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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Missouri
By Melanie Johnson 3 hours 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 days 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 3 days 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 4 days 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 5 days 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 8 days 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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Texas
By Melanie Johnson 13 days ago
Get ready for a healthy amount of splishing and sploshing at this family-friendly lake park just a short drive north of Austin, Texas.
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Missouri
By Melanie Johnson 13 days ago
The sandstone here has been carved into unique formations of rocky outcrops, overhanging cliffs, and cave-like shelters, with seeps and waterfalls aplenty.
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Wisconsin
By Melanie Johnson 14 days ago
Trade city life for 1,300 acres of nature. This free escape near St. Louis offers kid-friendly hiking, fishing ponds, and a chance to spot local wildlife.
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Florida
By Melanie Johnson 15 days ago
To explore the lesser-known side of the Sunshine State, head to this preserve near Gainesville with Spanish moss-covered trees, trails, and plenty of wildlife.
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Maryland
By Melanie Johnson 16 days ago
A graffiti-covered cliff above the Cumberland Valley offers Appalachian views, hiking trails, and Civil War history near Gettysburg and the Pennsylvania border.
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Illinois
By Melanie Johnson 18 days ago
This serene state park between Chicago and Peoria is the perfect place to stop and fish, picnic, or launch a boat and enjoy views of the Illinois River.
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Illinois
By Melanie Johnson 18 days ago
A peaceful Illinois lake park about an hour's drive from St. Louis offers boating, fishing, wildlife spotting, hiking, picnicking, and scenic views.
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Missouri
By Melanie Johnson 24 days ago
Located not too far from the Queen City of the Ozarks, this park boasts an abundance of wetlands with a trail that appeals to even beginner hikers.
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Texas
By Melanie Johnson 26 days ago
You don't have to travel far from Austin to explore a wonderful wildlife preserve with hiking trails and some seriously stunning canyon views.
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Connecticut
By Melanie Johnson 26 days ago
Escape the city with the family and explore a charming town full of parks, meandering trails between them, and even a nearby zoo to learn more about wildlife.
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Nevada
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
If all you think of when you hear "Nevada" is a slot machine or the neon lights of the Vegas Strip, you're missing out on a gem in the state's northeast corner.
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Maryland
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
This sprawling Maryland lake invites visitors to unwind on sandy shores, cruise quiet coves, cast a line, and soak up gorgeous scenery at a picturesque retreat.
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Florida
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
Florida has more to offer than bustling beaches. Fans of fishing, fauna, and quiet settings should consider visiting this wildlife island refuge.
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
By Melanie Johnson 1 month ago
This Wisconsin town has been known for water-related recreation since the 1800s, plus it contains a stop on the famed Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
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Pennsylvania
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
While Philly and Baltimore boast urban allure, sometimes you might want to escape to a peaceful green place. You'll find it at this nature preserve.
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Wisconsin
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
Wisconsin is mostly known for its farm country, but one park near Rockford and Madison is home to some stunning craggy bluffs and great hiking trails.
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Mississippi
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
This state park is as great a spot for fishing as it is for spotting wildlife, and with leisurely hikes and plenty of camping options, it's well worth a visit.
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United States
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
Washington D.C. is full of great places to visit, but this little gem may not be on your radar. Check it out for a great place to walk, eat, and make merry.
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New Jersey
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
For a small state, New Jersey packs a ton to do. One of its brightest spots is this reservoir, which has stunning camping spots and plenty of nearby activities.
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Hiking
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
Just 2 hours from Toledo, Cleveland's Emerald Necklace features a lovely Ohio park where hiking trails lead to impressive river views and scenic waterfalls.
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New Jersey
By Melanie Johnson 2 months ago
Have fun by the lakeside, enjoy scenic hiking trails, and escape the bustle of NYC with a family-friendly getaway to this amenity-filled New Jersey park.
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