Lisa Sammons
Lisa Sammons is a travel and outdoors writer who covers local hidden gems and nature destinations for Only In Your State. An avid hiker and animal welfare advocate, Lisa has explored trails and small-town landmarks across the country firsthand. Her boots-on-the-ground curiosity gives her coverage a grounded authenticity that readers trust — and her love of the outdoors means she's always out there finding the next great place to share.
The Little-Known Hiking Path in Greenville, South Carolina is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year
Paris Mountain State Park is home to 15 miles of trails. We love the Brissy Ridge Trail, which provides great views of Greenville, South Carolina, and is a wonderful hike for January explorers!
The Can’t-Miss Georgia Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List
Enjoy amazing views of the Chattahoochee River along the beautiful six-mile Cochran Shoals Trail near Marietta and Sandy Springs, Georgia.
A World of Creepy-Crawlies Awaits at This Bug Museum in New Jersey
Are you a fan of creepy-crawlies? This insect museum in New Jersey is perfect for anyone who loves spiders, bugs, and/or insects.
My Road Trips Aren’t Complete Without a Stop at This Beloved North Carolina Chain
Biscuitville is a small chain throughout several southern states that serves up delicious breakfast at an affordable price point.
The West Virginia Literary Road Trip Leads To 5 Incredible Bookstores And Libraries
If you love reading and road trips, this West Virginia literary adventure is perfect for you.
5 Candlelit Restaurants in West Virginia Perfect for a Cozy Night Out
Looking for the perfect place to take that special someone? These romantic restaurants are oh-so cozy and incredibly intimate!
The State Park in Tennessee Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Looking to enjoy nature and maybe spot a few of our feathered friends? Frozen Head State Park is home to dozens of bird species, including many you don't typically see in Tennessee.
5 Candlelit Restaurants in Kentucky Perfect for a Cozy Night Out
Whether you're trying to woo someone you've had your eye on for a while or just want to celebrate a long-term relationship, these date night restaurants in Kentucky are just what you need.
5 Candlelit Restaurants in Florida Perfect for a Cozy Night Out
Looking to put a spark into your relationship? These spots are great to take your significant other for a romantic dimly-lit date night.
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Mississippi’s Most Charming Small Towns
Discover historical destinations surrounded by natural beauty on this delightful road trip to five of the best small towns in Mississippi.
5 Candlelit Restaurants in Georgia Perfect for a Cozy Night Out
Looking to add that spark back into your relationship? These romantic date night restaurants in Georgia are perfect for an intimate evening out.
The Up-and-Coming City in Oklahoma That’s Perfectly Sized
If you love the outdoors, you don't want to miss a visit to Altus, Oklahoma. This city in Southwest Oklahoma features some great parks and a beautiful lake.
The Up-And-Coming City in Nebraska That’s Perfectly Sized
Explore Kearney, an up-and-coming city in Nebraska, with rich history, parks, museums, and outdoor adventures perfect for a weekend getaway.
The Up-and-Coming City in Vermont That’s Perfectly Sized
Middlebury, Vermont is best known as a college town, but it's also home to plenty of natural beauty, delicious restaurants, delightful shops, and so much more. It's definitely worth a visit!
The Up-and-Coming City in Mississippi That’s Perfectly Sized
Natchez is a historic mid-sized city in Mississippi, offering outdoor beauty to delicious restaurants, and fascinating museums.
The Up-and-Coming City in Illinois That’s Perfectly Sized
St. Charles, IL is a wonderful mid-sized city that's got plenty to do without being quite as busy and chaotic as Chicago can get.
The Up-and-Coming City in Hawaii That’s Perfectly Sized
Kahului is more than a hub! Learn why this vibrant up-and-coming city in Hawaii is a must-visit for culture, nature, and shopping on Maui.
The Up-and-Coming City in West Virginia That’s Perfectly Sized
Discover Vienna, a charming riverside town offering trails, great dining, and a healthy dose of small-town fun.
The Up-and-Coming City in Maine That’s Perfectly Sized
Caribou, Maine is one of the most beautiful cities to enjoy the outdoors—this is a truly gorgeous place with year-round recreation opportunities!
This Mountaintop Yurt Is the Perfect Getaway for Virginia Nature Lovers
This mountaintop yurt Airbnb is the perfect place to stay if you're looking for a glamping getaway in Stanardsville, Virginia.
The North Carolina Literary Road Trip Leads to 5 Incredible Bookstores
Love bookshops? This road trip will take you to five of the best independent bookstores in North Carolina's Research Triangle.
The Up-And-Coming City in Connecticut That’s Perfectly Sized
With a population of just under 40,000, the city of Norwich, Connecticut, is not too big and not too small. It's large enough to have wonderful attractions, but still doesn't feel too crowded!
This Unique Florida Airbnb Is the Height of Cosmopolitan Luxury
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Fort Myers, FL? This unique Airbnb offers up beautiful accommodations that look straight off a movie set.
The Iconic Trail in Colorado Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime
Discover the stats, essential safety tips, and what makes the Cathedral Lake Trail one of Colorado's most popular and scenic alpine journeys.
The Iconic National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi Everyone Should Visit Once in Their Lifetime
The Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful, sprawling wetland, featuring scenic trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
This Treehouse in the Woods Is a Whimsical West Virginia Escape
This unique treehouse in Walton, West Virginia is such a whimsical place to spend the night! It's a stunningly beautiful Airbnb.
This Florida Beach Getaway Has a Heated Pool and Private Cabana Oasis
There's no need to hit up a crowded Florida beach; enjoy the Sunshine State in style with this Airbnb's heated pool and private cabana!
This Hectic Cross-Country Trip to Colorado Healed My Soul
In a chaotic time in my life, I traveled to Colorado's Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre and found it to be an incredible experience.
Ghostly Grandeur Awaits at This Hauntingly Beautiful Cemetery in Georgia
Even if you don't believe in ghosts, it's hard to not feel something when exploring this historic place, which is one of the most beautiful in Savannah.
This Brand New Rural Getaway in Georgia Is the Ultimate Luxury Vacation
Be one of the first to check out Quercus, a brand new luxury getaway in Middle Georgia that's the perfect blend of rural scenery and luxury accommodations.
This Rustic Cabin Is the Perfect Cozy Getaway in Kentucky
Captain's Cabin is an adorable (and historic!) getaway for two that's just the rustic escape you've been looking for.
The Georgia Literary Road Trip Leads To 5 Incredible Bookstores And Libraries
Consider yourself a bibliophile? Check out this amazing road trip that will take you to five of the state's best independent bookstores in the Atlanta and Athens area.
I Learned to Ski at This One-of-a-Kind Indoor Slope in New Jersey
Whether you're a seasoned skiier or just learning the sport, this mall in New Jersey offers up a unique opportunity to skii indoors.
If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Maine, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Bridgton, Maine is one of the Pine Tree State's best small towns. This adorable place earned its nickname of "Maine's Switzerland."
There’s a Colorful Beachfront Airbnb in New Jersey and It’s the Perfect Little Hideout
Looking for a great place to stay in Lower Township, New Jersey? Check out the Octopus Cottage, a colorful beachfront getaway with its own hot tub!
The Audubon Important Bird Area in Colorado Where You’ll See More Than 100 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Looking for great places to bird-watch near Denver? The Denver Audubon Nature Center at Chatfield State Park is a wonderful option!
The Remote Town in Alabama We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of
Russellville, Alabama is a charming small town that's got a surprising amount to do. Check out some of our favorites.
Embark on a Flavorful Irish Adventure at This Lively Georgia Pub
Sheehan's Irish Pub in Augusta, Georgia, brings together the best of Irish cuisine and warm Southern charm. With a cozy atmosphere and hearty menu, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed pub experience.
Loop Around Georgia’s Fort Yargo State Park for an Epic Adventure
Enjoy Authentic Cuban Eats at This Colorful Miami-Style Eatery in Georgia
Enjoy a taste of Cuba at this uniquely colorful eatery in downtown Savannah, GA.
More Than Fraternities and Football: Putting Down Roots in a College Town
Athens is best-known as the home of the University of Georgia, but there are plenty of other great things to do here!
Dine Like a Local at This Cozy Bar in Savannah, Georgia
Step off the typical tourist path and enjoy a bite and a brew at this delightfully cozy bar!
The Iconic Trail in Alabama Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime
The Maggies Glen Loop is an easy trail at Oak Mountain State Park that just about anyone can enjoy.
This Virginia Literary Road Trip Leads to 5 Incredible Bookstores
Looking to check out some of the best bookstores in NoVa? This road trip is so much fun!
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Virginia’s Most Charming Small Towns
Check out five of Virginia's coolest small towns in this epic multi-day road trip.
