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

An Hour From DC Is A Charming East Coast Town With Craft Brews, Shops, And Trails

staff@islands.com (Anahid Akkam) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Though it's near the country's capital, this town offers a charming, rural atmosphere with unique breweries and boutiques, plus easy trails.

Between Shenandoah National Park And Gettysburg Is Virginia's Town With Boutique Shops And Mountain Trails

staff@islands.com (Audrey Simons) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 17:45:00 +0000

This underrated town is a gateway to outdoor adventures, framed by mountain ranges to the east and west and brimming with cute Main Street shops.

11 Underrated Small Towns With Top-Notch Antique Shops

staff@islands.com (Jenna Intersimone) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:30:00 +0000

If you can spend a day lost in an antique shop, these towns will provide you with a fun getaway fillled with lots of shopping for vintage treasures.

Between Roanoke And Richmond Is Virginia's Largest State Forest And It's A Scenic Fishing And Boating Paradise

staff@islands.com (Nally Preseault) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 23:00:00 +0000

The forest contains a state park and two reservoirs, ideal for a quiet spot in the woods where you can disconnect, cast a line, and stay awhile.

Forget South Carolina, Retire To This Highly-Rated East Coast Gem With Charming Small Towns And River Views

staff@islands.com (Makayla Maxwell) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Considering retirement? This coastal county in Virginia has mild weather, a trio of pretty riverside towns, and a huge state park.

These 2 Secluded Coastal Havens Tied As America's 'Most Beautiful Hidden Gem Beaches'

staff@islands.com (Eugenia Lazaris) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:45:00 +0000

For a beach vacation that isn't on every other tourist's list, consider one of these hidden-gem spots with gorgeous coastlines and picturesque sunsets.

6 Best Award-Winning Pumpkin Patches On The East Coast For A Festive Fall Getaway

staff@islands.com (Christine Dulion) — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:40:18 +0000

These East Coast pumpkin patches are oozing with spooky season spirit, with pick-your-own pumpkins, mazes, live music, and more family-friendly fun.

Forget Florida, Retire To This Southeast Gem With A Vibrant Downtown, Local Museums, And Charming Eateries

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:45:00 +0000

This retirement town in Virginia is a gem of the Southeast and is filled with plenty of community activities, other seniors, a vibrant downtown, and festivals.

Forget North Carolina, Retire To This Blue Ridge Haven With Charming Virginia Towns And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Grae Gleason) — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 01:45:00 +0000

Not only does this Virginia county have incredible views and outdoor recreation opportunities, but it also offers charming rural towns and peaceful vibes.

Forget Florida, Retire To This Coastal Virginia Escape With Affordable Living, Charming Towns, And Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Jess Simms) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 03:45:00 +0000

With historic towns, agreeable weather, and countless ways to enjoy the great outdoors, this Virginia county is a wonderful place to retire.

Forget Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia's Crystal-Clear Appalachian Mountain Lake Is A Fishing And Boating Paradise

staff@islands.com (Elliot Schorr) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:45:00 +0000

For the perfect lake getaway in Virginia, head to this Appalachian Mountain paradise with clear blue-green water that is great for boating, fishing, and hiking.

10 Walkable East Coast Cities Where You Can Retire Without A Car

staff@islands.com (Patrick Culhane) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Whether you're looking for a cozy small town or a coastal city, the East Coast has plenty to offer retirees. These spots are easy to get around without a car.

The Best Burger Spots Worth Visiting In Every State

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Nothing feels as American than grabbing a delicious, juicy burger and fries. But what makes the best burger? We've pinpointed top contenders in every state.

Sandwiched Between Richmond And Raleigh Is Virginia's Lesser-Known Wildlife Preserve For Hiking And Bird Watching

staff@islands.com (Elliot Schorr) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0000

How many times have you gone to a nature getaway just to find way more crowds than you expected? Get off the beaten path at this wildlife area.

Virginia's Once-Thriving Seaside Amusement Park And Resort Is Now A Scenic Public Beach With Idyllic Bay Views

staff@islands.com (Joe Orovic) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 19:45:00 +0000

What was once a popular amusement park by the sea in Virginia is now a gorgeous stretch of sandy land with views, activities, and buckets of history.

These US National Parks Are Sitting In Tick-Borne Disease Hotspots

staff@islands.com (Ian Jackson) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Unfortunately, tick-borne diseases are on the rise. There are a number of precautions that can keep you safe, like being on high alert in these spots.

The Longest And Best Boardwalks In The World

staff@islands.com (Jenna Intersimone) — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0000

There's nothing like walking along a boardwalk on a warm day, browsing vendors, enjoying rides, and taking in views of the water. These offer the best strolls.

12 Awe-Inspiring Art Hotels In The U.S. For Creative Stays And Museum-Quality Experiences

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:30:00 +0000

Why book a hotel when you can book a hotel that's also full of gorgeous, original art? These "art hotels" blend unique stays and museum-quality experiences.

The Oldest Wineries In America That Are Still Worth Visiting

staff@islands.com (Jenna Intersimone) — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:30:00 +0000

While you may not think of the United States as being a place of generations-old wineries, it has quite a few -- and they aren't all in California, either.

The 9 Best East Coast Road Trips That Promise Unmatched Adventure And Beauty

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 22:30:00 +0000

The East Coast is a treasure trove of destinations from some of the nation's oldest cities to nature-filled beach escapes. Here's how you can plan a road trip.