Location
Nashville, Tennessee
Expertise
Road trips, National parks, Nashville
- Christy has planned numerous epic road trips for her family of four, including one where they visited five national parks within five days.
- During the pandemic she began sharing about her family's adventures, favorite destinations, and travel tips for Los Angeles-based site L.A. Family Travel.
- Endlessly curious, Christy loves to learn about people and places and to share their stories with the world.
Experience
Christy began her career creating content for entertainment websites before taking time off to stay home with her kids. She gradually returned to writing via her personal blog, which covered sustainable fashion, parenting topics, and Nashville attractions. She has written for publications such as L.A. Family Travel and Curl Magazine, for which she interviewed singer Tori Kelly, actress Ruby Barker, and Instagram travel influencer Quin Gable. Christy freelances as a book editor and authored a short story in the fiction anthology "Tipping Point: Ecofiction for Tomorrow's World".
Education
Christy has a bachelor's degree in music education with a minor in English from Samford University.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
-
Europe
By Christy Nicholson 52 min ago
Summit rugged peaks, explore vast limestone caves, and then relax beside a roaring pub fire after a day on the trails in this remote Yorkshire Dales village.
Read More
-
Romantic Getaways
By Christy Nicholson 4 days ago
Alight from a steam train in this town in South East England and explore a 500-year-old church, medieval restaurant, Georgian pub, and quirky boutiques.
Read More
-
Wisconsin
By Christy Nicholson 5 days ago
This unique state forest near La Crosse offers Driftless Area landscapes, habitats like goat prairies, and trails for hiking and nordic skiing.
Read More
-
Alabama
By Christy Nicholson 6 days ago
An Alabama suburb near Mobile offers trails through scenic wetlands and delicious Gulf Coast cuisine, alongside an affordable cost of living.
Read More
-
Texas
By Christy Nicholson 13 days ago
From cheap eats and live music to scenic parks and spring-fed swimming, discover why this Texas metropolis is America's top city for renters in 2026.
Read More
-
Europe
By Christy Nicholson 15 days ago
This once-thriving medieval village is now a historic hamlet with a charming courtyard, a beloved bakery, gorgeous trails, and resident alpacas.
Read More
-
Europe
By Christy Nicholson 16 days ago
Cruise the River Avon in a canal boat, see the former pub that hosted Shakespeare's notorious drinking match, and enjoy this English village's quiet atmosphere.
Read More
-
Tennessee
By Christy Nicholson 20 days ago
Planning to retire in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Use this weekend itinerary to explore neighborhoods, hiking trails, housing options, and local amenities.
Read More
-
South Dakota
By Christy Nicholson 21 days ago
For retirees who prefer mountains to Florida’s coast, a South Dakota county with access to many national parks is an affordable option in the Midwest.
Read More
-
Arkansas
By Christy Nicholson 27 days ago
This Arkansas city is home to lake fun and scenic trails at Village Creek State Park, local comfort food at Tacker's Shake Shack, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Read More
-
Europe
By Christy Nicholson 1 month ago
This charming English town in the East Midlands is a haven for antiquing, pubs, and unique accommodation options, including a loft above an 18th-century church.
Read More
-
Europe
By Christy Nicholson 1 month ago
Amble around flowerbeds and woodland in the grounds of a 16th-century castle in this tranquil town in Kent, then eat fish and chips on the beach.
Read More
-
Maine
By Christy Nicholson 1 month ago
Not everybody is cut out for Florida's steamy summers and tourist-crowded winters. Up the East Coast is a whole different feel for those planning retirement.
Read More
-
Europe
By Christy Nicholson 1 month ago
Scotland is full of scenic nature and history, but this charming town between Edinburgh and Newcastle Upon Tyne boasts both, plus quaint shops and historic inns.
Read More
-
South Carolina
By Christy Nicholson 1 month ago
This spot will impress with its low housing prices and cost of living, reasonable access to big city services, and fantastic outdoors opportunities.
Read More
-
Texas
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
You don't have to leave Austin to find a nature oasis right in your backyard. This spot features hiking, swimming, and hidden waterfalls worth seeking out.
Read More
-
Tennessee
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
There are few better outdoor finds than a peaceful state park that's a short drive from a major urban center. This getaway near Knoxville is one of them.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
This rural county offers seniors plenty of outdoor adventure and activities to fill their days, while also maintaining a simple and quieter way of life.
Read More
-
Canada
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
Step into a storybook village surrounded by picturesque farmlands and rolling hills in Quebec, where farm-to-table food meets modern art galleries.
Read More
-
Michigan
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
Retirees seeking small-town vibes, sandy lake beaches, and plenty of parks with meandering trails should check out this Michigan county with good reviews.
Read More
-
Minnesota
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
The Land of 10,000 Lakes lives up to its moniker in this gorgeous lakeside city in Minnesota, with an engaging museum and some brilliant festivals.
Read More
-
North Carolina
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
Break from the cityscapes of Greensboro and Charlotte by making a day trip to a cute little park, perfect for riverside walks, fishing, and boating.
Read More
-
Florida
By Christy Nicholson 2 months ago
Whether you're in Florida, Alabama, or want to explore both states, this riverside wildlife area offers a variety of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy.
Read More
-
Rhode Island
By Christy Nicholson 3 months ago
This county has a ton of options if you're looking for a quiet, four-seasons spot to retire, from beaches and waterfront dining to historic parks.
Read More
-
Indiana
By Christy Nicholson 3 months ago
This Hoosier state gem is the perfect place to retire if you love peaceful countryside, a tight-knit community feel, fun events, and free things to do.
Read More
-
Canada
By Christy Nicholson 3 months ago
Canada is a huge country known for its natural beauty, and this province has mountain lakes, scenic views, and all kinds of activities you can enjoy.
Read More
-
Alabama
By Christy Nicholson 3 months ago
This tucked-away preserve is home to one of the region's tallest waterfalls, along with all-levels trails that lead to some spectacular spots.
Read More