A person smiles by a serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.

Chris Muras

Chris Muras is a travel writer for Only In Your State who approaches every destination with the curiosity of a true explorer — always looking for what lies beyond the obvious and sharing the discoveries with readers. His writing is driven by a genuine belief that the most interesting places are found by those willing to take the next step into the unknown.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Northern California

Northern California offers a variety of unique and affordable vacation rentals perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers.

A cozy outdoor deck with a hot tub, seating area, and a charming blue house surrounded by tall trees.

Weather & Natural Phenomena

15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Maryland That Defy Explanation

A serene waterfall cascades into a clear pool, surrounded by autumn foliage and rocky terrain.

Best Cabins in Nebraska for a Cozy and Scenic Getaway

Discover some of the best cabin rentals in Nebraska, offering unique amenities and beautiful surroundings for various types of getaways.

exterior of a cabin in Columbus, Nebraska

Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Attractions and Activities in West Virginia

West Virginia turns into a winter wonderland after a snow fall. Here are some of the state's best winter attractions and activities.

Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Attractions and Activities in Washington

If you are looking for things to do in Washington in winter, check out this list of fun places to visit, things to do, and unique events.

Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Attractions and Activities in New York

Discover some of the best things to do in New York in winter with these 16 activities, weekend getaways, and events you do not want to miss.

15 Best Places to Visit in April in the U.S.

April is one of the best and most beautiful times to travel. Get inspired by the best places to visit in the U.S. in April.

Norwegian Aqua departing Miami port with colorful hull

15 Best U.S. Destinations to Visit in February

Whether you're seeking adventure or a romantic escape, these spots are sure to please.

A serene beach at sunset, with gentle waves lapping at the shore and colorful clouds in the sky.

15 Top Places Across the U.S. to Visit This March

If it's time to start planning for that spring vacation, you'll want to check out this list of the best places to visit in the U.S. in March.

Aerial drone view of the iconic Lake Eola fountain surrounded by downtown Orlando skyline, 2026

The Best Things To Do In Sherman, Texas: 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Hidden Gems

A theater stage set featuring a staircase, doors, a couch, and a small table, ready for a performance.

The Best Things To Do In Chillicothe, Ohio: 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Hidden Gems

Discover the unique attractions and activities in Chillicothe, Ohio, from haunted tours to scenic state parks.

A live animal show in a natural setting, with performers and horses in front of a seated audience among greenery.

The 26 Best Campgrounds in Vermont – Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

Vermont offers a variety of camping experiences from luxury RV resorts to primitive backcountry spots in its national and state forests.

A serene river flows over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and autumn-colored trees, with a bridge in the background.

15 Standout Places Across the U.S. to Visit This January

Discover the best places to visit in the USA in January, from warm beach destinations to exciting winter adventures.

Woman enjoying a sunny day on the sandy beach of Pak Bia Island in Krabi, Thailand, surrounded by clear turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs.

National & State Parks

The Most Remote State Park In Michigan Is The Perfect Place To Escape

Craig Lake State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers year-round outdoor activities and remote natural beauty.

A serene lake scene with a yellow kayak on the shore, a dock, and lush greenery under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

15 Absolute Best Places to Visit in December Across the United States

Discover the best places to visit in the USA in December, from festive towns to quiet beach getaways.

A joyful couple in cozy winter coats and scarves sharing a warm embrace and laughter under falling snow, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights, a decorated evergreen tree

14 U.S. Destinations That Are at Their Best in November

Discover 14 unique and exciting destinations in the USA to visit in November, each offering special events, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds.

Statue of Liberty with the New York City skyline in the background on a clear day.

The Scenic Drive In Indiana That Runs Straight Through The Charming Small Town Of Corydon

The Ohio River Scenic Byway offers a picturesque drive through historic towns and natural beauty, with Corydon, Indiana, being a notable stop.

A winding road through a forest with vibrant autumn foliage and soft morning light.

15 U.S. Destinations That Are at Their Best in October

Discover the best places to visit in the USA in October for fall colors, festivals, and outdoor adventures.

Shot of the town Stowe, Vermont during fall.

18 Best Hikes in New York: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

Explore some of the best hiking trails in New York, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs, offering stunning views and unique natural features.

A scenic waterfall cascades down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery, with a bridge and people in the foreground.

18 Best Hikes in Vermont: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

Vermont offers a variety of scenic hiking trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging mountain climbs.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. Rocky shoreline in the foreground.

18 Best Hikes in Kentucky: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

Discover the best hiking trails in Kentucky, offering diverse terrain, scenic views, and outdoor adventures for all skill levels.

A natural stone arch over a calm stream, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees in a serene forest setting.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 18 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Utah

Highlights unique and desirable vacation rentals in Utah for various types of travelers.

Two people sit outside a house under a starry sky, with mountains in the background and warm lights glowing from the windows.

Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In September Across The United States

September offers unique travel experiences across the USA, from fall colors and festivals to outdoor adventures and fewer crowds.

A scenic view of a river surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 19 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Minnesota

A curated list of top vacation rentals in Minnesota, highlighting unique features and amenities for families and couples.

A large log cabin with a stone foundation, surrounded by trees, illuminated at sunset.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Here Are 11 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes In Washington, According To Our Readers

Washington boasts some of the most beautiful lakes in the United States, each offering unique scenic views and recreational activities.

A serene lake reflects a snow-capped mountain surrounded by lush green forests under a clear blue sky.

Here Are the 15 Absolute Best Places to Visit in August Across the United States

Discover the best places to visit in the USA in August, from scenic lakes and charming towns to exciting events and hidden gems.

A scenic view of a waterfall cascading over rocks, with a lake and mountains in the background during sunset.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Alabama

Discover some of the best vacation rentals in Alabama, offering unique and affordable accommodations for families, couples, and solo travelers.

A modern beach house with a pool, surrounded by greenery, under a colorful sunset sky.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Wisconsin

Discover the best places to stay in Wisconsin, from affordable rentals to family-friendly resorts and romantic cabins.

A cozy black house surrounded by trees, featuring a fire pit and seating area in a landscaped yard at sunset.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Missouri

Discover the best places to stay in Missouri, from family-friendly cabins to romantic getaways and affordable rentals.

A cozy cabin surrounded by trees, with colorful kayaks in front and warm lights illuminating the structure at dusk.

Vacation Rentals

Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Kentucky

Discover some of the best rental properties in Kentucky for families, couples, and adventurers.

Aerial view of a unique round house with a red roof, surrounded by trees and a grassy area.

Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In July Across The United States

Discover the best places to visit in the USA in July, from beach towns to historic sites and outdoor adventure spots.

Sunset over a city skyline with skyscrapers, reflecting on water, along a cobblestone waterfront path.

Here Are the 15 Absolute Best Places to Visit in June Across the United States

Discover 15 of the best places to visit in the USA in early summer, from coastal escapes and national parks to charming small towns and hidden gems.

a buffalo grazes at yellowstone national park at sunset

Kentucky Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Discover the best road trips in Kentucky, showcasing extraordinary sights and customizable routes.

Alabama Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Explore the best road trips in Alabama, from one-day adventures to seasonal excursions.

14 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. in May: From Hidden Gems to Outdoor Adventures

Discover the best places to travel in the U.S. in May, from beaches and barbecue spots to hidden gems and outdoor adventures.

a hiker stands on a rock in the narrows at zion national park in utah

West Virginia Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Discover the best road trips in West Virginia for every season and interest.

New Mexico Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Discover 11 must-do road trips in New Mexico, each with its own unique attractions and scenic routes.

Map highlighting New Mexico with a red car icon, promoting the state's best road trip destinations.

Vermont Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary

Explore the best road trips in Vermont with detailed maps and recommendations for every season.

Map of Vermont highlighting scenic road trip routes, with a red car icon and the text "Road Trip Inspiration."

10 Unique Places To Stay In Oklahoma For A Memorable Experience

Discover 10 unique and memorable places to stay in Oklahoma, ranging from treehouses to luxury farmhouses.

Cozy cabin interior with wooden walls, a dining table, and a kitchen area, featuring text about unique stays in Oklahoma.

10 Unique Places To Stay In South Carolina That Offer Memorable Experiences

Discover unique vacation rentals in South Carolina, including treehouses, tiny homes, farmhouses, log cabins, and luxury beach houses.

A modern, glass-fronted treehouse surrounded by tall trees, promoting unique stays in South Carolina.