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Meg Archer

Meg Archer is Only In Your State's Engagement Editor and Newsletter Manager, and has called the West Coast home since day one. She spent more than 20 years exploring Central Oregon's mountains, forests, and high deserts before relocating to Portland in 2015. Meg holds a B.A. in English from Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo and a B.S. in Psychology from Portland State University, and brings 15 years of writing and editing experience to the OIYS team. A volunteer Capo at Portland Timbers matches, she is as passionate about her community off the page as on it.

Hand-Picked: Our Readers’ Favorite Travel Must-Haves From September

From everyday bags that hold all of our travel essentials to tech gadget that make traveling easier, we love these travel products and so do our readers!

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Shopping Guides

Hand-Picked: August’s Best-Selling Travel Must Haves

A family enjoys a picnic by their SUV, with a tent set up in a scenic forested area and mountains in the background.

Hand-picked: Our Editors’ Top Travel Products for All Your Delightful Detours

A traveler with a suitcase gazes out at an airplane taking off from an airport during sunset.

Hand-picked: The Best End of Summer Sales on Travel & Adventure Gear

A person in a helmet walks through a vibrant outdoor market with colorful tents and clear blue skies.

Marvel at the Cosmos at These Stunning Stargazing and Dark Sky Destinations in the U.S.

From remote destinations to certified Dark Sky Parks, these breathtaking destinations offer the clearest night skies in the U.S. for stargazing.

a stargazer stands on a boulder under the milky way at big bend national park in texas

Hand-Picked: July’s Best-Selling Travel Must-Haves

Discover the best travel gear for July, hand-picked by experts. From memory foam seat cushions to portable clothing steamers, find out what you need for a comfortable journey.

Hand-Picked: The Best Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Checked Bags

Pack your bags.

Hand-Picked: Our Readers’ Favorite Travel Must-Haves From June

Take your trip to the next level with these highly-recommended travel products.

Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

18 Epic River Adventures That Are Worthy Of Your Bucket List

Explore epic river adventures across the U.S., from thrilling whitewater rafting to serene canoeing and fishing spots.

A group of people rafting on a river surrounded by red rock cliffs and splashing water under a blue sky.

Hand-Picked: 12 Father’s Day Gifts for Dads Who Love to Travel

The travel-loving guy in your life will love these hand-picked gifts.

Hand-Picked: May’s Best-Selling Travel Must-Haves That Will Make Summer Travel a Breeze

Our travel experts hand-picked some fantastic travel must-haves this month! See which products we loved the most in May.

A ‘Planetary Parade’ May Be Visible In June Across America… If You Wake Up Early

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Shopping Guides

10 Mother’s Day Gifts for Moms Who Love to Travel

Gifts she's sure to love.

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Here Are Our 13 Favorite Eco-Friendly Travel Items to Celebrate Earth Day

Products to embrace the great outdoors.

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Shopping Guides

14 Nature Lovers Must-Haves for Ultimate Adventure This Season

Discover 14 essential products for nature lovers to enhance your outdoor adventures, from hiking gear to family-friendly activities.

These 14 Places In Indiana Amish Country Are Unique And Worth Visiting

Explore various Amish towns in Indiana to experience their unique lifestyle and delicious baked goods.

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20 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Pennsylvania Should Take

Discover 20 of the best short hiking trails in Pennsylvania, each offering unique and scenic experiences.

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Unique Places to Stay in Pennsylvania: 10 Cool & Quirky Rentals

Explore unique accommodations in Pennsylvania, including treehouses, tiny houses, farmhouses, mansions, and castles, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.

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10 Must-Visit Flea Markets Around Minneapolis Where You’ll Find Awesome Stuff

Discover the best flea markets around Minneapolis for unique antiques and vintage finds.

Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Iowa’s Waterfalls

Discover a weekend road trip itinerary to explore some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iowa.

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This Drone Photographer Took Flight Over An Abandoned Quarry In Texas And Found A Submerged Surprise

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The Abandoned Ruins In This Indiana City Will Blow You Away

Gary, Indiana, once a booming steel town, now stands as a modern ghost town with numerous abandoned buildings reflecting its tumultuous history.

A dilapidated interior of a ruined church, featuring tall arches, crumbling walls, and overgrown vegetation.

The Ultimate Indiana Waterfalls Road Trip (Part 1: Northern Indiana)

Discover a curated road trip to explore the most beautiful waterfalls in Northern Indiana.

Map of a waterfall road trip in Northern Indiana, highlighting routes and key locations, with a total distance of 373 miles.

These Abandoned Farmhouses Spread Across The Washington Countryside Are Eerily Beautiful

Eastern Washington's dry climate preserves abandoned buildings, offering a glimpse into the past.

Abandoned houses surrounded by bare trees and dry grass under a cloudy sky. Snow patches on the ground.

The Columbia River Gorge In Oregon Has More Waterfalls Than Anywhere Else In The Country

The Columbia River Gorge is renowned for its high concentration of stunning waterfalls and excellent conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

A serene waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs, surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.

The Ultimate Indiana Waterfalls Road Trip (Part 2: Southern Indiana)

Explore seven stunning waterfalls in Southern Indiana through a well-planned road trip.

Map of a road trip route in Southern Indiana, highlighting waterfalls and key locations with decorative text and icons.

20 Reasons Living In Minneapolis Is The Best And Everyone Should Move Here

Minneapolis offers a high quality of life with its excellent parks, bike trails, green initiatives, diverse dining, and strong community engagement.

Most People Don’t Know These 7 Treasures Are Hiding in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to several legendary lost treasures that continue to inspire treasure hunts today.

View through the woods with just a hint of fall foliage in Pennsylvania.

These 12 Unique Festivals In Pennsylvania Are Something Everyone Should Experience At Least Once

Pennsylvania hosts a variety of unique and celebrated festivals that highlight its rich cultural heritage and community spirit.

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These 11 Unique Restaurants In Minneapolis Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience

Highlighting unique dining experiences in Minneapolis, featuring restaurants known for exceptional food and memorable atmospheres.