Forget Florida, Retire To This Northeast Gem With Mountain Views, Beautiful Lakes, And Affordable Living
For retirees who prefer colder weather, forest landscapes, and a low cost of living, consider this Northeast state instead of Florida.
Read MoreJonathan Houston
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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.
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Stories By Jonathan Houston
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Hood Canal's 'Premier Fishing And Diving Gateway' Is A Washington State Park For Water Adventures
The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for anyone who likes to get out on the water. One state park in Washington's Olympic Peninsula is a particular treat.
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Sandwiched Between Atlanta And Charlotte Is Georgia's Underrated State Park For Lake Fun And Top-Tier Golf
A relaxing tourist destination, this state park located where Georgia meets South Carolina offers hours of daytime fun for solo travelers and families alike.
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This Georgia Museum In Atlanta Is A Fun, Family-Friendly Getaway
If you're in Atlanta with the kiddos, consider a stop at this science lover's dream, with lots of dino exhibits to keep the little ones mesmerized.
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A Secluded Ohio Park Outside Cincinnati Is A Scenic Getaway For Fishing, Paddling, And Hiking
Are you fond of taking laid-back vacations full of relaxing outdoor activities? Should your plans take you to Ohio, you'll want to check out this cozy park.
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Indiana's Evolving Green Space On The Ohio River Is One Of The Best US City Parks In 2026 So Far
An outdoor area previously known for flooding is being transformed into a family-friendly park that is quickly racking up accolades.
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California's Historic City Near LA Has An Urban-Suburban Vibe With Shops, Restaurants, And Iconic Landmarks
Just outside Los Angeles, this evolving destination features major event venues, popular eateries, shopping areas, and access to nearby beaches.
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Between Knoxville And Atlanta Is An Underrated Georgia Mountain Lake With Scenic Camping And Trails
This lake looks small on the map, but its quiet location near some of North Georgia's best attractions, hiking, and mountain views makes it worth a stop.
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Florida's Free Sculpture Garden In Orlando Is A Lovely Escape
Travelers exploring Orlando, Florida can wander this outdoor sculpture garden filled with notable artworks set among palms and curated landscaping.
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Between Austin And Houston Is An Idyllic Texas Lakeside Park Renowned For Fishing, Boating, And Hiking
This quiet park about an hour outside of Austin offers a lake for top-tier bass fishing, swimming, and paddling, plus sites for RV and tent camping.
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New Mexico's Chic Hotel Outside Albuquerque Offers A Unique Blend Of Native Culture And Modern Amenities
This New Mexico retreat offers cultural experiences, horseback rides along the Rio Grande, desert-view pools, a golf course, and farm-driven regional dining.
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The 5 Best Shopping Malls In Atlanta, According To Reviews
The city has no shortage of shopping centers. From Euro chic street shopping to classic malls complete with food courts, here are some best bets.
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Georgia's Vibrant District Is The Entertainment Hub Of Savannah's Scenic Riverfront
Traveling to Savannah, Georgia, and looking for the best opportunities to enjoy scenic views of the river? This district offers exactly that, and so much more.
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South Carolina's Largest Lake Is An Artificial Haven With Restaurants, World-Class Fishing, And Paddling
Charleston and Myrtle Beach get all of South Carolina's clout, but head to the state's largest lake for a fun day of fishing, paddling, and dining.
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Georgia's Newest Water Park Is Set To Open In Summer 2026 For A Day Full Of Family-Friendly Fun Near Atlanta
The summer of 2026 brings a new water park outside of Atlanta, where you can race down towering water slides, sip drinks on a rooftop, and do laps in the pool.
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Portland's Once-Largest Building Is Now An Oregon Event Space With Art And A Scenic Glass Elevator
This building in Portland, once the largest in the city, is now an Oregon event space with art in a massive atrium with a scenic glass elevator.
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Atlanta's Beautiful Suburb Is A Playful Retreat With Tree-Lined Parks And A Walkable Downtown
With its rich history and culture, excellent restaurants, and abundance of green spaces, this memorable and charming town in Georgia exudes small-town appeal.
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Houston's Cultural Epicenter Is A Creative Community Filled With Local Shops, Breweries, And Art Studios
A must-see attraction in Houston is the city's cultural epicenter, with hundreds of artists and creative workshops, plus breweries and shops.
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One Of The Most Expensive Buffets In America Is A High-End East Coast Restaurant
If you can't get enough of all-you-can-eat buffets, add this swanky restaurant to your list, offering a pricey (but arguably worth it) buffet on the East Coast.
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The 4 Best Parks In Atlanta For Outdoor Fun
Planning a trip to Atlanta? These are the top green spaces for walking, views, and outdoor activities across the city's most vibrant neighborhoods.
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Charleston's Restaurant With A Daily-Changing Menu Serves Authentic European Eats In South Carolina
This South Carolina restaurant serves a rotating selection of French, Spanish, and Italian-inspired dishes using seasonal local ingredients in a cozy setting.
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Pennsylvania's 5 Destinations That Foodies Should Go Out Of Their Way To Visit, According To The Internet
It's time to look beyond the cheese steak: Pennsylvania is actually home to a ton of towns bursting with farm-to-table goodies and unique regional dishes.
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5 Highly-Anticipated US Casino Openings In 2026
All across the country, new casino resorts are opening their doors with a wide variety of offerings, from slots and table games to sports books and great food.
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Portland's Unique Small Chain Serves 'Donuts For Grownups' With Signature Dough And Creative Treats
For gourmet donuts with unique flavor profiles, head to Portland, Oregon, and visit this small local chain serving up brioche, vegan, and old-fashioned treats.
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The 5 Hands-Down Best Wing Spots In Atlanta, According To Reviews
Chicken wings are popular throughout Atlanta, but these five restaurants are particularly loved by locals for their texture and sauce flavors.
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Downtown Orlando's Stylish Hotel Is An Indulgent Florida Stay In The Heart Of The City
Not every resort in this city is theme-park centric — this one is located near a walkable neighborhood, offering up-scale dining and a chic urban getaway.
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The 5 Biggest Mistakes Myrtle Beach Tourists Make, According To Locals
Myrtle Beach can be an overwhelming but entertaining tourist destination. Follow this advice from locals and frequent travelers to make the most of your trip.
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