A smiling person with long hair stands outdoors, with mountains and cloudy skies in the background.

Cristy Carr

Cristy Carr is a writer, hiker, educator, and gardener whose firsthand love of the outdoors and local community informs everything she covers for Only In Your State. Whether she's on a trail, in a classroom, or knee-deep in a garden, Cristy approaches every destination with genuine curiosity and personal experience — writing about the places she actually goes.

Nature
National & State Parks

Acadia National Park, Maine: Discover The Crown Jewel Of The Atlantic Coast

Acadia National Park in Maine offers diverse natural beauty and numerous activities, making it a top destination in the U.S.

by Cristy Carr
on Mar 3
A lighthouse on a rocky shore at sunset, with vibrant orange and purple skies reflecting on the water.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The One West Virginia Farm Where You Can Interact With 100 Animals

by Cristy Carr
on Sep 23
A fluffy brown cow with horns stands in the snow, chewing on hay, surrounded by a winter landscape.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Reconnect With Nature When You Stay At These Charming Rentals In West Virginia

Here are some vacation rentals in nature in West Virginia -- the mountain state is the perfect escape for the nature lover!

by Cristy Carr
on Sep 16
A modern house with a wooden walkway, surrounded by colorful autumn trees and a scenic view in the background.
Nature
Waterfalls

The Trail To Finn’s Falls Is One Of The Best Little-Known Waterfall Hikes In West Virginia

If you're looking for a hidden gem waterfall in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia, try Finn's Falls in Thurmond!

by Cristy Carr
on Sep 11
Two people and a dog stand near a waterfall in a lush, green forest during autumn.
Trips & Routes

A Spontaneous Weekend Road Trip in West Virginia You’ll Love

Plan a spontaneous weekend road trip in West Virginia with scenic stops, hidden gems, and easy-to-follow travel tips.

by Cristy Carr
on Apr 28
A country road in West Virginia weaves throughout a vibrant green forest.
Nature

The Magnificent Chimney Rock In West Virginia That’s Located Only .35 Miles From The Parking Lot

This short hike in West Virginia leads to one of the state's most incredible views. It's a combination not to be missed!

by Cristy Carr
on Sep 4
A towering rock formation amidst vibrant autumn foliage and rolling hills, illuminated by warm sunlight.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Sleep in a 1900s-Era General Store When You Book a Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb in West Virginia

If you're looking for a place to stay in Sinks Grove, West Virginia, look no further than the delightfully vintage-themed Hunker Inn!

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 2
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Nature

The Secret Natural Spring In West Virginia Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Lee Sulphur Springs in Lost River State Park is a little-known natural spring hidden in the West Virginia woods!

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 29
A wooden sign for Lee Sulphur Springs in a lush green forest with a bridge and cabin in the background.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

The Enormous Union Mission Thrift Store In West Virginia Will Bump Your Thrifting Game to 11

If you're a bargain hunter, and you love supporting a good cause, then check out the Union Mission Thrift Store in Charleston, West Virginia!

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 28
A thrift store interior filled with racks of clothing and bags, showcasing a variety of items for sale.
Food

The Off-The-Beaten-Path Restaurant In West Virginia That Is Worth The Day Trip

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 26
Red building with "Lost & Found" sign, open for business, featuring an ice vending machine outside. Gravel parking area.
Nature
Waterfalls

The Trail To Finn’s Falls Is One Of The Best Little-Known Waterfall Hikes In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 16
Two people and a dog stand near a waterfall in a lush, green forest during autumn.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in West Virginia Is so Worth Exploring

Gilbert, West Virginia might be not much more than a dot on the map in size, but there is so much to do and see in this corner of Appalachia.

by Cristy Carr
on Sep 23
Mingo County welcome sign reads "Welcome to West Virginia" with mountain peak in the distance in the middle of winter under a blue sky.
Food

The Waterfront Steakhouse in West Virginia That’s Perfect for a Quiet Evening Out

Locally sourced ingredients, a cozy ambiance, and a menu that always impresses—River Town Prime Grill should be on your dining bucket list.

by Cristy Carr
on Sep 18
Exterior of River Town Grill, a modern, craftsman building painted white and blue with bare trees in the background.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Come With Me On A Day Trip To Historic Appomattox, Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 9
Historic brick train station with a sign reading "Appomattox," surrounded by tracks and a blue sky with clouds.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

6 Last-Minute Getaways In West Virginia For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 7
A glamping tent on a wooden deck surrounded by trees, with a hammock nearby in a serene forest setting.
Food

A Historic General Store Is Now Hillsboro, West Virginia’s Best New Restaurant

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 4
A white, two-story building with large windows and a porch, featuring a sign for "The Hillsboro Pub."
Nature
Parks & Gardens

Washington Works Nature Trail Is A Hidden Park In West Virginia Worthy Of A Day Hike

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 2
A wooden bridge crosses a grassy area with tall plants and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
State Pride
Need to Know

I Survived a Copperhead Snake Bite—Here’s What I Learned

Consider this a PSA to all you outdoorsy folks.

by Cristy Carr
on Jan 20
A brown and tan snake with dark patterns slithering on a textured surface.
State Pride

7 Things That Belong on Everyone’s West Virginia Summer Bucket List

Do you have a West Virginia summer bucket list this year? Here are a few ideas to fit in this season.

by Cristy Carr
on May 7
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Nature
Waterfalls

This Natural Water Park In West Virginia Is A Summer Dream Come True

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 29
A serene river flows over rocks, surrounded by lush green trees and a peaceful natural landscape.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Lazy River in West Virginia Is the Perfect Summer Adventure

Float along the lazy river at Pleasants County Aquatic Center in Saint Marys, WV—it's perfect for relaxing, floating, and loads of family fun.

by Cristy Carr
on Aug 12
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Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

If You Love Long Views, Don’t Miss This Scenic Roadside Overlook In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 24
Panoramic view of green mountains and valleys under a blue sky with fluffy clouds, featuring a historical marker.
Food

Word On The Street Is That Farmers Kountry Kitchen Serves The Best Philly Cheesesteak In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 22
Exterior of Farmer's Kountry Kitchen, featuring a sign with menu items and a parking direction. Cloudy sky above.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The 2.5-Mile Stretch Of Lazy River In West Virginia Where You’ll Find Us All Summer Long

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 19
A kayak view on a calm river surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Food

Enjoy A Breakfast Of Champions At This Delicious Hidden Gem Restaurant In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 17
Exterior of Zeke's Breakfast & Bakes, featuring a brick facade and a sign with the restaurant's name.
State Pride

The Unique Cultural Experience You Can Only Enjoy Right Here In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 16
A wooden swing labeled "almost heaven" overlooks a serene lake surrounded by lush green hills under a cloudy sky.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Perched Above Williams River Valley, This Overlook Is One Of The Best Views in All Of West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 12
A scenic view of rolling green hills and valleys under a cloudy sky, with trees in the foreground.
Food

This Delicious West Virginia Cafe Features An Infinity Pool With Its Own Rental Cabanas

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 10
Aerial view of a resort pool surrounded by greenery, umbrellas, and a golf course in the background.
State Pride

11 Things That Should Be On Everyone’s West Virginia Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 9
A winding road surrounded by trees with vibrant autumn leaves in shades of yellow and orange.
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

Leave Your Worries Behind When You Take A Day Trip To This Idyllic Schoolhouse Petting Zoo In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 8
Exterior of a white wooden school building with a sign reading "Mt. View Tucker E. School" above the entrance.
Experiences
Activities

Enjoy An Incredible Outdoor Adventure In This 10,000-Acre Off-Road Park In West Virginia

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 5
A rugged off-road vehicle parked on a dirt path, with a vibrant sunset in the background.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

This Budget-Friendly Day Trip Destination In West Virginia The Entire Family Will Enjoy

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 4
Aerial view of a splash pad with water features, picnic tables, and a restroom building surrounded by green trees.
Experiences
Activities

The One Unforgettable Attraction In West Virginia You’ll Want To Cross Off Your Bucket List ASAP

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 3
Two people ride a rail bike along a track beside a lush forest and a waterfall in the background.
Nature
Parks & Gardens

With A Water Park, Playground, And Paddle Boats, This Family-Friendly Park In West Virginia Is The Best Summer Day Trip

by Cristy Carr
on Jul 2
A sunny outdoor pool area featuring a large pool, colorful water slides, and lounge chairs on a grassy lawn.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Looking for Unique Stays? These 7 West Virginia Airbnbs Are Exceptional

by Cristy Carr
on Jan 20
a-line cabin behind tall trees on a grassy lawn