This gorgeous natural pool in Illinois sits in the picturesque setting of Shawnee National Forest, in Karbers Ridge, Illinois. The approximately 280,000-acre state forest is located in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois. Take a well-deserved break from life and relax at Pounds Hollow campground tucked away in the Shawnee Hills. Dive in and swim away your cares in the 25-acre natural pool at Pounds Hollow Lake for the day....
Introducing the next generation to Louisiana’s nature trails is always a good idea. Who knows, it may inspire the next environmentalist! When you want to get out of the house and enjoy an outdoor adventure, the Acadiana Park Nature Station has some of the best kid-friendly trails in Louisiana, perfect for even the tiniest of nature lovers. You’ll find the Acadiana Park Nature Station in Lafayette, Louisiana. Forrest Bernard/Google The park serves two purposes: education and research....
Sure, we’re already surrounded by water, but who doesn’t love a good trip to any one of the lovely lakes near San Francisco, especially during the summer season. Swimmable San Francisco lakes are far and few between, so for a refreshing dip or just a serene waterfront getaway, check out the most beautiful lakes near the city. Phoenix Lake Flickr/Bennett Honson One of the lesser known lakes in San Francisco, Phoenix Lake is a small, serene oasis in Marin County....
If you find yourself searching for some specialty cheeses and other unique offerings in dining, groceries, and cooking supplies, if it’s not close by, The Gourmet Shop, in Columbia, South Carolina, is worth the ride. This local supplier features some of the most creatively-crafted charcuterie trays in the state. Or create your own by talking to one of the shop’s cheesemongers, offering advice on the accompaniments, wine, cookware, kitchen supplies, and everything you might need to have a successful experience and to upgrade your kitchen....
Even tent camping doesn’t have to mean “roughing it” – at least, not when you stay at the Mather Campground in Arizona. Boasting a variety of amenities you won’t typically find at a campground (such as a laundry room), this little oasis is one of the best campgrounds in Arizona, and it makes a trip to the Grand Canyon even more memorable than it already is. While there are tons of places to camp in the Grand Canyon, the Mather Campground just might be the best of them all....
Washington’s Whidbey Island is full of famous spots, like Coupeville (of Practical Magic fame) and Fort Casey. But this breathtaking island is also full of hidden gems, some of which even locals aren’t aware of. Earth Sanctuary offers something for the nature lover, art aficionado, and anyone looking for a peaceful place to rest and recharge. Come explore this little piece of paradise, and pay attention to how amazing you feel when you leave....
Don’t leave the little ones at home the next time you want to explore nature! Massachusetts is filled with short and easy hikes that are perfect for kids. You’ll be exploring waterfalls, nature preserves, beaches, and woods filled with plants and animals. Take a look at some of the best hikes in Massachusetts that are one-mile (and under!) and are completely kid-friendly. Pine Hills, Plymouth Flickr/MOTT The Pine Hills in Plymouth are full of short and sweet scenic hikes that are perfect for kids or casual hikers....
When it comes to places to see, things to do, and delicious food to eat, there is no better place to be than the exciting Mount Rushmore State! While you can always visit the iconic Mount Rushmore or Crazy Horse, we recommend traveling off the beaten path and checking out something a bit more hidden yet exciting, like roadside attractions in South Dakota. And there’s no better place to view the state’s quirky roadside sites than the beautiful Interstate 90....
Oklahoma has so many amazing Airbnb rentals that sometimes it can be overwhelming when trying to decide where to stay. If you’re looking for one that’s secluded, complete with its own private hiking trails and pond, keep scrolling below to learn more about Oak Spring Retreat in Shawnee. Welcome to a little slice of paradise right here in the Sooner State. This secluded Airbnb rental is available to rent overnight and includes the whole house and all 20 acres that the home sits on....
It goes without saying that the Peach State is full of good barbecue: it’s one of the foods the South is known for, after all. One of our favorite barbecue restaurants in Georgia is Jomax BBQ in Metter. This small town is located about an hour inland of Savannah and is a popular stopover point for travelers heading from Atlanta to Savannah or vice versa. The restaurant isn’t far from Banks Lake, and less than half a mile from the Metter Welcome Center....
All the seasons have their positives, but for our money, there’s nothing like fall in Iowa. The foliage is stunning, the in-season produce is delicious, and it feels like there’s a new festival around every corner. If you want the ultimate fall getaway in Iowa, it’s worth taking a weekend to explore the countryside and recharge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This weekend road trip begins at one of Iowa’s best pick-your-own orchards, home to some amazing fresh apples and the best donuts in the Hawkeye State....
In a state as gorgeous and geographically varied as Oregon, pretty much any road trip is going to be scenic. But the following adventure might just be the most superlatively scenic of them all! Beginning in the Columbia River Gorge, we’re traveling through lush forests to the Oregon Coast, stopping by a few iconic beaches before heading back and ending at a little slice of Wine Country… in the heart of Portland!...
A tropical getaway in Ohio? Absolutely. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, we could all use a little vacation from time to time. And there’s a brewery in Columbus, Ohio, that will transport you to your favorite vacation destination with just one drink. Located on the banks of the Scioto River (Columbus’ very own coast, are we right?), Getaway Brewing Co. is an Ohio brewery with libations designed to transport guests to paradise....
Here at OnlyInYourState we firmly believe in dessert first. Unique Nosh in Batesville is a sweet little spot that’s well worth the stop. Create ridiculously delicious concoctions that will tantalize your sweet tooth. Let’s design the perfect treat as we get the scoop on this tasty shop. Froyo spots are typical in just about every town but Unique Nosh stands out from the rest. Google/Unique Nosh Froyo & More You’ll find this little shop at 220 E Main St....
During the warm weather months, tourists from around the country and the world flock to the Black Hills to check out our world-class landmarks, and who can blame them? While Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are great to visit in the summer, you may want to avoid the crowds and see something new, which is why we highly recommend visiting the often overlooked Vermillion, South Dakota: Located in the far southeast corner of South Dakota, Vermillion is a town of nearly 12,000 residents best known for housing South Dakota State University....
Did you know that there’s a charming, historic small town in Indiana that’s jam-packed with all kinds of fun and amazing things to do and see? Yep – it’s the town of Versailles, and you’d be amazed at just how much history is packed into this little place. Let’s dive into some of the more intriguing parts of its history, and maybe begin planning our next day trip, shall we? Come see why the historic town of Versailles, Indiana, belongs on your bucket list – especially if you’re a fan of history and historical places:...
When you need to escape reality for a few days and are searching for a pick-me-up, there is a small town in Wisconsin that you need to visit — Alma. Not only is this river town gorgeous, home to many excellent businesses and restaurants, and the host to multiple events and festivals throughout the year, but it is also the friendliest town in Wisconsin. Alma, Wisconsin, sits right along the Mississippi River, near the Wisconsin and Minnesota state line....
Everyone could use a break from these triple-digit temperatures in Oklahoma and one of the best places to cool down is in a swimming hole. We have about a dozen to choose from in the state and one of them is a man-made swimming hole at Gage Artesian Beach. This place looks like a giant swimming pool but it’s actually filled with mineral water and has a sandy bottom. It’s the most unique swimming hole in the state and a visit here will make you feel like a kid on summer vacation....
Of all the towns in Idaho, it’s hard to choose just one to be the “most unique” — they’re all pretty special! But one charming town in the panhandle is so singular that it’s been recognized nationally as one of America’s best small towns, as one of the top 10 most “authentic” towns in America, and more. But while Wallace, Idaho’s claim to fame is often its unique history, captured in places like the Sierra Silver Mine and Oasis Bordello Museum, this town has so much more to offer!...
We think that Oklahoma is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The state is brimming with lovely features (something you’re well aware of if you’ve ever searched online for waterfalls near me). But in case you start to take all this spectacular scenery for granted, this mesmerizing drone footage will remind you how lucky you are to live in the Sooner State. Tucked away in the Arbuckle Mountains, along Honey Creek, you’ll find Turner Falls....
