Islands.com | Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

a mountain bike on a paved trail in the woods

Minnesota By Allie Johnson 1 month ago

Minnesota's Abandoned Railway Line Is Transformed Into A Scenic Paved Lakeside Trail

Just an hour or so south of Minneapolis, in a wooded area that once saw trains pass through, there's a peaceful park with a trail you can't miss.

South Carolina By Rory Buccheri 1 month ago

South Carolina's Spooky Island Has An Abandoned Cemetery Rife With Ghostly Tales

This unassuming island in Lake Hartwell is the last remaining evidence of a plantation, and it's home to about 60 graves and some possibly paranormal activity.

Street view of Uptown in Park Ridge, Illinois featuring storefronts and bare trees

Illinois By Jen Theriault 1 month ago

This Upscale Chicago Suburb Known For Its Walkable Downtown And Cultural Charm Is A Vibrant Gem

Chicago has no shortage of visitors, but this lesser-known suburb in the city deserves a visit, too. Explore its downtown on foot and you'll see why it's a gem.

Elk & Embers' six accommodations have spectacular mountain settings

North Carolina By Anastasia Mills Healy 1 month ago

This Hidden North Carolina Retreat Near Asheville Offers Luxury Safari Tents And A One-Of-A-Kind Treehouse

This retreat tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina offers luxury glamping with stunning views and concierge amenities.

News By Jenna Kelley 1 month ago

The Tourist Destination With America's Best Coffee Shop In 2025 (And It's Not Portland, Oregon)

America's best coffee shop in 2025 might not be where you'd expect. Discover the city coffee lovers and locals alike can't stop raving about.

Carnival Horizon cruise ship on the water

Cruises By Christine Dulion 1 month ago

Florida Teenager Mysteriously Dies On A Carnival Cruise

A Florida teen's sudden death aboard a returning cruise ship has prompted an FBI investigation, with authorities working to uncover what happened.

A group of young people sitting on a dock by the river

North Carolina By Jom Elauria 1 month ago

Between Raleigh And Fayetteville Is A Quaint Small Town With Thrilling River Recreation

North Carolina boasts beautiful outdoor areas and this small town sandwiched between Raleigh and Fayetteville is great for anyone looking to get on the river.

Sunset over the river at Ionia State Recreation Area

Michigan By Erika W. Smith 1 month ago

Between Grand Rapids And Lansing Is Michigan's Serene Recreation Area With Uncrowded Hikes, Swimming, And Rentals

Explore a quiet Michigan park between Grand Rapids and Lansing for year-round outdoor activities like swimming, cross-country skiing, and scenic hiking trails.

North Carolina By Sophia Moss 1 month ago

North Carolina's Underrated Town Outside Of Charlotte Is Near Walkable Trails And Has Historic Charm

Hike for days in and around this North Carolina town, known for its scenic mountain views and its Native American heritage ready for you to explore.

Texas By Richard Milner 1 month ago

This Tiny Texas Town With Cabins And Park Access Is Steeped In Caddo Nation History

Plenty of towns feature beautiful attractions steeped in nature. While mostly abandoned, this tiny hamlet is full of history and well worth a visit.

Water crashing over the Niagara Falls with autumn colors in the forests behind

News By Joseph Richard Francis 1 month ago

The Most Popular Fall Foliage Destination In America Is Not Even In New England

The ultimate leaf-peeping paradise isn't where you think it is. A new ranking reveals the destination in the U.S. stealing the season's spotlight.

Virginia By Tammy Grey 1 month ago

Virginia's Gateway To The Blue Ridge Mountains Is A Peaceful Valley Town With Lakes, Vineyards, And Views

This charming Virginia town provides scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with plenty of hikes along its lakes an even a craft beverage trail.

Arkansas By Jom Elauria 1 month ago

Arkansas' Perfect Village For Retirees With Seven Stunning Lakes Is A Resort-Style Haven

If you're looking for a peaceful place to settle into retirement without breaking the bank, this gorgeous village in Arkansas has plenty of amenities.

Columbine flowers, the national flower of Colorado and namesake of Columbine Valley

Denver, Colorado By Makayla Maxwell 1 month ago

Colorado's Top-Rated Retirement Destination Is A Charming Suburb With A Tight-Knit Community And Rural Beauty

A tight-knit small town with convenient access to Denver and numerous outdoor activities, this little-known locale is a top landing spot for retirees.

White church in the middle of Shoshoni Wyoming

Wyoming By Tammy Grey 1 month ago

Wyoming's 'Gateway To The Wind River Canyon' Is A Charming Town Surrounded By Natural Wonders

This scenic Wyoming gem is surrounded by rugged canyons, blue lakes, and wildlife, making it a perfect base for outdoor adventures year-round.

South Carolina By Bridget Gleeson 1 month ago

South Carolina's Wild Island Preserve Is A Pristine Coastal Getaway With Wildlife And Boating

Comprising 24,000 acres of beaches, forests, and wetlands, this South Carolina preserve is named after the owner of the Boston Red Sox from 1933 through 1976.

Georgia By Madeleine Bee 1 month ago

Between Atlanta And Augusta Is Georgia's Peaceful City With Charming Victorian Architecture And Trails

This town offers a cozy atmosphere in a quiet part of the state, and it's near some outstanding outdoor adventures, including a rail-to-trail and ATV tracks.

Sunset over St Johns River with trees either side of the flat water.

Florida By Ben M Stower 1 month ago

Florida's Longest River Is One Of The Laziest In The World For Serene Water Fun

Explore the longest river in Florida with camping, kayaking, fishing, and fresh seafood along its scenic lakes, springs, and waterfront towns.

Woman taking her laptop out at airport checkpoint

News By Jessica Stewart 1 month ago

Why Some Airports At TSA Make You Take Your Laptop Out Of Your Bag And Others Don't

If you've noticed some airports require you to remove your laptop from its bag while others don't, there's a simple explanation for these differing procedures.

Tips and Hacks By Mina Elwell 1 month ago

The Dangerous Tip You Should Avoid At All Costs When Trying To Escape A Bee Attack

Being stung by a bee (or even dozens of bees at once) can be serious, but whatever you do, don't try this method for escaping the stinging insects.

A view of a coastal Grenada city from the sea, with lush green mountains in the background

Beaches By Elliot Schorr 1 month ago

Hidden US Islands That Feel Just Like The Caribbean

If you're looking for the sunshine, soft sands, and gorgeous clear waters of the Caribbean, you can get all that and more without even leaving the U.S.

California By Jody Miller 1 month ago

Nearly Half Of America's Top 100 Taco Restaurants Are Packed Into One Beloved State

It’s no surprise that almost half of the best taco restaurants in America are in this state, considering its deep-rooted ties to Mexico and delicious cuisine.

Air Travel By Tess Kazenoff 1 month ago

The Wild Advice An Airline CEO Gave Passengers To Avoid Getting Stranded At The Airport

Flight cancellations due to the government shutdown have been frustrating passengers across the U.S., and this airline CEO had some wild advice to share.

Indiana By Jean Chen Smith 1 month ago

This Bluff-Top Indiana Town Is A Scenic Escape With River Views, Nature Trails, And Small-Town Charm

Perched above the Wabash River, this small Indiana town offers scenic hikes, fishing, and lively local traditions like the Pawpaw Festival and Chautauqua.

Traveler wearing sweatpants and pulling suitcase

Europe By Rene Bennett 1 month ago

Why You Should Not Pack Sweatpants For A Trip To Europe (And What To Bring Instead)

Packing sweatpants for a trip to Europe is a common mistake, as local fashion favors more polished, put-together clothing even for casual outings.

A person relaxing outside their camper van in the greek mountains

Tips and Hacks By Mina Elwell 1 month ago

Road Trip Security Tips From Experienced Van-Lifers For When You Can't Leave Valuables At Home

For adventurers and remote workers embracing the camper van lifestyle, here are some expert tips for keeping your valuables safe while out on the open road.

A small brown and white dog rides on its owner's suitcase through an airport

Air Travel By Rebecca High 1 month ago

The No. 1 Social Dog Rule Travelers Agree On For In-Flight Etiquette, And It's Not What You'd Think

Think airplane etiquette means keeping your dog in its carrier? Social media users are challenging that rule with surprising in-flight opinions.

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