
Molly O'Brien
Molly O'Brien is a Denver-based freelance travel journalist who writes and edits for various international travel and lifestyle outlets. Having lived on both U.S. coasts before making Colorado her forever home, she covers the Mountain West and Southwest for Only In Your State — from Rocky Mountain pizza to high desert cities in New Mexico. She enjoys hiking, coffee shops, skiing, breweries, and writing about interesting people and places with unique stories. Find her on Instagram at @metropolitanmolly.
This Buzzy Colorado Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well
Prepare your tastebuds because this beloved Rocky Mountain pizza outpost makes pies unlike any other spot in the Centennial State.

12 Hours in Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Ultimate Day-Trip Itinerary
Discover the best sights, bites, and culture to enjoy in just a few hours in New Mexico’s vibrant high desert city.

Escape to This Charming Mountain Town in Nevada Before Fall Ends
Fall is a favorite time of year to enjoy crisp air, changing leaves, and seasonal festivals in this gorgeous Nevada city.

The Small Towns in Colorado That Feel Like ‘My Life With the Walter Boys’
Discover Grand County, Colorado—the real-life escape that mirrors the charm, adventure, and Western flair of "My Life With the Walter Boys."

You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This Massachusetts Hotel
Sleep steps from Fenway Park in Hotel Commonwealth’s luxe Red Sox-themed suite, complete with memorabilia, park views, and upscale amenities.

You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This Alabama Hotel
Unexpected education on our ecosystem paired with a sandy seaside oasis makes for an extra memorable getaway.

You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This New Jersey Hotel
Experience "Down to Earth" luxury at this estate nestled into the countryside in New Jersey.

Night Owls Only: There’s a Chicken and Biscuits Restaurant Open 24-7 in North Carolina
Craving comfort food in Chapel Hill, North Carolina? Time-Out has been dishing up 24/7 chicken, biscuits, and Southern classics since 1978.

I Went Behind-The-Scenes on How Denver’s Messiest Dessert Is Made
Diving into the making of this famous Denver dessert that dares you to smash it, savor it, and make a sweet mess.

This Countryside Town Feels Like a European Wine Village
Feel as if you're spending a day in European wine country without leaving the East Coast, in this quaint Virginia town.

This Swiss-Inspired Village in Wisconsin Feels Like a Slice of the Alps
This Wisconsin town seemingly transports visitors on a dreamy trip to Europe without ever needing to board an airplane.

The Biggest Surprise You’ll Come Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Arkansas
Traverse this scenic trail which ends with a chance to walk along one of the largest natural bridges in the southeastern United States.

The Biggest Surprise You’ll Come Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Oklahoma
This unexpected adventure takes you on a journey to explore part of the Sooner State’s Wichita Mountains by way of a gorgeous granite gorge.

Underrated Forest Hikes in New Mexico That Rival Rocky Mountain National Park
Skip the potential traffic and crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park, and check out the rocky peaks of New Mexico's Carson National Forest, instead.

The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Louisiana
Explore this beloved New Orleans City Park which surprisingly features the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world.

You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This Arkansas Hotel
It's not just any ordinary hotel--it's an entire art museum just waiting to be explored.

Underrated National Forest Hikes in Colorado That Rival Glacier National Park Trails
Skip the fees and crowds of the national park scene and check out these Colorado National Forest hikes, instead.

You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This Arizona Hotel
This historic Arizona hotel isn’t just a regular resort property—it hosts a myriad of history, including a hidden speakeasy.

This Restaurant Arguably Has the Best Sweet Rolls and Tortillas in New Mexico
These soft, warm and gooey hunks of dough are baked fresh daily and come out at almost the size of your plate.

You’ll Never Believe What’s Hiding in This New Mexico Hotel
Soak in the special energy in this spiritually charged spa space.

The Riverside Colorado Town That Feels Straight Out of Europe
Experience the charm of Europe in Vail, Colorado—a mountain village with old-world architecture, riverside views, and alpine Bavarian vibes.

This Arkansas Lakeside Village Feels Like It Belongs in Europe
Discover the Charm, Culture, and Quirky Spirit of this Ozarks Region Village

Can’t Make It to Cappadocia? Try This New Mexico Alternative
Tucked in New Mexico’s remote northwest, the Valley of Dreams offers otherworldly desert landscapes and Turkish getaway vibes—no passport required.

This Louisiana Waterfront Town Feels Like it Belongs in Europe
Thibodaux, Louisiana, is a bayou town boasting the charm of a French village

The Biggest Surprise I Came Across While Hiking This Incredible Trail in Colorado
Boreas Pass Road in Breckenridge, Colorado surprises and delights trekkers with stunning sights of summer super blooms.

For a Sugary Dose of Nostalgia, Swing By The Little Man Ice Cream Can for One of the Best Ice Cream Sundaes in Colorado
The line of ice cream-enthusiasts is always wrapping around the block, but this longtime Denver favorite sweet treat is always well-worth the wait.

Dreaming of Zion National Park? Discover This Utah Hidden Gem Instead
Explore this less crowded but just as stunningly scenic alternative to Zion, in Southwestern Utah.

Adventure’s Calling: This Trail Is Ideal for Discovering Petroglyphs in Utah
Explore and become educated about history firsthand with a trip to see these natural, ancient Native American works of art.

The Perfect Dupe for the Grand Canyon Is the Colorado National Monument
Seeking a less crowded (just as gorgeous) alternative to the Grand Canyon? Consider visiting the 20,500-plus-acre Colorado National Monument.

I Got a Massage From a Robot at a New Local Wellness Spa in Downtown Denver
Technology and wellness collide to create a modern method of relaxation.

Inside The Barbara Beach Club: Santa Barbara’s First Public Beach Club Experience
Relax and soak up the sun (sans worrying about brining your own stuff) at this recently opened Central Coast community hangout space.

This Midwest Town Paints the Town “Yellow” With Its Beloved “Mustard Museum”
In Middleton, Wisconsin, mustard isn’t just a condiment—it’s a cultural icon. Discover the quirky charm, history, and community pride behind the National Mustard Museum.

Your Best Oklahoma Summer Experience Isn’t By Car, It’s on a Water Taxi
Enjoy a unique perspective on exploring and learning about OKC on this dreamy guided water taxi tour.

Your Best Louisiana Summer Experience Isn’t By Car, It’s on an Airboat
Take a ride on the "wild(life)" side, on one of these unique bayou-based adventures.

Why Corpus Christi, the Gateway to Padre Island National Seashore, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right
Skip the sands of the National Seashore and head to the waterside activities of this adjacent coastal Texas town, instead.

The Most Iconic Nevada Trip You Should Take This Summer Isn’t in the car…it’s on This Lakeside Horse and Carriage Ride
Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind way to explore Lake Tahoe, sans automobile.

Why Estes Park, Colorado, the Gateway of Rocky Mountain National Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right
Estes Park, Colorado, isn’t just a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park—it’s a destination all its own, with scenic views, charming shops, and unforgettable mountain adventures.

The Most Iconic New Mexico Trip You Should Take This Summer Isn’t in the car… It’s on a Hot Air Balloon
Taking to the skies can be the most memorable way to get around the Land of Enchantment.

Skip Europe This Summer: This Historic Village in Texas Is Just as Quaint as Braunfels, Germany
It's like a stroll back in time with traditional historic architecture, ample outdoor adventure opportunities, and tons of tasty food.

Skip the Transatlantic Flight This Summer: These Hot Springs in Colorado are Just as Relaxing as the Geothermal Waters of Europe
Feel like you're going abroad without leaving the Centennial State at Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
