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No matter the season, it’s always fun to plan mini getaways and fun outdoor adventures in Southern California. If you have a case of wanderlust and you’re looking for some new spots in SoCal to explore, then you’ll want to take a look at this compilation of our favorite spaces and places to visit. From remote getaways to splendid outdoor hikes and everything in between, we believe that these are some of the very best day trips in Southern California....

If you’ve been a fan of West Virginia for any time at all, you already know that the Mountain State is full of fascinatingly creepy museums. It’s because we have such a fascinatingly creepy history! We’ve got museums dedicated to Mothman, Bigfoot, and the Flatwoods Monster, all of which have been sighted in West Virginia. But perhaps the scariest of all the collections to be found in West Virginia is the collection of artifacts known as the Archive of the Afterlife, the National Museum of the Paranormal....

Winter is the perfect time to dust off your sled and hit the hills. If you’re looking for some of the best snow tubing or sledding in Iowa, look no further, because we’ve compiled a list of sledding spots you must check out this winter. Ready for some truly epic wintertime adventures? Seven Oaks Recreation, Boone Seven Oaks Rec - Boone IA/Facebook Seven Oaks is a great place to do some snow tubing, skiing, or snowboarding....

Perhaps the best thing about hiking is we can do it any time of the year – in the middle of a scorching hot summer day or right after a fresh snowfall. And there’s no better way to admire the blossoming flowers of spring or the fall foliage than on a brisk hike. Some trails, however, are more conducive to year-round hiking that others. This loop trail in Missouri is picture-perfect all year around, and you’ll probably want to hike it in each season....

Sometimes all you need is just a little change of scenery to reset your mind. Louisiana is overflowing with picturesque little parks that are ideal for those days when you just need a little nature in your life. But few can compare to the jaw-dropping views you’ll find at Prien Lake Park. You’ll find Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles, nestled up along the scenic Indian Bay on the eastern shores of Prien Lake....

Blue Barn BBQ looks, well, just like a blue barn. But don’t be fooled by its looks. Blue Barn BBQ serves up some of the best barbecue in Iowa! If you like smoked meats, yummy sides, and delicious sauces, you’ll love this unassuming BBQ spot in the Hawkeye State. Blue Barn BBQ is located on East 18th Street in Cedar Falls. Driving down the street, you may notice the large blue barn....

There aren’t many people you find go-karting anymore, and it’s not due to a lack of passion and drive. No, it’s because finding a fast go-kart track can be a bit difficult, but the folks here at Music City Indoor Karting in Nashville, Tennessee have heard and answered the call for fun. With league racing opportunities and one-off experiences offered throughout the week, there’s no reason to put off a visit to this quirky, amusing hot spot....

According to the dictionary, the word “palace” has two meanings. Formally, it means “the official residence of a sovereign, archbishop, bishop, or other exalted person.” Informally, it means “a large, splendid house.” Both definitions come pretty close to describing what could have been for one of West Virginia’s iconic abandoned places, located in Wheeling. This structure has come to be affectionately known as “The Wheeling Castle.” scottofhawaii / Tripadvisor This grand old mansion perched on a hill above the city of Wheeling was abandoned mid-construction and left to decay until the City of Wheeling stepped in and reclaimed it as a beautiful park overlooking the city....

Quick question: when isn’t retail therapy kinda cathartic? Let’s be real here: few things feel as rewarding as heading to your favorite shops when life isn’t going as planned to pick up a few things you fall in love with along the way. Did you know that, in Winona Lake, Indiana, there’s a little area dedicated entirely to this kind of urge? Yep – it’s called The Village at Winona, and it’s kinda like a small town of shops in Indiana that everyone will find quite therapeutic....

One of the best things about fall is served on a stick. There’s no autumn treat that’s sweeter than a caramel apple – that seasonal creation that pairs a fresh tart and crisp apple with oh-so-delicious caramel. Not all caramel apples are created equal, and a little shop in Wisconsin crafts apples that are simply sublime. Whether you like your apple simple and classic or are looking for something a little more over the top, Amy’s Gourmet Apples in Cedarburg has you covered....

Let’s get this out of the way up front. There are dozens upon dozens of incredible hikes across Minnesota. Our state is a nature lover’s paradise, riddled with scenic trails that lead to incredible sights. It was nearly impossible to narrow the list to only five, but we think we’ve done it justice. If you can only take five hikes in Minnesota, consider choosing the ones listed below. They’re five of the best hikes in Minnesota....

When it comes to comfort food, does it really get any better than an amazing plate of spaghetti? We here at Only In Your State sure do love our comfort food – especially when it’s spaghetti. Well, there’s a little family-owned restaurant in Indy that’s been making the best pasta and Italian dishes you’ll ever eat for longer than we can remember; it’s called Iaria’s Italian Restaurant, and it’s 100% worth the trek should you decide to come to visit....

Sometimes, you’re just in the mood for a perfect, juicy cheeseburger. Nothing more, nothing less. And in these times, it’s best to satisfy your craving with the very best cheeseburger. The iconic cheeseburger. The original cheeseburger. And luckily, you’ll find this most perfect burger at Kaelin’s Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. Home to the original cheeseburger, this little diner in Kentucky is the only place to go when a burger craving strikes!...

Leatherby’s Family Creamery is a Utah staple. Although the creamery started in California in 1982, the outstandingly delicious ice cream parlor has spread to Utah where there are now four locations, still run and operated by the Leatherbys. Today, four generations of Leatherbys work in the creameries, making outstanding ice cream for the state. If you love Leatherby’s Family Creamery and their ice cream as much as we do, we also recommend a road trip to Sacramento to visit the Leatherby’s Creamery Tour, which includes a history lesson on ice cream....

Here in Kentucky, our love for bourbon runs deep. The Bourbon Trail is a quintessential Kentucky experience, and it’s getting bigger and better all the time! The newest addition to your Bluegrass bourbon experience is an iconic one; for the first time ever, guests can spend the night in the Maker’s Mark Family’s historic Kentucky home! The Samuels House is now open for guests to enjoy, and this historic place — complete with its own bourbon bar!...

North Platte, Nebraska is famous as the home of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Circus. The 19th-century showman’s ranch has been converted into a tourist attraction, and next door, tour company Dusty Trails has set up a multitude of outdoor adventures to explore this protected area of the prairie. The most fitting way to explore this part of the old Wild West is by horseback on one of Dusty Trails’ tours....

When was the last time you saw it snow in South Carolina? Chances are, if you live in the upstate, then you’re thinking it was just last year. And if you’re along the coast, then you may be reaching a little farther back into your memories to find the date. But no amount of snow falling over the Palmetto State in recent years quite compares to the far reaching effects of the Blizzard of ’73....

Most urban legends have at least a shred of truth, and the story of the Candy Lady is no exception. This terrifying tale, which is one of the creepiest urban legends in Texas, centers around a woman named Clara Crane. After being released from the psychiatric hospital she was committed to for killing her husband, she continued to terrorize the small town of Terrell. Can you guess why she was called “The Candy Lady?...

A big reason Northern California is a nature lover’s paradise is the sheer diversity of landscapes you’re bound to witness. Here in NorCal, we have them all. From forests and mountains to sand dunes and rugged coastlines – there’s no end to the beauty you can witness. In fact, there’s a popular hiking and cycling trail that’s managed to showcase perfectly the varied landscapes you’ll come across. Taking you across open fields, lush woodlands, and to a stunning beach, the Hammond Trail is an adventure to remember....

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, the Homer Inn and Spa offers rest, relaxation, and views to die for. Located right on the gorgeous Kachemak Bay, this incredible little inn offers so much for the weekend traveler. Grab your loved ones, pack your bag, and prepare yourself for some comforting this winter season. If you’re looking for an epic romantic retreat, this small and charming inn is the perfect place to escape....