April Dray

Chillicothe

Staff Writer and Editor at Only in Your State

Written word is my zeal. Ohio Staff Writer and Jr. Managing Editor @onlyinyourstate. I love my cat and she tolerates me.

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Articles

In Defense Of The Disney Princess — wallflower

2 months ago | wallflowerjournal.com | April Dray

“I am a Princess… I try to be kind. I try to be generous. I am kind even when others are not so generous. I believe compassion makes me strong. Kindness is power. And friendship is the tightest bond of all. I have heard I am beautiful. I know I am strong. I am a princess. Long may I reign.”Those were the words printed on the canvas that made my heart light up.
Winter Is This Ohio Park's Secret Season & Here’s Why You Should Go

2 months ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Nikki Rhoades |Melissa Mahoney |April Dray |Jacki Mick

Winter in Northeast Ohio is absolutely dazzling... if you bundle up accordingly, that is. The northern half of the state gets the most snowfall, with some cities creeping close to an average annual snowfall of circa 84 inches. In Lake County, you can experience the splendor of a winter wonderland with about half that amount of snowfall, so it's an incredible winter hiking destination.
BOOK REVIEW: Sarah Clarkson’s ‘Reclaiming Quiet’ Will Deepen Your Faith & Refresh Your Soul — wallflower

Nov 12, 2024 | wallflowerjournal.com | April Dray

Truly a work of exploration, this was not a book in which I found a “how to” guide or a lecture on how self-discipline will lead me to a life of quiet. (Although, you will find some practical, helpful suggestions in many chapters.) This book felt more like an understanding friend; for it was written by a fellow mother struggling to find a moment of silence amidst the daily demands of life we can’t — and are not called to — abandon.
8 Pop & Alternative Albums That Pair Beautifully With The Fall Season — wallflower

Oct 29, 2024 | wallflowerjournal.com | April Dray

When the fall season is in full swing, it’s all too easy to crave the perfect autumnal soundtrack. Whether you’re taking a walk through your hometown or commuting to a large city for work, you probably enjoy matching your tunes with the seasonal aesthetic. From alternative 90s rock to literature-inspired ballads, the following are eight albums that are downright magical to listen to when there’s a chill in the air and the leaves are falling like sunlit jewels.
The Amazing Campground in Ohio We Want to Visit All Year Round

Oct 29, 2024 | onlyinyourstate.com | Beth Copenhaver |Sarah McCosham |April Dray

It takes a brave soul to want to go winter camping in Ohio. That being said, those who dare pitch their tent in the middle of the coldest season will be rewarded with some supremely stunning scenery, peace and quiet, and the most mesmerizing blanket of stars. Today, we're taking a good look at one of our favorite state parks for camping, Cowan Lake State Park. It's got everything we love about camping in Ohio: hiking trails, quality amenities, and beautiful scenery.
If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Cozy Town In Ohio, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

Oct 28, 2024 | onlyinyourstate.com | Nikki Rhoades |Beth Copenhaver |April Dray

Almost frozen in time, Medina, Ohio is a picture perfect getaway just south of Cleveland. Fortunately for locals and visitors, it's just barely south of the snowbelt, too, meaning trips through town are pleasant and easy almost all year-round. With gorgeous architecture, local shops, and a pace of life that's more relaxed, no visit to Medina is uneventful. Pack just enough road trip snacks to keep you satisfied...
Rumor Has It the Ohio State Reformatory Is One of the Most Haunted Places in the US

Oct 15, 2024 | onlyinyourstate.com | Robert Kroeger |Sarah McCosham |Nikki Rhoades |April Dray

Whether you live in Ohio or not, you're probably familiar with the Ohio State Reformatory. Not only did this former reformatory play a key role in "The Shawshank Redemption," but it's also considered to be one of the most haunted places in the U.S.I've lived in Ohio most of my life but had never visited this iconic institution until recently.
The Ohio Literary Road Trip Leads to 10 Incredible Bookstores and Libraries

Oct 8, 2024 | onlyinyourstate.com | Nikki Rhoades |Beth Copenhaver |April Dray

There's just something magical about small-town bookstores, right? If you're anything like me, you grew up reading the most incredible books, which has a tendency to spark a lifelong love of reading... and book collecting, which is arguably a different hobby than reading. (If you know, you know.) Whether you're a voracious reader or a collector and re-reader, this six hour road trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati will introduce you to ten of the very best bookstores in Ohio.
10 Classic Literature Novels For Beginners — wallflower

Sep 30, 2024 | wallflowerjournal.com | April Dray

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the world of classic literature can be intimidating. I will be one of the first to admit so — but also one of the first to encourage you to dive right in anyway. If you are anything like myself, perhaps you have attempted a particular classic novel (more than once) and “failed.” Perhaps you didn’t understand it, were forced to read it for educational purposes, and/or you simply didn’t enjoy it.
The Amusement Park Hiding In Ohio That’s Been Left Vacant For Decades

Sep 28, 2024 | onlyinyourstate.com | Jackie Ann |April Dray |Catherine Armstrong

There is something hauntingly beautiful about abandoned places. Watching Mother Nature slowly reclaim her territory is a fascinating process that takes many years. Given enough time, she’ll always get her way. Geauga Lake amusement park was once a place where laughter echoed throughout the park but now sits abandoned. Let’s take a look at this abandoned amusement park in Ohio and how it came to be.