Expertise
Historic Destinations, Haunted Sites, Theme Parks
- Steve first experienced international travel in 2018 when he visited Ireland for two weeks and discovered the beauty of immersing oneself in a new culture and exploring the historic ruins seemingly around every corner.
- In 2019, he launched a podcast that blended his passion for historic locations with the alleged paranormal experiences that accompany them.
- His most recent travels took him to Lisbon, Portugal, where he found inspiration in the county's discovery-fueled past and the delicious pastries offered on every corner.
Experience
Ever since he left his childhood home near St. Louis, MO, Steve has sought adventure. He relocated to Florida shortly after college and has had the opportunity to write about exciting attractions, beautiful destinations, and the people behind them. He's written features for print publications like Watermark Out News, Instinct Magazine, and Go. He eventually followed his passion for history and began interviewing proprietors of historic tourist destinations throughout the United States, in hopes that it would encourage others to rediscover the past within their hometowns. In 2024, his fictional short story "Milkweed" was included in the anthology Phantom Menagerie alongside the works of 15 other authors. He has worked as a journalist, PR specialist, and podcast host, and is always looking for his next encounter with history.
Education
Steve has a bachelor's degree in English from The University of Missouri in Columbia.
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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Europe
By Steve Blanchard
Going to the bathroom at night might seem innocent enough, but in one European country, flushing a noisy toilet while others are sleeping could spell trouble.
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Virginia
By Steve Blanchard
This secluded riverside archaeological site is shifting how we think about the first inhabitants of the Americas, with artifacts over 18,000 years old.
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North Carolina
By Steve Blanchard
The area of the Nantahala National Forest is filled with falling water, some easy to drive to and some requiring a little bit of mountain hiking and adventure.
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Nevada
By Steve Blanchard
This Nevada town may be small, but its bursting with history, once home to a bustling gold mine with hometown heroes like famous pilots and costume designers.
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Hawaii
By Steve Blanchard
This stunning state park on Hawaii's Big Island is conveniently located near the airport and offers secluded shores, a black sand beach, and stunning hikes.
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Oregon
By Steve Blanchard
With cheap drinks, a pizza truck, and even guest lodging, this new bar in a grain silo is taking the internet by storm, at it's the perfect riverside escape.
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New Hampshire
By Steve Blanchard
Covering under 3,000 acres, this ghost town in New Hampshire's White Mountains is a hike through the past with relics, homes, and over 600 wells in the area.
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Outdoor Adventure
By Steve Blanchard
Escape touristy crowds by visiting the Spanish Lapland. As one of the most remote areas in the country, you can grab your bike and embark on a wild adventure.
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Montana
By Steve Blanchard
Go back in time at this historic site in Montana, which once served as the territory's capital, and learn more about the region's Gold Rush past.
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Europe
By Steve Blanchard
This German city has reinvented itself as a people-friendly metropolis that travel expert Rick Steves insists is worth a visit, even if only for a few hours.
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Europe
By Steve Blanchard
If you dare, drive along Italy's highest pass through the Alps, with incredible mountain vistas and a total of 70 terrifying hairpin turns .
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When we think of outdoor wonders, we tend to imagine soaring mountains and verdant forests. But these otherworldly Ohio caverns are just as awe-inspiring.
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Beaches
By Steve Blanchard
Cheap cold beer? Crystal-clear water? Available parking? Look no further than this gorgeous beach in the Dominican Republic, one of the best in the Caribbean.
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Arizona
By Steve Blanchard
A sensory experience from the bottoms of your feet to the top of your head can be found in Arizona at the first "grounding park" meant for bare feet.
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Arizona
By Steve Blanchard
If kicking back with a charcuterie board and champagne while zipping through desert landscapes is your idea of a good time, hop on this scenic Arizona train.
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North Dakota
By Steve Blanchard
For youthful vibes and college music festivals, along with waterfront parks for strolling, paddling, or relaxing, head to this vibrant North Carolina town.
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Michigan
By Steve Blanchard
Feast on pierogis and kielbasa followed by sunbathing on a sandy beach with a visit to this quaint Michigan village located past a magical tunnel of trees.
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Louisiana
By Steve Blanchard
From golden beaches overlooking a lake to the ruins of a sugar plantation, this fascinating Louisiana state park is the perfect escape from New Orleans.
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South Carolina
By Steve Blanchard
Charles Pinckney is America's "Forgotten Founder." However, this South Carolina national historic site commemorates his legacy with exhibits, trails, and more.
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The 72-degree waters of Troy Spring State Park hide a Civil War ship, swimming turtles, and more. This ethereal Florida destination belongs on your bucket list!
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