My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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11 Nevada Desert Hikes Straight Out Of A Sci-Fi Movie

Nevada's desert landscapes hide some of the most alien-looking terrains on Earth. Walking these trails feels like stepping onto another planet or wandering through a movie set...

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12 Local Music Festivals In New York State You Should Attend

New York State buzzes with amazing music festivals all year long, from the peaceful Adirondack mountains to the vibrant shores of Long Island. These local celebrations bring communities...

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11 New York State Small Inns That Feel Like A Cozy Storybook Escape

Tucked away in the scenic landscapes of New York State are enchanting small inns that transport guests into the pages of a storybook. These hidden gems combine historic charm with...

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12 Safety Tips For Driving Through Rural Illinois Roads

Rural Illinois roads offer beautiful scenery but come with unique driving challenges. From narrow lanes and limited lighting to unexpected wildlife and farm equipment, these country...

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12 Illinois Farmers Markets That Feel Like Community Gatherings Every Weekend

Illinois farmers markets transform ordinary shopping into vibrant weekend celebrations. These bustling hubs bring together local farmers, artisans, and neighbors in a tradition...

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6 Small California Breweries Loved by Locals

You know that feeling when you take your first sip and realize, oh, this isn’t just beer; this is someone’s actual best idea, bottled? Welcome to California’s small-batch...

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10 Roadside Diners In Illinois Serving Iconic Comfort Food

Illinois highways are dotted with charming roadside diners that serve up nostalgic comfort food with a side of local history. These beloved establishments have been feeding hungry...

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9 California Beaches Locals Warn Tourists To Skip

California's coastline is famous for its stunning beaches, but not all sandy shores live up to the hype. While tourists flock to the Golden State for sun and surf, locals know...

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9 Hidden Gardens In Texas Loved By Locals

Texas holds many natural treasures beyond its famous landmarks and busy cities. Tucked away in unexpected corners of the Lone Star State are peaceful gardens where locals escape...

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9 Texas Road Trips That Sound Fun Until You’re Stuck In Traffic For Hours

Ah, the open roads of Texas – where adventure awaits around every bend! Road trips across the Lone Star State promise breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and unforgettable...

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7 High Wind Warnings In Texas That Could Affect Driving

Texas drivers face unique challenges when high winds sweep across the Lone Star State. These powerful gusts can transform a routine drive into a white-knuckle experience, especially...

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9 Georgia Barbecue Spots Where Brunswick Stew Makes The Meal

Brunswick stew might play second fiddle to smoked meats at most barbecue joints, but in Georgia, this hearty side dish often steals the show. This tomato-based concoction, brimming...

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9 Charming Mountain Cabins In California For A Quick Escape

California's mountains hide some of the most enchanting cabin getaways you could imagine. From the snow-capped Sierra Nevada to the towering redwoods, these rustic retreats offer...

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11 Alabama BBQ Places Where White Sauce Steals The Show

Alabama barbecue stands out in the crowded world of smoked meats thanks to its signature white sauce - a tangy, creamy concoction that's totally different from the red sauces you'll...

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11 Local Craft Fairs In Florida

Florida's craft fair scene is bursting with creativity and local talent. From handmade jewelry to unique home decor, these events showcase the best artisans and makers across the...

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Practicing Tai Chi on the shores of Breakneck Lake in Harriman State Park.
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10 Reasons To Love Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Adventures

We know the Appalachian Mountain Club, one of the country’s original conservation groups, changes lives. It happened to me, just days after an email landed in my inbox like a...

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7 Classic Steakhouses in Illinois Still Going Strong

Discover the timeless charm of Illinois' steakhouses that have been delighting patrons for generations. These iconic establishments not only serve up exquisite cuts of meat but...

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8 Local Scenic Picnic Spots in Colorado

With its mix of mountains, foothills, and open plains, Colorado offers plenty of spaces where a picnic feels like a special outing. Locals often combine hikes, family gatherings,...

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6 Safety Tips for Driving Through California’s Desert Regions

Driving through California's desert regions can be an exhilarating adventure, but it also comes with its unique challenges. From...

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8 Historic Bakeries in New York State

New York State offers a rich tapestry of culinary history, woven through its historic bakeries that have stood the test of time. These bakeries are not merely places to purchase...

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7 Forgotten Coastal Forts in Florida You Can Still Explore

Florida’s history is written along its coastline, where old forts once guarded harbors and trade routes. Many have been preserved, allowing visitors to step inside the walls...

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7 Small Town Farmers’ Markets in Michigan Bursting With Local Flavor

Farmers’ markets in Michigan are more than places to buy fresh produce; they are part of the state’s small-town culture. Every weekend, vendors set up stands filled with seasonal...

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8 Arizona BBQ Joints Serving Smokehouse Perfection

Barbecue may be most famous in places like Texas or Kansas City, but Arizona has developed a scene all its own. Pitmasters across the state combine traditional smoking methods...

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9 Less Known Villages in Ohio

While big cities often take the spotlight, Ohio’s smaller villages carry a quiet charm that’s easy to overlook. Many of these communities have roots that stretch back generations,...

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6 Small Art Galleries in New York State

Art in New York isn’t only about the big museums in Manhattan. Across the state, small galleries give space to regional artists and offer visitors a more personal way to connect...

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6 Mountain Passes in Colorado Worth the Drive

Colorado’s high country is full of winding roads that reward drivers with sweeping alpine views and crisp mountain air. These passes aren’t just ways to get from one place...

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North Carolina BBQ Joints: 5 That Get It Right and 5 That Miss the Mark

North Carolina is famed for its unique barbecue traditions, with various joints offering regional specialties. However, not all BBQ establishments hit the mark.

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7 Tiny Diner Gems in Florida Only Locals Know

Florida is filled with flashy restaurants and tourist-heavy eateries, but locals know the real treasures are the small diners tucked away on quiet streets.

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7 Underrated Small Towns in Nevada Worth Exploring This Weekend

Nevada, often celebrated for its bustling cities, offers lesser-known gems waiting to be explored. This weekend, venture into the heart of the Silver State and discover small towns...

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9 Peaceful Florida Towns Where Seniors Love to Spend Their Weekends

Florida offers an array of tranquil towns perfect for seniors looking to unwind over the weekend. From picturesque lakeside retreats to cultural havens, these towns provide a relaxing...

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7 Family-Owned Diners in Texas Worth Visiting

Texas has always had a love affair with diners, where the menu is as much about tradition as it is about good food. In every corner of the state, family-run spots keep recipes...

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9 Road Closures Across Michigan That Could Affect Your Trip

Planning a road trip through Michigan's beautiful landscapes should be exciting, not frustrating! As someone who's hit every pothole from Detroit to Marquette, I've learned that...

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10 Hidden Museums In Ohio Few Locals Know

Nestled between cornfields and city skylines, Ohio harbors some extraordinary museums that even longtime residents haven't discovered. While everyone knows about the Rock and Roll...

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8 Hidden Wine Tasting Rooms In California

California’s wine country has many hidden tasting rooms beyond the famous vineyards. These secret spots offer unique wines and intimate experiences. Perfect for those seeking...

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7 Underground Music Festivals In Colorado That Locals Love

Colorado's mountains hide more than just ski slopes and hiking trails – they're home to some of the coolest music festivals you've never heard of! While tourists flock to the...

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10 Florida Hidden Springs That Feel Like Nature’s Secret Spa

Florida's underground aquifer system creates magical springs where crystal-clear water bubbles up from deep within the earth. I've spent years exploring these natural wonders that...

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8 Illegal Camping Areas in Nevada That Could Ruin Your Trip

Nevada’s vast desert vistas might seem like an open invitation for adventurous campers, but there are plenty of places where pitching a tent is strictly off-limits. From bustling...

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The California Grocery Meat Test: 5 Fails vs. 5 Winners

California’s grocery stores offer a range of experiences. From bustling national chains to community markets, no two stores are quite alike. Shoppers across the state often judge...

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7 Historic Mining Towns Across Nevada for a Weekend Trip

Nevada’s past glitters with the legacy of mining, stretching back to the silver and gold rushes that changed the state forever. Many travelers, myself included, are drawn to...

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10 Weekend Getaways to Ohio’s Charming Small Towns

Have you ever had one of those weeks that just chewed you up and spit you out? If you’ve ever fantasized about vanishing with your favorite playlist and a suitcase...

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9 Secret Taco Spots in Florida

Florida’s food scene reflects its coastal setting and diverse communities, and tacos are no exception. While well-known restaurants serve Mexican-inspired dishes, some of the...

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7 Illegal Tour Routes in Hawaii That Can Get You Fined

Hawaii’s stunning landscapes draw visitors from across the globe, but not every trail, road, or shoreline is open to the public. Some areas are closed to protect fragile ecosystems...

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10 Texas Small Towns That Make the Perfect Quick Escape

Texas may be known for its big cities, but its small towns offer easy getaways filled with history, scenery, and a slower pace. Within a short drive of urban centers, these towns...

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7 Under-the-radar North Carolina Restaurant That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of

North Carolina’s food scene ranges from coastal seafood to mountain comfort cooking, with barbecue and Southern staples in between. While many well-known restaurants draw visitors,...

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7 Illegal Fishing Zones in Florida Tourists Often Accidentally Enter

Florida is a top destination for recreational fishing, but not every body of water or stretch of shoreline is open to anglers. Certain areas are off-limits due to environmental...

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7 Illegal Trails in Colorado That Hikers Should Avoid

Colorado’s mountains and public lands draw hikers from every corner of the world, but not every well-worn path is legal or safe to explore. Some trails cross into private property,...

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7 Lakefront Blossoms Found Only in Michigan Perfect Gentle Trips

Michigan’s freshwater shorelines create unique habitats where rare wildflowers and lakefront blossoms grow. These blooms, found only within the Great Lakes region, flourish thanks...

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8 Wildflowers You Can Only See in Texas Perfect for Senior Day Trips

Texas is home to a dazzling array of wildflowers, many of which exist only within its vast and varied landscapes. Thanks to the state’s size and ecological diversity, each region...

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7 Florida Water Lily Gardens That Offer Benches, Shade, and Stunning Views

Florida’s climate makes it an ideal setting for aquatic gardens, and water lilies thrive in ponds across the state. More than ornamental plants, these flowers provide color,...

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7 Michigan Lakefront Restaurants Only Shared Among Locals’ Closest Friends

With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, Michigan is full of dining spots where water views and local flavor go hand-in-hand. While some restaurants draw crowds from far and wide, others...

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