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Charlie Boyle

Charlie Boyle is an Oregon-based writer, Bay Area native, and founder of travel blog The Geeky Gallivant. For Only In Your State, she covers local attractions, off-the-radar restaurants, small towns, and outdoor adventures across both the West and East coasts. She can tell you which Willamette Valley wineries are actually worth it, how to dodge tourist traps in Northern California, and — as a former athlete — which PNW trails give you the best workout. Her firsthand knowledge of both coasts makes her one of the more geographically versatile voices on the OIYS roster. Find more of her work at thegeekygallivant.com.

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Wyoming’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Wyoming, filled with abandoned buildings and a ghost-like charm.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 30
A dirt road cuts through a ramshackle town with crumbling buildings in Jeffrey City, Wyoming.
Trips & Routes

One of Vermont’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Vermont, filled with a unique vibe and an abundance of industrial, artsy charm.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 25
A green marsh with green hills in the background can be seen with a boardwalk cutting through it in Rutland, Vermont. A sign sits in front reading 'West Rutland Marsh Boardwalk.'
Trips & Routes

One of Rhode Island’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Rhode Island, filled with unique attractions, beautiful nature, and small-town charm.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 21
A pink and purple sunset streaks the sky and turns the tide flowing between rocks purple in Charlestown, Rhode Island. A few houses with lights on sit in the distance.
Trips & Routes

One of Connecticut’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Connecticut, filled with unique, spooky events and unending charm.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 20
A very old wood building built on a concrete slab amongst greenery is seen in Wethersfield, MA.
Trips & Routes

One of Maryland’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Maryland, filled with historical charm and unique festivals

by Charlie Boyle
on May 18
Grand, historical homes border a calm river where docks stretch out into the water on a rainy day in Chestertown, Maryland.
Trips & Routes

One of Massachusetts’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Massachusetts, filled with unique events, small-town charm, and a possible connection to a beloved story.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 16
Easthampton, MA is seen from above with the red brick church seen prominently.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Quirky Washington Town is a Beloved Treasure That is Still Lesser-Known

Discover the quirky charm of Langley, Washington—a hidden gem filled with unique attractions, waterfront beauty, and small-town mystery that’s well worth exploring.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 14
Apartments dot the side of a road that borders a stretch of greenery that reaches toward the ocean in Langley, Washington.
Trips & Routes

One of Oregon’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Oregon, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 13
A green sign on a pole with the single word, "Boring" on a road in Boring, Oregon.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Northern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Northern California, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 7
A view of the smokestacks during sunset in Moss Landing, California.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Wyoming

Discover Dubois, a western town in Wyoming with a charming main street and scenic views.

by Charlie Boyle
on May 2
A herd of bighorn sheep grazes on the mountainside in the Whiskey Basin Wildlife Habitat Management Area near Dubois, Wyoming.
Nature
Hiking

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Oregon for a Spring Hike

Let these trails prove why Oregon's springtime is the perfect time to hike!

by Charlie Boyle
on Apr 29
A waterfall cascades over a cliff that juts far out, allowing for the Trail of Ten Falls near Silverton, Oregon, to cross behind the falling water. Green ferns and trees surround the water.
Nature
Hiking

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Washington for a Spring Hike

Discover hiking trails that come alive in spring, featuring wildflowers, lush greenery, and roaring waterfalls perfect for your next outdoor adventure.

by Charlie Boyle
on Apr 28
A thick waterfall pours out from a rocky outcrop and into a wide basin below. The river flows outward and cuts between tall cliffs that run straight up, seen while on the Palouse Falls Trail in Palouse Falls State Park, Washington.
Nature

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Maine for a Spring Hike

These picturesque trails show that springtime is the perfect time to hike in Maine!

by Charlie Boyle
on Apr 21
Ragged Mountain via the Camden Snow Bowl near Camden, Maine
Nature

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Pennsylvania for a Spring Hike

Let these trails prove why Pennsylvania's springtime is the perfect time to hike!

by Charlie Boyle
on Apr 21
Waterfalls on the Ricketts Glen Trail Loop near Benton, Pennsylvania.
Nature
Hiking

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Northern California for a Spring Hike

Discover five picture-perfect nature trails in Northern California that come alive in spring—featuring wildflowers, scenic views, and unforgettable hiking experiences.

by Charlie Boyle
on Apr 18
A pristine redwood forest shows light filtering through the trees and a quiet path leading beyond.
Trips & Routes

The Coastal Maine Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Locals love Lubec, a quaint fishing village hidden away in the most eastern part of Maine.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 21
A waterfront town with small, quaint houses sit under a clear sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Charming Oregon Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

With historic charm, nearby vineyards, and small-town warmth, Dallas, Oregon, is a Willamette Valley gem that locals secretly hope travelers overlook.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 19
Rolling hills of farmland and small groups of trees stretch out into the distance under a cloudy sky.
Trips & Routes

Maine Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Stephen King

Discover the locations in Maine that influenced the king of horror, Stephen King.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 19
A small town in the middle of a vividly green forest is in the foreground as a few tall mountains are seen in the background.
Trips & Routes

The Charming New Hampshire Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Locals love Wilton, a quiet town hidden away in New Hampshire's hills famous for its art scene.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 18
A large red building with a few other scattered buildings sits on a patch of manicured green grass in front of a wide expanse of forest.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Alaska Town Locals Hope Stays off Tourists’ Radar

An isolated town located in the Alaskan arctic tundra, locals love Nome for its connection to nature and a world-famous race.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 17
Small villages blanketed in snow stretch out over an arctic tundra.
Trips & Routes

Amherst, Massachusetts Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Emily Dickinson 

Looking to discover more about the mysterious poet Emily Dickinson? Visit her home in Amherst.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 17
A college campus full of red brick buildings is blanketed by snow with hills in the background.
Trips & Routes

The Nostalgic Vermont Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Locals love Corinth, a town made famous by Tim Burton, but still hidden away in the Vermont countryside.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 16
A small town with red and white buildings is blanketed by what looks like undisturbed snow.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Washington Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar

Discover Seabeck, Washington—a quiet waterfront town on Hood Canal known for scenic beauty, local charm, and the peaceful escape locals hope stays under the radar.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 16
Snowcapped mountains sit in the distance beyond a stretch of water blanketed in clouds, highlighted by a pink and violet sky.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Hawaiian Beach Town Locals Hope Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Hidden along the winding Hana Highway, Hāna is a laid-back Maui beach town where lush scenery and local culture still shine.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 15
A few buildings sit spread out over wide swathes of greenery with palm trees interspersed between and one road leading down to the ocean.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Locals Hope This Small Beach Town in Northern California Stays off Tourists’ Radar

Locals adore Davenport, a tiny Northern California coastal town with stunning ocean views, scenic beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 14
A dark turquoise ocean meets tall, sandy cliffs with hills of greenery and a long highway beyond.
Trips & Routes

We Found the Most Colorful Places in Oregon

Looking for color? We tracked down the most colorful places in Oregon—from brilliant wildflower blooms to eye-popping landscapes you won’t believe are real.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 5
Lines of vividly colored tulips cover the land with a small green tractor sitting in the distance. In the background a faint line of mountains can be seen.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Hawaii Is the Best Place To Retire

Dreaming of retiring in paradise? Here are three compelling reasons why Hawaii offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxed living, and year-round warmth for your next chapter.

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 1
A roaring waterfall tumbles into a wide pool surrounded by lush green vegetation. A rainbow hangs in the sky above and a lone bird takes flight.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Delaware Is the Best Place To Retire

Looking to retire soon? Living in Delaware should be at the top of your list!

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 27
A flat green patch of land with trees and large homes borders a calm ocean where multiple private docks can be seen.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Maine Is the Best Place To Retire

Looking to retire soon? Living in Maine should be at the top of your list!

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 24
A calm cove curves into a small town surrounded by a forest awash in brilliant fall colors.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Oregon Is the Best Place To Retire

Discover three compelling reasons why Oregon is the best place to retire, from its stunning natural beauty and mild climate to its vibrant communities and endless outdoor recreation.

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 22
A small town is nestled firmly in the heart of a forest that creeps up the edges of mountains in the distance.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Washington Is the Best Place To Retire

Discover three compelling reasons why Washington stands out as one of the best places to retire, from breathtaking scenery to tax-friendly benefits and endless outdoor adventure.

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 20
A grey mountain with patches of snow looms over a lake bordered by green trees and faces its own reflection.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why New Hampshire Is the Best Place To Retire

Looking to retire soon? Living in New Hampshire should be at the top of your list!

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 19
The sun sets on a wide expanse of green valleys covered in forests and small towns with clouds clung low to the hills.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Massachusetts Is the Best Place To Retire

Looking to retire soon? Living in Massachusetts should be at the top of your list.

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 18
A small white lighthouse sits on a sprawling group of rocks before an ocean cove.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Vermont Is the Best Place To Retire

Looking to retire soon? Living in Vermont should be at the top of your list!

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 18
A small town sits shrouded by a forest turning orange and red with fall colors but one white church stands out prominently with the sunset striking the mountain behind.
State Pride

3 Reasons Why Connecticut Is the Best Place To Retire

Looking to retire soon? Living in Connecticut should be at the top of your list!

by Charlie Boyle
on Feb 17
The sun sets on a flat stretch of land where white houses reside on a patch of green grass bordering a calm ocean overseen by a white lighthouse.