My Family Travels | Latest Articles
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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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9 Cultural Centers in Michigan Celebrating Local Heritage

Michigan isn’t just lakes and lighthouses, it’s a state layered with stories. From Indigenous traditions and immigrant histories to artistic treasures and civil rights milestones,...

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9 Smart Tips for Navigating Nevada’s Harsh Desert Highways

Driving across Nevada can feel liberating, the horizon stretches endlessly, and the desert has a stark beauty all its own. But it’s also a place that demands respect.

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10 Iconic Music Venues in Tennessee Boomers Remember Well

Tennessee's rich musical heritage is etched in legendary venues that have shaped the sounds of generations. From Nashville’s vibrant stages to Memphis’s soulful landmarks,...

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5 Washington’s Top Grocery Stores for Fresh, Flavorful Meat

Washington State has no shortage of exceptional grocery stores and butcher shops for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful meat. As a longtime resident and food enthusiast, I’ve...

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8 Unique Local Traditions In Ohio

Ohio isn't just about cornfields and football, it's a treasure trove of quirky traditions that make this Midwestern state truly special! I've spent years exploring the Buckeye...

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8 Midwest Spots In Wisconsin Where Butter Burgers Make Diets Impossible

Wisconsin's love affair with butter burgers borders on legendary status. These juicy, messy masterpieces feature beef patties slathered with creamy Wisconsin butter that melts...

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9 Louisiana Restaurants Where Gumbo Warms The Soul More Than The Jazz

Louisiana's heartbeat isn't just found in its jazz rhythms, it's simmering in pots of rich, aromatic gumbo across the state. From roux so dark it'll make your mama weep to seafood...

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8 Kansas City Joints Where Sweet & Spicy Sauce Steals The Spotlight

Kansas City's barbecue scene isn't just about the meat, it's about that magical elixir that brings everything together: the sauce! I've spent years hunting down the joints where...

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9 Memphis BBQ Joints Where Pulled Pork Sandwiches Are Legendary

Memphis is the undisputed capital of pulled pork sandwiches, where smoke-kissed meat and tangy slaw create magic between two buns. I've spent years sampling these saucy delights...

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8 Movie Filming Locations in Georgia You Can Still Walk Through

Georgia's cinematic landscapes have long captivated filmmakers, providing the backdrop to numerous iconic movies. As we journey through the Peach State, we'll explore eight filming...

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10 Fun Florida Facts That Sound Made Up But Aren’t

Florida, often known for its sunshine and beaches, is full of surprising facts that seem too unusual to be true. From natural wonders to historical quirks, the Sunshine State never...

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9 Natural Rock Formations in Utah That Look Otherworldly

Utah is home to some of the most surreal and breathtaking rock formations in the world. These natural wonders, crafted over millions of years, offer a glimpse into the geological...

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5 Underrated Taco Trucks in Washington State

Washington State is a treasure trove of culinary delights, yet some of its best taco trucks fly under the radar. For those seeking authentic flavors and local favorites, these...

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6 Connecticut Pizza Spots Where Apizza Is Practically a Religion

Connecticut is renowned for its unique style of pizza, known locally as 'apizza,' where crispy crusts meet savory toppings in a culinary symphony.

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The Texas Grocery Snack Test: 10 Local Favorites That Always Win

Texas is a land of rich culinary traditions, and nowhere is this more evident than in the local snacks that line the shelves of grocery stores across the state. From classic treats...

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8 Quaint Riverfront Cabins in Ohio for a Weekend

Ohio offers a variety of charming riverfront cabins that are perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether nestled among the trees, perched beside a tranquil river, or offering modern...

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8 Lakeside Picnics in Florida for a Relaxing Day

Florida may be famous for its beaches, but its lakes offer just as many opportunities to slow down and enjoy the outdoors. Spread across the state, lakeside parks give visitors...

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7 Arizona Restaurants You’ll Only Find If a Local Points the Way

Arizona's culinary landscape is dotted with hidden gems, each offering a unique taste of local flavor far removed from the well-trodden tourist path. These eateries are cherished...

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9 Local Street Fairs Across Michigan

Michigan offers a vibrant tapestry of street fairs spread across the state, showcasing local art, culture, and community spirit. These events provide a unique opportunity to explore...

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5 Texas Buffets That Prove Everything Really Is Bigger

Texas is famous for its grand buffets that offer more than just a meal; they provide an experience. These culinary havens celebrate the notion that everything is bigger in Texas,...

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7 Florida Food & Wine Festivals That Locals Love

Florida is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse food and wine festivals in the country. These events celebrate the abundance of local produce, culinary creativity, and...

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10 Charming California Villages You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

California’s big cities attract most of the attention, but tucked into its mountains, coastlines, and valleys are villages with a different rhythm. These communities balance...

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9 Weekend Adventures Near Ohio’s State Parks

Ohio’s state parks are more than natural getaways. Around them, small towns, cabins, and cultural attractions give travelers plenty to do on a weekend trip.

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7 Florida Small-Town Restaurants That Outsiders Rarely Discover

Exploring Florida's small towns reveals a treasure trove of hidden culinary gems that offer authentic flavors and unique dining experiences. These seven restaurants, known mostly...

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7 North Carolina Smokehouses Where Banana Pudding Outshines The Pork

Y'all know North Carolina for its legendary barbecue, but there's a sweet secret hiding at these smokehouses. While pitmasters slow-cook pork to perfection, they're also whipping...

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9 North Carolina Barbecue Spots Where Vinegar Sauce Runs The Show

When it comes to barbecue, North Carolina has a style all its own, where tangy vinegar-based sauce reigns supreme. This isn't your typical sweet and sticky sauce – it's a thin,...

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10 Texas Smokehouses Where Brisket Burnt Ends Are King

There's nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth brisket burnt end. These flavorful morsels – the crispy, caramelized ends of a smoked...

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8 Texas Pitmasters Keeping Old-Fashioned BBQ Alive

Texas barbecue isn't just food - it's a cultural treasure with roots deep as mesquite trees. Across the Lone Star State, a special group of pitmasters keeps traditional smoking...

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8 Small-Town Texas Smokehouses Serving Flavor You’ll Never Forget

There's something magical about driving down a dusty Texas road and stumbling upon a smokehouse that changes your life forever. The Lone Star State hides its best barbecue treasures...

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9 Memphis Spots Serving Authentic Mexican Flavors You Can’t Miss

Authentic Mexican cuisine has a special place in Memphis, and the city’s diverse culinary landscape reflects a genuine appreciation for time-honored recipes and local...

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8 Irresistible Ways This Winter Getaway Recharges Busy Parents

When the calendar fills, the laundry piles, and the cold weather sets in, I know firsthand how difficult it is for parents to find a true reset. Yet that's exactly what I discovered...

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California’s Pirate Bar With Exotic Cocktails and Nautical Vibes

If you like your cocktails with a sense of adventure, Smuggler’s Cove feels like stepping below deck on a centuries-old pirate ship. Instead of neon and sleek lines, it’s all...

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How Two Renowned Chefs Breathe New Life Into a Historic Woodside Eatery

I’ve scaled the Redwood-side road to dining spots before, but walking into The Mountain House is something else. Tucked into a 100-year-old vermilion cabin atop Kings Mountain,...

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