My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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What’s Wonderful And What’s Not About Visiting Kansas

What comes to mind when you think about visiting Kansas? For some, it’s wide-open prairies and endless highways. For others, it’s barbecue, college sports, or small towns with...

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Minnesota Adventures You’ll Treasure And A Few You’ll Toss Aside

Have you ever thought about what makes Minnesota such a mix of must-see adventures and a few “not worth it” stops? It’s...

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Why Locals Escape to This Luxurious Oregon Resort in February

February on the Oregon coast brings something most people try to avoid: storms, rain, and relentless wind. But locals know better.

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Two-Day Winter Drive Through Connecticut’s Old Village Mornings

What if mornings felt slower, colder, and more beautiful all at once? Connecticut’s old villages take on a special kind of calm in winter, when frost dusts rooftops and the streets...

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Sand Dunes Meet Small-Town Sass In This Unexpectedly Charming Oklahoma Town

I never expected to find a desert landscape in the middle of Oklahoma, but Waynoka proved me completely wrong. This tiny Woods County town of just over 700 residents sits about...

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These Hidden Ghost Towns In Colorado Are Full Of History

What if you stumbled into a town where the past refuses to stay buried? Colorado’s hidden ghost towns feel exactly like that, streets frozen in time, buildings whispering secrets...

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New Jersey’s Steakhouse Experience That Turns Ordinary Nights Into Destination Dining

Picture this: you walk into a steakhouse and the smell of sizzling ribeyes hits you like a love letter from the grill. Servers...

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These Are The Louisiana Adventures That Delight And Irritate Travelers

Traveling in Louisiana comes with a mix of highs and lows that every visitor should know about. The state is famous for its food, music, and culture, but the experience isn’t...

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8 Things You’ll Adore And 3 You’ll Avoid In Alaska

Have you ever thought about what makes Alaska so different from anywhere else? It’s not just the snow and glaciers. It’s...

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This Indiana “Hidden Gem” Is No Longer Hidden, and Hoosiers Are Furious

I remember the first time I stumbled upon Hemlock Cliffs back when it truly felt like a secret. The narrow gravel road leading into the Hoosier National Forest seemed to go nowhere,...

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Holiday Craft Villages In Missouri Amish Country Travel Fans Love

If you think holiday magic only lives in big city light displays, think again. Missouri’s Amish country turns into a storybook every winter, with craft villages that feel hand-built...

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This Easy 1-Mile Hike In Virginia Is So Picturesque, You’ll Be Dreaming About It For Days

Blackrock Summit Trail in Shenandoah National Park proves that sometimes the best adventures come in small packages. This quick jaunt through Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains rewards...

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These Are Hidden Waterfalls In Colorado Only Locals Know About

Have you ever stumbled upon a waterfall so quiet it feels like it was waiting just for you? While the famous falls in Colorado draw crowds and cameras, the hidden cascades known...

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Why This Tiny Texas Town Feels Like the Perfect Mini-Vacation

When I first rolled into Seguin on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I was honestly just looking for a quick pit stop between Austin and San Antonio. But something about the wide streets...

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The Joys And The Jitters About Traveling In Kentucky

Ever thought about what it’s really like to travel in Kentucky? It’s a state full of surprises. There’s plenty to love,...

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This Oregon Secondhand Store Lets You Fill a Cart for Just $27

Twenty-seven dollars, an empty shopping cart, and a slightly unhinged idea brought me through the doors of House of Vintage in Portland. The question was simple and dangerous.

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8 Great Finds You’ll Love And 2 Regrets You Might Skip When Touring Florida

Have you ever wondered what makes Florida such a mix of amazing finds and a few “wish I’d skipped that” moments? It’s...

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A Two-Day Winter Village Route Through Kentucky’s Frosted Farm Roads

Can a pair of winter days on farm roads feel more restorative than a week in a big city? Kentucky in winter has a way of slowing your pulse without asking permission.

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This Oklahoma City Brunch Spot Channels Central Perk Energy This February

You know those mornings when all you want is good coffee, easy conversation, and a place that lets the day unfold at its own pace. That is exactly how I felt the first time I walked...

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Kentucky Smokehouses Where Ribs Fall Apart Before You Sit Down

Ever pulled at a rib and had it surrender before you even found your seat? That is the kind of barbecue Kentucky quietly excels at, where smoke hangs low, sauce stains fingers...

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Escape The Crowds: A Hidden New Jersey Beach With The Whitest Sand

I never thought New Jersey could surprise me with a truly peaceful beach, but Island Beach State Park changed my mind the moment I set foot on its sand.

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These Are Tennessee’s Best Moments And Its Annoying Quirks While On The Road

Ever taken a road trip through Tennessee? It’s one of those states that can wow you with its best moments and, at the same time, test your patience with a few quirks.

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This Indiana Soda Shop Is a Literal Time Machine Straight to the 1950s

I remember the first time I heard about South Side Soda Shop in Goshen. A friend mentioned this place that looked like a silver train car sitting right on Main Street, and I knew...

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These 12 Joys And 2 Letdowns On A Trip To Georgia

Ever wondered what makes Georgia such a fun (and sometimes tricky) place to visit? It’s one of those destinations that keeps you guessing in the best way.

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The Hidden Ohio Lakeshore Hamlet Locals Can’t Believe Isn’t Famous

I arrived in Lakeside Chautauqua expecting another sleepy Ohio lakeside stop and ended up feeling like I had stepped into a curated summer memory.

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This Virginia Waterfront Seafood Stop Is What Food Dreams Are Made Of

What if the absolute best seafood you've ever tasted came from a place so tucked away that most people drive right past it without even knowing? Merroir in Topping, Virginia isn't...

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These Are The California Beaches Locals Warn Tourists To Skip

Ever shown up to a California beach expecting paradise and left with sand in your shoes, a parking ticket, and zero desire to come back? Not every stretch of coast lives up to...

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This Indiana “Star City” Is Famous for a Burger Topped With Peanut Butter, And You Need to Try It in 2026

I never thought peanut butter belonged on a burger until I visited Lafayette. This charming Indiana city sits along the Wabash River and has earned the nickname "Star City" for...

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This One Texas BBQ Spot Has a Dish People Travel for Weekly

I'll admit I was skeptical when someone told me people drive hours every week just for one dish at a barbecue joint in Austin. But...

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These Things About Traveling In Nevada Spark Wonder And A Few Headaches

What’s the first thing you picture when someone mentions traveling in Nevada? For most people, it’s the bright lights of Las Vegas or maybe the desert landscapes.

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This Haunted Oregon Ghost Town Will Give You Chills Even in Broad Daylight

Standing at the edge of Cornucopia, I felt something shift in the air around me. Maybe it was the wind whispering through the skeletal remains of century-old buildings, or perhaps...

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These Are 10 Highlights And 2 Pitfalls Of Exploring Pennsylvania

Have you ever thought about what makes Pennsylvania such a fascinating place to explore? It’s one of those states that surprises...

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Tourists Ruined This Once-Breathtaking Natural Wonder Beyond Recognition

I remember the first time someone told me about Robbers Cave State Park in Oklahoma. They described it as a hidden sanctuary tucked into the San Bois Mountains, where outlaws once...

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The New Jersey Feast Locals Keep Off The Tourist Map

Hidden in a Walmart plaza along Route 66 in Tinton Falls is a foodie jackpot most tourists speed past without even noticing. Golden...

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This Indiana State Park Is Famous for Its “Ghostly” White Forest Every February

I still remember the first time I drove through Prophetstown State Park on a crisp February morning and felt my breath catch at the sight of the white sycamore trees standing like...

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This Colorful Virginia Art Park Is A Playground For Artists And Dreamers

Can an old shopping mall parking lot really become one of Virginia's most electrifying creative spaces? Tucked away at 522 2nd St SE in Charlottesville, IX Art Park proves that...

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This Spring in Texas, You Can’t Miss This Peaceful Nature Wonderland

When I first heard about a hidden garden tucked away in Weatherford, Texas, I didn't know what to expect. Most places that promise tranquility end up being overhyped or underwhelming,...

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You’ll Never Guess Which Oregon Town Locals Call “Heaven on Earth”

I still remember the first time I rounded the bend on Highway 101 and caught sight of Cannon Beach. The Pacific stretched endlessly before me, and rising from the surf stood Haystack...

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This Oklahoma Museum Is Basically A Time Machine To One Of The Most Iconic Movies Of The ’90s

Some places feel like they have a soundtrack, and Wakita’s just happens to sound like roaring wind and rattling windows. I...

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A Tiny New Jersey Cabin That Might Just Have The Best Pizza In The State

Right along Route 33 in Freehold sits a rustic hideaway that locals have been talking about for years. The Cabin Restaurant...

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This Indiana “Hearts & Paws” Hike Is the Ultimate Dog Date This February

I remember the first time I took my dog to Pehkokia Woods on a crisp February morning. The trail was quiet, the air was fresh, and my pup's excitement was contagious as we set...

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Step Back In Time To 1607 At This Historic Virginia Landmark

Jamestown Settlement Pier sits quietly along the James River, and it's one of those rare places where history doesn't just whisper, it shouts. Walking onto this pier feels like...

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Insanely Cool Places in Texas You Should Visit in 2026

I'll never forget the first time I drove across Texas and realized just how wrong I'd been about this state. Growing up, I thought Texas was all tumbleweeds and cowboys, but my...

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The Restaurant in Oregon Is Where Valentine’s Magic Happens

Valentine's Day dining should feel special, personal, and memorable. Finding the right restaurant can transform an ordinary evening into something truly romantic.

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This Oklahoma All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ Lets You Meat Your Limits, A February Must-Try

The first time I sat down at Maple Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, I realized pretty quickly that this was not a meal you just sit through. The grill in the middle of the table pulls...

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This New Jersey Buffet Lets You Build Your Own Custom Power Brunch Bowl

So here’s the deal: Fort Lee’s got a secret weapon, and it’s not another brunch spot with overpriced avocado toast. Nope......

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This Indiana Bakery Has Been Hiding a Massive “Cannonball” Pastry for Over 90 Years

I grew up hearing stories about the old bakeries in Indianapolis, the ones that have been around longer than most of us can remember. Boyden's Southside Bakery on South Meridian...

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These 10 Indian Restaurants In Virginia Serve Flavors You Won’t Forget

The Old Dominion has quietly emerged as a go-to destination for authentic Indian cuisine that rivals what you’d expect to find in major metro food hubs. Tucked into unassuming...

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This Old-School Texas Spot Is Quietly Known for Its Fried Catfish

I was really surprised when I first pulled up to Flying Fish on Montgomery Street in Fort Worth. The building looks like it's been there forever, tucked into a quiet corner of...

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Oregon’s Vintage Train Only Costs $27 and It’s a Local Favorite

Picture yourself rolling through one of Oregon's most stunning valleys aboard a train that's been chugging along since 1906. The Mount Hood Railroad in Hood River isn't just another...

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