violet carter author at My Family Travels
Article
10 Most Boring Places in Hawaii That Are Weirdly Peaceful

Here are 10 unusually quiet spots in Hawai'i, they may lack major tourist hype, but they offer a kind of peacefulness you might welcome. “Boring” here means low-activity, under...

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The BBQ Ribs at This Colorado Tavern Are So Good, Tourists Make Detours for Them

If you’re driving through Colorado and craving barbecue worth rearranging your route for, I suggest pulling off at Piggin’ Out Smokehouse in Lakewood. The full-rack ribs keep...

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The Utah Smokehouse Serving Brisket Mac and Cheese Worth the Calories

Utah might be better known for mountains than barbecue, but R&R Barbecue, a fast-casual chain that started at its flagship in downtown Salt Lake City, changed that reputation....

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7 Secret Thrift Corners in Nebraska Every Bargain Hunter Should Know

Nebraska’s secondhand scene doesn’t scream for attention, but locals know it hides some of the best deals in the Midwest. From small-town basements to community-run barns,...

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Why California Locals Don’t Go Near the Beaches Anymore

California’s beaches built the state’s image, surfboards, sunsets, and endless summer. But talk to longtime residents, and you’ll hear a quieter truth: many don’t spend...

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10 Most Boring Cities in Montana That Have Unexpected Quirks

Montana’s wide-open spaces are famous, but not every town buzzes with nightlife or tourism. Some places move at their own quiet rhythm, calm, steady, and often overlooked. Yet...

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What Alaska Locals Say About Tourists Who Think the Sun Never Sets

Every summer, travelers arrive in Alaska expecting endless daylight. Locals understand why. The idea of a sun that never sets sounds mythical, yet the daily rhythm tells a more...

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This Arkansas BBQ Spot Serves Brisket That Locals Call “Dangerous”

I came to Johnson for one thing and found a lot more. The smoke led me to Wright’s Barbecue, where locals warned me it might ruin other brisket for me. They were right, and I...

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The Hidden Anger Locals in California Feel Toward Tourists Who Never Leave

I love showing friends around California, but I also hear locals whisper the same complaint after the crowds depart. The strain builds when visitors settle in forever-peak mode...

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10 Abandoned Places In Oregon That Went Viral And Are Worth Seeing

Oregon, my adventurous friends, is a treasure trove of abandoned wonders. From shipwrecks to ghost towns, the Beaver State offers a curious blend of history and mystery wrapped...

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Massachusetts Man’s Flight Panic After Watch Sends Shocking Luggage Alert

A routine hop turned into a heart-pounder when a smartwatch flashed the worst possible message: your suitcase was left behind. In the tight cabin air, a single alert spiraled into...

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Vegas Hotel Sparks Outrage With Controversial Mini Bar Policy

Vegas hotels promise spectacle, but it’s the tiny fridge that’s stealing the show, and the headlines. A wave of controversial minibar policies has travelers feeling nickeled-and-dimed...

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10 Hidden Michigan Steakhouses Worth the Drive Tonight

I chase great steaks the way some folks chase sunsets. Michigan keeps surprising me with rooms that sizzle, servers who care, and cuts that live up to the drive. Tonight might...

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10 Secret Hiking Trails in Colorado Known Only to Locals

I chase quiet trails where my boots find more grouse tracks than footprints. Colorado still holds pockets of calm if you know where to look and plan with care. I pulled these routes...

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Meet the Nebraska Town With Only One Resident, Run by an 89 Year Old Woman

What does it take to keep a town alive when everyone else has gone? In Monowi, Nebraska, the answer is Elsie Eiler, a woman whose persistence, humor, and habit sustain a place...

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10 Essential Tips For Exploring Alcatraz Island Like A Pro

Alcatraz Island isn't just a former federal prison; it's a treasure trove of history floating in San Francisco Bay. I've visited 'The Rock' more times than I can count, and let...

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7 Best Old School Diners in Texas Worth Hitting the Road For

I chase roadside breakfasts and counter-stool stories across Texas, and I never get tired of the hunt. Old school diners reveal more than menus. They show how a community eats,...

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Travelers Flock To This Beachside Shack In Florida For The Freshest Shrimp

Florida’s coastline is packed with culinary gems, but The Shrimp Shack & Boardwalk Bar stands out for its unbelievably fresh shrimp and breezy beachside charm. This local...

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California Locals Are Tired of These Tourist Habits, And Honestly, We Get It

California is a dream destination for many, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. But for those who call the Golden State home, the influx of tourists can sometimes...

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Travel Alert: Big Weather Shifts Coming to Ohio’s Miami Valley This Week

Heads up: the Miami Valley region of Ohio is about to flip the script on its forecast. I’m tracking quick changes that can trip up even seasoned travelers, and I want you ready...

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8 Vermont Fast Food Spots Tourists Hardly Ever Discover

I chase the quick bites Vermonters love, the ones most visitors miss while rushing to the bigger names. These spots move fast, keep it local, and deliver comfort without fuss....

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6 Ways Tourism Changed Ohio’s Natural Beauty

Ohio’s natural beauty is one of its greatest treasures, from the sandstone cliffs of Hocking Hills to the quiet wetlands of the Lake Erie region. But as tourism continues to...

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7 Ways Kansas Lost Its Small Town Charm to Tourism

Kansas’s small towns have long embodied a slower rhythm of life, a place where stories were shared across porches and main streets echoed with familiarity. Yet, in recent years,...

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7 Hidden Casual Dining Gems in Pennsylvania Tourists Rarely See

Pennsylvania holds plenty of surprises for food lovers willing to venture just a little off the beaten path. In my travels across the state, I’ve discovered that some of the...

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8 Hidden Vegan Dessert Spots in Illinois That Everyone Needs to Visit

There’s a certain magic to tracking down vegan desserts in Illinois that feel like your own secret discovery. As someone who’s always on the hunt for plant-based sweets, I...

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7 Florida Beach Towns Locals Avoid After Tourists Turned Them Into Party Zones

Florida has always called to sunseekers, but not every stretch of sand has stayed serene. After years of growing tourism, some beach towns have shifted from laid-back escapes to...

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7 Fall Outdoor Concerts in New York State

There’s something about music under open skies that makes fall in New York State feel unforgettable. With a chill in the air and leaves turning, outdoor concerts take on a special...

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Why Hawaii’s Secret Beaches Aren’t Secret Anymore

Everyone dreams of stumbling across a quiet shoreline in Hawaii, tucked away from the crowds and concrete. I’ve watched these secret beaches change first-hand over the years,...

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8 Ohio Middle Eastern Food Spots That Surprise Every Traveler

Ohio’s Middle Eastern food scene always manages to catch me off guard. Wandering through cities from Cleveland to Athens, I’ve stumbled across kitchens that turn humble ingredients...

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7 Iconic Georgia Dishes Travelers Can’t Stop Talking About

Food tells the story of a place, and in Georgia, every dish feels like a memory waiting to be made. I’ve hit roadside stands, family cafes, and city staples all across the state,...

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One Day Train Trip in Maine Just To Taste Fresh Lobster Rolls

If you love the idea of chasing Maine’s freshest lobster rolls by train, you’re in the right place. My trek from Boston to Maine came down to smart planning and a deep love...

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Popcorn Traditions That Turn Illinois Into a Travel Worthy Food State

Illinois has a deep connection to popcorn. The state consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top producers of corn, and popcorn shops have long been part of local food culture....

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Spot the Hot Pink VW Vans in Wynwood, And Hop On for Free

Florida never fails to surprise me, but the hot pink Volkswagen vans cruising through Wynwood might take the cake for the most unexpected sight yet. As a travel writer always on...

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7 Bizarre Roadside Attractions in Kentucky That Defy Logic

You know that moment on a backroad when you spot something so strange you have to slow down, double-check your GPS, and wonder if you just time-warped into someone else’s fever...

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6 Georgia Tapas Restaurants Bringing a Taste of Spain

Tapas have made their way from Spain to Georgia, where small plates and shared dining fit well with the state’s mix of city energy and southern hospitality. I looked for restaurants...

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6 Nevada Abandoned Amusement Parks That Locals Call Ghost Towns

Nevada’s wide desert spaces hide more than old mines and ghost towns. Over the years, a few amusement parks opened with big hopes but later shut down, leaving behind empty rides...

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8 Scenic Drives Along New York State’s Finger Lakes

I’ve spent time driving through many parts of New York, but the Finger Lakes region holds a special kind of charm. Rolling hills, long blue lakes, and small towns make it easy...

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8 Florida Burrito Joints That Earned Icon Status

Your best friend calls you at 2 a.m., not crying about a breakup but sobbing because her favorite burrito place just shut down. That’s the kind of heartbreak you only understand...

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7 Cruise Ships Departing from Florida That Tourists Can’t Stop Talking About

Florida stands as the world’s top cruise hub, with ships departing almost daily from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa. Among the many options, some ships consistently...

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7 Montana’s Favorite Breakfast Spots and What Makes Them Special

Montana mornings are best started with a hearty meal, whether you’re fueling up for a hike, a fishing trip, or just a long day on the road. Across the state, diners, cafés,...

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Fall’s Sweetest Treat: Lagomarcino’s Famous Caramel Apples Return for a Limited Time

Every September, the arrival of Lagomarcino’s caramel apples signals fall in the Quad Cities. I look forward to this tradition each year, and there’s something about that first...

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Pumpkins, Crafts, and Fall Fun Filled Indian Lake State Park’s Harvest Festival

Indian Lake State Park in Lakeview, Ohio, turned into a hub of autumn celebration during its annual Harvest Festival, held September 19–21, 2025. The lakeside park welcomed visitors...

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7 North Carolina Mountain Towns and Landmarks That Lost Their Charm to Tourism

The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains have always been some of North Carolina’s greatest treasures. I grew up hearing stories from friends and family about quiet hikes and sleepy...

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6 Washington Weekend Getaways With Iconic Restaurants

Washington State is a mix of rugged coastlines, mountain towns, and small cities, each with its own food identity. When I’ve planned short trips here, I’ve often looked for...

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6 Strange Monuments in California Few Know About

California is filled with famous landmarks, but some of the state’s quirkiest monuments don’t show up in travel brochures. They sit tucked along highways, in small towns, or...

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6 Parking Restrictions Near Popular Texas Beaches

If you’ve spent time along the Texas coast, you know parking can make or break a beach trip. Some stretches let you pull right up to the sand, while others require permits, timed...

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Your Guide to the 2025 African American Day Parade in Harlem

The African American Day Parade in Harlem stands out as one of the New York State’s most vibrant and meaningful annual events. Each year, this parade spotlights Black culture,...

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7 Quiet Forest Retreats in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan feels like a different pace of life. The air is crisp, the trees seem endless, and the quiet gives you room to breathe. Over the years, I’ve looked for places...

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