States of Discovery

Utah is a surprising gateway for unexplained phenomena, urban legends, and more. Some of the best Utah urban legends are featured in our latest Local Lore & Legends episode by Not Your Average Bucket List. Our hosts, Sara and Marisa, go deep into the Utah folklore with the history of Skinwalker Ranch. Plus, the episode covers the Bear Lake Monster - is it real? Is it just a story that snowball...

While we covered Louisiana last season in our Small Town Getaways journey, we didn’t quite look at the state through the type of lens we do today. For this Local Lore & Legends episode, we dig into the best Louisiana urban legends to ever be told. Louisiana already has a level of mystery to it, whether it’s the voodoo culture or the swamplands. And with both the culture and land type, certain...

For this episode, we are highlighting the top 10 things to do in Ohio for June 2023 . Luckily, one of our co-hosts is born and raised in Ohio, so she knows all of the happenings here. This is going to be a new monthly series going forward. So, with that said, are you ready to dive into a month full of exciting things in Ohio?! 1.   Little Italy (Cleveland) Summer Art Walk 2.   Small Town Monsters...

Rather than your regularly scheduled Local Lore & Legends episode, we're trying something a bit new. We are highlighting the top 10 things to do in Florida for June 2023. This is going to be a new monthly series going forward. So, with that said, are you ready to dive into a month full of exciting things in Florida?! 1. Tube Down The Itchetucknee 2. Frank Pepe Pizzeria Delray Beach 3. Her Turn...

Quick - name the first three things to come to mind when you think about the state of Maine. Did any of them involve a loch-ness monster? How about a Maine cryptid? Likely not. We came into this Season Two episode of Not Your Average Bucket List with some preconceived notions about Maine that were quickly debunked. However, there are a few incredible Maine urban legends that we wanted to share. Ta...

We're heading to Sara's home state of Ohio for this special episode for Season 2 Local Lore & Legends. Are you familiar with Ohio urban legends? How much do you know about The Monster of Minerva, or the only known witch trial to occur in Ohio? Like many other states we’ve covered, Ohio has its fair share of urban legends, spooky tales, and mysterious creatures. With some expert insight into th...

Season Two of the podcast is rounding the halfway mark, and this week we’re discussing all things New Jersey. As we keep trucking along with Local Lore & Legends state-by-state, we dig into New Jersey urban legends and NJ local lore in the best ways. Our hosts, Sara and Marisa, share their personal stories and insights into urban legends from New Jersey, including what happens at night on Shad...

In this special bonus episode of Not Your Average Bucket List: Local Lore & Legends , we sit down with Heather Moser from the film production company Small Town Monsters. Heather Moser grew up in the foothills of Appalachia, and her heart is squarely on collecting spooky tales from the region and diving into historical and genealogical records. She is a classics professor, author, and research...

As we dive deeper into Season Two of the podcast, we’re focusing on Local Lore & Legends state-by-state. However, this week we’re taking a detour in order to really learn about cryptids, cryptid culture, as well as some cryptid backstories. If you look at cryptids by state , which we have each week, you’ll notice a lot of familiar trends - glowing red eyes, oftentimes winged, usually huge in s...

Season Two of Not Your Average Bucket List: Local Lore & Legends is chugging along with a stop in the Deep South of South Carolina. We cover some of the more popular and creepy ghosts and legends of South Carolina in episode six. Do you know the story of the Third Eye Man? Better yet, did you know there used to be secret catacombs underneath the University of South Carolina!? In this episode,...

Season two of Not Your Average Bucket List: Local Lore & Legends is full-steam ahead as Sara and Marisa head to West Virginia to talk all things haunted, creepy, and terrifying. Who knew there were so many West Virginia cryptids and Appalachian monsters worth talking about for an entire episode? Within episode five, our hosts discuss a few of the best Appalachian folklore, monsters, and supers...

In this Season 2 episode of Not Your Average Bucket List: Local Lore & Legends, Sara and Marisa dig into all the best hauntings and happenings in The Sunshine State. Learn all about the best Florida folklore and Florida urban legends. For instance, did you know there is a Florida monster known as the Skunk Ape? Or how about central Florida legends that take place in Cassadaga? In this episode,...

Get ready for Season 2, Local Lore & Legends, as Sara and Marisa talk about all the best creepy Nevada facts, including haunted ghost towns in Nevada and all things UFO related. Do you know there are haunted mines in Nevada that still to this day report paranormal activity? Do you believe in Area 51, Nevada? Get ready to explore all of these things and more in Episode 3 of Not Your Average Buc...

For this Season 2 episode of Local Lore & Legends, Sara and Marisa discuss some of the best Georgia urban legends and folklore. To start, we head down to Savannah, Georgia, to find out the truth behind the 17hundred90 Inn ghost story. Is there really a 17hundred90 haunted room 204? What’s the truth behind Anna Powers, and how did she die? Is the 17hundred90 inn's history really terrifying? 17h...

We’re kicking off a brand new season of Not Your Average Bucket List with our introductory episode. This season we’re covering Local Lore & Legends throughout the United States. While we’re not trying to be the best urban legends podcast to ever exist, we want to tackle some of the best urban legend examples throughout various states and dive deep into what makes these stories so creepy. Each...

We’ve wrapped up season one of the Not Your Average Bucket List Small Town Getaways series. While we can’t believe this season has flown by, we were incredibly excited to feature 16 different small towns across the United States. In this quick wrap up episode we discuss some of our favorite small town features, plus a few we wished we covered. But perhaps we’ll save those for another season… What...

Have you ever wondered what it was like to visit Haleiwa, Hawaii? This small town in Hawaii is the ultimate surfing town. Not to mention one of the top-ranked small-town getaways from Only In Your State. Learn all the best things to do in Haleiwa, Hawaii. Ever wonder how to pronounce Haleiwa? Find out the best Haleiwa restaurants in our Perfect Day In segment. [00:09:45:0] Hale’iwa, Hawaii pronunc...

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is a charming coastal town with a truly fascinating history. In this episode, we discuss how this town came to be and what Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is known for. This historic community has a little something for everyone. Plus, discovering the best time of year to visit Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin might surprise you. How many lighthouses are in Sturgeon Bay? What are some uniqu...

Panguitch, Utah is a fascinating town that offers an abundance of outdoor activity throughout certain parts of the year. In this episode, we discuss Panguitch, Utah weather and why you’ll find most businesses operate on a seasonal basis. Plus, settle the debate of the correct Panguitch, Utah pronunciation once and for all. What is Panguitch, Utah weather like throughout the year? Learn the proper...

Covington, Louisiana to New Orleans is a straight shot over Lake Pontchartrain, and we discuss the best route to and from. In this episode, we talk about the best time of year to visit Covington, Louisiana as well as typical Covington, LA weather. Also, if you’re looking for unique Covington, LA things to do, stick around for our Perfect Day In segment. What exactly is the Covington, Louisiana pop...

First things first, learn how to pronounce Lititz, Pennsylvania! This episode will cover all the important things before you visit this town. Find out what the most unique things to do in Lititz, PA are, as well as some tidbits of Lititz, Pennsylvania history. What are some unique things to do in Lititz, PA? What is Lititz, PA known for? How do you pronounce Lititz, Pennsylvania? [00:8:14:0] Litit...

When you visit Madison, Georgia, it’s easy to see why this small town is dubbed “authentically southern.” For this episode, we discuss some unique Madison, Georgia things to do, plus the perfect time of year to visit. Hint: Madison, Georgia weather is so beautiful, visiting any time of year will be rewarding. We’ll also talk about some truly unique Madison, Georgia history! What are some Madison,...

Port Townsend, Washington is a coastal gem in the northeast that has some incredibly unique features. In this episode, we’ll discuss what to do in Port Townsend, Washington depending on the season you visit, as well as why is the city of Port Townsend so special. We break down what this small town getaway is known for and the best time of year to take your trip. What to do in Port Townsend, Washin...

Wellfleet, Massachusetts, is a charming coastal town that comes to life during the summer months. In fact, the Wellfleet, MA summer population is quite high compared to the fall and winter months. Why do people flock to this small town getaway during summer? Two main things: Wellfleet oysters and visiting the Wellfleet beach scene! What’s Wellfleet, Massachusetts weather like? Are Wellfleet oyster...

Cayucos, California is a quintessential town that allows people a taste of the sweet coastal life. For starters, Cayucos California weather is a year-round marvel, with cool temperatures at night and sunshine during the day. Which is why there are always Cayucos, CA events going on! Let’s take a look at the best Cayucos restaurants, hotels, and things to do in this episode of Not Your Average Buck...