owen carlisle author at My Family Travels
Article
The New Jersey Steakhouse You Barely Notice That Serves A Filet Mignon You’ll Never Forget

Is it possible for a place to be this low-profile and still serve the most talked-about dish in the county? In New Jersey...

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This New Jersey River Float Might Be The Coolest Way To Spend The Day

Imagine a sun-kissed afternoon where the only soundtrack is gentle water lapping against a floating tube, the breeze teasing you as you drift lazily downstream.

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The New Jersey Restaurant Where Everything Tastes And Feels Like Home

There are diners, and then there is Chit Chat Diner, a place that stopped me in my tracks the moment I walked through the door. Honestly,...

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10 Dog-Friendly Hikes In New Jersey Where Trails Are Made For Tails

The first time my dog sprinted ahead of me on a wooded trail in New Jersey, I realized this state was hiding something truly special.

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A Modest New Jersey Restaurant Pulls Big Crowds With Unforgettable Greek Dishes

When I walk into SOUVLAQUERIA in Union, the first thing that hits me is the aroma of grilled meats and fresh herbs. The team...

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The Farm-To-Table Eatery In New Jersey Serving Bowls Bursting With Fresh Flavor

From farm fields to your fork, this New Jersey eatery proves fresh flavor doesn’t need a passport. Bowls here aren’t just...

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These Onion Rings In New Jersey Are So Addictive, You Won’t Be Able To Resist Them

There are places you stumble into by accident, and then there are places that feel like they were waiting for you all along. Krug's Tavern is absolutely the second kind.

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This New Jersey Pizza Kitchen Serves Up Gourmet Pies and $10 Chef-Prepared Meals

Forget your average "Friday night slice" routine, because F.A.T. Pizza Kitchen in Toms River is playing a completely different game.

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The Oldest Bookstore In New Jersey Still Welcomes Readers With Charm That Never Fades

Standing on the site of Westfield’s original 1906 Carnegie Library, you can still feel the history in the air. Do you ever...

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This Humble Restaurant In New Jersey Turns Sandwiches Into Pure Perfection

I walked in thinking, “How good can a sandwich really be?” Turns out, dangerously good. The bread was so fluffy I wanted...

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This Restored New Jersey Armory Delivers Stunning Views And Unforgettable Dining

Pulling up to a building that once stored naval ammunition during two World Wars is not exactly how I expected to start a Saturday lunch, but here we were.

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Behind The Counter Of The New Jersey Market That Sets The Standard For Fresh Seafood

What’s the secret to seafood so fresh it practically winks at you? Step behind the counter at Peter’s Fish Market and you’ll find out.

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This Legendary Sandwich Shop In New Jersey Is Making 2026 Tastier Than Ever

They say you can’t buy happiness, but apparently you can order it on a roll with mozzarella. Walking into Fiore’s House...

Read More    10 min read

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The 10 Best Steak Houses In New Jersey That Locals Swear By In 2026

I’ve spent years chasing the perfect steak, and somehow New Jersey turned into my carnivore’s jackpot. From sizzling Jersey...

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This New Jersey Eatery Serves Cheesesteaks That Locals Say Beat Philly

Somewhere in New Jersey, cheesesteaks are causing an identity crisis for Philly. Locals swear their neighborhood eatery serves...

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The Legendary New Jersey Pizza Spot That’s Still Serving After 110 Years

I pulled up to a modest building, half expecting something grand or flashy to announce a 110-year legacy. Instead, what greeted...

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The 10 Best Sushi Restaurants In New Jersey That Keep Fans Coming Back

I never expected to find some of the best sushi outside of New York City right here in New Jersey, but the first time I sat down at a local spot and watched a chef carefully slice...

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11 Scenic Picnic Spots In New Jersey Perfect For Spring Days

I wasn't expecting much when I first started exploring New Jersey's outdoor spaces for picnic spots, honestly. Growing up, I'd...

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The Only Thing Better Than The Menu Is This New Jersey Waterfront View

What’s the first thing you notice when you step into a restaurant, the menu or the view? At The Waterfront in New Jersey, the answer isn’t so simple.

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Step Inside New Jersey’s Iconic Bookstore That Readers Travel Miles To See

What’s better than stumbling into a bookstore that feels endless? This place is a literary haven that has been drawing readers...

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The Oceanfront Spot Locals Call The Real New Jersey Shore Experience

This place feels like my personal escape hatch along New Jersey’s coastline - ten miles of untouched barrier island that makes me forget all about the glitzy boardwalks and crowded...

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This 18-Mile Bike Path In New Jersey Combines Waterfront Beauty With Skyline Magic

New Jersey’s got a secret treasure, and no, it’s not another pizza joint. It’s a trail that turns ordinary bike rides into extraordinary adventures along the Hudson River....

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The New Jersey Spot Where Finishing A Giant Pizza Wins You More Than Just Bragging Rights

Walking into Neptune City’s legendary pizzeria felt like stepping into a slice of New Jersey history. Since 1957, locals...

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This New Jersey Hotel Lets You Dine In A Restored 19th-Century Gilded Age Rail Car

Picture yourself stepping back into the glamorous Gilded Age, where opulence met innovation and every detail sparkled with elegance.

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New Jersey’s Spring Fair Where Tradition Meets Local Pride

Every spring, I feel the pull of New Jersey’s Renaissance Faire - it’s not just an event, it’s a portal. One moment I’m...

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10 Misconceptions Outsiders Have About New Jersey That Locals Prove Wrong

New Jersey gets a bad rap from people who've never actually spent time here, and honestly, it's about time someone set the record straight.

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A Tiny New Jersey Cabin That Might Just Have The Best Pizza In The State

Guess what? I found a rustic hideaway that locals have been raving about for years. The Cabin Restaurant quickly became one...

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This Loving New Jersey Refuge Gives Rescued Animals A Second Chance

In the peaceful pine forests of Forked River, New Jersey, sits a sanctuary where second chances bloom every single day. Popcorn...

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The Low-Key New Jersey Town Where Retirees Enjoy Big Living On Small Savings

When I first heard about Bridgeton, I pictured just another small Jersey town. But then I saw it for myself, tucked quietly in Cumberland County along the Cohansey River, and suddenly...

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A New Jersey All-You-Can-Eat Spot So Good, It Deserves A Visit In 2026

When I’m in Newark, one spot that always stands out is Fernandes Steak House II, 158 Fleming Ave, Newark, NJ 07105. It’s...

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The Giant New Jersey Flea Market That Feels Like A Treasure Hunt Jackpot

I stumbled upon the New Meadowlands Flea Market on a crisp Saturday morning, and honestly, I wasn't prepared for the sheer scale of what awaited me at Lot J Metlife Stadium, 102...

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The New Jersey Morning Spot That Makes Breakfast Feel Like Summers At Grandma’s Table

I walked into Grits & Grace at 507 Atlantic City Blvd in Bayville, NJ, and immediately thought, “Wow, this place smells better than my kitchen ever will.” Seriously, if...

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The Place That Keeps Pulling New Jersey Locals Back, No Matter Where They Move

I’ve wandered through gardens from coast to coast, but Laurelwood Arboretum at 725 Pines Lake Dr W, Wayne, NJ 07470 keeps pulling me back like I’ve got GPS hardwired into my...

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This Mom-And-Pop Diner Serves The Best Meatloaf Across New Jersey

Summit Diner at 1 Union Pl, Summit, NJ 07901, United States, has been serving hungry locals and visitors since 1929, making it one of the oldest and most beloved diners in all...

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This Rare Adventure Lets You Hunt The Legendary New Jersey Devil After Sundown

Think you’re brave enough to chase the Jersey Devil through the Pine Barrens? For nearly 300 years, a legendary creature...

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This Sinister Spot in New Jersey Still Leaves Locals Stumped

Think you’ve seen a tree that chills you to the bone? Along a lonely stretch of Mountain Road in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, a gnarled oak has been fueling ghost stories, dark...

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The New Jersey Sushi Bar Where Every Table Gets A Hidden Surprise

I’ve wandered into plenty of sushi spots during my travels, but Kim’s Sushi in West Orange, New Jersey, completely caught me off guard.

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This Cute New Jersey Restaurant Will Make Brunch The Highlight Of Your Weekend

Brunch lovers, get ready to discover a spot that transforms lazy weekend mornings into something truly unforgettable. Sabrina's...

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The Classic New Jersey Deli Where Matzo Ball Soup Draws Crowds From Every Corner Of The State

In Freehold, New Jersey, right off US Highway 9, Fred and Murry’s Kosher Delicatessen dishes up Jewish deli staples with that unmistakable New York flavor.

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Essential Tips For Travelers Caught In New Jersey’s Biggest Storm In A Decade

Winter Storm Fern has just slammed into New Jersey with a force not seen in over a decade, leaving travelers stranded, flights canceled, and roads buried under heavy snow.

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The Charming New Jersey Restaurant Serving Fried Chicken Worth Every Mile

Along the Black Horse Pike in Folsom, New Jersey, sits a barbecue treasure that has locals and travelers alike making the pilgrimage for some of the most mouthwatering fried chicken...

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This Easy 1-Mile Hike In New Jersey Is So Picturesque, You’ll Be Dreaming About It For Days

Set in the northwest corner of New Jersey, the Appalachian Trail Boardwalk offers one of the most unique hiking experiences you'll find anywhere in the Garden State.

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The Cherished Thrift Store In New Jersey That Shoppers Swear Beats Costco’s Deals

At 180 Washington Ave in Belleville, NJ, Hana Mission Thrift Store has earned legendary status among bargain hunters and treasure seekers.

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This Cozy Dutch Bakery In New Jersey Is A Hidden Treat For Sweet Lovers

A charming little bakery has been delighting locals and travelers for decades with its authentic Dutch treats and warm hospitality in Sussex, New Jersey along Route 23.

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10 Beloved Steakhouses In New Jersey That Beat Any Fancy Place

New Jersey knows steak like few other states do, and the Garden State's love affair with perfectly grilled beef runs deep in its culinary roots.

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This Historic General Store In New Jersey Always Brings Nostalgia To Locals Across The Garden State

Tucked away in Wall Township along a quiet stretch of Lakewood-Allenwood Road, there's a charming spot that feels like stepping into a time machine.

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10 Giant Flea Markets In New Jersey That Feel Like Treasure Troves

New Jersey knows how to do flea markets right, and if you love the thrill of discovering something unexpected, you're in for a treat.

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An Unassuming New Jersey Spot With Breakfast So Legendary, People Travel Hours To Taste It

Tucked away at 2 Bank St in Clinton, New Jersey, sits a diner that looks like any other roadside stop, but locals know better. Clinton Station Diner has been serving up breakfast...

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The Shrimp And Grits At This No-Frills Restaurant In New Jersey Have Fans Driving Hours Just To Taste Them

On West Kinney Street in Newark, New Jersey, a cozy Southern eatery has built a cult following among food lovers craving authentic comfort food with a creative twist.

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The Iconic New Jersey Dish That Defined Regional Breakfasts For Generations

New Jersey breakfast culture has a champion, and it comes stacked high with salty, savory pork roll, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese tucked into a fresh roll or bagel.

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