A person with short hair wearing a blue turtleneck and a burgundy top, standing by a window with a thoughtful expression.

Hayley Sroka

Hayley Sroka is a contributor to Only In Your State whose published work highlights the hidden gems, local flavors, and unique experiences that make each destination worth exploring.

Nature
Waterfalls

See One Of The Tallest Waterfalls In Montana At Woodbine Falls

Woodbine Falls in Montana offers a peaceful and accessible hiking experience to one of the state's tallest waterfalls.

by Hayley Sroka
on Mar 21
A scenic waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Unique, Out-Of-The-Way Glass Beach In Washington That’s Always Worth A Visit

Glass Beach in Port Townsend, Washington, is a unique and secluded beach known for its sea glass and scenic views.

by Hayley Sroka
on May 2
A serene beach scene with a calm shoreline, cliffs in the background, and a clear blue sky.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

The Absolutely Whimsical Candy Store In South Dakota, Custer County Candy Company Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

Custer County Candy Company in South Dakota offers a whimsical candy experience with a wide variety of chocolates and sweets.

by Hayley Sroka
on May 2
Sign for Custer County Candy Company, hanging from a brick building against a cloudy sky.
Nature
Mountains

McFerrin Point In Arkansas Leads To One Of The Most Scenic Views In The State

McFerrin Point in Arkansas offers a moderate-level hike with a rewarding panoramic view of the landscape.

by Hayley Sroka
on Jan 12
A scenic view of rolling hills and valleys, framed by trees with autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.
Experiences

One Of The Most Haunted Bridges In Texas, The Old Alton Bridge Has Been Around Since 1884

Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman’s Bridge, is one of the most haunted bridges in Texas, known for its chilling paranormal activity and eerie legends.

by Hayley Sroka
on Dec 28
Plaque on the Old Alton Bridge, built in 1884, noting its listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Experiences
Museums

The Museum Of Everyday Life In Vermont Might Just Be The Strangest Tourist Trap Yet

The Museum of Everyday Life in Glover, Vermont, offers a unique, self-service experience focusing on the beauty of mundane objects.

by Hayley Sroka
on Oct 28
A rustic building labeled "Museum of Everyday Life," featuring large scissors in front and various artifacts displayed.
Nature
National & State Parks

Bellevue State Park Is A Gorgeous Forest Trail In Iowa That Will Take You To A Hidden Overlook

Bellevue State Park in Iowa offers scenic hiking trails with stunning views of the Mississippi River.

by Hayley Sroka
on Sep 15
Scenic view of a river winding through green hills, with a bridge and small town visible in the distance.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Discover A Pristine Paradise When You Visit Kentucky’s Green River Lake

Green River Lake in Kentucky offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating, fishing, and camping, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

by Hayley Sroka
on Sep 4
A serene sunset over a calm lake, with a small boat silhouetted against the colorful sky and distant trees.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

Travel Back In Time When You Visit Riverside Game Lab, An Arcade Bar In Southern California

Riverside Game Lab in Riverside, CA, offers a unique gaming and bar experience with a mix of vintage and modern games, drinks, and food.

by Hayley Sroka
on Aug 4
A vibrant arcade filled with classic pinball machines and video game cabinets, illuminated by colorful lights.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

With Attractions Galore, The Small Town Of Jamestown, Rhode Island Is Perfect For A Family Getaway

Jamestown, Rhode Island, offers a variety of attractions and a quaint atmosphere perfect for a family getaway.

by Hayley Sroka
on Jun 14
A lighthouse on rocky shore at sunset, with vibrant pink and purple skies reflecting over calm waters.
Experiences
Attractions
Shops & Boutiques

Find More Than 75,000 Books At Rhino Booksellers, The Largest Discount Bookstore In Nashville

Rhino Booksellers in Nashville offers a unique experience for book lovers with its vast collection of used books and the presence of Charlotte the cat.

by Hayley Sroka
on May 24
A storefront with a green exterior, featuring signs for books, art, and music, and a "Vintage Fiction" banner.
Nature
Hiking

Blackland Prairie Trail Boardwalk In Mississippi Leads To One Of The Most Scenic Views In The State

The Blackland Prairie Trail in Tupelo, Mississippi, offers a scenic, dog-friendly boardwalk hike with diverse surfaces and beautiful year-round scenery.

by Hayley Sroka
on May 18
A child walks along a wooden path through a lush green forest, surrounded by trees and wildflowers.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

Travel Back To The 80s At The Gaslight Social, A Rustic-Themed Adult Arcade In Wyoming

Gaslight Social in Casper, Wyoming, offers a unique blend of 80s arcade nostalgia, live music, and modern amenities for adults.

by Hayley Sroka
on May 4
Exterior of The Gaslight Social, featuring a marquee sign with lights, on a rainy day.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Waurika Is Allegedly One Of Oklahoma’s Most Haunted Small Towns

by Hayley Sroka
on Apr 29
Sign welcoming visitors to Waurika, featuring local symbols and information about the Chisholm Trail.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

The Arboretum State Botanical Garden Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Kentucky That’s Affordable

by Hayley Sroka
on Apr 29
A vibrant pink tree stands beside a path where people walk, enjoying a sunny day in a park.
Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

Visit These Fascinating Collings Castle Ruins In Oklahoma For An Adventure Into The Past

Collings Castle in Turner Falls Park, Oklahoma, offers a unique glimpse into medieval architecture and history.

by Hayley Sroka
on Apr 13
Aerial view of stone ruins surrounded by lush green trees in a forested area.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

The Absolutely Whimsical Candy Store In South Carolina, Sweet Julep’s Will Make You Feel Like A Kid Again

Sweet Julep’s in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, offers a nostalgic and delightful candy store experience with homemade chocolates and a variety of sweet treats.

by Hayley Sroka
on Apr 3
Sign for "Sweet Julep's Fine Southern Confections" on a storefront with a cloudy sky above.
Experiences
Museums

International Cryptozoology Museum In Maine Just Might Be The Strangest Tourist Trap Yet

The International Cryptozoology Museum in Portland, Maine, offers a unique and educational experience focused on mysterious creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

by Hayley Sroka
on Mar 31
Sign for the International Cryptozoology Museum featuring a stylized fish illustration.
Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

Travel Back To The Dark Ages By Visiting Utah’s Very Own Needles District of Canyonlands

The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park offers mesmerizing rock formations and trails that transport visitors back in time.

by Hayley Sroka
on Mar 24
Sunset over rugged rock formations and cliffs, casting warm light on the landscape in a desert setting.
Trips & Routes
Road Trips

Litchfield County Is An Inexpensive Road Trip Destination In Connecticut That’s Affordable

Litchfield County in Connecticut offers an affordable and diverse road trip experience with historical sites and natural wonders.

by Hayley Sroka
on Mar 9
A charming street lined with parked cars and historic buildings, featuring a clock tower in the background.