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Around the Country

Nature

15 Places in the U.S. That Feel Like an Alien Planet

From lava fields to white sand dunes and colorful badlands, these incredible places across the U.S. look like they belong on another planet.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jul 24
rock formations at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in new mexico
Nature

16 Unforgettable U.S. Waterfall Trails Every Hiker Needs to Experience

by Jasmine Vieau
on Jul 27
Havasu Falls cascades into a turquoise pool between towering red canyon walls in the Havasupai Reservation, Arizona.
Food

13 of the Best Meals in the U.S. That You Can’t Find in a Restaurant

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 27
Whole bright red Maine lobsters cooking on a large outdoor charcoal grill rack.
Nature

12 Hidden Swimming Holes Across the U.S. Still Worth Finding

by Rebecca Norris
on Jul 24
The red-rock cliffs and sparkling turquoise swimming hole at Havasu Falls in Arizona—one of the most famous hidden swimming holes across the U.S.
Nature

13 National Parks in the U.S. With Sunsets So Beautiful, They Don’t Look Real

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jul 23
A vibrant sunset over the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

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Instead of These Spots, Go Here Instead
Ditch the spots with the most people and find these underrated gems instead.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina: Go Here Instead

Everyone flocks to Wrightsville Beach, but this hidden beach in North Carolina is a boat ride away and worlds apart. Here's why it's worth the trip.

by Marisa Roman
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Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Ocean City in Maryland: Go Here Instead

Everyone crowds onto Ocean City's boardwalk, but this hidden beach in Maryland makes you earn it with a hike, and rewards you with cliff views most of the state doesn't have.

by Marisa Roman
The Beach at Calvert Cliffs. Maryland, USA, Maryland
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to St. Simons Island in Georgia: Go Here Instead

Everyone heads to St. Simons Island, but this hidden beach in Georgia comes with wild horses, no cars, and a ferry ride to get there.

by Marisa Roman
White sandy beaches of Cumberland Island National Seashore

Hand-Picked

Discover a curated selection of our favorite travel gear and goods, hand-picked just for our readers.

Travel Goods
Travel Gear

19 Prime Day Deals on Products Our Editors Actually Use

by Marisa Roman
Amazon prime deal examples
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Travel Expert’s Top 26 Must-Haves for 2026

by Only In Your State Staff
Collage of travel gear items
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Hand-Picked: The Best Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Checked Bags

by Meg Archer
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Trips & Routes

Essential Gear You Actually Need to Pack for Your Next Outdoorsy Trip

by Joe Erbentraut
Outdoor gear spread out on blanket

Gem of the Week

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Fayetteville, Arkansas Is One of the South’s Most Surprising Small Towns

A complete guide to exploring Fayetteville, Arkansas; from UCI Bike City trails and vintage markets to local eats and 50 years of LGBTQ+ Pride history.

by Marisa Roman
Jul 23
Downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas, with cars lined up and shops in the back.

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Nature

One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in New Mexico Is Surprisingly Overlooked

Discover a hidden lake in New Mexico, surrounded by pine forest and rolling hills. It's one of the most scenic spots in the Gila National Forest.

by Melanie Johnson
on Jul 28
Views of Lake Roberts, a hidden alpine lake in NM, featuring blue waters and hills covered with pine trees.
Food
Restaurants

Massachusetts’ Best-Kept Culinary Secret Is a Dish Out-of-Staters Never Heard Of

Locals have cherished this uniquely Massachusetts meal for generations, but it remains surprisingly under the radar beyond New England.

by Kim Falchek
on Jul 28
A Fluffernutter sandwich sits on a white plate.
Nature

The Most Beautiful Lake in Oregon That Most People Have Never Heard Of

With crystal-clear water, snow-capped mountain views, and peaceful paddling routes, Hosmer Lake is one of central Oregon's most stunning destinations, yet it remains surprisingly under the radar.

by Kate Orlando
on Jul 27
Early morning panoramic view of the South Sister mountain from the Hosmer Lake in central Oregon.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Everyone Always Goes to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina: Go Here Instead

Everyone books Hilton Head's resorts and gated beach access, but a state park in the same county trades polish for a boneyard shoreline and a historic lighthouse.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 27
Aerial view of Hunting Island State Park with driftwood along the shore.
Nature

Minnesota Is Bracing for an Intense Wildfire Season This Summer

Planning a trip up north? Summer weather in Minnesota might include extreme wildfire smoke. Here is how to prepare for poor air quality and stay safe.

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 27
Dark wildfire smoke plumes looming over a road in Minnesota's boreal forest.