
Melanie Johnson
Melanie Johnson is a central Florida-based writer who has called the Sunshine State home for nearly 20 years. For Only In Your State, she covers small towns, urban legends, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and standout accommodations — with a particular gift for uncovering the offbeat, the overlooked, and the genuinely unexpected. In four years of writing for OIYS, her reporting has connected her with local business owners, everyday adventurers, and even the president of a micronation. Keep up with her work at muckrack.com/melanie-johnson-17.
Instead of Annapolis, This Maryland Town is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip
Skip the crowds at Annapolis and discover this Maryland island, offering quiet boardwalks, boat-filled marinas, and plenty of water recreation.

The Hidden Attraction in Virginia That People Still Seek Out to This Day
Plan a tour to see this hidden attraction in Virginia. These abandoned presidential busts could be the most unusual attraction in the state.

Stay in This Charming Indiana Town Just Minutes From Summit Lake State Park
Take a historic tour, visit a famous gymnasium, or paddle the waterways at this underrated town in Indiana near Summit Lake State Park.

This Alabama State Park Has a Charming Town Right Next Door — and Nobody Talks About It
Stay on the quieter side of Lake Martin at this small town near Wind Creek State Park. With easy access to nearby attractions, it’s perfect for your next getaway.

Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Bayou Segnette State Park
Discover the small town near Bayou Segnette State Park, where everyday life revolves slowly around the bayou. It’s a great place to stay for easy park access.
