
Megan Todaro
Megan Todaro is a Miami-based writer and lifelong Florida resident — and a working Lieutenant firefighter — who covers the Sunshine State for Only In Your State with rare firsthand authority. Her dual life as a first responder and travel writer means she approaches every Florida destination with sharp, practical local insight. Megan specializes in off-the-beaten-path eats, coastal getaways, and the kind of neighborhood discoveries that only someone who has spent their whole life actively exploring Florida would know to find.
Locals Love This Crystal-Clear Swimming Hole in Alabama (That Doesn’t Feel Like the U.S.)
Find some of the most crystal-clear water at Blue Springs State Park in Alabama. This is a hidden gem swimming hole you want to add to your bucket list.

The Waterfront Restaurant in Florida That Locals Keep to Themselves
A Michelin-recognized waterfront restaurant in Fort Lauderdale serving a precise, technique-driven brunch locals quietly return to.

The Hidden Treasure of Alabama That No One Has Ever Fully Recovered
Did you know there is hidden treasure in Alabama is still waiting to be found? Here are the fascinating stories of sunken treasure, shipwrecks, and a jeweled cross in a well.

The Hidden Treasure in Florida That People Still Seek Out to This Day
As the legend goes, there is still $400 million in hidden treasure in Florida, just waiting to be found. Here is the story behind the 1715 Spanish Fleet.

There’s an Aladdin-Themed Airbnb in Alabama That’s Basically a Dream Come True
This one-of-a-kind, themed Airbnb in Cullman is decked out in ornate lanterns, antique Indian accents, and richly layered textiles that bring an Arabian Nights fantasy to life in the Alabama woods.

The 15 Most Unique Grocery Stores in the U.S. Worth Traveling to Visit
From immersive art installations disguised as supermarkets to sprawling international markets and over-the-top roadside stops, these grocery stores are anything but ordinary.

This Walkable Coastal City in Maine Is a Must-Visit Gem
This stunning Maine city is easy to explore on foot, with scenic views, local shops, and must-see attractions all within walking distance.

6 Waterfront Florida Rentals So Stunning They Don’t Feel Real
These 6 waterfront rentals in Florida are each so unique, you'll have a hard time choosing one for your next getaway.

You Haven’t Tried True Missouri Comfort Food Until You’ve Been Here
This spot serves true Missouri comfort food you have to try, with hearty dishes, local flavor, and an unforgettable dining experience.

This Walkable Coastal City in South Carolina Is a Must-Visit Gem
A scenic waterfront and compact historic districts make this one of the most surprisingly walkable cities in South Carolina.

Locals Love This Quirky Town in Delaware—and It’s Still Underrated
This quiet stretch of Delaware coastline is home to one of the strangest natural spectacles in the country.

13 Hidden Waterfront Towns Across the U.S. You Need to Visit
Discover the most charming hidden waterfront towns across the U.S., from coastal villages to lakeside gems perfect for your next getaway.

3 Epic Airbnbs in Virginia With Infinity-Edge Pools, Cold Plunges, and Unreal Water Views
Enjoy three standout Airbnbs in Virginia with pools, hot tubs, and water views. Here's what makes each one worth booking.

This Famous Dune Hike in Alabama Has a Feature You Won’t Want to Miss
This scenic hike leads you through rolling sand dunes to a hidden freshwater lake you never expected to find along the Gulf Coast.

The Scrumptious Mississippi Walking Food Tour You’ll Remember Forever
Savor your way through Ocean Springs on a guided culinary walk packed with bold Gulf Coast flavors and local stories. It’s a laid-back, unforgettable experience that blends food, culture, and coastal charm in every bite.

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Southern California
Between its laid-back harbor and easy access to nature, Oxnard is easily one of California's most inviting coastal escapes.

A Small Town in Georgia Is Hiding an Unforgettable Airbnb Glamping Dome
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or simply looking to disconnect and recharge, this one-of-a-kind glamping dome in Georgia offers a rare blend of luxury, seclusion, and natural beauty.

5 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in North Carolina for a Spring Hike
From easy riverside walks to breathtaking summit views, these spring hikes in North Carolina offer something for every kind of adventurer.

A Small Island in Florida Is Hiding an Unforgettable Airbnb Experience
Tucked away in a quiet coastal corner, this immersive Airbnb Experience invites you to taste your way through a thriving backyard food forest. It’s a slow, sensory journey that reveals a surprising and meaningful side of Florida travel.

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Delaware
With its preserved architecture, rich past, and quiet charm, Smyrna is a must-visit small historic town in Delaware worth discovering.

6 Reasons Why South Carolina Is the Best Place To Retire
Thinking about where to spend your retirement years? South Carolina offers the perfect mix of affordability, natural beauty, and laid-back living that makes it an increasingly popular choice.

This Unexpected Place in Maryland Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered
Just off I-95, this charming waterfront town is one of Maryland’s most surprising and scenic road trip detours.

6 Reasons Why Kentucky Is the Best Place To Retire
From the rolling hills of horse country to the exciting culture of its historic cities, Kentucky offers a high quality of life that fits any retiree's budget.

15 Iconic Dishes That Put Their State on the Map
From coast to coast, these unforgettable and iconic dishes capture the flavors, traditions, and local pride that make each state’s food scene truly one of a kind.

Celebrate National Noodle Month at Mississippi’s Top Noodle Spot
Mississippi is a hidden paradise for noodle lovers, offering everything from steaming bowls of ramen to hearty donburi. Explore the state’s top noodle destinations, including Jackson’s Zundo Ramen & Sake Bar, for a flavor-packed culinary adventure.

New Bern, North Carolina Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Nicholas Sparks
Fans of Nicholas Sparks novels will find plenty to love in the charming coastal town of New Bern, North Carolina. This scenic waterfront community inspired several of the author’s most beloved stories and has become a must-visit literary destination for readers.

The Coastal Alabama Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Situated along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, Dauphin Island is the kind of quiet beach town travelers dream about but rarely find.

The Tennessee Airbnb Where You Can Hear Rushing Falls From Your Front Door
Reconnect with nature at Ed’s Mill, a historic cabin nestled against a private waterfall and lush Smoky Mountain forest.

The Charming Florida Town Locals Hope Stays Off Tourists’ Radar
Located on scenic Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande, Florida, remains one of the state’s most relaxing coastal escapes for travelers hoping to avoid the crowds.

The 5 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Rhode Island
From pastel harbor towns and mural-covered city streets to cliffside wildflowers overlooking the Atlantic, Rhode Island delivers color in every season.

The 5 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Georgia
From rainbow-hued canyons to psychedelic art environments and pastel coastal streets, Georgia is bursting with vibrant destinations that demand a spot on your camera roll. These colorful places in Georgia prove the Peach State is anything but ordinary.

Is This the Most Intimidating Food Challenge in Maryland?
It’s not a towering burger or a plate stacked sky-high with wings—it’s a six-pound milkshake served in a massive metal mixing cup. At Chick and Ruth’s Delly in Annapolis, Maryland, this legendary dessert challenge has become a rite of passage for fearless foodies.

3 Over-the-Top Food Challenges in South Carolina That Push Diners to the Limit
From a five-pound BBQ monster in Greenville to fiery sushi in Charleston, these over-the-top eating contests push diners to their limits.

5 Reasons Why Tennessee Is the Best Place To Retire
From tax-friendly policies to breathtaking mountain views, Tennessee offers retirees an exceptional balance of affordability and lifestyle. Here’s why so many Americans are choosing the Volunteer State for their next chapter.

6 Reasons Why North Carolina Is the Best Place To Retire
From affordable cities where Social Security goes further to scenic coastlines and mountain towns, North Carolina continues to attract retirees from across the country. These six data-backed reasons show why the Tar Heel State stands out as one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the U.S.

5 Buildings in Florida That Are Unlike Anything Else Around
From optical illusions to fairytale castles, these architectural oddities showcase the strangest buildings in Florida and the most unforgettable examples of weird architecture in Florida.

The 15 Most Iconic Diners Across the U.S. Where Comfort Food Still Reigns
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, these iconic diners remind us why comfort food has always mattered. From neon-lit counters to century-old kitchens, each one serves a taste of history alongside every plate.

I’ve Been Gatekeeping This Little-Known Hiking Trail in Florida
A peaceful loop trail winds through shaded woods, open fields, and scenic pond views at Robbins Preserve. With easy terrain and shared paths for walkers, bikers, and horseback riders, it’s an ideal spot for a laid-back outdoor escape.

This Is the Best Buffet in Kentucky, Known for Its Amish-Style Comfort Food
You wouldn't know it at first glance, but one of the best buffets for Amish food in Kentucky is sitting beside a massive family attractions.

Yes, You Can Eat Unlimited Seafood at This Beloved South Carolina Restaurant
Get a glimpse inside Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood, South Carolina’s over-the-top coastal buffet.

Don’t Try This One Hike in Alabama If You’re Afraid of Heights
The Walls of Jericho trail is one of the most extreme hikes in Alabama. With grueling elevation changes and steep drop-offs, this one is not for the faint of heart.

I’ve Been Gatekeeping This Little-Known Restaurant in South Carolina
A downtown Columbia staple blending a beloved café, an expansive wine shop, and gourmet finds into one unforgettable local experience.

Don’t Try This One Hike in Georgia If You’re Afraid of Heights
Blood Mountain via the Byron Reece Trail is one of Georgia’s most extreme hikes, known for its steep elevation gain and exposed rock ledges. The combination of narrow paths and dramatic summit views makes this trail especially challenging for anyone uncomfortable with heights.

This All-You-Can-Eat Restaurant in Florida Is Not for the Faint of Appetite
Catfish Deweys in Fort Lauderdale isn’t subtle about its portions. From all-you-can-eat catfish to endless shrimp and classic Southern sides, this Florida seafood staple is built for serious appetites.

The Florida Airbnb With a Hot Tub and Barrel Sauna That Redefines Cozy Season
A resort-style Bradenton getaway with a heated pool, hot tub, private sauna, and a game-packed backyard just minutes from Florida’s best Gulf Coast beaches.
