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Allyson Lambert

Allyson Lambert is a contributor to Only In Your State whose published work highlights the hidden gems, local flavors, and unique experiences that make each destination worth exploring.

Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Wander Through 20 Acres Of Fragrant Lavender Fields At This Lavender Festival In Southern California

The 123 Farm in Southern California hosts an annual lavender festival featuring fragrant fields, lavender-inspired food, and cultural activities.

by Allyson Lambert
on Jul 5
A horse-drawn carriage carries people through a vibrant lavender field under a clear blue sky.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Pick Strawberries And Get Lost In A Magical Sunflower Maze At The Carlsbad Strawberry Company In Southern California

Carlsbad Strawberry Company offers seasonal activities like strawberry picking and a sunflower maze, making it a must-visit for family fun.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 8
A cup filled with fresh, ripe strawberries against a background of green strawberry plants.
Stays

Soak In A Hot Tub Surrounded By Natural Beauty At These 5 Cabins In Southern California

Discover five Southern California cabins with hot tubs for a perfect nature getaway.

by Allyson Lambert
on Oct 30
A scenic view from a patio with a hot tub, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees under a clear blue sky.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Old Zoo In Griffith Park Might Just Be The Most Haunted Park In Southern California

Griffith Park in Los Angeles houses an abandoned zoo that is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of animals that once lived there.

by Allyson Lambert
on Sep 6
A weathered house with graffiti, surrounded by greenery, overlooking a distant city skyline and mountains.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

You’ll Want To Steer Clear Of The 9 Most Dangerous Animals Found In Southern California

Lists the most dangerous animals in Southern California and provides safety tips for potential encounters.

by Allyson Lambert
on Mar 29
A black bear swimming in a calm, reflective water with green plants around.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

Find More Than 100 Treasures At Goodwill Outlet Center, The Largest Discount Thrift Store In Missouri

by Allyson Lambert
on Jan 14
Exterior of a Goodwill store with a large sign, featuring a brick facade and green awnings under a cloudy sky.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Photos Of The 2021 Blooms At This Beautiful 50-Acre Flower Farm In Southern California Are Beyond Magical

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in San Diego County showcases over 50 acres of vibrant flowers each spring, attracting visitors from all over.

by Allyson Lambert
on Jun 4
A vibrant field of colorful flowers in various shades, with palm trees and a building in the background under a blue sky.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

Sip Wine While You Read At This One-Of-A-Kind Bookstore Bar In Southern California

Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena is the largest and oldest bookstore in Southern California, featuring a wine bar and a vast selection of books.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 24
Exterior of Vroman's Bookstore, featuring warm lighting, greenery, and a charming architectural design at dusk.
Nature
Hiking

This Easy, 3.7-Mile Hike In Southern California Leads Past An Old Cabin On Its Way To An Abandoned Mine

Discover the Big Horn Mine Trail in Southern California, an easy hike leading to an abandoned gold mine with historical significance and scenic views.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 18
Abandoned mining structure on a rocky hillside, surrounded by trees and mountains under a blue sky.
Experiences

Grab A Friend And Hop On A Tandem Bicycle For An Unforgettable Day Enjoying The Outdoors In Southern California

Wheel Fun Rentals in Oceanside offers a variety of bikes for rent, making it a great way to explore the Southern California coast.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 17
A blue bicycle stands on the sandy beach with waves gently crashing in the background under a cloudy sky.
Food

Get The Best Sandwiches And Fresh Produce At This Natural Food Market Just Blocks From The Beach In Southern California

Cream of the Crop in Oceanside is a family-owned natural food market offering high-quality produce, fresh juices, and a deli, perfect for picnic supplies.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 14
Sign for "Cream Crop Natural Foods Market" on a building exterior, featuring blue neon letters and green accents.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Pack A Picnic And Head to Cassidy Street Beach For Some Of The Best Ocean Views In Southern California

Cassidy Street Beach in Oceanside is a hidden gem perfect for picnics and scenic walks.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 13
A sandy beach with waves, rocky shore, and colorful houses along the coastline under a blue sky with clouds.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

For A Family-Fun Day Trip, You Can Feed Baby Goats And Ride A Pony At Montebello Barnyard Zoo In Southern California

Montebello Barnyard Zoo in California offers an affordable, interactive petting zoo experience perfect for families and events.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 13
A brown horse stands in a fenced area next to a red barn on a sunny day, with green grass in the foreground.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

People Drive From All Over West Virginia To Try The Famous Beer At Mario’s Fishbowl

Mario’s Fishbowl is a beloved bar and grill known for its large goblets of beer and nostalgic atmosphere, popular among WVU students and locals.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 12
A colorful building with a sign that reads "Beer on Tap" above a brick facade, featuring a whimsical fish design.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

At Almost 2,000 Feet Long, Oceanside Pier In Southern California Is The Longest Wooden Pier On The West Coast

Oceanside Pier, the longest wooden pier on the west coast, offers stunning views, fishing, and various activities.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 11
A sunset view over a pier lined with palm trees, with people walking along the path and waves in the background.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Take The Longest Float Trip In Southern California This Summer On The Kern River

Experience thrilling tubing and rafting adventures on the Kern River in Southern California.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 11
A group of people in orange rafts navigating a river near rocky cliffs and lush greenery.
Stays

Spend The Night In An Authentic Rustic Train Caboose In The Middle Of Southern California’s Santa Monica Mountains

Discover a unique Airbnb stay in a rustic train caboose located in the Santa Monica Mountains, perfect for a peaceful and inspiring getaway.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 9
A colorful red and blue train caboose converted into a cozy space, with green chairs on a wooden deck.
Experiences

Spend A Perfect Day On This Old-Fashioned Paddleboat Cruise In Southern California

Enjoy a narrated paddleboat cruise on Big Bear Lake aboard the historic Miss Liberty, offering scenic views and historical insights.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 8
A colorful paddleboat docked at a lakeside, featuring a blue canopy and red accents against a mountainous backdrop.
Food
Restaurants

Stop By The Village Kitchen And Pie Shoppe In Southern California For The Most Incredible Breakfast And Homemade Pies

The Village Kitchen And Pie Shoppe in Carlsbad, CA offers homemade meals and over 30 flavors of freshly baked pies in a family-owned, classic diner setting.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 6
Exterior of Village Kitchen Pie Shoppe with a sign stating "Open for Business" and blue planters at the entrance.
Nature
Hiking

Hike Around A Tranquil Lagoon And Explore The Wetlands At This Nature Reserve In Southern California

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve and Nature Center in Cardiff, CA, offers seven miles of trails and diverse wildlife in a coastal wetland setting.

by Allyson Lambert
on May 5
A serene landscape featuring a winding river surrounded by greenery and a walking path with benches.
Experiences
Activities

Take A Walk Through The Vineyards With A Giraffe During This One Of A Kind Experience In Southern California

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 28
A group of hikers walks along a vineyard path, with a sign pointing towards "Road Less Traveled."
Food
Restaurants

Eat Fish Tacos And Watch The Sunset Over The Ocean On This Rooftop Lounge In Southern California

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 27
Exterior of Hello Betty Fish House with bright yellow accents and outdoor seating, featuring a playful sign.
Experiences

Find Fabulous Antiques And Unique Treasures At One Of The Largest Estate Sales In Southern California

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 23
A whimsical black and white cow statue outside an estate sale warehouse with a red awning and large windows.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

Known For The Best Cupcakes In Southern California, Frosted Cupcakery Bakes Up The Most Scrumptious Buttercream Frosted Cupcakes Around

Frosted Cupcakery in Long Beach offers freshly baked, handcrafted cupcakes with a variety of customized flavors and rich, creamy icing.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 22
A storefront of "Frosted" with a cupcake sign, featuring outdoor seating and a cozy interior.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

Sip On Jasmine Tea And Relax By The Koi Pond At This Peaceful Japanese Tea Garden In Southern California

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena offers a peaceful escape with traditional Japanese teas, koi ponds, and a historic teahouse.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 20
A serene garden scene featuring a wooden structure, pond, and colorful foliage under a clear sky.
State Pride

If You Know What These 9 Words Mean, You’ve Lived In Southern California For Far Too Long

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 20
Silhouetted palm trees at sunset with a beach scene and amusement park in the background.
State Pride

The Orange Julius Was Invented At This Tiny Orange Juice Stand In Southern California In 1926

Orange Julius, an iconic American drink invented in Los Angeles in the late 1920s, is now a popular smoothie chain owned by Dairy Queen.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 17
A colorful fast-food stand featuring Orange Julius and Dairy Queen signage, with outdoor seating and customers.
Experiences
Museums

Explore The World’s Largest Collection Of World War II Aircraft At The Palm Springs Air Museum In Southern California

Palm Springs Air Museum offers hands-on experiences with vintage aircraft, including rides in World War II Warbirds.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 16
A military aircraft in olive green parked outside the Palm Springs Air Museum, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

Choose From More Than 29 Delicious Flavors At This Family-Owned Milkshake Shop In Southern California

Great Shakes in Palm Springs offers gourmet milkshakes made with a unique ice cream recipe and excellent customer service.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 16
Colorful sign reading "Great Shakes" above a counter with ice cream machines and a vibrant, playful decor.
Experiences

Visit The La Jolla Gallery By The Sea To View Contemporary Art And Learn How It’s Made In Southern California

La Jolla Gallery offers a unique cultural experience with contemporary art and special events by the sea in San Diego.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 15
A modern art gallery entrance with glass walls, illuminated at night, featuring a red carpet and lush greenery.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Southern California’s Tanaka Farms Serves Chocolate Covered Strawberries And Treats Galore

Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers family-friendly activities like strawberry picking, wagon rides, and a produce market with homemade treats.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 15
A group of people enjoying a farm tour on a tractor-drawn wagon, surrounded by greenery and sunny skies.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Bizarre Desert Lake In Southern California Has An Entire Beach Made of Fish Bones

The Salton Sea in Mecca, California, is a desolate resort town with a beach made of fishbones due to its high salt concentration and toxic water.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 14
A barren landscape with rocky shores, a calm water body, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Food
Cafes & Coffee Shops

Order A Dozen French Macarons And Freshly-Baked Butter Croissants At This Bakery In Southern California

Doly’s Delectables in Long Beach, California offers a variety of freshly made French pastries, including macarons and croissants, in a friendly café atmosphere.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 10
Sign for a café and bakery featuring "Coffee, Bakery, Café" and "Cheers" on a storefront with a decorative hanging sign.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Pick Your Own Bucket of Strawberries At Kenny’s Strawberry Farm For Only $15 In Southern California

Kenny’s Strawberry Farm offers a family-friendly experience of picking fresh, sweet strawberries from February to July.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 9
A colorful sign for Kenny's Strawberry Farm, featuring the words "Ripe, Juicy, Sweet" with a backdrop of strawberry fields.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Explore Marine Life And Sandstones At The La Jolla Tide Pools In Southern California During Low Tide

La Jolla Cove in San Diego offers some of the best tide pools for exploring marine life during low tide.

by Allyson Lambert
on Apr 9
A coastal scene with rocky shores, gentle waves, and people exploring near the water, surrounded by greenery and buildings.