States of Discovery

In this special 10th birthday episode of our podcast, Sara and Marisa take a nostalgic look back at a decade of Only In Your State. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest travel brands dedicated to uncovering America’s hidden gems, we’re reflecting on where we started, what we’ve learned, and where we’re going next.

Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or just discovered your state’s page last week, this is ...

Dive bars - they’re more than just a spot for cheap drinks. They’re community hubs, cultural icons, and spaces brimming with stories. In this episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the charm, history, and evolving culture of dive bars. From their roots as literal underground hangouts to their role as inclusive, welcoming spaces, we explore why these beloved establishments hold a special place in our hearts.

Episod...

In this episode of States of Discovery, we're diving headfirst into the world of extreme travel. From sand dune boarding in the Southwest to white water rafting in remote canyons, thrill-seekers across the U.S. are redefining what it means to take a vacation. But what's behind this hunger for adrenaline? And why are others content to sit back and play it safe?

Join us as we explore the psychology of sensation seeking, the most darin...

In this delightfully offbeat episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa take you on a road trip through America’s weirdest museums—the kind of places that make you do a double-take and say, “Wait… this is real?” From preserved medical oddities to mustard-themed exhibits, we explore the strange, specific, and surprisingly educational corners of the museum world.

You’ll learn about:

• The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, home to...

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, but they continue to evolve in style, meaning, and perception. In this episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa explore the history, science, and cultural significance of body art. From ancient traditions to modern ink trends, they debunk myths, discuss safety concerns, and dive into the shifting landscape of tattoo culture—especially how women, LGBTQ+ artists, and people of c...

In this episode of States of Discovery, Sara and Marisa explore the chilling true crime cases and unexplained mysteries within America’s national parks. They discuss infamous cases like the unsolved murders in Shenandoah, mysterious disappearances in Death Valley, and eerie findings in Yellowstone. Joined by experts from National Park After Dark and Crime Off the Grid, they examine the challenges of investigating crimes in vast, re...

In this all-new episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the deliciously complex world of viral food trends and explore how social media has revolutionized our relationship with food. From TikTok's feta pasta craze to Guinness shortages caused by viral drinking challenges, we uncover these trends' cultural, economic, and societal impacts. Join us as we discuss the performative vs. purposeful aspects of food culture...

Dive bars - they’re more than just a spot for cheap drinks. They’re community hubs, cultural icons, and spaces brimming with stories. In this episode of States of Discovery, Marisa and Sara dive into the charm, history, and evolving culture of dive bars. From their roots as literal underground hangouts to their role as inclusive, welcoming spaces, we explore why these beloved establishments hold a special place in our hearts.

Episod...

Welcome back to another episode of States of Discovery. In this seasonally apropos episode, our hosts dive into Halloween. But rather than just keeping things surface level here, we’re taking it a step further, uncovering the reasons why Halloween has surged in popularity, and how it has become a billion dollar business. Hosts Marisa and Sara explore the holiday's cultural impact, the allure of spooky tourism, and the reasons behin...

In this video reaction to the podcast episode "Chasing Storms: Understanding Natural Hazards and Disasters Across the U.S.," we dive into the compelling discussion about natural hazards and disasters. The episode explores the science behind events like hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes and how communities nationwide respond to these threats. Our reaction video highlights key insights shared in the podcast, from expert advice on ...

In this episode of States of Discovery, our hosts delve deep into the powerful forces of nature that shape the world we live in. Sara and Marisa explore the critical difference between natural hazards and natural disasters, discussing their causes, effects, and how we can stay prepared. From earthquakes to hurricanes, and from wildfires to floods, these events impact lives, ecosystems, and communities. Joining us are two special gu...

In this engaging follow-up reaction video, Sara and Marisa from States of Discovery take you on an immersive journey through the lively Wisconsin State Fair. Watch as they discuss the vibrant atmosphere, indulging in the state’s iconic deep-fried treats, savoring unique local dishes, and encountering a variety of farm animals. Their candid reactions capture the excitement, surprise, and pure joy that comes with experiencing one of ...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of States of Discovery by Only In Your State! In this episode, Sara and Marisa will be heading to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attend for the very first time the Wisconsin State Fair. Our podcast hosts spent a handful of days immersing themselves in fair culture from enjoying famous Wisconsin cream puffs, trying the very first Purple Pickle Lemonade, and talking with locals. Join us to explore t...

Welcome to the exciting trailer episode of States of Discovery by Only In Your State! In this 10-minute teaser, we introduce you to the heart and soul of our podcast as we embark on an adventure where education and curiosity about the world collide.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to States of Discovery: Discover the inspiration behind our podcast and the unique experiences that have driven us to explore these multifaceted sto...

Welcome back, everyone, to another episode of Not Your Average Bucket List by OnlyInYourState. In this episode, we’re going to be talking about a new editorial tentpole we feature on OnlyInYourState.com that is entirely focused on waterfalls throughout the United States. It’s titled: Chasing Waterfalls Across The USA. Here’s a little snippet from our article.

“From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countles...

Welcome back, everyone, to Season 4, Episode 17 of Not Your Average Bucket List by OnlyInYourState. We’re going to be tackling today an article titled: The Most Charming College Town In Pennsylvania Is Home To Delicious Dining, Shopping, And More. And the town in focus is West Chester, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Inquirer to call West Chester “…one of the world’s most perfect small towns,” and we’re here today to tell you why we...

Welcome back, everyone, to Season 4, Episode 15 of Not Your Average Bucket List by OnlyInYourState. Today, we’re talking about ghost towns across the country, and highlighting one ghost town in Virginia in particular.

So, we’ve written a lot about ghost towns on OnlyInYourState. And this article we’re focusing on today is titled: The Little-Known Ghost Town In Virginia You Can Only Reach By Hiking This 1.7-Mile Trail.

In the podcast ...

Welcome back, everyone, to Season 4, Episode 15 of Not Your Average Bucket List by OnlyInYourState. This week we are covering good old fashioned roadside attractions in the United States, with an emphasis on a popular hamburger hut in Northern California.

We take a look at our article titled “The Roadside Hamburger Hut In Northern California That Shouldn’t Be Passed Up” and fine that hidden gem roadside spots like this are still ali...

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Not Your Average Bucket List by OnlyInYourState. We’ve taken some time off from new episodes. Have you missed us? 

What better way to welcome back our audience than with an episode dedicated to the Amish community in Pennsylvania, specifically Green Dragon Farmers Market? Thanks to our article titled “The Amish Flea Market Every Pennsylvanian Needs To Explore At Least Once,” we are ab...