owen carlisle author at My Family Travels
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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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The Defunct New Jersey Attraction That’s Weirdly More Popular Now Than Ever

Picture this: a tragedy so dramatic it changed aviation forever, yet decades later, it's drawing more curious visitors than ever before.

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The Legendary Steakhouse In New Jersey Locals Swear Has The State’s Best Ribeye

Tucked away on Main Street in Little Falls, New Jersey, sits a steakhouse that has earned legendary status among locals and visitors alike. Rare The Steak House at 440 Main St...

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10 Unassuming Restaurants In New Jersey Where The Pasta Is Legendary

New Jersey might be famous for its diners and boardwalks, but tucked away in strip malls and quiet neighborhoods are some of the most incredible pasta spots you'll ever find.

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Underrated New Jersey Beaches That Are The State’s Best-Kept Secret

New Jersey's coastline stretches for 130 miles, yet most visitors flock to the same crowded hotspots year after year. Beyond...

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New Jersey’s Coastal Lighthouses Locals Visit When The Shore Goes Quiet

When summer crowds fade and the boardwalks empty out, New Jersey reveals a quieter side of its coastline that locals treasure year-round.

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The New Jersey Shore Towns With Seafood Shacks Locals Swear Are Better Than Any Tourist Spot

New Jersey might be famous for its boardwalks and bustling beach resorts, but the real magic happens in the hidden corners where locals line up for fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

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Inside Oregon’s Jubitz Travel Center, A Truck Stop With Dining, Entertainment, And History

You came for fuel, but you will stay for the surprising mix of comfort, convenience, and Oregon hospitality that fills every corner of Jubitz Truck Stop in Portland.

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Breakfast Houses In Pennsylvania Worth Discovering

You came to Pennsylvania hungry for character, and these humble breakfast houses deliver it with heart. Each stop on this...

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California’s Volcanic Landscapes Create A Scenic Stop Worth Visiting

Lassen Volcanic National Park in California feels like stepping into a giant outdoor science experiment. Steam vents hiss,...

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Washington’s Most Stunning Cities With Coastlines, Islands, And Mountains

Washington State is blessed with cities that balance natural beauty and vibrant culture. From coastlines that shimmer at sunset...

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An Old Industrial Landmark In South Carolina Awaits Visitors

You are standing on the edge of Charleston history, where steel, tide, and grit shaped a working waterfront that powered the Lowcountry.

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Wyoming Grocery Stores Known For The Best Meat Departments

Wyoming rewards meat lovers with butcher counters that still know your name and how you like your steaks trimmed. You can...

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In California’s Desert, This ‘Last Free Place’ Still Draws Curious Travelers Every Year

You hear whispers about a last free place where rules feel softer and horizons stretch wider, and curiosity pulls you down a sandy road in Imperial County.

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Why Romantic Weekend Getaways To This South Carolina Gem Blend Charm And Coastal Bliss

You want a weekend that feels like a secret shared just between two people, and Charleston delivers that feeling with effortless charm.

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The “Sleepiest” South Dakota City With The Best Hidden Hiking Trails

You came for quiet, but Hot Springs rewards you with the hush of canyon walls, the soft rush of warm water, and trails that slip from town into pine-shaded solitude.

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10 Magical Ice Castles And Sculptures To Explore In Utah This Winter

Utah turns into a luminous gallery each winter, where ice and light shape the landscape into something storybook and surprising.

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10 Last-Minute Christmas Tree Stops In Oregon (Real Tree Farms You’ll Love)

Oregon is practically the North Pole of Christmas tree farms, and they’re ready for your last-minute holiday dash. From...

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Why This Texas Hill Country Oasis Has 32 Natural Water Sources

You are about to explore one of Texas Hill Country’s favorite swimming escapes, where spring fed pools shimmer under ancient cypress trees.

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The Ultimate PDX Visual Diary: 10 Can’t Miss Photo Ops In Oregon’s Viewpoint Capital

Portland is a playground for photographers, with river reflections, forested hills, and skyline angles that change by the minute.

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A Colorado Ghost Town Survives Thanks To Private Caretakers

You arrive at St. Elmo with the crisp mountain air catching your breath as weathered false fronts line a quiet main street. The...

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10 Hole-In-The-Wall Hot-Chocolate Parlors In Colorado You’ll Dream About

You are about to sip your way across Colorado, one cozy cup at a time. Hidden parlors and beloved counters are pouring house...

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Why Oregon Is A Top Destination This Season

Oregon surprises in the best ways, from misty coastlines to high desert sunshine, inviting you to chase variety in a single trip.

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10 Pennsylvania Amusement Parks That Still Deliver Nonstop Thrills

Pennsylvania packs a surprising amount of high-energy fun into every season, and right now the thrill scene is dazzling with lights, rides, and indoor escapes.

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Alabama Small Towns Cracking Under Pressure From Unexpected Tourist Surges

Crowds are finding Alabama’s most charming small towns, and the surge is reshaping daily life in surprising ways. You will...

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Oregon Small Towns That Feel Too Busy For Their Own Good

You know those places that still feel charming but somehow buzz like tiny cities, even on a random Tuesday. Oregon has a handful...

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Why Everyone In Texas Is Taking Slow Weekend Drives Through Hill Country

Texas weekends feel different when the Hill Country rolls into view, and the urge to slow down becomes irresistible. You notice...

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10 Massachusetts Meat Markets Where Tradition Meets Taste

You are in for a savory road trip across Massachusetts, where old school butchery skills meet creative cuts and friendly neighborhood vibes.

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Locals In New Orleans Are Frustrated By Tourist-Trap Restaurants During The Holidays

Holiday lights make New Orleans glow, yet the restaurant scene can feel oddly out of tune when crowds surge. You want the...

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The More Tourists Explore Amish Life In Ohio, The More Mysterious It Becomes

You come to Amish country expecting simplicity, then every mile seems to add another layer of quiet intrigue. The buggies...

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Texas Packs Dallas Holiday At The Arboretum In A Must-See Christmas Wonder

When winter arrives in Texas, the Dallas Arboretum transforms into a magical holiday destination that captures hearts across the state.

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California Restaurants Face Rising Costs: See Which Are Closing Their Doors For Now

California’s dining scene is feeling the pressure as rising costs hit restaurants across the state. Beloved eateries, from...

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9 Fun Escapes Within Two Hours Of Chicago, Illinois

Chicago may be buzzing with energy, but sometimes you just need a quick escape. Luckily, within two hours of the city, adventure...

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9 Small Town Music Festivals In Ohio Worth Planning A Trip Around

You love live music most when it feels close enough to touch, and Ohio delivers that feeling in small towns where the stages glow and the stars look near.

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10 Riverside Towns In Tennessee Where Retirees Find Holiday Peace and Scenic Charm

Tennessee's riverside towns offer something truly special for retirees seeking tranquility and natural beauty. These charming...

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A Slow Two-Day Loop Through North Carolina That Feels Vintage By Accident

Ready to squeeze a full North Carolina coastal adventure into just two days? This loop blends breezy waterfront walks, lighthouse...

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Hidden Amish Winter Markets In Ohio Towns Under 3,000 People

Winter in Ohio’s Amish Country feels like stepping into a snow globe, where small towns glow with warm lights and slower rhythms.

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2-Day Winter Road In Indiana Through Old Village Traditions

Indiana's winter landscape transforms into a wonderland of history and tradition when you explore its charming old villages and historic sites.

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The Forgotten Wyoming Shoreline Park That Shouldn’t Exist

Tucked along a vast blue reservoir in southeastern Wyoming, Glendo State Park feels like a shoreline surprise in the middle of high plains country.

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The Secret Utah Hot-Spring Village Only Locals Talk About Quietly

Whispered between trailheads and small town diners, Monroe, Utah has a way of warming you from the inside out. Nestled in...

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The Florida Gulf Town Locals Swear Is Too Perfect To Share

Tucked along Florida's Emerald Coast, Seaside feels like stepping into a storybook where every house looks like it belongs on a postcard and every street invites you to slow down...

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7 Louisiana Areas That Quietly Became Jazz Landmarks

Ah, Louisiana: the land of bayous, beignets, and brass bands. Who would've thought that hidden among its gators and gumbo are quiet corners that hum with the spirit of jazz? Grab...

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