Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
School
Chatham University, Bowling Green State University
Expertise
International Coffee & Beer Cultures, Unusual Museums, Pre-Columbian Civilizations & Ruins
- Jess regularly writes about regional cryptids and folklore for outlets like Atlas Obscura and Mental Floss.
- They once toured Europe as the baritone sax player in a jazz band.
- They have traveled to 15 countries across four continents and are over halfway through their bucket list of visiting every state and province in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Experience
Jess started writing for a living in 2015. Before becoming a full-time writer, they worked in the service industry, including stints managing a coffee shop and working as the overnight front desk attendant at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh. Their writing work has included ghostwriting novels, memoirs, nonfiction books, and online content in addition to writing under their own name for publications like Authors Publish, Pittsburgh City Paper, and Pittsburgh Magazine. They are an award-winning fiction writer as well as a freelance writer and the author of the flash fiction chapbook Cryptid Bits (Last-Picked Books, 2024), along with more than 20 short stories published in various literary journals and anthologies.
Education
Jess has an MFA in creative writing from Chatham University (fiction concentration with a certificate in travel writing) and a bachelor's degree in music from Bowling Green State 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.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 7 days ago
While this town may be tiny, it packs a big-city punch with its entertainment! From casinos to caves to historic places to visit, you won't want to miss out.
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Maryland
By Jess Simms 7 days ago
This Maryland state park on the Delmarva Peninsula offers Underground Railroad history, a Legacy Garden, and a short nature trail with wildlife.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 11 days ago
Hop on a boat, kayak, or canoe, head out on the water, and cast a line for some fish at this county park just a short drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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New Hampshire
By Jess Simms 15 days ago
This New Hampshire county is a great spot for retirees, thanks to its popular antique shops, scenic ocean views, and countless options for outdoor recreation.
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News
By Jess Simms 16 days ago
If you're looking for an alternative to Cincinnati for your retirement years, this nearby city with cheaper housing and endless entertainment may fit the bill.
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New Jersey
By Jess Simms 17 days ago
Less than two hours from Philadelphia, this former New Jersey company town is now part of a state park with cranberry bogs, scenic trails, and a ghost town.
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Michigan
By Jess Simms 21 days ago
Drive a little south of the Detroit metro, and you'll find yourself in a wild wetland wonderland, filled with birds, wildlife, and numerous trails to explore.
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Virginia
By Jess Simms 22 days ago
With historic towns, agreeable weather, and countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors, this Virginia county is a wonderful place to retire.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 24 days ago
Pennsylvania is home to miles of train tracks converted into walking and biking trails, and you can explore ghost towns on this trail outside of Pittsburgh.
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Ohio
By Jess Simms 29 days ago
Visit a small Ohio city on a day trip from Columbus or Pittsburgh to enjoy local shops and eateries, alongside ancient Indigenous mounds and historic buildings.
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New Jersey
By Jess Simms 1 month ago
With its miles of coastline, comfortable climate, and wealth of historic charm, this cozy county in New Jersey is an ideal place to retire by the water.
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 26 days ago
While Pennsylvania may not have been on your retirement list, this county offers the perks of a big city, with lots of adventure for retirees to enjoy.
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Ohio
By Jess Simms 1 month ago
Wholesome, family-friendly fun awaits year-round in this suburban city escape offering historic charm mixed with outdoor and shopping possibilities.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 1 month ago
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County's second-largest city offers relaxing natural beauty and tons of history.
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 1 month ago
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a notable literary legacy, and we're taking a look at five ways you can dive into it the next time you visit the Steel City.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
This centrally-located park offers a wide variety of activities, from fishing and hiking to kayaking and disc golf, and it's convenient to several major cities.
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
Escapism doesn't always have to mean disappearing into a good book or a movie. Sometimes, a city brings sci-fi and fantasy to life in the best ways.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
This former steel plant in Pennsylvania is now a thriving center for arts and culture. It hosts thousands of events each year, including several concerts.
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
Pittsburgh is a literature lover's dream city. If you're looking to sink into the scene, these exhibitions, cafes, events, and festivals are for you.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
A lesser-known destination near Erie offers a quieter way to enjoy northwest Pennsylvania, with calm waters, boating, year-round fishing, and scenic wetlands.
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Michigan
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
This cozy city near Detroit is home to excellent local restaurants, plenty of walking paths and green space, and a calendar packed with family-friendly events.
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Ohio
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
Offering big city amenities, miles of coastline, and affordable prices, this Ohio county was recently named the best place to retire in the Midwest.
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Ohio
By Jess Simms 2 months ago
A former industrial landscape is now a sprawling outdoor escape where wooded trails, wildlife, and dramatic ravines await south of a major city.
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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms 3 months ago
Explore five independent Pittsburgh bookstores recommended by a local, with author events, cozy reading spaces, and books by regional writers.
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Illinois
By Jess Simms 3 months ago
If you're looking for an inviting, small town with just the right mix of events, restaurants, and even a little nightlife, this one might be right for you.
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Michigan
By Jess Simms 3 months ago
This sprawling county just outside of Detroit offers visitors 62 towns to discover that highlight hundreds of shops, colorful downtowns, and pretty trails.
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Ohio
By Jess Simms 3 months ago
This nature area in Ohio isn't the most famous park, but it's well worth a stop and offers everything from fishing and boating to hiking and flower gardens.
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