Chris Dodge
Chris Dodge is a Tennessee-based writer and avid outdoorsman who has spent years hiking and exploring his home state with his family. For Only In Your State, he covers Tennessee's trails, natural landmarks, and local destinations with the firsthand enthusiasm of someone who never needs an excuse to get outside. Chris writes about Tennessee not as an assignment, but as a love letter to the state he's proud to call home.
My Romantic Weekend Getaway at the All-New Stellara Resort in the Smoky Mountains
A relaxing and dreamy weekend getaway to the Smokies with my wife at a romantic treehouse and mirror cabin resort was just what we needed.
Sleep in a Cliffside House in Kentucky
Suspended high along a cliffside, these one-of-a-kind cliff houses offer a dreaming escape from the normal grounded stays we are all used to.
Dream Spring Break in Tennessee: Where I’d Go if Money Was No Object
Throw away frivolous ideas of monetary things and spend all your savings on an epic trip to Nashville Tennessee for spring break.
This Tennessee Lakeside Cabin Will Make You Feel Like You’re in a Movie
Live out your nautical dreams at this romantic lakeside lighthouse in Sevierville, Tennessee.
This Is Tennessee’s Most Underrated National Forest
With fresh mountain air and miles of trails hidden away in the wilderness, the Cherokee National Forest is one of my favorite places on planet Earth.
Springtime in Tennessee Is Best Spent at This Magical National Park
Escape to one of the most magical places in Tennessee with a getaway deep into the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Delicious Chocolate Tour in South Carolina to Visit for a Sweet Treat
Tour through Greenville for some delectable desserts in South Carolina from chocolate peanut butter cake to authentic cafe crepes.
A Brand New Way To Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Retreat Has Just Opened in Pigeon Forge Tennessee
An island escape within the Smoky Mountains, Compass by Margaritaville is an amazing new resort in Pigeon Forge.
My First Sunset Hike With Tennessee Parks and Rec—Why I’ll be Joining Again
Joining a group of like-minded people we hiked to a mountain overlook to watch the sunset.
My Trip to Auntie Ruth’s: The Tennessee Donut Spot Serving Face-Sized Treats You Can’t Miss
Auntie Ruth’s has the most heavenly donuts you have ever tasted plus the biggest, tastiest pretzels all wrapped up in a cute and inviting setting.
The Walkable Alabama Town That’s Known for Its Extensive Network of Trails
Take a stroll away from the normal places like downtown and walk in a few different places in Homewood Alabama.
Unexpected Treasures Can be Found at Sentimental Journey, a Thrifter’s Dream in Tennessee
Visit a three-story antique store in Johnson City Tennessee where you can find something for anyone.
Locals Are Obsessed With This Iconic Roadside Spot in South Carolina
Tunnelvision is one of the coolest pieces of art in South Carolina in which the side of a building gets transformed into a rocky tunnel leading to a mountainous landscape.
Discover a Walkable City for History Lovers in South Carolina
Stroll through the annals of history in the walkable small city of Abbeville SC. A city in which southern charm meets stunning architecture and historical significance.
A Walkable Town Famous for Its Natural Hot Springs in North Carolina
A visit to Hot Springs NC for a walk around town and dipping into the hot mineral water for a relaxing weekend.
These are the Most Underrated Tourist Spots in Kentucky, According to Local Redditors
Don’t pass up any of these underrated tourist attractions and spots in Kentucky.
These are the Most Underrated Tourist Spots in Georgia, According to Local Redditors
Don’t miss these underrated tourist spots in Georgia. These are the low-key places that locals can't stop talking about.
Dahlonega is a Walkable City in Georgia Known for its Golden History
Experience Dahlonega, a walkable city in Georgia, with brick sidewalks, rich gold rush history, and easy access to the mountains and wineries.
Locals Love This Iconic Roadside Spot in North Carolina – Here’s Why
The odd tale of a mysterious hidden gem in North Carolina and how one strange mailbox can teach us much more than we think.
A Sweet Valentine’s Day Getaway Awaits at This Tennessee Airbnb
Learn the history of chocolate with the unique Airbnb and taste the delectable treats that story produced right in Nashville Tennessee.
How I’d Redo my Trip to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia
With 105 miles to travel in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia here are the hikes and sights I would make sure I experienced if I had to do it all over again.
How I’d Redo my Trip to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky
Longing to delve back into the underground beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park, here is how I would do things a little differently this time.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at This Chocolate Fest in Tennessee
Get your tickets to Jonesborough’s Chocolate Fest for a two-day celebration of love and sweet treats.
The Walkable Tennessee Town That’s Known for Its Art Scene
The art in Chattanooga, Tennessee is second to none and there are plenty of amazing places to see these pieces in this scenic river city.
5 Romantic Airbnbs in Tennessee Perfect for a Year-Round Getaway
Allow the fires of love to burn bright with any of these romantic retreats in Tennessee for you and the love of your life.
The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Hikes You’ll Find in Tennessee
From waterfalls to sunsets, explore any of these romantic hikes with your Valentine for a unique and beautiful date.
How I’d Redo my Trip to Charleston in South Carolina
I enjoyed the beach along the coast, now, if I had to redo my trip to Charleston, South Carolina, I would dig deeper into the historical culture of this fascinating town.
How I’d Redo my Trip to Franklin in North Carolina
After completely missing some of the most charming little towns in the mountains, here is how I would change my trip to Franklin North Carolina.
Lessons Learned From My Trip to Georgia’s Northern Mountains
The mountains in Georgia are teeming with jaw-dropping waterfalls that I drove right past; this is how I would plan that trip knowing what I know now.
The Most Romantic Hiking Trail in Georgia for a Valentine’s Day Adventure
Hiking in Georgia has never been so magical as you trek through the wintery wonderland for a romantic and adventurous adventure.
We Felt Like We Were on Top of the World at This Epic Mountaintop Tower in North Carolina
Up a windy dirt mountain road, we traveled to find Wayah Bald in North Carolina, which we found to be one of the best fire towers in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We Found Life-Sized Dinosaurs at This Underrated Tennessee gem
See dozens of life-sized dinosaurs at Backyard Terrors in Bluff City, a free dinosaur park in Tennessee that was way more fun than I thought it would be.
Enjoy a Cozy Meal at This Historic Inn and Restaurant in Georgia’s Mountains
Known as one of the best hotels in Georgia, the Lake Rahun Hotel is a true rags-to-riches story that offers some of the freshest meals in the mountains.
Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Peaceful South Carolina Island
A tropical escape to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with mild weather and beautiful beaches, is an excellent getaway from all your winter worries.
Which Cave Is the Best in the U.S.? Mammoth Cave Vs. Carlsbad
Discover the best caves in the US as we compare Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns to see which underground adventure is worth your trip.
10 “Hidden Gems” in North Carolina We’ve Always Known About but Can’t Stop Visiting
These hidden gems in North Carolina aren’t so hidden anymore, mostly because I keep going back to them time and time again. Here are some of my favorite spots in NC.
5 Florida Adventures Perfect for Kids and Parents
Who knows about family-friendly fun in Florida better than an eleven-year-old? From hands-on museums to sunny oceanside days, this is a kid's dream vacation.
Why This Underrated Tennessee City Is a Must-See for Travelers
There are so many things to do in Sevierville, Tennessee, that it deserves a second look. Spend some time exploring what's known as the gateway to the Smokies.
Beat the Winter Blues with a Trip to This Always-Sunny Florida City
Escape to always-sunny St. Petersburg FL this winter. In the cold months, the beaches are less crowded and there are tons of activities to keep you busy.
Stay at This Quaint Airbnb While Exploring Florida’s Charming Small Town
High Springs is a small town in Florida known as the “Gateway to the Springs.” With so many outdoor activities to enjoy, you will want to settle in and stay for a while.
5 Things to Do in the Dark in South Carolina (They’re Not What You Think)
The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down; here are five amazingly fun things to do in the dark in SC, from hunting glowing mushrooms to gazing at the stars.
I Found Myself Miles Deep in the Congaree Wetlands in South Carolina for an Epic Adventure
Congaree National Park offered me an exciting adventure as I hiked miles in the wetlands to witness cypress trees as I fought off hundreds of insects.
Discovering the Mysteries of the Past at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Tennessee
Old Stone Fort in Tennessee is an archaeological park teeming with ancient mysteries but also home to many stunning waterfalls making it well worth the visit.
I Have Been Swept up Into a Fairy Tale Story to Find Giant Trolls all Across the United States
I was hooked after seeing the first giant sculpture and now I want to see all of the giant trolls hidden in our country's magnificent woods and coast to coast.
This Tennessee Landscape Turns Into a Serene Frozen Wonderland During Winter
Frozen waterfalls in Tennessee can be tricky to find, but when the temperatures drop head to the Cherokee National Forest to see this amazing natural beauty.
