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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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
By Grae Gleason
This small West Virginia town celebrates Swiss culture year-round with seasonal festivals, amazing food, informative museums, and much more.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
By Grae Gleason
This beautiful Montana town is a quiet escape that offers skiing, hiking, fishing, hot springs baths, and a variety of other outdoor activities.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
Nebraska gets overlooked as a vacation destination, but quaint cities like this gem offer more than enough shopping and entertainment to justify a visit.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
By Grae Gleason
This little-known, sparsely populated island on Lake Michigan is a treasure trove of gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and unique museums.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
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.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
By Grae Gleason
For a splendid variety of offerings throughout the year, with a dash of charming Americana, choose this Washington over the region’s busier spots.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
By Grae Gleason
This Central New York city is brimming with top-notch food, museums, and art galleries, and, best of all, it's perfect for anyone on a budget.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
This quaint and charming North Carolina city boasts a low cost of living so locals have more disposable cash to spend at the bounty of shops and eateries.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
A quaint and underrated destination along southern Iowa near the Mississippi River blends history and natural beauty.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
Founded in 1705, this walking-friendly town in North Carolina features historic homes and landmarks, as well as activities like fishing and flower-picking.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
This overlooked Pennsylvania stop is packed with sites and activities, including one-of-a-kind museums, castles, and a thriving nightlife scene.
By Grae Gleason
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Travel Guides
By Grae Gleason
This garden in Georgia offers more than just flowers and greenery. Discover outdoor activities, shopping, a spa, cozy cottages, and so much more.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
A West Virginia town is the perfect base for experiencing the 70,000 acres of New River Gorge, as well as history museums, antique shops, and diverse eateries.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
Iowa is home to 'Little Switzerland,' an outdoor paradise that's perfect for nature-loving families. These are the outdoor adventures you can take advantage of.
By Grae Gleason
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Destinations
By Grae Gleason
In this Tennessee city, art is everywhere. Visit the Hunter Museum of American Art, view pieces at the outdoor River Gallery Sculpture Garden, and more.
By Grae Gleason
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