Location
Palisade, Minnesota
School
Bemidji State University
Expertise
Minnesota-based travel and regional storytelling, Market, street food, and local dining exploration, Outdoor and adventure travel experiences
- As the founder of Expedition Taste, Amanda produces destination-driven travel stories for her website, social media platforms, and YouTube channel, where she combines writing, photography, and visual storytelling rooted in firsthand exploration.
- A native Minnesotan, she has spent years traveling the state, building a deep familiarity with Minnesota's landscapes, seasons, and regional character that informs her place-based travel reporting.
- She has reported extensively on Minnesota's North Shore, producing destination stories focused on Lake Superior communities, coastal towns, and regional travel experiences shaped by repeated visits throughout the year and conversations with locals.
Experience
Amanda Thompson is a travel and lifestyle writer and a native Minnesotan with more than 10 years of writing experience, shaped by a deep connection to the Midwest and its culture. She creates travel-focused content published across her own website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and a range of brand websites, pairing reported writing with visual storytelling. She has written destination and lifestyle stories for national brands, including Sportsman's Guide, Camping World, and Wild Alaskan Seafood, and has also developed written copy and video scripts for numerous outdoor and consumer brands. Amanda is a member of OWAA (Outdoor Writers Association of America) and AGLOW (Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers).
Education
Amanda holds a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in marketing from Bemidji State University.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Alabama
By Amanda Thompson
Just an hour south of Mobile International Airport, Alabama's only public pier on the Gulf is a nice spot for fishing, unfussy food, and beautiful views.
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Indiana
By Amanda Thompson
This steel town in Indiana was thriving not so long ago, and local leadership hopes to revive that reputation thanks to a downtown revival in the works.
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If you're seeking a relaxed escape, this charming Texas town is where you'll find a slower pace of life, boutique shops, and unique Dutch vibes.
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Montana
By Amanda Thompson
Hidden away in northern Montana, this tiny town is home to intriguing museums and offers a yearly calendar packed full of fun seasonal events.
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San Antonio, Texas
By Amanda Thompson
Tucked away from the busy streets of San Antonio, this charming suburb offers scenic streets and green spaces that are still close to the big city's amenities.
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Michigan
By Amanda Thompson
If you're seeking a relaxed getaway, this charming town in Michigan offers local boutiques, a cozy downtown, and campsites just a stone's throw from the water.
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Missouri
By Amanda Thompson
A short drive from St. Louis, this walkable Missouri suburb is known as the "City of Warmth," full of green spaces, local amenities, and a unique gaming arcade.
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Mississippi
By Amanda Thompson
This coastal city in Mississippi is a great Jersey Shore alternative for travelers and retirees seeking a coastal lifestyle, beaches, and warm communities.
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