Location
Orlando, Florida
Expertise
United States travel, Road trips, Solo travel
- After a milestone birthday in Hawaii, Melanie discovered that writing was her calling -- a major pivot from her successful accounting career.
- Melanie lives in Central Florida, but is always ready for a road trip through the southeastern part of the country. She has previously lived in New York, Maryland, and considers Georgia her second home.
- She visited the cryptic Georgia Guidestones a year before they were destroyed, and shared the experience on her personal blog.
Experience
Melanie's freelance journalism career jump-started in 2022. With over four years of professional writing experience, she creates SEO rich content, often earning recognition for trending stories. In addition to her work with Islands, she also contributes to Only In Your State, focusing on local travel and exploration. With her curiosity and her passion for adventure, she loves to deep dive into mysterious and quirky destinations around the country. She's an amateur photographer and self-proclaimed foodie, but writing is what brings her the most joy, and she loves crafting stories that pique the curiosity of others.
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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Florida
By Melanie Johnson
Just where you'd least expect it, this state forest is a stone's throw from some of the Panhandle's most popular beaches and features countless hiking options.
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