Lisa Battles
Lisa Battles is a journalism graduate of Auburn University with more than 25 years of experience as a content strategist, editor, and writer focused on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. She has traveled the U.S. for over a decade documenting its most interesting places and people, bringing editorial discipline and genuine human curiosity to every story. For Only In Your State, Lisa covers local destinations with the depth of a seasoned journalist and the heart of a devoted dog mom who always follows her curiosity around the next corner.
I Had the Best Post-Hike Patio Beer and Burger At This Alabama Brewery
Old Black Bear Brewing Company in Madison is the ultimate place for a post-hike beer and burger in Alabama.
Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel and a Meal at this Vintage Diner in Tennessee
Step back into the not-so-distant days of "Old Nashville" with this retro Nashville trip itinerary.
The Can’t-Miss Alabama Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List
Desoto Falls Bottom and Ice Box Cave Trail packs many beautiful views into a short amount of time.
I Explored a Christmas Cave in Alabama to Welcome the Holiday Season
Wonderland Under Warrior at Rickwood Caverns State Park is delightful all around and was a point of clarity for me.
This Iconic Holiday Event in Alabama is the One Thing You Must Do This Season
Bellingrath Gardens and Home's Magic Christmas in Lights near Mobile dazzles over many generations as an iconic holiday event in Alabama.
A Georgia Dining Experience So Exceptional, It’s Internationally Recognized
For an ultimate fine dining in Georgia, every detail has been considered at Michelin-star winner Lazy Betty in Midtown Atlanta
I Spent an Afternoon at Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt and Now It’s My New Favorite Holiday Event in Alabama
With classic Southern charm and a celebration of German heritage, Cullman's Christkindlmarkt is next-level.
I Found the Same Delicious Comforts at the New Location of Alabama’s Legendary Burger Joint
C.F. Penn Hamburgers in Decatur, Alabama has a "new" spot that feels like it's been there forever.
You Can Start & End Your Day At Decatur, Alabama’s Only Brewery: Cross-Eyed Owl
Kick things off weekday mornings with a fresh espresso or coffee at The Owl Cafe & Roastery. Then end the day with a craft brew!
This Iconic Holiday Event in Kentucky is the One Thing You Must Do This Season
Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom is brand new in 2024 and expected to be a top family holiday event.
Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Hotel & a Meal at this Vintage Diner in Alabama
Enjoy a vintage vacation at American's best boutique hotel in Florence, Alabama, and a restaurant that's endured over a century.
Skip the Crowds: Explore Alabama’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month
Make time for a quiet hike to center yourself in nature before the holiday bustle takes over.
If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town In Alabama, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
From eagle watching to brunching, here’s your guide to the essential things to do in Guntersville, Alabama.
This Iconic Holiday Event in Florida is the One Thing You Must Do This Season
Grab your Santa hat, sunblock, and surfboard, and make your way to Florida's Space Coast for Surfing Santas Cocoa Beach.
Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Hotel & a Meal at This Vintage Diner in Mississippi
You will thank us very much when you take our tips on where to stay and eat on this retro trip to Tupelo.
Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel & a Meal at This Vintage Diner in Georgia
No flux capacitor is needed for this beautiful nostalgic trip in the Peach State.
There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Decatur for the Holidays
Christmas in Decatur, Alabama, shines for experiences that are as dynamic as the River City itself.
This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Alabama Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox
Unplug from everything but peaceful adventures at this cozy cabin in Altoona
We Found the Ultimate Game Day Stress Relief at This Alabama Comfort Food Sports Bar
Cheer on your team and let off steam at The Game, a new sports bar in Decatur, Alabama.
I Visited This New Alabama Boutique Hotel That Honors Its Community’s Historic Local Spirit
The Flying Fifty, a luxury boutique hotel in Cullman, Alabama, features seven suites that capture the soul of the community.
This Retro Bakery and Brunch Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee Brought Us a Real Sense of Nostalgia
The Butter Milk Ranch was once a popular music scene clothing store and hangout
The Mississippi Literary Road Trip Leads to 6 Incredible Bookstores, Libraries, and Museums
Get an intimate look into the lives and works of some of the nation's most famous writers.
If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town In Mississippi, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Bring your appetite with this top-level toolkit of tips on the best things to do in Oxford, Mississippi.
This Massive Antique Mall and Flea Market in MIssissippi Has Its Very Own Snack Bar
Hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures at this huge antique mall in Mississippi, then grab a bite at the onsite snack bar. Sounds like the perfect day!
The Alabama Literary Road Trip Leads to 6 Incredible Bookstores, Libraries, and More
The state is full of special bookstores, libraries, and other landmarks significant to literature nationally and globally.
Don’t Miss the Most Magical Halloween Event in All of Alabama
The annual pumpkin carve at Auburn University celebrates its 36th year this October
The Remote Town in Kentucky We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more fun remote town in Kentucky than Slade!
This 12.7-Mile Hiking Trail in Alabama is a Fall Foliage Wonderland
Take the Red Road Trail at Oak Mountain State Park, the state's largest and oldest park property.
The Ghost Town That Is Situated in Both Texas and New Mexico
A former railroad town and Route 66 rest stop, only ruins remain in Glenrio
The Natural Fountains in Alabama Not Many People Know About
Besides a hidden bamboo forest, the many artesian wells in Prattville, Alabama, are another natural phenomenon many folks don't seem to know.
This Enormous Antique Mall in Alabama Will Bump Your Thrifting Game to 11
Firehouse Antiques and Collectibles Station #2, an antique mall in Decatur, Alabama, has grown a following as vast as its inventory since opening in 2022
The Must-Visit Panoramic-View Restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama
CoastAL became the first beachfront restaurant in Orange Beach, Alabama, in 2023, rolling out like a luxurious beach blanket before the most spectacular views.
I Discovered Great Deals at This Alabama Outdoor Apparel Store That’s Been Around Since 1953
Shop deep discounts on big brands at Wiley's Trading Company, a longtime, family-owned outdoor apparel store in Decatur, Alabama that's been in business over 70 years.
Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Attractions and Activities in Virginia
Virginians are preparing for an autumn season packed with pumpkins, cider, and endless color.
This Massive Antique and Décor Market in Alabama Has Its Very Own Filipino Coffee Shop and Café
Treasure hunters know to make University Pickers a first stop when seeking a conversation piece of furniture, unusual home décor, or the perfect gift
This Completely Free Nature Center Hiding in an Alabama State Park Is a Must-Visit
One of the best free things to do in Orange Beach, the Gulf State Park Nature Center offers free and fun programming for the whole family all year.
Dine For Less Than $10 a Person at This Iconic Hot Dog Stand in Alabama
Get cheap, iconic, hall-of-fame level food at Dew Drop Inn, a timeless hot dog stand in Mobile, Alabama.
The One Alabama Park Where You Can Feed Alligators
One of the state's best wildlife attractions, Alligator Alley in Summerdale, Alabama, is an animal adventure you won't forget.
The Breathtaking Small-Town State Park in Alabama We Can’t Stop Thinking About
Cathedral Caverns, a small-town state park in Woodville, Alabama, features a cave system with striking formations and a grand entrance measuring 126 feet wide and 25 feet high.
This Alabama Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.
A favorite Birmingham, Alabama fine dining restaurant for over three decades, Bottega reimagined its look and experience and quickly earned national recognition
I Found a Sweet Treat of a Bakery in One of Alabama’s Best Historic Neighborhoods
Discover the joy of Mel's Sweet Treats, an adorable neighborhood bakery in Decatur, Alabama, known for lavish cookie concoctions and countless other creative confections.
The Incredible Road Trip Through Alabama That Leads You to 8 Stunning Lakes
Ah, if every day could be a lake day! So why not take a week for a road trip to Alabama's best lakes and lake towns?
A 1930s-Era Generations Old Neighborhood Building Is Now Alabama’s Best New Casual Seafood Restaurant
Find fresh Gulf Coast seafood, a side of history, and fish-camp vibes at Magnolia Point, a casual seafood restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama.
We Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Devoured A Delicious Breakfast At This Roadside Diner In Alabama
This Natural Water Park in Alabama Is a Summer Dream Come True
Beat the summer heat at Devil’s Den Falls in Cheaha State Park as you enjoy cooling cascades and natural swimming pools.
6 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Alabama Summer Bucket List
The Lakefront Steakhouse In Alabama That’s Perfect For A Quiet Evening Out
Sleep In A 1920s Former Sinclair Gas Station When You Book A Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb In Alabama
Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Attractions and Activities in Alabama
Explore Alabama's top fall activities, from scenic foliage spots and pumpkin patches to vibrant festivals. Discover budget-friendly options and family-friendly adventures.
Your Ultimate Guide To Fall Attractions And Activities In Texas
