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Lea Monroe

Lea Monroe is a New York-based writer for Only In Your State who specializes in all things Empire State — with a particular focus on Buffalo and Western New York. A true regional insider, Lea covers New York's travel highlights, local culture, and hidden gems with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves where she lives. Her work keeps readers in the know about the best destinations across New York State.

14 Best Cabins in New York for a Cozy, Unforgettable Getaway

Discover some of the best cabin getaways in New York, offering a range of amenities and unique experiences.

a sauna outside a cabin in Callicoon, New York

Most People Have No Idea This Sunken Town In New York Even Exists

Discover the sunken towns of Neversink and Bittersweet in the Catskill Mountains, submerged to create reservoirs for New York City's water supply.

A black-and-white landscape showing a small village surrounded by fields and hills in the background.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

A Hidden Beach In New York, Green Lakes State Park Is An Ideal Getaway

Discover a hidden beach with stunning glacial lakes at Green Lakes State Park near Syracuse, NY.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees, reflecting the landscape in calm waters under a cloudy sky.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s Something Magical About These 10 New York Lakes In The Summer

Explore some of the best lakes in New York, each offering unique activities and stunning views.

A serene lakeside scene at sunset, with colorful flowers and mountains in the background reflecting on the water.

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

Explore the best day trips from Buffalo, New York, with unique destinations for each month of the year.

A person stands by a sign, overlooking a scenic view of a river and lush green landscape.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Get Away From It All At This Crystal Clear Lake In New York

Green Lakes State Park in New York offers breathtaking views and unique clear kayaking experiences on one of the world's only meromictic lakes.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Clearest Lake In New York Is Almost Too Beautiful To Be Real

Skaneateles Lake in New York is renowned for being one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the country.

Colorful buildings line a waterfront, with boats docked and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Lazy River Summer Tubing Adventure In New York That’s Unlike Any Other

Discover the fun-filled downhill tubing adventure at Tubby Tubes in Lake Luzerne, New York, perfect for a family-friendly summer outing.

A scenic riverbank with people enjoying water activities, surrounded by lush green trees and a clear blue sky.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Lake Ontario Beaches in New York That’ll Make You Feel Like You’re at the Ocean

Big waves and beautiful shorelines! Explore the best sandy beaches in New York along the stunning coast of Lake Ontario.

Concrete pier extending into the blue waters of Lake Ontario at Fair Haven Beach State Park in New York.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

15 Gorgeous Lakes In New York That You Must Check Out This Summer

Explore some of the best lakes near NYC for unforgettable adventures and peaceful getaways.

Aerial view of a lakeside town with green trees, buildings, and a long pier extending into the clear blue water.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Natural Waterpark In New York That’s The Perfect Place To Spend A Summer’s Day

Robert H. Treman State Park in New York offers a family-friendly swimming spot with a waterfall and hiking trails, perfect for summer adventures.

A waterfall cascades into a swimming area with people swimming and lounging on the rocks in a sunny setting.

These 6 Waterfall Swimming Holes in New York Are Perfect for a Summer Day

Discover six amazing waterfalls in New York where you can swim and cool off during the summer.

These Abandoned Water Parks Are An Eerie Reminder Of Summers Past

Explore the haunting remnants of once-beloved water parks across the USA that have been abandoned due to various circumstances.

Abandoned amusement park with colorful buildings, overgrown palm trees, and empty pathways under a clear blue sky.

The 14 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In New York

Discover some of the best day trips in Upstate New York, featuring unique attractions and outdoor adventures.

A charming winery with a blue roof, American flag, and lush vineyards under a bright sky.

Here Are 10 Unique Day Trips In New York That Are An Absolute Must-Do

Discover ten unique day trips in New York that offer a variety of experiences from nature preserves to historic sites.

A group of people on a viewing platform at a mountain summit, with a scenic landscape and cloudy sky in the background.

5 Incredible New York Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Discover five charming and historic destinations along New York's Metro-North Hudson Line for unforgettable day trips.

A serene landscape featuring a wooden mill and a white house by a calm pond, surrounded by autumn trees.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Lazy Rivers in New York That Are Perfect for Tubing on a Summer’s Day

You can find incredible summer adventures waiting for you on these natural lazy rivers for tubing in New York.

yellow tubes floating in a lazy river in new york

The Hidden Beaches Road Trip That Will Show You New York Like Never Before

Discover lesser-known beaches in New York for a more secluded and relaxing experience.

Map highlighting a road trip route to hidden beaches in New York, featuring key locations and travel time.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Here Are 7 New York Swimming Holes That Will Surely Make Your Summer Memorable

Clear, cool water has never looked so inviting.

Utah Is Home To The Nation’s Worst Drivers And Here’s Why

Utah is ranked as having the worst drivers in the United States according to QuoteWizard.

These 8 Water Parks In New York Are Pure Bliss For Anyone Who Goes There

Discover some of the best water parks in New York to enjoy during the summer.

Colorful water slides twist and turn at a water park, surrounded by greenery and lounge chairs.

9 Epic Water Parks In New York To Take Your Summer To A Whole New Level

Discover the best water parks in New York to make the most of the summer season with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.

A vibrant water park featuring colorful slides, a pool, and lounge chairs under a partly cloudy sky.

The Largest Go-Kart Track In New York Will Take You On The Ride Of Your Life

Discover the thrill of riding on New York's longest go-kart track at Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts in Alexandria Bay.

A group of go-karts racing on a winding track surrounded by green fields and trees.

Ride The Rails Through New York’s Adirondack Mountains For The Afternoon Of A Lifetime

Adirondack Scenic Rail Bikes offers a unique rail biking adventure through the scenic Adirondack Mountains in New York.

A rail bike parked on train tracks near a stop sign and a railroad crossing sign, surrounded by trees and picnic tables.

Wildlife & Farms

Go Hiking With Llamas In New York For An Adventure Unlike Any Other

Dakota Ridge Farm in Ballston Spa offers unique llama hiking experiences through its scenic property.

A group of people walking llamas along a wooded trail, surrounded by green trees and foliage.

These 9 Towns In New York Have The Most Breathtaking Scenery In The State

Discover beautiful small towns in New York that offer unique attractions and breathtaking views.

A scenic view of a lakeside building and a castle on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery under a blue sky.

This Daytrip Will Take You To The Best Wine And Waterfalls In New York

Discover a scenic day trip in New York featuring stunning waterfalls and delightful vineyards.

The Lighthouse Walk In New York That Offers Unforgettable Views

Fire Island Lighthouse offers a breathtaking walk with scenic views, sandy beaches, and a historic lighthouse experience in New York.

Caves & Rock Formations

Howe Caverns Is The Deepest Place That You Can Venture To In New York And There’s Even A Boat Ride

Explore Howe Caverns in New York for a unique underground adventure featuring the state's deepest boat ride.

Visitors line up beside a boat in a dimly lit cave, illuminated by colorful lights reflecting off the rock walls.

This Magical Waterfall Campground In New York Is Unforgettable

Discover the unforgettable Robert H. Treman State Park in New York, featuring waterfalls, hiking trails, and camping sites.

A serene waterfall cascades over rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green trees and a peaceful natural setting.

The Largest Heated Pool In The Northeast Will Make Your Summer Complete At Moose Hillock Camping Resort

Moose Hillock Camping Resort in Fort Ann, New York, features the largest heated pool in the Northeast and offers a variety of amenities for a memorable family vacation.

A vibrant pool scene at dusk, featuring a waterfall, slides, and people enjoying the water under colorful lights.

Primitive Camping In New Orleans: 6 Best Dispersed Campgrounds

A serene campsite with a tent, chairs, a cooler, and a grill, surrounded by greenery and a view of a field.

Parks & Gardens

A Trip To New York’s Neverending Tulip Field Will Make Your Spring Complete

Albany's Tulip Festival in Washington Park showcases over 100,000 tulips and celebrates the city's Dutch heritage each Mother's Day weekend.

A vibrant field of red and purple tulips with lush green trees and a statue in the background under a clear blue sky.

These 10 Amazing Camping Spots In New York Are An Absolute Must See

Discover the best campgrounds in New York for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.

This Waterpark Campground In New York Belongs At The Top Of Your Summer Bucket List

Moose Hillock Camping Resort in New York offers a unique camping experience with luxurious amenities and a tropical-themed water park.

A large outdoor pool with water slides, surrounded by trees and people enjoying the sun on lounge chairs.