Courtnie Erickson
Courtnie Erickson is a southeastern Idaho-based writer and Utah State University journalism graduate with nearly 20 years of professional writing experience. She lives near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks — and is personally working toward visiting all 63 U.S. national parks — giving her an unmatched on-the-ground perspective on Western destinations. For Only In Your State, she covers regional restaurants, attractions, and one-of-a-kind accommodations with a focus on hidden gems scattered across the West. Follow her on LinkedIn.
One of Southern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar
Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in California, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
Discover This Underrated Montana Town Full of Quirky Charm
Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Montana, filled with unique dinosaur attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
The Small-Town State Park in Kansas Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Kansas where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
One of Idaho’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar
Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in Idaho, filled with outdoor recreation and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
Take a Unique Adventure On Wyoming’s Best Rail Trail
This scenic rail trail in Wyoming offers incredible views without the tough climb. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.
These 10 Fleeting Natural Wonders Only Appear Under Certain Conditions
From blooming deserts to glowing waves, these 10 short-lived natural wonders in the U.S. prove nature always has a few surprises in store.
The Small-Town State Park in Montana Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Montana where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
5 Epic Airbnbs in Oregon With Cold Plunges, Indoor Pools, and River Access
Soak, swim, and unwind at these epic vacation rentals with cold plunges, indoor pools, and riverfront access—ideal for your next getaway.
This Montana Airbnb Has a 40-Foot Waterfall, Swimming Hole, and Unreal Views
Discover a standout Airbnb in Montana with a 40-foot waterfall, swimming hole, and epic views — here's what makes it worth booking.
The Small-Town State Park in Washington Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Washington where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
5 Epic Airbnbs in Northern California With Infinity-Edge Pools and Unreal Views
Discover standout Airbnbs in Northern California with infinity-edge pools and unforgettable views — here's what makes each one worth booking.
Take a Unique Adventure On Northern Idaho’s Best Bike Path
Stretching along the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene, this paved trail offers stunning water views, easy terrain, and access to charming stops along the way.
The Small-Town State Park in Utah Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Utah where scenic views, peaceful trails, and a quiet reservoir make it feel like a hidden gem.
4 Epic Airbnbs in Idaho With Cold Plunges and Stunning Views
These incredible Idaho Airbnbs combine breathtaking scenery, cold plunges, and unique features that make them worth booking ASAP.
5 Must-Book Alaska Airbnbs With Unreal Water Views
Discover standout Airbnbs in Alaska with peace, quiet, and epic water views — here's what makes each one worth booking.
I Saw the Big Boy Steam Locomotive on Its 250th Anniversary Tour—Here’s What It Was Like
History came to life as the Big Boy steam locomotive rolled into Utah on a historic coast-to-coast tour. Here’s what it was like to see this iconic train up close.
5 Epic Airbnbs in Washington With Infinity-Edge Pools, Cold Plunges, and Hidden Waterfalls
Discover standout Airbnbs in Washington with infinity pools, cold plunges, and waterfall views — here's what makes each one worth booking.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Montana
Discover Fort Peck, Montana—a little-known waterfront town filled with scenic lake views, outdoor adventure, and small-town charm that makes it one of the state’s most delightful hidden gems.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Idaho
Discover Cascade, Idaho, a charming waterfront town nestled along Lake Cascade. With scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a small-town vibe, it’s a hidden gem worth exploring.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Northern California
This Northern California gem offers stunning waterfront views, unique streets, and a relaxing escape near San Francisco.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Kansas
This charming waterfront town offers scenic views, outdoor adventures, and a peaceful escape from the crowds. It's a true Kansas gem.
3 Magical Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Crater Lake National Park
From peaceful viewpoints to starry landscapes, these secret places reveal a quieter, more enchanting side of this iconic Oregon park.
15 Flower-Filled Spring Hikes Across the U.S.
These 15 flower-filled spring hikes across the U.S. offer vibrant blooms, peaceful trails, and some of the season’s most stunning views.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Oregon
Discover the charm of Waldport, Oregon, a little-known waterfront town where scenic coastal views, quiet beaches, and laid-back vibes create the perfect off-the-beaten-path escape.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Washington
Stehekin is a remote waterfront destination where natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm create one of Washington’s most unforgettable hidden escapes.
The Unexpected Montana Treehouse You’ll Remember Forever
Trade the ordinary for the extraordinary at this boat-shaped treehouse near Columbia Falls. Here, forest serenity and creative architecture make every moment memorable.
3 Magical Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Olympic National Park
From quiet hiking trails to interesting historical sites, these lesser-known spots reveal a quieter, more enchanting side of this iconic Washington park.
6 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Idaho for a Spring Hike
Ready for a spring adventure? Explore six beautiful hiking trails known for waterfalls, wildflowers, and stunning scenery.
The Unique Alaska Tour You’ll Remember Forever
From scenic rails to glacier kayaking, this bucket-list tour from Anchorage explores the wild beauty of the Last Frontier.
I Went to 7 of the Most Viral TikTok Destinations in the Western U.S.—Here’s My Honest Take
I traveled to seven of the Western U.S.’s most viral TikTok destinations. Here’s what surprised me, what impressed me, and what wasn’t worth the hype.
The Unique Oregon Cottage You’ll Remember Forever
Escape to a Tolkien-inspired Airbnb in Mosier—an enchanting retreat that brings a touch of Middle-earth to the Columbia River Gorge.
From Ramen to Pad Thai: Discover Idaho’s Best Noodles
From ramen cravings to Pad Thai favorites, Mr. Thai is a must-visit for noodle lovers in Idaho.
From Ramen to Udon: Discover Montana’s Best Noodles
From savory ramen to slurp-worthy udon, the Noodle House in Billings is a must-visit spot for noodle lovers of all ages.
10 Airbnbs Near South Carolina’s Most Epic Waterfalls
Planning a waterfall getaway? These 10 Airbnbs near South Carolina’s most epic waterfalls offer cozy stays just minutes from stunning cascades and scenic trails.
These 15 Waterfalls Deliver Epic Views, Zero Hiking Required
Skip the trail and head straight to the view—these 15 waterfalls deliver breathtaking scenery with little to no hiking required.
14 Scenic Towns in the U.S. Perfect for the ‘Not Outdoorsy’ Crowd
From storybook downtowns to waterfront strolls, these 14 scenic towns in the U.S. are ideal for travelers who prefer relaxing charm over rugged adventure.
This Underground Cheese Cave in Montana Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
At Greycliff Mill in rural Montana, travelers can discover an underground cheese cave filled with artisan cheeses, a market with fresh bread, and one of the most unique stops along I-90.
This Primitive Hot Spring in Idaho Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
Just a short walk from the road, Weir Creek Hot Springs is a primitive forest soak that makes for one of the most underrated road trip stops.
This Unexpected Place in Oregon Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
Leslie Gulch in eastern Oregon stuns with towering volcanic formations and remote scenery, making it one of the most surprising road trip stops in the state.
Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Wyoming
This small historic town in Wyoming is winning over travelers with its peaceful atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and miraculous past.
6 Airbnbs Near Idaho’s Most Epic Waterfalls
These six Airbnbs near Idaho’s most epic waterfalls put you close to roaring cascades, scenic hikes, and some of the state’s most unforgettable views.
The Small Montana Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Kila, Montana, may be small, but its quiet charm, friendly community, and scenic surroundings make it a place locals hope tourists overlook.
The Small Wyoming Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Tucked along Wyoming’s high desert, Wamsutter is the kind of quiet small town locals cherish. With wide-open landscapes, big skies, and a peaceful pace of life, it’s a hidden stop many residents hope stays off the tourist trail.
The Oregon Airbnb Where You Can Hear Rushing Falls Just Down the Street
Tucked into Oregon’s countryside, this charming farm stay Airbnb is just down the road from Abiqua Falls and a quick drive to Silver Falls State Park, making it an ideal base for nature lovers.
The Small Idaho Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Just outside Idaho Falls, Ririe is a peaceful rural town known for its farmland, mountain scenery, and the beautiful Ririe Reservoir—a hidden Idaho spot locals love.
