My Family Travels | Latest Articles
Article
7 Texas Hill Country Drives with Stunning Views

Driving through the Texas Hill Country never fails to surprise me. Each route reveals its own blend of rolling hills, winding rivers, and rugged limestone outcrops, making every...

Read More    5 min read

Article
8 Local Art Installations in Florida

Traveling through Florida, I’m always struck by the endless ways art finds its place in the world, sometimes beneath the waves, sometimes towering overhead, and often in the...

Read More    5 min read

Article
6 Historic Villages in Ohio Worth a Short Trip

If you're craving a short getaway filled with charm, history, and hidden stories, Ohio’s historic villages deliver, minus the crowds of big tourist hubs. Here are six historic...

Read More    4 min read

Article
6 Small Bakeries in Michigan With Unique Treats

Michigan’s food scene is full of surprises, and small bakeries scattered across the state are a shining example. From family-run kitchens to creative city spots, these bakeries...

Read More    5 min read

Article
5 Secluded Lakefront Cabins in New York State

Looking for that perfect escape where water lapping against the shore is your daily soundtrack? Here are some of the coziest, most secluded lakefront cabins in New York State,...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Nevada Late-Night Eats That Feel Like Only-In-Vegas Secrets

Vegas never sleeps, and neither does my appetite! When the neon lights shine brightest and most kitchens have closed their doors, a whole underground food scene comes alive in...

Read More    4 min read

Article
8 Scenic Picnic Trails in Florida

Here’s an emotional nugget: sometimes you just want to run away to the woods (or a beach, or a spring) and eat a sandwich surrounded by birds instead of emails. Florida...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Local Rock Climbing Spots in Florida

Let’s be real for a sec: Florida isn’t exactly known for its towering peaks or alpine adventures. But honestly, that’s what makes finding good climbing spots...

Read More    5 min read

Article
8 Quirky Monuments in Upstate New York

Sometimes the most honest thing you can do is admit that you want to see something weird, or at least different enough to jolt you out of your day. Upstate New...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Nevada Road Closures That Could Affect Your Trip

Ever planned the perfect escape just to hit a wall: literally, orange cones and all? You’re not alone. We both know the only thing more humbling than GPS rerouting for the third...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Orlando Pirate Tavern Where Every Meal Feels Like a Treasure Hunt

Orlando is full of themed dining, but one experience takes guests straight onto a pirate ship. Pirates Dinner Adventure combines live theater, interactive games, and hearty meals...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Enter the Los Angeles Jungle Restaurant Where Exotic Surprises Lurk Around Every Corner

Explore an enchanting jungle-themed dining experience at the Rainforest Café in Downtown Disney Anaheim, where exotic surprises await at every turn.

Read More    3 min read

Article
9 Florida Weekend Getaways That Look Ordinary At First But Turn Into Pure Magic

Not every Florida destination shines in travel guides, but some of the state’s best escapes reveal themselves slowly. Small towns, historic neighborhoods, and quiet harbors often...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Texas Weekend Getaways So Unbelievable You’ll Want To Pack Right Now

Explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultures of Texas with these incredible weekend getaways. Each location promises a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Rise, Fall, and Return of Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant in Missouri

Chi-Chi’s Mexican Restaurant has a rich history of triumphs and challenges. Founded in 1975, it became a beloved name in Mexican dining across the United States. From its initial...

Read More    3 min read

Article
5 McDonald’s Menu Items Iowans Rarely Order

Explore a fascinating glimpse into the culinary choices of Iowans, focusing on the McDonald's menu items they tend to overlook. This...

Read More    3 min read

Article
Florida Fruit Stand That Surprises Visitors With Legendary Shakes

Explore the hidden gem of Homestead, Florida, the Robert Is Here Fruit Stand. Known for its legendary shakes and rich history, this unique spot offers more than just refreshing...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Florida Restaurants Closed or Temporarily Pausing Due to Rising Costs

South Florida, a vibrant culinary hub, faces a crisis as several beloved restaurants shutter due to skyrocketing costs. The closure of these establishments, which have been integral...

Read More    3 min read

Article
This Tropical San Francisco Spot Serves Drinks While the Rain Falls Around You

Nestled within the historic Fairmont San Francisco, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar offers a unique tropical escape complete with simulated rainstorms and tiki cocktails.

Read More    3 min read

Article
7 Illinois Jazz Bars That Feel Like Stepping Into The 1920s

Chicago's jazz scene has been sizzling since the Prohibition era, when speakeasies offered both illicit drinks and revolutionary sounds. While Al Capone's reign is long gone, the...

Read More    4 min read

Article
8 Scenic Drives Across Nevada Including Red Rock Canyon

Nevada's open roads offer some of the most breathtaking drives in America. From rugged desert landscapes to alpine mountain passes, the Silver State hides incredible beauty beyond...

Read More    4 min read

Article
8 Hidden Waterfalls Across Nevada

Nevada might be known for its vast deserts and neon-lit casinos, but tucked away in its rugged landscapes are some truly magical waterfalls that few travelers ever discover. I've...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Scenic Drives Across Michigan Including Lakeshores

Michigan's roads offer some of the most breathtaking views in America, winding through forests, hugging Great Lakes shorelines, and connecting charming small towns. As someone...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Hidden Waterfalls In Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula hides some of the most breathtaking waterfalls you'll ever see. While tourists flock to the famous Tahquamenon Falls, savvy explorers know there's much...

Read More    4 min read

Article
The Pirate Themed Florida Restaurant Where Adventure Floats to Your Table

I walked into Pirates Dinner Adventure in Orlando thinking I’d just get a themed meal, maybe a couple of pirate hats, and some sea shanties in the background. Instead, I found...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Offbeat South Carolina Attraction You Have to See to Believe

When you’re cruising I-95 near the North Carolina border, it’s hard to miss the towering sombrero sign telling you you’re near South of the Border. Located in Dillon, this...

Read More    5 min read

Article
South Carolina’s Coziest Spot Serves Jambalaya Worth the Trip

When I sat down at 82 Queen in Charleston, I expected solid Lowcountry food. What I didn’t expect was jambalaya so layered and comforting that I immediately understood why people...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Milwaukee Spy Cafe Where Solving Codes Is Part of Your Meal

Walking into this Milwaukee café, I didn’t expect to be handed a mission along with my menu. But that’s exactly what happens at SafeHouse, a restaurant that has been serving...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Things to Know About the New Grocery Chain Coming to This Alabama City

Curious about the new grocery option coming to Madison, Alabama? I’ve gathered the latest details to help you get the most out of Aldi’s arrival. Here’s everything you need...

Read More    5 min read

Article
September 12 in Enterprise: Don’t Miss the Food Truck Face Off

Looking for something fun, flavorful, and worthy of your Friday night? Head to Mitchell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Friday, September 12, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The 15th annual Food...

Read More    6 min read

Article
10 Texas Small-Town Escapes That Seem Boring Until You Actually Visit

Texas, with its vast landscapes and bustling cities, holds more than meets the eye. Beyond the well-known metropolises, small towns scatter the state, offering unexpected delights....

Read More    5 min read

Article
Pancho’s Mexican Buffet Spots Still Serving Texas Favorites

Pancho’s Mexican Buffet holds a rare kind of nostalgia,the kind you can still taste, even as the years pass and the restaurant locations dwindle. For those of us who remember...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Houston Restaurants Serving Soul Food You Can’t Miss

Houston’s soul food scene is comfort wrapped in nostalgia, every bite carrying the warmth of home, cooked by people who know just how much that matters. The spots I’ve chosen...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Economic Slump Forces 5 Texas Grocery Stores to Close Suddenly

A recent string of abrupt closures, from grocers rooted in their communities to major players, has quietly reshaped local access to food in parts of Texas. Here's what we know,...

Read More    4 min read

Article
Feel Like You’re Eating in the Wild at Niagara Falls’ Rainforest Café

Niagara Falls is already dramatic on its own, but just a few blocks from the roar of the water you’ll find a different kind of spectacle. The Rainforest Café here doesn’t...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Quirky Tennessee Roadside Stops You Won’t Believe Exist

Driving across Tennessee, I’ve realized that the highways offer more than the usual rest stops and familiar chains. Between the big cities and scenic byways, I’ve run into...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Forget Fancy Dining, This Arizona Restaurant Nails Fish Tacos

I didn’t expect a lot when someone told me to try fish tacos in the middle of the desert. But Teresa’s Mosaic Café, a Tucson staple since 1984, quietly changed that for me....

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 California Retreats That Seem Overhyped But Actually Live Up To Every Word

California has no shortage of retreats promising peace, beauty, and unforgettable experiences, but let’s be honest, some sound a little too good to be true. Between glossy brochures...

Read More    5 min read

Article
Step Into Miami’s Art Deco Diner That Transports You to the Roaring Twenties

Miami Beach’s Art Deco District is full of colorful buildings, but one diner manages to capture the 1920s spirit in a way that feels both nostalgic and inviting.

Read More    6 min read

Article
8 Illinois Trips That Sound Like A Waste Of Time But End Up Stealing Your Heart

Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t see coming. Illinois has its fair share of destinations that, at first glance, might seem too small, too quiet, or too quirky...

Read More    5 min read

Article
5 Buffets in California Worth Coming Back For

California’s dining scene covers everything from food trucks to fine dining, but buffets remain a steady favorite for variety and value. Across the state, certain buffets have...

Read More    4 min read

Article
8 California Farmers Markets Locals Love

You know those days when you wake up craving something real; the kind of morning when a perfect peach or a crusty loaf of bread can turn your mood around? California’s...

Read More    4 min read

Article
6 Texas Arts & Crafts Fairs Worth Visiting

Last year, right after my third coffee and somewhere between existential dread and a Pinterest scroll, I realized I hadn’t done anything just for fun in ages. Not for my résumé,...

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Hidden Hiking Trails in the Adirondacks

Do you ever have that moment where you just want to vanish for the day: no phone, no small talk, just breeze, dirt, and the suspicious crunch of last year’s leaves? Me too.

Read More    4 min read

Article
7 Scenic California Hiking Trails Without Crowds

You ever stand at the entrance to a crowded trail, clutching your water bottle, and think, “Honestly, I just wanted some birdsong and a little dramatic scenery, was that...

Read More    4 min read

Article
9 Best Weekend Escapes in Texas Hill Country

You know the weekend’s gone sideways when you’re eating cold pizza in pajamas at 2 p.m. and doomscrolling through your ex’s new engagement photos. Sometimes, a spontaneous...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Strange Natural Wonders in Wyoming Only Locals Know

You know that moment when someone tells you, "Wyoming is just endless prairie," and you want to hand them a map, a decent pair of boots, and maybe a little therapy? Yeah,...

Read More    5 min read

Article
9 Illinois Botanical Gardens Perfect for a Weekend Walk

Let’s be real. Sometimes, you just need to stroll somewhere beautiful and pretend you’re the protagonist in a BBC drama. Illinois delivers with its gardens; each one...

Read More    5 min read

Article
7 Classic Amusement Parks in New Jersey Locals Grew Up With

Do you ever notice how certain smells (funnel cake, chlorine, that impossible-to-describe whiff of sunblock and spilled soda) instantly time-warp you to a specific summer? For...

Read More    4 min read

Article
10 Free Things to Do in Portland That Locals Love

Here’s the honest truth: everyone wants to feel like a local, but no one likes feeling like they’re just following the herd, especially when your wallet’s whispering sweet...

Read More    6 min read