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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Boasting a popular railroad museum, historic charm, and plenty of local shops and restaurants, this tiny town in Michigan is a unique destination.
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An easy drive from Niagara Falls, this Canadian community offers visitors a chance to enjoy fishing along Lake Erie and a truly unique museum.
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Spanning several thousand acres and with easy access to boat rentals and prime fishing spots, this artificial reservoir in Georgia is an outdoor wonderland.
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This lakeside destination in Montana offers sandy shorelines, swimming, birding, and mountain views, with conditions that change depending on the season.
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There's never a bad time to check in with your neighbors, and one charming U.S. state is going all out to encourage people to explore its delights in 2026.
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This scenic Utah State Park, located between Provo and Fishlake National Forest in Central Utah, is a scenic nature spot offering mountain and water adventure.
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If you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, there's a great park in Ohio. Between Akron and Youngstown sits a scenic place that has it all.
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Whether you're seeking a day on the water fishing or an afternoon hiking through the wilderness, this lake near Springfield, Missouri, has it all.
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When searching for the best places to take a stroll along the ocean, you might notice that some of the country’s best boardwalks share this one factor.
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The mall has a handful of stores and a few walkers or shoppers, so it isn't exactly abandoned — but it's not the buzzing commerce hub of its heyday.
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This lake regularly provides rod-bending muskies, but it's the peaceful surroundings, camping options, and serene outlooks that will keep you coming back.
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Whether you're seeking a relaxing picnic on the shores or a day paddling across the water, this destination in eastern Arizona is a wonderful spot to visit.
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Rhode Island
By Joe Orovic
This once-thriving military fort on the coast in Rhode Island is now a state park with trails, fishing, coastal views, and ruins of the old fortifications.
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While this ice cream shop may not be on the tourist radar (yet), it's a Wilmington, North Carolina staple offering both familiar and adventurous flavors.
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This vibrant lake, between Springfield and St. Louis, is an Illinois destination worth visiting thanks to its swimming, fishing, boating, and beach fun.
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On top of a hill in Indiana, you’ll find an underrated lake perfect for outdoor recreation, featuring a sprawling beach and places to pitch a tent.
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At this stunning Florida watering hole, you can reel in large, plentiful fish by day and paddle through glowing water by night.
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Home to a 29-acre lake, cozy hiking trails, and a campground suitable both for tents and RVs, this Illinois state park is a great spot for outdoor adventures.
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This lesser known state park is a favorite with hikers, as well as providing plenty of opportunity to fish, kayak, and take in the area's natural beauty.
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Wisconsin has many lakes to choose from, and while this one might not be atop a fancy must-visit list, it's a quiet charmer that's worth checking out.
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Not only is this Missouri state park a great spot for fishing, but it's home to a cozy campground with sites for tents and RVs, along with a few rustic cabins.
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Rugged campsites and wonderful fishing are the main draws of this nature preserve, and it makes for a calm weekend escape from both St. Louis and Kansas City.
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With 7,000 lakes, Texas has more geography than you might realize. This man-made lake is the deepest in the state and perfect for anyone who loves water.
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Massachusetts
By Joe Orovic
A good lake makes for a good beach day, and buried within central Massachusetts lies one such gem amid state park scenery and peaceful hiking trails.
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Although Canada is known for its cold temps, this coastal area has a popular, warm saltwater beach with plenty of sand to lie on for the day or camp overnight.
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Illinois is so much more than just Chicago, and a two-hour drive from the Windy City to this cute little town will prove it.
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Home to a playground, splash pad, and scenic trails, this hidden gem of a park near Fort Wayne makes for a family-friendly escape during the warmer months.
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