Location
Los Angeles, California
School
Santa Clara University
Expertise
Beaches, Culinary Travel, Hidden gems
- Joe's love for food and drink keeps him searching for new flavors wherever he goes. He is always on the lookout for the best local bites, from hole-in-the-wall taco spots to cocktail bars with a story.
- As a fan of the horror genre, he has accumulated a vast knowledge of urban legends and haunted spots from his travels.
- A lifelong musician, Joe loves checking out the local music scene of every place he visits, from major venues to tiny pubs and everything in between.
Experience
Joe Garza has been writing professionally on and off since 2011. He started his writing career as an intern at Metro Newspapers in San Jose, CA, covering local events and happenings. He then wrote for such tourist guides as Carmel.com and SantaCruz.com. Joe moved to Los Angeles in 2020 and wrote about local trends, hot spots, things to do, and other popular activities in L.A. county for the (now-defunct) website, The LA Trend. He's previously written for other Static Media brands like Looper, Grunge, and SlashFilm.
Education
Joe has a B.A. in music from Santa Clara University, with an emphasis in guitar.
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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This town nestled on the Georgia-Tennessee border is the best place for poking around unique shops and floating the day away on the local river. Find out more.
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Outside LA is the former 'Picture City,' which is home to gorgeous hiking trails and old film sets. It has also hosted many iconic musicians.
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This quiet town in Ohio nestled near the Appalachian Mountains and is an underrated place full of great places to shop, explore museums, and enjoy the outdoors.
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Columbus, Ohio, is home to a dream neighborhood with excellent dining international options, great art galleries, and terrific golf courses.
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This hidden gem city in Missouri is only 90 minutes from Kansas city and is home to some major annual festivals, a lively downtown, and artsy flair.
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Head to this New Jersey vineyard for a truly unique (and very fun!) experience -- not to mention tasty wine and beautiful views.
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This lively city in Texas is famous for its nightlife, amazing music scene, and it's breweries –– aptly naming it the "Beer Capital of Texas." Find out more.
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This beautiful suburb of Columbus, Ohio is well known for being a charming area full of local shops as well as incredible trails. Here's what you can explore.
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Live music, scenic parks, vintage theaters and lakefront charm define this walkable Milwaukee neighborhood with a rich past and vibrant energy.
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This town near the South Carolina border features tons of welcoming cafes with fresh coffee, sweet pastries, and inviting trails and walks to enjoy outdoors.
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This neighborhood in New Jersey's most populous city is famous for its historical architecture, lovely park, and for being home to a treasure trove of art.
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Discover the small town in Canada that boasts an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, as well as spectacular canyons and gorgeous landscapes.
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This southern New Jersey town offers a great mix of art galleries, boutiques, and excitement at a fantastic motorsports entertainment complex.
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Although this destination in Minnesota often goes overlooked, it offers some interesting attractions you might expect to find in small towns and large cities.
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This Virginia city is famous for its star-shaped landmark is also a gateway to many mountain trails as well as an excellent place for craft beers and local art.
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Fish from a pier, dam, or boat and hike to one of the many overlooks nearby to admire the Arkansas River from up high during your stay at this charming city.
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During your next trip to Arkansas, be sure to visit this delightful city, where you can admire art and nature before having a side of rock music with your BBQ.
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This city is home to a major university in Washington State, so it is full of arts venues and festivals as well as shopping, dining, and other activities.
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This coastal city is close to Seattle and is full of attractions for history buffs as well as unique vintage shops and incredible sea food. Find out more.
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This charming but overlooked town also claims to be the "Watermelon Capital of the World" and produces millions of pounds of fruit per year. Find out more.
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Just outside Detroit lies a scenic escape packed with trails, beaches, and a chilling, long-abandoned zoo that feels straight out of a horror film.
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Pennsylvania
By Joe Garza
This artsy, charming town in Pennsylvania is often overlooked but visitors love how walkable it is and how many interesting shops and markets it provides.
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It's a cultural gem for music lovers, but families might think twice. This Tennessee city ranks among the worst places to settle down with kids.
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One of the most historic and chic neighborhoods in Milwaukee is the perfect combination of artsy charm, outdoor fun, and gorgoeous views. Find out more.
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This small but chic town in South Carolina is close to Charlotte and offers visitors plenty of places to shop and enjoy local arts and culture. Find out more.
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Love the ages-old art of magic? Then you'll want to make the trip to Michigan's "Magic Capital of the World," a quirky village surrounded by lakes.
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Do you love exploring picturesque waterfront parks and a good fried chicken meal? This Ohio city has a beautiful lake and some iconic cuisine to check out.
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