Location
Corvallis, Oregon
School
Rutgers University
Expertise
Luxury travel, Pet-friendly travel, Adventure destinations
- Jean has traveled extensively and covers adventure, luxury, and pet-friendly travel in her writing.
- Her work has appeared both in print and online in nationally syndicated media outlets.
- She has featured award-winning properties and restaurants.
Experience
Jean is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places and experiences. Her articles have appeared in Travel & Leisure, USA Today, The Oregonian, and 1859 magazine.
Education
Jean holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Rutgers University's School of Communication and Information.
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.
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Minnesota
By Jean Chen Smith
This lakefront city is the epitome of "Minnesota nice" with beautiful, waterfront vistas, a cozy brewery, and enough outdoor activities to keep you busy.
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Destinations
By Jean Chen Smith
There's great fishing and tons of things to do at this inland lake in Ohio from swimming along its sandy beaches to boating with friends and family.
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West Virginia
By Jean Chen Smith
West Virginia is known for its mountains, but you can explore this small city by kayak. It also has plenty of seasonal festivals and a wildlife refuge.
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Washington
By Jean Chen Smith
Lovers of both beer and wine will love road-tripping to this wine country wonder, where they can sample local brews and drink in some stunning scenery.
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Tucked near the Utah-Idaho border, this mountain enclave is the perfect spot for those who want to avoid throngs of tourists and still enjoy the great outdoors.
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Tennessee
By Jean Chen Smith
Nothing soothes the soul like a weekend of camping, swimming, and fishing to your heart's content — and you can get it all at this lake in Tennessee.
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Oregon
By Jean Chen Smith
This Pacific Northwest gem near Eugene is nicknamed Oregon's "Friendly City," and its walkable downtown, community events, views, and activity options show why.
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Washington
By Jean Chen Smith
This Gold Rush era enclave is home to just over 100 residents and offers visitors pristine nature, nearby hiking trails, and proximity to the Canadian border.
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Oregon
By Jean Chen Smith
Tucked deep in Oregon's canyon country, this small town rewards travelers with striking geology, open skies, and breathtaking adventures on two wheels.
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Oregon
By Jean Chen Smith
Deciding where to travel in a state with so many under-the-radar gems like Washington isn't easy. But this small city deserves a spot on your itinerary.
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Indiana
By Jean Chen Smith
Perched above the Wabash River, this small Indiana town offers scenic hikes, fishing, and lively local traditions like the Pawpaw Festival and Chautauqua.
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Minnesota
By Jean Chen Smith
This Minnesota city boasts the first vineyard and winery in the state. Stop by to taste unique varietals adapted to cold temperatures over live music.
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Wisconsin
By Jean Chen Smith
Wisconsin is quite the location for lakeside adventures, but this laid-back city in the middle of the state blends plenty to do outdoors and in the city.
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Minnesota
By Jean Chen Smith
This charming city on the eastern edge of Minnesota offers several draws. While the cost of living can be high, the quality of life for retirees is astounding.
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This rural retreat in the heart of Maine's great outdoors offers plenty of fishing and hunting adventures that come with scenic views and peace and quiet.
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New Mexico
By Jean Chen Smith
The Land of Enchantment has a magical desert sanctuary with a river that's perfect for fly fishing. By plane, it's only accessible from a regional airport.
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Washington
By Jean Chen Smith
This Washington city may be small, but its breathtaking location, small-town charm, outdoor activity options, and retirement potential are not to be missed.
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Wisconsin
By Jean Chen Smith
Set on the shores of Lake Winnebago and the Fox River, this Wisconsin city is a launchpad for water adventures, including fishing, boating, kayaking, and more.
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Alaska
By Jean Chen Smith
As the second-largest uninhabited island in the United States, visitors to this remote paradise are given a front-row view of Alaska's raw and rugged beauty.
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Washington
By Jean Chen Smith
This hidden jewel of a city is perched at the edge of a massive reservoir brimming with various freshwater fish species, including North America's largest.
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South Dakota
By Jean Chen Smith
Home to the "World's Largest Pheasant," this outdoorsy South Dakota city is a retirement haven with fantastic amenities and some of the best hunting in the U.S.
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Oregon
By Jean Chen Smith
Just 19 miles from Eugene, this Oregon lakeside escape combines forest hikes, serene stays, lovely state recreation sites, and much more for the ideal getaway.
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