South Carolina's 'Land Of Waterfalls' Is A Scenic Blue Ridge Region Full Of Lush Forests
Looking for a nature-focused getaway? This scenic corner of South Carolina is brimming with waterfalls, forests, and plenty of Blue Ridge beauty.
Read MoreSam Scott
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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.
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Stories By Sam Scott
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Texas' Underrated Region With Scenic Lakes And Southern Charm Is A Tree-Filled Escape
Far from deserts and canyons, this underrated Texas escape offers towering trees, scenic lakes, wildlife-filled parks, and charming Southern towns.
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Colorado's Hard-To-Reach Ghost Town Has The State's Most Idyllic Mountain Views
Deep in Colorado's alpine wilderness lies a relic of mining history, offering sweeping Rocky Mountain views and eerie, time-frozen frontier remains.
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This Charming Little Great Lakes Getaway Has Scenic Shorelines And A Historic Downtown
Step into a tranquil lakeside escape in Ontario, Canada, where Victorian‑era architecture meets sweeping Great Lakes beaches, bluffs, and quaint shops.
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Just Outside D.C Is Virginia's City On The Potomac River Full Of Art, A Walkable Old Town, And Unique Attractions
A riverside historic gem in Virginia offers walkable cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, immersive museums, public art, and fun seasonal events.
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Pennsylvania's Round-Trip Train Ride In Rockhill Is A Serene Getaway Through Scenic Rolling Hills
Step into a bygone era on a scenic heritage train ride through peaceful Pennsylvania hills, complete with vintage cars, seasonal events, and nostalgic charm.
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A Crossroads Town Called 'The Garden Of Texas' Is A Gateway To Hill Country Adventures
A Texas village nestled at the edge of rolling hill‑country hills offers wildflower‑framed streets, historic charm, local diners, and outdoor escapes nearby.
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'The Violet Capital Of Ohio' Is A Columbus Suburb With Shade Trees And Parks
A calm suburb near Columbus stands out for its tree-shaded parks, creek views, wildlife-rich wetlands, and easy day trips to nearby attractions.
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Rick Steves Calls This Wildly Underappreciated Paris Museum 'Intimate And Simply Enjoyable'
Rick Steves spotlights an intimate, art-filled Paris treasure where elegant rooms, rich history, and quiet grandeur create a delightful surprise.
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The 5 Most Pristine Lakes In Colorado With Crystal-Clear Water
For the most picture-perfect trip to Colorado, visit one of the state's numerous pristine lakes with clear water. Here are the five best to choose from.
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Just Beyond Wilmington Is North Carolina's Bayside Suburb And Gateway To Outdoor Adventure
If you're looking for access to the Atlantic Ocean, hiking trials, a big city, and authentic Southern cuisine, we've found the location for you.
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Sandwiched Between Indianapolis And St. Louis Is A Lakeside Town With Wine Trails, Local Art, And Midwest Charm
Visit an Illinois gem filled with art, vineyards, and small-town warmth, where lake views, local wine, and Midwestern culture create the perfect escape.
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New England's Hidden Gem Is A Rural Town With Nearly Empty Streets And Parks Perfect For Families
Nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, this quiet yet charming town features peaceful trails, sprawling family-friendly parks, and historic buildings.
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Alabama's College Town Near Birmingham Is An Artsy Escape With Fairytale Walkable Charm
A cozy college town in Alabama offers artsy vibes, walkable streets, charming shops and galleries, leafy parks, and access to rivers and woodlands.
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'America's Canal Town' Is An Idyllic 1800s Restored Ohio Village With Gardens And Shops
Ohio's lovingly restored 1800s canal‑era village invites you to stroll cobblestone streets, ride a horse‑drawn boat, browse shops, and wander lush gardens.
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Outside Philadelphia Is Pennsylvania's City With Vintage Charm And Tasty Eats
This charming Pennsylvania city blends unique architecture, fascinating museums, and flavorful dining, creating the perfect small-town escape.
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North Carolina's Alpine Hideaway Is A Great Smoky Mountain Hamlet With Crafts And Tree‑lined Solitude
Tucked away in western North Carolina's mountain region is a tranquil, craft‑filled hamlet surrounded by waterfalls, forest trails, and a cultural arts center.
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Ohio's Lovely Gateway To The Hocking Hills Is A Charming Village With Cozy Stays And Local Eats
A lovely village on the edge of Ohio's famed Hocking Hills region offers cozy lodges, local wineries, forested trails and nearby caves and waterfalls.
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The Cleanest Community In Colorado Is A Cozy Haven With Gorgeous Rocky Mountain Views
Explore Colorado's cleanest city by hiking or biking around McIntosh Lake, admiring public art downtown, and sipping craft beers at 300 Suns Brewing.
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Indiana's 'Little Italy Festival Town' Near Terre Haute Is A Charming City With Tasty Eats
This Indiana town known for Italian heritage features a long-running festival and dependable local dining, making for an enjoyable small-town visit.
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Forget Annapolis — Maryland's Under-The-Radar Island Is Known For Seafood And Coastal Trails
This under-the-radar Chesapeake Bay island town has much of the charm and waterfront access of nearby Annapolis but with less crowds and more outdoor fun.
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New York's Super Clean 'Glimmerglass' Lake Is Tucked Next To 'America's Most Perfect Village'
A picture-perfect village sits right near this shimmering lake in New York's Catskills, which was nicknamed "glimmerglass" by a famous American author.
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Between Bristol And Asheville Is The Blue Ridge's Best-Kept Secret River To Paddle And Fish
It appears that this body of water near the Tennessee border offers more angling and kayaking opportunities than you can swing a catfish at.
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Idaho's Prettiest Panhandle Road Is An Ethereal Drive For Mountain And Lake Adventures
In Idaho's panhandle sits a breathtaking 36‑mile drive through alpine foothills, shimmering lakes, and forested slopes that offer an unforgettable journey.
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The 'Best Thanksgiving Town In America' Is A Lovely New England Hideaway With Autumnal Charm
Head up into the hills of New England to experience a Turkey Day to remember, with feasts and foliage and a quaint collection of scenery out of a movie.
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Georgia's 'Hidden Gem Of The Golden Isles' Is A Coastal Hub For Historic Landmarks, Fishing, And Wildlife
Georgia's Golden Isles is full of coastal towns, lush marshlands, and sandy beaches -- but this historic town is known as the regions "hidden gem."
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Texas's Sleepy Town On Route 66 Is A Panhandle Gem With Charming Old-School Vibes
A drive down Route 66 is a popular bucket list item for people who want to explore America, but consider making a pit stop here to capture the full experience.
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