Courtnie Erickson

Idaho Falls

Contributor at Only in Your State

An attorney’s wife, Mom of two, crafter of words.

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Articles

7 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Spokane, Washington, My Favorite Included

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Courtnie Erickson |Katie Lawrence |Jackie Sutherlin |Trent Jonas

I love Eastern Washington, and I feel like this side of the state often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. Having lived near Spokane for several years, I’ve driven the roads in and out of the Lilac City countless times, looking for new places to explore and visit. The following are just seven easy day trips you can take from Spokane, including one of my favorite outdoor adventures. Many of these destinations are perfect for families or solo adventures.
You Have to Experience This Gorge Hike in New Jersey for Yourself

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Jasmine Vieau |Melanie Johnson |Courtnie Erickson

I’ve always loved hikes that challenge you but reward you with incredible views, and the Mount Tammany Red Dot Trail is a perfect example. Located in the Delaware Water Gap area, it’s one of the most iconic gorge hikes in New Jersey. This demanding climb offers a highly satisfying payoff, with spectacular views of the Delaware River and Mount Minsi on the opposite side—the Pennsylvania counterpart to New Jersey’s Mount Tammany.
This Stylish Victorian Haven Near Lincoln Woods State Park Is Perfect for Weekend Adventurers

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Jasmine Vieau |Melanie Johnson |Courtnie Erickson

I have to say, finding the perfect weekend spot that’s close to nature but still near great food, art, and things to do in the city? Not always easy. That’s why this uniquely styled vacation rental near Lincoln Woods State Park—a charming Victorian flat—caught my eye. It’s tucked into Providence’s lively West End, offering the kind of setup that makes spontaneous hikes or nights out both totally doable. Lincoln Woods State Park is just a quick 10-minute drive from the flat.
5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Santa Fe, My Favorite Included

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney |Jackie Sutherlin |Andrea Verschuyl |Courtnie Erickson

While Santa Fe is an excellent vacation destination on its own, a day trip away from the city may be in order if you live here or you're visiting for a while. So, what easy day trips can you take from Santa Fe? Well, there are many, but I handpicked five options, including my favorite. Are you ready to plan an adventurous day trip from Santa Fe? Here are my top picks that are only an hour or two away:Just 50 minutes north of Santa Fe is one of the most relaxing spots in the state.
This Lakefront Villa Near Cave Rock State Park is Luxurious

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney |Jackie Sutherlin |Andrea Verschuyl |Courtnie Erickson

On the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a Nevada state park with views that are so exceptional you'll want to spend as much time here as possible. Cave Rock State Park is named for the massive rock that towers hundreds of feet over the lake. This landmark is a prominent feature of the 3-acre park that's also home to a beach and a boat launch. If you'd like a getaway close to the famous rock formaton and the small but stunning state park it resides in, there's a luxurious villa just moments away.
View the Northern Lights From Bed at This Unique Cabin Airbnb Near Fairbanks, Alaska

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Courtnie Erickson |Andrea Verschuyl |Jacki Mick |Jasmine Vieau

Viewing the Northern Lights has been on my bucket list since I was young. I love to look at pictures and watch videos of the colors dancing across the sky. Here in Alaska, we are blessed with numerous opportunities to watch this breathtaking night show, and I’ve found just the place where you don’t have to travel far, can snuggle in bed, and observe this magical scene throughout the entire night.
This Epic Road Trip in Michigan Hits 5 of the State’s Best Waterfalls

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Jackie Sutherlin |Andrea Verschuyl |Jacki Mick |Courtnie Erickson

There are over 200 waterfalls in Michigan, and spring and summer are the best times of the year to view them. Of course, it would be impossible to fit all 200 waterfalls into one adventure, so we’ve curated a road trip to five of Michigan’s best waterfalls to enjoy. All of these waterfalls are located in the Upper Peninsula, and we’ve even included a place to stay so you can spread this trip out over a weekend.
Sleep Under the Stars in a Chic Geo Dome in Illinois

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Jacki Mick |Courtnie Erickson |Andrea Verschuyl

What if I told you there was an incredible place to see the night sky just over an hour outside Chicago? I know, it sounds made up... like deep-dish that doesn’t require a fork. But it’s real. Just an hour and twenty minutes from the Windy City and about fifty minutes from Aurora, you’ll find yourself in Sheridan, Illinois. This tiny town is far enough from city lights that the Milky Way actually looks like, well, the Milky Way—not just a grayish smudge behind a Walgreens sign.
The Motor City Melt at Comerica Park Is a Feat of the Imagination

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Jacki Mick |Courtnie Erickson |Andrea Verschuyl |Jasmine Vieau

Baseball has always been my sport. As a kid, I didn’t care if it was the Majors or my neighbor Joey’s Little League team—if there were stands and a scorecard, I was there with a pencil, tracking every pitch like a tiny stats-obsessed commissioner. I loved the order of it all: the numbers, the noise, the rhythm of the game. But if I’m honest, the food was half the fun. Stadium food is its own glorious genre, and Michigan knows how to do it right.
This Iconic Californian Spot Is the Perfect Dupe for an Italian Vacation

1 week ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Andrea Verschuyl |Jacki Mick |Courtnie Erickson

Oh, Capri. That magical Italian island of sun-kissed cliffs, sparkling waters, fragrant lemon groves, swoon-worthy cuisine, and celebrity-studded beach clubs. But its greatest magic trick?