Location
San Antonio, Texas
School
Missouri State University
Expertise
United States road trips, Dog-friendly travel, Travel and weather safety
- Jennifer is a lifetime "wanderluster," having lived in 12 cities and 10 states from Nevada to Florida, immersing herself in communities and cultures.
- Jennifer has taken road trips across the country with three dogs over the past 25 years, giving her firsthand experience with pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
- After surviving a St. Louis tornado as a child, Jennifer spent years focusing on the science and safety elements of natural disasters and is now a certified weather spotter for the National Weather Service.
Experience
Jennifer's journalism career is fueled by two instincts: asking the right questions and sharing the answers. She worked in local newsrooms across the country for 25 years as an editor, producer, executive producer and news director until 2021. Taking a break from the rigorous news cycle led her to a freelance travel writing niche for publications such as More Than Just Parks, Travel + Discover Maine, Travel Safe Abroad, Awesome Mitten, and Smoky Mountain Wanderings. Having free time outside of the newsroom allowed her to start storm chasing after experiencing weather events such as the Las Vegas snowstorm of 2008, the Rim Fire of Yosemite in 2013, Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the second-largest snowfall in Lincoln, Nebraska's history in 2021. Her travel and weather anxiety turned into a research superpower, resulting in more confident travels and valuable insights to share with others.
Education
Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in communication and journalism from Missouri State University in Springfield.
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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There's an underrated lake state park in Maine where you won't have to navigate huge crowds to enjoy stunning mountain views and highly rated camping spots.
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This peaceful forest escape in northern Idaho pairs a wild scenic river with secluded campgrounds, mountain trails, trout fishing, and abundant wildlife.
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Mountain scenery, hidden beaches, quiet paddling routes, and Revolutionary War history make this Maine destination more than just another lake.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Jennifer Hardy
Discover a peaceful Northern Michigan park beauty offering many opportunities for year-round fishing, rustic camping, hiking, boating, and paddling.
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Wyoming
By Jennifer Hardy
This small community makes a convenient hub for exploring northern Wyoming and southern Montana, particularly around the Bighorn and Pryor Mountains.
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California
By Jennifer Hardy
Lake Tahoe might set a high bar with its stunning views, but there is more beauty to behold in California. For instance, this 5-acre lake is quite a delight.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
By Jennifer Hardy
It may be considered one of the best places in the United States to visit today, but this city in the desert did not always have a sparkling reputation.
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Washington
By Jennifer Hardy
Discover Washington state's "Lilac City" with these exciting activities that the entire family will adore, from hiking with mountain views to fun museums.
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Michigan
By Jennifer Hardy
This peaceful Michigan escape invites travelers into a landscape of tranquil wetlands, charming storybook bridges, abundant wildlife, and scenic trails.
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California
By Jennifer Hardy
From a free boat tour to an historic drive with epic views, here are seven affordable things to do around Lake Tahoe, where you won't be crowded by tourists.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the busiest, but we tracked down 7 secret-ish trails full of everything from wildflowers to waterfalls, but not people.
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Michigan
By Jennifer Hardy
From a rainbow of millions of tulips to a neon glowing horseback ride, these towns promise a colorful day trip outside Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Michigan
By Jennifer Hardy
Lake Michigan isn't the only place to swim and sun yourself, this family-friendly lake beach near Grand Rapids offers all that, plus fishing and nature trails.
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Lake Tahoe has so many magical trails to choose from, but we've done the digging and come up with seven stunning trails where you'll enjoy views without crowds.
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