A person with long, wavy hair wearing a headset and colorful eye makeup, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

Clarisa Akred

Clarisa Akred is a born-and-raised Kansan who has experienced the Sunflower State from its smallest towns to its largest cities. For Only In Your State, Clarisa covers Kansas destinations with the genuine local insight of someone who has spent their whole life exploring the state. Their writing reflects a deep, personal connection to Kansas — the kind of firsthand knowledge that no outside perspective can replicate.

Nature
Waterfalls

Visit Lake Catherine State Park In Arkansas, A Hidden Gem Swimming Hole That Has Its Very Own Waterfall

Lake Catherine State Park in Arkansas features a scenic hiking trail leading to the stunning Falls Creek Falls waterfall and a swimming hole.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 15
A serene waterfall cascades over rocks into a clear pool, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Visit The Fascinating Falcon Castle Ruins In Colorado For An Adventure Into The Past

The Falcon Castle Ruins Trail in Colorado offers a unique hiking experience with historical ruins and scenic views.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 17
Ruins of a stone building surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky, with a wooden fence in the foreground.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

16 Stops Along I-70 In Kansas That Are Worth Pulling Over For

Discover 16 unique and interesting stops along I-70 in Kansas, from historic sites to quirky attractions.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 4
A historic white two-story house with multiple windows, set on a stone foundation surrounded by greenery.
Nature
Hiking

Dig For Different Types Of Authentic Quartz At Middle Moat Mountain In New Hampshire

Moat Mountain Mineral Site offers a unique hiking and gemstone hunting experience in the White Mountains.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 7
A trail sign for White Mountain National Forest with a hiker and dog walking on a wooded path in the background.
Nature
National & State Parks

7 Amazing State Parks Around Kansas City That Will Blow You Away

Discover the best state parks near Kansas City for hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying nature.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 6
A serene sunset over a calm lake, with silhouetted trees reflecting on the water's surface.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 22 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Oklahoma

Discover the best vacation rentals in Oklahoma, offering unique experiences and amenities for families, couples, and solo travelers.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 12
A wooden balcony overlooks a scenic view of mountains and a lake under a clear blue sky.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 21 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Nebraska

Discover unique and highly-rated vacation rentals across Nebraska, perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 18
A modern tiny house with large windows, surrounded by trees, at sunset in a serene outdoor setting.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 20 Absolute Best Places To Stay In North Dakota

Discover the best vacation rentals in North Dakota, ranging from rural retreats to city comforts, perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 8
A brown house with a blue truck parked nearby, set against rolling green hills and a clear blue sky.
Nature
Hiking

Lockwood To Barr Is A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In Florida That’s Great For A Family Hike

Lockwood to Barr Trail in Little Big Econ State Forest offers a family-friendly waterfall hike with beautiful scenery.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 30
A wooden boardwalk stretches through a lush green forest, surrounded by trees and foliage.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

There Are A Total Of 4 Nature Trails Hiding Around The Small Town Of Germfask, Michigan

Explore scenic hiking trails around Germfask, Michigan, for a day or weekend adventure.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 30
A serene landscape featuring a calm lake surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
Food
Restaurants

Buck’s BBQ Is An RV Park And Steakhouse Kansas Can’t Pass Up

Buck’s BBQ and Steakhouse & RV Park And Cabin Rental in Kansas offers both delicious food and unique accommodations for travelers.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 13
A rural scene featuring a building with several parked vehicles and a green sign indicating directions to nearby locations.
Stays
Hotels & Resorts

A Miniature Landing Strip And An RV Park Make The Beaumont Hotel A Kansas Must Visit

Beaumont Hotel in Kansas offers historic charm, unique amenities, and excellent RV camping options.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 12
Exterior view of the Beaumont Hotel, featuring large windows and a sign, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

12 Unforgettable Kansas Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

Discover the best day trips in Kansas, from ice skating and antique malls to historic museums and natural wonders.

by Clarisa Akred
on Mar 8
A stunning sunset with a flock of birds flying over a shimmering water surface, creating a serene atmosphere.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

The 22 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Kansas

Discover 22 exciting day trips in Kansas, ranging from historic sites to state parks and unique local attractions.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 7
A yellow and black train crosses a bridge on a sunny day, surrounded by greenery and blue skies.
Trips & Routes
Day Trips

4 Incredible Kansas Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Explore unique train excursions in Kansas for memorable day trips with family.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 8
A red and black diesel locomotive labeled "Abilene & Smoky Valley" parked beside a green train car on a sunny day.
State Pride
Fun Facts

Some People Don’t Know That Kansans Were The First To Do These 9 Things

Kansas is home to many historical firsts and notable inventions, including the rotary blade helicopter and the first female mayor in the U.S.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 2
A woman in vintage aviator attire stands beside a biplane, showcasing early aviation history.
Experiences
Activities

8 Lazy Rivers In Kansas That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

Discover the best lazy rivers in Kansas to cool off during the hot summer days.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jul 5
Aerial view of a lazy river with people floating on pink inner tubes under palm trees.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 19 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Kansas

Discover the best vacation rentals in Kansas, offering unique and comfortable accommodations for families, couples, and groups.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 12
A cozy wooden treehouse nestled among trees, featuring multiple levels and warm lighting.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 20 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Iowa

Discover the best vacation rentals in Iowa, offering unique accommodations for families, couples, and large groups.

by Clarisa Akred
on Jun 14
A modern wooden house surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 20 Absolute Best Places To Stay In South Dakota

Discover top-rated vacation rentals in South Dakota, perfect for families, couples, and budget-conscious travelers.

by Clarisa Akred
on May 23
A cozy stone cabin with large windows, illuminated by warm lights, surrounded by trees at dusk.