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

11 Incredible US Parks And Public Lands Where You Can Camp For Free

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Camping is a popular pastime because it lets us see the world on a wallet-friendly budget. And some places around the U.S., you can even camp for free.

The Best Fried Fish Spots Worth Visiting In Every State

staff@islands.com (Rosheda Stephenson) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Seafood lovers can rejoice that every restaurant on our list ranks highly on Google and offers crispy, golden-brown treats from the sea (and lots of sides).

West Virginia's Charming Town With A Hilariously Peculiar Name Offers History And Outdoor Fun By Maryland's Border

staff@islands.com (Jess Simms) — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Along with a quirky name, this West Virginia town offers a fun seasonal festival, historic landmarks to explore, and plenty of wild outdoor adventures.

The County With The Lowest Cost Of Living In America Is An East Coast Escape With Gorgeous Mountain Views

staff@islands.com (Kaylee Giacomini-Moran) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:45:00 +0000

This off-the-radar spot in West Virginia offers an inexpensive place to live for those who love spending time in nature with pristine landscapes to discover.

Destinations To Retire To In The Ohio River Valley If You Want Scenic Parks And Americana Vibes

staff@islands.com (Jenna Kelley) — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Forget Florida -- These towns have everything you need to retire comfortably and stay entertained throughout your retirement years.

Forget New River Gorge — Visit West Virginia's Renowned State Park With An Ethereal Boardwalk And Scenic Trails

staff@islands.com (Neha Maheshwari) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Thinking of visiting the newest National Park for a serene vacation? Just two hours south, the Mountain State offers an underrated, less populated alternative.

9 Once Thriving Appalachian Towns That Regressed Into Eerie, Abandoned Beauties

staff@islands.com (Rosheda Stephenson) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:30:00 +0000

While you might associate ghost towns with the remains of the wild west, the eastern U.S. also has many abandoned spots sprawling across Appalachia.

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.

Which East Coast State Has The Most Mountains?

staff@islands.com (Rachel-Jean Firchau) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0000

While the East Coast can't claim the height of the United States' dramatic West, it's not stranger to mountainous terrain. This state exemplifies that.

The Second-Best Place To Retire In 2026 Is A Senior-Friendly Ohio River City With Quiet Living And Local Eats

staff@islands.com (Jess Simms) — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:45:00 +0000

The city is convenient to Pittsburg and has all the amenities you might need close at hand, while maintaining a relaxing environment with plenty to see and do.

West Virginia's Underrated State Park Is A Serene Getaway With Picturesque Trails And A Unique Hemlock Forest

staff@islands.com (Eva Johnstone) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Though it's quite tiny, this West Virginia state park lets visitors walk among trees that are hundreds of years old and hike through a rugged network of trails.

America's First Spa Town Is An Underrated West Virginia State Park With Cozy Roman-Style Baths

staff@islands.com (Jen Theriault) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 02:45:00 +0000

This underrated West Virginia gem pairs a contemporary spa with a historic Roman-style bathhouse - proving America's first spa town still soaks in style.

The 10 Best Snow Tubing Resorts On The East Coast, According To Reviews

staff@islands.com (Rosheda Stephenson) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Not everyone likes to ski or snowboard, but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the slopes - like snow tubing at these incredible East Coast resorts.

5 Southern Cities Where The US Dollar Goes The Furthest

staff@islands.com (Rachel Dennis) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:15:00 +0000

Looking to save on your next trip? These affordable U.S. cities in the south offer lower lodging costs, inexpensive dining and plenty to do year-round.

West Virginia's Affordable City In The Shenandoah Valley Is A Hidden Gem With Historic Charm And Natural Beauty

staff@islands.com (Amber Nolan) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

If you're interested in taking a trip into West Virgina, the town of Martinsburg offers history and scenic natural beauty most towns can only dream of.

Hidden In West Virginia Is A Riverside City With Festivals, Kayaking, And Nearby Islands

staff@islands.com (Jean Chen Smith) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 01:45:00 +0000

West Virginia is known for its mountains, but you can explore this small city by kayak. It also has plenty of seasonal festivals and a wildlife refuge.

West Virginia's Wealthiest Suburb In 2025 Is Known For Rural Vibes And Scenic Fishing Spots

staff@islands.com (Madeleine Bee) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Considered West Virginia's wealthiest suburb in 2025, this destination is surprisingly down-to-earth with great fishing opportunities and a rural atmosphere.

West Virginia's Best-Kept Secret Is An Abandoned Mining Town Hidden In New River Gorge National Park

staff@islands.com (Robert Isenberg) — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:15:00 +0000

West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park is home to a unique mining town, which, while long shuttered, is still open for visitors to explore.

America's Most Affordable State For Retirement Is A Mountainous Gem With Renowned Natural Beauty And Fun

staff@islands.com (Robert Isenberg) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:15:00 +0000

A mountain region known for low living costs, outdoor recreation, and small-town conveniences stands out as an affordable and practical retirement option.

This Scenic West Virginia City Has Wine, Appalachian Charm, And Rock Climbing

staff@islands.com (Megan Eileen McDonough) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0000

Discover the 'Little Bahamas of the East' in West Virginia, where wine, swimming, paddleboarding, rock climbing, and fishing await in this charming city.