School
Syracuse University
Expertise
adventure travel, the great outdoors, city exploration
- After five years of writing about travel, nature, and sustainability, Grae moved from California to West Virginia to reconnect with the great outdoors.
- A 2017 trip to London taught them about two of the best places to explore in a new city: bookstores and speakeasies.
- Grae's travels have taken them from cafés in New Orleans to helicopter rides over Redding, California. They're always ready for a new adventure.
Experience
Grae Gleason is a lifelong writer who grew up in Georgia, attended university in New York, and began a writing career in California. These experiences exploring different corners of the United States inspired Grae's work covering nature and outdoor adventure travel for outlets like Inhabitat and USA Today. After serving as the Managing Editor for USA Today's Outdoor Content Initiative, Grae embraced their passion for travel by pursuing full-time freelance travel writing.
Education
At Syracuse University, Grae earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication and rhetorical studies through the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
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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West Virginia
By Grae Gleason
This neighborhood in Charleston, West Virginia, is a charming spot filled with riverside fun, an old-school soda fountain, museums, and more.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
Waterfalls are truly breathtaking, and a unique road trip through North Carolina gives travelers the chance to experience six different cascades.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
This artsy town is well known for its adorable eateries, tons of art galleries, antique shops and proximity to some amazing outdoor adventures.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
This rural North Carolina town, just a few miles from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, offers scenic hikes, delicious local eateries, live music, and more.
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West Virginia
By Grae Gleason
Experience one of West Virginia's most beautiful canyon areas with a unique and scenic train ride and a day or two on the water.
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Traveling outside a major city is one of the best ways to discover some adorable and exciting places, especially in this surprising city outside Atlanta.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
For the perfect North Carolina mountain getaway, look no further than this historic small town located between the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway.
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For a low-key vacation that offers plenty to experience, this city in Ohio has you covered with great museums, beautiful parks, incredible food, and more.
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Washington
By Grae Gleason
For a place to use as a home base while exploring Washington, head to this city at the foot of the Cascade Mountains for beauty and charming local businesses.
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California
By Grae Gleason
For an underrated wine region in California filled with multiple vineyards and riverside views, head to this small town with plenty of history and nature.
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Take a trip to this gorgeous state park in Virginia to see wild ponies, hike to waterfalls, try your hand at bouldering, or camp in a cozy yurt.
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If you are looking for West-Coast-rivaling views in the Midwest, head to this Michigan beach destination with a stunning lakefront and incredible sunset views.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
If you are looking for a cute and friendly place in North Carolina, head to the "city of four seasons" for quirky museums and year-round activities and fun.
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If you love that small-town atmosphere but also like all the amenities that come with staying in a big city, head to this charming and artsy spot in Michigan.
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South Carolina
By Grae Gleason
If you are looking for a small city with plenty to do, head to this South Carolina town that is full of historic architecture, Southern charm, and fresh fruit.
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Massachusetts
By Grae Gleason
For those who want to sunbathe, shop local boutiques, view art, and enjoy a great meal, this Massachusetts beach town offers the perfect blend of attractions.
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Arts and Culture
By Grae Gleason
This small West Virginia town celebrates Swiss culture year-round with seasonal festivals, amazing food, informative museums, and much more.
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North Dakota
By Grae Gleason
If you are looking for a cozy town with plenty to do, head to "North Dakota's little slice of Americana" for murals, local history, and beautiful grasslands.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
If you love walking around downtown areas and exploring all they have to offer, you'll love this spot in North Carolina that's filled with food and shopping.
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Pennsylvania
By Grae Gleason
If you are looking for a vibrant college town filled with art exhibits, fun events, and an excited atmosphere, plan a trip to this artsy Pennsylvania spot.
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This beautiful Montana town is a quiet escape that offers skiing, hiking, fishing, hot springs baths, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
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West Virginia
By Grae Gleason
Tucked next to the Ohio River, this West Virginia city offers Victorian-style architecture, charming local shops and eateries, and tons of outdoor fun.
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Pennsylvania
By Grae Gleason
The Poconos are a great place to visit for fun small towns full of artsy vibes and good food. This town, in particular, makes for the perfect funky getaway.
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Nebraska gets overlooked as a vacation destination, but quaint cities like this gem offer more than enough shopping and entertainment to justify a visit.
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Arts and Culture
By Grae Gleason
This little-known, sparsely populated island on Lake Michigan is a treasure trove of gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and unique museums.
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If you're looking to visit a historic city full of Irish flair without boarding an international flight, you'll need to plan a trip to this unique Georgia city.
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North Carolina
By Grae Gleason
Experience natural hot springs baths, some of the country's most incredible hikes, llama treks, and more outdoor fun in this resort town in North Carolina.
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