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

Southern California's 'Oldest Commercial Building' Is A Fascinating, Free-Admission Landmark With A Scenic Garden

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Not far from Pasadena, you'll find a particularly charming piece of local history in the form of an old commercial structure that you can explore for free.

Illinois' Charming Midwest City An Hour From Chicago Has Scenic Architecture, Parks, And Tasty Eats

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:45:00 +0000

Situated on the banks of a river, this easygoing city has a photo-worthy historic district framed by old-growth trees and beloved family-owned eateries.

Between Omaha And Kansas City Is The 'City Of Beautiful Maples' With A Walkable Downtown And Friendly Vibes

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:45:00 +0000

You'll find a cozy downtown, charming shops, and an intriguing history at this small city in Kansas, along with plenty of colorful leaves during the fall.

6 Secret Spots In Knoxville, Tennessee That Most Tourists Miss

staff@islands.com (Jenna Kelley) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:00:00 +0000

Looking to go off the beaten path in Knoxville, Tennessee? Go beyond the usual tourist spots to find hidden nature, exciting board games, jazz music, and more.

Washington's Wildly Underrated City Has Scrumptious Farm-Fresh Feasts, Art, And Old-School Dutch Charm

staff@islands.com (Kira Reinke) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This Washington town has been greatly influenced by Dutch culture, from the large windmill to the food, and it's considered quite underrated.

Forget Florida, This Midwest State Has Beautiful Beaches For A Lovely Summer Vacation

staff@islands.com (Lexi Kassler) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:45:00 +0000

Offering everything from sandy public beaches with volleyball courts to secluded pebbled coves, this Midwestern state is a lake lover's summer getaway.

West Virginia's Abandoned Castle Is Now A Graffiti-Covered Gem With A Historic Cemetery And Ohio River Views

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:00:00 +0000

Covered in graffiti and perched atop a hill, this abandoned castle in West Virginia offers sweeping views over the Ohio River and the nearby city.

The 'Sports Capital Of Minnesota' Is A Twin Cities Suburb With Championship Golf And A World-Class Complex

staff@islands.com (Maja Proescholdt) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:45:00 +0000

The suburbs of the Twin Cities are home to a town filled with a sports-lover's dream, from golf courses to beautiful parks, and a world-record sports complex.

Between Grand Rapids And Lansing Is A Midwest City With River Trails, A Charming Downtown, And Friendly Vibes

staff@islands.com (Anna Smith) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:00:00 +0000

This town is connected to its neighbors by a riverside rail trail that makes all day explorations a blast of beautiful views and stops at the local brewery.

Chicago's Family-Friendly Suburb Is A Village Brimming With Parks And Laidback Charm

staff@islands.com (Christine Dulion) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Looking for a getaway the entire family can enjoy that isn't the usual theme park or shopping? This village, southwest of the city, offers a serene experience.

Near Minneapolis Is A Charming Lakefront Midwest City With Local Eats, Scenic Trails, And Fun Festivals

staff@islands.com (Anna Smith) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:45:00 +0000

This lakeside town is loaded with fun things to do all year, inviting restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors whether on foot, bike, or boat.

Louisiana's Rapidly-Growing City In The Heart Of Cajun Country Has Local Delicacies And A Charming Downtown

staff@islands.com (Marta Benigni) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

This south Louisiana getaway offers Cajun heritage, historic landmarks, family attractions, regional cuisine, and a revitalized downtown district.

Between Baltimore And D.C. Is A Central Suburb With A NASA Space Center, Charming Parks, And Shops

staff@islands.com (Jonathan Houston) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Space exploration, urban amenities, and verdant nature collide at this charming suburb sat smack-bang between Baltimore and Washington, DC.

The Free Program In Florida That Rewards You For Hiking In Florida State Forests

staff@islands.com (Brandy Jo Hastings) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0000

From river trails to sprawling pine forests, Florida's state forests offer fresh hiking adventures across the state -- and an extra perk many visitors miss.

America's Top Hiking Destination Is An East Coast Mountain Forest Full Of Rafting, Camping, And Waterfalls

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:45:00 +0000

A popular hiking voice has crowned this East Coast forest the best hiking destination in the country, and its delights don't end with walking.

Between Fort Wayne And Dayton Is A German-Inspired Village With Midwest Charm

staff@islands.com (Leslie Veliz) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Much of the Midwest is known for its German heritage, but some towns lean into that history more than others. This charming community in Ohio is one of them.

East Texas' Scenic State Park Is A Lovely Lake Escape With Campsites, Fishing, And Paddling

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0000

This peaceful Texas state park is a lakeside getaway that offers warm waters, scenic campsites, year-round fishing, paddling adventures, and relaxing sunsets.

Between Omaha And Des Moines Is A Midwest City With Fun Shops, Quiet Trails, And Family-Friendly Outings

staff@islands.com (Makayla Maxwell) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:45:00 +0000

This Midwest city in Iowa, located between Omaha and Des Moines, is home to fun shops, quiet trails, and family friendly events and outings.

These East Coast States Have Banned Billboards (And The Reason Why Is A Huge Bonus For Travelers)

staff@islands.com (Jen Theriault) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:45:00 +0000

These two states on the East Coast of the United States have banned billboards, and the reason why these ads don't adorn roads is a huge bonus for travelers.

Near Tacoma Is Washington's Scenic City With Lake Fun, Parks, And Mountain Views

staff@islands.com (Sarah Joseph) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

There's a picturesque city resting beneath beautiful Mount Rainier, near Tacoma, with peaceful parks, wooded trails, and recreational lakes with mountain views.