My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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7 Scenic Canals in Florida You Can Paddle

Florida’s waterways offer more than just sandy beaches and ocean views. For paddlers like me who crave a closer look at the state’s diverse ecosystems, its scenic canals provide...

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7 California Restaurants Locals Say Have the Freshest Fish

California's coastline isn’t just about scenic drives, it’s a living pantry for those who crave seafood at its freshest. As someone who’s spent years listening to locals...

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8 Michigan BBQ Joints You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Barbecue in Michigan often flies under the national radar, but those of us who’ve crisscrossed the state know there’s plenty to discover. From small roadside shacks to beloved...

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7 Craft Markets in the Hudson Valley You’ll Want to Visit

The Hudson Valley has always been a magnet for creative minds. Whether you’re a longtime local or a weekend visitor, the region’s craft markets offer a window into the vibrant...

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Why Everyone in the Bay Area Is Talking About This Rotisserie Chicken

In a place as food-focused as the Bay Area, it takes something special to get everyone talking. Lately, Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, sometimes called pollo a la brasa, has...

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7 California Spots Serving the Juiciest Fried Chicken

California’s fried chicken scene brings together regional flavor, local pride, and a love for comfort food. I set out to find seven spots that serve chicken so juicy, folks talk...

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Locals Say the Best Chicken and Waffles in California Are at This Oakland Diner

There’s a reason locals say the best chicken and waffles in California live right here in Oakland. Chicken and waffles can be tricky. You need a crisp, savory fried chicken,...

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Exploring Michigan’s Abandoned Lighthouses Before They Vanish For Good

Michigan's shoreline is dotted with historic lighthouses that once guided ships safely through treacherous waters. Sadly, many of these magnificent structures now stand abandoned,...

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10 BBQ Stops in Ohio So Good It Belongs on Your Travel List

If you think barbecue is just a southern specialty, Ohio may change your mind. Across the state, pitmasters serve up flavors that reflect family traditions, creative twists, and...

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7 Finger Lakes Wineries You’ll Want to Visit in New York

There’s something about the Finger Lakes region of New York that makes it irresistible to wine lovers. From the rolling vineyards to the glimmer of sunlight on the lakes, each...

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9 Cultural Centers in Colorado That Celebrate Local Heritage

Colorado’s story is anything but one-note. Across the state, cultural centers bring heritage alive through art, music, hands-on exhibits, and personal histories. As someone who’s...

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7 Quiet Lakeside Retreats in Texas for the Weekend

If you crave a peaceful weekend with cool breezes and gentle water, Texas has more than a few lakeside spots to surprise you. Some hide in the trees, others welcome you with wide...

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7 Small Villages in California With Stunning Views

California has a way of hiding breathtaking beauty in its small towns, places brimming with charm, character, and vistas that linger long after you leave. Here are 7 small villages...

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8 Autumn Food Festivals in Florida

When autumn rolls into Florida, the festival season bursts alive. I love how each region brings its own flavor to the table, whether that means fresh-off-the-boat seafood or creative...

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The Top Cave Tours For Families Visiting Kentucky

Kentucky's underground landscape is a wonderland of stunning caves and fascinating formations waiting to be explored. From massive caverns with cathedral-like ceilings to narrow...

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Why Seniors Are Falling In Love With River Cruises Along The Mississippi In Missouri

Remember when vacations meant endless planning, cramped car rides, and sore feet from walking all day? Those days are gone! I've discovered why so many of us silver-haired adventurers...

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Oregon’s Hidden Hot Springs That Don’t Appear On Tourist Maps

Oregon is a treasure trove of natural wonders, with its hidden hot springs being some of the most magical discoveries for adventurous travelers. These steaming pools nestled in...

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9 Iconic Texas BBQ Plates That Tell The State’s Story

Texas BBQ isn't just food, it's a smoky chapter in the state's history book. From the cattle drives of the 1800s to modern-day pit masters, the Lone Star State's barbecue tradition...

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6 Secret Waterfalls In The Cascades

The Cascade Mountains hide some of nature's most spectacular secrets - waterfalls that tumble through lush forests far from tourist crowds. I've spent years exploring these misty...

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7 Charming Mountain Lodges in the Catskills for a Quick Escape

The Catskill Mountains offer a perfect retreat from bustling city life, with lush forests, sparkling streams, and breathtaking views just a few hours from New York City. These...

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8 Quirky Monuments in Texas You Haven’t Seen

Texas loves doing things bigger and stranger than anywhere else. The Lone Star State is home to some of the most unusual monuments you'll ever see. From buried cars to giant roadrunners,...

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6 Hidden Breweries in Colorado Loved by Locals

Colorado's beer landscape brims with hidden treasures that rarely make tourist lists, yet are cherished by those who call the Centennial State home.

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6 Underrated Pizza Places in New York State You Should Try

New York State is home to countless iconic pizzerias, but beyond the big names lies a world of hidden gems beloved by locals. Some of the most flavorful slices can be found in...

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7 Old Ranches in Texas Open to Visitors

Texas is home to some of America’s most storied ranches, where history, cowboy culture, and the spirit of the Old West remain alive.

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8 Quiet Lakes in Ohio Perfect for Canoeing

Ohio offers some amazing peaceful lakes where you can paddle your canoe without dealing with crowded waters or noisy motorboats. These calm spots provide the perfect escape for...

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9 Underrated Small Towns in Washington State Worth Exploring

Washington State is sprinkled with small towns that offer unique experiences, far from the crowds of bigger cities. These lesser-known destinations reveal the state’s diverse...

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9 Hidden Gems in California Grocery Aisles Locals Don’t Tell Tourists About

California’s grocery stores are treasure troves of regional favorites that locals quietly claim as their own. Beyond the obvious brands and touristy snacks, there’s a secret...

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7 Louisiana Riverfront Towns With Food Worth the Detour

Louisiana, with its myriad of rivers and bayous, offers riverfront towns that are treasures for food lovers. These towns not only showcase scenic beauty but also delight with culinary...

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9 New York Farmers Markets Where Locals Actually Shop

New York’s farmers markets are more than weekend attractions; they’re the heartbeat of local communities, brimming with fresh produce, artisan creations, and loyal regulars....

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7 Florida Eateries That Stay Low-Key Yet Always Pack a Crowd

Florida teems with culinary hotspots, but some of its busiest eateries are also its most unassuming. These beloved spots blend local charm, welcoming vibes, and dishes that inspire...

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9 Hidden Mountain Towns in Colorado Locals Want to Keep Secret

Colorado's majestic Rockies hide more than just spectacular views and powder-perfect ski slopes. Tucked away in valleys and perched on mountainsides are charming small towns that...

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8 California Buffets Locals Say Are Always Worth It

California’s buffet scene offers an abundance of culinary choices that locals swear by. From sushi spreads to sizzling barbecue and global flavors, these eight buffets continue...

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8 Spooky Small Towns in New York That Come Alive on Halloween

New York isn’t just skyscrapers and city lights. As autumn settles in, small towns throughout the state transform into hubs of Halloween magic, bringing haunted legends, ghostly...

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The 5 Best Restaurants for Authentic Indian Food in Illinois

Illinois has become a vibrant destination for lovers of authentic Indian cuisine, boasting a range of restaurants that celebrate traditional flavors and regional specialties.

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10 Small Towns In New England Seniors Love For Peaceful Getaways

Ever wondered where to escape the hustle and bustle when retirement finally gives you the freedom to explore? New England, with its charming coastal villages and mountain hamlets,...

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7 Hidden Hot Springs In California That Aren’t Crowded

California hides some amazing natural hot springs away from the tourist crowds. These mineral-rich waters offer healing properties and spectacular views without the noisy chatter...

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6 Vermont Cafés Where Maple Syrup Steals The Show

Vermont and maple syrup go together like pancakes and, well, maple syrup! As a lifelong New Englander with a serious sweet tooth, I've made it my personal mission to track down...

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9 Missions In California Full Of History

Have you ever wandered through a place where time seems to stand still? That's exactly how I felt when exploring California's historic missions. These architectural gems, built...

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7 Local Joints In Hawaii Where Shave Ice Outshines The Sun

Hawaii's tropical heat demands a cooling remedy that locals have perfected over generations – shave ice! Unlike mainland snow cones, Hawaiian shave ice features impossibly fluffy...

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Smoked, Sauced, and Savory: 8 Tennessee BBQ Joints Worth the Drive

Tennessee doesn’t play around when it comes to barbecue. From Memphis’s smoky alleyways to mountain pit stops with a view, the state’s joints serve up traditions as rich...

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8 Forgotten Ranches in Colorado

Colorado’s ranching heritage runs deeper than cattle drives and cowboy tales. Across the state, historic ranches preserve log homesteads, adobe walls, and family legacies that...

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9 Scenic Canyons and Cliffs in Michigan You Might Have Missed

Michigan may be famous for the endless shorelines of its Great Lakes, but there’s a wilder side to its landscape. Deep in the woods and along the water, sculpted cliffs, winding...

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9 Florida Farmers Markets Locals Actually Go To

Florida is full of farmers markets, but the ones locals actually return to week after week offer more than just fresh produce. From handmade goods to regional specialties, these...

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California Wildfire Safety Alerts for Travelers

California’s breathtaking scenery comes with a seasonal reality: wildfires. For travelers, staying informed about current fire activity, park closures, and air-quality alerts...

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11 Tastiest Pizza Spots Washington Locals Swear By

From blistered, wood-fired Neapolitan pies to gooey, cheese-laden Detroit-style squares, Washington’s pizza scene is a feast for every kind of slice lover. These 11 spots have...

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9 Wildlife Watching Spots in Texas

Texas never runs out of surprises for wildlife enthusiasts. From the rugged desert canyons of West Texas to the lush wetlands of the Gulf Coast, the state is home to an astonishing...

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9 Quirky California Parades You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

California loves a spectacle, but some of its best parades don’t come with confetti cannons and corporate sponsors. From satirical spins on tradition to kid-powered processions...

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8 Local Nature Reserves in Florida That Are Often Missed

Florida is famous for its beaches and theme parks, but some of its most inspiring places are far quieter. Across the state, nature preserves protect rare scrub, wetlands, and coastal...

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8 Hidden Wineries in Tennessee

Tennessee’s rolling hills and fertile valleys have long been home to orchards, vineyards, and farms. Over the past few decades, the state has cultivated a thriving wine scene,...

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California’s Coastline Is Home to 8 Seafood Shacks You’ll Love

There’s something about a seafood shack by the ocean that just feels right, casual tables, salty air, and plates piled high with the day’s catch. California’s coastline is...

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