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Articles by Kerri Cox
Travel Preparation & Advice
Trips & Routes Travel Preparation & Advice This Fascinating South Dakota Road Trip Is a Paleontologist’s Dream
Day Trips | Only In Missouri
5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Springfield, Missouri, My Favorite Included Venturing out from Springfield, Missouri, you can find quirky towns and scenic spots. Find inspiration for your next day trip!
Travel Preparation & Advice
Trips & Routes Travel Preparation & Advice I Asked Our AI-Travel Planner for a Weekend Adventure in Branson, Missouri—Here’s What It Created I put the Only In Your State AI-powered Dashboard trip planner to the test to see if it could plan a local-approved itinerary for a weekend trip to Branson, Missouri.
Cities | Only In Missouri
This Walkable River City in Missouri Is a Must-Visit Gem This stunning Missouri city is easy to explore on foot, with scenic views, local shops, and must-see attractions all within walking distance.
National & State Parks
Nature National & State Parks Indiana Has a State Park With Covered Bridges, a Massive Waterfall, and a 1,400-Acre Lake Enjoy Vermont's covered bridges, waterfalls, and lakes without driving thousands of miles at Indiana's Lieber State Recreation Area.
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers
Nature Beaches, Lakes & Rivers National & State Parks The Breathtaking Small Town State Park in Missouri That We Can’t Stop Thinking About Explore Big Lake State Park in small-town Craig, Missouri. Wildlife and serene waters await at Missouri’s largest natural body of water.
Data in action: a decade of remote, rapid damage assessments
As disasters grow more frequent and severe, the need for fast, reliable information in the immediate aftermath has never been greater. Governments, development partners and humanitarian agencies need to quickly understand the scale and nature of the impact so they can take informed action, mobilize resources and support recovery. Yet, traditional damage assessments can take weeks, and sometimes months, to complete.
データを活用した迅速経済被害推定（GRADE）10年の軌跡
GRADEは、世界銀行および防災グローバル・ファシリティ（GFDRR）内の災害リスク分析チームが開発し、「日本−世界銀行防災共同プログラム」を通じた日本政府からの資金的支援のもとに実施されている、遠隔でデータを使って行う被害推定手法です。 GRADEは、各種災害リスクモデリング手法や過去の被害データ、国勢調査・社会経済調査データ、衛星画像、ソーシャルメディア情報などを統合的に活用し、災害発生から通常2～3週間以内に予備的な被害推定を実施するものです。GRADEの分析結果は、被害の対象・場所・程度をデータに基づき詳細に示す第一報として取りまとめられることも多く、政府やタスクチームが重要な復旧判断を迅速に下す際などに活用されてきました。 17件の災害事例において、GRADEの推定は、他の詳細評価手法（例えばPost-Disaster Damage and Needs...
Data in action: a decade of remote, rapid damage assessments
GRADE is a remote, desk-based damage assessment methodology developed by the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery’s (GFDRR) analytics thematic area, with financing support from Japan’s Ministry of Finance, through the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries.
Enjoy a Groovy Late-Summer Adventure at this Retro Airbnb in Kansas
Is it summer? Is it fall? As the hazy days of summer wind down and the cool breezes of fall blow in, the seasons seem to change from day to day (and sometimes from hour to hour). Don’t let the clash of seasons throw you for a loop. Instead, book a stay at the Retro Flamingo Airbnb in Wichita to enjoy a groovy backyard that’s ready for any weather. Take a dip in the stock tank pool, hop into the hot tub, and then hang out in the vintage camper trailer.
I Bought a Camper Van So I Could See More of My State and Beyond
What’s a person do when a new life is stuck in buffering mode? I decided to buy a camper van, of course! I must admit that I had a bit of a midlife crisis this spring. Our nest was recently emptied after 23 years of parenthood, and I’m ready to move on physically and career-wise as retirement nears, but I must stay put for a couple more years. What’s a person do when a new life is stuck in buffering mode?
This Treehouse Airbnb in Missouri Is Peak Fall Vibes
When I was a kid, I thought my neighbor’s treehouse was the coolest thing. We could climb the steps to reach a place all our own, hovering in a wind-swept cloud of leaves as we looked out on the tiny world below. While that treehouse may not have actually been as grand as it is in my memories, the Robber’s Roost Tree House Airbnb truly is. Located near Exclesior Springs, Missouri, this rustic getaway has peak fall vibes.
Need for Speed? This Unique Missouri Airbnb Has a Private Racetrack
“Go big or go home” seems to be the motto of Missouri’s most unique vacation rental, the Little Talladega Airbnb in Pomona. This adrenaline-packed getaway features a luxurious Tuscan mansion surrounded by a sprawling race track. You can go full throttle right out your front door with the pack of toys included with your stay, including ATVs, go-karts, and electric drift cars. That’s only the beginning of the amped-up amenities you'll find at Little Talladega.
This Tiny Town in Iowa Feels Like a Living Time Capsule
Who wouldn’t love a place that has an annual celebration dedicated to free pancakes? Centerville, Iowa, is a quintessential tiny town with a population just above 5,000. While it may be small in size, it’s big on community pride. This modern-day Mayberry is like a living time capsule, as it preserves pieces of its past, while moving forward to create a community for the future.
Why Columbia, Missouri Is the Best College Town to Visit This Fall
Can you imagine looking up from your seat in a football stadium to see a giant tiger mascot leap from an airplane to take a whirling parachute dive into the field? This is how the University of Missouri–Columbia (commonly known as Mizzou) kicked off a game in 2023, and it’s just one example of the way Mizzou creates a vibrant sense of fun and community each fall in Columbia.
Why Columbia, Missouri Is the Best College Town to Visit This Fall
Surveillance video of what led to Sha'Carri Richardson's arrest has been released. In the video from the Seattle-Tacoma Airport on July 27, originally obtained by TMZ Sports, Richardson is seen approaching her boyfriend, Christian Coleman, from out of the frame and appears to grab his backpack from …
Your Best Summer Experience in Missouri Isn't By Car, It's in a Kayak
While my husband and I have seen stunning landscapes all across the United States, he often comments that other places may have beautiful locations, but they don’t have rivers as good as those in Missouri. Of course, every state has rivers, so what makes Missouri’s extra special? We have an abundance of clear waterways that flow through picturesque scenery, offering just the right level of challenge.
Can’t Make It to Vermont? Try This Picture-Perfect Indiana Alternative
When I think of Vermont, three things come to mind: covered bridges, waterfalls, and lakes. Of course, this sounds like a dreamy landscape to explore. The only problem? It’s over 1,000 miles from my Midwestern home. Moreover, some Vermont towns have become so overrun with online influencers, it can be difficult to actually enjoy the picture-perfect scenery, especially in fall. Luckily, we can find a Vermont substitute a little closer to us in Indiana.
The Missouri Lakefront Village That Feels Like a Slice of Europe in the U.S.
When my family visited Europe, two elements of life stood out to us: walkability and outdoor dining. Even in large cities, time seemed to slow down at the shaded sidewalk cafes. Since then, we have enjoyed finding neighborhoods and villages where we can stroll around and find everything we want and need, especially delicious food.
You'd Never Guess This Japanese Meal Came From a Small-Town Missouri Strip Mall
When my in-laws first suggested eating at Tokyo Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar in Marshfield, I was skeptical. I asked, “Are you sure?” After all, its location in a strip mall in a small Missouri town with a population under 8,000 people didn’t exactly scream high cuisine. However, our experience far exceeded everyone’s expectations. Despite its basic exterior, you will find a clean and homey restaurant inside, offering outstanding food and service.
Can’t Make It to a Disney Theme Park? Try This Missouri Alternative
I took my kids on a trip to Walt Disney World when they were little, and, of course, it knocked our socks off with all of the rides, characters, and magic making. However, it wasn’t a very relaxed vacation, as a Disney visit also comes with a lot of planning, stress, and expenditures. If you can’t make it to Disney—or if you’d like a more relaxed theme park experience—check out Silver Dollar City in the vacation getaway of Branson, Missouri.
This Route 66 Drive-In Movie Theater in Missouri Is the Ultimate Nostalgic Summer Activity
If you are like me, you might have memories of being curled up in the back of the wood-paneled family station wagon to watch a movie like E.T. on a giant screen under the open skies. The 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, Missouri, offers nostalgia in more ways than one. It will bring back memories of your childhood, while offering a cool connection to historic Route 66. First opened in 1949, the theater is on the National Register of Historic Places.
I Was Pleasantly Surprised by This Incredible Hiking Trail in Missouri
I’m going to be honest: From the online photos, the jumbled rock formation on the Devil’s Kitchen Trail at Roaring River State Park didn’t look that impressive. I’ve seen a lot of rocks in my life, and I couldn’t imagine how these could be all that special. Luckily, I set my skepticism aside and set out to explore. Photo by Amanda Herb, courtesy of AllTrails I usually think of Roaring River State Park primarily as a place for trout fishing.
Beat the Midwestern Heat at This Magical, Storybook-Themed Museum in Missouri
Have you ever wanted to play with Curious George, stroll around the pond where Frog and Toad live, or see where the sidewalk ends? If the idea of storybooks coming to life sounds enchanting to you, The Rabbit hOle interactive art museum in Kansas City, Missouri, is the best place to spend a sticky summer day. Beat the Midwestern heat while your kids explore tunnels, slides, and other playful elements in this magical museum.
College Street Cafe Is a Missouri Retro Gem That'll Whisk You Back to the Sock Hop Days
As you step inside College Street Cafe, you can imagine what it might have been like in the 1950s, with school girls in poodle skirts sitting on the swiveling barstools along the chrome-lined countertop. The checkerboard floors and Route 66 memorabilia take you back to the heydays of the Mother Road. Whether you come for the retro vibes, mile-high meringue pie, or affordable prices, you’re in for a nostalgic treat.
This Airbnb With a View Is the Perfect Home Base for Gateway Arch National Park
Are you on a quest to visit all 63 national parks and heading to the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis? Yes, this national park is not quite like the others, which means you won’t be staying in a scenic cabin tucked away in a natural wonderland. However, you can still have a super unique experience, and I have the perfect Airbnb for your stay, one where you’re so close you almost feel like you can reach out and touch the Arch.
Why Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Gateway of Devil’s Lake State Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right
Over the years, I’ve made it a mission to visit state and national parks across the country. While I love soaking in stunning landscapes, I’ve realized I don’t actually like going too far off-grid. I like to mix my nature hikes with visits to local coffee shops and bookstores. These days, I look for destinations that give me the best of both worlds. If you’re anything like me and planning a visit to Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake State Park, don’t overlook the gateway town of Baraboo.
My Favorite Little-Known State Park in Missouri Is a Little-Known Oasis for Trout Fishing
When Missourians think of trout fishing in the Show Me State, two of our popular spots come to mind first, Roaring River State Park and Bennett Spring State Park. But, did you know there’s a little-known Missouri state park that promises all of the fishing action and natural beauty with fewer crowds? Montauk State Park is truly a hidden gem.
Why the Home of Gateway Arch National Park Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right
As a national park lover, I’ve been coming across social media posts mocking my state’s only national park. Sure, Gateway Arch National Park cannot compare to iconic locations like Yosemite and Yellowstone. However, if you come to Missouri just to mark one of the 63 national parks off your checklist, I encourage you to broaden your vision beyond the postage-stamp boundaries of the park itself and take a look at the grand city of St. Louis, as well. Go through the Arch to see what wonders await.
We Did the Research, This Is Officially the Oddest Hiking Trail Name in Missouri
Aside from having one of the oddest hiking trail names in Missouri, the Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park has one of the oddest geological formations in the state. Whether you’re a Missourian looking for a day-trip-worthy hike or a traveler passing through the state on I-70 looking for a place to stretch your legs, the Devil’s Icebox is a trail that’s as fascinating as its name.
This Wisconsin Airbnb With a Slide Into the Lake Is Like a Waterpark
When you were a kid, did you ever set up a Slip ‘N Slide in your yard expecting it to be the coolest experience, only to find yourself barely scooting along? I did. One sweaty summer day in 1985, my flat backyard made my banana yellow Slip ‘N Slide totally dysfunctional. Fortunately, you won't find any such disappointment at the Lake Napowan Airbnb near Wild Rose, Wisconsin, where a massive hillside slide leads into the lake at an epic angle.
Swim and Stroll on This Missouri Trail—It's Summer Perfection
Missouri has lots of scenic trails and great swimming holes, but what if you want to combine a stroll and a swim? I recommend heading to Branson’s Lakeshore Trail on Table Rock Lake, where you’re promised a great swim in one of Missouri’s cleanest lakes. The best part? Since this easy 2.2-mile trail runs parallel to the lake for its entirety, you can find an uncrowded swim beach all your own.
This Missouri Airbnb With a Spiral Slide Into the Lake Is Like Having Your Own Waterpark
When you see the listing photos for the All Docked Out Airbnb in Linn Creek, Missouri, it is immediately clear how this vacation rental got its name. The rental is, indeed, “all docked out” with waterpark vibes, offering two waterslides, an elevated 20-foot jump platform, boat slips, a lakeside bar, and lounging areas. All of this… and you haven’t even stepped foot into the gorgeous luxury home.
Peak Summer Vibes: Try Waterfront Dining on Missouri's Table Rock Lake
You know a place has peak summer vibes when people arrive in boats and can dock them right in front of a floating restaurant. Then there’s the lingering smell of sunscreen wafting through the air to join the savory scents of the entrees. This is exactly what you’ll find at SS Dockside Cafe and Pub in Shell Knob, Missouri.
This Ohio Airbnb Is a Recreation of the Friends TV Show Set
Are you ready for the episode in your life titled, “The One Where You Stay in the Friends Apartment?” Currently, everything 90s is cool again, and that includes the television series Friends. If you’ve watched all 10 seasons and find yourself still wanting more, you can stay in an Airbnb in Cincinnati, Ohio, that feels like walking onto the set of Friends. From the studio lighting on the ceiling to the turquoise kitchen cabinets to the view of Ugly Naked Guy’s apartment, every note hits perfectly.
This Missouri Airbnb Is Like Stepping Onto the Set of Alice in Wonderland
When Alice questions the nonsensical world around her in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat says, “We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad. You must be—or you wouldn’t have come here.” If you are more adventurous than Alice and want to be transported to Wonderland, the Missouri Alice in Wonderland Airbnb in Ozark is just the place for you.
Book This Dreamy Campsite Along a Missouri Lakefront, and You Won’t Be Disappointed
Does a spacious waterfront campsite for $25 a night sound too good to be true? What if I told you it’s also less than 30 minutes from one of Missouri’s most popular tourist destinations? The Old Highway 86 Campground on Table Rock Lake is a dream come true for its price, awe-inspiring views, and access to activities and amenities, both in the park and in nearby Branson. This lake vacation offers all the views and all the fun of a grand getaway—without breaking the bank.
I Asked Our AI-Travel Planner for a Weekend Adventure in Rapid City, SD—Here’s What It Created.
Western South Dakota blew me away with its Badlands and Black Hills, but I messed up by not planning nearly enough time to explore Rapid City and more of the surrounding region. Clearly, I need to pay another visit. Since I had already crafted one itinerary of my own, I decided to see what AI would come up with for a return visit. I asked the AI-powered Only In Your State Travel Planner to help me plan the perfect weekend visit to Rapid City.
This Historic Airbnb Is the Perfect Home Base for MO’s Best Wine and Rail Trails
When you think of wine country, places like Napa and Tuscany might come to mind, but Midwesterners don’t have to travel to these far-flung locales to find scenic vineyards and a picturesque town. Known as Missouri’s Little Germany, Hermann is a delightful destination for hitting the state’s best wine trail with the bonus of having easy access to the Katy Trail, the nation’s longest rail trail.
First Time Camper? This Accessible Missouri Campground Will Make You a Camping Convert
If hanging out with horses is a dream come true for you, how about camping with them? That’s exactly what you can do at the Selby Horse Farm Retirement Hipcamp in Wooldridge, Missouri. You'll feel like you are staying with Old MacDonald at this bucolic 75-acre farm, complete with a red barn, roaming chickens, and fields full of horses. As an experienced camper, I can say without hesitation this Hipcamp will easily make you a camping convert, too.
Serving up Soft Serve: This Custard Shop in Missouri Won Me Over
My hometown of Springfield, Missouri, isn't the birthplace of Andy's Frozen Custard, but we are home to the headquarters and the most locations (seven in total). Though I have my pick of many ice cream spots in Springfield, I return to Andy's again and again, especially the original Springfield location on East Sunshine.
Hidden Valley Outfitters in Missouri Is the Next Big Thing in Slow Travel
As an RVer, slow travel is my jam. You can’t be in a big hurry when you’re hauling a 30-foot trailer, and once you get set up in a campsite, who wants to move? In the decade of our rolling travels, I’ve come to love the spots where we can truly relax. While people might think of state parks and other remote locales as the best places to unwind, I’ve found that slow travel for me must include some creature comforts, alongside the serenity of nature.
I Walked the Atlanta Beltline—Here’s Where to Eat, Shop, and Soak up the Art
I sometimes cosplay as a nature girl who loves hiking in national park forests; however, what I actually love most are urban trails. Though it’s nice to occasionally get away from civilization, I appreciate how urban trails often bring people, restaurants, shops, and public art together in dynamic ways. The Atlanta Beltline is a perfect example of this, with 22 walkable miles looping the heart of the city (the shape even resembles a real heart).
This Wisconsin Airbnb Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spot
Have you ever looked at a vacation listing that made you smile? I have. There’s something about the Goose Lake Getaway Airbnb in Oxford, Wisconsin, that oozes charm. Picture a classic log cabin tucked under a patch of pines. Then, add in a foosball table, built-in bunks, a sauna, an epic fire pit, and dozens of photos of elated guests proudly holding up their catch of the day. Are you smiling yet? If you’re ready for a picture-perfect fishing vacation, head to the Goose Lake Getaway.
This Missouri Airbnb Has the Most Underrated Fishing Spots
Are you all about the fishing? Perhaps you feel you need to cast a line in not one—but two—bodies of water on a single trip. If you’re looking for the ultimate trip to an underrated fishing spot in Missouri, I’ve found the perfect Airbnb for you. The Stony Lane Fishing Cabin has a private onsite pond and is a mere three miles from Pomme de Terre Lake in southwest Missouri, one of the state’s lesser-known but still bountiful bodies of water.
This Waterville Trout Lodge Airbnb Has Iowa’s Most Underrated Fishing Spot
While Iowa may not immediately come to mind as a major fly fishing haven, the state’s northeast corner is home to some chilly waters where trout thrive. There’s nothing better than stepping out of your Airbnb to amble down to your own patch of a rolling creek. Imagine casting a line in an underrated fishing spot, where you won’t be competing with other anglers to lure in the big ones. This is exactly what you can do at the serene Trout Lodge Airbnb in Waterville.
I Asked Our AI-Travel Planner for a Weekend Adventure in Branson, MO.
Can AI plan the perfect travel itinerary for a family trip to Branson, Missouri? I decided to check it out using Only in Your State’s AI-powered Dashboard trip planner, which uses our curated travel posts to create a customized itinerary. Since I live nearby and visit Branson frequently, I was super curious about whether the AI would select the places I would actually recommend to visitors. Would it plan anything similar to what a local would recommend?
Recreate Your Summer Camp Memories at This Iconic Swimming Hole in Missouri
Do you ever wish you could go back to summer camp again, when your days were somehow utterly relaxed while still filled with fun? If you’re itchin’ to embrace the great outdoors this summer in Missouri, head to idyllic Echo Bluff State Park. Nearly a century ago, the land was home to Camp Zoe, where generations of kids made lasting memories in the Ozark Mountains. Today, you can recreate your summer camp memories at this iconic state park swimming hole.
This Iconic College Pizza Joint in Columbia, MO, Is a Perfect Road Trip Detour
Do you get tired of stopping at fast food and casual chains on your road trips? If you’re like me, finding a local gem is a highlight of any road trip. Located in Columbia, Shakespeare’s Pizza is the perfect road trip detour while crossing Missouri on Interstate 70. You can enjoy a great slice of pizza in a local restaurant with a college-town vibe. For over 50 years, Shakespeare’s has been a favorite of students of the University of Missouri–Columbia (more commonly known as Mizzou).
With 3 Floors, Prospero’s Bookstore Is a Must for Missouri Booklovers
If you’re the type of person who could get lost for hours in a bookstore, a visit to Prospero’s Bookstore in Kansas City, Missouri, is a must. You never know what you will find in this behemoth three-story independent bookstore, from towering beanstalks of books to live psychic readings. Plus, it is set amid the eclectic West 39th Street neighborhood, known for its arts district, dive bars, foodie-approved restaurants, and vintage shops.
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