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Megan Shute

Megan Shute is the Manager of Editorial at Only In Your State, bringing nearly 15 years of professional writing and editing experience to the team. A Minnesota native with a degree in Mass Media, she has lived in Honolulu, Baltimore, and most recently Seoul, South Korea — giving her an unusually global lens on what makes local travel worth writing about. Megan applies that same discerning curiosity to editorial strategy at OIYS, always chasing the best local discovery wherever she lands.

Rumor Has It That the Glensheen Mansion Is One of the Most Talked About Estates in Minnesota

The Glensheen Mansion is not only the most visited historic home in Minnesota, but its history is riddled with rumors and intrigue.

A large, elegant brick mansion with multiple gables, surrounded by lush gardens and greenery under a clear blue sky.

Shopping Guides

22 Prime Day Deals on Our Editor-Favorite Travel Products

From travel-sized versions of our comfort favorites to luggage sets and car organization essentials, the editors at Only In Your State have been scouring Amazon for the best Prime Day deals on travel must-haves.

Meet the Locals

Photographer Johnny Joo Talks All Things Abandoned… And That Time He Was Arrested At Mike Tyson’s Mansion

We sat down with Cleveland photographer Johnny Joo to chat all things photography, abandoned places, and how he made a career capturing America's ruin.

A person sits among the ruins of a burned building, surrounded by charred debris and overgrown vegetation.

Everything I Packed in My Toddler’s Carry-On for an 18-Hour Travel Day

From electronics to coloring supplies, I spent hours curating my toddler's carry-on for a recent long-haul international flight.

A colorful puzzle, a heart-shaped popper, and a travel tin game on a wooden surface.

Spas & Relaxation

I Am Obsessed With the 20,000-Pound Salt Cave at This Maryland Spa

A bright sunroom with plants, a rug, and two foot baths, featuring large windows and a cozy atmosphere.

In Support of the Local Food Hall

From Baltimore, Maryland to Seoul, South Korea, there's little better way to experience cultural cuisine than a local food hall or market.

Exterior of Cross Street Market, a brick building with large windows and planters, under a clear blue sky.

The 24 Best Small Town Getaways Across America To Enjoy This Year

A scenic view of a charming small town with colorful autumn foliage and historic buildings under a blue sky.

The Best Small Town Getaway In Delaware: Best Things To Do In Lewes

A scenic view of a gravel path lined with historic houses, featuring varied architectural styles and lush greenery.

Hand-Picked: 16 Amazon Prime Day Deals on Our Favorite Must-Have Travel Products

Here are some of our most-loved travel products you'll want to snag for the upcoming Amazon Prime Day!

I Watched American History Come Alive At Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg

A quiet street lined with historic homes and trees under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

The Best Small Town Getaway In Pennsylvania: Best Things To Do In Jim Thorpe

A charming street scene with historic buildings, a clock tower, and cars parked along the road, set against a green hillside.

Here Are The 13 Best LGBTQIA+ Friendly Travel Destinations Across The U.S.

Discover the most LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations in the U.S., from vibrant cities to welcoming small towns perfect for your next trip.

An LGBTQIA+ flag waving against a streetlight.

Wildlife & Farms

Virginia’s Sprawling Maymont Estate Is One Of My Family’s New Favorite Day Trip Destinations

A sunny path through lush greenery, with trees and bushes lining the sides, leading into a wooded area.

I Took 13 Overnight Trips Last Year, and Here Are 13 of my Travel Must-Haves

A person in black jeans and sneakers is squatting to close an orange suitcase filled with a knitted sweater.

This Fairy Tale Campground In Hawaii Is Like Something From A Dream

Koke’e State Park in Hawaii offers breathtaking scenery, diverse hiking trails, and both tent and cabin camping options.

Explore Baltimore, Maryland for Less Than $50 a Day

Discover how to explore Baltimore, Maryland, on a budget with this detailed day trip itinerary under $50. Visit top attractions and enjoy affordable dining options.

view of baltimore harbor, the national aquarium, a marina, and skyscrapers as seen from baltimore's federal hill neighborhood

Here Are The Top 15 States In America For A Summer Road Trip, According To OnlyInYourState Readers

Aerial view of a coastal highway splitting into two bridges over turquoise waters, surrounded by greenery and boats.

Shops & Boutiques

La Vie Est Belle In Minnesota Is So Much More Than A Charming Boutique

A green building with a wooden door and a sign reading "L2L" features a flower planter by the entrance.

Sights & Landmarks

We Discovered Panoramic Views And Fascinating History At This Masonic Memorial In Virginia

Aerial view of a vibrant cityscape with greenery, buildings, and roads under a clear blue sky.

Come Along for an Affordable Weekend Getaway to the Finger Lakes in New York

A serene lake scene with lily pads, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

13 Hiking Trails Across America With Stellar Views Of April’s Total Solar Eclipse, According To AllTrails

A serene lake surrounded by trees, reflecting a clear blue sky and distant hills on a calm day.

A Cornerstone Of Its Small Hawaii Community, Pauwela Store Is Truly One-Of-A-Kind

A charming store with a wooden entrance, bright lights, and an "Open" sign, set against a dramatic sky.

These 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Across the U.S. Are True Natural and Cultural Wonders

There are the 25 natural and cultural wonders that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S.

Sequoias forest

I Am Officially Obsessed With The Coffee Flights Offered At A Little Lovely Coffee Shop In Maryland

A hand holding a coffee cup in a cozy café with green walls and plenty of indoor plants.

We Have Fallen In Love With This Little-Known Waterside Park In Maryland

A tranquil beach scene with sandy shore, calm water, and sparse trees in the background under a cloudy sky.

A Love Letter To My Favorite City In America: Asheville, North Carolina

A panoramic view of a city skyline surrounded by mountains at dawn, with soft purple and blue hues in the sky.

National & State Parks

Kayak In One Of The Driest Places On Earth During The Fleeting Re-Emergence Of This Death Valley Lake

People walking on a salt flat by a calm, shallow lake with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Here’s Everything You Need To Pack For A Fun, Stress-Free Hawaii Vacation

A person in a hat gazes at a lush mountain landscape overlooking the ocean under a clear sky.

American Icon Smokey Bear Turns 80 This Year And We Know The Perfect Way To Celebrate

Sign for Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, New Mexico, featuring a large Smokey Bear statue in the background.

Hotels & Resorts

History Comes Alive At The D.C Hotel Synonymous With America’s Most Notorious Political Scandal

Colorful holiday display featuring the word "WATERGATE" surrounded by festive decorations.

5 Travel Trends That Will Inspire Domestic Travel In 2024

An airplane takes off against a vibrant sunset sky, with a runway visible in the foreground.

Weather & Natural Phenomena

The Winter Weather Forecast Is in and the Outlook in Some States Surprised Us

From record lows to unexpected snow, here’s what to expect across the U.S. this winter.

Snow-covered road winding through a winter forest.

29 Christmas Towns in the U.S. Filled With Holiday Spirit

From Maine to Alaska, these winter wonderlands are some of the best Christmas towns in the nation.

Winter Scene in Boston park

You’ll Want To Stay Far Away From This Abandoned School In Hawaii That’s Rumored To Be Haunted

Ruins of a historic building featuring arched structures and faded walls against a clear blue sky.

Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America

Overgrown stairs lead to a dilapidated building with large windows, surrounded by dense vegetation and rusted railings.

A Natural Wonder In Two States, Great Falls In Maryland And Virginia Is Truly Spectacular

A rocky river landscape with rushing water, surrounded by greenery and trees under a cloudy sky.

Enjoy A Relaxing And Affordable Daycation At Countless Luxury Hotels Across The U.S. With ResortPass

A serene pool area with wooden cabanas, lounge chairs, and lush greenery in the background.

Enjoy A Luxury Escape Without Spending The Night Or Breaking The Bank At Pocono Palace Resort In Pennsylvania

Pocono Palace Resort offers a variety of luxury amenities and activities for a perfect daycation in the Pocono Mountains.

Aerial view of a serene lake surrounded by autumn foliage and a resort with buildings and a pool nearby.

26 Cozy Small Town Getaways To Take In 2026

Discover 26 charming small towns across the USA perfect for weekend getaways, each offering unique activities and attractions.

Quaint buildings in the German-themed town of Helen, Georgia.

The Best Small Town Getaway In Maryland: Best Things To Do In Saint Michaels

Saint Michaels, Maryland, is a charming waterfront town known for its rich maritime history, scenic views, and friendly community, making it an ideal small town getaway.

A serene harbor at sunset, with colorful skies reflecting on calm waters and boats docked along the shore.

National & State Parks

Watch Wild Horses Roam Free As You Explore Assateague Island National Seashore In Maryland

Explore Assateague Island National Seashore to see wild horses and enjoy scenic hiking trails.

Two horses stand in a marshy area with green grass and shallow water under a clear blue sky.

Here Are The 11 Most Dangerous Places In Hawaii After Dark

Crime rates in Hawaii have decreased, but certain areas still experience high property crime and should be avoided after dark.

Aerial view of a coastal city with skyscrapers, a river, and Diamond Head mountain in the background.

8 Perfectly Pink Vacation Spots Across The United States For A Barbie-Themed Getaway

Discover Barbie-themed vacation rentals across the U.S. that offer unique and luxurious experiences.

A vibrant pool area at sunset, featuring a pink flamingo float, lounge chairs, and string lights.

Here Are The 10 Safest & Most Peaceful Places To Live In Hawaii

Lists the ten safest places to live in Hawaii based on crime statistics.

Aerial view of a coastal village with lush greenery, houses, and palm trees along the shoreline.

These 9 Fascinating Stories Of Hawaiian Mythology Will Leave You Shaking Your Head In Awe

Hawaiian mythology is rich with fascinating stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures that explain natural phenomena and cultural beliefs.

A vibrant portrait of a figure with long, dark hair adorned with a floral crown, set against a fiery red background.