silas thornton author at My Family Travels
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What Tourists In Alaska Didn’t Expect When They Booked That Cruise

Princess Cruises draws travelers to Alaska with scenery few places can match, yet the surprises begin the moment the ship leaves port. Guests quickly learn that this state reshapes...

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The Real Stories Tourists Share After Visiting Ghost Towns In Nevada

Travelers come to Nevada expecting open skies and quiet roads, then return with thoughtful stories about places where mining dreams faded but traces remain. These ghost towns are...

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8 Ways Nevada’s Unique Culture Is Being Ruined By Tourists

Nevada’s spirit is built on wide-open landscapes, resilient communities, and inventive arts scenes that rarely make postcards. Visitors bring energy and revenue, yet some habits...

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8 Great And 3 Not So Great Parts Of Visiting New Mexico

New Mexico rewards curious travelers with striking landscapes, deep cultural roots, and quiet surprises. From UNESCO treasures to vibrant art towns, the state blends outdoor adventure...

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The Most Boring Spots In Colorado That Shockingly Draw Curious Visitors

Colorado is famous for dramatic peaks and busy resorts, yet some of its quietest corners keep drawing people who like slow stories and small details. This list explores places...

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Most Boring Cities In Alabama With Unexpected Small Town Mysteries

Some Alabama places look quiet from the highway, yet whispers of odd histories and unresolved questions linger behind their steady routines. This list explores towns often labeled...

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Hidden Casual Dining Restaurants In Illinois Locals Swear By

Illinois hides a wealth of casual restaurants that locals quietly recommend to friends and family. These spots do not chase headlines, yet they consistently deliver friendly service,...

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Illinois Casual Dining Restaurants That Redefine Comfort Food

Looking for warm, satisfying meals where service is friendly and the vibe feels like home? Illinois is packed with casual spots that take comfort food seriously, balancing time-honored...

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The New York Beach Escapes Locals Say Tourists Took Over

New York has beaches that rival many classic coastal getaways, and word has definitely gotten out. Spots once known mostly to neighbors now see weekend crowds, Instagram shoots,...

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Hudson Valley Towns Overrun By Tourists

New York’s Hudson Valley keeps drawing bigger crowds, and with that popularity comes real tradeoffs for residents and visitors alike. Travelers love the river views, farm markets,...

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Georgia’s Best All You Can Eat Buffet Restaurants For Travelers

Traveling across Georgia often means long drives, big appetites, and a craving for something reliable and flavorful. Buffets can be a smart choice, offering variety, speed, and...

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Washington Buffet Restaurants That Redefine Dining Out

Curious where Washington’s buffets are headed in 2025? From polished seafood spreads to Korean grill hybrids and inventive global stations, the state’s self-serve scene has...

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Florida Springs Tourists Can’t Enjoy After Instagram Crowds Took Over

Florida’s crystal-clear springs, shaped by ancient aquifers, remain stunning but face growing strain from surging tourism. Once peaceful escapes known mainly to locals, these...

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The Colorado Lakes That Lost Their Serenity After Going Viral Online

Colorado’s alpine lakes captivate with turquoise water and dramatic peaks, but growing fame has changed them. Once peaceful retreats, they now face damage from heavy visitation...

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6 Best And 6 Worst Things About Traveling Through Texas

Texas stretches across a vast landscape, offering travelers a unique blend of experiences that can't be found anywhere else in America. From sprawling cities to remote desert highways,...

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Classic American Diners In Florida Serving Comfort Food 24/7

Florida's 24-hour diners serve as beacons for night owls, early birds, and everyone in between. These nostalgic eateries with their gleaming countertops and bottomless coffee offer...

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Hidden Buffet Gems In Indiana Only Locals Know

Indiana hides some amazing all-you-can-eat treasures that only true Hoosiers seem to know about. Beyond the chain restaurants and tourist spots, local buffets serve up home-style...

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Washington Buffet Restaurants Every Traveler Should Try

Washington state offers a treasure trove of buffet dining experiences that showcase the region's diverse culinary landscape. From seafood feasts along the coast to international...

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The Most Instagrammable Streets In Brooklyn Hidden From Tourists

Brooklyn's charm extends far beyond the tourist hotspots everyone knows about. Behind the famous landmarks lie secret streets bursting with color, character, and camera-worthy...

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Secret Islands In Florida That Feel Like A Private Paradise

Florida's coastline hides some amazing secret islands that most tourists never discover. These hidden gems offer peaceful beaches, untouched nature, and a true escape from crowded...

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Hidden Gems For Breakfast In New York State That Will Surprise You

New York is home to more than just big-city bagels and diner coffee. Across the state, from charming small towns to bustling neighborhoods, there are countless under-the-radar...

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Metro North Announces October Rollout Of Super Express Trains

Big news for Hudson Valley commuters! Metro North is launching super-express trains on October 6, much earlier than the planned 2026 date. Governor Kathy Hochul announced these...

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Why Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Is Magical In Winter

Michigan's Upper Peninsula transforms into a snow-covered wonderland each winter, offering experiences you can't find anywhere else. Locals call it the U.P., and when temperatures...

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Chasing Autumn Colors Across Vermont Before They Fade

Vermont's autumn display transforms the Green Mountain State into a breathtaking canvas of reds, oranges, and golds each year. This natural spectacle draws visitors from around...

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5 Florida Restaurants That Capture The Spirit Of The Mediterranean

Florida's sunny climate and coastal geography create the perfect backdrop for Mediterranean cuisine. From Greek tavernas to Italian trattorias, the Sunshine State offers a wealth...

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Universal Orlando Errors First Timers Often Make

Planning your first visit to Universal Orlando Resort is super exciting, but it's easy to make rookie mistakes that can put a damper on your magical adventure. Many first-time...

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Vintage Photos Of Florida’s Glamorous Hotels From The 1920

Florida's 1920s hotel scene transformed the Sunshine State into America's playground for the wealthy and famous. These architectural marvels rose from coastal shores and cityscapes...

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What Road Trips Looked Like In Texas 40 Years Ago

Hitting the open road in Texas during the early 1980s was an adventure unlike anything we experience today. Long before GPS navigation and smartphone apps, travelers relied on...

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Hudson Valley Pumpkin Patches That Look Straight Out Of A Movie

Fall in the Hudson Valley transforms ordinary farms into magical autumn wonderlands that seem plucked straight from the silver screen. Orange pumpkins dot rolling hills while crimson...

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Apple Orchards In Michigan Perfect For A Cozy Autumn Road Trip

Michigan's countryside transforms into a spectacular canvas of reds, oranges, and golds each autumn, making it the perfect backdrop for apple picking adventures. With over 11.3...

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10 Must Visit Vegan Restaurants Off The Beaten Path In Ohio

Ohio might be known for its hearty Midwestern fare, but hidden throughout the Buckeye State are amazing plant-based eateries waiting to be discovered. From cozy cafes in small...

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6 Unique Dessert Cafes In Michigan

Michigan isn't just about beautiful lakes and automotive history – it's also home to some seriously amazing dessert spots! I've spent months exploring the sweetest corners of...

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8 Best Pancake Houses In California For Family Breakfasts

Who doesn't love waking up to the sweet aroma of fluffy pancakes sizzling on the griddle? California's breakfast scene offers some truly exceptional pancake houses where families...

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10 Best All Day Adventures For Families In Utah

Utah's diverse landscape offers families endless opportunities for memorable adventures. From red rock deserts to alpine mountains, this western wonderland packs enough excitement...

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10 Texas Corn Mazes That Will Challenge Even Locals

Fall in Texas isn't complete without getting gloriously lost in a corn maze! As a born-and-raised Texan who's stumbled through more cornfields than I care to admit, I've compiled...

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9 Haunted Places In Florida You Can Actually Visit This Fall

Florida isn't just about sunny beaches and theme parks – it's also home to some seriously spooky spots with dark histories. As the leaves start to change and Halloween approaches,...

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Steak Finger Fans Have Been Flocking To This Arizona Favorite Since The ’50s

When it comes to mouthwatering steak fingers in Tucson, one name has stood the test of time: Lucky Wishbone. Since 1953, this iconic joint has been serving up crispy, golden steak...

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Florida Locals Say The Best Fish And Chips In The State Are Served At This Cozy Lakeside Eatery

Hidden along the shores of Lake Eustis in Tavares, Florida sits a gem that locals have been keeping to themselves for far too long. Fish Camp Lake Eustis isn't your typical seafood...

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