School
University of Colorado at Boulder
Expertise
Budget travel, Road trips, Western USA travel
- Kelley was a part of the inaugural travel writing team at Wealth of Geeks.
- Her favorite travel articles so far have allowed her to share her knowledge on the sights of San Diego, "America's Finest City," and surrounding areas.
- She has traveled extensively around the United States and aims to visit all 50 states within the next three years.
Experience
Kelley has more than 20 years of writing and editing experience. She served as both assistant and associate editor at Mortgage Originator magazine, a former trade magazine servicing the mortgage brokerage industry. She's also written about dog-friendly travel for Examiner.com and her alumni publication, The Coloradan. For the last three years, she has been a full-time nomad living as a house sitter and can provide knowledge on budget travel and road trips. She is also an event planner and scenic photographer, working on a memoir and a series of personal essays.
Education
Kelley has a bachelor's degree in news-editorial journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
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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California
By Kelley Dukat
While you may associate California with Hollywood, wineries, and beaches, there are also a lot of other outdoor activities such as in this charming hidden gem.
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This family-run market in Northern California was named the 'Best Pie Shop in America' and it's worth a stop on your road trip around Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.
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Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada peaks, this June Lake Loop destination offers trout fishing, watersports, lakeside camping, and scenic hiking.
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Established in 2019, this action-packed park in western Maryland is home to the largest network of trails for off-roading in the entire state.
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Hidden between two of Oregon's biggest cities is a riverside escape with forest trails, diverse wildlife, swimming spots, and a renowned disc golf course.
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In the southeastern corner of Oregon lies a campground few know about. Within it, experience scenic trails, cast for trout, and spend the night camping.
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This national forest in Oregon offers over a million acres to explore, is home to the world's largest living organism, and provides unique overnight options.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
If you can't face the Tahoe crowds but need your alpine lake fix, the Golden State has lot of options for you, especially if you're willing to hike in.
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Looking to escape to a waterside vacation, eat your fill of fresh crab, and laze in a vacation home with great views? This Maryland locale may be just for you.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Nestled in the Central Valley of California, you'll find a charming city with a splash pad and eateries that showcase the best of international cuisine.
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Washington
By Kelley Dukat
Experience high-altitude historic delights in this charming town in Washington, located on the journey between Spokane and Seattle.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Our local San Diego writer has some tips on places to visit on your vacation (or staycation) in this SoCal city, and they're not your typical day at the beach.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Visit this charming city along Highway 101 in California, where you can enjoy great public green spaces, visit nearby wineries, and soak up its charm.
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The largest sand dune trail on the Oregon Coast, a unique outdoor experience, is a wildly scenic hike that ends at a crowd-free beach on the ocean.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
If you want to visit Yosemite National Park but also want to live it up while you're there, you can check out this resort that lets you do both.
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While Baltimore and Washington D.C. are practically tourist magnets, fans of food and juicy tidbits of history can get their fill in this town instead.
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Hidden in Northern California, this remote forest escape offers soaring redwoods, protected wildlife habitat, and a quieter nature experience.
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Not far from Oregon's rugged coastline is a delightful mountain town that's perfect for a quiet getaway surrounded by nature and lots of tasty bites.
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This scenic Oregon city in the Cascade Mountain foothills not far from Portland is filled with local shops, delicious eats, and outdoor adventures.
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Restaurants
By Kelley Dukat
Craving a Parisian cafe experience without crossing the Atlantic? One San Diego neighborhood destination captures the atmosphere, flavors and charm of France.
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Oregon travelers looking for kayaking, trout fishing, RV camping, and dune adventures will find plenty to explore at this freshwater retreat.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Home to the state's first town founded and governed by African Americans, this historic park offers a look into the past and a quiet campground.
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Washington
By Kelley Dukat
Tough to ask for much more than a relaxing day at a beautiful lake, especially one that has plenty of activities to offer and stunning views of a mountain peak.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
California's mountains are an unsung hero for the outdoorsy types, and luckily there's a stunning community nestled between Bakersfield and Los Angeles.
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With a $5 entrance fee and stellar visitor reviews, this restored military base offers a brilliant glimpse into frontier life amid the California Gold Rush.
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California
By Kelley Dukat
Our local writer is sharing these perfect day trips outside San Diego (and Los Angeles), ranging from beaches to deserts to historic little towns.
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Learn about Illinois’ unique, presidential past at this historic little riverside city, surrounded by woodlands you can explore nearby.
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