owen lark author at My Family Travels
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10 Adirondack Towns Locals Say Have Lost Their Mountain Magic

Ah, the Adirondacks! A place where the mountains once whispered secrets to those willing to listen. But alas, some towns have traded their rustic charm for bustling streets and...

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10 Georgia Hotspots That Became Tourist Favorites

Ah, Georgia! Land of peaches, pecans, and places that make your heart skip a beat. Every corner of this lovely state whispers tales of history, nature, and good ol’ Southern...

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10 Georgia Riverfronts Locals Say Have Changed Forever

Picture this: the sun setting over a lazy river, gentle breezes carrying the scent of magnolias, and the distant laughter of children at play. Georgia’s riverfronts have long...

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10 Oklahoma Meat Markets Tourists Can’t Stop Visiting

Embarking on a carnivorous adventure across Oklahoma is like diving into a world where barbecued bliss and succulent cuts reign supreme. Whether you're a meat lover or just curious...

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10 Grocery Stores In Arkansas That Turn Into BBQ Destinations

Ever find yourself craving some lip-smacking BBQ while shopping for groceries? In Arkansas, some grocery stores moonlight as BBQ havens that’ll have your taste buds doing a jig....

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11 Funniest Things You’ll Only See Walking Around New York City

Ah, New York City, where the streets are a living theater and every corner holds a surprise. From the absurd to the delightfully bizarre, you'll find yourself chuckling at the...

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10 Reasons Illinois Travelers Prefer Local Steakhouses Over Chains

Picture this: a road trip across Illinois, where travelers have discovered that the true flavor of a good steak doesn't come from a cookie-cutter chain restaurant. As a seasoned...

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10 Reasons Washington State’s Ports Struggle With The Cruise Boom

Ahoy there, adventurous traveler! If you think navigating the high seas is tricky, try steering through Washington State’s bustling ports during the cruise boom. As I sip my...

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10 Things Travelers Should Know As Tropical Storm Jerry Nears Florida This Weekend

Greetings, fellow wanderers! As the ominous Tropical Storm Jerry makes its dramatic approach towards Florida, a gust of uncertainty might be swirling through your travel plans....

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10 Ohio Chicken And Waffle Spots Worth The Drive

Ah, the crispy, savory delight of chicken paired with the sweet, fluffy embrace of waffles. Ohio isn’t just about Buckeyes and cornfields; it’s a hidden gem for this culinary...

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10 Rainy Day Travel Tips As Oregon Sees A Cooldown This Week

Greetings, fellow adventurers! As Oregon's skies prepare for a moody transformation, swapping sunlit days for cozy, rain-soaked moments, we must adapt our wanderlust ways. Whether...

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10 Wild Places In Oregon Tourists Risk Everything To Capture On Instagram

Ah, Oregon! Land of lush landscapes, mystical forests, and waterfalls that look like they were painted by a whimsical artist with a fondness for drama. As an experienced travel...

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10 Hidden All You Can Eat Gems In Texas Locals Don’t Want You To Find

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you've ever dreamed of finding those off-the-radar spots that the locals keep under wraps, you're in for a treat. I've embarked on a culinary...

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9 Texas Weekend Getaways That Sound Better Online Than They Actually Are

Texas is known for its vast landscapes, cultural diversity, and lively destinations. However, not all weekend getaways live up to the hype. Some places, while marketed beautifully,...

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Why This Supposed “Dreamy” Florida Weekend Getaway Might Leave You Disappointed

Florida, often portrayed as a vacationer's paradise, can sometimes fall short of expectations. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, it's a go-to spot for many seeking...

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10 Recommended Casual Dining Restaurants In Michigan For Every Traveler

Hello, fellow food adventurers! Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a delicious journey through Michigan’s casual dining scene. From funky garages to charming taverns,...

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10 Idaho Ski Escapes That Transformed From Hidden Gems To Tourist Hotspots

Ah, Idaho! Home to potatoes, breathtaking landscapes, and yes, some of the most underrated ski resorts that have quietly transformed into bustling tourist hotspots. As someone...

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The Pierogi Bucket in Ohio City Reinvents a Classic Dish for Modern Travelers

Tucked away in Cleveland's vibrant Ohio City neighborhood, The Pierogi Bucket is transforming an Eastern European comfort food favorite into a modern culinary adventure.

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California’s Highway 395: An Autumn Journey Full of Hidden Treasures

Highway 395 stretches along California's eastern edge, offering one of the most breathtaking road trips in America, especially during autumn.

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Why Driving I-80 Through Nebraska Challenges Every Traveler

Interstate 80 across Nebraska presents a unique set of challenges that can test even the most experienced drivers. Running for nearly 456 miles across the Cornhusker State, this...

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The Most Unique Catacombs in New York Come With a Story Locals Never Forgot

Beneath the bustling streets of New York City lies a hidden world few tourists ever discover. The catacombs of New York tell stories of immigrants, epidemics, and religious communities...

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The Most Boring Cities in Kansas That People Regret Visiting

Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and friendly people, has cities that sometimes leave travelers wanting more. While locals might find charm in their hometowns, visitors...

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Why Travelers Say New Jersey Beaches Smell Stronger Every Summer

Summer at the Jersey Shore brings crowds of excited beachgoers ready for sun and fun, but increasingly, visitors notice something else too; stronger smells along the coastline....

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Ride California’s Skunk Train From Ocean Views to Towering Redwoods

Winding through the majestic landscapes of Northern California, the historic Skunk Train offers one of America's most enchanting railway adventures. This century-old rail line...

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Florida Tourism Numbers Are Rising but Small Businesses Feel Left Behind

Florida's beaches, theme parks, and sunny weather continue to draw millions of visitors each year, with tourism numbers climbing to new heights. The Sunshine State's visitor count...

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8 Michigan Markets Locals Trust for Top Quality Meats

Michigan has long been a haven for food enthusiasts seeking quality meats from trusted local sources. From family-owned butcher shops to regional supermarket chains, the Great...

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Florida Faces Potential Flood Days Ahead: What Travelers Should Know

Florida’s weather patterns can shift quickly, and travelers visiting the Sunshine State during the wet season should always be prepared for sudden rainfall and possible flooding....

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Why Arkansas’ Hot Springs Are America’s Hidden Wellness Gem

Tucked away in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas lies a natural wonder that has drawn visitors for centuries. Hot Springs, Arkansas offers something truly special: naturally heated...

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7 Wisconsin’s Historic Lighthouses That Still Guide the Great Lakes

Wisconsin's rugged shorelines along Lakes Michigan and Superior have been home to magnificent lighthouses for nearly two centuries. These beacons of safety have guided countless...

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Why Trips to Colorado’s Mountains Boost Mental Health

Imagine standing atop a Colorado mountain peak, breathing in crisp alpine air while gazing at endless horizons of rugged beauty. Colorado's mountains aren't just stunning landscapes;...

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Inside New York’s Most Expensive Hotels for Luxury Travelers

New York City is home to some of the world's most extravagant hotels where luxury knows no bounds. These high-end establishments offer much more than just a place to sleep; they...

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Vintage Photos Capture the Early Days of California Tourism

Long before Instagram filters and digital cameras, tourists were already flocking to California's sunny shores and majestic landscapes. Sepia-toned photographs from the early 20th...

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7 Hidden Orlando Spots That Deserve a Place on Your Itinerary

When most travelers think of Orlando, images of Mickey Mouse and magical theme parks immediately come to mind. But beyond the crowded attractions lies a different Orlando, filled...

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8 Iowa Truck Stop Diners Serving Roadside Meals Worth the Drive

The open highways of Iowa hide culinary treasures that most travelers zoom past without knowing. Truck stops across the Hawkeye State serve up hearty, homemade meals that rival...

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Where to Find Authentic Mexican Eats Along the Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore isn't just famous for its beaches and boardwalks; it's also home to some incredible authentic Mexican cuisine. From family-run taquerias to upscale coastal eateries,...

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Florida Breaks Tourism Record With 34.4 Million Visitors in Second Quarter of 2025

Florida has once again set a new tourism milestone. Between April and June 2025, the Sunshine State welcomed 34.4 million visitors, making it the highest second-quarter figure...

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Bridge Maintenance In California That Might Delay Your Drive

California's aging bridge infrastructure requires constant maintenance to keep travelers safe. Across the state, major repair projects are underway that could impact your travel...

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The Washington Hike That Feels Impossible to Access Without This Hack

Hidden deep within Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness lies a hiker's paradise known as The Enchantments. With its crystal-clear...

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How We Found a Way Into Texas’ Most “Off Limits” Ghost Town

Hidden among the vast desert landscapes of West Texas lies Terlingua, once a thriving mercury mining community now mostly abandoned to the elements.

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8 Hidden Art Fairs Across Ohio Towns

Ohio's small towns harbor artistic treasures that often fly under the radar of mainstream tourism. Beyond the big city galleries and museums, these community art fairs showcase...

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7 Small Town Music Festivals in Ohio Worth Planning a Trip Around

Ohio's small towns host some of the most authentic and vibrant music festivals you'll find anywhere in the Midwest. Beyond the big city venues of Cleveland and Cincinnati, these...

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The California Deli Serving a Steak You’ll Never Forget

Hidden in the heart of Bakersfield lies a culinary treasure that locals have cherished for generations. Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen combines the warmth of Italian hospitality...

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8 Small Railroad Towns in Kansas That Feel Frozen in the 1950s

Nestled throughout the Kansas prairie are charming small towns where time seems to have slowed down. These railroad communities once thrived as bustling hubs when trains were the...

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10 Halloween Themed Desserts in New York That Look Almost Too Creepy to Eat

Halloween in New York brings out the artistic side of pastry chefs across the city. Bakeries transform ordinary treats into spine-chilling masterpieces that are equal parts delicious...

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7 Halloween Festivals in Georgia That Locals Count Down To Every Year

When fall arrives in Georgia, the Peach State transforms into a spooky paradise filled with haunted attractions, pumpkin patches, and costume parades.

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8 Alabama Soul Food Restaurants Serving Plates That Feel Like Home

There's something magical about soul food that connects us to our roots. Across Alabama, family-owned kitchens are keeping Southern cooking traditions alive with recipes passed...

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10 Haunted Hotels in Florida Where Guests Claim They Still Hear Footsteps

Florida's sunny beaches and tropical vibes hide a darker side - historic hotels with chilling ghost stories. These elegant establishments have hosted both the living and, if stories...

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Top 7 Buffets in Michigan That Locals Say Are Worth the Drive

Michigan is home to some amazing all-you-can-eat buffets that locals rave about. From family-style chicken dinners to international cuisine and casino feasts, these spots offer...

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5 Authentic Greek Diners in Chicago That Locals Defend Fiercely

Chicago's Greek community has blessed the city with authentic diners that serve as cultural landmarks. These family-owned establishments dish out traditional recipes passed down...

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7 Spooky Lighthouses in Maine Still Watching the Coastline

Maine's rugged coastline is dotted with lighthouses that have guided sailors safely to shore for centuries. Behind their picturesque facades, many of these beacons harbor dark...

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