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1 week ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
stops7distancedriving timeIn This GuideGrand Canyon Skywalk01Hoover Dam02Las Vegas, NV03Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas04Valley of Fire State Park05St. George, Utah06Zion National Park07When did you last take a few days to explore the southwest in the most spectacular way — on a road trip? Exploring a region by car is something I always look forward to.
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1 week ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
When choosing a vacation rental, there are so many factors to consider. How big is the home, and how many people can stay there? Is it in a good area? What have past guests said about the place? What are the amenities? For me, the amenities are just as important as all of the other features, and when choosing a place to stay in Arizona, a place with a pool is at the top of many people's minds.
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2 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
A Christmas Story has been a classic holiday comedy film since its premiere in 1983. Starring Peter Billingsley as 9-year-old Ralphie Parker, and Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin as his parents, the film features many iconic scenes and catchphrases that many of us remember to this day. If you've ever wanted to live out your very own A Christmas Story dreams, book a stay at Ralphie's House in Chickasha, Oklahoma.
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2 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
Are you ready for a magical experience on the water, one that can only happen at night? Offered by AZ Kayaks is an enjoyable and epic nighttime tour complete with kayaks (or paddleboards), glow sticks, and friends, on one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona. This year, you'll want to add AZ Kayaks' Glow Float to your summer bucket list. Based in Mesa, AZ Kayaks offers kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, and guided water tours.
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2 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
I'm always fascinated by oddly-named places, whether a road, a town, or a trail. I often wonder where the names came from and who had the job of naming them. Some of Oklahoma's towns have the most unusual of names, like Cookietown, IXL, Frogville, Slapout, and Non, to name a few. There are even some unusual names for hiking trails that may make you wonder what you may find along the way as you hike.
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2 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
Have you ever seen a Wes Anderson film? Whether you've watched one of his older movies like, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) or The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), or one of his latest films like Asteroid City (2023) or The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More (2024), you've probably noticed his distinct style and aesthetic.
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2 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
How far will you travel for a great meal? To me, good food is ALWAYS worth the drive, and some restaurants themselves are a day trip destination. On a recent trip to California's central coast, I was introduced to an out-of-the-way eatery at the end of a pier. You probably wouldn't even know it's there unless you're a local. With a menu filled with fresh and fried seafood, Mersea's Seafood Restaurant in Avila Beach is a day-trip worthy destination in Southern California.
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2 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
June is the kickoff to summer when the weather gets increasingly warm and festivities bring everyone outside! It's also Pride Month, 30 days of recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQ community. Since 1970, Pride Festivals have celebrated acceptance and love within and for the queer community.
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3 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
I've always loved Wes Anderson films, not just for the whimsical storylines but for the aesthetics of the set design. Colors, patterns, and nostalgic elements make their way into each scene and become as much a part of the story as the film's characters. I've always dreamed of spending the night in a place that closely resembles the set of a Wes Anderson film, and, after doing some research, I think I found a Denver, Colorado Airbnb that closely fits the bill.
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3 weeks ago | 
onlyinyourstate.com | Melissa Mahoney
I'm pretty sure I have seen every Wes Anderson film ever made. As I watch one of his films, I fall in love with the quirky storyline, the script, and the characters. Beyond that, the set design is among the most visually distinctive I've ever seen in a movie. The use of muted, pastel, and bright colors, repeated patterns, symmetry, and nostalgic elements is tantalizing to my eyes, drawing me into each scene like I belong there as much as one of the characters.
