
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.
