olive Oils

There is a small shop in Birmingham, Alabama, that is quietly changing the way people think about olive oil. A unique tasting room inside a local marketplace lets visitors sample...

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This Hidden Alabama Restaurant Is Serving Empanadas Worth The Trip

Not every great restaurant gets the spotlight it deserves. A beloved Latin American restaurant in Homewood, Alabama has been quietly serving bold, authentic flavors for nearly...

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This Alabama Off-Road Park Transformed From An Army Plant Into Acres Of Off-Road Adventure

Some places carry history in their very soil, and a massive off-road destination in Talladega, Alabama is exactly that kind of place. What was once a World War II ammunition depot...

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8 Gorgeous Alabama Beaches Most Florida Tourists Completely Overlook

I have spent a lot of time chasing coastlines, and I will be honest, Alabama barely made my list at first. Most people I know from Oklahoma head straight to Florida without even...

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This Historic Coastal Gateway Town Is The Antique Capital Of Alabama

Foley, Alabama is one of those places that surprises you the moment you arrive. Sitting just a short drive from the Gulf Coast, this small city carries a big personality rooted...

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This Hidden 148-Foot Alabama Sandstone Arch Is One Of The Longest Natural Bridges In The U.S

Hidden along a quiet stretch of Winston County road sits a geological wonder that most people drive right past. A privately...

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This Massive Alabama Salvage Center Features Acres Of Stunning Architectural Antiques

Some places are hard to put into a single category, and an architectural salvage center in Cullman, Alabama is one of them. Spread...

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This 10-Mile Scenic Valley Train Ride In Alabama Is The Ultimate Stress-Free Day Trip

Some day trips just stay with you long after you get home. A historic railroad excursion operated by the North Alabama Railroad Museum offers a 10-mile round trip through quiet...

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Watch Movies Under The Open Sky At This Scenic Alabama Mountain Overlook

Imagine watching your favorite movie while a glittering city skyline stretches out below you. That is exactly what you get at a hilltop park and museum perched high above Birmingham,...

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Most Alabamians Have Driven Past This Bizarre 100-Year-Old Concrete Bubble Without Realizing What’s Inside

Hidden in plain sight along a busy Alabama highway, a small concrete dome sits quietly in a parking lot while thousands of drivers pass by without a second glance. To passing commuters,...

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This Hidden 30,000-Square-Foot Alabama Fabric Warehouse Is A Crafter’s Ultimate Paradise

Somewhere along US-43 in Winfield, Alabama, a fabric lover's dream is hiding in plain sight. A massive, family-owned warehouse here is packed from floor to ceiling with thousands...

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This Massive 4-Story Alabama Science Center Hides Real Dinosaurs and Marine Life

Birmingham, Alabama is home to one of the most packed science experiences in the entire Southeast. A major science center here sits inside a beautifully renovated historic building...

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This Authentic Alabama Taco Haven Packs Heavy Overstuffed Plates That Completely Fill The Table

Some restaurants just hit different, and a market taqueria in Huntsville, Alabama is exactly that kind of place. Tucked inside a Hispanic supermarket, this hidden gem serves some...

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This Hidden Alabama Aquatic Center Has Indoor and Outdoor Pools, Water Slides, and a Lazy River

Most people driving through Cullman, Alabama have no idea there is a standout aquatic center just off the main road. This family-friendly destination offers something for every...

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This Secret Alabama Bakery Is Famous for 100% Scratch-Made Baked Goods

Some places just have a way of making you feel at home the moment you walk through the door. A small bakery in Livingston, Alabama is exactly that kind of place.

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This Massive Alabama Indoor Megaplex Features High-Speed Go-Karts and Ninja Courses

If you are looking for a place where the whole family can go wild with fun, a massive indoor entertainment megaplex in Oxford, Alabama is worth every mile of the drive.

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This Spring-Fed Pool In Alabama Is One Of The Absolute Largest In The United States

Somewhere in Jackson, Alabama, there is a swimming pool so massive it almost feels like a small lake. A local park here is home to one of the largest in-ground spring-fed pools...

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This Hidden Alabama Liquidator Clears Out Near-Expiration Meat For Pennies

If you have ever wished your grocery bill could shrink without your cart getting smaller, a regional discount supermarket in Fort Payne, Alabama might be exactly what you have...

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This 745-Foot Skyscraper In Alabama Is Officially The Tallest Building On The Gulf Coast Outside Of Texas

Rising above the streets of Mobile, Alabama, a gleaming glass tower has become one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Its striking presence dominates the skyline and serves...

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This Eerie Alabama Forest Path Brings You Face-To-Face With Dozens Of Creepy Living Tree Carvings

Somewhere in a small Alabama town, a forest path hides dozens of carved faces staring back at you from living trees. A short...

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Alabama Has A German Bake Shop So Authentic It Feels Like A Hidden European Market

Somewhere in a quiet stretch of rural north Alabama, a small bakery is doing something quietly special. Inside a modest storefront, traditional German baking comes to life through...

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This 10,000-Square-Foot Alabama Fabric World Hides Endless Crafting Treasures

Somewhere along a highway in northeastern Alabama, a fabric lover’s dream hides behind an unassuming storefront. What began as a family business decades ago has grown into a...

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This Indoor Alabama Wildlife Zoo Lets You Cuddle Snuggling Sloths And Exotic Rainforest Animals

Somewhere in southern Alabama, an unassuming building holds an experience most people would never expect to find. Step inside and you are suddenly face-to-face with animals that...

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This Hidden Alabama River Town Has So Few Residents You Will Feel Like You Discovered A Secret

Most people drive right past this small river town in Alabama without realizing what they are missing. With just over 800 residents, it holds more charm, history, and natural beauty...

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8 Hidden Spots In Alabama That Honestly Feel Plucked Straight From Italy

I did not expect Alabama to keep giving me these little flashes of Italy, but somewhere between the tiled roofs, old-world facades, quiet gardens, and waterfront streets, that...

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This Hidden Alabama Boardwalk Lets You Walk Directly Above Hundreds Of Massive Wild Alligators

Alabama has a lot of surprises, but few compare to what waits in a cypress swamp just outside a small coastal town. This wildlife sanctuary offers visitors a front-row seat to...

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This Multi Generation Alabama Farm Restaurant Serves Up A Full Thanksgiving Menu Year Round

You crave turkey and dressing in July, and this multi-generation Alabama farm restaurant does not blink. They serve a full Thanksgiving menu every single day of the year, complete...

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This Massive 5-Story Complex In Alabama Houses The World’s Largest Collection Of Antique and Racing Motorcycles

You know those places that sound impressive on paper, and then you walk in and immediately realize the paper did not even come close, because that is exactly how this museum felt...

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You Can Climb Into A Unique Honeycomb Booth To Eat Your Dinner Inside This Alabama Japanese Restaurant

Eating inside a beehive sounds strange until you try it. This Alabama Japanese restaurant has replaced ordinary tables with cozy honeycomb booths, wooden pods that wrap around...

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This Alabama Cafe Lures You In For Iced Coffee But Its Actually A Room Full Of Adoptable Kittens

Alabama has a lot of charming spots, but few feel quite as unexpectedly delightful as this cat café in Alabaster. You might walk in expecting a simple coffee or tea stop.

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This Hilarious Alabama Street Intersection Holds The World’s Smallest Official City Block

Alabama is full of surprises, but few are as wonderfully absurd as a tiny triangle of land in Dothan that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

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8 Alabama Swimming Spots With Crystal Clear Water Perfect For Summer 2026

Alabama has some of the most refreshing natural swimming spots in the entire South. From spring-fed pools to cascading waterfalls and hidden creek hollows, the variety is genuinely...

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This Massive 30-Acre Alabama Property Holds 8 Warehouses Crammed With Historic Salvage

Somewhere in the southern reaches of Alabama, there is a place that feels less like a store and more like a living museum. This Theodore antiques destination has been drawing curious...

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This Underrated Alabama Lake Features 150 Miles Of Quiet Rocky Shoreline

Most people driving through northern Alabama never stop long enough to notice what the Tennessee River has quietly built over decades.

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This Massive Alabama Waterpark Kicks Out The Kids For After Hours Adults Only Neon 90’s Parties

This Bessemer, Alabama water and amusement park is one of those places that surprises you. It is bigger, louder, and more fun than most people expect.

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This Alabama Country Market Pairs Giant Homemade Pies With Wholesale Sized Baking Staples

Some places just feel right the moment you walk in. This Morgan County, Alabama bakery is one of those rare spots that blends a scratch-made bakery, a country market, and a deli...

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The Best Alabama Grocery Meat Departments That Put Regular Supermarkets To Shame

Alabama has some seriously impressive places to buy meat, and I mean that in the best possible way. Across the state, a handful of grocery stores and specialty butcher shops have...

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