My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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This Charming Virginia Market Serves Fried Chicken That Locals Can’t Resist

Tucked away on Abilene Road in Farmville, there's a little spot that's turning heads and winning hearts across central Virginia. Granny B's Market might look like your average...

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This Texas Spot Serves Potato Salad Worth Rearranging Your Route For

I wasn't planning to stop in Tye, Texas. But when a friend mentioned potato salad so good it's worth a detour, I got curious. That's...

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The Oregon Oyster Bar Locals Say Feels Like Stepping Back in Time

The moment I stepped through the heavy door at Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, it felt like Portland’s past wrapped around me. Dark wood walls, glowing brass fixtures, and the briny...

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This Far-Off Oklahoma Trail Leads to a View That Feels Like a Wonderland

I stood at the base of Black Mesa, squinting up at the distant plateau that marks Oklahoma's highest point, and wondered what I'd gotten myself into.

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This Mom-And-Pop Eatery Proves Chicken Steaks Belong To New Jersey

I never thought a simple meal could spark such fierce loyalty until I stepped into Lillo's Tomato Pies on Marne Highway in Hainesport, where the chicken steak reigns supreme and...

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This Texas Hole-in-the-Wall Spot Is Always Packed With Locals

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first pulled up to Frenchy's Chicken on Scott Street. The line stretched out the door and cars wrapped around the building, which seemed like...

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This Oregon Hotel Is Haunted and Guests Swear Something Follows Them Upstairs

Stepping into the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, Oregon, feels like walking into a living history book - with a side of ghost stories.

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These Lesser-Known Romantic Getaways in Oklahoma Are All About Lakes and Quiet Shorelines

Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about romantic lakeside escapes, but that's exactly what makes it special.

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This New Jersey Borough Is The Getaway You Didn’t Know You Needed

I stumbled upon Wildwood Crest quite by accident during a spontaneous road trip down the Garden State Parkway, and honestly, I'm still kicking myself for not discovering this charming...

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This Virginia Family-Owned BBQ Joint Redefines Smoky Flavor

What if the best barbecue in Virginia isn't hiding in some big city but sitting right off the highway in Gloucester Point, where the smoke rolls thick and the welcome is warm?...

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The Charming Virginia Valley Escape With Cozy Shops And Dining Delights

Have you ever pulled into a town and felt instantly at ease? That’s exactly what happens in this place in Virginia.

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10 Indiana Towns That Feel Like You Walked Onto a Movie Set

I've driven through countless Indiana towns over the years, but some places just hit different. You know that feeling when you turn a corner and suddenly everything looks like...

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This Virginia Trail Takes You Hiking With Llamas

Imagine trekking through rolling green hills with a furry, four-legged companion who carries your gear, stops for selfies, and occasionally hums a tune. That's right, llama hiking...

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10 Insanely Cool Facts About Texas You Should Know Before Visiting That Locals Are Proud Of

I thought I knew Texas before my first visit, but the Lone Star State has a way of flipping your expectations upside down. Within my first hour crossing the state line, I realized...

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9 New Mexico Adventures That Keep Kids Happy All Day

You want a day where the kids are happy from breakfast to bedtime, right? New Mexico nails that with big skies, quirky art,...

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This Low-Key Oregon Coast Spot Is Quietly Serving Next-Level Halibut

Some days on the Oregon coast feel like they’re meant for surprises, and finding J’s Fish & Chips in Lincoln City was exactly that kind of day.

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The Oklahoma Thrift Store Where Stuff Gets a Sequel, and Some Pieces Steal the Show

Walking into Second Chances Thrift Store at 2605 N MacArthur Blvd in Oklahoma City feels like stepping into a story where every item gets another chapter. I visited this place...

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9 New Jersey Restaurants Serving The Best Hoagie You’ll Ever Try

I've spent years chasing the perfect hoagie across New Jersey, and I can tell you that this state takes its sandwich game seriously.

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The Montana Mountain Retreat Where Rustic Meets Refined

Ever thought about escaping to the mountains without giving up comfort? Montana has plenty of rugged landscapes, but tucked...

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The Burritos at This Indiana Eatery Are Worth Every Craving

I remember the first time I walked into Taco & Burrito Place on North Keystone Avenue. The smell hit me before I even reached the counter, this incredible mix of grilled meat,...

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This Vast Virginia Estate Shaped An American Dynasty

Think you know Virginia history? Think again. Tucked along the Potomac River at 483 Great House Rd in Stratford, this sprawling...

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This Texas Town Is Calmer, Cheaper, and Better in February

I didn't expect much when I first rolled into Grapevine on a mild February morning, but something about the quiet streets and the way the light hit those old brick storefronts...

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Quiet Corners Of This Montana Valley Few Ever Recall

Ever wanted to find a place in Montana that feels like it’s just yours? This valley has plenty of wide-open views and rugged...

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These 9 Oregon Towns Make You Rethink Your Next Weekend Trip

Oregon has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it. I thought I’d seen all the best weekend getaways, but then I started wandering into these small, off-the-map...

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This Eccentric Oklahoma House Hides a Secret Room and a Story You Won’t Forget

I stood outside a peculiar structure on Charles Page Boulevard in Tulsa, Oklahoma, trying to make sense of what I was seeing. Built in 1924, this odd building looks like someone...

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This New Jersey Lavender Retreat Feels Lifted Straight From The French Countryside

I never imagined that in the rolling hills of Port Murray, New Jersey, I'd discover a slice of Provence right here in the Garden State.

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This Indiana Ravine Hike Rewards You With Stunning Views

I stumbled upon Charlestown State Park on a humid July morning when I needed to escape the noise of everyday life. What started as a casual Saturday hike turned into one of my...

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9 Practical Driving Tips For Michigan Lakeshore Winter Journeys

Ever driven along Michigan’s lakeshore in the middle of winter? It’s beautiful, but let’s be honest; it can also be...

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This Virginia Snow Tubing Spot Lets Non-Skiers Join The Winter Fun

Think winter fun stops at skiing? Think again. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort proves that snowy adventures...

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These Texas Mom-and-Pop Restaurants Still Do Things the Old-Fashioned Way

I've always believed that the best meals come from places where recipes are passed down through generations, not printed on corporate laminated menus.

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This Oregon Buffet Is Worth the Drive Even If You’re Not in Portland

Last weekend, I made the scenic drive to Grand Ronde, Oregon, and found myself face-to-face with a seafood paradise I didn’t know existed: the Spirit Mountain Casino Seafood...

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10 Iconic Steakhouses In Chicago Every Road Tripper Ought To Enjoy

Hungry for a real steak stop in Chicago? If you’re on a road trip through the city, you can’t skip the steakhouses that...

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This Oklahoma Amish Bakery Is Basically a Time Machine, Powered by Butter and Faith

In the heart of Chouteau, Oklahoma, Nettie Ann's Bakery isn’t just another stop on Main Street, it’s a little time machine. One step through the doors at 101 S Chouteau Ave,...

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Why Schnitzel At This New Jersey Eatery Feels Like A Trip To Bavaria Without The Flight

I stumbled upon Black Forest Inn at 249 US-206, Stanhope, NJ 07874 on a random weeknight, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much from a German restaurant tucked away in northwestern...

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This Indiana City Feels Like the Perfect Blend of History and Modern Life

I first drove into Greencastle on a crisp October morning, unsure what to expect from this small city tucked between Terre Haute and Indianapolis. What I found surprised me in...

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9 Grocery Stores In Florida Serving Cuban Style Pork At Its Best

Where do you go when the craving for Cuban-style pork hits? In Florida, the answer isn’t always a sit-down restaurant.

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10 Virginia Historic Homes And Estates That Will Take Your Breath Away

Think Virginia is just about politics and monuments? Think again. This state holds some of the most jaw-dropping historic homes...

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This Texas Burger Spot Is a Local Favorite You Need to Try

I walked into Hopdoddy Burger Bar on South Congress Avenue expecting just another trendy Austin burger joint, but what I found was something different. The place was buzzing with...

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10 Legendary Italian Restaurants In New York Still Keeping Tradition Alive

Are you craving real Italian food in New York? This city is packed with restaurants, but only a handful still carry that old-school...

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This Lesser Known Oregon Town Is Quietly Stealing Everyone’s Attention

Last summer, I wandered into Joseph, Oregon without much of a plan - and walked straight into one of the most unexpectedly magical towns I’ve ever visited.

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This Retro Oklahoma Diner Serves a Chicken-Fried Steak That Beats All Others

I have heard every argument imaginable about where Oklahoma’s best chicken-fried steak lives, and most of them miss the point. The real showdown happens when you slide into a...

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The New Jersey Thrift Store Where Designer Deals Don’t Break The Bank

I've been hunting for thrift treasures across New Jersey for years, and I can confidently say that stumbling upon Passaic Thrift Store at 212 Madison St, Passaic, NJ 07055 felt...

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People Travel From All Over Indiana to Score Deals at This Huge Secondhand Treasure

I first discovered The Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center on East Main Street in Madison about two years ago, and I have to admit, I was skeptical. Another thrift...

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9 Quiet Wisconsin Towns You’ll Return To After Walking Their Frozen Creeks

A cold morning on my first Wisconsin creek walk changed the way I chase quiet. That's because the hush that falls over small...

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This Virginia Mountain City Connects Outdoor Adventure And Culture

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Blacksburg transforms a college town into something unexpectedly electric. Virginia Tech might anchor this community, but the real magic happens...

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This Indiana Restaurant Is Keeping a Classic Alive in Small-Town Indiana

I've driven past the unincorporated town of Ireland, Indiana more times than I can count, and for years I wondered about the little restaurant that seemed frozen in time. The Chicken...

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Texas Locals Love This Tiny Nature Reserve That Tourists Often Miss

I'll admit, when I first heard about Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway in Quitaque, I pictured something small and maybe a little forgettable. Boy, was I wrong.

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This Secret Washington Spot Is Serving Seafood With Soul

If you're asking yourself what's the perfect spot for seafood in Washington, I've got you covered! The Hama Hama Oyster Saloon...

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This Oregon Restaurant Serves Iraqi Flavors You’ll Keep Coming Back For

Stepping into DarSalam on a rainy Portland afternoon, I knew I’d found something special the moment the aroma hit me. This...

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Oklahoma’s Mexican Spot That Feels Like a Full-Blown Telenovela, Drama-Free, Extra Salsa

Walk into San Marcos in Oklahoma City, and it’s instantly clear this isn’t your run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant. At 2301 SW 59th St, the vibe is part family reunion, part...

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