Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Half An Hour From Birmingham Is Alabama's Historic State Park With Camping, Trails, And A Museum

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 02:45:00 +0000

This Alabama state park is packed with history, from its well-curated museum to its authentic structures. Spend a day here, or book a cabin for the night.

Between Tulsa And Springfield Is Oklahoma's Charming Small Town With Lake Fun, State Parks, And Trails

staff@islands.com (Mitchell Peterson) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 01:00:00 +0000

This gorgeous small town with a famous name provides everything from lake delights to stunning state parks in the underrated state of Oklahoma.

Two Hours From Spokane Is A Serene Idaho Forest With Camping, Trails, And Wildlife

staff@islands.com (Jennifer Hardy) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:45:00 +0000

This peaceful forest escape in northern Idaho pairs a wild scenic river with secluded campgrounds, mountain trails, trout fishing, and abundant wildlife.

New Jersey's Vibrant State Park Near The New York Border Features A Crystal-Clear Lake And Woodland Trails

staff@islands.com (Nally Preseault) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

This forested preserve that's tucked between Pennsylvania and New York is home to 70 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail and a peaceful 255-acre lake.

Kansas' Wildly Underrated Lakeside City Has Hiking, Boating, And Rustic Vacation Rentals

staff@islands.com (Sara Tewksbury) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

You may not think of Kansas as a haven for water lovers, but this city offers a stunning lake you can boat or hike around, and uniquely fun places to stay.

11 Wildly Underrated Mountain Towns In Washington

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:30:00 +0000

With its close proximity to gorgeous scenery, lakes, and much more, Washington state is awash in charming mountain towns that you may not have heard of.

9 Vibrant Parks That Are Just A Day Trip From Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

staff@islands.com (Kirtana Menon) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:45:00 +0000

Explore the natural beauty that surrounds Gettysburg, from rolling hills you can hike to lakes you can relax in, forested trails, beautiful views, and more.

Hidden Outside Valley Of Fire State Park Is A Secluded Nevada Gem With One-Of-A-Kind Rock Formations

staff@islands.com (Heather Cole) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

The Nevada desert is hardly a hidden tourist gem, but one remote, less-visited area offers adventurers stunning rock formations rarely found anywhere else.

Between Liverpool And Manchester Is An Ex-Mining Town With Idyllic Nature Retreats And Historic Charm

staff@islands.com (Nick Nomi) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Canals connect several sights in this Greater Manchester town steeped in industrial history, and visitors will also find picturesque woodland parks to stroll.

One Of Sierra Nevada's Most Scenic Hikes Is A National Park Favorite With A Chain Of Crystal-Clear Alpine Lakes

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Sierra Nevada mountain range offers outdoor lovers plenty of hiking trails, sparkling lakes, and natural beauty. This particular loop is almost 45 miles.

Between Green Bay And La Crosse Is Wisconsin's Friendly Village With Lake Fun, Trails, And Camping

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:45:00 +0000

If you want to have some outdoor adventure in Wisconsin, you can head to this small town that offers miles of scenic hiking trails, as well as fishing.

One Of Maine's Largest Artificial Lakes Is A Secluded Escape With Mountain Vistas And A Sandy Swim Beach

staff@islands.com (Jennifer Hardy) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Mountain scenery, hidden beaches, quiet paddling routes, and Revolutionary War history make this Maine destination more than just another lake.

Wisconsin's Charming Village Near Milwaukee Is An Outdoor Haven With A Scenic Lake And Parks

staff@islands.com (Melanie Johnson) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000

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.

Between Seattle And Tacoma Is A PNW City With Scenic Views, Local Eats, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Megi Canco) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A quieter Washington getaway combines scenic parks, local restaurants, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to some of the region's biggest highlights.

Between Allentown And Lancaster Is Pennsylvania's Pristine Lake Park With A Scenic Waterfall And Trails

staff@islands.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000

This historic park packs all of Pennsylvania's natural beauty all into one scenic area, with a vast reservoir, dense forests, and a cascading waterfall.

Illinois' Rural Riverside Village Near Rockford Has A Quaint Downtown And Outdoor Beauty

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:45:00 +0000

This Illinois village is a peaceful riverside escape that invites visitors to wander a charming downtown, shop at local businesses, and explore scenic wetlands.

Halfway Between Milwaukee And Chicago Is Illinois' Pretty Preserve With Fishing And Scenic Trails

staff@islands.com (Will Suphan) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Escape the popular Midwest cities of Milwaukee and Chicago to enjoy a scenic, forested preserve with fishing opportunities along a pristine lake and river.

Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Seattle

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Seattle certainly has a reputation for rainy weather, iconic coffee culture, and a deep love of nature, but there's more to the Emerald City that you'd expect.

Between Washington, DC And Baltimore Is A Charming Maryland City With Shops, Tasty Eats, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Madeleine Bee) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:00:00 +0000

If you're in Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, you can head to this city that offers unique restaurants, whether you want seafood or soul food, and outdoor fun.

Tucked In Death Valley National Park Is California's Scenic Trail With Ethereal Canyon Views And Wildlife

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Hidden in the hottest place on earth is this stunning canyon, surrounded by dramatic rock formations with multiple trails and gorgeous desert views.