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 2 hours ago
This city, just outside Jacksonville, offers a view into the laid-back side of Florida which is full of historic buildings, cute downtown shops, and trails.
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Ohio
By Melanie Johnson 5 days ago
Between Columbus and Toledo lies a peaceful Ohio escape where wildflower fields, scenic wetlands, and abundant wildlife are only part of the attraction.
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Illinois
By Melanie Johnson 8 days ago
You don't have to travel far from Chicago for a nature escape where you can stroll through a grassy wetland on a boardwalk while watching for frogs and snakes.
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Minnesota
By Melanie Johnson 9 days ago
Geese, trumpeter swans, and sandhill cranes are just a few of the many bird species you can spot while enjoying a long hike in this peaceful wildlife refuge.
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Fort Lauderdale, Florida
By Melanie Johnson 10 days ago
Florida has more than beaches, nightclubs, and excursions into the Everglades. This quaint rural community outside of Fort Lauderdale is perfect for a day trip.
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New Jersey
By Melanie Johnson 12 days ago
For a nature escape with good eats near New York City, head to this small New Jersey town with skyline views that is in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains.
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Florida
By Melanie Johnson 13 days ago
What with its manatees, cute cafés, farmer’s market, and theater, it’s no wonder this beachside city in Florida has been voted No. 1 for US travelers.
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Wisconsin
By Melanie Johnson 16 days ago
This nature getaway in Wisconsin gives you the opportunity to birdwatch, go for a relaxing hike, and enjoy wetlands, prairie, and forest all in one place.
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Wisconsin
By Melanie Johnson 21 days ago
For a place to relax while taking in the wildlife of eastern Wisconsin, head to this nature escape with off-trail hiking, canoeing, and incredible birding.
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Utah
By Melanie Johnson 22 days ago
Before your trip to Zion National Park, stop by this gateway town with desert beauty and canyon hikes as well as a food truck park and farmers market.
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Minnesota
By Melanie Johnson 24 days ago
Minnesota's prairie country offers more than wide-open views at this peaceful state park, where a winding river brings wildlife and outdoor adventure.
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Minnesota
By Melanie Johnson 25 days ago
Wander boardwalk trails through serene wetlands and observe local wildlife at this tranquil nature sanctuary minutes from Minneapolis.
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West Virginia
By Melanie Johnson 29 days ago
The West Virginia area is popular with hikers looking to really get away from it all, with trails criss-crossing forested mountains and valleys.
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Indiana
By Melanie Johnson 29 days ago
Sugar Creek Nature Park in Indiana offers peaceful trails, creekside views, fishing, wildlife, picnic spots, and an easy escape near Crawfordsville.
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Kentucky
By Melanie Johnson 29 days ago
Carr Creek State Park in Kentucky offers a sandy beach, boating, fishing, camping, and peaceful mountain scenery around scenic Carr Creek Lake.
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Tennessee
By Melanie Johnson 29 days ago
Franklin State Forest in Tennessee offers waterfalls, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and quiet backcountry camping across more than 8,800 acres.
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Nevada
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
Dust off your hiking boots and head out into the wilderness on this gorgeous mountain trail in Nevada, with some stunning views on the way.
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Florida
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
Florida retirees can find beaches, historic downtowns, outdoor recreation, and laid-back coastal living in this stretch between two major Florida cities.
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Missouri
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
Take a moment to stop next to a statue of Mark Twain and look over the Mississippi River at this beautiful riverside park that will fill you with its beauty.
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North Carolina
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
Once a source of hydroelectric power for the region, this lake is now a part of a planned community that is dedicated to keeping it a serene escape.
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Illinois
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
For an escape from city life in either Chicago or Milwaukee, head to this forest preserve with quiet and scenic wetland hikes and lots of great birding.
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Missouri
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
Hidden in the Ozarks is a surprising wildlife refuge where rescued big cats roam and family-friendly tours offer unique encounters with its residents.
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Minnesota
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
This quiet park sits on its namesake lake and features old-growth forest trails with a popular rail-trail that leads to a charming town just a few miles away.
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Florida
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
In Florida's rural "Big Bend" section, you'll find a natural wildlife area fit for adventurous travelers, with unpaved trails, fishing, and a 28-mile river.
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Ohio
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
Escape Ohio city life and enjoy a serene getaway in a nearby Metropark filled with gorgeous cliff views, fish to catch, and trails winding through nature.
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Florida
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
The wilderness of the Sunshine State is alive and well at this engaging nature center located between Miami and Boca Raton, Florida.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
A short drive from Gainesville leads to a scenic Florida lake with cypress trees, fishing, boating, wildlife, and a peaceful setting away from crowds.
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