Melissa Mahoney
Melissa Mahoney is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based writer who has lived across nine states and personally traveled to 35 of them — plus more than 30 countries — bringing a rare breadth of firsthand geographic experience to her coverage of the American West. Originally from the East Coast, she now explores Arizona's beauty and hidden corners with the enthusiasm of someone who chose it deliberately. For Only In Your State, Melissa covers destinations from popular landmarks to off-the-radar finds, always with a traveler's eye for what makes a place genuinely worth the trip.
Rattlesnake Ledge Sounds Scary, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Rhode Island
Although the name sounds ominous, Rattlesnake Ledge is a family-friendly hike in Rhode Island's Wickaboxet Management Area, featuring a massive granite outcrop, spectacular views, and a nature escape.
Everyone Always Goes to Windsor Beach in Arizona: Go Here Instead
Lake Havasu State Park is home to the most popular lakeside beach in Arizona. But for far fewer crowds, head down the road for the serene beaches of Cattail Cove State Park instead.
15 Places in the U.S. That Feel Like an Alien Planet
From lava fields to white sand dunes and colorful badlands, these incredible places across the U.S. look like they belong on another planet.
Des Moines Flights Beat the National Average: But Chicago Midway Is $69 Cheaper
Des Moines International averaged $380.79 in 2025, ranking 43rd most affordable nationally. It's slightly below the $387 national average, and Chicago Midway is less than 6 hours away at $312.18.
Is Flying Out of Boise Actually Worth It? Here’s How BOI’s Fares Really Compare
Boise Airport averaged $394.47 in 2025, ranking 52nd out of 100 airports nationally. It's essentially at the $387 national average, with no cheaper in-state alternative.
