roman pierce author at My Family Travels
Article
The Best Under-The-Radar Indiana Restaurants Serving Up Massive Gluten-Free Comfort Food

Indiana has a quietly impressive food scene, and tucked within it are some truly special restaurants that take gluten-free cooking seriously. These spots are not afterthoughts...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Massive Tropical Alabama Waterpark Will Make You Lose All Track Of Time

If you have ever wanted to feel like you escaped to a tropical island without leaving the country, this resort destination in Foley, Alabama delivers that experience in a surprisingly...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Massive Alabama Buffet Features Crispy Fried Tomatoes and All the Southern Comfort Food You Can Eat

Some restaurants earn a loyal following through years of consistency, honest cooking, and a menu that feels like home. This Montgomery, Alabama buffet has built exactly that kind...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Best Under-The-Radar Pizza Joints In Indiana Where Locals Say The Crust Is Absolute Perfection

Indiana has a quiet pizza scene that does not get nearly enough credit. Scattered across small towns and city neighborhoods, there are spots where locals have been returning for...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Hidden Indiana Castle Where You Can Actually Spend The Night

I never expected to find a real castle in the middle of rural Indiana, but here we are. This castle-style bed and breakfast near Bowling Green is one of those places that makes...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Underrated Indiana Hiking Trails Ending In Epic Panoramic Views

It turns out the Indiana landscape holds secrets most people completely overlook. Like many, I spent years buying into the myth that this state was nothing but endless flat farmland...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Indiana Tenderloin Sandwich Is So Huge It Practically Covers The Whole Tray

If you have ever heard Hoosiers argue about who makes the best breaded pork tenderloin in Indiana, this Franklin restaurant probably came up quickly.

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Secret 10,000-Acre Wildlife Oasis Hiding Right Here in Indiana

Most people drive right past Newton County without a second thought, but tucked along the flat northwest Indiana landscape is one of the most rewarding outdoor destinations in...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Stunning 33-Foot Stainless Steel Monument Is One Of Indiana’s Most Striking Sacred Sites

Some places quietly earn a reputation for being extraordinary, and this St. John, Indiana religious site is one of those places. A towering stainless steel monument of the Virgin...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 No-Frills Spots Showing Why Alabama BBQ Stands Alone At The Very Top

Alabama barbecue has a way of stopping you in your tracks. There is something about the smell of hickory smoke curling out of a roadside shack that feels like a welcome home, even...

Read More    8 min read

Article
One Bite Of The Homemade Meatloaf At This Humble Alabama Kitchen And You’ll Never Order It Anywhere Else

Some restaurants earn their reputation one plate at a time, and this Huntsville, Alabama country kitchen is exactly that kind of place. Its homemade meatloaf has become something...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Winding 3.5-Mile Natural Lazy River in Indiana Is the Ultimate Way to Float Your Afternoon Away

Some afternoons just call for slow water, warm sun, and zero plans. The Tippecanoe River in Winamac, Indiana offers exactly that kind of day, and Riverside Rentals makes it effortless...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Secret Indiana Market Has Handmade Goods You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

Not every great find sits in a busy shopping district or a well-known downtown. Some of the most remarkable places are the ones you almost drive past without a second glance.

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Overrated Indiana State Parks That Are Totally Overcrowded With Out-Of-State Tourists

Indiana has some genuinely beautiful state parks, and locals know that better than anyone. But lately, a few of these parks have become so popular with out-of-state visitors that...

Read More    9 min read

Article
The Secret WWII History Hiding Inside One Of Indiana’s Most Popular Parks

Most people know this park in Indiana as a place for hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature just outside Indianapolis, Indiana. What many visitors never realize is that the land...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Gatekept Indiana Restaurants So Insanely Popular They Actually Book Out For Months Ahead

Indiana has a food scene that quietly punches way above its weight, and locals who know tend to keep their favorite tables to themselves. Some of these restaurants have been around...

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Secret Alabama Cabin Serving What Might Be The Best Fried Catfish In America

Some places earn their reputation quietly, one plate at a time. This Lavaca, Alabama restaurant is exactly that kind of place. Loyal...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Huge Alabama Cave Entrance Leads To A Massive Underground World Few Tourists Ever See

Most people drive through Marshall County, Alabama without realizing one of the country’s most impressive underground landscapes is hidden beneath the hills nearby. This cave...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Giant Seafood Boils At This Indiana Restaurant Have Families Driving In From Hours Away

Some restaurants are worth the drive, and this Indianapolis seafood spot is exactly that kind of place. Families from across Indiana make the trip just to sit down, put on bibs...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Hike This Rugged Indiana Trail To Uncover A Hidden 78-Foot Waterfall

Most people drive through Madison, Indiana without realizing a towering waterfall is hidden just beyond the trees. Tucked deep inside a rugged canyon landscape, this cascade drops...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Hidden Indiana Monastery Secretly Feels Like A Magical Trip To Medieval Europe

Most people drive through southern Indiana without realizing something extraordinary sits just off the road. This historic Benedictine monastery is one of those places that quietly...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Free Secret Water Oasis Is Indiana’s Best Kept Summer Secret

Most people drive right past Zionsville, Indiana without realizing what is tucked just off Whitestown Road. This 38-acre public park is one of those rare places that manages to...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Feed And Pet Camels At This Hidden Farm In Indiana Amish Country

Most people do not expect to find camels in the peaceful countryside of Indiana Amish Country, but this small family farm near Milford, Indiana makes that surprising experience...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Tiny BBQ Joint In Alabama Will Serve You The Best Pig Wings Of Your Life

Some BBQ spots earn their reputation through years of quiet, consistent work, and this small Alabama roadside joint is exactly that kind of place. Tucked into Shelby County, it...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Alabama Car Museum Is What Every Automobile Fan Dreams About

I never thought a small town in Alabama could stop me in my tracks the way Alexander City did. Somewhere along Broad Street sits a place that feels less like a museum and more...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana Nature Preserve Has Ancient Trees Stuck In Time For More Than 300 Long Years

There is a place in Fayette County, Indiana where the forest still looks much the way it did centuries ago. This quiet nature preserve near Connersville protects a rare stretch...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Classic Indiana Summer Train Journey Features Open-Window Views Across Scenic Heartland Wetlands

There is something about a vintage steam locomotive that pulls at something deep inside you, especially when you grow up in Indiana and the sound of a train whistle feels like...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Cooking Your Own Meat At The Table Is The Big Draw At This Indiana Korean BBQ Spot

There is something genuinely exciting about sitting down at a restaurant where you are the one doing the cooking. This Korean BBQ spot in Indianapolis puts that experience front...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Play Paintball Inside This Abandoned Cold War Missile Defense Base In Indiana

There are paintball fields, and then there is this one. Set on a former Cold War military site in Hobart, Indiana, it is unlike anything else in the Midwest.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Favorite Serves Giant Hot Grilled Subs, Daily Specials, And Hand-Cut Fries

Some sandwich shops just get it right, and this grilled sub spot in Indianapolis is one of those places that people keep coming back to. There is something genuinely satisfying...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Gorgeous Day Trips Across Alabama That Feel Like A Mini Vacation

I've spent years exploring every corner of Alabama, and I can tell you that some of the state's best adventures don't require an overnight bag.

Read More    9 min read

Article
Floor-To-Ceiling Shelves Make This Indiana Bookshop A Reader’s Paradise

I still remember the first time I walked into a bookstore that felt like stepping into another world. That same feeling comes back every time I visit this long-standing shop in...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana River Ride Sends You On High-Speed Jet Boats Through Tight Curves And Open Water Channels

I never thought a river could feel this alive until I experienced the Ohio from a jet boat. There's something about the combination...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Peaceful Indiana Trail Winds Through Shaded Forest And Creek Beds Perfect For Scenic Nature Walks

I’ll admit it. I’ve become spoiled by the kind of hiking spots that actually deliver on the promise of peace, miles of trails that leave you refreshed without feeling like...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Tiny One-Man Shack In Indiana Is Secretly Smoking The State’s Best Brisket

I never thought I’d find authentic Texas-style brisket in Indianapolis until I pulled up to a modest roadside spot tucked into a busy city street. From the outside, it doesn’t...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Hidden Indiana Forest Suspension Bridge Leads Hikers To A Secluded River Oasis

Fort Wayne has a lot going for it, but this riverside park is the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret even among locals. I remember the first time I crossed that old...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Antique Mall Features 12,000 Square Feet of High-Quality Vintage Items

There is something genuinely exciting about walking into a space where every corner holds a piece of history. I have always had a soft spot for antique malls, but this one hits...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Quarry Park Offers 30-Foot Cliff Jumps and Zip Lines

There is a spot in southern Indiana that most people outside the state have never heard of, and I think that is exactly what makes it so special. An old quarry turned swimming...

Read More    7 min read

Article
An Accessible Indiana Waterfall Spot Where Short Trails Lead To Seasonal Falls After Heavy Rain

There is something quietly thrilling about discovering a waterfall hiding inside a city. This cascade in a small Indiana city is exactly that kind of surprise.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Hidden Oasis Lets You Walk From Amish Shops Directly Into A Storybook Landscape Of Miniature Windmills

I never expected a small town in northern Indiana to stop me in my tracks the way Middlebury did. One moment I was browsing handmade quilts and fresh-baked goods at an Amish shop,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Best Hidden Mexican Spot in the Dunes Is This No-Frills Indiana Roadhouse

Some places just have a pull to them that is hard to explain until you show up yourself. A small roadside roadhouse in northwest Indiana, not far from the lakeshore and the dunes...

Read More    7 min read

Article
You Have to Try the Famous Caramel Corn at This Little Indiana Gem

There are places in Indiana that feel like they belong to a sweeter, slower era, and a small family-founded candy shop in Vincennes is absolutely one of them. I grew up hearing...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Indiana Train-Watching Haven Where Locals Gather For Hours To Watch Massive Freight Chains Roll Through

I never expected to spend three hours standing near a set of tracks in a small northern Indiana city, completely unable to leave. But that is exactly what happened the first time...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Historic Indiana Tavern Is Keeping a 70-Year Tradition Alive With the Best Hand-Breaded Fried Mushrooms You’ll Ever Eat

I have lived in Indianapolis, Indiana long enough to know that the best spots rarely announce themselves with flashy signs or big marketing budgets. Some places just earn their...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Low-Key Indiana Town Where Retirees Are Finding High-Quality Life On A Modest Budget

I never expected a small Indiana town to stop me in my tracks, but Franklin did just that. There’s something quietly magnetic about this Johnson County gem, where tree-lined...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Remote Indiana Wildlife Area Has Miles Of Empty Gravel Roads Perfect For Slow Scenic Drives

I never expected a quiet corner of Daviess County to stop me in my tracks the way this wildlife area did. Rolling down one of its long, empty gravel roads with nothing but marsh...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Massive Indiana Clearance Barn Where Scratch-and-Dent Amish Furniture Hits Prices 70% Below Retail

I’ll be honest, I never expected a country drive through northern Indiana to completely change how I shop for furniture and household goods. But the moment I pulled up to a barn-style...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Tiny Indiana Mennonite Bakery’s Famous “Pigs” and Strawberry Bread Sell Out Every Single Day

Some places just stop you in your tracks the moment you hear about them. This small-town cafe in Indiana is exactly that kind of spot.

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Secret Indiana Salvage Store That Offers Massive Discounts On Groceries With Slightly Dented Boxes

I never thought a slightly dented box could make me so happy until I stumbled upon this hidden gem in Goshen, Indiana. Tucked along a quiet stretch of road, this salvage grocery...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Hidden Indiana Kitchen Is Famous for a Garbage Salad People Drive Hours to Order

There are restaurants you stumble into once and forget by the next week, and then there are places that stick with you long after you've left the parking lot. This spot in downtown...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Indiana Asian-Inspired Spot Features Artful Sushi and Flame-Seared Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Nigiri

I'll be honest, I was not expecting to find a dining experience this layered and thoughtful right in the heart of Indianapolis. This...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Farm Features a Real Miniature Train Ride That Travels Around Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

Fall in Indiana hits different when you find a place that makes the whole season feel like it was made just for you. This farm is exactly that kind of place.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Hidden Gem Indiana Kosher Deli Features a Massive Vegan Menu and New York-Style Sandwiches

There are places you stumble upon that completely change the way you think about a city, and this bakery and deli in Terre Haute is exactly that kind of place for me. This family-run...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Flooded Indiana Quarry Where You Can SCUBA Dive Alongside Sunken School Buses

There are not many places in the Midwest where you can strap on a tank and swim past a sunken school bus from the 1940s, but this park in Logansport, Indiana makes that a real...

Read More    7 min read

Article
10 Indiana Dessert Spots That Totally Live Up to the Hype

I have a serious weakness for good desserts, and Indiana has been quietly building one of the sweetest food scenes in the Midwest. From flaky pastries to hand-dipped chocolates...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Indiana Lake Features a Flooded Woodland Where You Can Kayak Through Treetops During High Water

I never expected a reservoir in west-central Indiana to stop me in my tracks, but this lake did exactly that. This 1,400-acre gem sits roughly halfway between Indianapolis and...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Rare Indiana Wetland Features an Overcup Oak Swamp and Ancient Cypress Sloughs

I never expected to find something that felt so far from Indiana right here in the state. This nature preserve, sitting quietly in Posey County, is one of those places that genuinely...

Read More    6 min read

Article
9 Indiana Canyon Preserves Tucked Away in Small Towns That Feel Like a Trip to the Pacific Northwest

I never thought I'd feel like I was standing somewhere in the Pacific Northwest without leaving Indiana. But some of these...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Indiana Museum Features the “Bob Ross Experience” Inside the Real Studio Where He Filmed

There is something genuinely special about standing in a place where history actually happened, and this cultural gem in Muncie, Indiana delivers that feeling in a big way. Tucked...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Indiana Matcha Bar Serves Ceremonial Grade Brews From Japan In A Space That Feels Like A Tokyo Zen Garden

The city has no shortage of coffee shops, but something genuinely different has arrived, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. This is Indianapolis’ first dedicated...

Read More    6 min read