Megan Shute

Mar 9, 2025 | onlyinyourstate.com | Katie Lawrence |Melanie Johnson |Megan Shute

I love Airbnbs with views in New Mexico, especially when they have spacious patios for enjoying the scenery. Sky Home, a sustainable cabin perched on a hilltop overlooking an expansive valley, checks both of those boxes (and then some!). It's part of a 43-acre, private eco-living community known as The Land, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life so you can unplug and find peace.

Mar 9, 2025 | onlyinyourstate.com | Katie Lawrence |Melanie Johnson |Megan Shute

I might be a tad biased in saying this, but I truly believe spring wildflowers in Texas are more beautiful than anywhere else. My favorite time of year is when the country roads are lined with bluebonnets, and I can take long, scenic drives to admire the striking cobalt blooms. A new tradition I started a few years ago is heading out to Ennis for the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, which is held in April each year.

Mar 9, 2025 | onlyinyourstate.com | Melanie Johnson |Trent Jonas |Beth Copenhaver |Megan Shute

Did you know that Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest near Springerville sees over 500,000 visitors annually? While that number is staggering, it doesn’t compare to the millions exploring the popular national parks and forests in Arizona. Naturally, this makes this gorgeous national forest a true, low-key, hidden gem in the state.

Mar 8, 2025 | onlyinyourstate.com | Megan Todaro |Katie Lawrence |Melanie Johnson |Megan Shute

Have you ever had the urge to just take the day off from your regularly scheduled responsibilities and disappear into the woods for some rest and relaxation? I can't be the only one, right? When life becomes a bit harder than I like, sometimes the only prescriptive remedy is nature. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by trees, a soundtrack of wind and birds, and the crunch of dirt and leaves underfoot.

Jan 27, 2025 | onlyinyourstate.com | Trent Jonas |Melissa Mahoney |Megan Shute |Kim Falchek

One of my favorite things about visiting the tropical paradise and cultural melting pot of the Aloha State is sampling food and products that I can't readily get on the mainland - and even if I could, they wouldn't be nearly as fresh or as organic as I can often find them in Hawaii. That is why I love the Hilo Farmers Market so much. It's always near the top of my list of places to visit when I'm on the Big Island.