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Any true blue Arkansas nature fans out there? I know some of y’all are, and I am too. But I’ll be honest, I’m not about to forgo the comfort of my house and take to a trail I can’t hike in a day or less. I would imagine most of us are not quite in fighting shape when it comes to hiking the entirety of the Ozarks Highlands Trail, a 218-mile trail that leads through the most remote sections of the Ozarks in northwest Arkansas....

The Brown Mountain lights have been puzzling travelers, locals and scientist for nearly a decade. These strange orbs of light appear over Brown Mountain after night falls. They’re in different shapes and sizes, different colors. Some rise from the trees while others merely appear in flashes. From the overlook, you can witness them…if you’re lucky. The past summer, the lights barely made an appearance. While some have visited time and time again with no luck, one scientist has dedicated his studies to proving their existence and perhaps figuring out what they are....

Located in the Columbia River just north of Portland, Sauvie Island is a wonderfully bucolic place where you’ll find picturesque scenery, lovely river beaches, U-Pick farms, and more. It’s a great place to get away from it all and relax in a peaceful setting. Sauvie Island is a gorgeous 26,000-acre island located in the Columbia River near Portland. flickr/ Paul Cleary As you cross over the bridge onto the island, you’ll be greeted by beautiful scenery in every direction....

Virginians have a love-hate relationship with winter. We complain about the ice and the slushy roads. We daydream about warm, sandy beaches. We moan about icicles on our cars and salt on our roads. But, it’s impossible to resist the charm of winter in Virginia. From trees branches that sparkle like crystals after the first frost to the first blanket of snow that turns the world white, winter is a magical time....

It’s always fun to stay in a hotel. The chance to take a break from work, explore a new area, and relax in a new environment can be very energizing. It’s even more exciting when you choose to stay in a hotel that has a special theme. Here in Minnesota, there are quite a few interesting places to stay. One of the best is the Northern Rail Traincar Inn, a train-themed hotel that will blow you away with its outstanding comfort, beautiful location, and authentic boxcar rooms....

Arizona never fails to surprise visitors with her beauty, especially through hiking. It seems that every turn on a new trail will lead you to a stunning display of color, texture, and life. If you’re on the lookout for a new landscape to explore, then you’re going to love this easy trail that sees few visitors every year. Red Mountain Trail is located 25 miles northwest of Flagstaff and will lead you into a fractured cinder volcano, its interior exposed for all to see....

When my family and I moved (back — for me) to Denver last year, my husband and I began what is still my favorite tradition: Burger Saturday. The concept is pretty simple: Every Saturday, we go to a different bar, restaurant, or burger joint to see if they make one of the best burgers in Colorado. Obviously, we haven’t been to every single burger joint in CO (we’re working on it) but today I am sharing with you a few of our favorites, as well as some of the highest rated places I could find on the interwebs....

I don’t know about you, but I think so-called “life hacks,” creative ways people have developed to solve everyday problems, are one of the best ways to waste time on the Internet. Knowledge is power, right? Here are a few hacks we think might come in handy in Florida. Power went out and you’re unprepared? Simply light the paper and it will burn for up to 30 minutes. Just be sure not to leave them unattended and that they’re set up safely....

We’ve shown you some stellar Christmas light displays around the state, but did you know that some of Maine’s little towns have the most charming, enchanting main streets during the holidays? These 10 towns go all out, dressing up their storefronts, trees and fixtures with lights, decorations and holiday cheer. Bath City of Bath/Facebook The little town of Bath is so quaint that it needs only the most natural decorations to dress it up....

There’s no denying that Arizona is a unique place to call home. The landscapes, weather, and people are diverse and so are the living experiences. Depending on where in Arizona you grew up—the city, rural areas, the reservations, in the desert, or in the forest—we’re sure that you’ve probably acquired a few of the following habits. Since the monsoons are here, let’s start with this: you always take a moment to appreciate what little precipitation Arizona receives....

Today we look back on another decade of life in Minnesota, and one that many of you will likely remember. From buildings that no longer stand to famous concerts, we found some of the most fascinating photos that are sure to evoke a memory, or 2, or 10. Check out these great shots, then share your memories from 1960s MN with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page! The Metropolitan Building in Minneapolis circa 1960....

Small town Ohio is the best place to call home—and it’s definitely where you’ll find the best people. Whether or not you agree with us, here are 12 things that make people from small town Ohio the best kind of people. We enjoy and appreciate the good things (and people) in life. Brad Holt/Flickr Whenever some sort of crisis or tragedy happens in your family, your neighbors bring you hot meals for weeks....

New York City was the gateway to America for countless new immigrants over the 19th and 20th centuries. However, not many people know that part of this legacy is still rotting away on Ellis Island. Read on to learn more about the site, and check out the haunting images photographer Cory Seamer captured at this abandoned island hospital. Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital opened in 1902. Flickr/Cory Seamer It was the first public health hospital in America....

From interesting tidbits of information about ancient Hawaiians, to geographic wonders, the Hawaiian Islands are the subject of many incredible trivia facts. Some of these facts are common, while others are a bit more obscure, but regardless, everyone who lives in Hawaii should have these 18 trivia facts in their arsenal. How else are you going to win that competitive round of bar trivia? Hawaii is home to approximately one-third of all the endangered species in the United States....

Tennessee is known for its fantastic food and kind people, but there are a couple of things those nice folk just can’t stand for…and that’s messing up our food. (It’s a bit cyclical, you know.) We’ve asked around and come up with eight food faux-pas that no one in Tennessee is wont to get away with – so don’t push it. Do you agree with the Volunteer state…? Try to serve up meat sans three....

Recently we featured some spectacular Northwest photos sent in by talented photographers on our Only In Washington Facebook page, and there were quite a few remarkable submissions in response! Out of the dozens of gorgeous shots shared with us, here are 15 of our many favorites: Bill Evans captured this beautiful shot of a visitor to Lopez Island navigating into Fisherman Bay! Bill Evans You can only see this kind of beauty here in Washington!...

The trail at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon will take you through a little over two miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Although the pathways are not exceedingly difficult, they were made in the 1930s, before ADA regulations, so there are a few steep and tricky places on the trail. The paths are still suitable for novice hikers, but be sure to use caution and wear proper footwear....

Summer is a few short months away and with that comes BBQs, late night fire pits and finding creative ways to beat the unbearable heat and humidity. Do you want to know my favorite way to stay cool? Swimming holes. If you are looking for the perfect natural spring to soak in, check out Lake Scott State Park in Scott City. The stunning State Park offers a 100-acre spring-fed lake, perfect for swimming, water sports, boating and canoeing....

This town located, about 35 miles south of Jamestown has only has about 76 residents. It isn’t one of the more remembered small towns in North Dakota – if you blink when you drive past, you’ll miss it – but you HAVE to check it out at least once. Here are some highlights to visiting Jud, North Dakota, and why you should check it out yourself. Jimmy Emerson/Flickr Jud is known as the Village of Murals....

If you’ve ever driven down I-10 East towards Slidell from New Orleans, then you have probably spotted this unique landmark: the Irish Bayou Castle. If you haven’t made a stop yet–go ahead and try it! We know you are going to feel like you are in a fairy tale. Simon Villemarette built this castle in anticipation for the New Orleans World’s Fair in 1981. Facebook.com / Irish Bayou Castle This was truly a labor of love, and it has now been lovingly restored....