sophia wells author at My Family Travels
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8 Offbeat Artistic Communities to Explore in Ohio

Ohio might be famous for its rolling farmlands and industrial cities, but hidden between the cornfields and factories are vibrant pockets of artistic expression.

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NY’s Meatball Street Brawl Ignites Buffalo’s Flavor Fight

Buffalo's food scene in New York heats up each year with the mouthwatering Meatball Street Brawl, where local culinary talents battle for meatball supremacy.

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Why Emigrant Wilderness Is California’s Most Stunning Yosemite Alternative

Just north of Yosemite National Park lies a hidden gem that savvy hikers and nature lovers are discovering. Emigrant Wilderness offers breathtaking landscapes without the overwhelming...

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Salad and Go Retreats From Houston as Chain Closes 41 Locations

Salad and Go, the drive-thru salad chain known for its affordable healthy options, has announced a significant scaling back of operations. The company is closing 41 locations across...

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8 Small Town Art Fairs in Michigan Worth the Journey

Michigan's small towns transform into vibrant cultural hubs during their annual art fairs. These creative gatherings showcase talented artists against the backdrop of charming...

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6 Abandoned Amusement Parks in New Jersey You Can Still Explore

New Jersey's landscape is dotted with the forgotten remnants of once-thriving amusement parks. These abandoned playgrounds tell stories of bygone eras when families flocked to...

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7 Haunted Plantations in Louisiana That Outsiders Rarely Visit

Louisiana's plantation homes stand as beautiful yet haunting reminders of the state's complex past. Beyond the well-trodden tourist destinations lie lesser-known estates where...

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6 Spooky Asylums in Maryland That Attract Ghost Hunters

Maryland hides a dark history within the walls of its abandoned and active psychiatric institutions. These places once housed thousands of mentally ill patients, many of whom suffered...

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7 Abandoned Movie Sets in New Mexico That Tourists Rarely See

New Mexico's rugged landscapes have provided the perfect backdrop for countless movies and TV shows. While many filming locations get cleaned up after production wraps, some sets...

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An Arizona Steakhouse Where BBQ Ribs Steal the Show

Tucked away in Tucson, Arizona sits a legendary steakhouse that has been drawing crowds for decades. Pinnacle Peak isn't your ordinary dining spot; it's a slice of the Wild West...

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This Classic Arizona Steakhouse May Have the State’s Best Prime Rib

Tucked away in the heart of Tucson lies a culinary treasure that locals have cherished for decades. The Silver Saddle Steakhouse stands as a monument to traditional Western dining,...

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8 Creepy Cemeteries in Illinois That Draw Curious Crowds

Illinois isn't just known for its cornfields and Chicago skyline; it's also home to some of America's most haunted burial grounds.

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9 Unusual Monuments in Indiana That Surprise First Time Visitors

Indiana might not be the first state that comes to mind for quirky attractions, but hidden across the Hoosier State are monuments that range from the peculiar to the downright...

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6 Abandoned Amusement Parks in Florida That Time Erased

Florida's landscape is dotted with the ghosts of once-thriving amusement parks that brought joy to millions of visitors. These forgotten playgrounds now sit silent, their roller...

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6 Hidden Seafood Restaurants in Maine That Are Worth the Hunt

Maine's rugged coastline hides some amazing seafood spots that locals treasure but tourists often miss. Beyond the crowded hotspots, you'll find family-run shacks and dockside...

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8 Secluded Mountain Hot Springs in Montana Worth the Trek

Montana's mountains hide some amazing natural treasures - steaming pools of mineral-rich water perfect for soaking tired muscles after a long hike. These secluded hot springs offer...

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The Top 9 Interactive Museums In Washington For Kids

Looking for a fun way to entertain your little explorers while sneaking in some education? Washington state is packed with incredible museums where kids can touch, play, and learn...

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These 10 Nashville Neighborhoods Have The Best Local Food Scenes

Nashville's food scene goes way beyond hot chicken and country cooking. The city's diverse neighborhoods each offer their own special flavors and dining experiences that'll make...

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The Coolest Retro Diner In California Is Home To An Iconic Banana Split

Ever wondered where to find the perfect blend of nostalgia and deliciousness in California? Look no further than the Busy Bee Cafe, a time capsule of 1950s Americana serving up...

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7 Lakeside Restaurants in Minnesota Perfect for a Summer Evening

Minnesota, known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, offers a unique dining experience with its picturesque lakeside restaurants. These dining venues not only serve delectable dishes...

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6 Georgia Day Trips Best Enjoyed by Scenic Railroad

Georgia is home to some of the most scenic and historic railroads in the United States, offering a unique way to explore the state's diverse landscapes.

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7 Witch Inspired Coffee Drinks in Seattle Cafés This Halloween Season

Seattle is a city that embraces the spooky season with creativity and flair. This Halloween, local cafés are brewing up witch-inspired coffee drinks that are as enchanting as...

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7 Spooky Treats at Florida Bakeries Locals Line Up For Every October

Explore the spine-chilling delights of Florida's bakeries with this list of eight spooky treats that locals eagerly anticipate each October. From ghostly cookies in Orlando to...

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8 Quirky Roadside Attractions in Iowa You Have to See to Believe

Iowa, known for its rolling plains and cornfields, is also home to some of the most unique roadside attractions in the United States.

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8 Arkansas Riverfront Towns Perfect for a Relaxing Weekend

Arkansas offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and small-town charm, especially along its picturesque riverfronts. This blog explores eight notable towns that provide...

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6 Abandoned Steel Mills in Ohio That Stand as Ghosts of the Past

Ohio, a state once at the heart of America's steel production, now hosts a collection of abandoned steel mills that echo the industrial glory of the past.

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These 10 Peaceful Mountain Towns In Tennessee Are Perfect For A Slow Vacation

Ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of city life? Tennessee's misty mountains hide some of the most charming small towns you'll ever visit. These peaceful havens offer...

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10 Reasons Why Florida Is Perfect For Seniors Looking To Retire

Thinking about where to spend your golden years? Florida has long been a magnet for retirees, and for good reasons! The Sunshine State offers more than just warm weather and beautiful...

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10 Hidden Lakes In Northern California Locals Don’t Want Tourists To Find

Northern California hides some of the most breathtaking lakes you'll ever see, tucked away from tourist crowds and Instagram hotspots. I've spent years exploring these pristine...

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7 Glamping Spots in Arizona That Feel Like Desert Luxury

Arizona's vast deserts and breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for luxury glamping experiences. From cozy eco-retreats to opulent canvas tents, these destinations...

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6 The Most Beautiful Abandoned Theaters in Illinois Still Standing

Illinois is home to some of the most architecturally stunning but sadly abandoned theaters in the United States. These theaters, though in disrepair, whisper tales of their glorious...

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You’d Never Expect Kentucky’s Best Fried Chicken to Come From This Gas Station

Hidden in the hills of Eastern Kentucky sits a culinary treasure that locals have cherished for generations. Joe's Drive-In Chicken in Isom isn't your typical gas station food...

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7 Underrated Camping Spots in Washington State

Washington State is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering a plethora of camping experiences far from the crowded hotspots.

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8 Vermont Villages That Look Like Autumn Postcards

Vermont, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, is particularly enchanting during the autumn months. This northeastern state transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange,...

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6 Local Pie Shops in Texas That Turn Out Slices Worth the Trip

Texas is not just a land of barbecue and Tex-Mex; it is also home to some of the most delightful pie shops that promise a sweet journey for your taste buds.

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The Butcher’s Test: 7 Pennsylvania Grocery Stores Ranked for Quality Cuts

Pennsylvania is home to a diverse array of grocery stores, each boasting unique offerings at their butcher counters. From locally sourced meats to expert butcher services, these...

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Why Everyone In California Is Talking About This Mexican Restaurant

Have you heard about La Cazuela Mexicana yet? This hidden gem has exploded onto California's food scene, becoming the talk of the state from San Diego to San Francisco. Located...

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Local Favorite Churchill’s Pub Set To Open Its Doors Again

Great news for Miami music lovers! Churchill's Pub, the legendary Little Haiti venue that closed during the pandemic, is finally reopening its doors. For over 40 years, this beloved...

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Sections of Florida’s Scenic Highways Under Repair: Plan Ahead

Let’s just admit it: nothing tests your patience like detour signs sprouting on your favorite Florida getaway route. You planned a blissful escape, and now your GPS delivers...

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7 Secret Lookout Points in California Mountains

You know the feeling: life gets noisy, your group chat is a mess, and suddenly you’re craving a moment that belongs only to you. California’s wild, winding mountains...

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7 Seasonal Craft Fairs in Michigan

You know that old feeling when you walk into a room and instantly sense you belong? That’s how Michigan’s best craft fairs felt this year. Whether you showed...

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10 Secret Seafood Festivals In Florida

Florida's coastline isn't just for beach days and dolphin spotting – it's also home to some amazing seafood festivals that locals try to keep hush-hush! I've spent years tracking...

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7 Delicious Taco Trucks In Michigan Cities To Check Out

Michigan might not be the first place you think of for incredible tacos, but trust me, we're hiding some serious Mexican street food gems across our state! I've spent countless...

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6 Flavor Packed Taco Trucks Found In Nevada

Nevada's desert landscape hides some incredible culinary treasures on wheels. I've been cruising the Silver State's streets hunting down the most mouthwatering taco trucks that'll...

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7 Authentic Family Operated Diners To Visit In New York State

There's something magical about sliding into a worn vinyl booth at a family-run diner, where recipes have been passed down through generations and the owners know regulars by name....

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10 Unusual Historic Sites Worth Visiting In California

California isn't just about beaches and Hollywood - it's also home to some of the weirdest and most wonderful historic sites you'll ever see. I've spent years exploring the Golden...

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9 Unusual Dessert Shops In Texas

Texas isn't just about BBQ and Tex-Mex – it's also home to some seriously weird and wonderful dessert spots. I've spent months traveling across the Lone Star State, hunting down...

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10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In California To Explore

California's diverse landscapes harbor incredible wildlife sanctuaries where animals thrive in protected environments. From coastal preserves to inland refuges, these special places...

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9 Vintage Shops In Ohio That Boomers Adore

Remember when shopping meant uncovering treasures with stories to tell? Ohio's vintage scene offers Baby Boomers a nostalgic trip down memory lane with stores filled with mid-century...

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6 Historic Lighthouses and River Ports in Ohio

Ohio's coastlines and rivers tell stories of maritime history that many don't realize exist in the Midwest. From Lake Erie's northern shore to the Ohio River's winding southern...

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