sophia wells author at My Family Travels
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The Best Date Spots in New York State

New York State is filled with places that turn an ordinary outing into something memorable. The variety is wide, stretching...

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A Winter Tour of South Carolina Towns That Look Old Fashioned Year Round

You are about to wander through South Carolina towns where time seems to pause and winter air makes every brick and porch gleam with memory.

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This Tiny California Mountain Town Serves the Best Pie in the U.S.

Tucked in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian, California turns a simple pie stop into a destination worth planning a whole day around.

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The Museum in Pennsylvania That Feels Alive, And Not in a Normal Way

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia at 19 S 22nd St, the Mütter Museum offers a distinctive encounter with medical history unlike any traditional museum setting.

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The Washington Alpine Town That Feels Designed for Holiday Magic

Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth, Washington, transforms into a winter wonderland each holiday season.

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This Intriguing Wild West Town in South Dakota Almost Became a Ghost Town

Nestled in the Black Hills, Deadwood, South Dakota, is a town rich in Wild West history and lore. Once on the verge of being...

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The Haunted Alaska Hotel That Travelers Still Whisper About

Nestled in the heart of Seward, Alaska, in 308 Adams St, the Van Gilder Hotel is more than just a resting place for weary travelers.

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The Hidden Colorado Town With Sunsets That Feel Otherworldly

Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Westcliffe is a hidden gem renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. This quaint town, with...

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10 Hidden New York Dessert Cafés Worth Finding

New York City is a treasure trove of hidden gems, especially when it comes to dessert cafés. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these sweet spots offer a delightful escape from...

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10 Hidden Ohio Bakeries That Deserve The Hype

Ah, Ohio, the land of unexpected delights! As someone who has traversed the nooks and crannies of this charming state, I can assure you that its hidden bakeries are the real treasure...

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8 Ohio Thanksgiving Buffets Worth Every Mile

Thanksgiving in Ohio isn't just about turkey and pumpkin pie. It's an adventure into a world where stuffing becomes an art form and cranberry sauce is elevated to celebrity status....

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8 Michigan Lighthouse Inns With Eerie Abandoned Histories

I packed a flashlight, a sense of humor, and a wildly optimistic belief that ghosts respect check-in times. Michigan’s lighthouse inns, perched on the edges of the Great Lakes,...

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The Oregon Hotel Said To Hold More Than Memories

Nestled along Newport's misty coastline, Hotel Sylvia stands as a testament to history, mystery, and timeless charm. Known...

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The Historic Maryland Inn Filled With Quiet Footsteps After Dark

Nestled in the heart of Annapolis, the Maryland Inn is a testament to a bygone era, where history whispers through its hallways.

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The Pancake and Egg Hideouts in New York Every Traveler Should Try

New York City is a bustling metropolis where charming breakfast spots often nestle in unexpected corners. These hidden gems,...

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The Small Maine Seafood Stop Worth Every Coastal Detour

Nestled in the picturesque town of South Thomaston, Maine, McLoons Lobster Shack is a hidden gem that offers a quintessential coastal dining experience.

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The Abandoned Jungle Resort in Hawaii That Grows Over Itself Each Night

Nestled on Kauai's Royal Coconut Coast, the Coco Palms Resort was once a symbol of Hawaiian luxury. Today, it stands as a haunting reminder of nature’s power and the impermanence...

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Hole in the Wall Seafood Stops in Colorado You Didn’t Expect to Find

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where snow-capped peaks touch the sky, the idea of finding delicious seafood might seem unlikely.

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The Haunted Dockside Café in Maryland With Stories Locals Still Whisper

Nestled by the water in Hurlock, Maryland, the Suicide Bridge Restaurant is steeped in mystery and folklore. Its serene dockside...

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The Forgotten Motel in Kansas That Lives On in Old Photos

Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Kansas, the Shangri La Motel stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era. Though no longer operational, its essence continues to be captured...

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The Forgotten Windmill in Kansas That Turns Against the Breeze

The Dutch Mill in Wamego, Kansas, is shrouded in mystery and folklore. This unique windmill, known for its unconventional movement against the breeze, stands as a historical landmark...

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The 8 Best Illinois Cafés That Impress Visitors

Discover the charm of Illinois through its delightful tiny cafés. Each spot offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a cozy place to relax and enjoy a morning brew....

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8 Mississippi’s Quiet BBQ Stops That Locals Always Return To

Mississippi, known for its soulful music and Southern hospitality, is also a haven for barbecue enthusiasts. While the state...

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The “Lamest” Town in Kansas Is Home to the Country’s Best Coffee Roaster

Topeka, Kansas, often overshadowed by larger cities, carries a reputation that some might call outdated. Yet, beneath its unassuming surface lies a vibrant community, rich with...

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The Quiet BBQ Destination That Became an Oklahoma Ritual

Nestled in the scenic countryside of Wellston, Oklahoma, The Butcher BBQ Stand has become more than just a place to enjoy smoked meats. It's a cherished ritual, drawing both locals...

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Locals Won’t Share the Location of This South Carolina Shrimp Boil

Bowens Island Restaurant sits beyond a tangle of marsh roads just outside Charleston, far enough from the main routes that it feels tucked out of reach.

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The Arkansans BBQ Spot With Hickory Smoked Ribs Locals Say Are Criminally Good

Travelers chasing authentic Southern flavor will find a memorable stop in West Little Rock, where Corky’s Ribs & BBQ channels time-honored hickory smoke and heartfelt hospitality....

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The Cozy West Virginia Spot With Best Biscuits and Gravy

Travelers chasing the soul of a place often find it at sunrise, where locals gather and stories begin. In Nitro, West Virginia, Tudor’s Biscuit World greets early risers with...

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Inside the Grandest and Most Mysterious Forest Resort in West Virginia

Nestled in the picturesque hills of West Virginia lies The Greenbrier, a resort steeped in both luxury and mystery. Renowned for its sumptuous accommodations and rich history,...

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The Old Route 66 Motel in Illinois Where Radios Play Songs from Another Era

Nestled in the heart of Springfield, Illinois, the Inn at 835 Boutique Hotel offers a unique glimpse into the past, capturing the essence of the golden age of travel along the...

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This Secret Kentucky Buffet Is So Good Locals Don’t Post About It Online

Tucked away in the heart of Cave City, Watermill Restaurant is a cherished local secret. Known for its home-style charm and welcoming atmosphere, this buffet is an experience that...

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Hidden Beneath the Pines: The New Hampshire Inn Serving Endless Country Breakfasts

Nestled quietly among the towering pines of New Hampshire, The Jefferson Inn offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking the timeless charm of New England mornings. Known for...

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10 Hidden Corners of Virginia That Deserve Your Next Road Trip

Virginia is a state rich with history, scenic beauty, and charming small towns. While popular destinations often steal the spotlight, there are lesser-known gems waiting to be...

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The Lost Oregon Fairground That Still Whispers Through the Trees

Pixieland, Oregon. A name that evokes nostalgia and mystery in equal measure. This long-forgotten fairground, once a vibrant family attraction near the coast, now stands as a haunting...

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What Tourists Will Never Understand About California Life, According to Locals

California often dazzles visitors with its sun-drenched beaches and glamorous Hollywood allure. However, locals experience a different side of the Golden State.

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Locals in Tennessee Share the Funniest Questions Tourists Have Ever Asked

Tennessee, known for its Southern charm and rich musical heritage, is a magnet for travelers. While tourists revel in its beauty, they often ask locals questions that reflect delightful...

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The Forgotten Rhode Island Hotel Said to Whisper in the Wind

Nestled on the scenic shores of Narragansett, Rhode Island, the Greene Inn was once a beacon of elegance and grandeur. Though...

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What New Yorkers Secretly Think About Times Square Tourists

Times Square is an iconic symbol of New York City, attracting millions of visitors each year. While tourists are drawn to its vibrant lights and bustling energy, locals often have...

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8 Most Boring Towns in Minnesota That Feel Like Living in a Hallmark Movie

Minnesota is home to quaint little towns that might seem uneventful to some, but to travelers, they exude the charm and warmth reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.

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Where to Taste the Real Smoke of Louisiana: Hidden BBQ Gems Locals Swear By

Louisiana is a treasure trove of hidden BBQ gems, where the smoke is real, and the flavors are steeped in tradition. Away from the tourist trails, these BBQ joints resonate with...

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The Cozy New York Town Travelers Say Feels Like a Real Life Romantic Comedy

Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Cold Spring, New York, is a picturesque town that seems to have leapt straight from the screen of a romantic comedy.

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How Tourists Can Explore Kansas Amish Communities Without Disrupting the Peace

Exploring the Amish communities of Kansas offers a unique glimpse into a lifestyle rooted in simplicity and tradition. Travelers are drawn to the serene landscapes and handcrafted...

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The Chicago Hidden Trattoria That Feels Like a Secret Trip to Tuscany

Nestled in the vibrant Lincoln Park neighborhood, Riccardo Trattoria offers a slice of Italy that feels worlds away from the bustling city of Chicago. For those who stumble upon...

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Louisiana’s Voodoo Museums Where Spirits Whisper and Magic Never Dies

Louisiana's vibrant culture is interwoven with the mystical roots of Voodoo, a religion rich in history and tradition. This journey through Louisiana's Voodoo museums unveils a...

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The Small Towns in New Hampshire Locals Want to Have for Themselves Only

New Hampshire, known for its picturesque landscapes and timeless charm, is home to several small towns that locals cherish deeply. These towns, once tranquil escapes, have transformed...

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The Haunted Ohio Road Locals Avoid After Sunset

In the heart of Ohio lies a road shrouded in mystery and whispered tales. Walhalla Road in Columbus is more than just a scenic route; it's a journey through chilling legends and...

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Hidden in the Desert: The Lost Texas Theme Park Buried by Sandstorms

Nestled near El Paso, Texas, Magic Landing once thrived as a vibrant theme park, drawing families and thrill-seekers alike to its attractions and colorful parades. Now, it rests,...

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Why Small Town New Yorkers Are Losing Patience With Tourism

In recent years, small towns across New York have attracted waves of tourists, drawn by the charm of places like Hudson, Beacon, and Woodstock. While tourism has injected vitality...

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The Washington Restaurant Where Locals Celebrate Thanksgiving the Italian Way

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Bizarro Italian Café offers a delightful twist on Thanksgiving tradition. Known for its quirky charm and family-style gatherings, this beloved...

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The Arkansas Ghost Village That Time Refused to Move On From

Calico Rock, Arkansas, is unique in its juxtaposition of modern life alongside a ghostly past. This Ozark town, with its preserved ghost village known as East Calico, offers travelers...

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