School
Chatham University, Bowling Green State University
Expertise
International Coffee & Beer Cultures, Unusual Museums, Pre-Columbian Civilizations & Ruins
- Jess regularly writes about regional cryptids and folklore for outlets like Atlas Obscura and Mental Floss.
- They once toured Europe as the baritone sax player in a jazz band.
- They have traveled to 15 countries across four continents and are over halfway through their bucket list of visiting every state and province in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Experience
Jess started writing for a living in 2015. Before becoming a full-time writer, they worked in the service industry, including stints managing a coffee shop and working as the overnight front desk attendant at the Wyndham Grand in Pittsburgh. Their writing work has included ghostwriting novels, memoirs, nonfiction books, and online content in addition to writing under their own name for publications like Authors Publish, Pittsburgh City Paper, and Pittsburgh Magazine. They are an award-winning fiction writer as well as a freelance writer and the author of the flash fiction chapbook Cryptid Bits (Last-Picked Books, 2024), along with more than 20 short stories published in various literary journals and anthologies.
Education
Jess has an MFA in creative writing from Chatham University (fiction concentration with a certificate in travel writing) and a bachelor's degree in music from Bowling Green 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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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
Giant shoes and mythical cryptids aren't the only reasons you'll want to pay a visit to this serene, nature-filled corner of Pennsylvania's South.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
For an affordable lakeside getaway, head to this Pennsylvania city near Erie with quiet lakeside campgrounds and small-town artsy vibes.
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West Virginia
By Jess Simms
West Virginia has several beautiful state parks. There is one located not far from D.C. or Pittsburgh with a great spa, as well as biking and fishing.
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West Virginia
By Jess Simms
A popular stop along the way to the mountains, this West Virginia town has a lot to offer in itself, including history, festivals, food, and friendly locals.
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A quick trip outside the Omaha city lines will take you to a community that you can't miss, with a mixture of historic sites and a blossoming food scene.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
If your town is set between two bodies of water, it's going to be hard for you to have a bad time. This small Pennsylvania community lives up to that promise.
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United States
By Jess Simms
Some may think of Boston when they hear 'Bean Town.' However, Ohio's unique iteration has a lot to offer, too, in the way of parks and shops.
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This Michigan town is so tiny, its downtown area is only four blocks large. Yet it packs a ton of rustic charm and local history into such a little place.
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Calling all history buffs and outdoor lovers! Explore the charming town on the Ohio River with military reenactments, scenic trails, and colorful murals.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
The small town in the Keystone State is known for its most famous rodent but it turns out there are plenty of human-related things to do, too.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
A town in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania is a top destination for music lovers, with an iconic guitar manufacturer, festivals, and historic attractions.
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For those who want to celebrate the autumn season with ghost tours, live music, and festivals, head to this historic harborfront neighborhood in Baltimore.
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It's not just the pool water that could be dirty. Something in the area around your hotel's pool or hot tub could also be crawling with bacteria.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
A tucked-away park close to Pittsburgh is a quiet haven where birdwatching enthusiasts enjoy leisurely trails and nature lovers plan their weddings.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
There are plenty of charming small towns across Pennsylvania, but visiting this one is a must if you want to see some world-renowned architecture.
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This quiet Ohio village is not only known for its presidential historic sites, but also has a forest where hikers can enjoy bluebell blooms in the spring.
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Home to Fisher-Price, an epicenter for the American Arts and Crafts movement, and annual festivals, this western New York town is the perfect creative escape.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
Just 25 miles north-east of Philadelphia you'll find this charming borough with historic architecture, quaint parks, and the family-friendly Sesame Place.
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Kentucky’s lakes are a dream for boaters and anglers, but they're also home to many species of snakes. You might want to think twice before going for a swim.
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Maryland is full of historical towns to visit, but few are as entrenched in the arts as this Baltimore suburb lovingly called "The Heart of Harford."
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New England might get all the attention when it comes to fall foliage, but this remarkable state park in southern Ohio is an equally spectacular spot.
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Pennsylvania
By Jess Simms
During the time of steel mills, Pennsylvania's rivers were quite polluted. Luckily, these strange creatures called the "Livers of Rivers" are helping with that.
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This Midwestern town is a prime fall destination, with hikes and overlooks to see fiery foliage, autumn-inspired festivals like PumpkinFest, and scenic drives.
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This vibrant and diverse Michigan city just outside of Detroit is not only popular with the locals but also with tourists for its deep history and great food.
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A favorite among plus-size passengers for providing a comfortable perk free of charge, this airline is shaking things up and passengers may have to pay.
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This unsung nook of West Virginia offers spectacular views of the Allegheny Mountain Range, taking visitors on a whirlwind journey into nature and U.S. history.
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Sited just outside of Chicago is the village of Park Forest, known for its longstanding juried art fair and its 2,000 acres of parks and green spaces.
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