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.
The Best Kept Summer Secret in Arizona Is This Remote Swimming Spot
With towering red rock canyon walls and an emerald green pool, this hidden swimming spot in Arizona is perfect for cooling off when the desert hits triple digits.
5 Waterfront Nevada Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real
These waterfront rentals in Nevada offer stunning views, unique stays, and unforgettable escapes on the water.
5 Waterfront Texas Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real
From island-style paradises to bayfront hideaways to riverfront escapes, these waterfront rentals in Texas deliver unique stays along our prettiest waterways.
This Arizona State Park Has a Charming Town Right Next Door — and Nobody Talks About It
Discover a charming small town near Kartchner Caverns State Park that’s perfect for your next getaway, with great stays and easy park access.
The Hidden Attraction in Texas That People Still Seek Out to This Day
Head underground to this hidden attraction in Texas to discover local legends about bootleggers and ghostly sightings. It's worth the trip!
The Hidden Attraction in Arizona That People Still Seek Out to This Day
You'll find locals at this hidden attraction in Arizona, featuring waterfalls, caves, and an underground turquoise pool. It's a great spot for a day trip.
This Secluded Campground Near Lake Erie Is One of New York’s Best Kept Secrets
This secluded campground near Lake Erie is one of New York’s best-kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.
Locals Love This Quirky Town in Mississippi—and It’s Still Underrated
Discover one of the quirkiest towns in Mississippi, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
Locals Love This Quirky Town in Colorado—and It’s Still Underrated
From retro attractions to unusual festivals to its overall fun vibe, this quirky town in Colorado is a hidden gem worth exploring.
3 Epic Airbnbs in Maryland With Indoor Pools, Lazy Rivers, and Unreal Water Views
Discover standout Airbnbs in Maryland with pools, hot tubs, and water views — here's what makes each one worth booking.
The Small-Town State Park in Maryland Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a peaceful small-town state park in Maryland that locals love for its quiet trails, scenic views, and hidden gem appeal.
Locals Love This Quirky Town in Louisiana—and It’s Still Underrated
Discover one of the quirkiest towns in Louisiana, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
This Secluded Campground Near Dismal Canyons Is One of Alabama’s Best Kept Secrets
This secluded campground near Dismals Canyon is one of Alabama’s best-kept secrets. Here’s what to expect and how to visit.
The Small-Town State Park in Alabama Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover a quiet, small-town state park in Alabama where scenic views, peaceful trails, and local charm make it feel like a hidden gem.
Discover This Underrated Nevada Town Full of Quirky Charm
One of the quirkiest towns in Nevada is filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.
Skip the Hikes and Try This Louisiana Kayaking Trail Instead
This scenic kayak trail in Louisiana offers incredible views without the tough climb. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.
The Kayaking Trail in Nevada That’s Better Than Most Hikes
This scenic kayak trail in Nevada offers incredible views without the tough climb. Here’s why it’s better than a hike.
The Kayaking Trail in Texas That’s Better Than Most Hikes
Drift along a spring-fed river, with views of limestone cliffs and century-old cypress on this scenic kayaking trail in Texas. It's better than a hike!
3 Epic Airbnbs in Colorado With Swim Spas, Indoor Hot Springs, and Unreal Water Views
With a swim spa, an indoor hot springs pool, and water views, discover why these trending Airbnbs in Colorado are worth booking.
Skip the Hikes and Try This Kayaking Trail in Arizona Instead
Paddle across pretty blue waters and wind through sandstone cliffs on this scenic kayaking route in Arizona. It's an epic adventure!
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Tennessee
Escape to this little-known waterfront town in Tennessee with scenic views and a charming Main Street worth exploring.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Mississippi
With its walkable Main Street, coastal views, and laid-back vibes, this little-known waterfront town in Mississippi is worth the trip.
Shades State Park: The Small-Town Indiana Hidden Gem Locals Want to Keep to Themselves
Discover the quiet, small town state park in Indiana that feels like a local secret. Its remote trails, deep canyons, and rugged sandstone ravines make it a must-visit.
This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Alabama
Trade the popular tourist spots for this little-known waterfront town in Alabama. It’s only 10 miles from Gulf Shores, but it feels miles away.
3 Secret Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Oklahoma’s Sequoyah State Park
From quiet overlooks to lesser-known nature trails, these are the hidden spots in Sequoyah State Park that might surprise you.
Seeing This Arizona National Park After Dark Is Better Than Daytime
Discover Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument after dark. Embrace the stillness as you gaze into the stunning night skies.
The Unique New Mexico Glampground You’ll Remember Forever
Sleep under the stars and play with cute mini animals at this unique glampground in New Mexico. It will be a stay to remember.
The Unexpected Nevada Cabin You’ll Remember Forever
When driving down the lonely stretch of Highway 95, spend the night in this living ghost town, and sleep in the most unique cabin in Nevada. Tons of surprises await!
3 Secret Spots You Didn’t Know Existed in Texas’s Big Bend National Park
Discover secret waterfalls, epic views, and more at these hidden spots in Big Bend National Park. No crowds either!
3 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Arkansas for a Spring Hike
Cure your winter blues on these nature trails in Arkansas, featuring wildflowers, waterfalls, and unimaginable views. They’re perfect for spring!
The Unexpected Arkansas Cabin You’ll Remember Forever
Escape to NWA for a chance to stay in the most unique cabin in Arkansas. This 100-year-old cottage is as charming as can be.
A Small Town in Arizona Is Hiding an Unforgettable Airbnb Experience
Discover a unique Airbnb experience in Arizona when you plan a trip to this underrated small town with an Old West vibe. Bring your horse along!
3 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Texas for a Spring Hike
Explore these picture-perfect, spring hikes in Texas. Brighten your day with wildflowers, scenic views, and beautiful spring scenery.
Why Locals Love Glendo Lake in Wyoming for Summer Swimming
Locals can't get enough of the sandy shores and clear waters at Glendo Lake in Wyoming. It's ideal for a summer trip with the family.
3 Reasons Retirees Fall in Love With Living in Indiana
Thinking about moving to the Midwest? Discover some of the best places to live in Indiana, perfect for retirees.
Slurp, Savor, Repeat: Discover Nevada’s Best Noodles
This unassuming restaurant cooks up big Japanese flavors and might just have the best noodles in Nevada.
Why Locals Love St. Simons Island in Georgia for Summer Swimming
Escape to the coast to swim with locals in the calm waters of St. Simons Island, Georgia. This underrated beach is calling your name!
The Waterfront Kentucky Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
This hidden waterfront town in Kentucky is calling your name. With it's martime vibes and family-friendly activities, it's perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
3 Reasons Retirees Fall in Love With Living in Mississippi
The secret is out! These are the best places to live in Mississippi. Discover why so many retirees love it here.
3 Reasons Why Alabama Is the Best Place to Retire
Want to know the best places to retire in Alabama? Discover three convincing reasons why retirees love Sweet Home.
3 Reasons Why Maryland Is the Best Place to Retire
Discover the best places to retire in Maryland, and find out why it could be the perfect retirement destination for you.
North Beach in Maryland Is a Hidden Gem With Calm Bay Waters
Dreaming of a coastal-style vacation for summer? The calm bay waters in North Beach, Maryland is calling your name.
This Unexpected Place in Louisiana Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
This foodie paradise is one of the best road trip stops in Louisiana. Discover a restaurant around every corner in this Cajun Country gem. It's worth the detour!
This Unexpected Place in Oklahoma Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
Ever wonder about the best road trip stops in Oklahoma? Check out this unexpected gem in the Osage Hills.
This Unexpected Place in Texas Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
Gas up the car and cruise to one of the best road trip stops in Texas. There is something to see around every corner at this unexpected destination.
The New Mexico Waterfront Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Escape to this hidden waterfront town in New Mexico that feels like a private alpine getaway. Locals can't get enough of it!
The Nevada Waterfront Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Ready for a crowd-free getaway near Reno? Discover this hidden waterfront town in Nevada, where the natural beauty and laid-back vibes are part of its charm.
3 Texas Airbnbs Near Waterfall Trails You’ll Want to Explore
You can't go wrong when you stay at these Airbnbs near waterfall trails in Texas. They're the perfect place to rest after a day of hiking.
The Louisiana Beach Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Escape to the sandy shores of the Gulf at this hidden beach town in Louisiana. Miles of crowd-free beaches are calling your name.
The Gateway Utah Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
With rugged landscapes and historic charm, locals can't get enough of this quiet gateway town in Utah. It's the true definition of the American Southwest.
