Marisa Roman

1 month ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Trent Jonas |Melanie Johnson |Melissa Mahoney |Marisa Roman

I grew up in Iowa, and I recall many ways that we welcomed the end of winter: watching the Hawkeyes in the NCAA tournament (often); looking for the blooming of Dutchmen's breeches; and after a little rain and a couple of warm days, hunting for elusive morels in the hardwood forests and river bottoms of eastern Iowa. What I always looked forward most, though - absent seeing the Hawkeyes in the Final Four (rare) - was the return of American white pelicans to the area.

1 month ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Andrea Verschuyl |Megan Todaro |Marisa Roman |Beth Copenhaver

I doubt I'm the only Pacific Northwesterner who emerges from winter like a creature crawling out of hibernation. Still, when I'm finished squinting through the sudden sunshine, I remember to be grateful for the break in the drizzle. The emergence of spring doesn't just reawaken long-dormant flowers — it also coaxes us to seek new experiences once more. Could there be a better way to bid winter farewell and feed our curiosity than to make something beautiful?

1 month ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Marisa Roman |Beth Copenhaver |Kelly Carroll |Megan Todaro

The States of Discovery podcast, brought to you by Only In Your State, is your ticket to an audio adventure where curiosity meets exploration. Hosted by the adventure-loving duo, Marisa and Sara, each episode takes you on a journey to uncover the hidden narratives of our country—one story at a time. Whether it's diving into the minimalist charm of van life or broadcasting live from the bustling Wisconsin State Fair, this podcast shines a light on the untold stories that surround us.

1 month ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Megan Todaro |Marisa Roman |Beth Copenhaver

I’ve always believed that history isn’t just shaped by grand events — it’s shaped by bold individuals. And when it comes to Hawaii, some of the most powerful change-makers were women. From fighting for civil rights to preserving cultural traditions, they left legacies that still shape the islands today. Here are seven remarkable Hawaiian women whose courage, determination, and vision continue to inspire. 1.

1 month ago | onlyinyourstate.com | Jackie Sutherlin |Andrea Verschuyl |Megan Todaro |Marisa Roman

There are endless opportunities to catch a sunset view in Alaska. Personally, I love getting out and finding a good sunset hike in Alaska where I can be secluded and immersed in the state's natural beauty. Now that the days are getting longer, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite sunset hikes that you can add to your bucket list this year. I’ve tried to keep all of these hikes to a reasonable length — hiking for miles in the dark can be dangerous.