My Family Travels | Latest Articles
Article
This Massachusetts Bakery Proves That Great Bread Doesn’t Need a Viral Moment

A Massachusetts bakery has been earning its reputation one loaf at a time for nearly a century. Family-owned and quietly perfecting...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This 185-Acre Ancient Metropolis In Alabama Was The Original Capital Of The South

Long before modern cities existed in the American South, a thriving ancient metropolis stood along the banks of a major river in Alabama. A preserved archaeological park in the...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Chicken Fried Steak In Oregon Is Always A Hit and Worth the Drive

The plate arrives and you wonder if they accidentally brought out the kitchen cutting board instead. Oregon has a restaurant where the chicken fried steak is so massive it hangs...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This New Hampshire Restaurant Is Known For A Sunday Brunch Buffet Locals Still Talk About

You know a brunch is good when people are still talking about it days later. This New Hampshire restaurant has a Sunday brunch buffet that locals cannot stop discussing.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This New Hampshire Waterpark Campground Belongs At The Top Of Your Summer Bucket List

Imagine a place where you can camp under the stars and spend your days sliding down water slides. This New Hampshire waterpark campground belongs at the top of your summer bucket...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Maryland Restaurant Is Ranked Among The Nation’s Best And Most Visitors Miss It

Being ranked among the nation's best usually guarantees a steady stream of visitors. But this Maryland spot seems to have slipped under the radar for most tourists.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Maryland Restaurant Serves Farm Fresh Comfort Food Straight From the Family Orchard

Farm fresh is a phrase that gets thrown around a lot. But at this Maryland restaurant, it actually means something. The food...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Oregon Trail Lets You Discover Several Hidden Waterfalls, Swimming Holes and a Suspension Bridge

A suspension bridge bounces beneath your feet while water crashes somewhere in the distance. That is how you know you are on the right trail.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Connecticut Harbor Is Only Two Hours From New York, But It Feels Like Two Centuries Away

Connecticut has a harbor village where the modern world quietly fades into the background the moment you arrive. Sitting right where a river meets the sound, I was genuinely surprised...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Minnesota Soul Food Spot Where The Oxtails Are Legendary And Cash Is King

The smell hits you before the door even fully opens and your stomach immediately knows what is coming. Minnesota does soul food right at this cozy spot where everybody seems to...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Oklahoma Museum Lets You Wander Through An Entire Pioneer-Era Village Beside A Lake

You step into an old schoolhouse and the chalkboard still has writing on it. A blacksmith shop sits nearby, and the tools are still in place.

Read More    8 min read

Article
The Family-Owned Missouri Thrift Shop With Deep Roots In Its Community

Rolla has the kind of spots that make a town feel more personal, and Friendly Resale and Retail is one of those places people remember.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This West Virginia Butcher Shop Serves Farm-To-Table Meats Raised The Old-Fashioned Way

Some butcher shops just sell meat. This one tells a story with every single cut. The family behind it has been farming the...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Sprawling Alabama Flea Market Is Famous For Servin’ Up The Best Boiled Peanuts In The State

Right off a major highway in Dothan, Alabama, sits one of the South’s most popular weekend flea markets. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, this large outdoor marketplace brings...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Walk Where Dinosaurs Walked At This Connecticut Park

Crouching down and looking at a footprint left by a creature that roamed the earth 200 million years ago is genuinely surreal. Connecticut has one of those rare places that makes...

Read More    6 min read

Article
One Mile Of Boardwalk In Minnesota, Zero Bird Fear, Endless Watching

Wildlife encounters feel different when animals are completely comfortable sharing the space with visitors. Minnesota has peaceful outdoor destinations where boardwalk trails,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Virginia Waterpark Is the Perfect Place to Cool Off Without Leaving the State

Summer in Virginia means heat and humidity, and sometimes the only thing that helps is jumping into cool water. But you do not need to leave the state to find a place that does...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Mom-And-Pop New Hampshire Diner Serving Homemade Pies That Locals Call Unmatched

The diner has been in the same spot for decades, and the regulars still sit at the same counter. This mom and pop New Hampshire diner is the kind of place where everyone knows...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Virginia Trail Feels Like Walking Through a Hidden Wilderness Dream

You step onto the trail and the world shifts. The sound of the road fades, the trees close in, and the path begins to wind through a landscape that feels ancient and untouched.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This New Jersey Mansion Looks Like It Was Airlifted Straight From The English Countryside

Somebody once looked at the English countryside and thought, "I want that. In New Jersey. On a mountain." And then they actually...

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Secret Texas Lake Locals Actually Visit While Tourists Pack The Famous Ones

While tourists pack the famous lakes, locals know where to go. This secret Texas lake is the answer. It is quiet, peaceful,...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Connecticut Escape Is So Enchanting, You’ll Forget You’re Still in New England

Connecticut has a tiny town tucked into the rolling hills that carries a quiet magic you never stop thinking about once you visit.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Unassuming Oregon Coast Spot Serves Halibut That’s as Fresh as It Gets

The exterior is easy to miss, but the halibut inside is unforgettable. This unassuming Oregon coast spot serves fish so fresh, you can taste the ocean in every bite.

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Oklahoma Puerto Rican Spot Is Known For Pernil, Mofongo, And Huge Portions

The first bite of pernil is the kind that makes you close your eyes. The slow-roasted pork is so tender it barely needs a knife, and the garlicky mojo is the reason people keep...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Missouri Botanical Garden Lets Local Seniors Visit For Just $4

A world-renowned garden in Missouri offers seniors a chance to explore its lush grounds for just a few dollars. That is a deal worth noting, especially for anyone who loves flowers,...

Read More    8 min read

Shopaholics love bargain hunting at the Route 127 Yard Sale.
Article
The World’s Longest Yard Sale Crosses Six States Along Route 127

Read More    4 min read

Article
This Family-Friendly New Jersey Diner Has Become Legendary For Its Comfort Food Classics

Why do some diners become family legends while others fade away? The answer usually involves pancakes.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Is The Only Place In Alabama Where You Can See Bison Roaming Free And Buy Their Meat On Site

The last thing I expected to see while driving through Alabama was a herd of towering bison casually grazing across open fields. One turn off the main road completely changed the...

Read More    6 min read

Article
Nobody Knows Her Number but Everyone Knows the Human Shaped Stain at This Ohio Hospital

Ohio has a place where the past refuses to stay quiet, and once you hear about it, it is nearly impossible to forget. A former asylum that has been standing since 1874, its brick...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Magical 35-Acre Alabama Refuge Is Giving Over 100 Rescued Farm Animals The Ultimate Second Chance At Life

Not every memorable getaway revolves around fancy attractions or packed schedules. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet stretch of countryside and a chance to meet animals that have...

Read More    5 min read

Article
The Oldest Restaurant In Virginia Hasn’t Changed Its Menu In Decades And It Is Perfect

There is a particular kind of comfort that comes from eating at a place that knows exactly what it is. No need to chase trends, no need to reinvent itself every season, just the...

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Massive Historic Virginia Cruise Boat Offers A Romantic Evening Out On A Beautiful Lake

The sun is beginning to set, the water is calm, and the boat glides across the lake with a quiet hum. There is something about being on the water at dusk that feels inherently...

Read More    8 min read

Article
7 Family-Owned Texas Food Trucks Serving Huge Portions

A food truck that serves huge portions is a beautiful thing. And these eight family-owned Texas trucks do exactly that. They...

Read More    7 min read

Article
Your Grandparents Will Love This Ohio Diner and So Will You for Completely Different Reasons

This Ohio diner grabs you the moment you pull into the parking lot. There is something about this spot on a main street that feels both familiar and completely surprising at the...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Giant Oregon Fabric Store Feels Like A Crafter’s Paradise (And, It Totally Is)

Bolt after bolt of fabric stretches in every direction, in every color and pattern imaginable. This Oregon store is a crafter's paradise, and it absolutely lives up to the reputation.

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Unfinished Ohio Castle Has No Roof and Still Manages to Cast a Shadow That Follows You Home

A roofless stone gatehouse rises out of the treeline in an Ohio reservation, and it stays with you long after you have left the parking lot.

Read More    6 min read

Article
The Air Itself Changes Pressure on This Ohio Bridge Right Before the Cries Begin

An Ohio bridge where the air feels different the moment you step onto it, like something invisible shifted just before you arrived. Locals call it Screaming Bridge, and the name...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Massive 62-Mile Indiana Rail-Trail Is The Longest Continuous Fitness Paradise In The Whole State

First impressions matter, and this Indiana trail makes a great one before you even take your first step. An eye-catching historic landmark welcomes visitors at the starting point,...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Scenic Indiana Trail Hides A Century-Old Abandoned Train Tunnel You Can Peer Inside

Indiana has plenty of trails that prove you do not need to travel far to find a memorable adventure. Rocky paths, wooded scenery, and unexpected pieces of history can turn a simple...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Stunning Indiana Forest Trail Leads To A Massive 10,000-Year-Old Native American Rock Oasis

Natural places with a deep history have a way of making ordinary hikes feel much more meaningful. Indiana has landscapes where ancient rock formations, forest trails, and quiet...

Read More    6 min read

Article
11 Virginia Towns That Are No Longer As Affordable As They Once Were

There was a time when small-town Virginia offered an affordable alternative to the expensive cities. Housing was cheaper, groceries cost less, and the cost of living allowed families...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Secret Maryland Water Park Lets You Swim, Paddle, And Camp All Weekend

Water parks are usually a one day kind of trip. Arrive early, stay until your fingers prune, and head home tired. But this...

Read More    7 min read

Article
You Can Hike And Cliff Jump Into Crystal-Clear Waters at This Must-Visit Minnesota Park

Imagine standing on the edge of a granite cliff, peering down into water so clear you can see the rocks below. A deep breath, a leap, and you are plunging into one of the most...

Read More    7 min read

Article
A Texas Cafe Where the Chicken Fried Steak and Fried Catfish Keep Customers Coming Back

Two dishes. One plate. A whole lot of loyal customers. That is the story of this Texas cafe.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Old-School Deli In Maryland Is Worth The Drive From Anywhere In The Region

Old-school delis are getting harder to find. The ones with wooden counters, handwritten signs, and sandwiches piled high with meat.

Read More    8 min read

Article
One of the Most Relaxing Camping Spots in Texas Is Hidden in the Woods

A campsite hidden away in the woods where the only sounds are birds and the rustle of leaves. That is what you will find here. This...

Read More    9 min read

Article
Many Bottles Inside This Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum Still Hold Their Original Medicines

Sometimes you walk into a place and immediately feel your brain slow down. Every shelf, drawer, and glass bottle asks you to imagine a completely different daily life than the...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Humble Indiana BBQ Joint Routinely Beats Out Sprawling, Fancy Restaurants For The City’s Best Catfish

A great food stop does not always come with a flashy sign or a huge dining room. Sometimes, it is the kind of place that wins people over one plate at a time. I love finding spots...

Read More    5 min read

Article
8 Giant World-Class Sweet Shops In Indiana That Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

Few places bring back childhood excitement quite like an old-fashioned candy shop. Indiana is filled with sweet stops where chocolate, fudge, caramel, and colorful confections...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Historic Indiana Park Houses A 100-Year-Old Bronze Statue Built To Openly Intimidate A Wealthy Local Family

I never expected a walk through an Indiana park to come with such an unusual story behind it. Beyond the trails, open spaces, and peaceful scenery is a piece of local history that...

Read More    5 min read

Article
9 Tiny Texas Towns With Food Worth Driving Hours For

A tiny town with a single stoplight and a restaurant so good you will drive hours just to eat there. That is the kind of place this list is about.

Read More    8 min read

Article
This Oklahoma Barbecue Joint Smokes Through A Thousand Pounds Of Ribs Every Week

The ribs come off the pit looking like they were painted by hand. Dark. Glossy. A crust that cracks when you pick one up. A...

Read More    7 min read

Article
The Hidden Italian Market In Minnesota Where The Pastries And Deli Entrees Are Worth The Drive

The smell of fresh bread and cured meats greets you at the door, and the display case is a work of art. This hidden Italian market in Minnesota is packed with pastries and deli...

Read More    6 min read

Article
11 Missouri Restaurants Hiding Inside Buildings You Would Never Expect

You pull up to a gas station for fuel. You walk out with the best curly fries of your life. You park next to a former train...

Read More    9 min read

Article
This Oklahoma Lake Hides More Than Sixteen Miles Of Wooded Trails For Biking And Hiking

The trailhead is easy to miss, tucked behind a lake on the edge of town. But once you find it, the terrain opens up into more than sixteen miles of wooded singletrack that winds...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Haunted New Jersey Steakhouse Serves Prime Cuts Inside A Historic Stagecoach Stop

Picture this: you're savoring a perfectly grilled steak while ghosts from the 1800s supposedly watch from the corner. That's the deliciously eerie experience waiting at this historic...

Read More    6 min read

Article
This Charming New Hampshire Farm Offers Interactive Tours With Friendly Alpacas

The alpacas are curious and gentle, and they come right up to the fence to greet you. This charming New Hampshire farm offers interactive tours that let you get up close with these...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This Sprawling New Jersey Garden Center Is Packed With Enough Plants To Lose Track Of Time

Wander through this place and you might just forget what time it is entirely. This sprawling garden center is every plant lover's wildest dream come true. Rows upon rows of vibrant...

Read More    7 min read

Article
This State Park in Maryland Is So Breathtaking It Feels Like A Piece of Paradise

Some parks are pretty. Others are breathtaking. This Maryland state park falls into the second category. The water is calm...

Read More    9 min read

Article
Oregon Locals Line Up Early At This Hole-In-The-Wall Spot For The Best Breakfast In The State

Let me tell you about a breakfast spot that has people setting their alarms before sunrise. I'm not exaggerating when I say the line starts forming well before the doors even crack...

Read More    6 min read