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When you wander through Southern California, it’s easy to discover stunning pockets of natural beauty in every direction. One of our newest discoveries is this lush outdoor oasis tucked inside a historic ranch. Perfect for hiking, biking, or simply a day of sightseeing, this wondrous natural preserve in Southern California is like heaven on earth. Looking for a stunning destination in Southern California where you can take a relaxing weekend drive to the most beautiful setting?...

From underrated eateries to upscale, oceanfront restaurants, the Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible restaurants that are loved and frequented by many. Over the years, we’ve shared many of our favorite eateries with you and even created a dining bucket list or two, but we’ve never focused on this Maui gem. Tin Roof is open for just four hours a day, and what this takeout eatery lacks in ambiance and comfortable seating it makes up for with its food....

Have you ever wondered what middle of nowhere Georgia looked like? Not just the countryside, or those pockets of farmlands that seem like a million miles away. We’re talking about the middle of nowhere, over five hours to the nearest city. Thanks to this recent article from USA Today, we know exactly where the middle of nowhere Georgia is, and it’s as gorgeous as ever. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has so much to see and do, there will never be a dull moment in this ideal middle of nowhere spot....

It may not be summer quite yet but we’re already dreaming of all the places we’d like to visit once vacation season is in full force. This stunning destination should definitely be near the top of your list since no summer is truly complete without a visit to the beach. Idaho may be a landlocked state, but we certainly don’t need the coast to have a good time. In fact, this gorgeous lake beach is all we need for making wonderful memories with friends and family....

Nevada is home to some downright stunning landscapes, from vast swaths of rugged desert to lush and forested mountains. Exploring these terrific landscapes is simply a must for any nature-loving Nevadan. In fact, this scenic adventure is the perfect way to check out one of the state’s most awe-inspiring destinations—and have a load of fun while doing it! Check out this guided horseback trail for an adventure the entire family will be talking about for years to come....

History lovers, this one is for you. Louisiana has countless museums peppered throughout the state, and each one is worthy of a visit. There’s a little-known living history museum right smack dab in the middle of Cajun Country, and you need to check it out. This tiny little village will make you feel like you’ve been transported through time, and it’s a great family-friendly attraction that visitors of all ages will enjoy....

Snacking is an American tradition. We love snack foods, a fact that is evidenced by the countless companies that have popped up across the nation and even in Cleveland since our country’s founding. One snack food that we Clevelanders can’t resist is beef jerky, and there’s one place in The Land that prepares it with flavor that’s almost too good to believe. The West Side Market is truly a Cleveland icon, identifiable by its unique features that tower over the Ohio City neighborhood....

As you can imagine, we do a bit of research here at OnlyInYourState.com and every so often we encounter an oddball, weird fact that’s worth sharing (like these 11 facts that are almost too bizarre to believe). But this one involves a notorious international regime known for dictators – and a famous building in West Virginia. Can you put it together yet? If not, read on… Want to know the biggest (literally) thing the Mountain State has in common with Russia?...

Since it’d take a bit too long to scroll through the 80 restaurants and cafes we covered last year (although we do encourage you to look through the archives if you’re stuck on what your next adventure should be), we’ve gathered a few of our favorites from the past year as well as some newly opened eateries that need to be on your 2019 bucket list. Whether you’re wanting to make an effort to support your local mom and pop diners or just trying to find a new favorite, these 13 places a definitely worth a visit this year....

Antiques are kind of our forte here in the Grand Canyon State. You’ll find at least a few charming shops on Main Street in every small town. This particular store in Mesa has two stories, both stacked floor-to-ceiling with vintage treasures. Whether it’s mid-century furniture, unique jewelry, or retro appliances you’re after, Antique Plaza almost certainly has it. For over 25 years, this massive shop has been the first choice of antique aficionados all across Arizona....

Kids tend to go through phases of obsession, whether it’s with princesses or scary stories or dinosaurs, though the latter tends to fan into a flame after subsequent viewings of “Jurassic Park.” For the dino-obsessed kid or perhaps the adult that’s never managed to shake Michael Crichton’s world of mischief and mayhem from their psyche, Backyard Terrors in Bluff City, Tennessee is bound to be a hit. Backyard Terrors - Facebook Backyard Terrors and Dinosaur Park is a Sullivan County gem, a backyard attraction that boasts more than 40 handcrafted sculptures of dinosaurs....

Mississippi is full of magical places – and Bailey’s Woods Trail is one of them. Short and sweet, the round trip hike takes about 40 minutes to complete. And while it may be lacking in miles, it’s not lacking in much else. Take a look: Bailey’s Woods Trail is an out-and-back trail in Oxford, which runs from the University of Mississippi Museum to Rowan Oak, the former home of William Faulkner....

Ready for a delicious summertime drive? Nothing helps us cool off quite like the sweet, sweet taste of a creamy milkshake, and luckily for us here in Buffalo, we have some truly tasty options! Grab some friends and hop in the car for a scrumptiously scenic ride through the Queen City’s best spots for mouthwatering milkshakes. Google Maps Lake Effect Diner Google Maps Lake Effect Diner/Facebook Start things off sweet and simple by grabbing a great-tasting shake from Lake Effect Diner....

We don’t usually write about chain restaurants here at Only in Your State, but every once in awhile we just can’t help ourselves. This burger chain got its start with just one restaurant, and while it has grown to include 42 locations, the quality of its food is far above any national chain. Burgerville got its start right across the Oregon/Washington state line, in Vancouver. The first restaurant opened in 1961, and more quickly followed....

Now that the weather is finally getting warm in Connecticut, you and the family will want to start spending more time outside enjoying the sunshine. While many town parks in New England have open space and playgrounds, they are geared more towards the kids than the adults. Lighthouse Point Park is practically bursting with activities for the entire family. Lighthouse Point Park is a shoreline gem for families in New Haven....

Rhode Island has miles and miles of stunning shoreline where beachgoers can find the perfect spot to lounge in the sun and frolic in the waves. All across the state, parking lots fill quickly and umbrellas, chairs, and coolers are carried over the dunes as we find a place to settle in for the day. But even the smallest state in the nation has a sandy stretch where you can actually drive right up to the water....

Hunting for treasure – especially vintage items from the past – can supply hours and hours of endless fun in any season. Whether you’re taking a road trip to the best thrift stores in South Carolina, or focusing all of your attention on one giant warehouse overflowing with vintage charm, you can’t go wrong when you’re picking for timeless treasure in the Palmetto State. The following old tobacco warehouse in Mullins belongs at the top of the list of must-visit places for discovering great finds from the past....

Alabama is no stranger when it comes to natural scenic beauty. Luckily, we’re able to experience this beautiful scenery in a variety of unique ways. One way in particular is by taking a cruise down one of Alabama’s most scenic rivers while aboard the Harriott II. For more information about the Harriott II, including why it should be experienced by everyone, take a look below. The Harriott II is an authentic replica of a 19th century paddle boat that’s docked beside the amphitheater in Montgomery’s Riverfront Park....

Ohio is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Hiding in a metro park in Akron is a massive tree with an interesting history. Stumbling upon it feels like you’ve uncovered a best kept secret. The Signal Tree is a one-of-a-kind historical landmark with a unique story that Ohio explorers and history buffs will especially appreciate. Take a look: Hiding in Cascade Valley Metro Park is a historical marker most people don’t know about....

South Dakota has a number of historic and abandoned towns to visit, but ghost towns that seem to get better with age? It isn’t an oxymoron, folks, but rather this South Dakota ghost town that manages to only get better with time: Located in south-central South Dakota is that of Jones County and the ghost town of Okaton. Wikimedia Commons Founded in 1906 in correlation with the nearby Milwaukee Railroad, Okaton seemed to disappear as quickly as it came about, due to both the railroad moving and the area’s historically harsh winters....