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We asked our readers on our Only in Virginia Facebook Page what the most beautiful lakes in Virginia are, and boy did y’all deliver! We received nearly 150 responses! We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular submissions below. Did your favorite lake make the list? Smith Mountain Lake Vicky Payne via Only In Your State Created in 1963, Smith Mountain Lake is the second-largest freshwater lake in Virginia, and it might just be one of the most popular lakes in the state....

Summer is a great time to get outside your comfort zone and try something new. That might be a new dish prepared using fresh veggies from a local farm or a visit to a place you’ve never been. For us, it means visiting new parts of the state we’ve never seen before. This summer, we’ve learned that there are a number of fun places to visit and things to try even within places we’ve been, and this houseboat in Portsmouth Harbor is just one example....

With summer starting to swing, your sweet tooth might be craving some tropical drinks. Nothing is more quintessential than a margarita, and this trail of bars and restaurants through Fort Wayne, Indiana will introduce you to nine of best. Welcome to the Margarita Marathon. With a drive time of less than an hour, this mini trip through the second-largest city in the state takes you straight through the whole thing top to bottom (or bottom to top, if you prefer)....

When the temperatures starts dropping and the snow begins falling, many of us have a tendency to bundle up inside and enjoy indoor activities. However, there’s no need for the outdoor fun to end just because Old Man Winter has arrived! We’ve got so many great winter hikes in Connecticut that are just as fun when the ground’s covered in snow. There’s nothing that’ll warm you up quicker than burning a few calories, and one spot you’re sure to do just that is at Devil’s Den Preserve....

If you have spent any time in Idaho during the winter months, you know it gets cold — like really cold. In fact, Idaho is consistently found on lists featuring the coldest places in America, with several of our small towns and cities being recognized as some of the coldest in the lower 48. Idaho is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The incredible mountains, beautiful lakes, fabulous hiking trails, and gorgeous hot springs entice individuals of all ages to head outdoors all year long and enjoy some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations....

Arizona caves and waterfalls are equally awe-inspiring natural wonders, and this road trip leads you to some of the best of each that Arizona has to offer. The entire route is just shy of 550 miles, or 12.5 hours of driving time. We recommend spending the night at several of the stops (many have campgrounds) to get the most out of the trip. Let’s begin our journey to these caves and waterfalls in Arizona....

The Twin Cities are famous for many things: friendly locals, incredible dining, and fascinating history. In two cities with so much history that is constantly evolving, there are definitely parts of Minneapolis and Saint Paul that get left behind, and become abandoned ruins, with not much to offer. If you’re up for a scary adventure, we dare you to take this road trip to Minneapolis-Saint Paul’s most abandoned ruins. Along this drive, you’ll explore some of the most abandoned places in Minneapolis....

For many people who do not call Tennessee home, it may come as a surprise when we say that our state can be a winter wonderland. It might seem strange for a state in the South to make such an audacious claim, but it’s true. While we may not experience snow like our northern neighbors, we make the most of it. Head to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in the winter to experience the splendor of the season....

For a memorable seafood meal and spectacular sunset views, head to McElroy’s Harbor House when you’re in Biloxi, Mississippi. Since 1974, this family-owned and operated restaurant in Mississippi has been the place to go along the Gulf Coast for a hearty breakfast or fresh seafood lunch or dinner. As you’ll soon see, when you dine at this favorite spot amongst locals and tourists alike, you’ll be swept away by the stunning views overlooking the water too...

Ever wondered who the richest people are in Ohio and why they’re so rich? From named brand clothing companies you’re probably familiar with to processed cheese, these families are well-versed in how to make a profit. The following are eight of the richest people and families in Ohio and what they do. The E.W. Scripps Family Byron Cole/Flickr As of January 2023, the E.W. Scripps family’s net worth was $1.1 billion....

Devil Anse Hatfield. Have you heard of him? He was the head of the infamous Hatfield clan, of the Hatfield-McCoy feud fame. Born and raised in Logan, West Virginia. Fought for the Confederacy in the Civil War. Founder of a successful logging company. Husband. Father of 13 children. And, most famously, the sworn enemy of a neighboring family, the McCoys. Devil Anse Hatfield (born William Anderson Hatfield) lived a long and storied life....

The Lake Tahoe area is a wonderland of beautiful waterways, mountainous regions, recreational areas, campgrounds, and more. One of the most popular activities to enjoy in the area is hiking. A great place to do this is along the Floating Island Lake Trail. Once here you’ll find that there are actually three trails in one. Yuko Ohata/AllTrails Together the area is commonly referred to as the Desolation Wilderness, Mount Tallac Trailhead, its components being the Floating Island Lake Trail, Cathedral Lake Trail, and Mount Tallac, extending one way 1....

Whether or not you believe in the supernatural, ghost stories can be fascinating and spine-chilling, especially in the right setting. The Historic Wolf Creek Inn is the oldest hotel in Oregon, and some say that it’s one of the most haunted places you’ll ever sleep. Do you dare set foot in this eerie old place? This is one of those creepy, haunted hotels in Oregon that certainly commands an audience....

Some popular establishments, particularly in large cities, get quite a name for themselves. You’ll see them mentioned on social media, they’ll have five-star ratings on Google, and they’re just generally well-known by tourists and locals alike. Other places are a little more humble, and you have to really be in-the-know to be familiar with them. Travelers may come across them while driving through the area, but there’s rarely much publicity, other than from local residents who are avid fans....

Have you ever wondered where the wealthiest people in Indiana lived? Where all our state’s money is hiding or what the most expensive county in Indiana is? I did a little digging and I found out we have seven counties that have a per capita income higher than the United States average of $27,334! If you’re considering moving, so you can live the wealthy life – here are the 13 richest counties in Indiana for you to consider....

A good meal is never far away, especially in Rhode Island. And when it comes to seafood? Well, we all know our scenic state dishes up some of the best in New England, maybe even the United States. Perhaps a hidden gem to non-locals, this seafood spot in Rhode Island promises the whole package – scrumptious seafood, breathtaking views, and stellar service. A beloved gem since 1929, The Lobster Pot in Bristol scores glowing reviews from diners for everything from the attentive service and the food to those…...

The great state of New Hampshire has 221 towns, 13 cities, and 25 unincorporated places. That’s a lot of places to explore that would require tank-fuls of gas and a lot of time. To break it down into something more manageable, here is a selection of 12 places that are worth checking out. January - Waterville Valley Visit Waterville Valley, NH/Facebook “The Town At The End Of The Road”, as it’s locally known, provides a playground for those who love the snow....

Life sometimes goes by at breakneck speed. We’re always connected, too, which means our minds are usually racing at all hours of the day and the night. Sometimes, though, we need a little bit of time away from all of the modern conveniences, like email at our fingertips and smartphones in our pockets. When you need some time away from it all (off the grid or not), plan a visit to this enchanting Missouri town....

Of all the 50 wonderful states in the country, Arkansas has our hearts. In addition to being absolutely, spectacularly beautiful, it’s also a safe and sweet state to call home. While, of course, the Natural State has its share of crime, by and large, there are plenty of safe towns in Arkansas. Don’t believe us? According to the most recent data from Safewise, the safest cities in Arkansas, robbery accounts for just 5% of the violent crime rate....

If you’re craving one of the best burgers in Texas, a Mexican restaurant probably wouldn’t be your first-choice restaurant – but it should be, at least with regard to Mendez Cafe in San Angelo. This tiny eatery dishes out a mean cheeseburger, kicked up a notch with the addition of grilled jalapenos and onions. You’ll be hooked after the first bite! Mendez Cafe proclaims itself to have the best Mexican food in San Angelo - but one of its most iconic menu items couldn’t be more American....