School
Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana
Expertise
U.S. Midwestern landmarks, Indiana's hidden gems, Italian culture and cuisine
- Published an academic paper about multiculturalism to the Digital Literature Review at Ball State University.
- Created a personal travel blog about her adventures and experiences in Northern Italy.
- Won the 2024 Reporter of the Year Award at Ball State University.
Experience
Kaira is a young content writer who has lived in Indiana all her life, occasionally shaking up her daily life with local and foreign travel. After living in Italy for two months, she found a love for European culture and travel writing. She writes extensively about her experiences through journalism and blogs, contributing her pieces to local magazines and blog sites. She currently writes for Islands to research new hidden gems and recommend fresh locations to travel-seeking audiences.
Education
Kaira has a BA in Creative Writing and a minor in Professional Writing from Ball 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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Wisconsin
By Kaira Carter
Previously home to military buildings and a House of Corrections, nature is now reclaiming this Wisconsin state forest, and it's a great spot for leaf peeping.
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You'll have to head a little off the beaten trail to find this lakeside spot that even some local don't know about, but the peace and quiet is worth it.
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An hour from Los Angeles, this California state recreation area is a haven for camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking, with access to the Pacific Crest Trail.
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This river flows for over 200 miles through the Peach State's various regions to North Florida, making it one of the longest wild rivers in the US.
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Louisiana
By Kaira Carter
Private natural attractions promise a relaxing, pristine setting. A glistening Louisiana lake has turned public, offering everything you need for the perfect day.
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To celebrate fall in Indiana, head to this under-the-radar orchard with hot and cold apple cider and plenty of U-pick pumpkins, just 30 minutes from Indy.
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Washington
By Kaira Carter
This short drive near Port Angeles takes you up winding roads before opening up to panoramic views of Washington's most beautiful mountains.
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A fast-moving invader is currently threatening California's waterways, endangering recreation, wildlife, and the state's most popular lake getaways.
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This Indiana cave has two impressive caverns, an underground mountain, cave bats, and one of the largest stalagmites in the world (not for the claustrophobic).
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For an amazing fall experience in New York, head to this electrifying festival at the heart of the Hudson River Valley filled with pumpkins and spooky sights.
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New Jersey
By Kaira Carter
From bakeries with a mission to family-run seafood restaurants and centuries-old homes, explore the flavors and heritage of this New Jersey gem.
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There's an autumn lover's paradise located in the upstate hills, with stunning views to take in from the car and adventurous trails if you want a closer look.
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Head to Ohio for your next outdoor adventure -- this is one picturesque location sure to meet all your nature-centered wants and needs.
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There's a camping and hiking paradise located just an hour or so from Baltimore, and while it's a stunner year-round, you can't miss it when autumn starts.
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This year, make the most of your autumnal travels by venturing into this wildly picturesque region in Oregon. Stunning waterfalls and colorful leaves await.
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Looking for the perfect leaf-peeping destination? This small Maine town offers mountain and lakeside views, charming historic resorts, and plenty of good eats.
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Your ticket to breathtaking mountaintop views, thrilling rafting, and excellent fishing awaits in this must-visit riverfront town in Kentucky.
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Frolic amid autumn leaves without shelling out for an expensive seasonal vacation. This Midwestern escape promises all the foliage and fun without high prices.
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You've just found your next summer vacation destination: This hidden lake in Alabama is famous for its cleanliness, RV parks, and great fishing spots.
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New Hampshire
By Kaira Carter
This White Mountain lake is pristine, with clean water and no development, making it the perfect spot for some fishing, swimming, or just soaking up the views.
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The fruitcake capital of the world is only an hour's drive from Savannah, GA. And best of all, there's wine and nature to enjoy when you're sick of fruitcake.
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Pick some peaches and try some freshly-made jam in this historic town nestled right outside Delaware's capital city of Dover.
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This underrated Ohio city is the place to go for camping on (literally) the river, a vibrant summertime strawberry festival, and green spaces.
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Although you might not expect to see one, there's a European castle concealed within a Missouri state park that's filled with trails and lake views.
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Southern Illinois is full of rolling hills and limestone cliffs and this quaint riverfront village also has floating bars and hundreds of miles of trails.
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This charming lakeside town in Indiana not only has an Old-World-style monastery but also a brewery, forested trails, and plenty of unique wildlife.
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If you love bluegrass, make sure to visit this Indiana town with a historic bluegrass festival, small town vibes, and plenty of nature preserves to explore.
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