School
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
Expertise
Nautical adventure, road trips, Mediterranean lifestyle
- Joe very briefly dressed like Jon Snow while working on a story about set-jetting "Game of Thrones" tourists flooding Dubrovnik.
- His first big-time, fancy glossy magazine article was in Islands over a decade ago, a feature about his love for making traditional Dalmatian olive oil.
- He once underestimated a wave's height, sending a speedboat too quickly into the oncoming crests and nearly launching The New York Times's 52 Places writer into the Adriatic Sea.
Experience
Joe's nearly two-decade career in journalism started as a founding member of Lukewarm Off the Press, the first student newspaper at St. Joseph's Grammar School in Astoria, NY. Joe's first decade as a paid journalist involved covering the ins and outs of life in New York for the local press, culminating in a "News Story of the Year" award from the New York Press Association in 2013. He then shifted gears by moving across the Atlantic Ocean to his ancestral home, a small island off the Croatian coast, and continuing as a freelance journalist. Since then, his work has appeared in a wide range of publications, from Popular Science to The New York Times.
Education
Joe has a master's degree in journalism from the City University of New York.
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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North Carolina
By Joe Orovic
About an hour from Asheville, this private lake offers a retreat into the wilderness, featuring fine dining, lovely cabins, and heaps of outdoor activities.
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The words "world's busiest airport" and "serene nature getaway" don't often coincide. Check out this amazing park during your next long layover in Atlanta.
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Travel to the Midwest to experience a spooky and scenic natural landmark accessible only by water. You don't even need a broom to get there.
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Tucked away in the dense forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this sprawling lake offers 36 miles of shoreline and activities for every season.
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If you need to beat the Georgia heat, you'll find a serene lake southeast of Atlanta that offers excellent fishing, swimming, boating, and camping.
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Travel back in time by visiting this historic cave near Santa Barbara, which is filled with artwork from the Chumash people that dates back to the 1600s.
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California offers plenty of aquatic fun with the Pacific Ocean, but head inland and you'll find a serene reservoir with waters perfect for boating and fishing.
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This Oregon camping area just outside of Portland offers majestic cliffside views of the ocean, potential whale viewing opportunities, and more.
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This little-known spot is a nature lover's paradise, with outdoor adventures to suit all tastes on a pristine, preserved island off the Georgia coast.
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This sprawling lake is a quick drive from Nashville, offering visitors a scenic spot for hiking, boating, swimming, and camping out in the Tennessee wilderness.
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Tucked away at the eastern edge of Seneca Lake near Watkins Glen State Park, this uncrowded waterfall is an excellent detour that's easy to reach.
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This incredible Wyoming lake is one of the deepest in the country, offering visitors a chance to go boating, fishing, or kayaking while surrounded by mountains.
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This pristine beach in Alabama offers dramatic Gulf views and uncrowded shores, though experts say it'll vanish within the next several years.
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With campsites that are only accessible by boat, this destination hidden in the Adirondack Mountains is the ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.
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Surrounded by three mountain ranges and perched right along the winding Madison River, this Montana town is a haven for outdoor adventures.
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In Oregon's Crater Lake lies a tiny island that appears to take on some spooky qualities when the weather gets cloudy or foggy.
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Arizona might be known for its vast stretches of desert, but tucked out of sight is a pristine lake that's perfect for an off-the-grid getaway.
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With acres of verdant gardens, an on-site restaurant, and hundreds of colorful plants, this botanical garden outside Richmond is a must-visit for nature lovers.
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If you're looking for a trip with a more rigorous bent, traveling down this famous Texas river is perfect for experienced outdoor adventurers.
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West Virginia
By Joe Orovic
Locomotive enthusiasts will find much to love in this tiny West Virginia town, which features miles of historic railroad tracks and dramatic mountain views.
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Theme Parks
By Joe Orovic
This urban theme park has delighted Colorado locals and visitors for generations, and it's packed with thrilling coasters, water slides, and tasty eats.
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North Carolina
By Joe Orovic
This massive lake is both a present-day paradise and a historical marvel, with the sunken remains of an entire civilization resting at the bottom.
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Just a few hours north of Los Angeles lies a hidden hot spring that's a favorite destination among some of SoCal's less-inhibited citizens.
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Connecticut
By Joe Orovic
Don't just escape the hustle and bustle of city life with this Connecticut hiking hotspot -- get a great view of nearby Hartford from the top, too!
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Within New York’s stunning Thousand Islands region, you’ll find a sprawling campsite with comfortable lodging options, sandy beaches, and outdoor recreation.
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The next time you're in Arizona, make sure you stop by this stunning waterfall that's something of a local secret. Here's what you need to know.
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During your Adirondacks getaway, be sure to stop by this tranquil lake, where you can enjoying a refreshing swim in the summer or go ice fishing in the winter.
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